Category: Latin America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Fischer Announce Bipartisan, Bicameral Universal Service Fund Working Group

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Senate Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, and Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chair of the Senate Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, announced the reconstitution of the Universal Service Fund (USF) Working Group. Last Congress, Senator Luján launched the original bipartisan, bicameral working group to evaluate and propose potential reforms to the USF.
    In the House, Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chair Richard Hudson (R-NC9) and Ranking Member Doris Matsui (D-CA7) are spearheading the effort. Senators Moran (R-KS), Klobuchar (D-MN), Capito (R-WV), Peters (D-MI), Sullivan (R-AK), and Rosen (D-NV) have joined as members.
    “The Universal Service Fund has been a lifeline for rural, Tribal, and underserved communities in New Mexico and across the country – connecting schools, hospitals, and families to affordable, reliable internet. For nearly 30 years, the Universal Service Fund has been instrumental in expanding broadband access across the country. I’m glad to once again join bipartisan, bicameral leaders to modernize and strengthen the USF and ensure it remains well-equipped to connect Americans no matter where they live. I’ll keep fighting to protect this vital program for the communities that depend on it,” Luján said.
    “All Nebraskans deserve to have access to critical communication and Internet services, regardless of their zip code. That’s why I’m proud to announce we are reorganizing and utilizing this bipartisan, bicameral working group. Our goal is to evaluate broadband programs and the USF to help support the mission of connecting unserved and underserved communities across the country. I look forward to this important work alongside my colleagues in the Senate and House,” Fischer said. 
    “Expanding access to broadband is a top priority for me. By launching this bipartisan working group alongside Congresswoman Matsui and Senators Lujan and Fischer, we’ll gain the insights needed to ensure the Universal Service Fund is reaching the Americans who need it most – while also protecting it from waste, fraud, and abuse,” Hudson said.
    “Reliable, high-speed broadband isn’t a luxury—it’s a fundamental pillar of modern life. For decades, the Universal Service Fund has helped connect millions of families, schools, and libraries through critical programs like Lifeline, E-Rate, and rural broadband deployment. But the digital divide still persists, and the stakes for getting this right have never been higher. That’s why we’re relaunching this bipartisan, bicameral working group—to modernize and strengthen the Universal Service Fund, and ensure it continues to meet the evolving connectivity needs of all Americans,” Matsui said.
    Background:
    This bipartisan, bicameral working group—originally launched in 2023—was established to evaluate and propose potential reforms to the USF with the goal of developing a forum to guide education, awareness, and policymaking. Today’s reorganization of the USF Working Group highlights the continued commitment to close the digital divide with solutions that support sustained access to universal connectivity while improving interagency coordination.
    Note: In the coming weeks, a USF Working Group request for comment portal will be open on Senator Fischer’s website to allow for the submission of updated comments regarding the future outlook of the USF in the near and long terms.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Hajdu shared Canada’s commitment to ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities at the United Nations

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 12, 2025              United Nations, New York City              Employment and Social Development Canada

    Canada is a dynamic country that celebrates our diversity, cares for the most vulnerable among us, and strives for a better future for all.

    This week, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, brought that message to the United Nations (UN) where she led Canada’s delegation to the 18th session of the UN Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which took place from June 10 to 12 in New York City.

    As global challenges intensify, the Government of Canada is working with domestic and international partners to remove barriers for persons with disabilities to help create a more inclusive future for everyone.

    Delegates from various countries met around this year’s overarching theme, “Enhancing public awareness of the rights and contributions of persons with disabilities for social development leading up to the Second World Summit for Social Development.” Important discussions also took place on innovative ways to finance disability inclusion, inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AI), and protecting and promoting the rights of Indigenous persons with disabilities.

    During the opening session of the Conference, Minister Hajdu reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to advancing disability inclusion. The Minister highlighted the importance of collaborating with the disability community to develop key elements of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, such as the Canada Disability Benefit and the Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities. When it comes to advancing disability-inclusive AI, Minister Hajdu noted that Canada introduced a national standard on accessible and equitable AI, which helps ensure no one is left behind in technological progress. The Minister also emphasized Canada’s commitment to reconciliation and justice for Indigenous persons with disabilities, guided by the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.  

    As part of the Conference, Canada hosted a side event on inclusive AI, where participants shared best practices on how AI can be leveraged to foster meaningful workforce participation for persons with disabilities. The Minister also participated in bilateral meetings with her counterparts from France, Ireland and Brazil to share valuable insights and learn from other countries’ experiences in advancing disability inclusion.  

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Democrats Want to Defund and Dismantle ICE

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    WASHINGTON  The heroic men and women of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) work around the clock to detain and deport criminal illegal aliens from the U.S. Since President Trump returned to office, ICE has deported murderers, wife-beaters, child sex predators, and violent gang members, making our communities safer. Despite the important work this agency does day in and day out, Democrats take the side of the criminals and want to defund and dismantle it.

       

    “Peaceful” Anti-ICE Protests in Los Angeles

    “While Republicans are supporting the men and women of ICE through the One Big Beautiful Bill, Democrats are fighting for illegal aliens and against law enforcement agents. They’re defending the violent anti-ICE protesters in Los Angeles. They visited a violent MS-13 gang member and human trafficker in El Salvador,” Speaker Johnson said. “They charged an ICE facility in Newark and clashed with ICE officers. That was members of the House of Representatives doing that. They’re advocating for people to dox ICE agents and making them targets for threats from radicals. And they’re calling for the elimination of ICE.”

    DEMOCRATS IN THEIR OWN WORDS

    “I believe that ICE, an agency that was just formed in 2003 during the Patriot Act era, is a rogue agency that should not exist.” – Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

    “Every single ICE agent who’s engaged in this aggressive overreach and are trying to hide their identities from the American people, will be unsuccessful in doing that…every single one of them, no matter what it takes, no matter how long it takes, will, of course, be identified.” — Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries

    “Donald Trump’s modern-day gestapo…” — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

    “I don’t know of any police department that routinely wears masks. We know that there are other groups that routinely wear masks. NSC-131 routinely wears masks.” — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu

    “ICE,  get the f*** out of L.A.” — Rep. Norma Torres

    “This is not immigration policy that we’re seeing unfold. This is domestic terrorism.”Rep. Kamlager-Dove

    Activists are taking these words to heart. According to the Department of Homeland Security, brave and patriotic ICE agents are facing a 413% increase in assaults against them.

    Federal law enforcement officers that keep our communities safe deserve our support. And the One Big Beautiful Bill delivers it.

    • Makes the largest investment in border security and interior enforcement in a generation, providing over $150 billion to secure the border and deport illegal aliens
    • Includes $45 billion to expand ICE detention capacity
    • Provides $12 billion in funding to hire 10,000 new ICE personnel5,000 new customs officers3,000 new Border Patrol agents, and 1,000 criminal investigators, among others
    • Provides $10,000 bonuses to Border Patrol and ICE agents
    • Includes $1.2 billion to hire 200 immigration judges and to expand immigration courtroom space
    • Includes $14.4 billion for air and ground transportation sufficient to support at least 1 million removals per year

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Illegally in the United States Indicted for Impeding and Assaulting Federal Agents

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE – A previously deported Guatemalan national illegally present in the United States has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island on two counts of assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, or interfering with federal officers engaged in official duties, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    It is alleged that on April 30, 2024, Miguel Tamup-Tamup, a/k/a Miguel US Tamup, 28, struggled with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officer and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents as they attempted to apprehend him as authorized by an arrest warrant.  An HSI agent suffered a serious injury during the encounter.

    Charging documents reflect that on April 19, 2025, Tamup-Tamup was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence after his car allegedly collided with another vehicle. He was subsequently arraigned and released.  Tamup’s fingerprints matched ICE fingerprint records associated with a person flagged as being in the United States illegally.   

    It is alleged that on April 30, 2025, an ICE deportation officer and Homeland Security Investigations agents stopped a car that Tamup-Tamup was operating.  After he refused to exit, Tamup-Tamup was guided out of the vehicle.  While the agents attempted to place Tamup-Tamup in handcuffs, he allegedly resisted, threw his upper body and shoulders against the agents, flailed his arms, and broke an agent’s hold.  During the encounter, one of the agents fell to the ground and suffered a serious leg injury.  Tamup-Tamup fled as the injured agent was attended to.

    On May 16, 2025, ICE and HSI agents located Tamup-Tamup at a Providence residence and took him into custody. He has been detained since making an initial appearance on that date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Milind Shah.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Trade Commissioner visits Guatemala to boost economic ties

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK Trade Commissioner visits Guatemala to boost economic ties

    Jonathan Knott, the UK’s Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean, will visit Guatemala on June 16-17 to strengthen trade and investment between the two countries.

    This visit comes at a key moment, as Guatemala has become the UK’s most dynamic commercial partner in Central America. Last year, trade between the two countries hit a record £376 million, even surpassing pre-pandemic levels. 

    During his visit, Commissioner Knott will meet with leaders of major Guatemalan companies and British multinational firms to address specific trade challenges. Key sectors of focus include agriculture, textiles, and financial services. 

    He will also hold strategic meetings with Guatemalan government officials to explore new opportunities for economic cooperation. 

    Commissioner Jonathan Knott said: 

    This is my third visit to Guatemala. I’ve been here both as a tourist and professionally, and I know more than just the capital. I’m excited about this trip because Guatemala has proven to be a reliable and dynamic trade partner. We’re here to build on that momentum.

    UK Trade Commissioners act as economic ambassadors, promoting exports, investment, and trade policy on behalf of the British government. 

    The UK has strengthened its presence in the region through the UK-Central America Association Agreement. This deal gives Guatemala preferential access to UK markets. The gradual removal of tariffs under this agreement is a big opportunity for Guatemalan products like specialty coffee, cardamom, and manufactured goods. The Commissioner will also encourage Guatemala to support a fair and rules-based global trade system. 

    Trade Highlights: UK–Guatemala Boom:

    • The UK imported £261 million worth of goods from Guatemala, mainly agricultural products. 

    • The UK exported £115 million to Guatemala, mostly machinery and financial services. 

    • Trade between the two countries is growing at 30.1% annually, making Guatemala the UK’s fastest-growing market in Central America. 

    The main goals of this visit are to remove trade barriers, improve the implementation of the UK-Central America Association Agreement, and support Guatemala’s economic development through financial tools and expert knowledge sharing. 

    Commissioner Knott will also reaffirm the UK’s support for Guatemala’s efforts to modernize infrastructure, fight corruption, and promote inclusive and sustainable development.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of Multi-State Polydrug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to Nearly Two Decades in Prison for Drug Conspiracy, Illegal Possession of Firearms, and Money Laundering

    Source: US FBI

    BOSTON – A Lawrence man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for leading a large-scale drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl, fentanyl analogue and cocaine.

    Joseph Correa, 35, was sentenced by on Friday, June 6, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley to 18 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In November 2024, Correa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and other controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    Correa was a target of a long-term investigation into a network of fentanyl and cocaine distributors based in and around Lawrence. The investigation showed that Correa obtained fentanyl from local suppliers, and that he and co-defendants and brothers Jose Martinez and Luis Martinez regularly traveled to Puerto Rico to purchase wholesale quantities of cocaine, which they mailed to addresses in New England for redistribution in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Correa employed co-defendants, as well as an uncharged co-conspirator, to store and process drugs at their residences and to distribute drugs on his behalf. Correa was regularly intercepted over court-authorized wiretaps discussing distribution of fentanyl and cocaine and obtaining, possessing and using firearms. He and co-defendant Mayi Rosario conspired to launder drug proceeds via various financial transactions and purchases. During the course of the investigation, fluorofentanyl, fentanyl, cocaine and drug proceeds were seized from Correa and his associates and from packages mailed by or for Correa. On Dec. 15, 2021, Correa was arrested in Caguas, Puerto Rico. At the time of his arrest, Correa was holding a loaded firearm that had a Glock slide and a privately manufactured grip, and that had been converted into a fully automatic weapon.

    In May 2024, Jose Martinez was sentenced to 90 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. In February 2025, Luis Martinez was sentenced to five years in prison and four years of supervised release. In August 2024, Rosario was sentenced to 30 months in prison, to be followed by one year of home detention and 26 months of supervised release.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lawrence Police Department; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Massachusetts State Police; Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Essex County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Ferguson and J. Mackenzie Duane of the Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.

    This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: When Women Lead, Peace Follows: UN Brings Stories of Women Leading Peace to Photoville Festival

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    A Cambodian woman who grew up amid landmines now clears them as a UN peacekeeper in Lebanon. A Sudanese civil society leader rallies displaced women to reclaim their voices in peacebuilding. Young activists from the divided communities of Cyprus foster dialogue and understanding in a deeply complex and long-standing conflict. These are just a few of the extraordinary stories captured in Through Her Lens: Women Rising for Peace, a striking photo exhibition that premiered on 7 June 2025 at Brooklyn Bridge Park as part of the Photoville Festival.

    A joint initiative of the UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO), UN Women, the Elsie Initiative Fund, and the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), in partnership with Photoville, the exhibit highlights the stories of women as leaders, negotiators, and protectors in conflict-affected societies — told through the lenses of women photographers from those very communities.

    “Too often, women in conflict are portrayed only as victims,” said Natasha Lamoreux of UN Women. “But these photographs tell a different story. They show women as peacekeepers, negotiators, human rights defenders — leaders actively shaping peace.”

    From Sudan to Cyprus, Haiti to Lebanon, the UN collaborated with local women photographers who not only document the lives of women but also share in their struggles, striving to build peace in their communities, which creates an intimate and powerful perspective.

    “This exhibit is the culmination of months of partnership between the four organizing entities as well as between headquarters and field-based colleagues,” said Shatha Hussein from the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. “We worked on very difficult contexts and turbulent situations that are changing by the day. So working with women on the ground to amplify their efforts through this initiative was not easy in any of the contexts featured, but their commitment, despite the odds, made this possible.”

    Preparing this exhibit has been a profound challenge — one that mirrors the obstacles women face daily in conflict zones. Intense fighting spiked early this year in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan as the photoshoots were being planned.

    “These images are more than art — they are a collective story of resilience, acts of resistance, and transformation,” said Sophie Boudre of the UN Department of Peace Operations. “They declare that women’s rights must be protected, their leadership recognized, and their voices heard wherever peace is made.”

    Rooted in the Women, Peace and Security agenda launched by UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the exhibit underscores both the critical roles women play in peacebuilding and the persistent challenges they face — including a rising global backlash against gender equality.

    The Through Her Lens exhibit is on view through 22 June 2025 at Pier 1 of the Brooklyn Bridge Park. It will also be shown at UN Headquarters in time for a Security Council open debate on Women, Peace and Security at the end of October. Importantly, the exhibit will travel to the regions featured in the photographs — bringing these powerful stories full circle.

    View the exhibit online.

    Read the original article in Politcally Speaking, the online magazine from the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa explores regionalisation of chicken imports from Brazil

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, June 12, 2025

    The Department of Agriculture is currently assessing the possibility of implementing regionalisation for chicken imports from Brazil to ensure local demand is met without compromising biosecurity.

    This follows South Africa’s suspension of imports of live poultry, eggs, and fresh (including frozen) poultry meat from Brazil after an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Brazil reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 – clade 2.3.4.4b) in chickens, in a breeding establishment (parents), located in the municipality of Montenegro, state of Rio Grande do Sul, on 15 May 2025.

    This necessitated South Africa to suspend trade of live poultry, eggs and fresh poultry meat, and revised its import permit process.

    Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, noted that while South Africa’s poultry industry has sufficient domestic slaughter chickens, concerns remain over the impact the suspension import of Brazilian poultry on the country’s food supply chain, particularly the affordability and accessibility of processed meats and pet foods.

    He said the department is in constant engagement with the Brazilian authorities to determine if the outbreak has not spread to other States and a confirmation that there are no additional affected farms in other regions.

    “This is a necessary procedure of ensuring that we don’t introduce the virus to South Africans and infect the poultry industry. We need to balance food security realities with biosecurity imperatives,” Steenhuisen explained.

    The Minister added that the department has established that the reason for the delay in Brazil responding to South Africa’s enquiries is due to the number of similar enquiries Brazil is receiving and responding to, since Brazil exports poultry products to many other countries. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMCA announces results of South America Committee elections

    Source: International Marine Contractors Association – IMCA

    Headline: IMCA announces results of South America Committee elections

    IMCA has welcomed four new industry experts including a representative from Marinha do Brasil – the Brazilian Navy – to its South America Committee following elections among IMCA Members.

    The successful candidates, who were all nominated and voted for by IMCA Members from across the region, are:

    Fugro’s John Chatten and Daniel Marins from Subsea7 were re-elected for a third two-year session, as Committee Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, alongside Renata Cortês and Patricia Gomes from Companhia Brasileira de Offshore – Grupo CBO, Cicero Ricardo Batista Lopes from Posidonia Shipping and Trading, Nelsiane Carrara from TechnipFMC, and Michel Teicher from SISTAC Sistemas de Acesso SA.

    The South America Committee supports the development of our industry across the region, promoting IMCA’s campaigns to improve safety and sustainability among key stakeholders, and regularly bringing local Members together to share their insights and experiences. Recent in-person meetings have taken place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    The Committee works in partnership with energy company Petrobras, and Marinha do Brasil.

    For further information, contact jennifer.evans@imca-int.com.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Security: Frozen yucca, hidden cocaine: drug route from Costa Rica to Europe dismantled

    Source: Europol

    The investigation targeted a criminal network that used companies in Costa Rica to receive cocaine from Colombia and conceal it in shipments of frozen yucca powder destined for Europe. The group relied on legitimate logistics chains to disguise their criminal activities and move cocaine by sea and air in small quantities to avoid detection.Shifting logistical routes in response to law…

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Largest amphibious exercise on Braunton Burrows since WW2

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Largest amphibious exercise on Braunton Burrows since WW2

    Exercise Catamaran brought together more than 3,000 personnel from several NATO allies to carry out training on the North Devon coast.

    Personnel from several NATO allies took part in the exercise. Copyright: MOD Crown Copyright.

    The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has enabled a major multi-national training exercise alongside NATO allies on Braunton Burrows Training Area, demonstrating its crucial role in supporting military capability.  

    Exercise Catamaran ran between 30 May and 7 June, bringing together military personnel from France, the UK, Brazil, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the US. Royal Marines from 40 and 47 Commando led British involvement in the exercise.  

    It is the largest amphibious exercise of this scale to have been conducted on the training area since it was used by US troops in 1943 to rehearse for the D-Day landings on Utah and Omaha beaches.  

    Ex Catamaran formed part of the wider French-led POLARIS 25 exercise, a month-long training exercise which sees more than 3,000 military personnel from allied nations working on warfighting skills together. The amphibious exercise involved more than 20 surface ships and 40 aircraft in the Atlantic and the Channel and included landing exercises taking place on the beach at Braunton Burrows. 

    Braunton Burrows Training Area is home to one of the largest sand dune systems in the UK and offers a unique place to train.  

    DIO’s Overseas and Training team played an important part in planning and facilitating the exercise. The Foreign Forces team acted as the liaison between the French exercise planners and the Ministry of Defence. They provided expert advice on how the training area could be best utilised to meet training objectives, ensuring that all partners were informed and engaged. 

    Alongside that, Braunton Burrows’ Deputy Training Safety Officer led safety briefings for military personnel, flexibly supported training requirements and ensured a safe place to train was maintained, carefully managing the balance between military training and public access on the area. This technical guidance proved crucial in developing realistic training scenarios that couldn’t be replicated elsewhere in the UK.  

    Braunton Burrows: Enabling Exercise Catamaran

    Brigadier Gavin Hatcher CBE, DIO’s Head of Overseas and Training Region, said:  

    As custodians of the Defence Training Estate, DIO proudly provides a safe and high-quality environment for our Armed Forces and allies to train. While we enable and support important military training year-round, the scale and complexity of Exercise Catamaran has really showcased the versatility and diversity of what we can facilitate.  

    My team has been working closely with the French military for some time to meticulously plan this phase of the exercise on Braunton Burrows Training Area. It has been great to see this collaboration brought to fruition this week with UK military personnel training alongside our allies as they prepare for potential deployments.

    Major Martyn Heenan, Royal Marines, said:  

    Braunton Burrows and the amphibious training it allows is so important as it is one of the most complex operations you can carry out and there’s very few places you can do it. It allows the allied nations involved in this exercise to get onto the same space in a challenging area and work together, which is very difficult to do anywhere else in the world.  

    It’s been a long planning process but DIO have been there all the way through, be it the Foreign Forces team, the Training Safety Officers or the regional commanders, they have really helped with the planning and delivering everything to make this a success.

    Braunton Burrows has to remain accessible to the public at all times, and the site’s Deputy Training Safety Officer conducts careful planning and continuous monitoring alongside colleagues from our industry partner, Landmarc, to ensure military activities can go ahead safely without endangering personnel or members of the public.  

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Oceans 28 states have signed the Global Ocean Treaty into law while the UK is failing to get onboard The European Commission and six EU countries, Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia, have today submitted their ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty at the United Nations headquarters. Despite… by Alexandra Sedgwick May 28, 2025

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    The European Commission and six EU countries, Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia, have today submitted their ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty at the United Nations headquarters. Despite repeated promises to sign the Treaty into UK law, the UK government is failing to get onboard. 

    Greenpeace is warning that, while the progress from other European countries is welcome, it is nowhere near enough to ensure the treaty enters into force in 2025, and in time to meet the goal of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 – agreed by all governments in 2022[1]. 

    The UK was among the first countries to sign the Global Ocean Treaty on 20 September 2023, indicating its intention to pass the Treaty into UK law. The current Labour government has repeatedly said it intends to ratify the Treaty, but has so far failed to introduce the necessary primary legislation to do so or to commit to a timeline. This has prompted calls from the International Development Committee and environmental groups to begin the legislative process urgently. Responsibility for this process lies with Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

    Chris Thorne, Greenpeace UK senior ocean campaigner, said:

    “David Lammy wants the UK to be a leader on climate and nature, so he can’t afford to miss the boat on signing the Global Ocean Treaty into UK law. The Treaty can help to protect a third of our blue planet from threats like industrial fishing. As international action on ocean protection accelerates, the UK risks turning up empty handed at a key UN conference next month. Lammy must stop failing the ocean which all life on Earth depends on, prioritise ocean protection and urgently secure parliamentary time for the UK to join other European countries in signing the Treaty into law. We hear legislation has been drafted and is ready to go, it just needs pushing over the line.”

    The Global Ocean Treaty requires ratification by 60 states to enter into force. Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia have joined the 22 other states that have already deposited their ratification at the UN, making a total of 28 so far, nearly half of the 60 required. Governments had aimed to ratify the Treaty by June’s UN Ocean Conference to ensure that it enters into force quickly enough to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030. This Treaty is the only legal tool which can deliver this target on the high seas[2].

    Lukas Meus, Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe ocean campaigner, said:
    “It gives us hope to see such a large group of European countries ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty, but it’s still not enough. Governments had targeted the UN Ocean Conference as their deadline to ratify the Treaty, but even with this group of countries, that target is set to be missed. More countries must ratify the Treaty at the UN Ocean Conference, and should also confirm their support for a global moratorium on deep sea mining. Only then could we call this conference a success.”

    The UN Ocean Conference is the first high-level meeting after a deep sea mining company submitted the first-ever application to mine the deep sea to the US Government, bypassing the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the regulatory body set up by the United Nations to protect the deep sea as the common heritage of humankind and decide whether deep sea mining can start in the international seabed[3].

    With this new looming threat of exploitation, countries must make it clear that deep sea mining must not be allowed to start in 2025 and actively work towards securing a moratorium at the upcoming meeting of the International Seabed Authority in July, just weeks after the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC). 

    Greenpeace UK is calling on the UK government to:

    • Prioritise ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty by making time in the parliamentary schedule ahead of UNOC
    • Speak out in favour of a global moratorium on deep sea mining and use diplomatic influence to build support for this and the multilateral system
    • Implement a full ban on all forms of destructive fishing, including bottom trawling, in all UK marine protected areas
    • Work with the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda and other nations to champion one of the world’s first high seas sanctuaries in the Sargasso Sea. This stunning ecosystem supports a plethora of iconic wildlife including humpback whales, dolphins and sea turtles

    Ends

    Contact

    Alexandra Sedgwick, Greenpeace UK press officer, alexandra.sedgwick@greenpeace.org, 07739 963 301

    Notes to editors

    [1] Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia have joined Palau, Chile, Belize, Seychelles, Monaco, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Cuba, Maldives, Singapore, Bangladesh, Barbados, Timor Leste, Panama, St. Lucia, Spain, France, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Republic of Korea and Costa Rica.

    [2] In 2022, during the UN Biodiversity COP15, states agreed on a target of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030, a figure supported by scientists for several years. 2.7% of the global ocean is currently fully or highly protected from human activities, and the figure is just 0.9% for areas of the high seas, which are beyond national jurisdiction. Greenpeace calculates that at the current rate of protection, the 30% target will not be reached until 2107.

    [3] In a media statement, the European Commission has said that it “deeply regrets” the US president’s Executive Order that “circumvents” the negotiations in the ISA, and that “it is crucial to recall that its provisions reflect customary international law and are thus binding on all states irrespective of whether they have acceded to the Convention or not.”

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Worker groups demand polluters pay for lost income, amid deadly South Asia heatwave

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    New Delhi, 01 May 2025 –  As a life-threatening heat wave unravels in South Asia,  more than 10 groups representing at lakhs of workers across Indian, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal have signed a Polluters Pay Pact, calling on governments to introduce new taxes on oil, coal and gas corporations to fund solutions and help communities worldwide. 

    A Greenpeace India’s qualitative research report titled Ground Zero: Climate Experiences among Informal Workers in Delhi,” released on this occasion found that street vendors suffer from immense productivity loss and health risks during peak summer months. The study noted that for every 1°C rise in temperature, informal workers’ earnings can fall by up to 19%, with income losses reaching up to 40% due to unbearable midday heat and reduced business. Simultaneously, medical expenses increase by around 14%—illustrating the devastating climate-health-economic nexus. The report mentions that street vendor’s daily earnings, once averaging Rs. 1000, now fluctuate between Rs 300-1200 due to climate disruption and market instability. 

    Workers across South Asia observed the International Workers’ Day, in a series of simultaneous events where they wrote messages about the impacts of extreme weather and their demands on sarees, a six-yard-long unstitched cloth draped by women in South Asia. The initiative, titled ‘Sarees for Solidarity’, carries messages of workers union leaders addressing the role of oil and gas corporations and their responsibility for the climate crisis which will be taken to the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP30), scheduled to be held in Balem, Brazil. 

    An event held today in New Delhi also marked the launch of the Workers’ Collective for Climate Justice – South Asia, which emerged as the key outcome of the discussions by worker groups and civil society organisations on growing threats to workers from extreme weather events, fuelled by the oil and gas industry. Participants included the Youth Organization for Democratic Development and Help in Action (YODDHA) and Joint Hawker Action Committee for street vendors, the Basti Suraksha Manch union for waste pickers, the Telengana Gig and Platform Workers Union, Amazon Workers’ Union,  domestic workers, construction workers and indoor-based factory workers. 

    “As temperatures rise, we must do the same. City infrastructure needs to match the adaptation needs of everyone. Vendors, who work outside through the heatwave, are in urgent need of cooling centers, shaded areas, water, and medical care to survive this heatwave season,” said Sandeep Verma of the Youth Organisation for Democratic and Help in Action (YODDHA). “In the scorching heat, Indian workers have nowhere to hide, while the oil executives fueling this crisis are safely seated in air conditioned offices. This injustice must end by applying the polluter pays principle to those responsible for the climate crisis we’re in.”

    “When the heat rises, it’s not the CEOs of oil and gas companies who suffer—it’s the informal workers out on the streets, with little infrastructure and safety net for adaptation. Our Ground Zero report shows just how devastating this is: income drops, health risks soar, and yet no one’s held accountable. That’s why we’re backing the Polluters Pay Pact, said Amruta S. Nair, Climate and Energy campaigner at Greenpeace India. “Governments must impose taxes on Big Oil, the proceeds of which should be redirected for inclusive adaptation measures for vulnerable communities. Climate justice must begin by protecting those who are least responsible for this crisis, but who pay the heaviest price every day.”

    ”As momentum builds up to make oil and gas corporations pay for a crisis fuelled by their emissions, the industry responds with attacks against those calling them out. Emblematic of this assault on free speech is a multi-millions US$ meritless lawsuit by U.S. company Energy Transfer against Greenpeace U.S. and Greenpeace International. The Polluters Pay Pact shows that while polluters engage in intimidation, the climate movement can’t be silenced. Greenpeace organisations worldwide are committed as ever to resist the corporate polluters and the billionaire takeover of democracy.

    Notes:

    Find more about the workers group and unions here

    [1] “Weather Status” – India Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences. https://internal.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/extended.pdf .  

    [2] “Climate change made the deadly heatwaves that hit millions of highly vulnerable people across Asia more frequent and extreme” – World Weather Attribution https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/climate-change-made-the-deadly-heatwaves-that-hit-millions-of-highly-vulnerable-people-across-asia-more-frequent-and-extreme/ 

    Contacts:

    Nibedita Saha,
    Media Officer, Greenpeace India  ,
    [email protected] 

    Tal Harris,
    Greenpeace International,
    Global Media Lead – Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign,
    +41-782530550,
    [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Resistance to mining grows in El Salvador as environmentalists’ face persecution

    Source: Council on Hemispheric Affairs –

    Update on El Salvador

    by CISPES

    First published January 31, 2025

    Despite a unanimous October ruling in their favor, five anti-mining activists from the community of Santa Marta will be back on trial on February 3. The retrial sets a dangerous precedent, allowing the Attorney General to move a case to a different jurisdiction through an appeal in search of a guilty verdict. It also comes amidst growing resistance to a December law opening the country to metals mining which reverses a historic national ban on mining passed in 2017.

    At a January 8 press conference, supporters of the Santa Marta 5, as well as leaders of the anti-mining struggle throughout the country, denounced increased harassment and suspicious activity related to mining in the districts of Santa Marta and nearby San Isidro. Since the January 2023 arrests, the organizations have maintained that the trial against the Santa Marta 5 is related to the reactivation of mining. “We have been saying that this case is intended to weaken or eliminate opposition to mining in Cabañas, which has proven to be true with the approval of the new law,” said the University of Central America’s Andrés McKinley.

    “The mask is off,” said Vidalina Morales, president of the Santa Marta Social and Economic Development Association (ADES), who have been warning about the government’s intent to overturn the mining ban for years.

    Morales warned that unknown vehicles have begun entering the community, which is close to a former mining operation. “Our peace of mind as residents of Santa Marta is constantly being threatened by the presence of people from outside our community interrupting our privacy.

    At night there is a lot of activity in our community and we want to denounce this publicly because we [also] experienced this situation prior to the capture of our comrades.”

    The increased activity in the community, according to Morales, has stoked fears that there could be additional criminalization of activists, which could take the shape of additional members of the community being added to the February trial. Other Santa Marta residents report that the Attorney General’s office is building a case against up to 40 additional Santa Marta community members, including Vidalina Morales.

    According to ADES spokesperson Alfredo Leiva, members of the San Isidro community have reported an increased military presence in the areas previously identified by mining interests. “They are sending us the message that it is no longer the companies that are going to protect these areas, but the state, through the army… So the message to the communities is that there may be more repression– not only through judicial processes but also through direct [violent] acts.”

    The new mining law requires the Salvadoran state to operate any new mines (likely through  public-private partnerships, which are permitted under the law), opening the door to further direct confrontation between communities defending their lands and a law enforcement apparatus that has seen its budget and personnel balloon under Nayib Bukele’s government. A State of Exception that eliminates civil liberties and further empowers the police and military has also been in place since March 2022. The State of Exception has been repeatedly used to militarize organized communities, including Santa Marta, and led to the detention of Morales’s son in 2023.

    Speaking at a January 15 press conference, ADES member Peter Nataren denounced the role of the United States in supplying equipment to the Salvadoran Armed Forces. “We, as a community, have privately asked U.S. authorities on multiple occasions to please stop equipping the Salvadoran military, for example, with helicopters and drones. At this point, our only option is to make that public because we know this has now become an issue of communities defending their land on one side and the military on the other.”

    “People are not going to let their land be taken away or their water polluted. So that is going to lead to violence and the current U.S. ambassador has been equipping the Salvadoran army, which he has been doing since he arrived,” Nataren continued.

    Nataren explained that U.S. mining companies Titan Resources Limited and Thorium Energy Alliance signed an agreement with the Salvadoran government. He called on U.S. organizations to pursue the details of the agreement under U.S. law, as it has been classified as confidential for five years in El Salvador.

    Resistance to the Mining Law Grows

    Following the initial wave of protests against the mining law in December, Salvadorans have taken to the streets in greater numbers to show their opposition to the measure. A January 12 march, convened by the Popular Rebellion and Resistance Bloc (BRP) in commemoration of the 1992 Peace Accords, highlighted the member-organizations’ opposition to the mining law. The march drew thousands of participants and ended with an impromptu rally at the steps of the National Library.

    On January 19, thousands more attended a rally, also held at the National Library, convened by a new group of young Salvadorans called the Voice of the Future Movement. While the crowd was largely made up of young people, including students from the University of El Salvador, a January 22 survey by the Francisco Gavidia University revealed that only 23.5% of all Salvadorans support the new mining law.

    Rally organizers, along with the Catholic Church and student organizations have been circulating a petition of Salvadorans who oppose the mining law, which has already gathered tens of thousands of signatures. The Catholic Church, as well as leaders in the Episcopal, Lutheran, and Baptist Churches, have been outspoken against mining, with San Salvador Archbishop José Luis Escobar Alas calling it “a life or death situation.”

    According to Alfredo Leiva, in the absence of a law prohibiting metals mining, the only option left is for communities to band together. “In such a small, densely populated, and deforested country, mining is akin to suicide. Therefore, if we want to continue living in this country, we need to organize ourselves creatively because the legal instrument that we had to prohibit mining no longer exists.”

    Original article: https://cispes.org/article/resistance-mining-grows-environmentalists%E2%80%99-trial-approaches

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Chile: Back to the Future

    Source: Council on Hemispheric Affairs –

    By Maximiliano Véjares

    Washington DC

    Chile’s recent local elections, in which moderate, traditional parties staged a comeback, offer a promising sign of political stability. Following five years of uncertainty marked by a social uprising in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic, and two unsuccessful attempts to rewrite the Pinochet-era constitution, the country appears to be approaching a turning point.

    Historically recognized as a model of democratic transition and economic progress, Chile’s recent challenges have cast significant doubt on its democratic resilience. However, the recent election outcome suggests that the period of uncertainty may be drawing to a close.

    The center-right Chile Vamos coalition demonstrated its strength by surpassing the far-right Republicanos in their competition for dominance in that sector. Simultaneously, the center-left Socialismo Democratico coalition increased its vote share vis-à-vis the more left-leaning Communist Party and Frente Amplio. Mayors, municipal and regional (states) councilmembers, and governors, are much more evenly distributed across the ideological spectrum than before the elections.

    Chilean Democracy Undergoes Dramatic Shifts Since 2019

    Since 2019, the country’s democracy has undergone dramatic shifts. That year, a widespread social uprising triggered the election of a constitutional assembly reflecting deep-seated demands for systemic change. In September 2022, however, the population decisively rejected a progressive constitutional draft, with 63% voting against it. Undeterred, political elites attempted a do-over, now with a reformed electoral system, hoping to elect a more balanced constitutional assembly. Despite these efforts, the strategy backfired. Republicanos secured a plurality of votes and the chance to veto decisions in the new assembly, resulting in a conservative draft. Ultimately, the latest proposal met the same fate as its predecessor, with 55% of Chileans rejecting the new constitutional project.

    Given these rapid political transformations, last November’s local election results offer a promising sign of renewed stability for Chile. Voters appear to have moved beyond the climate of uncertainty, shifting away from supporting outsider candidates who promised sweeping economic and social restructuring and instead gravitating towards more moderate, centrist political alternatives.

    Despite hurting citizens’ aspirations to rewrite the Pinochet-era constitution, the instability caused by years of institutional uncertainty is most likely over. Every significant coalition has agreed not to attempt new constitutional changes in the near future. The new political landscape indicates an emergent recalibration of Chile’s party system.

    Despite the good news, some fundamental challenges remain. Political parties and Congress continue to suffer from extremely low public trust, with recent polling indicating that only 8% and 4% trust these institutions, respectively. Moreover, an electoral reform implemented in 2015 that replaced the archaic Pinochet-era binomial system incentivizes politicians to act as individual political entrepreneurs rather than committed party-builders.

    The increasing personalization of politics has consequently made legislation and governance increasingly tricky. Recognizing this fragmentation, a cross-party group of senators has proposed a bill to raise the vote threshold required for an electoral list to enter Congress, with the explicit goal of reducing the number of parties in Congress. Improving the institutional design could help political elites enhance policymaking to face the country’s most pressing challenges: rising public safety concerns and a stagnating economy

    Chile’s political stability is critical not only for its citizens but also for the global energy landscape. As a significant contributor to the energy transition, the country commands an extensive share of the world’s lithium and copper reserves and production. With the United States and China seeking to develop resilient supply chains and invest in renewable energy infrastructure, Chile is positioned to play a pivotal role in the emerging geopolitical dynamics of critical mineral production and clean energy development.

    The Presidential Race Heats Up

    Together with more centrist incumbents at the local level, two issues will lurk behind the presidential and legislative elections of November 2025: economic stagnation and escalating public safety concerns. Evelyn Matthei, a right-wing moderate and the daughter of Fernando Matthei—a former military junta member—is the clear frontrunner. A recent poll shows that 22% of citizens would support her if the election were held this week, positioning her ahead of all left-leaning presidential hopefuls. The poll also indicates that Matthei would defeat every contender in a potential runoff, including the far-right Kast. On the contrary, the poll suggests every left-leaning candidate would lose against Matthei in a runoff. In the case Kast made it to a second round, he could be defeated by left leaning former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, should she have a change of heart and decide to run.

    Matthei faces two far-right challengers: José Antonio Kast and Johannes Kaiser. In the 2021 election, Kast beat Chile Vamos but was ultimately defeated by Gabriel Boric in the runoff. Kaiser, a polarizing far-right politician, left the Republicanos party in 2023. Current polling indicates Kaiser’s candidacy is gaining traction, with 8% of voters expressing potential support—a trajectory that suggests growing political momentum.

    It is unclear who the contenders on the left will be. Gabriel Boric’s government (2021-2025) is relatively unpopular, with an average approval rating of 30%. Such context makes it hard for many left-leaning political figures to dissociate from the government. Thus far, former president Michelle Bachelet is the only competitive candidate, although at this time she still loses against Matthei in the polls mentioned above. Recently, former President Bachelet indicated that she will not run for a third time.

    Lately, the coalitional dynamics within Chile’s left have shifted rapidly. The once-powerful Socialismo Democrático has lost support after endorsing the 2019 wave of demonstrations which, according to research conducted in 2024 by CADEM, are now viewed with disapproval by a majority of respondents. Meanwhile, the more progressive Frente Amplio has emerged as the dominant force among left-leaning parties.

    Looking ahead to the June 2025 primaries, two distinct scenarios could emerge if left-wing candidates gain momentum. Under Socialismo Democratico leadership, we would likely see a more market-oriented approach, leveraging their extensive governmental experience and networks of skilled technocrats. On the other hand, if a candidate from Frente Amplio or the communist party prevails, the presidential race would likely center on increasing state control over natural resources and expanding wealth redistribution programs.

    Although primary elections are not mandatory, it has become common for large coalitions to nominate their presidential candidates through this mechanism.

    Whatever happens next year, the institutional uncertainty stemming from the constitutional discussion has mostly dissipated. If political elites create a more balanced electoral system and find a way to jumpstart the economy, Chile may be back on track on the road to economic progress and democratic stability.

    Photo Credit: Universidad de Chile.

    Maximiliano Véjares holds a PhD. from Johns Hopkins and an MA from the University of Chicago. He is a senior research associate at Johns Hopkins University’s Net Zero Industrial Policy Lab and a nonresident fellow at American University in Washington, DC. His academic interests are the origins of political development, including democracy, state capacity, and the rule of law. Beyond His scholarly work, Maximiliano has broad professional experience in government and international organizations.

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AAIB publishes Annual Safety Review 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    AAIB publishes Annual Safety Review 2024

    The AAIB Annual Safety Review 2024 has been published. It includes information on occurrences and the safety action taken or planned in response to AAIB investigations concluded in 2024.

    The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has published its Annual Safety Review which provides an overview of occurrences notified to the AAIB in 2024 as well as the safety action taken or planned in response to AAIB investigations concluded in 2024.

    • The AAIB received 762 occurrence notifications (compared to 790 in 2023) and opened 20 field investigations. A further 57 investigations were opened by correspondence.
    • The AAIB provided support to 53 new overseas investigations where there was a UK interest.
    • There were 10 investigations into fatal accidents which involved 11 deaths. All involved General Aviation (eight light aircraft, two gliders).
    • In 2024, the AAIB published final reports on 36 field investigations and 65 correspondence investigations and 160 record only investigations.
    • The Branch made 20 Safety Recommendations and 103 significant Safety Actions were taken proactively by the industry in 2024 as a direct result of AAIB investigations.

    The Annual Safety Review also contains an article on the categorisation of events reported on by the AAIB in 2024, it highlights some of the safety themes emerging from investigations into passenger transport events, GA fatal accidents and UAS events reported to AAIB in 2024.

    Crispin Orr, Chief Inspector of Air Accidents said “Commercial aviation remains one of the safest forms of public transport, with global accident rates continuing their long-term decline. Nevertheless, major accidents in Japan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, and the Republic of Korea in 2024 serve as a sobering reminder that safety must never be taken for granted. Thorough investigations into accidents and serious incidents continue to be needed to uncover remaining vulnerabilities.”

    Further comments from the Chief Inspector of Air Accidents can be found in the report foreword.

    Read the Annual Safety Review.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Football Summit Monterrey Confirms Mexico’s Rise as Global Football Business Hub

    World Football Summit (WFS) (www.WorldFootballSummit.com) concluded its second Mexican edition yesterday in Monterrey, bringing together over 1,700 football industry leaders, executives, and pioneers from 40 countries to explore the extraordinary opportunities shaping the future of football in Latin America and North America. The summit’s timing was particularly significant, taking place exactly one year before the inauguration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    The two-day summit, held June 9-10 at Pabellón M, positioned Monterrey as a central hub for football business conversations in the Americas, particularly as the region prepares for the transformative impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

    Strategic Timing for Regional Transformation

    WFS Monterrey addressed the pivotal moment the football industry faces in the America’s, with the 2026 World Cup promising a $5 billion economic impact and unprecedented infrastructure development across the region. The summit explored how Mexico’s football industry, projected to reach $1.044 billion by 2029, can leverage this momentum alongside the booming Latin American sponsorship market valued at $745 million across Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, to name a few of its major markets.

    “Exactly one year before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, Monterrey has proven itself as the epicenter of the most important conversations about the future of football in the Americas,” said Jan Alessie, Co-Founder and Managing Director of World Football Summit. “The incredible response we received, with over 1,700 industry leaders from 40 countries participating, demonstrates that this event has become fundamental to understanding where the global football industry is heading. The decisions and partnerships forged here will directly influence how the sport develops across the region as we approach this historic World Cup.”

    World-Class Speaker Lineup Drives Strategic Discussions

    The summit featured an exceptional lineup of industry leaders, including:

    • Davor Šuker, Croatian football legend
    • Jurgen Mainka, Chief Tournament Officer Mexico, FWC26
    • Mauricio Culebro, President of TIGRES UANL
    • Pedro Esquivel, President at Club de Futbol Monterrey (Rayados)
    • Hector Gonzalez, Chief Operating Officer at Club América
    • Alejandro Hutt, Host City Manager at FWC26 Monterrey
    • Arturo Pérez, President at Toluca
    • Olek Loewenstein, Global President of Sports at Televisa Univision
    • Isabella Echeverri, Board Member at Common Goal USA
    • Iñigo Riestra, General Secretary at the Mexican Football Federation
    • Héctor Herrera, Mexican Football Player
    • Mariana Gutiérrez, President of Liga MX Femenil
    • Grace Ahrens, Executive Director, Women in Soccer
    • Fernando Palomo, Host at ESPN

    Furthermore, the support of the Mexican political ecosystem was made evident through the participation of top tier representatives, including:

    • Samuel García – Constitutional Governor of the State of Nuevo León
    • Rommel Pacheco – Minister of Sports of the Mexican Government
    • Melody Falcó – General Manager at Instituto Estatal de Cultura Física y Deporte
    • Martha Herrera – Secretary of Equality and Inclusion for Nuevo León
    • Maricarmen Martinez – Secretary of Tourism State of Nuevo León
    • Melissa Segura – Secretary of Culture State of Nuevo León

    Recognizing Regional Excellence Through WFS Honors

    A highlight of the summit was the WFS Honors ceremony, recognizing outstanding contributions to football development across six categories:

    • WFS Honor for Leading Women in Sport – Mariana Gutiérrez
    • Honor for Transformative Partnerships Shaping the Future of Sport – Club Tigres UANL & DC Comics
    • Honor for Local Grassroots Strategy to Develop Sport – Club de Fútbol Monterrey
    • Honor for Outstanding Leadership in Sport – Don Valentín Diez Morodo, Deportivo Toluca FC
    • Honor for Social & Community Impact Through Sport – Blue Women, Pink Men
    • WFS Honor for Legacy & Greatness  – Davor Šuker

    Strategic Partnerships and Regional Collaboration

    The event, co-organized with Soccer Media Solutions, showcased strong institutional and commercial support, with key participation from the Government of Nuevo León, FWC 26 Monterrey, Mexican Football Federation, UN Tourism, and LALIGA. Strategic commercial partners included OCV Monterrey (Monterrey Convention and Visitors Bureau), PM SHOP, Caliente MX, Codetur, and Senn Ferrero, with 25 companies exhibiting their products and services at the event.

    Building on Mexico’s Growing Football Business Ecosystem

    WFS Monterrey builds on the success of the inaugural Mexican edition held in Mexico City in June 2024, demonstrating the country’s rapidly expanding role in global football business. The summit addressed critical topics including private equity investment growth, women’s football development, local talent academy programs, fan engagement through technology and data analytics, and cross-border collaboration opportunities.

    Key Focus Areas Explored:

    • Maximizing the 2026 World Cup’s economic impact and infrastructure legacy
    • Private equity’s growing interest in Latin American football
    • Women’s football development and commercial potential
    • Multi-club ownership models and governance challenges
    • Broadcasting rights strategy in the digital age
    • Sustainable practices and long-term sport legacy
    • Technology integration and fan engagement innovation

    Looking Forward

    The success of WFS Monterrey reinforces Mexico’s position as a bridge between North and South American football markets, with Monterrey emerging as a key strategic location for industry development. The summit’s outcomes will contribute to shaping investment, development, and collaboration strategies across the Americas as the region prepares for its starring role in the 2026 World Cup.

    WFS continues its global expansion with upcoming events in Hong Kong (September 3-4), Madrid (October 15-16), and Riyadh (December 10-11), further cementing its position as the world’s premier football business platform.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Football Summit.

    Media Contact:
    Jaime Domínguez
    press@worldfootballsummit.com
    For more information: www.WorldFootballSummit.com

    About World Football Summit:
    World Football Summit is a leading international organization for the football industry. Through its platform, we organize events across four continents that bring together key stakeholders from the ecosystem, fostering business opportunities, collaboration, and innovation in the sector. Thousands of professionals representing companies and institutions from around the world actively engage with WFS.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 11th, 2025 Heinrich Statement on Senate Republicans’ Plan to Sell Off Public Lands and Raise Energy Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the Senate Republicans’ reconciliation bill text:

    “Senate Republicans think they can get away with taking a sledgehammer to our national public lands, killing thousands of American jobs, and jacking up families’ electricity costs without being held accountable. To hell with that.

    “Senate Republicans have finally said the quiet part out loud: They want to put millions of acres of our public lands up in a fire sale, destroy the investments that have created thousands of manufacturing and clean energy jobs – including in their home states, and obliterate programs that lower energy costs for everyday Americans. If Senate Republicans succeed, we all lose. Countless families lose their ticket to the middle class in the jobs killed and their hard-earned money to unnecessarily high utility bills. And we all lose access to public lands forever, jeopardizing our local economies and who we are as a nation. 

    “In the days ahead, you’ll hear a lot of excuses from Republicans trying to cover for what they’re doing. Do not believe it. This isn’t about building more housing or energy dominance. It’s about giving their billionaire buddies YOUR land and YOUR money.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Greater Bendigo’s Taco Trail turns up the heat as guest judges crown the winner

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    The City of Greater Bendigo’s vibrant destination program Fiesta Bendigo is in full swing with culinary experts crowning the best taco from three standout finalists in The Taco Trail.

    Inspired by Bendigo Art Gallery’s exclusive exhibition Frida Kahlo: In her own image, Fiesta Bendigo’s Taco Trail is a highlight of the visitor campaign involving 23 unique taco creations served across 22 local hospitality businesses. They are all Bendigo Tourism members.

    The finalists Percy and Percy, Mexican Kitchen, and The Dispensary Bar & Diner were shortlisted for the guest judges based on the popular votes so far (the winner from public votes will be announced on June 30 and votes are still open*).

    Two esteemed culinary experts Dani Valent, a freelance journalist for Gourmet Traveller and host of the Dirty Linen podcast, and Mexican cook Elvira McIntosh de Orozco, a specialist in traditional Nahuatl (Aztec) cuisine, were the guest judges. They crowned the winner after visiting the top three venues to determine the tastiest taco.

    Congratulations to The Dispensary Bar & Diner who won the judges over with its Xinjiang Lamb Taco. The winning taco wowed the judges with its bold, unexpected flavours and locally sourced ingredients for the dish – including locally made tortillas.

    Judge Elvira McIntosh de Orozco praised the dish’s originality.

    “I was quite surprised that the flavour just changes a little and it adds to the quality of it,” Elvira McIntosh de Orozco said.

    Dani Valent was equally impressed with the taco’s winning components.

    “The meat is so succulent. The Dispensary’s taco really seems to celebrate Australian multiculturalism. It has influences from all over, locally made which is very impressive, lamb shoulder – local lamb, spices, and gochujang. So, we are in northwestern China, we are in Korea, we are in Mexico, and we are definitely in Bendigo,” Dani Valent said.

    Finn Vedelsby said the win was fantastic.

    “We’re very excited, it’s been wonderful for Bendigo to be able to have so many tacos around and we’re honoured to win best taco in Bendigo. You beauty,” Finn Vedelsby said.

    City Acting Manager Economy & Experience Glenn Harvey said the Fiesta Bendigo program and the popular Taco Trail were inspired by Bendigo Art Gallery’s exclusive exhibition Frida Kahlo: In her own image, which is open until Sunday July 13.

    “The international exhibition is only open for one more month, closing Sunday July 13 so don’t miss the chance to explore this extraordinary exhibition of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo, and enjoy Mexican-inspired experiences as part of the Fiesta Bendigo program, including The Taco Trail,” Mr Harvey said

    “The public vote for Greater Bendigo’s most popular Taco remains open until June 30, with voters going into the draw to win a VIP weekend for two in Bendigo, valued at over $1,000 so I encourage you to explore the trail and vote for your favourite taco.”

    MIL OSI News

  • US begins uneasy FIFA World Cup countdown as Trump moves Marines to Los Angeles

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. cities hosting next year’s FIFA World Cup faced questions on Wednesday about how to reassure international fans concerned by President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and travel ban as the year-to-go countdown began.

    The United States, along with Canada and Mexico, is set to co-host the finals, which will feature 48 teams and a record 104 matches in a tournament that FIFA boss Gianni Infantino said would usher in a new generation of soccer fans.

    Celebrities and soccer stars were due to walk the red carpet at the Fox Studio Lot in Los Angeles – one of the host cities – for the year-to-go event there, a day after President Trump deployed Marines and the National Guard to quell protests.

    California Governor Gavin Newsom described the deployment as an “unmistakable step toward authoritarianism,” while Trump officials defended it and branded the protests as lawless, blaming local and state Democrats for permitting upheaval.

    Los Angeles is one of several host cities marking the year-to-go occasion.

    New York-New Jersey held a waterside party on Wednesday, where local officials and fans celebrated against the backdrop of Ellis Island.

    Asked about comments Vice President JD Vance made last month warning World Cup travellers not to overstay their welcome, New York-New Jersey host Committee CEO Alex Lasry said: “Our goal is to make sure everyone who comes to New York-New Jersey has an incredible time.”

    “Something that you have to kind of know, when you’re putting on mega sporting events … is the world is still going on. The world doesn’t stop for these sporting events,” said Lasry.

    “And you kind of have to go with the flow and make sure that you’re able to adapt.”

    Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch, said FIFA needed to work with the U.S. government to ensure the rights of competitors, support staff, fans and media were protected regardless of their identities or views.

    “FIFA should publicly acknowledge the threat US immigration and other anti-human rights policies pose to the tournament’s integrity … (and) should establish clear benchmarks and timelines for the US policy changes needed to ensure respect for immigrants’ rights during the 2026 World Cup and beyond,” she said.

    The Sport & Rights Alliance, a global coalition of non-governmental organisations that promotes human rights in sports, on Wednesday said that it had identified “areas where government policies in the 2026 host countries, particularly the United States under President Donald Trump, pose significant and immediate risks to the human rights of immigrants.”

    Special Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields told Reuters: “President Trump is proud to have secured our great country as one of the hosts for the 2026 World Cup, and he is eager to welcome fans from across the globe to celebrate America and this great pastime.”

    “The Trump Administration will work diligently to facilitate the entry of law-abiding and applicable fans, ensure that all attendees are properly vetted and that these are the most secure and historic games,” said Fields.

    U.S. Democratic leaders, meanwhile,raised concerns over a national crisis on Tuesday as Trump moved U.S. Marines into Los Angeles to tackle civilian protests over his immigration policies.

    “There are certainly things that are happening at the national level, the international level, there are going to be geopolitical issues that we don’t even know right now that are going to affect the tournament,” Meg Kane, a host city executive for Philadelphia told reporters at a Paley Center event on Monday.

    “So we recognise that we’re planning within uncertainty.”

    FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    INFANTINO CONFIDENT

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino said last month after meeting Trump that he was confident the world would be welcomed in for the 2026 World Cup and this year’s Club World Cup, which runs from June 14 to July 13.

    But the task of reassuring international fans was complicated by a travel ban that went into effect on Monday, cracking down on what Trump called “foreign terrorists”.

    Of the 12 countries facing travel bans, Iran is the only one that has qualified for the 2026 tournament so far. Tehran said on Saturday that the ban showed “deep hostility” toward Iranians and Muslims.

    European fans, supporter groups and former players contacted by Reuters said it was too early for anyone to be thinking about revising schedules or reevaluating plans for attending the World Cup.

    Alina Hudak, the Miami host committee president and CEO, told Reuters she had been in touch with the local consular corps to address their concerns and to offer support.

    “My responsibility is to make sure that we’re ready, that we’re safe, that we’re coordinating logistically with all of our law enforcement agencies, that we’ve done everything we can to ensure that our mass transit system is ready and can handle the volume,” said Hudak.

    “And so for me, you know, what’s happening outside of that is something that we’re monitoring, but not something that, quite frankly, I have an impact (on).”

    REUTERS

  • MIL-OSI China: Real Madrid announce squad for Club World Cup

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

    New Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has named a 34-player squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

    Alonso has included several players recovering from injury, such as Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rudiger and Eduardo Camavinga.

    Kylian Mbappe (R) of Real Madrid vies with Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off second leg football match between Real Madrid and Manchester City in Madrid, Spain, on Feb. 19, 2025. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

    The former Bayer Leverkusen manager has also called up new signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, along with 10 players from the club’s B-team.

    Real Madrid also announced that Alexander-Arnold will be officially presented to the press on Thursday at the club’s Valdebebas training ground.

    The team is set to fly to the U.S. on Thursday. Real Madrid opens the tournament against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal on June 18 in Miami, followed by matches against Mexico’s Pachuca on June 22 and Austria’s RB Salzburg on June 27.

    Full Squad:

    Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Fran Gonzalez, Sergio Mestre.

    Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lucas Vazquez, Fran Garcia, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, Dean Huijsen, Youssef, Jacobo, Raul Asencio, Fortea, Diego Aguado.

    Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde, Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Dani Ceballos, Chema, Victor Munoz, Mario Martin.

    Forwards: Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, Endrick, Brahim Diaz, Gonzalo.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI: Griffin Global Asset Management Announces the Delivery of Six Boeing 737 MAX 9 Aircraft to United Airlines

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBLIN, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Griffin Global Asset Management (“Griffin”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into long-term lease agreements for six new Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft to United Airlines. The aircraft delivered over the course of April and May 2025.

    “We are thrilled to partner with United and welcome them as a new customer. These six new technology Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft are key to United’s fleet plan and we look forward to building on our long-term partnership with the United team in the years ahead,” said Eric Hild, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Griffin Global Asset Management.

    “We are pleased to work with Griffin on this transaction, as we grow our Boeing MAX 9 fleet in accordance with our United Next plan. They provide increased gauge, a great customer experience and will contribute to higher margins,” said Mike Leskinen, Chief Financial Officer of United Airlines. 

    This transaction is consistent with United’s fleet plan and aircraft delivery expectations as outlined in its 1Q25 investor update on April 15th, 2025.

    About Griffin Global Asset Management

    Griffin is a commercial aviation leasing and alternative asset management business with offices in Dublin, Ireland, Puerto Rico, and Los Angeles, CA. Griffin’s team of professionals works closely with airlines, manufacturers, maintenance providers, and financiers to deliver innovative capital solutions globally.

    For more information visit www.griffingam.ie or www.griffingam.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Brown leads 21 states opposing Trump’s military deployment in California

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE – Attorney General Nick Brown today filed an amicus brief with leaders from 21 states supporting California’s request for a court order blocking the president’s unlawful federalization and deployment of that state’s National Guard.

    “The president is escalating events in Los Angeles not to prevent violence, but to stoke fear and division,” Brown said. “It’s a deliberate enticement to chaos. It’s unlawful, it’s undemocratic, and Washington state would act swiftly to protect our residents if the president did the same here.”

    The amicus brief outlines how Trump’s action is wholly inconsistent with our nation’s founding principle that freedom depends on the subordination of the military to civilian authority.

    “By calling forth troops when there is no invasion to repel, no rebellion to suppress, and when state and local law enforcement is fully able to execute the laws, the President flouts the vision of our Founders, undermines the rule of law, and sets a chilling precedent that puts the constitutional rights of Americans in every state at risk,” the brief reads.

    The president’s memo federalizing the Guard does not restrict these actions to just Los Angeles, California, or any specific U.S. region. Instead, it is an unlimited claim of presidential authority to deploy the National Guards of any state for the next 60 days. The states have an interest in standing up against this unnecessary and legally unjustified military call-up.

    The states also have an interest in ensuring their National Guards are available to perform the essential services they provide the states on an ongoing basis. They provide critical services responding to natural disasters, counter-drug operations, and cybersecurity support, among other daily contributions to public safety. This unlawful federalization pulls volunteer service members away from performing vital services, and states are not in a position to replace them.

    The president’s unlawful and unconstitutional use of the military has exacerbated safety issues and threatened constitutionally protected activity under the First Amendment. Every state has an interest in protecting their residents from these threats.

    The brief is led by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings. Others joining are the state attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly also joined the brief.

    Document: Amicus Brief 

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties.

    Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI China: American trio into quarterfinals at Queens Club

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

    American trio Emma Navarro, Amanda Anisimova and Madison Keys all advanced in the women’s singles round of 16 at the Queen’s Club Championships on Wednesday.

    Third seed Navarro came from a set down to defeat Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia 1-6, 7-6(4), 6-4.

    The world No. 10 struggled to find her rhythm in the opening set and faced a match point in the grueling second, but the former Wimbledon quarterfinalist gradually raised her level and sealed the win in 2 hours and 47 minutes.

    Navarro will face fellow American Anisimova in the quarterfinals after the world No. 15 outplayed British wild card Sonay Kartal 6-1, 6-3.

    Australian Open champion Keys overcame a shaky start to defeat Russian qualifier Anastasia Zakharova 6-3, 6-2.

    Keys admitted she had trouble early on. “Once I did, I feel like I played really well,” the second seed said during her on-court interview.

    Meanwhile, sixth seed Karolina Muchova was knocked out of the WTA 500 event in west London by German qualifier Tatjana Maria, 6-7(3), 7-5, 6-1.

    China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen will face American McCartney Kessler in the second round on Thursday.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Spotlight Forum, Cortez Masto Highlights Struggles Small Businesses Face Due to Trump Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

     ***VIDEO AVAILABLE***

    FTPs for TV stations is available here.

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) hosted a Spotlight Forum titled “Costs, Chaos, Corruption: The Household Impact of Trump’s Tariffs” to examine how President Trump’s tariff policies fuel economic instability, raise costs on working families, and harm the travel and tourism sector. During the forum, Cortez Masto asked small business owners to describe the impacts of the tariffs on their individual businesses.

    Senator Cortez Masto highlighted the concerns she has heard while traveling across Nevada – the effects on tourism, the rising costs for families, and the squeeze that small businesses across the state are feeling. 

    “Let me ask you, because I think…some of this is also getting lost, not only the additional costs that you are incurring because of these tariffs [but] the additional opportunities,” she said to Preston Martin, CEO of Bicycle Technologies International who was planning to open a 29,000 square foot warehouse in Reno and had to cancel the contract because of additional costs brought on by tariffs. “What we also are missing out on here are the jobs that are created, the opportunity to put people to work. Mr. Martin, if you were able to open that warehouse in Reno, how many people would you have employed in Nevada?” she asked.

    Martin confirmed in his response that he would have been able to increase his workforce in Nevada by 50 percent.

    “Our policies should be congressionally-driven in the sense that we want to grow this economy and create jobs,” the Senator continued. “And the policies are just the opposite…People want a good life. They want less stress. They want to be able to work. They want a good economy. They want everybody to thrive. And that’s where our policies should be, but this [trade] policy is not there.”

    Senator Cortez Masto has continued to push the Trump Administration to address the impacts of Trump’s tariffs on working families and Nevada small businesses. Last week, Cortez Masto led the Nevada delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to reverse his blanket tariffs that have had harmful impacts on Nevada. During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Cortez Masto pressed U.S. Trade Representative Greer about the impacts of President Trump’s blanket tariffs on Nevadans, particularly those employed in the tourism and hospitality industry. The Senator introduced the Tariff Transparency Act to require the U.S. International Trade Commission to publicly investigate how Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada will impact the American people.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 11th, 2025 Heinrich Highlights Harmful Impact of DOGE Cuts to the Department of the Interior, Slams President Trump’s Interior Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — In his opening statement, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member on the U.S. Energy and Natural Resources Committee, grilled the U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum over the Trump Administration’s budget request for the Department of the Interior, which will further gut the Department already reeling from chaos and mismanagement by the “Department of Government Efficiency,” or DOGE.

    VIDEO: Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) delivers opening remarks on the Department of Interior’s Fiscal 2026 budget request before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, June 11, 2025.

    “Mr. Secretary, when you were going through the confirmation process, I believed that you would be a responsible steward of our public lands, conservative, of course, but responsible. And with your experience in the private sector and as a governor, I believed that you could rein in the sometimes reckless tendencies of DOGE, at least within the Department of Interior,” said Heinrich in his opening statement. “We’re never going to agree on everything, but I thought we could agree that our public lands are the greatest heritage of our nation, and we have a responsibility to hand them down to the next generation, well-stewarded.

    Heinrich continued, “This budget request will not resource your department to responsibly steward our lands and waters. The proposal for the Interior Department operations next year includes a 30 percent cut across programs. It’s no exaggeration to say that this would cripple the Department as we know it.”

    A video of Heinrich’s opening remarks is here.

    A transcript of Heinrich’s remarks as delivered is below:

    We are here today to talk about the budget proposal of a department that is, quite frankly, not resourced to meet its mission.

    Parks are cutting hours and services for visitors. Ranger tours are cancelled. Toilets are overflowing and trashcans sit unemptied.

    Permits are languishing on empty desks. Energy projects are delayed or cancelled.

    Contracts slowly wind their way through a byzantine bureaucracy that was invented overnight.

    The senior leadership positions at the department are mostly vacant.

    Roughly 100 park superintendent positions are vacant. Five of the seven regional director positions for the National Park Service sit empty.

    At the Bureau of Land Management, about a third of senior leadership positions are vacant, including both deputy directors and the director position itself.

    And the front-line staff is in no better shape.

    After promising to hire 7,700 seasonal employees to serve Americans visiting their national parks this summer, the Park Service has managed, at least according to public reports, to hire only half that. Memorial Day is gone. The 4th of July just around the corner.

    And all of this has occurred before this budget request is put place.

    Mr. Secretary, when you were going through the confirmation process, I believed that you would be a responsible steward of our public lands, conservative, of course, but responsible. And with your experience in the private sector and as a governor, I believed that you could rein in the sometimes reckless tendencies of DOGE, at least within the Department of Interior.

    We’re never going to agree on everything, but I thought we could agree that our public lands are the greatest heritage of our nation, and we have a responsibility to hand them down to the next generation, well-stewarded.

    This budget request will not resource your department to responsibly steward our lands and waters.

    The proposal for the Interior Department operations next year includes a 30 percent cut across programs.

    It’s no exaggeration to say that this would cripple the department as we know it.

    The cut to the Park Service is paid for by getting rid of most park system units.

    The National Park System would have to lose more than 350 of its 433 units to swallow that kind of a proposed cut.

    And yet, the Department has still not told us which units those might be.

    Any hope for a speedier permitting system from the BLM is gone, with a proposed 35 percent cut to that agency.

    Anyone who needs a recreation permit, a right-of-way, or a grazing lease will be left waiting. That is not efficiency.

    The 35 percent cut to the Bureau of Reclamation puts critical water infrastructure at risk of failing to safely deliver water to farmers, fish, and people.

    The proposal completely eliminates the WaterSMART program that provides resources to local, often rural communities and water users to conserve water and to make efficiency improvements to their water infrastructure, thereby reducing conflicts over this scarce resource.

    The nearly 40 percent cut to the U.S. Geological Survey would kneecap the scientific research we need to understand how our natural world is changing in the face of a changing climate

    And the major reduction to the Natural Hazards program would leave communities more vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanos, and landslides.

    The proposal also completely eliminates the biological resources program at USGS, which could mean abandoning bird flu monitoring, closing the most advanced wildlife disease lab in the United States, and discontinuing research efforts for climate adaptation.

    The USGS migratory bird research also directly informs the Fish and Wildlife Service’s bag limits for migratory bird hunting seasons. Eliminating this research would hobble the management of migratory bird hunting seasons.

    One of the seven pillars of the North American model of wildlife conservation, the foundation of wildlife management in the United States, is scientific management. We cannot manage wildlife without wildlife science.

    The budget proposal also overturns the bipartisan work of this committee in 2020 to pass the Great American Outdoors Act signed into law by this president.

    Instead of supporting reauthorization of this great accomplishment, this budget robs the Land and Water Conservation Fund in order to pay for deferred maintenance projects.

    And lastly, but most importantly, this budget request, if implemented, would cause irreparable harm to Indian Country.

    With 30-plus percent cuts to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education, this budget represents a dereliction of every treaty obligation this country has to tribes and their members.

    This proposal even cuts the BIA’s Public Safety account, belying any claim that this administration might try to make that it cares for the safety of people of Indian Country.

    Mr. Secretary, you promised to prioritize the needs of Indian country in your time leading this department, but this budget simply doesn’t give you the resources to be able to effectively accomplish that.

    I think we need to do better, which I say out of respect for you and our shared values.

    It is often said a president’s budget requests that they’re “dead on arrival” on Capitol Hill.

    For the sake of the shared landscapes that we hold in trust for our grandchildren. I hope that’s the case for this budget.

    I yield back my time.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 11th, 2025 Heinrich: ‘Republicans are going to own increased energy prices’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Democrats are going to make increasing energy prices an issue for Republicans in the next election cycles, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee ranking member Martin Heinrich said Tuesday.

    President Donald Trump promised to bring down energy prices during his campaign, but congressional Republicans are threatening to cut incentives for renewable energy and battery projects. The lack of new electricity generation projects plus rising demand from AI data centers and greater volumes of natural gas for export threaten to increase electricity bills for U.S. consumers, the New Mexico Democrat said during the POLITICO Energy Summit.

    “We’re in a constrained supply environment and an increased demand environment,” Heinrich said. “People’s electricity bills all over the country are going to go up. What I can guarantee you is in the next election and the election after that Republicans are going to own increased energy prices.”

    Natural gas prices could rise 25 percent next year as LNG exports rise faster than drillers can produce the resource, Bank of America analysts wrote. And tech companies are building data centers that consume huge amounts of electricity.

    Republicans are trying to rescind government support for new solar and wind power projects in their reconciliation bill. Meanwhile, power plants fed by nuclear energy and natural gas can take years to build.

    “If you’re not building renewables and storage over the next five years, you’re only artificially increasing the cost of electricity everywhere,” Heinrich said. “I don’t think consumers are going to stand for that. There’s going to be an enormous political price to pay for that. People will see it and feel it in their electricity bills.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: United in art as Mexico meets Bendigo in a striking new exhibition

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    A new Artists on View exhibition will offer the local community and visiting art lovers a glimpse into contemporary Mexican artists in a group show of eclectic styles and contrasting approaches.

    United Artists of Mexico and Bendigo (Artistas Unidos de México y Bendigo) showcases works by contemporary Mexican artists paired with new works from local artists.

    Inspired by Bendigo Art Gallery’s exclusive exhibition, Frida Kahlo: In her own image, this exhibition explores how the works of Mexican artists reflect the theme of identity, nationality and the legacy left behind by Frida Kahlo.

    A variety of Bendigo artists were then invited to creatively respond to the visual and thematic elements, making for a unique cultural exchange and experience.

    Mexican artists exhibiting include Deniol Alva, Jose-Octavio Ortiz, Ulises Reséndiz, and Lizette Vieyra.

    Bendigo artists range from those who have never exhibited to those well established in the central Victoria art community, and include Bodes, Salena Cummins, Chris Duffy, Sharon Greenaway, Amanda Peluso, Sally Poltrock, Avery Montgomery Reid, Molly Rule, Aimé Sacrez, Ivan Sun, Claire Tennant, Kristine Von Hilderbrandt and David Waters.

    Exhibition curator Ivan Sun said the exhibition was a wonderful mix of works that reflect perspectives and preoccupations of Mexico today.

    “It’s very moving how the Mexican artists convey the legacy left behind by Frida Kahlo. As curator, I invited local artists to creatively respond to the Mexican artists’ visual elements and themes, creating a unique cultural exchange and experience,” Mr Sun said.

    “Contemporary works include paintings, photography, video, sculpture, fashion and textile design pieces that celebrate her creative legacy.

    “By joining Mexican artists with local creatives, we invite all exhibiting to extend their creative range, form new connections and celebrate culture.”

    Bendigo Venues & Events Manager Julie Amos said the installation is the perfect accompaniment to the blockbuster Bendigo Art Gallery exhibition.

    “Frida Kahlo is one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, and her work still resonates worldwide today,” Ms Amos said.

    “Just like Frida, this Artists on View exhibition is vibrant, colourful and challenges our thinking and interpretation of contemporary artworks.

    “It’s a terrific blend of international and local talent, highlighting Mexican culture, and I encourage the community to visit Dudley House and explore the works on display.”

    United Artists of Mexico and Bendigo (Artistas Unidos de México y Bendigo) is free to attend and open daily from June 12 to June 23, 11am to 6pm at Dudley House, 60 View Street, Bendigo.

    Community members are also invited to an exhibition launch on Saturday June 14, from 1pm to 3pm.

    The launch will include a traditional Huipils display from different Mexican regions, dancing and fashion modelling from Mexbourne Dance Troupe, mariachi singer Sergio Garcia, piñata smashing, a runway set by Bendigo designer of stage and film Kristine Von Hilderbrandt, food and refreshments organised by Tlatoani Australia.

    The United Artists of Mexico and Bendigo (Artistas Unidos de México y Bendigo) exhibition is supported by the City of Greater Bendigo’s Artists on View program. It is also part of Fiesta Bendigo, the City’s marketing destination program to complement the gallery’s Frida Kahlo exhibition and entice visitors to the region with attractions and experiences.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Public country-by-country (CBC) reporting

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    WARNING!

    Public CBC reporting and country-by-country (CBC) reporting are different measures. For information about CBC reporting, go to Country-by-country reporting

    What is Public CBC reporting

    Public country-by-country (CBC) reporting is a regime (the regime) that requires certain large multinational enterprises to publish selected tax information to the public. This information must be reported either on a CBC basis or on an aggregated basis. Under the regime, the parent entity generally has the reporting obligation, rather than the Australian subsidiary (Public CBC reporting parent).

    The regime applies for reporting periods starting from 1 July 2024. For a Public CBC reporting parent with a reporting period end of 30 June, this will be from 1 July 2024. Reports are due within 12 months of the end of the reporting period.

    If a Public CBC reporting parent has a reporting period that does not end on 30 June, the regime will first apply from the start of the relevant period that occurs after 1 July 2024. For example, if a Public CBC reporting parent’s reporting period is from 1 April to 31 March, the regime will first apply for its reporting period starting 1 April 2025, with the first report due before 31 March 2027.

    The Public CBC reporting parent publishes their Public CBC report by providing selected tax information to the ATO in the approved form. We then facilitate the publication of the information on an Australian Government website.

    Public CBC reporting provides information to the public and enables better assessment of whether an entity’s economic presence in a jurisdiction aligns with the amount of tax they pay in that jurisdiction.

    Public CBC reporting requires disclosures about:

    • the revenues, profits and income taxes of the global group
    • the activities of the global group
    • an entity’s international related party dealings.

    Note: Public CBC reporting and country-by-country (CbC) reporting are different measures. For information about CBC reporting, go to Country-by-country reporting.

    Who is required to report

    An entity must report for a reporting period if all of the following apply:

    • it is a CBC reporting parent for the preceding period
    • it is an entity of the type specified
    • it satisfies the requirements for that reporting period.

    An entity is of the specified type if it is any one of the following:

    • constitutional corporation
    • trust, provided each of the trustees is a constitutional corporation
    • partnership, provided each of the partners is a constitutional corporation.

    ‘Constitutional corporation’ means a foreign corporation (one not formed within Australia), or a trading or financial corporation formed within the limits of the Commonwealth.

    An entity satisfies the requirements for a reporting period if all of the following apply:

    • it was a CBC reporting parent for a period that includes the whole or a part of the preceding reporting period
    • it was a member of a CBC reporting group at any time during the reporting period
    • at any point during the reporting period, it, or a member of its CBC reporting group, was an Australian resident or a foreign resident operating an Australian permanent establishment
    • $10 million or more of its aggregated turnover for the reporting period was Australian-sourced
    • it was not an exempt entity or included in a class of exempt entities.

    An entity is a CBC reporting parent for a reporting period if all of the following apply:

    • it is not an individual
    • if it is a member of a CBC reporting group at the end of the period; it is not controlled by any other member of the CBC reporting group at the end of the period
    • its annual global income for the period is $1 billion or more.

    Registration by Public CBC reporting parents

    Registration by Public CBC reporting parents allows for more efficient processing and helps to simplify the process of:

    • giving the Public CBC report to the ATO
    • requesting an extension of time to provide the Public CBC report
    • requesting an exemption from reporting obligations for a reporting period.

    The registration process doesn’t differentiate between resident and non-resident Public CBC reporting parents. A non-resident Public CBC reporting parent without an ATO reference number (ARN) will be automatically issued with an ARN as part of this registration process.

    Registration is also beneficial as it enables a Public CBC reporting parent entity to provide authorisation for representatives to act on its behalf. This includes having representatives satisfy its obligations, such as lodging the Public CBC report or applying for a Public CBC reporting exemption. Representatives can include:

    • designated officers or employees of the CBC reporting parent
    • an authorised representative of the Australian subsidiary
    • an adviser
    • other nominated person.

    The Public CBC registration form is in a fillable portable document format (PDF), and lodgment is via email. Upon lodgment, we will send an email acknowledging receipt.

    To get the form, see Public country-by-country (CBC) registration form (NAT 75645). You can also read the Instructions to complete Public country-by-country registration.

    Public CBC reporting obligations

    The reporting obligation is on the Public CBC reporting parent (whether located overseas or in Australia) to report selected tax information to us.

    An Australian subsidiary of a foreign entity generally does not have any reporting obligation of its own for a reporting period. An exception to that general principle is if a foreign entity does not include the Australian subsidiary in its group’s consolidated accounts, and the Australia subsidiary qualifies as a Public CBC parent entity in its own right.

    The Public CBC reporting parent entity must give the Public CBC report electronically in the approved form to the ATO within 12 months after the end of the relevant reporting period.

    An update to correct any material errors must be given to us within 28 days of the Public CBC reporting parent identifying or otherwise becoming aware of that error.

    Penalties apply for non-compliance.

    What is jurisdictional reporting

    For Australia and specified jurisdictions determined by the Minister, particular information must be published on a CBC basis.

    For operations in other jurisdictions, the Public CBC reporting parent has the choice to publish information on either a CBC basis or an aggregated basis.

    Specified jurisdictions list

    The Minister’s determination of jurisdictions for Public CBC reporting is provided by legislative instrument. The specified jurisdictions are outlined in the Taxation Administration (Country by Country Reporting Jurisdictions) Determination 2024External Link.

    Specified jurisdictions

    Specified jurisdictions that have a comprehensive international tax agreement with Australia:

    • Singapore
    • Switzerland.

    Other specified jurisdictions

    Other specified jurisdictions:

    • Andorra
    • Anguilla
    • Antigua and Barbuda
    • Aruba
    • Barbados
    • Bahamas
    • Bahrain
    • Belize
    • Bermuda
    • British Virgin Islands
    • Cayman Islands
    • Cook Islands
    • Curacao
    • Dominica
    • Gibraltar
    • Grenada
    • Guernsey
    • Hong Kong
    • Isle of Man
    • Jersey
    • Liberia
    • Mauritius
    • Monaco
    • Montserrat
    • Nauru
    • Niue
    • Panama
    • Republic of the Marshall Islands
    • Saint Kitts and Nevis
    • Saint Lucia
    • Saint Maarten (Dutch Part)
    • Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Samoa
    • San Marino
    • Seychelles
    • Turks and Caicos Islands
    • US Virgin Islands
    • Vanuatu.

    Public CBC information to be reported

    The Public CBC reporting parent is required to publish the following information:

    • its own legal name
    • the names of each entity in the CBC reporting group
    • a description of the CBC reporting group’s approach to tax
    • information about Australia and specified jurisdictions, on a CBC basis
    • information about its other jurisdictions, either on a CBC or aggregated basis.

    Information required to be reported

    If the Public CBC reporting parent chooses to report on a CBC basis for all jurisdictions in which the group operates, it doesn’t need to publish any information on an aggregated basis.

    However, if the Public CBC reporting parent only publishes information on a CBC basis for Australia and the specified jurisdictions, it must publish information for all other jurisdictions on an aggregated basis.

    Australia and specified jurisdictions

    The Public CBC reporting parent is required to report the following information for Australia and specified jurisdictions:

    • name of the jurisdiction
    • description of main business activities
    • number of employees (on a full-time equivalent basis) at the end of the reporting period
    • revenue from unrelated parties
    • revenue from related parties that are not tax residents of the jurisdiction
    • profit or loss before income tax
    • book value at the end of the reporting period of tangible assets, other than cash and cash equivalents
    • income tax paid (on a cash basis)
    • income tax accrued (current year)
    • reasons for the difference between income tax accrued (current year) and the amount of income tax due if the income tax rate applicable to the jurisdiction were applied to profit and loss before income tax
    • currency used in calculating and presenting the above information.

    Other jurisdictions (aggregated information)

    The Public CBC reporting parent is required to report the following information on an aggregated basis for all other jurisdictions in which the group operates:

    • description of main business activities in those jurisdictions
    • number of employees (on a full-time equivalent basis) at the end of the reporting period
    • revenue from unrelated parties
    • revenue from related parties that are not tax residents of the jurisdiction in which that revenue is being derived
    • profit or loss before income tax
    • book value at the end of the reporting period of tangible assets, other than cash and cash equivalents
    • income tax paid (on a cash basis)
    • income tax accrued (current year)
    • the currency used in calculating and presenting the above information.

    Guidance

    The information required to be reported has been adopted from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 207: Tax 2019 (GRI 207) reporting standard. The GRI 207 may be used as a source of guidance in interpretating the publishing requirements. Greater detail on the interpretation of terms is contained in the BEPS Action 13 Guidance and OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines.

    For further detail, see:

    Publishing the information

    The Public CBC reporting parent is required to publish the information on an Australian Government website by giving the information in the approved form to the ATO. The approved form is in XML Schema format, and lodgment is via email. Upon lodgment, we will send an email acknowledging receipt.

    Instructions on the approved form are currently under development and will be available in the second half of 2025.

    The ATO’s role

    We will facilitate the publication of the reported information as soon as practicable on the Australian Government website.

    The first publication is expected to be released in late 2026.

    Extension of time to provide the Public CBC report

    The Public CBC report is due within 12 months after the end of the relevant reporting period. For example, for the reporting period ending 30 June 2025, the Public CBC report is due by 30 June 2026.

    A Public CBC reporting parent may apply to the ATO for an extension of time to provide the Public CBC report. The Public CBC reporting parent can submit their request for deferral to us via email.

    Correcting errors

    If a Public CBC reporting parent becomes aware of a material error in any of the published information, they must rectify the error by providing the corrected information to the ATO. The entity must provide the corrected Public CBC report in its entirety to us by email.

    A correction of a material error is required within 28 days after the entity becomes aware of the error. For example, we will consider an entity aware of a material error once its accountant or tax manager realises the error and prepares an amendment to the entity’s income tax return, necessitating an amendment to its Public CBC report.

    For a non-material error, the entity may choose to rectify the error by providing the corrected Public CBC report in its entirety to us by email.

    If a material or non-material error is rectified by the Public CBC reporting parent, we will publish the corrected information on the Australian Government website as soon as practicable. 

    Penalties apply for non-compliance.

    Exemptions to Public CBC reporting

    The purpose of the Public CBC reporting regime is to enhance tax transparency. However, a Public CBC reporting parent may seek an exemption from reporting obligations from the ATO. We have the discretion, for a single reporting period, to grant an entity a:

    • full exemption
    • partial exemption specifying that it is exempt from publishing information of a particular kind.

    Guidance on how we will administer the exemption will be made available in mid-2025. For updates, see [4148] Public country-by-country reporting transparency measure and exemption discretions.

    Government-related entities

    Government-related entities may be relieved from the Public CBC reporting regime.

    The following are government-related entities:

    • a department of the State of the Commonwealth
    • a Department of the Australian Parliament established under the Parliamentary Services Act 1999
    • an executive agency or statutory agency, within the meaning of the Public Service Act 1999
    • department of state of a state or territory
    • an organisation that satisfies all of the following
      • is either established by the Commonwealth, a state or territory (whether under a law or not) to carry on an enterprise or established for a public purpose by an Australian law
      • can be separately identified by reference to the nature of the activities carried on through the organisation or the location of the organisation
    • a local government body established by or under a state or territory law.

    A government-related entity that is a CBC reporting entity can be relieved from the regime for one or more reporting periods by written notice from the ATO.

    We will provide further guidance for government-related entities in late 2025.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Danone Mexico’s advertisements drive wellness and lifestyle integration for consumers, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Danone Mexico’s advertisements drive wellness and lifestyle integration for consumers, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    Danone Mexico’s YouTube advertising campaigns from June 2024 to May 2025 focused on promoting health, streamlining utility, and fostering community engagement across its dairy and nutritional product lines. The advertisements depict daily family scenarios and highlight offerings with natural ingredients and reduced sugar to connect with health-aware consumers. The campaigns also emphasize children’s nutrition and well-being, aligning these offerings with healthy lifestyle initiatives. Furthermore, by highlighting functional benefits like digestion support, these products are presented as essential components of a balanced daily routine, reveals Global Ads Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Sagar Kishor, Ads Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Danone’s advertising strategy targets a range of consumer preferences by emphasizing health-oriented products, such as Danone Free. Additionally, it highlights convenience through offerings like Licuado Danone Avena Quaker and Danone Greek yogurt. Additionally, Danone Kids yogurt supports family nutrition, while the campaigns incorporate social impact initiatives, reflecting evolving consumer values and a commitment to community well-being.”

    Below are the key focus areas of Danone Mexico’s advertisements revealed by GlobalData’s Global Ads Platform:

    Ingredient Authenticity: Danone’s advertising campaigns highlight the use of natural fruit and other wholesome ingredients, such as Quaker Oats. This emphasis on visual and descriptive elements is designed to appeal to consumers who prioritize minimally processed options, thereby building trust through transparent communication about ingredients.

    Health & Lifestyle: The campaigns emphasize the inherent nutritional benefits of its product range, targeting consumers who prioritize well-being. Products such as Danone Deslactosado and Danone Free are highlighted not only for their health attributes but also as convenient and time-efficient options, underscoring their seamless integration into the busy daily routines of individuals and families.

    Family Welfare: Danone’s advertising strategy emphasizes the provision of nourishing choices that address family needs, particularly children. Ads for Danone Kids yogurt, for instance, reference the brand’s long-standing contribution to children’s essential nutrient intake, aligning with healthy eating habits and supporting comprehensive development across different life stages.

    Social Impact: Danone incorporates its commitment to social impact within its brand communication. The “Cuando eliges Danone, también eliges ayudar” campaign, prominently featuring products like Danone Free, directly links consumer purchases to supporting children’s cancer treatment. This strategy appeals to consumers’ desire to contribute to philanthropic causes, aiming to reinforce brand affinity through shared social values.

    MIL OSI Economics