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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Leonsdale beneficiaries receive title deeds

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Monday, September 23, 2024

    The City of Cape Town is on a campaign to hand over title deeds to qualifying residents in the city.

    In a statement, the city said approximately 12 000 title deeds need to be delivered to qualifying residents and significant progress is being made towards reaching this goal “one title deed at a time”.

    “The city’s mission of empowering residents is bearing fruit and we remain committed to helping as many residents as possible with our innovative title deeds programme. The city thanks beneficiaries, residents, city staff and all stakeholders for their support and we look forward to assisting more residents in as many communities as possible,” said MMC for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim.

    The campaign was in Leonsdale at the weekend to hand over title deeds and will visit many more communities over the coming weeks.

    “Our teams have been working hard and we are looking forward to empowering many more beneficiaries. This week we handed over title deeds in Leonsdale and in the coming weeks, we will be in Samora Machel, Delft and other areas,” said Pophaim.

    If you or a family member is a beneficiary of a city unit without a title deed, here’s what you need to do:

    • Identify the easily recognisable title deed agents visiting your area.
    • Have the following documents ready:
      •   owner ID and spouse ID (if applicable)
      •   marriage certificate (if applicable)
      •   In the event of a death, provide a letter of authority and death certificate.

    Alternatively, bring along the required documents to the Human Settlements Kiosk at the Cape Town Civic Centre, Monday to Friday between 09:00 to 12:00.

    For more information or to verify that the agents are legitimate contact 021 444 0333 or email title.deeds@capetown.gov.za or visit the local housing office. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New smartphone skin cancer app could save lives An AI-enabled smartphone app to help skin cancer patients is being developed by scientists at the University of Aberdeen, thanks to funding of £421,000 from Cancer Research UK.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    An AI-enabled smartphone app to help skin cancer patients is being developed by scientists at the University of Aberdeen, thanks to funding of £421,000 from Cancer Research UK.

    We believe this technology will not only be reassuring for patients, help them receive any treatment they need quickly but will also be more efficient, resulting in fewer NHS appointments, lower costs and less travel for patients.” Professor Peter Murchie

    The app will help people previously treated for melanoma examine their skin regularly to reduce anxiety and help catch any recurrence of the disease.
    A built-in AI chatbot will enable users to upload high quality images and information about worrying skin changes, so concerns can be quickly triaged and dealt with by human healthcare professionals.
    The project, led by the University of Aberdeen, has already successfully trialled a tablet app called ASICA with a group of patients who had previously been successfully treated for melanoma.
    Around 120 melanoma survivors used the app for a year to regularly check their skin and then send photos and text about any areas of concern to a specialist doctor for review.
    The app was found to be effective, leading to quicker resolution of concerns and reducing anxiety for users. However, some users struggled to maintain monthly skin checks and provide high-quality text and images for the specialists to review.
    The new funding will go towards developing an enhanced smartphone version of the ASICA app with an integrated AI chat bot which will better support users to check their skin monthly.
    Professor Peter Murchie, Chair in Primary Care and lead of the Academic Primary Care Research Group at the University of Aberdeen, said:
    “Melanoma can return, and we know the quicker recurrence is diagnosed, the more likely treatment is to be successful.
    “If melanoma survivors check their total skin once per month, they are more likely to spot recurrence or if a new melanoma has appeared. They can then get medical attention at the earliest stage.
    “We believe this technology will not only be reassuring for patients, help them receive any treatment they need quickly but will also be more efficient, resulting in fewer NHS appointments, lower costs and less travel for patients.
    “AI will never replace the need for human healthcare professionals in diagnosing cancer but can be of great support and reassurance for patients and in directing them to healthcare professionals when needed.”
    Each year around 17,500 people are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in the UK*. With around 2,400 people in the UK sadly losing their lives to the disease annually, finding new ways to tackle the disease is vital**.
    Primary teacher, Adele Hughes, from Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, welcomed the project. The mum of two was diagnosed with melanoma just a month before her 40th birthday.
    After six surgeries and 18 cycles of immunotherapy, Adele has now been cancer free for three years, but lives with the awareness that the cancer could return and has regular surveillance scans and check-ups every six months at Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen.
    Adele said: “This project represents a fantastic initiative for individuals like myself who have experienced melanoma and continually navigate the possibility of its recurrence.
    “This app not only aims to relieve anxiety by providing access to professional healthcare support when necessary, but it also holds the potential to save numerous lives. Its proactive approach could significantly enhance the well-being of those affected by this condition.”
    Dr Catherine Elliott, Director of Research at Cancer Research UK, said:
    “We are delighted to support this innovative research which aims to use emerging technologies to ensure the best possible future for those who have already experienced the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis.”
    The new app will be developed and tested with up to 50 melanoma survivors and around 20 healthcare professionals.
    The study team would like to hear from people in region who have been treated for melanoma in the last five-years and healthcare professionals interested in taking part. They can get in touch via asica@abdn.ac.uk to find out more.
    In future it’s hoped the project could be developed further to create a deep learning-based computer-assisted decision (CAD) model to support nurse triage.
     
    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: National Parks have vital role for climate and community

    Source: Scottish Greens

    23 Sep 2024 Nature

    Scotland’s National Parks are special places.

    More in Nature

    Scotland’s National Parks are playing a vital role for our environment and nature, and for local communities, says Scottish Green co-leader Lorna Slater MSP.

    Ms Slater’s comments follow the publication of a groundbreaking new report by Scottish Environment Link, which has found that, as well as having vast benefits for nature, Scotland’s two existing National Parks regularly generate hundreds of millions of pounds a year for the economy.

    At present the Scottish Government is considering whether a third National Park should be created in Galloway.

    The pledge to create at least one new National Park in Scotland by 2026 was a key commitment of the Bute House Agreement that saw Scottish Greens entering government for the first time. 

    As the former Minister for Biodiversity, Ms Slater led on the project and oversaw a lot of the process that has led to the designation.

    Ms Slater said: “Scotland’s National Parks are really special and beautiful places, and are rightly celebrated around the world. When the Scottish Greens were in government we pushed hard for a third one to be created. 

    “I have no doubt that if it is given National Park status, Galloway will be just as renowned and iconic as the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. The status will also lead to greater investment in the local economy while creating high quality jobs, especially for local young people.

    “Our National Parks are jewels in our nation’s crown and have been the backdrop to millions of wonderful memories. They are having a transformative impact for local nature and communities, and they are responsible for a lot of vital investment, protections and opportunities.

    “If we are to build a greener future for Scotland then our National Park network has a key role to play. I welcome this report and hope we will see even more National Parks across Scotland in the years ahead.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Night works to carry out essential road maintenance

    Source: City of York

    Published Friday, 20 September 2024

    City of York Council is carrying out road maintenance works on the A1079 Hull Road and B1228 Elvington Lane, and York Road, Dunnington starting next week.

    From Monday 23 September the council will be resurfacing the A1079 Hull Road and B1228 Elvington Lane. This is expected to be completed by the morning of Thursday 10 October, weather permitting. To minimise disruption teams will be working between 9.00pm and 5.00an with the road being open to vehicle traffic during the day.

    While the night work takes place during the first week of the works, from Monday 23 September to Friday 27 September, there will be a convoy system in place, with a 10mph speed limit, to safely escort vehicles through the road works. With effect from Monday 30 September to the morning of Thursday 10 October, there will be a road closure in place, between the hours of 9.00pm to 5.00pm, with signed diversions.

    From Thursday 3 October until Friday 11 October, weather permitting, patching work will take place on York Road, Dunnington. This will see the road closed to vehicles (but still accessible for pedestrians and cyclists) between 7.00pm and midnight but it will be open during the day.

    Weekend working is not expected to be necessary across both schemes.

    Diversions are in place but there will be some disruption to the following bus services:

    • while the A1079 is closed, service 10L will operate a clockwise loop within Dunnington via Eastfield Lane and Petercroft Lane, stopping only at the Reading Room, Dunnington Cross and Church Balk stops. Services X46/X47 will divert through the village via Church Balk, Church Lane and Common Lane. During the convoy working phase, these services will remain on their normal route, but minor delays are likely
    • when only York Road is closed, services 10 and 10L will divert through the village via Church Balk, Church Lane and Common Lane. The X46/X47 will stay on their normal route
    • there will be no disruption to bus services using the B1228 Elvington Lane as these buses do not run at the times that the works will be taking place

    Access through the closures will be provided for pedestrians and cyclists along the existing narrow paths. During the periods when the road closures are in place, cyclists will be asked to dismount during when using this route due to the narrowness of the path.

    The works will be carried out by the contractor Lane Rental Services Ltd, working on behalf of the council.

    Ambassadors and site staff will be on hand on site to advise and assist residents and businesses about any access restrictions once the works are ongoing.

    While we’re working to minimise disruption, delays are expected, so please plan ahead when making any journeys in the area during the works. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Residents and nearby businesses have already been alerted to the closures. Emergency services will always be permitted through the works at all times.

    To find out more, you can sign up for email alerts for roadworks and disruption in your area.

    For any general enquires regarding these works email: Highway.Maintenance@york.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Residents supported to apply for benefits

    Source: City of York

    A report indicating financial pressures among York residents reveals the level of need facing the council’s welfare benefit resources and how it plans to support those households.

    In July 2024, 2,700 households, including 1,844 children were shown to be in relative poverty.

    A range of local welfare support for residents includes the York Financial Assistance Scheme (YFAS), Council Tax Support and Discretionary Housing Payments as well as a food and fuel voucher scheme.

    A measure of need in the city is the YFAS. In 2023 and 2024, it received 1,223 applications for help and the average award value has risen from £499 in 2022 and 2023 to £635 in 2023 and 2024. This is due to the level of need facing applicants and an increase in the cost of the items provided such as flooring which helps manage energy costs.

    To ensure the council can continue to provide emergency support to the end of the 2024 and 2025 financial year, residents can apply to YFAS once a year.

    Cllr Katie Lomas, Executive member for Finance, Performance and Major Projects, said:

    Far too many people in York are struggling to afford to live. We cannot fix the entire system but we can work to ensure that our resources are directed to those who need them most.

    “While I welcome the extension of the Household Support Fund up until March 2025, we have much to do to support residents with the continued pressures of the high cost of living. We’re writing to eligible residents and urging others to apply for Pension Credit. This could put £100s of extra a month individually in their pockets, totalling an additional £1.3m across York, while also unlocking benefits including automatic payment of the Winter Fuel Payment.

    “It was good to hear from council officers the plans they are making to support those who may just miss out on Pension Credit but still face difficult choices this winter between heating and eating.

    “We’re also continuing our Talk Money campaigns to encourage people to get all they’re entitled to, find out how to reduce costs and get good advice. The next campaign will be from 4 to 15 November when we’ll be encouraging applications for Council Tax Support and Attendance Allowance.”

    Cllr Bob Webb, Executive member with joint responsibility for financial inclusion, said:

    York households and families face more expensive daily lives than ever before. To give them a more secure financial footing, council services have collaborated and adapted to meet the increased needs and challenges facing residents, alongside the council’s own budgetary constraints.

    “In close partnership with voluntary and community organisations, we continue to co-ordinate and make the best use of the resources to effectively support residents.”

    To find out more about what support you could apply for, check which benefits you could be eligible for.

    Read the full report for the Decision Session for Executive Members for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion, Thursday 19 September 2024 at 10.00am.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Strabane Business Community welcomes funding announcement

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Strabane Business Community welcomes funding announcement

    23 September 2024

    There was more good news for Strabane town in recent days as the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, announced funding for the Strabane Public Realm scheme.

    £7 million of capital investment will be channelled into the scheme which will improve the streetscape, lighting, footpaths and traffic flow within the town, with support from the Department in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council.

    Welcoming the news on behalf of the Strabane business community, Kieran Kennedy, Chair of Strabane BID said: “Strabane BID warmly welcomes the launch of the Strabane Public Realm scheme which will result in significant improvements to the town centre. This investment will improve the aesthetics of our town centre, making it a more attractive place to visit, work and stay.

    “This project has been in the pipeline for many years and it is fantastic to see it finally approved for delivery. Strabane BID has worked closely with Derry City and Strabane District Council to drive this project forward and support the business case by communicating with our local businesses and reflecting their voice and needs throughout. “The project will attract increased footfall to the town and encourage increased dwell time in the town centre which will go a long way to boosting economic growth of our existing businesses and encouraging new investment. This, on the back of the signing of the £102 million Strabane Town Centre Regeneration Project through the City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund, will see a huge investment in Strabane and result in significant benefits to our local businesses and residents.”

    The Council is leading on the delivery of the project, which will see significant works carried out in Railway Street, Derry Road, Castle Street, Abercorn Square, Market Street and Upper Main Street. The works will include improvements to footpaths, carriageways, street lighting and street furniture, along with planting of semi-mature trees and the installation of public artwork. It will also see enhancements to the junctions at Railway Street/Abercorn Square/Derry Road/Canal Street, as well as the junctions at Market Street/Butcher Street/Church Street and Main Street/Market Street/Bridge Street, resulting in a realignment of traffic flows and the creation of new public space in Abercorn Square on the opposite side of the street to where it is currently located.

    A procurement process to identify and appoint an Integrated Supply Team to deliver the construction works will now be taken forward by DCSDC. Subject to the successful completion of this process, it is anticipated that construction works will commence in Spring 2025 and finish by late 2026.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP Receives US$33 Million from USDA for School Meals in Nepal

    Source: World Food Programme

    KATHMANDU – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes US$33 million from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enhance the National Mid-day Meal Programme in Nepal for more than 120,000 children annually.

    The funds have been awarded to WFP’s Nepal office through a competitive process operated by USDA’s McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program (McGovern-Dole), which has a long history of supporting Nepal’s efforts to promote food security and opportunities for education.

    This award will support a comprehensive five-year initiative (2023-2028) focused on improving education, nutrition and health for children across the country, jointly implemented by WFP in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Embassy of United States of America in Nepal, cooperating partners World Education (a division of JSI), Integrated Development Society Nepal, and Mercy Corps.

    The award (in-kind and cash) will ensure that children receive nutritious meals every day at school, a vital social safety net promoting access to and equity in education, health and literacy, especially for children from food-insecure families. This essential support will annually benefit 122,000 pre-primary and primary school children from more than 1,000 schools across Bajhang, Bajura and Darchula Districts of Sudur Paschim Province. 

    “For many families in far western Nepal, food scarcity is a serious challenge that makes it difficult for parents to feed their children,” said Robert Kasca, WFP Nepal’s Representative and Country Director. “Offering school meals serves as an incentive for these parents to send their children to school, especially girls, creating opportunities for breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty.”

    The school meals will be prepared with fortified rice and fortified vegetable oil, donated by the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. The rest of the ingredients will be sourced from local markets and smallholder farmers in the vicinity of schools, scaling up a home-grown approach to the Mid-day Meal Programme. 

    “In Nepal, the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program works through its implementing partner, the World Food Programme. Through the McGovern-Dole Program, more than 700,000 children have received a daily school meal in the most remote areas of Nepal. Building on previous success here in Nepal, the project will continue to carry out complementary activities with a strong focus on building the government’s capacity to eventually and successfully handover the project to the government of Nepal,” says Erika Beltran, Senior International Program Specialist, for USDA’s McGovern-Dole Program.

    In addition to implementing the school meals programme, WFP will continue to support the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in strengthening government capacity at federal, provincial and local levels to ensure a full transition of the programme to the government by 2028. Moreover, the Ministry will receive technical assistance and capacity strengthening support from WFP in the areas of logistics and supply chain, planning and implementing cost-efficient and nutritious school meal menus, procurement and supply of commodities, and consolidating the national policy framework.

    McGovern-Dole funds school meals and education and nutrition programs for women, infants, and children in countries with high food insecurity. By providing school meals, teacher training, and related education and nutrition support, McGovern-Dole projects help boost school enrollment, increase attendance, and improve reading outcomes and literacy results. The program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities, local and regional procurement of agricultural commodities, and financial and technical assistance to support school feeding and maternal and child nutrition projects. It started providing school feeding assistance in Nepal since 2005. For more information, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/mcgovern-dole-food-education-program

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

     

    Follow us on Twitter: @WFP_Nepal  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City’s station excavation finds are the rail thing

    Source: City of Leeds

    Historic relics from Leeds’s very first railway station have helped rediscover the city’s fascinating track record after being unearthed during an archaeological dig.

    The remains of the former Marsh Lane station, which opened exactly 190 years ago this week, were revealed during a recently completed excavation carried out in the city centre.

    Experts from CFA Archaeology Limited, working with West Yorkshire Joint Service’s Archaeology Advisory Service, uncovered long-buried ironworks and foundations from the Georgian station, which was part of the Leeds to Selby Railway that once ran between Marsh Lane and a station on the River Ouse at Selby.

    Spotting the chance to preserve an important piece of the city’s transport history, curators at Leeds Industrial Museum raced to secure some of the fascinating finds for their collection.

    Now safely in storage at the museum are the remnants of one of the station’s huge cast iron pillars, which would once have held up the roof while passengers made their way around its platforms. The impressive iron columns also doubled as rainwater down pipes.

    Also now at the museum are a pair of huge stone sleepers, used to secure tracks in the years before wooden sleepers were employed, and which still show the holes where railway spikes were driven into them.

    John McGoldrick, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of industrial history, said: “Marsh Lane station played a huge part in establishing the rail network going in and out of Leeds, transporting both passengers and important freight for industries which helped the city thrive in the 19th century.

    “It’s always exciting to have the opportunity to see such a real, tangible part of the city’s past in front of you, and even more so when it’s been buried beneath our feet for more than a century.

    “Discoveries like this are a fascinating reminder of the history that’s all around us and the foundations of industry and innovation that the city we know today is built on.”

    With a station dating from the earliest days of railway construction, the first official train to leave Marsh Lane departed at around 6.30am on September 22, 1834.

    But with no known artistic drawings or paintings of the station still existing today, there was little to indicate how it may have looked in its pioneering heyday.

    Archaeologists were surprised to discover that the station had been built on two levels, with the train tracks on a high podium above Leeds and an entrance for passengers at ground level off Marsh Lane.

    They also found the remains of a U-shaped workshop which would have stored, serviced and carried out everyday repairs on the railway’s vintage locomotives. A 15 metre deep well was also dug to supply the railway with water.

    In the 1860s, the original station was demolished to make way for a grain warehouse, before a revamped station was constructed in its place. That station remained in place until its closure in 1958.

    The only visible trace of the early station to survive today are a boundary wall and gate piers on Marsh Lane.

    It is now hoped the recovered pieces of the station can go on display at Leeds Industrial Museum.

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said:  “Leeds has evolved and transformed so much over the centuries, and the infrastructure of our modern city was built by those who literally laid the foundations of the urban landscape we know today.

    “That history can be seen everywhere, but it’s important that we also preserve those parts of our city’s story which are no longer visible, so future generations can learn about how Leeds was built.”

    Once the world’s largest woollen mill, Leeds Industrial Museum is home to models and machinery paying tribute to the city’s industrial heritage as well as its many inventors and engineers.

    For more information on Leeds Industrial Museum, please visit: Leeds Industrial Museum – Leeds Museums & Galleries

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Youth affairs chief joins Zhuhai event

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak attended the kick-off ceremony of an entrepreneurship event for Hong Kong and Macau youths in Hengqin, Zhuhai this morning.

    Themed “New Quality Productive Forces Strive for High-quality Development”, the event aims to help Hong Kong and Macau youths who are developing their careers in Guangdong to engage in exchanges and gain further understanding of the industry development of Guangdong Province through visits, research and discussions.

    This will enable them to deepen their knowledge of new productivity, thereby facilitating their active integration into the Greater Bay Area (GBA) development.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Mak said young people are an important driving force for the country’s high-quality development.

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government aims to provide more comprehensive support for Hong Kong youths through new rounds of two schemes – the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the GBA and the Funding Scheme for Experiential Programmes at Innovation & Entrepreneurial Bases – helping them pursue innovation and entrepreneurship in the bay area, she added.

    Miss Mak also noted that around 100 activities have been planned or held in Hong Kong and Guangdong by member organisations of the Alliance of Hong Kong Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurial Bases in the Greater Bay Area since its launch last year.

    Gathering around 60 member organisations, the alliance was jointly established by the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, the People’s Government of Guangdong Province Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office, and Guangdong’s Human Resources & Social Security Department.

    Miss Mak finished her visit and returned to Hong Kong today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Ireland and WFP renew partnership to support self-reliance for refugees and boost food security in Karamoja

    Source: World Food Programme

    KAMPALA – Through a multi-year commitment (2024-2027), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of US$19.6 million (EUR18 million) from the Government of Ireland to support the Government of Uganda to strengthen self-reliance initiatives for refugee communities and to enhance social protection and school feeding in the Karamoja sub-region.

    “Support to Karamoja and refugee communities continues to be an integral part of our strategy in Uganda,” said H.E Kevin Colgan, Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to Uganda. “This contribution is part of Ireland’s commitment to keeping Karamoja children in school, improving food security and nutrition, strengthening people’s livelihoods, and boosting the local economy. Reaching the furthest behind is core to our international development policy.”

    In Karamoja, this contribution will enable WFP to procure locally-available maize, beans, and vegetable oil for school meals, benefiting 220,000 school children and smallholder farmers, and thereby stimulating local economies. In this hotspot of the climate crisis, WFP will also boost community resilience by restoring degraded land, promote crop diversification and improve post-harvest management. WFP will also support the Government to extend social protection programmes, particularly through the dissemination of early warning information via radio and other channels ahead of climate shocks such as droughts and floods.

    In refugee hosting districts, over 50,000 refugees will be empowered to transition from humanitarian assistance to self-reliance by supporting them to invest in alternative livelihoods so they can sustain their families. WFP is collaborating with the Government of Uganda and other partners to promote income generation for refugees and host communities through farming and other livelihood opportunities to support refugee and host communities in surrounding areas to become food secure. This Self-Reliance Model is funded by the governments of Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom.

     “We are grateful for the contribution from the Government of Ireland supporting our efforts to encourage self-reliance and reduce the need for humanitarian assistance in Karamoja and in refugee settlements,“ said Abdirahman Meygag, WFP’s Country Director and Representative in Uganda. “By providing life-changing assistance, WFP is creating a pathway to a brighter future for Uganda.” 

    Karamoja faces multiple development and socio-economic challenges. While Uganda is expecting improved crop production in 2024 due to increased rainfall, more than 400,000 people in Karamoja (30 per cent of the population) are projected to face crisis-levels of food insecurity (IPC3+) according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis (IPC). Similarly, WFP’s April 2024 Post-Distribution Monitoring indicates that 7 in 10 refugee households are still facing severe or moderate food insecurity levels.

    Faced with limited resources and following extensive consultations with refugees and key stakeholders, WFP is prioritising the most vulnerable refugees for food assistance. While building pathways towards self-reliance, WFP continues to support close to 1.4 million out of 1.7 million refugees in Uganda with monthly food and cash assistance.

    Ireland has previously contributed EUR 11.4 million to WFP’s operations in Uganda from 2020 to 2023. 

    #                            #                         #

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

    Follow us on Twitter @WFP_Uganda @WFP_Africa

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Council agrees to €1028.54 million in disaster relief aid for Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France

    Source: Council of the European Union

    Today the Council agreed to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France, relating to six natural disasters occurred in 2023. The European Union Solidarity Fund will be mobilised for a total amount of €1 028.54 million in commitment and payment appropriations, including the amount of €231.78 million as advance payments. The assistance will come from the EU’s 2024 budget.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Overnight Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on September 23, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 50,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 1,02,655
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 50,007
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.65
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.66
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) 91.74

    Shweta Sharma 
    General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1149

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Maile to visit Cemetery View informal settlement

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Monday, September 23, 2024

    Gauteng’s Acting MEC for Human Settlements Lebogang Maile is this morning expected to visit Cemetery View informal settlement following a fire that destroyed shacks in Pretoria East.

    “MEC Maile will use the visit to outline government’s interventions to assist those affected. More than 2000 shacks were engulfed by the fire. MEC Maile is undertaking this important visit to ensure the safety, security and comfort of those affected by this unfortunate situation,” said the Gauteng Provincial government on Monday.

    The MEC will be joined by the City of Tshwane MMC for Human Settlements, councillor Ofentse Madzebatela.
    This as the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department responded to multiple shacks on fire in Woodlake Street in Pretorious Park on the morning of 21 September 2024.

    “The multiple-shack fire was reported to the City of Tshwane Emergency Call Centre at about 04:07 am. The centre immediately dispatched multiple firefighting resources from Silverton Fire Station, Hazelwood Fire Station, Central Fire Station, Mamelodi Fire Station, Centurion Fire Station and Heuweloord Fire Station to the scene. These included two fire trucks, an industrial pumper, a mobile command unit, two rapid intervention units, a water carrier and a district commander’s unit,” said the city’s Emergency Services Department in a statement.

    The City said that upon arrival firefighters reported that a large area in the informal settlement was on fire with multiple shacks well alight and many people standing outside.

    Firefighters then started with firefighting operations and initiated evacuation procedures and the fire was extinguished at 5am.
    About 814 shacks burned down and about 2600 people were affected by the fire.

    “One male patient was treated on-site and transported to Steve Biko Academic Hospital for critical burn injuries. Another female patient with a critical medical condition was also treated on-site and transported to Mamelodi Hospital. A third patient sadly suffered fatal burn injuries. Gauteng Provincial Government Emergency Medical Services are managing all emergencies pertaining to patients in this regard,” said the city.

    The cause of the fire had not been determined.

    “The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and the scene is a declared as a hot zone and a crime scene.” 

    The city urged residents to be cautious and to extinguish paraffin fires with sand or a fire extinguisher and to never overload electrical plugs, among others. –SAnews.gov.za 
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: AfD: how Germany’s constitution was designed with the threat of extremism in mind

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Green, Professor of Politics, Aston University

    German chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD has narrowly held off the rightwing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in regional elections in Brandenburg, nudging them into second place.

    The close call follows two other recent elections in Germany’s eastern federal states (Länder). In Thuringia, the AfD won the highest share of the votes. In Saxony, the AfD narrowly came second to the centre-right CDU. Importantly, the regional AfD organisations in both Saxony and Thuringia, along with Saxony-Anhalt, have officially been designated as extreme right. This means that the party in these states is formally considered by Germany’s domestic security service to be a threat to the country’s democratic constitutional order.

    Although the country’s proportional electoral system means that the AfD cannot form a government in any of the three states by itself, this is the first time since 1945 that an officially extremist party has won an election in Germany.

    It’s not unreasonable for those outside Germany to questions whether these election results show that the country once more stands on the cusp of a slide into fascism, as it did in the 1930s. However, quite apart from the fact that 2024 is not the same as 1933, there is one important structural difference: Germany’s constitution (the Grundgesetz or Basic Law). This was explicitly designed to prevent a recurrence of a totalitarian regime such as national socialism.

    The Basic Law dates back to 1949 – a time when the country was in the process of splitting into west and east. Coming into force during this period of transition, the document was only a provisional constitution. Yet the Basic Law has outlasted any of the previous three state forms since Germany was first unified in 1871. Today, it enjoys widespread popular support: a recent survey showed 81% of the population view it positively.

    In its content, the Basic Law is a living testimony to Germany’s desire to prevent a return to National Socialism. In articles 1-19, it enshrines a comprehensive catalogue of fundamental rights, which cannot be removed from the constitution. These include the right to dignity, freedom, privacy, free assembly, freedom of the press and to political asylum.

    The Basic Law also established one of the most powerful independent constitutional courts in the world. The court even has the right to ban political parties, or to limit the fundamental rights of individuals who are found to be undermining the constitutional order, as had been in the case in Weimar Germany. For this reason, Germany is considered to be a militant democracy. While the outright banning of parties is fraught with political difficulties (and hence rare historically), there is a live debate over whether the AfD’s policies and rhetoric are ultimately compatible with Germany’s constitution.

    More subtly, Germany’s governance structures are designed to make it practically impossible for a hostile grouping to seize power democratically. The German chancellor has much less power than, say, the British prime minister. In particular, the structures of federalism and coalition government further constrain the room for manoeuvre of any individual politician or indeed any single political party.

    The Grundrechte is inscribed on a wall in Berlin for all to see.
    Jakob-Kaiser-Haus/Wikipedia, CC BY-SA

    Major functions of policy implementation are delegated to powerful societal actors, such as professional bodies. These are geographically distributed around the country, along with the media, key corporate headquarters and the unions. The ability of Germany’s central bank, the Bundesbank, to set monetary policy independent of political control, itself a response to the hyperinflation of the early 1920s, has made it a model for both the European Central Bank and the Bank of England today.

    In short, and in the words of the German-American political scientist Peter Katzenstein, the German state is only “semisovereign”.

    In consequence, the Basic Law is not just a document setting out the political “rules of the game”, but an expression of Germany’s values. Its longevity has benefited from the willingness of political elites down the years to adapt its provisions, where necessary, to changing circumstances. And in several respects, the past remains very much the present in German politics. For instance, the right to privacy, which was originally included to prevent the reoccurrence of Nazi Germany’s pervasive surveillance, is given new meaning in an age of global digital connectivity.

    Pressures ahead

    Certainly, Germany today faces multiple challenges. As society has evolved, Germany’s party system has fragmented, with more parties securing seats in the national parliament, the Bundestag. Of these, the AfD has been by far the most successful, and could potentially become the second largest party at the next parliamentary elections in 2025. This fragementation, which is not unique to Germany, has made the formation of coalition governments harder. Fortunately, this has so far not led to out-of-cycle national elections, of the kind which plagued the latter years of the Weimar Republic.

    And there are concerns beyond politics. From the “economic miracle” in the 1950s, Germany’s growth has slowed significantly, averaging just 1.2% per year between 2012-2022; in the last two years, the economy has barely grown at all. Compared to other advanced economies, it remains disproportionately reliant on exporting high added value manufactured goods.

    The reunification of Germany in 1990 also continues to cast a long shadow. In any number of economic and social indicators, including household incomes, religion and childcare patterns, eastern Germany remains structurally different to western Germany. Across the country, the population is ageing and, without substantial net migration over time, will decline over the next 30 years. Yet immigration also remains one of the biggest political issues of the day, and a key driver of the AfD’s electoral success.

    Nonetheless, given Germany’s difficult journey to statehood in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Basic Law remains a strong guarantor of Germany’s democratic credentials. For this reason, former federal president Joachim Gauck was surely right to declare earlier this year that the Germany created by the Basic Law is “the best that ever existed”.

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

    – ref. AfD: how Germany’s constitution was designed with the threat of extremism in mind – https://theconversation.com/afd-how-germanys-constitution-was-designed-with-the-threat-of-extremism-in-mind-230594

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by Palazzo Chigi on the incident in Saviano

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    22 Settembre 2024

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, has had a number of telephone conversations from the United States with the Mayor of Saviano, Vincenzo Simonelli, the Metropolitan Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, the Minister for Civil Protection and Marine Policies, Nello Musumeci, and the Head of the Civil Protection Department, Fabio Ciciliano.

    Following this morning’s tragic incident, President Meloni expressed her and the Government’s condolences to Mayor Simonelli and, through him, to the victims’ relatives and the other families involved. She also provided assurance of national institutions’ support for the local authorities and thanked the rescue workers.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Where is the next UNGA meeting & when is it? – #UNGA Explained | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    From today, UN Video presents a series of videos addressing the most frequently asked questions by the public, aimed at demystifying and explaining the General Assembly. These eight short clips are available, please share! We appreciate your warm reception of these materials! We would like to thank Julia Foxen and Heyi Zou for their contributions to these explainers.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAPzJ8-j6TY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schakowsky, Carson, Jayapal Introduce UNRWA Funding Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09),  André Carson (IN-07), and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced H.R. 9649, the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024.This bill will end the congressionally and administratively mandated pause on funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA).

    The United States has historically been one of the largest financial supporters of UNRWA, which serves nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees across the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. In March of this year, the U.S. paused UNRWA funding after the Israeli government alleged that 12 agency employees had direct involvement in Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack.

    Following the UN’s investigation and proactive commitments made by UNRWA toward complete accountability and reform, all countries except the U.S. have resumed their UNRWA funding, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, and Sweden.  Approximately 1.9 million people – 9 in 10 Gazans – have been displaced at least once, and an estimated 43,580 are pregnant women. UNRWA has served as the primary humanitarian aid organization operating in Gaza, and without funding, hundreds of thousands of Gaza civilians are left vulnerable. It is estimated that over 1 million Gazans will not have enough food this month, and availability of basic hygiene items has dropped to 15%. In addition to a polio outbreak, Gazans are suffering from malnutrition and treatable diseases due to “systematic dismantling of healthcare”from bombardments on civilians.

    “For decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has been a lifeline for Palestinians, providing food, clean water, healthcare, shelter, education, and livelihoods. Today, UNRWA remains the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza as it endures ongoing war and a dire humanitarian crisis. UNRWA and the United Nations have taken swift and decisive actions to address the concerns raised by the U.S. government when it paused funding in January and our allies have all resumed funding for UNRWA. The U.S. must follow suit and resume funding for this critical humanitarian agency,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “I am proud to co-lead the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act to restore funding to UNRWA and help Gazans get the humanitarian assistance they need at a time of unprecedented crisis.”

    “The scale of this devastating, man-made crisis in Gaza cannot be overstated,” said Congressman André Carson. “Providing humanitarian aid to a starving nation – with funding Congress has appropriated year after year – should not be controversial. I urge my colleagues who care about basic human rights, the rights of pregnant women, and the wellbeing of innocent children to join our bill. UNRWA has taken appropriate and proactive steps towards accountability and transparency, conducting multiple independent reviews that continue to prove the organization is both in compliance and imperative to provide the region with lifesaving assistance.  It’s past time we restore funding and save lives.”

    “UNRWA has played a unique and integral role in supporting the welfare of Palestinian refugees for decades. Their on-the-ground understanding is invaluable to ensure that humanitarian aid makes it to the people who need it most — in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and critically in this moment in Gaza,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. “There is no question in my mind that revoking funding for UNRWA will lead to more devastation and loss of life in Gaza. We must ensure that those acting in good faith to save civilian lives are not undermined by a lack of US funding.”

    “J Street is proud to be supporting the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 introduced by Representatives Carson, Jayapal, and Schakowsky. We should restore funding, as all our major allies have, and stop playing politics with Palestinian welfare and Israel’s security,” said J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami. “As UNRWA’s largest donor and Israel’s key security guarantor, the United States has a special obligation to address this crisis.”

    “Gaza isn’t starving. It’s being starved,” said Hassan El-Tayyab, legislative director for Middle East policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation. “Over two million Palestinian civilians are enduring a man-made humanitarian catastrophe, with famine and disease spreading due to blocked aid access. Meanwhile, the Biden administration and Congress continue to withhold all U.S. funding for the largest aid operation in Gaza—the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA is the backbone of aid delivery in Gaza, ensuring that millions receive desperately needed assistance. Blocking U.S. funding for UNRWA’s critical work is a cruel and unjustified decision that only deepens Gaza’s humanitarian suffering. Congress and the Administration must act swiftly to correct this wrong by supporting the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act and restoring this urgently needed aid.”

    “Restoring funding to UNRWA is a humanitarian imperative,” said Sharif Aly, President of the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP). “For over six decades, the United States has been one of the strongest supporters of UNRWA, which provides lifesaving aid and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. Those services are desperately needed in Gaza right now, and UNRWA is the only organization with the capacity and expertise necessary to provide them at scale. The United States must uphold its commitment to the human rights of the Palestinian people and pass this legislation to reinstate funding to the humanitarian agency immediately. Failing to do so would lead to further human suffering.”

    “In restoring funding for food, water, shelter, and medical care for Palestine refugees, the UNRWA Restoration Act honors this most basic and inalienable truth — that the people of Palestine are human beings, just like all of us, and all lives are sacred, not just some,” said Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director UNRWA USA.

    “UNRWA is indispensable to providing Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria with the education, healthcare, and other critical services that are key to successful, productive livelihoods and citizenry, and a future of peace and prosperity, which should be in everyone’s interests. We support full restoration of funding to UNRWA,” said Sean Carroll, President and CEO of Anera.

    “We express our gratitude to Representatives André Carson, Pramila Jayapal, and Jan Schakowsky for introducing the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024,” said James Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute. “This lifesaving legislation aims to restore critical U.S. financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) by repealing previous funding restrictions and encouraging the Secretary of State to lift the temporary pause on federal funding. UNRWA plays a vital role in providing essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. The ongoing genocide in Gaza has resulted in increased displacement, starvation, and death. It is both inhumane and unconscionable to continue withholding financial support from UNRWA. We recognize that the majority of Americans are horrified by the death and destruction they witness daily in Gaza and the West Bank. UNRWA’s humanitarian aid and services often mean the difference between life and death for these vulnerable populations. Restoring U.S. funding to UNRWA is urgent, just, and the only morally responsible option. We urge lawmakers to prioritize the passage of this crucial legislation and ensure that UNRWA can continue to provide life-saving assistance to Palestinian refugees in the region.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Shaping local pathways for a more equitable, sustainable, & secure future for all – UN Deputy Chief

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Remarks by Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, at Shaping local pathways for a more equitable, sustainable, and secure future for all – “Localizing the Pact for the Future” (Side Event, Action Day 2, Summit of the Future).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dygUW6AoXfc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schakowsky, Cárdenas Reintroduce Legislation to Help Return Money to Defrauded Consumers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce, and U.S. Representative Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) reintroduced the Consumer Protection and Recovery Act, to restore the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) 13(b) consumer protection powers to return money to defrauded consumers.

    “We owe it to our consumers to help those who have fallen victim to frauds, scams, and other illegal activities. For over 40 years, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) relied on section 13(b) to give billions of dollars in relief to defrauded consumers, but that longstanding authority was overturned in 2021 by the Supreme Court,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Every one of the FTC Commissioners has expressed support for section 13(b). The Consumer Protection and Recovery Act, which I am proud to reintroduce with Rep. Cárdenas, passed the House with bipartisan support last Congress and will reinstate section 13(b) and the FTC’s authority to repay consumers. This legislation will help stop bad actors in their tracks and put money back into the pockets of individuals.”

    “Three years ago, Donald Trump’s radical Supreme Court took away the Federal Trade Commission’s authority to fight on behalf of everyday Americans – many seniors, veterans, and parents – who were defrauded by bad actors,” said Congressman Tony Cárdenas. “Once again, Congresswoman Schakowsky and I are reintroducing The Consumer Protection and Recovery Act in order to restore the FTC’s power to give hard working Americans the advocacy they rightfully deserve.”

    The Consumer Protection and Recovery Act restores 13(b) as the FTC’s primary consumer protection tool through amendments and clarifications of existing law.

    • The legislation explicitly provides the FTC the ability to obtain both injunctive and monetary relief for all violations of the laws it enforces, including monetary redress for consumers in court for all violations of the laws it enforces.
    • The bill also makes explicit that the FTC may pursue many kinds of equitable relief, including restitution for losses, contract reformation and rescission, monetary refunds and the refund of property, as well as forcing bad actors to return their ill-gotten gains. 

    Last Congress, the Consumer Protection and Recovery Act passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support following the Supreme Court’s decision to eliminate the FTC’s authority to recover money for harmed consumers.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Intergenerational housing: for whom?

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Republic of France in FrenchThe French Republic has issued the following statement:

    Intergenerational housing projects are most often initiated by public structures such as social landlords and municipalities, in partnership with associations or private investors. These collective housing projects are aimed at everyone, whether you are alone, a family, a student or retired.

    Intergenerational housing aims to improve the quality of life of residents:

    by developing solidarity between neighbours, through the mixing of generations; by fighting against the isolation of people living alone (students, elderly people, etc.).

    How is intergenerational housing composed?

    By definition, intergenerational housing is aimed at all ages.

    The accommodations are designed to meet the specific needs of different generations and family structures (adapted facilities for the elderly, several bedrooms for families, outdoor spaces for children, etc.).

    In their design, they can be intended for one third to students, one third to families and one third to seniors. Or only bi-generational, intended for students and seniors. It can also be inclusive intergenerational housing.

    These structures also have the specific feature of offering common meeting and exchange spaces that can be used by all and offer services (laundry, concierge, room for events, etc.).

    Are you looking for an intergenerational building near you? You can find out more with the local information point dedicated to the elderly.

    Please note

    Housing for the elderly is not medicalized. The organization of care is the responsibility of the occupant.

    Cost of intergenerational housing and possible assistance

    Intergenerational housing projects designed by social landlords have a social vocation. They offer moderate rents adapted for people on “low incomes”.

    People living in intergenerational housing can benefit from different types of assistance depending on their situation:

    housing assistance: personalized housing assistance (APL), social housing allowance (ALS), pension fund assistance, tax assistance); personalized autonomy allowance (APA and APA at home).

    Namely

    We should not confuse intergenerational housing with intergenerational cohabitation; the latter refers to shared solidarity housing.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Switzerland participates in G20 discussions on research and innovation

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    State Secretariat for Training, Research and Innovation

    Bern, 23.09.2024 – On 19 September 2024, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation Martina Hirayama attended the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Research and Innovation in Manaus, Brazil. Switzerland had previously been invited by Brazil, which currently holds the G20 Presidency, to join the new working group set up this year.

    The ministerial meeting was held under the slogan “Open Innovation for a Just and Sustainable Development”. International cooperation in science and innovation, with a particular focus on open innovation, was the main theme. In the context of the Sustainable Development Goals, discussions focused on the contribution of science and innovation to the decarbonization of the economy, research dedicated to the Amazon, and diversity, equity, inclusion and access to research. The ministers attending the meeting adopted the Manaus Declaration, which reflects the political consensus of the G20 countries on these issues.

    During the event, Secretary of State Martina Hirayama engaged with heads of delegation from Brazil, the G20 presidency, as well as other countries and organizations.

    Address for sending questions

    State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SEFRICommunicationmedien@sbfi.admin.ch 41 58 462 96 90

    Author

    State Secretariat for Training, Research and Innovationhttp://www.sbfi.admin.ch

    Social sharing

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Evasant Announces Renewed Focus on Sustainability

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HANGZHOU, China, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Evasant is proud to announce the enhancement of its sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, furthering its commitment to responsible business practices. These strengthened policies reaffirm Evasant’s dedication to driving positive environmental impact and fostering a more inclusive corporate culture.

    Strengthening Our Sustainability Commitment

    As part of its updated strategy, Evasant is increasing efforts to prioritize investments in renewable energy, environmental preservation, and socially responsible projects. This sustainability initiative aims to balance strong financial performance with contributing to long-term environmental health and social well-being.

    Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Recognizing the role of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation, Evasant has upgraded its internal DEI framework, with its Diversity and Inclusion Board overseeing new initiatives to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion more into its operations. This updated approach positions Evasant as a leader in creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.

    Community Engagement and Continuous Learning

    As part of these enhanced policies, Evasant will expand its involvement in community initiatives, focusing on issues such as climate change, education, and poverty reduction, as well as launching new training and development programs to equip employees with the skills to advance sustainability and DEI efforts.

    “By enhancing our sustainability and DEI policies, we are taking a proactive stance toward building a future that benefits our clients, communities, and the environment,” said Nicholas Richardson, Chief Executive Officer. “These improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to making a meaningful impact.”

    About Evasant:

    Evasant is an independent wealth and investment management firm offering extensive investment, wealth, planning, and corporate advisory services to affluent individuals, their families, and their privately owned businesses.

    For more information, please contact:

    Abigail Harper, Chief Marketing Officer

    a.harper@evasant.com

    https://www.evasant.com

    For more information about Evasant’s sustainability initiatives and DEI framework, please visit https://www.evasant.com/sustainability or contact info@evasant.com.

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by the sponsor. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information shared in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment, financial, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended that you conduct thorough research and consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment or trading decisions. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a9d04f3-904c-4a57-b949-a40a1cac5e86

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: The 5 secrets of the Reims campus

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Universities – Science Po in French

    Students in front of the entrance to 1, Saint-Thomas (credits: Pierre Morel)

    Bachelor open house on November 30, 2024

    Come and meet our teams and our students on our regional campuses.

    Sign up

    Open house for masters on October 19, 2024

    Discover our 30 masters and interact with the teams and students of our 7 professional schools.

    Sign up

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Interparliamentary meeting in Neuchâtel: artificial intelligence at the heart of the debates

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Canton of Neuchatel Switzerland

    09/23/2024

    ​On the occasion of the 61st annual meeting of the offices of the parliaments of French-speaking Switzerland, Bern and Ticino, delegations bringing together around seventy people were received in Neuchâtel on 20 and 21 September 2024 for a reception, visits and a working seminar. The discussions focused in particular on the theme of artificial intelligence and its impact on parliamentary activity.

    As a reminder, the offices constitute the executive committees of the parliaments. Bringing together representatives of the different political groups as well as the functions of presidency and vice-presidency, these bodies ensure the administrative management of the Grand Councils as well as various missions set by law such as the allocation of objects to the committees, the setting of the agenda of the sessions, or the representations.

    Every year, the offices of the Latin cantons meet for two days. This year, it was the turn of the Neuchâtel parliament to host the event. On Friday, September 20, the delegations were received at a friendly reception in the city of Neuchâtel during which Neuchâtel’s heritage and local products were honored. On this occasion, Mr. Jonathan Gretillat, municipal councilor, sent a message on behalf of the municipal authorities. On Saturday, September 21, the participants were received at the Château de Neuchâtel by the President of the Grand Council, Ms. Mary-Claude Fallet, and by the President of the Council of State, Ms. Florence Nater. With the contribution of experts in the field, the parliamentarians discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on parliamentary activity.

    The President of the Grand Council of Neuchâtel noted in her introduction to what extent “parliaments, pillars of democracy, are faced with immense challenges in the face of rapid technological developments”, while exploring existing solutions to assert “their role as regulatory bodies, capable of protecting citizens while promoting positive and democratic innovation”. The way in which AI could facilitate parliamentary work by automating certain administrative tasks, synthesizing information or allowing better promotion of parliamentary debates among citizens was also discussed.

    As in previous editions, this visit allowed for rich and useful exchanges on the practices and realities of cantonal parliaments, in a fine spirit of intercantonal understanding.

    BodyRight

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Eviden develops cloud-based cellar management solution for Selartag® to enable data efficiencies in wine inventory

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Eviden develops cloud-based cellar management solution for Selartag® to enable data efficiencies in wine inventory

    Innovative concept featuring app and portal hosted on AWS Cloud provides real-time data on stock quality and levels

    Paris, France – September 23, 2024 – Eviden, the Atos Group business leading in digital, cloud, big data and security, today announces it has developed and implemented a cellar management application designed by Selartag® based on a unique and innovative concept for identifying and tracking wine bottles. Hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) hybrid architecture, the solution provides reliable, real-time data for users such as winery owners, winemakers, sommeliers and restaurants, helping them to optimize their sales through simplified, more efficient inventory management. Eviden is an AWS Premier Partner.

    Drawing on its expertise in digital solutions, consulting and cloud management, Eviden worked closely with Selartag to develop their cellar management solution. The solution consists of smart labels, a smartphone application, a web portal and an inventory tracking and management system – hosted on AWS hybrid architecture.

    Each wine bottle is equipped with an intelligent, forgery-proof label automatically identified with RFID technology, either by using a hand-held mobile reader or via the physical checkpoint at the cellar entrance. The data on the label is communicated to the Selartag application (mobile app and online via PC), aiding customers in their inventory management and business decisions and outcomes.

    With this new application, Selartag can provide its customers with real-time, reliable data on their stock quality and levels, and the ability to complete inventories in less than an hour, compared to several days previously. Selartag customers include renowned sommeliers, as well as the owners of large cellars in Michelin-starred restaurants and gourmet bistros.

    Julien Giraud, Head of Cloud & Data at Eviden, Atos Group said, “The combination of Eviden’s expertise in digital solutions and cloud management coupled with Selartag’s unique concept helps accomplish next-level data efficiencies for Selartag’s customers, whose reputation is well established in some of the most elite wine and restaurant communities. What we’ve accomplished here is a key example of a turnkey, cloud-based solution that from manufacturing to consumption, generates better performance across the value chain, to the benefit of the business. The data obtained through improved product visibility and security will bring Selartag’s customers greater reliability and increased margins, unlocking possibilities for further growth and innovation.”

    Hervé Lemaire, Founder and President, Selartag said, “Working with Eviden, we have been able to create and implement an innovative, reliable application for our customers to locate, track and record wine stocks, as well as limit errors and authenticate the quality of their bottles of wine. This solution extends the excellence of customers’ table-side, white-glove service to the full value chain landscape that supports their business. Eviden’s end-to-end expertise in AWS services and product offerings and project management is what creates a differentiated solution for our customers to receive real-time data and efficiencies, enabling for them an advantage against competitors.”

    This project with Selartag is testament to over 12 years of business and technological collaboration between Eviden (Atos Group) and AWS, which was reinforced last year through a new Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) to deliver a multi-faceted program of solutions, consultancy and innovation support to help customers quickly access critical expertise for cloud and AI transformation projects and increase their time to value.

    ***

    About Eviden1

    Eviden is a next-gen technology leader in data-driven, trusted and sustainable digital transformation with a strong portfolio of patented technologies. With worldwide leading positions in advanced computing, security, AI, cloud and digital platforms, it provides deep expertise for all industries in more than 47 countries. Bringing together 47,000 world-class talents, Eviden expands the possibilities of data and technology across the digital continuum, now and for generations to come. Eviden is an Atos Group company with an annual revenue of c. € 5 billion.

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 92,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea), and listed on Euronext Paris.

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

    Press contact

    Laura Fau | laura.fau@eviden.com | +33 (0) 6 73 64 04 18

    1 Eviden business is operated through the following brands: AppCentrica, ATHEA, Cloudamize, Cloudreach, Cryptovision, DataSentics, Edifixio, Energy4U, Engage ESM, Evidian, Forensik, IDEAL GRP, In Fidem, Ipsotek, Maven Wave, Profit4SF, SEC Consult, Visual BI, Worldgrid, X-Perion. Eviden is a registered trademark.
    Eviden is a registered trademark. © Eviden SAS, 2024.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Danske Bank share buy-back programme: Transactions in week 38

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 42 2024   Group Communications
    Bernstorffsgade 40
    DK-1577 København V
    Tel. +45 45 14 00 00

    23 September 2024

    Danske Bank share buy-back programme: Transactions in week 38

    On 2 February 2024, Danske Bank A/S announced a share buy-back programme for a total of DKK 5.5 billion, with a maximum of 70 million shares, in the period from 5 February 2024 to 31 January 2025, at the latest, as described in company announcement no. 2 2024.

    The programme is being carried out under Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 and the Commission’s delegated regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016, also referred to as the Safe Harbour Rules.

    The following transactions were made under the share buy-back programme in week 38:

      Number
    of shares    		 VWAP
    DKK    		 Gross value
    DKK
    Accumulated, last announcement 17,127,163 202.3235 3,465,227,502
    16/09/2024 126,890 205.4623 26,071,111
    17/09/2024 124,609 205.8027 25,644,869
    18/09/2024 143,500 204.5183 29,348,376
    19/09/2024 120,974 205.3406 24,840,874
    20/09/2024 116,893 206.1951 24,102,764
    Total accumulated over week 38 632,866 205.4274 130,007,994
    Total accumulated during the share buyback programme 17,760,029 202.4341 3,595,235,496

    With the transactions stated above the total accumulated number of own shares under the share buy-back programme corresponds to 2.06% of Danske Bank A/S’ share capital.

    We enclose share buy-back transaction data in detailed form of each transaction in accordance with the Commission’s delegated regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016.

    Danske Bank

    Contact: Stefan Singh Kailay, Group Press Officer, tel. +45 45 14 14 00

    Attachments

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  • MIL-OSI: Virgin Atlantic Turns to FLYR for Ancillary Revenue Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FLYR, the technology company that unlocks freedom to innovate for the airline industry, today announced that Virgin Atlantic, Britain’s only Five Star Global Airline, is using FLYR Ancillary Revenue Management to automate and optimize revenue for seating. Virgin Atlantic has been leveraging FLYR for the last 18 months, establishing a dynamic pricing model that responds to a range of variables including route, seat zone, and traveler demand – increasing conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

    A leading airline with customer experience at its core, Virgin Atlantic has been an innovator since its founding in 1984. Back then, Virgin Atlantic was a tiny airline with big aspirations to shake things up – and they have done just that every step of the way. Holding the imagination of the traveling public, Virgin Atlantic is always seeking new ways to elevate and optimize the travel experience for its fleet that serves 30-plus destinations across 4 continents, and more than 5 million annual passengers.

    Realizing that the opportunities to innovate start long before check-in, Virgin Atlantic began searching for a solution to optimize ancillary revenue for seating. With limited data on variably-priced ancillary purchases and a range of aircraft and cabin configurations, Virgin Atlantic needed a flexible, data-driven solution that could optimize seat pricing and availability, while ensuring a seamless and personalized experience for every passenger.

    Virgin Atlantic turned to FLYR to automate and optimize ancillary revenue for seating using deep learning, an advanced form of artificial intelligence. Virgin Atlantic has experienced more than 10 percent uplift in seating revenue with FLYR’s dynamic, AI-based optimization for seats.

    “Providing the best experience possible for our passengers is core to everything we do at Virgin Atlantic,” said Juha Jarvinen, CCO, Virgin Atlantic. “We are ecstatic with the revenue uplift we have seen using FLYR already, in addition to the optimized offerings and experience we continue to provide for our passengers.”

    Insights from FLYR have allowed Virgin Atlantic to better understand the customer seat needs for each route, as well as the interdependencies between seats, ticket prices, and other ancillaries. With FLYR’s comprehensive Ancillary Revenue Management, Virgin Atlantic now has the flexible solution needed to optimize the passenger experience.

    “At the heart of our partnership with FLYR is a shared commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. We’ve appreciated their forward-thinking, data-driven approach to ancillary revenue management and total offer optimization over the last 18 months. Going from a static pricing system to a dynamic, near-automatic one that is powered by machine learning feels like a leap into the future, and we’re excited to explore what else is possible with FLYR,” said Dominic Kennedy, SVP, Revenue Management, Distribution and Holidays, Virgin Atlantic.

    “Our collaboration with Virgin Atlantic has been immensely rewarding and is a testament to the value that FLYR can unlock,” said Alex Mans, Founder and CEO, FLYR. “Virgin Atlantic has always been intent on innovation, and we’re excited to have helped them gain another competitive edge by offering a dynamic, AI-based pricing strategy for ancillary products and services. We’re thrilled with the results Virgin Atlantic is already experiencing with Ancillary Revenue Management and look forward to continuing to innovate together.”

    About FLYR
    FLYR is a technology company that unlocks freedom to innovate for the travel industry – eliminating legacy constraints to enable real-time decision making and create the experiences travelers seek. Cloud native, FLYR leverages technologies including deep learning, an advanced form of AI. FLYR is helping airlines and hospitality businesses around the globe improve revenue performance, reduce cost, and modernize their e-commerce experience. Learn more at flyr.com.

    About Virgin Atlantic
    Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core. In 2023, Virgin Atlantic was voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the seventh year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs 8,500 people worldwide, flying customers to 30 destinations across four continents throughout the year.

    Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. In February 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in March 2023 as the global airline alliance’s first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport.

    Virgin Atlantic has been pioneering sustainability leadership for more than 15 years, committing to Net Zero by 2050 and continuous action that reduces environmental impact. The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies, with an average age under seven years. In March 2024, Virgin Atlantic welcomed Wendy Darling, the 11th delivery of 12 A350s, and Ruby Rebel, the 5th of 16 A330-900neos to the fleet, continuing its transformation towards 100% next generation aircraft by 2028. In November 2023, the airline led a consortium to deliver the world’s first flight across the Atlantic on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), demonstrating that 100% SAF can be used safely as a drop in fuel in existing infrastructure, engines and airframes. The need to scale production is imperative and Virgin Atlantic is committed to radical collaboration across the energy chain to support commercialisation ahead of 2030. For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com or via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @virginatlantic.

    Media contact:
    Christie Engelbrecht
    media@flyr.com

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: The 5 Secrets of the Reims Campus

    Source: Universities – Science Po in English

    Students in front of the entrance at 1 St-Thomas (credits: Pierre Morel)

    Virtual Undergraduate Open House day on 30 November 2024

    Come meet our teams and students at our campuses.

    Sign-up

    Virtual Graduate Open House day on 19 october 2024

    Meet faculty members, students and representatives and learn more about our 30 Master’s programmes.

    Sign-up

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  • MIL-OSI Video: Public Forum 2024:Women in the global economy

    Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)

    “Gender equality is not a luxury. It is an imperative”, said Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during the WTO Public Forum. In this video, policy makers and experts lay out the case for including women in the global economy.

    Watch also the launch of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund’s implementation, as well as the award of the International Prize for Gender Equality.

    More about the WEIDE Fund:
    https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news24_e/weide_11sep24_e.htm

    Speakers in this video:

    Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
    World Trade Organization

    Bonnie Chiu
    The Social Investment Consultancy (TSIC)

    Pamela Coke-Hamilton
    International Trade Centre

    Héctor José Marroquín Mora
    Guatemala

    Angela Ellard
    World Trade Organization

    Gaiane Arutiunian
    World Trade Organization

    Abdelsalam Al-Ali
    United Arab Emirates

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9czXUrYlJY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Gaza, Lebanon, Summit of the Future & other topics – Daily Briefing (20 Sep 2024) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    – Summit of the Future Action Days
    – Lebanon
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Syria
    – Venezuela
    – Ukraine
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo
    – Somalia
    – Viet Nam
    – Haiti
    – International Day of Peace
    – World Cleanup Day

    Summit of the Future Action Days
    This afternoon, at 1pm, the Summit of the Future Action days will kick off with a youth-led event.
    Felipe Paullier, the Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, will lead the opening ceremony under the theme #Youthlead the future.
    At 2pm, the Secretary-General will take part in a dialogue with youth advocates. This will also take place in the General Assembly Hall and you will be able to watch the conversation live on UN Webtv.
    The action days, which are convened by the Secretary-General, will continue tomorrow. The Secretary-General will address Saturday’s opening session at 9 a.m, tomorrow.
    Tomorrow’s programme will focus on three priority themes – digital and technology, peace and security, and sustainable development and financing.
    There will also be a dedicated focus throughout the day on future generations.
    The action days bring together representatives from Member States, civil society, the private sector, academia, youth, and more. The full list of events and side events is available on the webpage of the Summit of the Future.

    Lebanon
    We are very concerned at the heightened escalation across the Blue Line, including the deadly strike we saw on Beirut today. We urge all parties to de-escalate immediately. All must exercise maximum restraint.
    We also urge the parties to immediately return to the cessation of hostilities and to fully implement Security Council resolution 1701.
    The region is on the brink of a catastrophe. All efforts should focus on finding a diplomatic solution.
    Our Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeannine Hennis-Plasschaert, has been insistently conveying these messages to her interlocutors in Lebanon and Israel.
    And this afternoon, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, and our High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, will brief the Security Council in an open meeting on developments in Lebanon. They will convey similar messages. Those remarks will be shared with you.
    Meanwhile, on the peacekeeping front, our blue helmets at UNIFIL peacekeepers continue to implement their mandate in, obviously, extremely challenging conditions, working to help avert further escalation and return to a cessation of hostilities.
    The head of the UN peacekeeping mission there, Force Commander General Aroldo Lázaro, has been in constant communication with the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces to help avoid any miscalculations along the Blue Line and to support humanitarian access in southern Lebanon.

    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that Palestinians already displaced in the Strip are at risk of having to move again as the rainy season approaches, which is expected to bring flooding and high tides.
    OCHA says that many of those displaced by hostilities in Gaza are sheltering along the Mediterranean coast, where Israeli-issued evacuation orders have instructed them to go. Several municipalities in Gaza have also warned of the risks, with some advising people sheltering in low-lying areas to leave and seek out safer places due to the danger of flooding. Displaced people in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah have been warned to move to higher ground and stay away from the shore, as high tides could cause their tents to drift, among other risks.
    UNRWA, for its part, warns that people in Gaza are sheltering in open spaces with no sewage network or rainwater drainage systems. The agency says that as reptiles, rodents and insects spread, its teams are spraying pesticides and removing waste to protect families from diseases.
    Meanwhile, OCHA also reports that water, sanitation and hygiene operations in northern Gaza have been forced to drastically reduce their operating hours to prevent shutdowns.
    Our partners working on the response say it continues to be extremely difficult to get fuel to the north, with deliveries often delayed or rejected at checkpoints.
    In addition to fuel shortages and the ongoing electricity outages that stall pumps, the current water crisis in Gaza has been worsened by damage to water infrastructure, the absence of safety to make repairs, and a lack of spare parts and chlorine.
    To address the critical lack of clean water in Gaza, UNICEF says it is providing 15 litres of water per person per day for nearly 900,000 people, ensuring that part of their water needs are met for a duration of three months.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=20%20September%202024

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

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