Source: United Nations secretary general
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Secretary-General and the President discussed issues of mutual concern, including the Middle East, particularly the war in Gaza, as well as the situation in Lebanon and Yemen. The Secretary-General highlighted the pressing need for regional de-escalation and Iran’s important role in the realization of that objective.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy
September 23, 2024
NEW YORK–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Monday released the following statement after meeting with Foreign Minister of Lebanon Abdallah Bou Habib.
“This is a critical moment where the focus on the region and world must be on de-escalating the deepening conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. I spoke with Foreign Minister Bou Habib today and we exchanged views on how the United States, Lebanon and Israel can take steps to avoid the devastating consequences of a larger conflict breaking out in the Middle East. We had a candid, serious discussion about the importance of de-escalation in the immediate term, but also the need to establish a plan for the day after in Gaza and a credible path forward for a Palestinian state.”
Source: China State Council Information Office
This photo shows the smoke from Israeli airstrikes in Khiam, Lebanon, on Sept. 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
The death toll from the largest Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon since the onset of the Israel-Palestine conflict has risen to 492, with injuries reported at 1,645, the Lebanese Health Ministry said on Monday night.
The death toll from the Israeli airstrikes included 35 children and 58 women, with many victims still unidentified, according to Lebanese health officials.
Israel’s sweeping airstrikes across Lebanon have raised the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah to a new peak. This latest surge in hostilities comes on the heels of last week’s explosions targeting pagers and walkie-talkies throughout Lebanon, which left dozens dead and a nation on edge.
The rapid succession of events has catapulted the long-simmering tensions to unprecedented levels, raising fears of a broader regional conflagration.
Herzi Halevi, Israel’s military chief, announced on Monday evening that the country was preparing for “the next phases” of its military operation, as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) targeted approximately 1,100 sites in southern and eastern Lebanon.
“This morning, the IDF launched a proactive offensive operation,” Halevi said during a situational assessment at the IDF Headquarters Underground Operations Center in Tel Aviv.
“We are targeting combat infrastructure that Hezbollah has been building for the past 20 years,” Halevi noted, adding, “We are striking targets and preparing for the next phases.”
Also on Monday, Israeli airstrikes in Beirut targeted Ali Karki, a senior Hezbollah commander, who was called by Israeli media the “last deputy” of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Hezbollah later said he was “in full health and has moved to a safe place.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was acting to change the “security balance” in the north. He also issued a stark warning to Nasrallah during a security assessment meeting on Monday, stating that “everyone is in the crosshairs.”
The strikes have caused widespread destruction and displacement in Lebanon, with residents fleeing from cities such as Tyre, Nabatieh, and Iqlim al-Tuffah towards Beirut and Mount Lebanon.
Syrian media reported a significant movement of people fleeing from Lebanon into Syria at the Syrian-Lebanese border. Jordan’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission announced that it has suspended flights of Jordanian airlines to Beirut until further notice, citing increasing regional tensions and the need to ensure safety and security in civil aviation.
In response to the Israeli attacks, Hezbollah fired over 180 rockets toward northern Israel throughout Monday, the Israeli military reported. Israel’s aerial defense systems intercepted some projectiles, while others fell within Israeli territory, causing fires. The Magen David Adom rescue service reported that five people were injured by shrapnel.
Hezbollah said in a statement that it had bombed several Israeli military targets, including the reserve headquarters of the Israeli army’s northern corps and Rafael’s military-industrial complexes north of Haifa, “with dozens of missiles.”
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant urged the public to remain calm in anticipation of potential escalated attacks by Hezbollah in the coming days. “These are days in which the Israeli public will have to show composure,” he noted in a video statement.
The Israeli Defense Ministry also announced a “special” security situation across the entire country on Monday night, amid concerns that Hezbollah might broaden the range of its retaliatory attacks.
The attacks have prompted condemnations from both regional and international communities.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the Israeli attacks, describing them as “a war of extermination” during a cabinet meeting. He called on the United Nations and the international community to “stand up and deter aggression.”
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the Israeli attacks, describing them as a “flagrant violation of international law” and a threat to regional stability driven by the “far-right goals of the Israeli government.”
Egypt on Monday condemned Israel’s attacks on Lebanon, warning that its military escalation will only aggravate the crisis.
In a statement, the Egyptian foreign ministry urged international powers and the UN Security Council to intervene to stop Israel’s escalation in the region.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani warned of the serious consequences of Israel’s “bids to expand the conflict in the entire West Asia region,” while the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that the attacks “mark a new phase in Israel’s efforts to drag the entire region into chaos.”
The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Monday issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing military actions in Lebanon. It said the Israeli actions “would not be possible without the protection and complicity provided by the United States, which shields Israel from accountability under international law.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed “grave alarm” over the escalating tensions in the region and voiced serious concern for the safety of civilians, including UN personnel. He urged immediate de-escalation and a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announced in a presidential decree the formation of a new government on Monday, the Syrian state news agency SANA reported on Monday.
The reshuffle included key ministries, namely the ministries of information, foreign affairs, economy, finance, industry, health, and electricity.
Bassam al-Sabbagh, former deputy foreign minister, replaced Faisal Mekdad to be the foreign minister. In another decree, Mekdad was appointed as vice president, tasked with implementing foreign and media policy under the president’s directives.
Ziad Ghossoun, former director general of the Al-Wahda Printing and Publishing Organization, one of the largest print media publishers in Syria, was named the new information minister.
The new government formation follows a decree issued by al-Assad on Saturday, in which he named former Communications Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali as the new prime minister and tasked him with forming the government after July’s parliamentary elections.
Jalali, 55, has been under the European Union’s sanctions since October 2014.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
Prime Minister of the State of Palestine Mohammad Mustafa (on rostrum), also Palestine’s minister of foreign affairs, addresses the UN Summit of the Future at the UN headquarters in New York, Sept. 23, 2024. [UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua]
The prime minister of the State of Palestine on Monday condemned Israel’s “genocidal war” in Gaza at a meeting of the United Nations (UN), pleading for urgent action by the international community to stop the aggression.
“As I speak before you, our people in Gaza are enduring one of the darkest chapters in modern history,” Mohammad Mustafa, also Palestine’s minister of foreign affairs, said when addressing the UN Summit of the Future.
“For nearly a year now, Israel’s genocidal war has caused unprecedented loss and suffering and humanitarian catastrophe,” Mustafa said, referring to Israel’s war effort in the Gaza Strip in the wake of the attack on Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.
“All of this, perpetrated in breach of the Charter and international law, threatens the future of the Palestinian people,” Mustafa said, adding that “the international community must act urgently to stop this Israeli aggression on our people and bring an end to its illegal occupation, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.”
Mustafa went on to praise the people of war-torn Palestine for their “remarkable resilience” shown in the face of ongoing atrocities, which the Health Ministry in Gaza said resulted in the loss of at least 41,455 lives as of Monday.
“As proven in the past, Palestine can achieve economic growth and sustainable development,” Mustafa said, calling on UN member states to “remain faithful to the principles” of the Summit of the Future “by restoring hope to future generations, including the Palestinian people who must not be left behind.”
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
Anti-Jewish Hate Crimes Increased By Nearly 63 Percent, Reaching Highest Level In Decades
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and James Lankford (R-OK), and Representatives Kathy Manning (NC-06) and Chris Smith (NJ-04), co-chairs of the Senate and House Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism, respectively, released the following statement in response to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) 2023 Hate Crime Statistics Report. The FBI data shows anti-Jewish hate crimes increased in 2023 by nearly 63 percent from 2022, which is the highest number recorded in almost three decades.
“We are deeply alarmed by the dramatic increase in hate crimes targeting Jewish Americans over the past year, as noted in the FBI’s 2023 Hate Crimes Statistics Report,” said the members. “With antisemitism skyrocketing across the United States following Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attack on Israel, a whole-of-government approach is needed to protect Jewish communities from violence and hate.”
Anti-Jewish hate crimes rose from 1,122 to 1,832 incidents from 2022 to 2023. According to the FBI, a total of 16,009 law enforcement agencies, which represent 95.2 percent of the agencies enrolled in the hate crime data collection program, participated in hate crimes reporting for 2023.
They continued: “As the co-chairs of the House and Senate Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism, we remain steadfast in our commitment to root out the scourge of antisemitism. We’ll continue working across party lines to ensure the federal government keeps Jewish Americans safe from discrimination.”
Jewish Americans make up around two percent of the U.S. population, yet antisemitic hate crimes accounted for 15.4 percent of all hate crimes reported by the FBI. Anti-Jewish incidents comprised a little over two-thirds of all religion-based hate crimes.
As co-chair of the Senate Bipartisan Taskforce for Countering Antisemitism, Senator Rosen has been leading the fight against rising antisemitism. Senator Rosen, along with the co-chairs of the Senate and House Bipartisan Task Forces, introduced a bipartisan bill to take historic action to counter antisemitism in the United States by establishing a first-ever National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism. In May, Senators Rosen and Lankford sent a bipartisan letter urging the Department of Education to designate a senior official to oversee efforts to combat antisemitism on college campuses. They also called on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee to hold a full hearing on rising antisemitism on college campuses.
Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
Israel has begun the wholesale slaughter of Lebanese civilians in a war model based on the genocide in Gaza and PSNA is calling on the government to condemn the killing.
Over the past few days at least 492 people, including 35 children, have been killed and 1,645 wounded in Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
This is the latest of Israel’s highly-inflammatory actions to provoke a wider Middle East War which include:
“Israel is an out-of-control rogue state which is pushing hard for an all-out war with Iran” says PSNA National Chair John Minto. “Our government must condemn the killings and demand accountability for Israel’s reckless provocations”
“Christopher Luxon claims the government wants all parties to refrain from actions that would escalate Israel’s war on Gaza into a wider Middle East war. Israel is actively fanning the flames of war and Mr Luxon must call this out on behalf of Aotearoa New Zealand”
“The problem in the Middle East has always been Israel’s colonisation of Palestine over 76 years, driving Palestinians off their land before stealing the land”
In the meantime Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is driving for a wider war to avoid the collapse of his far-right government and his looming trial on bribery and corruption charges.”
John Minto
National Chair
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
On September 18, as part of an internship in the Republic of Turkey, Russian specialists visited the city of Kocaeli.
The business program started at Kocaeli University Technopark. The Russian delegation was welcomed by Deputy Director General Omer Ozer. He introduced the activities of the Technopark aimed at promoting the spread of skilled employment, the production of technological products with high added value based on the comprehensive implementation of import substitution and innovation. Omer Ozer spoke about close cooperation with the Kocaeli and Gebze Chambers of Industry and Commerce and the GOBS Technopark, and emphasized that the Technopark is the center of digital transformation and innovation in the region. Russian businessmen presented the activities of their enterprises and discussed issues of interest to them with their Turkish colleagues.
The next stop was one of the largest ports in Turkey – Poliport. The delegation was received by Poliport CEO Selcuk Denizhan. He noted that the port is not only Turkish, but also one of the largest and most important ports in the European Union with geographical proximity to the industrial zone, where 45% of Turkey’s GDP is generated. The port is the country’s only independent terminal for storing chemicals and one of the few terminals for storing liquids. Russian specialists were given the opportunity to get acquainted with the technologies for handling cargo of various purposes, with the Poliport warehouse sector, as well as with the specifics of managing port infrastructure.
The business program continued with a networking conference at the Kocaeli Chamber of Industry, whose Secretary General Mehmet Barış Turabi presented the region’s activities in his report, emphasizing that Kocaeli has 14 organized industrial zones, 2 free economic zones, 5 technology parks, 2 national research centers and 2 technology transfer offices. The networking conference ended with a B2B meeting, where Russian and Turkish specialists discussed possible areas of cooperation and exchanged contacts for further interaction.
The final part of the internship of Russian specialists in the Republic of Turkey took place on September 19-20 in the city of Istanbul.
On September 19, a meeting was held at Istanbul Kent University with the Consul General of the Russian Federation Andrey Buravov, the head of the branch of the Trade Mission of Russia in Turkey in Istanbul Vera Borisova, the representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia in Turkey Vladimir Emmer, the head of the Russian export center in Turkey Timur Safin, as well as representatives of Istanbul legal, consulting, financial and transport companies. The key topic of the event was the practical experience of doing business in Turkey. The current state of foreign trade relations between Russia and Turkey, promising export directions, the peculiarities of local buyers’ perception of Russian products, as well as issues of certification, logistics and mutual settlements were discussed.
The next meeting in the format of a networking conference was held at the Independent Association of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Istanbul (MUSIAD), which specializes in technology, research and development, innovation and knowledge. The meeting was also attended by members of the ASKON association. The conference ended with an exchange of opinions, establishment of business contacts and B2B meetings with Turkish entrepreneurs.
Next, Russian specialists visited specialized enterprises: the mechanical engineering company Haffner Makina, one of the world leaders in the production of manual and automatic machines for processing PVC and aluminum profiles, and the logistics company Ata Freight, specializing in innovative solutions for managing freight transportation.
On September 20, the Director of the Federal Resource Center, Alexey Bunkin, joined the internship. The Russian delegation met with the leadership and members of the Turkish-Russian Business Council (TRBC) of the Foreign Economic Relations Council under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Turkey, where a round table was held on the development of cooperation between Russia and Turkey in the current conditions. The meeting was opened by the Vice President of TRBC, Handan Eren, and Alexey Bunkin also gave a speech. A presentation of the project portfolio of Russian specialists and a discussion platform took place, where Russian and Turkish entrepreneurs considered possible areas and prospects for cooperation, and exchanged contacts for further interaction.
The next event of the program was a visit to the Bagcilar District Administration of Istanbul, where a networking session was held with representatives of the administration and Turkish businessmen. The Bagcilar District is one of the most important trade and production centers in Turkey. The session was opened with a welcoming speech by the head of the district administration Abdullah Ozdemir and the director of the Federal Resource Center Alexey Bunkin. Russian and Turkish specialists presented their companies, shared their experiences and established business contacts.
An equally important business meeting was held at the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. The Russian delegation led by Alexey Bunkin was received by the Vice President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Mehmet Develioglu. The meeting was held in the format of an open discussion, during which businessmen discussed issues of development and expansion of trade, creation of new markets, existing problems of development of the business world and measures to eliminate them.
On September 21, the day of completion of the internship of Russian specialists in the Republic of Turkey, the director of the Federal Resource Center held a briefing during which the results were summed up, the achieved results were presented, and the prospects for the development of subsequent similar projects were discussed. The participants of the program were also awarded certificates of advanced training from the State University of Management in the programs “General Economic Cooperation and Trade” and “Economic Cooperation in Industry”.
The results of the intensive practice-oriented internship of Russian specialists in the territory of the Republic of Turkey were acquaintance with successful examples of entrepreneurship, establishment of contacts both with representatives of Turkish business and with Russian representative bodies that ensure the state interests of Russia in the sphere of foreign economic activity in Turkey.
Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 09.24.2024
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Russian specialists complete internship in the Turkish Republic
[embedded content]
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andre Carson (7th District of INDIANA)
WASHINGTON, DC—Representative André Carson (IN-07) has introduced H.R. 9649, the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 with Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09). This bill will end the congressionally and administratively mandated pause on funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA).
The United States has historically been one of the largest financial supporters of UNRWA, which serves nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees across the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. In March of this year, the U.S. paused UNRWA funding after the Israeli government alleged that 12 agency employees had direct involvement in Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack.
Following the UN’s investigation and proactive commitments made by UNRWA toward complete accountability and reform, all countries except the U.S. have resumed their UNRWA funding, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, and Sweden. Approximately 1.9 million people – 9 in 10 Gazans – have been displaced at least once, and an estimated 43,580 are pregnant women. UNRWA has served as the primary humanitarian aid organization operating in Gaza, and without funding, hundreds of thousands of Gaza civilians are left vulnerable. It is estimated that over 1 million Gazans will not have enough food this month, and availability of basic hygiene items has dropped to 15%. In addition to a polio outbreak, Gazans are suffering from malnutrition and treatable diseases due to “systematic dismantling of healthcare”from bombardments on civilians.
“The scale of this devastating, man-made crisis in Gaza cannot be overstated,” said Congressman Carson. “Providing humanitarian aid to a starving nation – with funding Congress has appropriated year after year – should not be controversial. I urge my colleagues who care about basic human rights, the rights of pregnant women, and the wellbeing of innocent children to join our bill. UNRWA has taken appropriate and proactive steps towards accountability and transparency, conducting multiple independent reviews that continue to prove the organization is both in compliance and imperative to provide the region with lifesaving assistance. It’s past time we restore funding and save lives.”
“UNRWA has played a unique and integral role in supporting the welfare of Palestinian refugees for decades. Their on-the-ground understanding is invaluable to ensure that humanitarian aid makes it to the people who need it most — in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and critically in this moment in Gaza,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “There is no question in my mind that revoking funding for UNRWA will lead to more devastation and loss of life in Gaza. We must ensure that those acting in good faith to save civilian lives are not undermined by a lack of US funding.”
“For decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has been a lifeline for Palestinians, providing food, clean water, healthcare, shelter, education, and livelihoods. Today, UNRWA remains the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza as it endures ongoing war and a dire humanitarian crisis. UNRWA and the United Nations have taken swift and decisive actions to address the concerns raised by the U.S. government when it paused funding in January and our allies have all resumed funding for UNRWA. The U.S. must follow suit and resume funding for this critical humanitarian agency,” said Congresswoman Schakowsky. “I am proud to co-lead the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act to restore funding to UNRWA and help Gazans get the humanitarian assistance they need at a time of unprecedented crisis.”
“J Street is proud to be supporting the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 introduced by Representatives Carson, Jayapal, and Schakowsky. We should restore funding, as all our major allies have, and stop playing politics with Palestinian welfare and Israel’s security,” said J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami. “As UNRWA’s largest donor and Israel’s key security guarantor, the United States has a special obligation to address this crisis.”
“Gaza isn’t starving. It’s being starved,” said Hassan El-Tayyab, legislative director for Middle East policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation. “Over two million Palestinian civilians are enduring a man-made humanitarian catastrophe, with famine and disease spreading due to blocked aid access. Meanwhile, the Biden administration and Congress continue to withhold all U.S. funding for the largest aid operation in Gaza—the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA is the backbone of aid delivery in Gaza, ensuring that millions receive desperately needed assistance. Blocking U.S. funding for UNRWA’s critical work is a cruel and unjustified decision that only deepens Gaza’s humanitarian suffering. Congress and the Administration must act swiftly to correct this wrong by supporting the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act and restoring this urgently needed aid.”
“Restoring funding to UNRWA is a humanitarian imperative,” said Sharif Aly, President of the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP). “For over six decades, the United States has been one of the strongest supporters of UNRWA, which provides lifesaving aid and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. Those services are desperately needed in Gaza right now, and UNRWA is the only organization with the capacity and expertise necessary to provide them at scale. The United States must uphold its commitment to the human rights of the Palestinian people and pass this legislation to reinstate funding to the humanitarian agency immediately. Failing to do so would lead to further human suffering.”
“In restoring funding for food, water, shelter, and medical care for Palestine refugees, the UNRWA Restoration Act honors this most basic and inalienable truth — that the people of Palestine are human beings, just like all of us, and all lives are sacred, not just some,” said Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director UNRWA USA.
“UNRWA is indispensable to providing Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria with the education, healthcare, and other critical services that are key to successful, productive livelihoods and citizenry, and a future of peace and prosperity, which should be in everyone’s interests. We support full restoration of funding to UNRWA,” said Sean Carroll, President and CEO of Anera.
“We express our gratitude to Representatives André Carson, Pramila Jayapal, and Jan Schakowsky for introducing the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024,” said James Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute. “This lifesaving legislation aims to restore critical U.S. financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) by repealing previous funding restrictions and encouraging the Secretary of State to lift the temporary pause on federal funding. UNRWA plays a vital role in providing essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. The ongoing genocide in Gaza has resulted in increased displacement, starvation, and death. It is both inhumane and unconscionable to continue withholding financial support from UNRWA. We recognize that the majority of Americans are horrified by the death and destruction they witness daily in Gaza and the West Bank. UNRWA’s humanitarian aid and services often mean the difference between life and death for these vulnerable populations. Restoring U.S. funding to UNRWA is urgent, just, and the only morally responsible option. We urge lawmakers to prioritize the passage of this crucial legislation and ensure that UNRWA can continue to provide life-saving assistance to Palestinian refugees in the region.”
The UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 has been endorsed by the following organizations as of 9/19/24:
| 18 Million Rising |
| Action Against Hunger |
| Action Corps |
| ActionAid USA |
| AFSC, American Friends Service Committee |
| American Baptist Churches USA |
| American Friends of Combatants for Peace |
| American Friends Service Committee |
| American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) |
| Americans for Justice in Palestine Action |
| Americans for Peace Now |
| Anera |
| Avaaz |
| Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) |
| Carolina Peace Center |
| Center for American Progress |
| Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) |
| Center for Constitutional Rights |
| Center for Gender & Refugee Studies |
| Center for International Policy |
| Center for Jewish Nonviolence |
| Center for Security, Race and Rights |
| Center for Victims of Torture |
| Charity&Security Network |
| Christian Aid |
| Church World Service |
| Climate Refugees |
| Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) |
| CODEPINK |
| CommonDefense.us |
| Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, U.S. Provinces |
| Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) |
| Danish Refugee Council |
| DAWN |
| Demand Progress |
| Doctors Against Genocide |
| Emgage Action |
| FCNL |
| Foreign Policy for America |
| Friends of Sabeel North America |
| Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ |
| Health Advocacy International |
| Hindus for Human Rights |
| Historians for Peace and Democrcy |
| Human Rights First |
| Human Rights First |
| Humanity & Inclusion |
| IfNotNow Movement |
| International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN) |
| International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) |
| International Rescue Committee |
| Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) |
| J Street |
| Jewish Voice for Peace Action |
| KinderUSA |
| MADRE |
| Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns |
| Middle East Children’s Alliance |
| Middle East Democracy Center (MEDC) |
| Migrant Roots Media |
| MoveOn |
| MPower Change Action Fund |
| Muslim Advocates |
| National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd |
| National Council of Churches |
| National Iranian American Council Action |
| National Partnership for New Americans |
| Nonviolent Peaceforce |
| Norwegian Peoples aid |
| Norwegian Refugee Council USA |
| Oxfam |
| Partners for Progressive Israel |
| Pax Christi USA |
| Peace Action |
| People’s Action |
| Presbyterian Church (USA), Office of Public Witness |
| Progressive Democrats of America |
| Project HOPE |
| Project South |
| Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft |
| Rebuilding Alliance |
| Refugee Congress |
| Refugees International |
| ReThinking Foreign Policy |
| RootsAction.org |
| Save the Children US |
| Save the Children US |
| Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – Justice Team |
| Terre des hommes – Lausanne |
| The Episcopal Church |
| The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP) |
| The United Church of Christ |
| UNRWA USA National Committee |
| US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action (USCPR Action) |
| Veterans For Peace, Chapter #63 (Albuquerque) |
| War Child Alliance |
| We Are All America (WAAA) |
| Welcoming America |
| Win Without War |
| Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, US |
| Working Families Party |
| Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation |
| ACCESS of WNY |
| Al Otro Lado (CA and Tijuana) |
| Atlanta Multifaith Coalition for Palestine |
| CAIR-Ohio |
| Christian Jewish Allies for a Just Peace in Israel/Palestine |
| Church Women United in New York State |
| Council on American-Islamic Relations, New York chapter (CAIR-NY) |
| Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, Washington DC |
| Jewish Voice for Peace Albuquerque |
| Minnesota Peace Project |
| Muslim Justice League (MA) |
| New York Progressive Action Network |
| Oasis Legal Services (CA) |
| OnceAForest.org (NM) |
| Peace Action WI |
| Peace, Justice, Sustainability NOW! |
| Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ) Bay Area |
| Veterans For Peace – Santa Fe NM Chapter |
| Muslims United PAC (MUPAC) |
MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University – From September 15 to 20, Astana hosted the 48th ICPC World Finals, a world championship in competitive programming. 142 teams from more than 111 countries took part in the competition, selected from 72,000 participants representing 103 countries and more than 3,000 universities. The International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) is an international student programming contest founded in the 1970s in the United States. The first international ICPC was held in 1977 in the United States, at the University of Michigan. Since then, the competition has been held annually in various countries, such as the United States, Russia, the Netherlands, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Japan, Sweden, Poland, Thailand, Morocco, Egypt, Bangladesh, and Portugal. The NSU team includes students Faculty of Information Technology: Sofia Lylova (4th year), Anton Mokrousov (2nd year postgraduate student), Artem Plyusnin (master’s graduate). The team solved six problems, sharing 20-50 places with such leading universities as ITMO, HSE, Stanford University, University of Cambridge and others. – The problem set turned out to be very interesting and balanced, our team solved six problems, and the winner of the championship only nine. Of all the problems, there was one that no team solved. As in previous years, the level of teams at the world championship is very high, it cannot be otherwise – the best university teams qualify. There is a lot of pressure – to compete with the strongest, especially with those who have already won medals in previous seasons of the championship. Our team took a long time to get to the world championship final and trained a lot. For example, the guys have repeatedly participated in training camps in Petrozavodsk, where the best teams of our region practice, and at the end of August they went there for in-person participation, – said Vladimir Isachenko, coach of the NSU team in sports programming, senior lecturer of the Department of Informatics Systems of the NSU FIT. In the final table, Peking University took first place, and MIPT took second place. MIPT’s team in algorithmic programming Yolki-Palki became the only one from Russia to climb the ICPC podium. MIPT overtook their strongest rivals from the University of Massachusetts and Xinhua University.
Saint Petersburg University took 22nd place, HSE University — 29th, ITMO University — 36th, MAI — 43rd, NSU — 45th, Saint Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design — 92nd, and Skoltech — 102nd. — Despite the successful performance of the NSU team, we know that we still have room to grow and develop, our goal is to prepare better and win medals. According to the rules, Artem and Anton can no longer participate in ICPC competitions, they will join the coaching staff and help prepare the teams. And Sofia can still participate, so she will prepare for next year with a different team, — concluded Vladimir Isachenko.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
http://vvv.nsu.ru/n/media/nevs/education/team-nsu-successfully-performed-at-the-world-championship-in-sports-programming-ispc-world-final/
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Oslo, 24 September 2024 – DNO ASA, the Norwegian oil and gas operator, today announced completion of a second well delineating the play-opening 2023 Heisenberg oil and gas discovery in Norwegian North Sea license PL827SB. Encountering a six-meter oil-filled Eocene sandstone reservoir, the well confirmed the Heisenberg volume estimate of 24 to 56 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe) with mean of 37 MMboe.
The license partnership, which in addition to DNO Norge AS (49 percent) includes operator Equinor Energy AS, is studying a tieback of Heisenberg to nearby infrastructure, potentially jointly coordinated with the development of other recent discoveries in this highly prolific area surrounding the Troll and Gjøa production hubs. DNO has a strong area position.
Earlier this year, Cuvette (DNO 20 percent) marked DNO’s eighth discovery in the area since 2021, following Røver Nord, Kveikje, Ofelia, Røver Sør, Heisenberg, Carmen and Kyrre. Discoveries in the Troll-Gjøa area make up the largest share of DNO’s net contingent resources in the North Sea, which stood at 132 million barrels of oil equivalent at yearend 2023.
DNO continues to be one of the most active explorers in the North Sea. Last week, the Company commenced drilling operations at Falstaff (DNO 50 percent and operator) while Ringand (DNO 20 percent) is expected to be drilled later this fall. In early September, DNO submitted one of the largest applications in the Company’s history for the upcoming APA 2024 licensing round, with awards expected during the first quarter of 2025.
The Angel exploration prospect, which was the main target of the license PL827SB well, was found to be mainly water wet although the well encountered non-commercial volumes of gas.
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For further information, please contact:
Media: media@dno.no
Investors: investor.relations@dno.no
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DNO ASA is a Norwegian oil and gas operator active in the Middle East, the North Sea and West Africa. Founded in 1971 and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, the Company holds stakes in onshore and offshore licenses at various stages of exploration, development and production in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Norway, the United Kingdom, Côte d’Ivoire, Netherlands and Yemen.
This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
David Lammy calls for responsible global leadership in UK national statement.
Mr President, I stand here as a man of multiple identities.
A Londoner. A patriotic Brit. A lawyer.
Proud of my African, Guyanese, Caribbean and Indian heritage.
A committed multilateralist, who believes in the importance of the United Nations.
I agree with my great predecessor, Ernie Bevin, when he said in 1945:
“Our eyes should be fixed upon the United Nations… All nations of the world should be united to look that way.”
The purposes and principles of the UN remain as indispensable today as in Bevin’s time.
Our task is to recapture that founding spirit so that when we reach the UN’s centenary, their legacy endures.
But we cannot ignore the challenges we face. More conflicts than at any time since 1945, costing the global economy over 900 billion dollars, and creating the most refugees and displaced people on record.
Geopolitical tensions arising. Progress against the Sustainable Development Goals stalling. Trust in multilateralism faltering.
The Pact for the Future and this Summit offer a chance for Member States to show responsible global leadership, to engage with the rapid changes of our age, and go further in meeting the needs of everyone – especially the most vulnerable.
As I know all too well, countries of the Global South suffered great injustices in the past. And I have heard repeatedly how frustrated partners are by the unfairness of the global system.
We cannot ignore these frustrations. We must act.
First, as the Secretary-General has said, we need greater collective efforts to prevent and end conflict. For Britain, that means upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty, urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and supporting an end to the fighting in Sudan.
It means robustly challenging Member States who violate the Charter, rejecting a world in which might makes right.
It means a more representative Security Council.
It means supporting the international rule of law, and applying it equally and fairly which is why Britain has proposed the outstanding Professor Dapo Akande for election as a judge at the International Court of Justice.
Second, we need urgent action on the climate and nature crisis.
With this new Government, Britain is renewing our ambitions at home, aiming to deliver clean power by 2030.
And I am determined that we also reconnect abroad, building a Global Clean Power Alliance, championing creativity and reforms to unlock international climate and nature finance, particularly from the private sector, and bolstering efforts to protect at least thirty per cent of the planet’s land and ocean by 2030.
Third, countries like Britain must modernise our approach to development.
This Government believes partnership, not paternalism, is the way to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals.
Making best use of technology and innovation. Putting indigenous people and local communities, including women and girls, at the centre of decision-making on development programmes.
Driving faster reform of the global financial system to strengthen the voice of the most vulnerable and tackle unsustainable debt.
Friends, action on conflict, climate and poverty. Delivered by a reformed multilateral system. This is the path to peace and prosperity on a liveable planet.
All over the world, in every war zone, every refugee camp, the UN is there. A beacon of hope and humanity to which, as Bevin said, the gaze of all nations should turn.
This Summit must direct the world’s eyes towards that beacon once again. And Britain is proud to support it.
Thank you.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)
Headline: Newhouse Introduces Resolution to Honor Gold Star Families
Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) led 44 members in introducing the Gold Star Families Remembrance Week Resolution to honor the sacrifices made by families of U.S. military servicemembers who lost their lives in service to the nation. It designates September 22 – 28, 2024 as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week.
“Our service members and their families have made great sacrifices in service to their country, and it is important that they are not forgotten,” said Rep. Newhouse.
Newhouse continues, “By designating September 22-28 as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, we recognize the extraordinary courage and resilience of our Gold Star Families and reflect on those we have lost. These families bear an unimaginable burden—enduring the loss of their loved ones who gave their lives in service to our nation—and we have a responsibility to ensure their memory is preserved.”
The following are quotes of support from Gold Star Family members:
“I am very pleased that Congress is choosing to recognize Gold Star Families Remembrance Week. Every Memorial Day, we honor our warriors who gave their lives in defense of America. We should also honor the families of those fallen warriors, who stood behind them as they served, suffered the pain of their loss, then picked up the pieces and carried on. I’m a Gold Star son who lost my father in Vietnam. Life has taught me three truths. Grief fades. Love never dies. Courage shines on forever.” – Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Hank Cramer, Washington, Gold Star Son of Captain Harry Griffith Cramer Jr. (U.S. Army Special Forces), who was Killed in Action in 1957 in Vietnam.
“I was just a year old when my father was declared Missing in Action in December 1945 in Germany. I have no memory of him but would like to honor his legacy by sharing his story with others who want to know the experiences of Gold Star families.” – Karen Oberg, California, Gold Star Daughter of Pvt. Worrell F. Oberg (Army) who was Killed in Action on December 22, 1945, and whose remains have yet to be recovered.
“My brother had just turned one and I was two and a half when our father was killed. As we got older, we often wondered what kind of man he was. In a letter to his sister just before he was killed, dad wrote that he had been wounded and had to build up his courage to go back in combat because he had seen so much death and destruction. From that letter, and in that moment, we knew our dad was a hero and we brought him off the shelf and back into life.” – Walt Linne, Indiana, Gold Star Son of Sgt. Walter John Linne (Army) who was Killed in Action in Germersheim, Germany on March 24, 1945.
“In 2022, when I visited South Korea and observed for myself the freedom, liberty, prosperity and gratitude of the South Korean people, I further realized that the supreme sacrifice by my father and its effect on our family was not in vain.” – Robert James Johnston, Tennessee, Gold Star Son of Sgt. James Fred Johnston (Army) KIA/MIA, December 2, 1950, at the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea.
“Since I was only two when my Dad went missing, I have no personal memories of him other than what my Mom told me often that to do my best as my Dad would expect or when I did something good, she would tell me how proud he would be of me. David, my brother, and I grew up loving the same things our Dad did, Boy Scouts, the outdoors, hunting, fishing and family.” – Mike Logan, Tennessee, Gold Star Son of Maj. Samuel P. Logan, Jr. (USAF). He was the pilot of a B-29 shot down and taken captive while on a mission over North Korea on September 9, 1950. In 1954 he was declared Killed in Action. Maj. Logan was survived by his Gold Star Wife and two Gold Star Sons.
“Being a Gold Star family member signifies profound sacrifice and loss as we bear the enduring grief of losing a loved one in service to the nation. Gold Star families’ identities are shaped with both pride and sorrow.” – Carol Brenneman Reed, California, Gold Star Daughter of Captain Austin E.E. Brenneman (USMC) who was Killed in Action on May 28, 1951, in Anak, North Korea.
“In July 1951, the 2nd Inf Div deployed to Korea, leaving a pregnant, newlywed wife on a lifetime path of uncertainty, grief, loss, and life challenges. Ellen Marie Blissenbach handled her loss by joining the Gold Star Wives of America, becoming very active in supporting other families and veterans, as well as seeking information on my missing father, ultimately achieving some closure before her passing.” – Maj. Paul K. Blissenbach US Army (Retired), Kentucky, Gold Star Son of SFC Joseph A. Blissenbach, who gave his life on November 30, 1950, in Kunu-ri, North Korea.
“Losing my father in the Battle of Ia Drang Valley during the Vietnam War was an indescribable blow, not only to my family but to the very fabric of my life. His absence left a profound void, a loss that reverberated through every milestone, forever shaping who I became. The sacrifice he made in such a fierce and historic battle deepens the sorrow, as his life was cut short defending a cause that took him far from home, never to return.” – Army veteran Thomas Barrett, Ph. D., Maryland, Gold Star Son of SSGT Thomas J. Barrett, Jr. (Army), Killed in Action November 15, 1965, Vietnam.
“During Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, we honor the parents, spouses, siblings and children of those service members who lost their lives defending the United States and her allies. For nearly a century, ‘The Long Gold Line’ of these Gold Star Families has personified the resilience of the American spirit. Here on the home front, they endured the worst possible news delivered from a faraway war front. Yet they moved forward supporting each other and carrying on the legacies of their fallen heroes who, in the name of freedom, gave their last full measure of devotion.” – Tony Cordero, California, Gold Star Son of Maj. William E. Cordero (USAF) who was killed on a bombing mission over North Vietnam on June 22, 1965. He is the founder of Sons and Daughters In Touch – America’s Gold Star Children from the Vietnam War.
“Our son held a strong sense of honor and service and would have no regrets. We honor his valor and sacrifice every day. We gratefully support this resolution to honor and remember the sacrifices of all of our fallen and of the 7068 men and women Killed In Action in the Global War on Terror and the ongoing sacrifices of the families they left behind. It is this nation’s responsibility to Never Forget, to honor their valor, and to always support the families left behind.” – Barbara and Col. Mark Roland (USAF, Retired), Kentucky, Gold Star Mother and Father of Captain Matthew Roland, USAF, Killed In Action in Afghanistan on August 26, 2015.
“My father flew 22 missions along the coastal waters of Vietnam to clear the area of enemy submarines before the US could bring in the 7th Fleet at the onset of the Vietnam War. His body was never recovered after his plane plunged into the South China Sea. My life and my family crumbled before my eyes and to this day I continue to live a life never knowing my father. Three months after the attack on the Twin Towers, my son joined the US Army, following his grandfather’s footsteps as he was also willing to die for his country. Unfortunately, it ended horrifically when he was killed by an enemy IED while on patrol near the Hor Rijeb Canal in Iraq. There is no greater love than this: that a person would lay down his life for the sake of his country.” – Elaine M. Roach, California, Gold Star Mother of PFC Joel Brattain, Killed in Action on March 13, 2004, and Gold Star Daughter of Lt. Harold S. Roach (Navy), lost in the South China Sea on October 2, 1964.
The following Members are co-sponsors of the legislation:
Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY), Mike Bost (R-IL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Jake Ellzey (R-TX), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Mike Flood (R-NE), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Mark Green (R-TN), Michael Guest (R-MS), Young Kim (R-CA), Greg Lopez (R-CO), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Nick LaLota (R-NY), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Greg Murphy (R-NC), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Greg Steube (R-FL), Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Daniel Webster (R-FL), Roger Williams (R-TX), Brandon Williams (R-NY), David Valadao (R-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Don Davis (D-NC), Josh Harder (D-CA), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), William Keating (D-MA), Joe Morelle (D-NY), Kathy Manning (D-NC), Wiley Nickel (D-NC), Scott Peters (D-CA), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Juan Vargas (D-CA).
Click here to read the full text of the bill.
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Source: Asia Development Bank
Roads are the primary transport infrastructure in most SAARC member states, serving as the main means of domestic connectivity and the key conduit for intra-SAARC trade, either across land borders or via seaports. In recent years, the importance of road transport has grown across all SAARC countries.
The original SMRTS included ten SAARC road corridors, linking: (i) Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh (two); (ii) Nepal and India (two); (iii) Bhutan and India (one); (iv) Nepal, India, and Bangladesh (one); (v) Bhutan, India, and Bangladesh (one); (vi) India and Bangladesh (two); and (vii) Nepal, India, and Pakistan (one). The updated SMRTS highlights recent physical and nonphysical progress in corridor development.
Physical progress includes the 6.15-km Padma Bridge, upgrades to the Sarail-Akhaura link and Elenga-Hatikamrul-Rangpur Highway, and four-laning of the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway and Sylhet-Tamabil Road in Bangladesh; the planned Haldia/Howrah-Raxual Expressway in India; Nepal’s Kathmandu-Terai Madhesh Fast Track Project; and Pakistan’s Khyber Pass Economic Corridor and six-lane motorways connecting Karachi to Peshawar. Nonphysical progress includes motor vehicle agreements facilitating cross-border transport.
Railways have the potential to become a key transport mode in the SAARC region, especially for intraregional movement of goods and passengers between Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The region’s railway network is mainly broad-gauge and compatible across member states, except for the meter-gauge network east of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Once the SAARC rail corridors are fully developed and nonphysical barriers are addressed, efficient rail connectivity will link the concerned SAARC countries.
The original SMRTS included five SAARC railway corridors, connecting Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Recent progress includes several railway projects in Bangladesh (e.g., the Padma Bridge Rail Link, dual-gauge line between Akhaura and Laksam), new rail links in Bhutan and Nepal, and the planned Uzbekistan-Pakistan-Afghanistan Railway.
Among SAARC countries, only Bangladesh and India have organized inland waterways, facilitating freight transit between the two nations. In earlier SMRTS stages, two inland waterway corridors of regional importance were identified based on current and potential future traffic. These corridors also offer direct waterway links for Northeast India to the ports of Kolkata and Haldia. Landlocked Bhutan and Nepal could benefit from multimodal and intermodal connections to these waterways, providing access to the sea.
A recent development is the consolidation of the Eastern Waterways Grid, linking rivers in Bangladesh and India with roads and rail to improve connectivity. The Grid builds on the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Routes, enhancing trade and transit between the two countries. It promises significant cost savings for bulk goods transport in India and revenue generation for Bangladesh through port fees and cargo services, with potential benefits for Bhutan and Nepal.
The previous SMRTS versions identified ten major maritime gateways based on current traffic volume, potential to handle future intraregional container traffic, and access for landlocked countries to seaports.
The updated SMRTS highlights recent progress in the maritime sector. Bangladesh is developing two new gateways: Payra, now operational, and Matarbari, under construction and expected to become the country’s first deep-sea port. Chattogram Port has undergone significant expansion, with a framework for its sustainable development as a transshipment hub for Northeast India. India’s Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Port, the largest on the Eastern Coast, has increasingly served Nepali transit traffic. Other notable developments include a planned new port at Thilafushi in Maldives, a major port concession in Karachi, Pakistan, and continued expansion of Colombo Port, Sri Lanka. Additionally, ferry services between India and Sri Lanka have been proposed.
The original SMRTS identified 16 SAARC aviation gateways and noted the need to increase this number by 2030 by upgrading domestic airports to regional hubs and regional airports to international ones. It also acknowledged the complexity of identifying aviation hubs within the SAARC region, which goes beyond the scope of the SMRTS.
Based on recent developments discussed at a February 2024 workshop in Kathmandu, additional aviation gateways were included in the updated SMRTS. These are in Bangladesh (Chattogram, Sylhet, Cox’s Bazar, Saidpur), Bhutan (Gelephu), Maldives (Gan), Nepal (Gautam Buddha, Pokhara), Pakistan (Islamabad), and Sri Lanka (Mattala Rapsaka, Jaffna, Batticaloa).
Between 2020-2024, the aviation sector faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which lowered passenger and freight demand. As the sector recovers, the challenge is to rebuild and reshape it, redesigning terminals to meet new requirements and implementing measures to address environmental concerns, including decarbonization.
Recent developments in transport connectivity between South Asia and Central Asia include United Nations General Assembly Resolution 76/299 on strengthening regional connectivity, the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor, the Uzbekistan-Pakistan-Afghanistan Railway Project, the International North-South Transport Corridor (a 7,200-km multimodal route linking India, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia), and the Delhi Declaration from the 1st India-Central Asian Summit in January 2022.
Air connectivity between South Asia and Central Asia remains limited, despite Central Asia’s landlocked nature and challenging geography. Air transport is crucial for moving perishable and high-value goods and facilitating business travel and tourism.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Nairobi Securities Exchange launches partnership with UK development investor as UK trade lead visits Nairobi.
His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Kenya, John Humphrey, rings the trading bell alongside (L-R) Dave Portmann of MOBILIST, Frank Mwiti CEO of NSE, Mary Njuguna of FSD Africa, John Humphrey HMTC, Paul Mwai Vice Chairman of NSE, Bansri Pattni of AIB-AXYs, Daniel Warutere of Capital Markets Authority.
Tuesday 24, September – The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and UK government programme MOBILIST, have announced a new partnership at a launch event in Nairobi. The launch was attended by His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, John Humphrey, at the start of a three-day visit to Kenya.
The partnership aims to drive the listing of new investment products in the Kenyan market and increase the amount of private sector capital available for development and climate projects in Kenya, and generate growth.
MOBILIST, an innovative part of the UK Government’s investment partnerships offer, provides investment and technical assistance to help businesses that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to overcome the barriers that keep them from listing on a stock exchange.
The programme has similar partnerships with several emerging market exchanges, including the Nigerian Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), and will consider applications from eligible Kenyan firms.
Trade Commissioner Humphrey’s visit to Kenya, which comes after recent trips to Egypt and Ethiopia, will focus on delivering long-term investment projects that support the UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership – an ambitious five-year agreement that is unlocking mutual economic benefits for the UK and Kenya, without loading Kenya with unsustainable debt.
In Nairobi he will meet the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, H.E Salim Mvurya, to drive forward the implementation of flagship UK-Kenya climate projects that support President Ruto’s Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII). He will also launch the British Business Breakfast Club, to listen to the challenges facing British-Kenyan enterprises.
Mr Humphrey will also visit Naivasha to meet one of Kenya’s biggest exporters of cut flowers, Flamingo Flowers – a British business that employs 11,000 people in Kenya. They are benefitting from the global suspension of the 8% export tariff for cut flowers entering the UK, an example of the UK supporting markets that matter to Kenya, by removing barriers in areas which aim to have an immediate economic impact.
Mobilising investment solutions in Kenya are vital to economic growth as they provide a platform for Kenyan businesses to raise the capital they need to expand their operations, increase cross-border trade, and employ more Kenyans – and at the same tackle climate change and achieve critical development goals.
Long-term investments that deliver lasting change for the people of both our countries are the cornerstone of the UK-Kenya economic relationship. We go far when we go together – I am delighted to be back in Kenya to deliver our mutually beneficial partnership which is rooted in respect.
The NSE is delighted to partner with the UK government-backed MOBILIST Programme. The strategic partnership between the NSE and MOBILIST aligns with our new strategic focus aimed at enabling the NSE to play a more dynamic role in mobilising and channelling capital to sectors that have the most significant capital needs, with a special focus on sustainable development. As a market, we will continue providing a pivotal intersection connecting capital to investment-grade opportunities in Kenya for sustained economic growth
Public markets in Kenya and other African economies hold great untapped potential to mobilise the private capital the continent urgently needs to gain ground in addressing the SDGs and the severe impact of climate change. MOBILIST is proud to partner with the NSE in building a local capital market that can give the African firms working on these challenges access to the capital they need to grow.
The UK-Kenya strategic partnership joint statement can be found here.
A flagship UK government programme, MOBILIST supports investment solutions that help deliver the climate transition and the United Nation’s Global Goals in developing economies. MOBILIST focuses on mobilising institutional capital to spur new scalable and replicable financial products. MOBILIST invests capital, delivers technical assistance, conducts research and builds partnerships to catalyse investment in new listed products. www.mobilistglobal.com
MOBILIST is a key part of the British Investment Partnerships (BIP) offer. BIP is a UK initiative which brings together the UK’s economic development and investment offer, and combines development finance, capital market mobilisation and export finance with the best of UK technical expertise, and a partnerships approach.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Two men with affiliations to the Manor House street gang in Hackney have been jailed following an investigation by Met specialist officers.
Jordan Shaw, 20, (25.10.2003) of Green Lanes was sentenced to twenty-one years for two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder.
Joshua Fraser, 19, (21.1.2005) of King Edwards Road was sentenced to fourteen years for possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to commit murder.
Both Shaw and Fraser took part in a ‘ride out’ into opposition gang territory in the Shrubland Road, E8, area of Hackney where they shot at a car they thought belonged to a rival gang. However, the car belonged to a family with no connection to gang members, and a 13-year old boy and four-year old girl were inside at the time of the shooting. Fortunately, nobody was injured during the incident.
Shaw was subsequently involved in a shooting on Stoke Newington High Street, N16, in which three shots were fired towards a victim who sustained a single gunshot wound to the arm.
The Met’s specialist firearms teams carried out round the clock investigations into Shaw and Fraser before arresting them at their home addresses on 31 May 2023 and 4 October 2023 respectively.
The Met Police Specialist Crime units are working with borough colleagues to dismantle serious and organised crime groups that pose the greatest harm to London’s communities. Last year 386 illegal firearms were seized across the capital, equal to more than one a day. Between April 2023 and March 2024 there was a reduction in the number of firearms offences from 196 to 145.
Andrea Ireland, Detective Chief Inspector, Specialist Crime North, said:
“Following exhaustive investigative enquiries by Specialist Crime Trident officers we have taken two extremely dangerous men off the streets. Our Specialist Crime Proactive teams also recovered the firearm used in the gang-related activity in Hackney and which was subsequently found to have been used in eleven previous discharges in London.
“This vital work has no doubt had a significant impact in safeguarding our local community and securing justice for victims which included very young children.”
The sentencing took place at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, 3 September 2024.
The Metropolitan Police Service is building a New Met for London which aims to engage with communities, foster trust, and combat crimes including firearms offences. The Met’s response to firearms offences demonstrates our commitment to improving safety and security across the capital. Through prioritising community engagement and targeted interventions, the Met’s innovative approach represents a significant stride towards creating a safer environment for all Londoners.
Source: Government of Sweden
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Yesterday, 23 September, Minister for Energy, Business and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch took part in a meeting between ministers and other high representatives of countries that backed a COP28 declaration on the need to triple production of nuclear energy by 2050. In conjunction with the meeting, global banks and financial institutions backed the countries’ ambition to increase production of electricity from nuclear energy.
During the meeting, discussions touched on how to proceed from the declaration and how the countries could jointly realise this collaboration. Representatives of global banks and financial institutions took part in discussions on how to finance large-scale expansion.
“One of the greatest obstacles to the necessary expansion of nuclear energy is to secure financing. Governments, financial institutions and industry have critical roles to play in this endeavour. I am delighted by this decision, which attests to the shared view of nuclear energy’s importance among both governments and the financial sector,” says Ms Busch.
Sweden, Armenia, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, France, Ghana, Hungary, Jamaica, Japan, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Interest for new nuclear energy is growing rapidly in many countries, including here in the EU. This applies both to countries that already have nuclear energy and those who had previously held a neutral or sceptical view of the technology. More and more countries are realising that everyone needs to secure fossil-free energy – both renewable and nuclear – to succeed in the green transition, strengthen competitiveness and achieve the climate goals. Major energy price increases following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have also illustrated the importance of democratic countries not being reliant on dictatorships.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
Foreign Ministers of Australia, Jordan, Switzerland, Indonesia, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil and Colombia gave a joint statement on the protection of humanitarian personnel.
Statement by Foreign Ministers of Australia, Jordan, Switzerland, Indonesia, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil and Colombia:
Australia, Jordan, Switzerland, Indonesia, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil and Colombia, today announced the formation of a Ministerial Group for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, dedicated to upholding and championing international humanitarian law and driving action to protect humanitarian personnel in conflict zones.
International humanitarian law is the foundation for alleviating human suffering in wars. It limits the effects of armed conflict and regulates the conduct of hostilities. It provides for the protection of civilians, including the protection and respect of humanitarian personnel who assist and protect the victims of armed conflict, and notably provide the food, water and medical care that civilians in conflict zones need to survive.
But respect for international humanitarian law is severely undermined, with consequences for current and future conflicts. Calls for compliance are not being heard.
2023 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel, with 280 killed and hundreds more wounded and kidnapped. 2024 is on track to be even worse.
This year alone, we have seen humanitarian personnel killed in Sudan, South Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen and many other contexts. Gaza is the most dangerous place on earth to be an aid worker, with over 300 humanitarian personnel killed since the start of the war.
In forming this Ministerial Group, and in partnership with humanitarian organisations, we rededicate ourselves to the protection of humanitarian personnel. We stand together, seizing the momentum created by the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2730 in May 2024, to strengthen international commitment and translate it into action, to reverse current trends.
The Ministerial Group has decided to pursue a Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.
The Declaration will be developed over the coming months, and will demonstrate the unity of the international community’s commitment to protect humanitarian personnel and to channel that commitment into action in all current and future conflicts. All countries will be invited to join the Declaration.
The Declaration will support the United Nations Secretary-General in his endeavours to improve the safety and security of humanitarian personnel, including in accordance with UNSCR 2730.
Source: The White House
Via Teleconference
5:33 P.M. EDT
MODERATOR: This is Michael Feldman with the NSC press team. Just as a reminder for today’s call, it is on background and attributable to senior administration officials. The call is also under embargo until 5:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time tomorrow morning.
For awareness and not for attribution, on today’s call we have [senior administration official] and [senior administration official]. I will now turn the call over to [senior administration official] to give some opening remarks. Over to you.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Excellent. Thank you. And good evening, everybody. We’re very excited for the President’s trip to this year’s U.N. General Assembly, the last one of his presidency.
So, at meetings at the U.N. this week, we’re going to get a lot of business done for the American people. The President, the Secretary of State, other Cabinet officials, and even some members of Congress are here in New York to advocate for our country’s interests and values.
At the General Assembly, the President will do what he has done throughout his presidency: rally global action to tackle some of our world’s biggest challenges. So, for example, he’ll be talking this week about the climate crisis and the environment. We’ll be talking about the need to strengthen our systems for providing humanitarian assistance; to end brutal wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan; and we’ll also be talking about the implications of new technologies such as artificial intelligence.
When President Biden came to office nearly four years ago, he pledged to restore American leadership on the world stage. And given that this is the President’s last General Assembly, it’s a chance for him to talk about how this approach has produced results, real achievements for the American people and for the world.
The President’s engagements this week reflect his vision for a world where countries come together to solve big problems. This stands in contrast to some of our competitors, who have a more cynical and transactional worldview, one where countries interpret their self-interest very narrowly and don’t work together for the common good.
An overarching theme at this year’s General Assembly will be the need to reform and strengthen our global institutions, including the U.N., to make them more effective and inclusive. And that’s been a big theme of the U.N. Secretary-General’s Summit for the Future, the marquee event at high-level week this year.
Last week, President Biden released a video message ahead of the summit. I encourage you all watch it. You can find it on the Web. In the video, the President spoke about using this moment to reaffirm our commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. And he talked about pushing for a stronger, more effective United Nations and a reformed and expanded Security Council. And he also talked about our efforts, investing billions in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and building on the global consensus that we achieved last spring in the United Nations General Assembly on principles for the use of artificial intelligence.
We’re going into a General Assembly this year with the world facing many steep challenges, problems so big no one country can solve them on their own, but that’s why the President feels so strongly the world needs strong and effective global institutions, including an adapted United Nations. This is his vision of countries working together. It has been a theme of his presidency and an important part of his legacy.
Let me just briefly note the President’s key engagements, and then I’ll turn over to my colleague to discuss the major event that he’s hosting on the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats.
On Tuesday morning, tomorrow, he will deliver and address to the U.N. General Assembly. It will have many of the themes that I’ve mentioned here and talk about — again, some of the achievements of his approach to the United Nations and global cooperation.
The President will also meet tomorrow with U.N. Secretary-General Guterres to talk about how the United States and the United Nations are working together to advance peace, safeguard human rights, and help countries develop.
On Tuesday afternoon, the President will host a summit of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, and I’ll turn over to my colleague in a second to talk about that.
The President is also giving a major address later that afternoon on the urgent need to combat climate change.
On Wednesday, the President will meet with the President of Vietnam, To Lam. The President of Vietnam just came into office four months ago, and this meeting will be an important opportunity for the two leaders to talk about our shared interest in stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The President will also attend, that afternoon, a meeting focused on Ukraine reconstruction with other world leaders.
And then on Wednesday evening, at the Met, the President will host world leaders and senior U.N. officials for a reception.
This is just a small slice of all the diplomacy and business that we’re doing here at the U.N. General Assembly. There’ll be high-level meetings on the future of multilateral cooperation, sea level rise, antimicrobial resistance. Really, every big, major challenge will be addressed here, and we’ll have senior U.S. representatives at all of these main events on issues such as the impact of emerging technology and specific meetings on global crises such as the difficult situation in Haiti, Sudan, Venezuela, Ukraine, Syria, and the Rohingya refugee crisis.
Other U.S.-hosted and U.S.-attended side events will focus on climate; scaling clean energy for Africa; a major core group meeting of countries committed to LGBTQ rights that was attended by the First Lady; and partnering for a lead-free future.
So, again, this is just a small slice of everything that is going on, plus the countless private sector and civil society events focusing on the great challenges of the 21st century.
So, as I mentioned, we’re going to use this high-level week, the President’s last U.N. General Assembly, to get as much done for the American people in the coming days.
I’d like to now turn over to my colleague who will discuss the President’s summit on the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Great. Thanks so much, and thanks to all of you for joining this call.
I wanted to share with you the exciting news that, on Tuesday, President Biden will, as [senior administration official] already said, host a summit of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats. This is a coalition that President Biden launched in June 2023 to mobilize international action to tackle the synthetic drug crisis.
In just over one year, this global coalition has grown to include 158 countries and 15 international organizations working together to prevent the illicit manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs, to detect emerging drug threats, and to promote effective public health interventions.
With the summit as a motivating force, we now have 11 core coalition countries that will be joining the President tomorrow, and they will be announcing new initiatives that will continue to advance the work of the coalition, including work to prevent, detect, and disrupt the supply chain of synthetic drugs.
It’s important to emphasize that these international efforts complement intensive work that’s already been done and is being done domestically, including an increased focus on coordinated disruption of drug trafficking networks and concerted efforts to make the opioid overdose reversal medication, naloxone, widely available over the counter.
These are just some of a wide array of actions that the Biden-Harris administration has taken to tackle the synthetic drug threats.
And as a result of these efforts, we’re starting to see the largest drop in overdose deaths in recorded history. When President Biden and Vice President Harris came into office, the number of drug overdose deaths was increasing by more than 30 percent year over year. Now we have the latest provisional data released from the Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Health Statistics, showing an unprecedented decline in overdose deaths of roughly 10 percent from April 2023 to April 2024.
But there’s a lot more to be done, and the Global Coalition’s work recognizes that we need a global solution to a global problem.
We are thrilled that we have so many countries coming together tomorrow to celebrate the work of the coalition, and we also will be announcing a new pledge that all of the core coalition members will be announcing — will be signing on to tomorrow, and we will be working over the coming months to ensure that all coalition members sign on to this pledge.
And we truly think that this is a reflection of President Biden’s commitment to work both domestically and globally on the most important challenges that we face, recognizing that we need both domestic action and global action working together.
And with that, I’ll turn it back to [senior administration official].
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks, Michael. I’ll turn it back to you.
MODERATOR: All right. Thank you, [senior administration officials]. All right, with that, we will take some questions.
The first question is going to go to Zeke Miller. You should be able to unmute yourself.
Q Thanks so much for doing this. You mentioned this is the President’s last U.N. of his presidency. He’s going to deliver remarks to the General Assembly tomorrow. Can you give us a preview, potentially, of what his message will be? And will it be different from his prior remarks, in the sense — you know, obviously, world events have changed, but, you know, with an eye towards his legacy? Or is there some message he’s trying to give on the world stage before he leaves office in January? Thank you.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: You know, the themes I — thanks, Zeke. The themes I previewed at the beginning will be really central to the President. So, again, he came into office four years ago with a vision of America returning to the world stage, having a new way of interacting with other countries, bringing countries together to solve some of these big challenges. This will be a good opportunity for him to look at the results that have been achieved.
We live in a world with many problems, with many divisions, but we have a story to tell about what we’ve done to rally the world to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty, uphold principles of the U.N. Charter; what we’ve done to manage responsibly our competition with other countries including China; and also what we’re doing to deal with the ongoing and serious conflicts in our world in places like Gaza, where the President has worked tirelessly to get a hostage ceasefire deal, and conflicts like Sudan, where you have absolutely unprecedented displacement and a really serious crisis that we think needs to get more attention.
So I think that will be the frame, and I’ll leave the details for the President’s speech tomorrow.
MODERATOR: Great. Thank you very much. Our next question is going to go to Asma Khalid. You should be able to unmute yourself.
Q Yes. Hi. Thanks for doing this. Similarly, sort of on the speech, could I get a sort of broad, I guess, framework or tone that you all are thinking about? I know you say that the President came into office talking about building international coalitions, wanting to rebuild the United States stature on the world, but this is a really different moment than when the President even gave the speech last year, before October 7th. He is now leaving office, and there are multiple sort of intractable problems right now in the world. And can you just kind of give us any sense of tone in how the President is thinking about that and the very limited time he has left to solve them?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks, Asma. Look, I think it’s a good question. The world has changed. The world has gotten more difficult in many ways, as you noted.
But, you know, as I said, the President came into office with a vision of how countries need to work together, how they need to work through institutions, how they need to partner to solve big global challenges. And the fact that we do have these challenges, the fact that we do have Gaza, the fact that we do have Ukraine and Sudan, still serious issues in our world, just underscores the need for that kind of cooperation. And I think you’ll hear that in his speech.
Yes, he’ll talk about the significant accomplishments, achievements of his approach, but also talk about how we need the spirit, we need to continue working together to solve these big challenges, whether it is the wars you mentioned or other challenges such as the climate crisis or managing the implications of some of the new technologies.
So I think this will be an important moment to say: Where do we go and what are the principles in which we’re going to solve these problems? Thanks.
MODERATOR: Thank you very much. Our next question is going to go to Paris Huang. You should be able to unmute yourself.
Q All right. Hi. Thank you, Michael. Thank you, [senior administration official]. Two-parts question. So, kind of follow up on the questions from Zeke and Asma. So, of course, we know China and Russia have been heavily influencing the U.N. for years. You know, we see all those voting records. And President Biden have been doing a lot of reform during the four years. Does he believe that those changes will sustain after he leaves the White House?
And second question: In last year’s UNGA remarks, President Biden talked about the peace and stability of Taiwan Strait, which was the first time a U.S. president actually talked about Taiwan at the UNGA. So, will he include Taiwan again in his remarks this year? Thank you.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks. And I appreciate the question. I think it’s a good question in terms of, you know, have we left the United Nations as an institution better off. I think we do have results, and the President will talk about that. You know, it’s a time of great divisions, and the U.N. has already been — has always been a reflection of the world as it is.
That said, when you look at what we’ve done, including through the United Nations, to, for example, rally the world to defend the U.N. Charter after the Ukrainian invasion, we secured a U.N. General Assembly resolution in which 141 countries stood up and said, “We condemn this, and we stand in favor of the U.N. Charter.”
You’ve also seen a more progressive and forward-leaning position on institutional reform. For example, two years ago, the President announced a shift and a more forward-leaning position in reforming and expanding the United Nations Security Council. And that’s definitely a piece of this well as well.
I won’t get into the details on, you know, specifically what he’ll mention on individual issues, but I will say that an important part of the President’s legacy has been thinking about how we responsibly manage our competition with China, and that includes many facets, economic security, and those will be addressed in the speech.
MODERATOR: Thank you very much. Our next question is going to go to Sheryl Gay Stolberg. You should be able to unmute yourself, Sheryl.
Q Hi. Thank you for doing this call. You know, this is not a political speech, but it does occur in the context of an election in which one of the candidates has an isolationist vision that is far apart, diametrically opposed to that of the President. And I’m wondering, to what extent can the President use this speech to ensure that his own vision of global alliances survives? Is he concerned that that vision will unravel?
And will this speech be in any way directed to the American people, as much as to world leaders, as a reminder of the importance of America’s place in the world?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Look, as you said, this is not a political speech, but the President, again, he has a vision. He came into a vision — into office. That vision has produced results. And there are many opponents and critics of that vision, not just internationally but at home. It has been the President’s view that he needs to explain why this vision of working together with countries to solve these big challenges actually produces results, and that’s actually how we’re going to be measured.
And when I say “produces results,” that means internationally, in terms of ending war, in terms of tackling challenges like sustainable development, the debt crisis, climate, but it also means that he needs to explain how his vision has produced results for the American people. And that’s where I think there’s a very strong record, and some of it is very, very tangible.
For example, the summit on the coalition on synthetic drugs, that is him bringing together countries, all of whom share a challenge — dealing with synthetic drugs — but convening them here, talking about deliverables, talking about how we’re going to work together. And this is something that directly affects the situation of the American public, as my colleague briefed earlier, in terms of the overall record on issues like fentanyl.
So I think he’ll lay that out tomorrow, and I think it will stand as representing that vision and what it’s achieved.
MODERATOR: Thank you very much. We will go to Danny Kemp. You should be able to unmute yourself.
Q Thanks very much for doing this. I just wanted to ask about the current situation in the Middle East. I mean, you know, the speech tomorrow is really going to be a bit overshadowed by the events in Lebanon, where we’ve seen nearly 500 people killed in the space of a day. How’s he going to address that? And more particularly, how will the President be seeking to — will he be talking to other leaders about that? What’s he actually going to be doing at the UNGA more generally to try and get this thing sorted out? Thanks.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: This is one of the advantages of the U.N. General Assembly: You literally have the whole world here. So when you do have crises of the day, they’ll be addressed. And I have no doubt that the situation in the Middle East will be an important theme in a lot of the meetings, not just that the President has, but other senior U.S. officials who will be convening to talk about various aspects of the crisis and what we can do to stabilize the situation.
He will address the Middle East, especially this very, very difficult year that we have all gone through. And again, I think it’s an opportunity to talk about what we have achieved and what we still need to do, given a situation that is just heartbreaking where hostages have not been returned, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and, as you know, just such a sensitive issue, such a delicate and dangerous situation between Israel and Lebanon right now.
Thanks.
MODERATOR: Thank you very much. And unfortunately, that is all the time we have today. Thank you all for joining this call. Thank you to our speakers. And feel free to follow up with our team at the NSC press team with any questions.
And again, this call is under embargo until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow. Thank you all again, and hope you have a great rest of your evening.
5:53 P.M. EDT
Source: China State Council Information Office
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib to exchange views on the situation in the Middle East, in New York, Sept. 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
China firmly supports Lebanon in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib in New York to exchange views on the situation in the Middle East.
With a long-lasting traditional friendship with Lebanon, China has been closely following the latest developments in the region, especially the recent explosions of communication devices across Lebanon, and is firmly opposed to indiscriminate attacks against civilians, he said.
Force does not equate to rightness and violence against violence will not solve the problems in the Middle East, Wang said, adding that China strongly condemns any action that violates the basic norms governing international relations.
The current situation is a manifestation of the spillover effect of the conflicts in Gaza, and China calls for realizing a “permanent ceasefire and comprehensive withdrawal of troops” and ensuring an effective implementation of “the two-state solution,” he said.
Wang voiced hope that the Lebanese side will take effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens in Lebanon.
For his part, Bou Habib thanked China for speaking up for Lebanon at the United Nations and other multilateral occasions.
For a small country like Lebanon, it is important to maintain sovereignty and independence under the framework of the United Nations, Bou Habib said.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Two men who shot at a car that contained two children have been sentenced following an investigation by detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.
Jordan Shaw, 20, (25.10.03) of Green Lanes, N8, was sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment for two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder.
Joshua Fraser, 19, (21.01.05) of King Edwards Road, E9, was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to commit murder.
On 25 February 2023, both Shaw and Fraser drove into the Shrubland Road, E8, area of Hackney where they shot at a car they thought belonged to a rival gang. However, the car belonged to an innocent family. A 13-year-old boy and four-year-old girl were inside at the time. Fortunately, nobody was injured.
On 11 August 2023, Shaw was subsequently involved in a shooting on Stoke Newington High Street, N16, in which three shots were fired towards a victim who sustained a single gunshot wound to the arm.
Detectives carried out extensive investigations into Shaw and Fraser before arresting them at their home addresses on 31 May 2023 and 4 October 2023 respectively.
Across London, specialist detectives are working closely with local officers to dismantle serious and organised crime groups that pose the greatest harm to London’s communities. Last year, 386 illegal firearms were seized across the capital and between April 2023 and March 2024 there was a reduction in the number of firearms offences from 196 to 145.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Ireland, from Specialist Crime North, said: “Following an extensive investigation, officers have taken two extremely dangerous men off the streets. Our teams also recovered the firearm used in the shooting in Hackney. Forensic work carried out on the gun revealed it was also used in 11 previous firearm discharges in London.
“This vital work has no doubt had a significant impact in safeguarding our local community and securing justice for the victims of Shaw and Fraser’s crimes.”
The sentencing took place at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, 3 September.
The Metropolitan Police Service is building a New Met for London, which aims to engage with communities, foster trust, and tackle crime that impacts Londoners the most, such as firearms offences.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by CE at BritCham Hong Kong Summit 2024 (English only)
Speech by CE at BritCham Hong Kong Summit 2024 (English only)
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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at Britcham Hong Kong Summit 2024 today (September 24): Mr Jeremy Sheldon (Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong), Mr Paul McComb (Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong), Deputy Consul-General Sarah Robinson (Deputy Consul-General of the United Kingdom to Hong Kong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon to you all. I am delighted to be here, today, for the fourth annual BritCham Hong Kong Summit. And what a day it’s been, with Commissioner Cui Jianchun opening the Summit and five smartly considered panel discussions, each centred on Hong Kong opportunity – long-term, far-reaching opportunities powered by innovation, sustainability, and more. Panel One’s theme certainly caught my attention, with its focus, and I quote, “Business Leaders Perspective on Hong Kong as a Global Powerhouse City”. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong indeed endeavours to become a global powerhouse city. With its energy, entrepreneurship and connectivity. More than an ambition, it is a goal and collective commitment that the Hong Kong SAR Government is working, tirelessly, to realise. With welcome assistance, let me add, from organisations such as the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, and its membership of some 1 000 professionals from about 350 companies. Each and every one of you as committed as us in building a flourishing future for all, right here in Hong Kong. At last count, over 640 UK companies call Hong Kong home. And it’s reassuring to tell you that Hong Kong and UK companies like to do business together. Last year, our bilateral merchandise trade was up a whopping 19 per cent, year on year, and reached nearly HK$130 billion. Yes, Hong Kong has all along been a key export market for the UK. In the decade between 2014 and 2023, the value of UK exports to Hong Kong grew nearly 100 per cent, to GBP15.7 billion. Our trade in services are just as vibrant. In 2022, the UK was Hong Kong’s third-largest services trading partner. And, of course, we like to invest in each other’s economies and companies. In 2021, Hong Kong was the sixth-most popular destination for foreign direct investment from the UK, with a total value of GBP77.6 billion. That accounted for 4.4 per cent of the UK’s total outward FDI stock. Hong Kong, in 2021, was the second-largest Asian investor in the UK, with FDI stock worth GBP16.3 billion. Hong Kong’s selling card, our great and enduring strength over the years, is our openness to trade and business, our eagerness to connect – with the UK and a world of companies and economies. “One country, two systems” makes it happen. This unique principle allows Hong Kong to enjoy the wealth of opportunities our country presents, while taking full advantage of our dominant role as the multilevel bridge between the Mainland and the rest of the world. It ensures that Hong Kong’s robust rule of law, as well as our continuous practice of the common law system, one that resembles that of the UK and many major global financial centres. It also helps to maintain our simple and low tax regime, world-class infrastructure, and international connectivity. That’s probably why in the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook, published by the International Institute for Management Development, Hong Kong ranked fifth globally. We came first in the world in “international trade” and “business legislation”, and was also among the global top five in “tax policy”, “international investment”, “basic infrastructure”, “finance” and “education”. As a global powerhouse city, Hong Kong will never stop expanding its business and trade networks. These include our well-established partners among developed economies, as well as new and budding ones. The 10 Member States of ASEAN – the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – is one of our pre-eminent partners. For more than a decade now, ASEAN has been our second-largest merchandise trade entity. Investment between us is also buoyant. Indeed, Hong Kong is ASEAN’s fourth-largest source of inward direct investment. It helps, of course, that the free trade agreement and investment agreement between us has been in full force now for three years. It helps, too, that I have been to seven ASEAN countries since I assumed office just over two years ago. My latest visit, in July, to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, resulted in 55 MOUs and related agreements. They will expand our co-operation in trade and investment, as well as finance, technology, logistics and a good many other areas, too. Our ties with the Middle East have also burgeoned following my visit to the region in February last year. This past week, Saudi Arabia gave its approval for the first exchange-traded fund, or ETF, investing in Hong Kong equities to be listed on its stock exchange. That’s an encouraging development for investors, too. Last November, HKEX, and investors, welcomed the listing of Asia-Pacific’s first ETF to track Saudi Arabian equities, allowing local and global investors to invest in the Saudi stock market through Hong Kong. This mutually rewarding co-operation is a boost for Hong Kong’s ETF market and the global connectivity of our financial services sector. We look, too, to other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for connectivity, for long-term opportunity powered by innovation and technology. I’m sure you’ve heard as much at the panel discussion just now. The Greater Bay Area, as you will be well aware, brings together Hong Kong, Macao and nine cities in Guangdong province. It counts a population of over 86 million people. Its GDP amounted to nearly US$2 trillion last year, rivalling the world’s 10th largest economy. More than an enormous consumer market, the Greater Bay Area is fast becoming an innovation and technology hub. This year’s Global Innovation Index ranked the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster second in the world, for the fifth year in a row. That only underlines the huge potential for I&T development in the Greater Bay Area – and in Hong Kong, China’s most international city as you all know. Hong Kong is the only Asian city that has as many as five universities in the world’s top 100, and boast world-class capabilities in research, a robust intellectual property rights protection system, and an established international business environment. Hong Kong has what it takes to play a pivotal role in the region’s rise as an I&T hub. The Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Lok Ma Chau Loop, situated right next to our boundary with Shenzhen, is central to that future. This Hong Kong Park, of 87 hectares in area, together with a 300-hectare Shenzhen Park, will form the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone. It straddles our geographical boundary with the Mainland and will propel the region’s I&T growth. The Hong Kong Park’s first three buildings, I’m pleased to say, are expected to complete, gradually, from the end of this year. The Park’s first phase, a total floor area of up to one million square metres, will focus on a number of I&T areas, including life and health technology, AI, advanced manufacturing and industry, academic and research sectors. That, of course, will demand technology specialists. A continuing flow of strategic talent of every kind, at every level. We’re working on that, too. And, according to the International Institute for M
anagement Development and its 2024 World Talent Ranking, we’re well on our way. In the latest World Talent Ranking, published just last week, Hong Kong’s ranking rose to ninth, overall – up considerably from 16th last year. That’s also the first time we were back to the ranking’s top 10 since 2016. And I’m delighted to say that Hong Kong topped the ranking in the percentage of graduates in sciences. We’re making notable progress, too, in enticing talent to turn to Hong Kong for their future. As at the end of last month, we have received more than 360 000 applications under our various enhanced talent admission programmes, launched in the end of 2022. Nearly 230 000 applications have been approved, and more than 150 000 professionals have already arrived in Hong Kong, many with their families. The schemes are popular among our friends from the UK, I’m glad to add. Some 4 100 of these approved applicants are UK nationals. That’s a blessing. For our new Top Talent Pass Scheme, which targets graduates from the world’s best universities and high-income earners, about 7 per cent of the admitted top graduates are from British universities. And our Working Holiday Scheme with the UK, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has also strengthened our youth ties. At last count, nearly 11 000 young people from Hong Kong and the UK have been granted visas to work, while holidaying, in each other’s places over the past decade. More than our people-to-people bond, the young and talented professionals joining Hong Kong will boost our labour force. Good news for the economy. For business. For you as well. Getting, and keeping, talent is, of course, a work in progress, as is the Hong Kong economy. I’ll have more to say on that, and much more, next month, in my annual Policy Address. And my thanks to BritCham for its Policy Address submission, which I received in early August. I am grateful for your considered thoughts on how Hong Kong can boost its standing as an international trade and finance centre, how we can build our technology and innovation capabilities, take our place as an international talent hub and a good deal more. I look forward to your continuing co-operation – the excellent work your Chamber is doing for our economy and our community. On our community, I understand a cheering section from the Chamber will be in London for the upcoming Hong Kong Dinner. This annual gathering is one of the many deep-rooted traditions that have long defined, and distinguished, the abiding ties between our two economies and peoples. Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you the best of business, health and happiness in the coming year. And, for those of you flying off to London this week, I wish you a memorable Hong Kong Dinner, brimful of the good stories of Hong Kong, a global powerhouse city. Thank you.
Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 17:36
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Source: Huawei
Headline: New White Paper on Experience Monetization with Intelligent Core Network
[Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, September 10, 2024] GlobalData, a renowned consulting firm, has just released a thought-provoking white paper titled Intelligent Core Network: Starting a New Chapter in Experience Monetization, in collaboration with Huawei and a global coalition of leading operators including AIS in Thailand, Cell C in South Africa, China Mobile, du in the UAE, the e& group, and Turkcell in Türkiye. This insightful report sheds light on the challenges operators face under traditional traffic monetization models and makes a compelling case for harnessing intelligence technologies to deliver tailored experiences that cater to users’ diverse needs. It can be used as a roadmap for transforming operators’ business models from traffic-based to experience-driven, so as to unlock new avenues for growth.
White paper release ceremony
The widespread adoption of traditional traffic-based operation models has led to a homogenization of services, making it harder than ever for operators to stand out in a crowded market. The rise of OTT players has further intensified competition, leading to declining revenue growth for operators and a pressing need for new growth opportunities. However, as mobile networks continue to evolve at a tremendous rate, traditional network architectures are unable to keep up with the diversification of users’ service requirements. This is where the concept of experience monetization comes in. It is a game-changing idea that enables operators to transform their business models and unlock new revenue streams. By providing personalized and differentiated services, operators can take advantage of their network capabilities to meet users’ diverse needs while also offering tailored pricing models. This innovative approach not only elevates the user experience but also creates new opportunities for revenue growth.
Conventional network operations are often hindered by four key breakpoints: unclear target users and services, inaccurate and untimely experience perception, slow and imprecise strategy optimization, and lack of user awareness of experience assurance. Experience monetization offers a solution to these challenges by leveraging intelligence technologies and the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) to facilitate data analysis and intelligent decision-making. By combining these capabilities, operators can achieve closed-loop management of service awareness, experience optimization, and operations, ultimately leading to better user experiences and improved business outcomes.
Today, forward-thinking operators are actively exploring new experience monetization models to boost their bottom line and stay ahead of the competition. Delving into the best practices of multiple operators in China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, the white paper highlights the success of differentiated experience payment models in areas such as video, live streaming, and gaming. These innovative approaches have yielded significant returns. Yet while the industry is witnessing a growing trend in experience monetization, there remains substantial market potential waiting to be tapped.
The release of this white paper provides operators with a roadmap for better navigating the intelligent era and driving their growth forward.
The white paper is available at: https://www.verdict.co.uk/downloads/whitepapers/data/intelligent-5g-core-starting-a-new-chapter-in-experience-monetization/#globaldata-technology
Source: Huawei
Headline: New White Paper on Experience Monetization with Intelligent Core Network
Sep 24, 2024
[Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, September 10, 2024] GlobalData, a renowned consulting firm, has just released a thought-provoking white paper titled Intelligent Core Network: Starting a New Chapter in Experience Monetization, in collaboration with Huawei and a global coalition of leading operators including AIS in Thailand, Cell C in South Africa, China Mobile, du in the UAE, the e& group, and Turkcell in Türkiye. This insightful report sheds light on the challenges operators face under traditional traffic monetization models and makes a compelling case for harnessing intelligence technologies to deliver tailored experiences that cater to users’ diverse needs. It can be used as a roadmap for transforming operators’ business models from traffic-based to experience-driven, so as to unlock new avenues for growth.
White paper release ceremony
The widespread adoption of traditional traffic-based operation models has led to a homogenization of services, making it harder than ever for operators to stand out in a crowded market. The rise of OTT players has further intensified competition, leading to declining revenue growth for operators and a pressing need for new growth opportunities. However, as mobile networks continue to evolve at a tremendous rate, traditional network architectures are unable to keep up with the diversification of users’ service requirements. This is where the concept of experience monetization comes in. It is a game-changing idea that enables operators to transform their business models and unlock new revenue streams. By providing personalized and differentiated services, operators can take advantage of their network capabilities to meet users’ diverse needs while also offering tailored pricing models. This innovative approach not only elevates the user experience but also creates new opportunities for revenue growth.
Conventional network operations are often hindered by four key breakpoints: unclear target users and services, inaccurate and untimely experience perception, slow and imprecise strategy optimization, and lack of user awareness of experience assurance. Experience monetization offers a solution to these challenges by leveraging intelligence technologies and the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) to facilitate data analysis and intelligent decision-making. By combining these capabilities, operators can achieve closed-loop management of service awareness, experience optimization, and operations, ultimately leading to better user experiences and improved business outcomes.
Today, forward-thinking operators are actively exploring new experience monetization models to boost their bottom line and stay ahead of the competition. Delving into the best practices of multiple operators in China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, the white paper highlights the success of differentiated experience payment models in areas such as video, live streaming, and gaming. These innovative approaches have yielded significant returns. Yet while the industry is witnessing a growing trend in experience monetization, there remains substantial market potential waiting to be tapped.
The release of this white paper provides operators with a roadmap for better navigating the intelligent era and driving their growth forward.
The white paper is available at: https://www.verdict.co.uk/downloads/whitepapers/data/intelligent-5g-core-starting-a-new-chapter-in-experience-monetization/#globaldata-technology
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Ghanim Mohammed Al Muftah, United Nations youth representative from Qatar and a political science graduate, said that the decisions made today are not just about policies and strategies. They are about shaping a world where all children can thrive in an inclusive, safe and sustainable future.
“As a person with disability, I have learned that true progress comes not from overcoming personal challenges alone, but from how we, as a society, embrace each other’s differences,” he said.
Sadly, there is no choice for children where wars and conflicts cause unnecessary injuries and life-long disabilities. It is in our hands to stop this global trend of violence, in Gaza and around the world.
“The future belongs to our youth and we must ensure that they are prepared to take on leadership roles,” he said.
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The Summit of the Future (22-23 September 2024) is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance cooperation on critical challenges and address gaps in global governance, reaffirm existing commitments including to the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Charter, and move towards a reinvigorated multilateral system that is better positioned to positively impact people’s lives.
The Summit of the Future is a high-level event, bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future.
Effective global cooperation is increasingly critical to our survival but difficult to achieve in an atmosphere of mistrust, using outdated structures that no longer reflect today’s political and economic realities.
World leaders will convene at the United Nations to adopt the Pact for the Future, which will include a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations as annexes.
Screenshot Credit:
UN Photo/Loey Felipe
Website: https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future
Programme: https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future/programme
Source: Securelist – Kaspersky
Headline: Web tracking report: who monitored users’ online activities in 2023–2024 the most
Web tracking has become a pervasive aspect of our online experience. Whether we’re browsing social media, playing video games, shopping for products, or simply reading news articles, trackers are silently monitoring our online behavior, fueling the ceaseless hum of countless data centers worldwide. In this article, we’re going to explore various types of web trackers and present a detailed annual report that dissects their geographical distribution and organizational affiliations.
Web tracking is the practice of collecting, storing, and analyzing data about users’ online behavior. This data can include demographics, website visits, time spent on sites, and interactions like clicks, scrolls, and mouse pointer hovers that can be leveraged for creating heatmaps, etc. The primary goal of web tracking is to gain valuable insights into user behavior, preferences, and interests. This information allows businesses to personalize experiences, improve user engagement, target advertising more efficiently, and measure the performance of their online services.
Web tracking can be classified into several categories based on the methods and technologies employed:
Cookies are small text files that websites place on a user’s device to store information about their visits, such as login credentials, preferences, and tracking identifiers. Despite a commendable commitment to enhance online privacy, primarily Google’s Privacy Sandbox project, Kaspersky experts anticipate that third-party cookies will persist for long time yet. In fact, even as we were processing the data to write this report, Antonio Chavez, Vice President of Privacy Sandbox, announced an intention to reconsider the plan of third-party cookies deprecation.
Also known as web bugs or tracking pixels, web beacons are transparent images — typically lines or 1×1 pixels — that send a lot of tracking data, usually via a query string. When a user accesses the content, the web beacon sends data back to the server. This allows businesses to track user interactions without requiring additional action from the user.
Many websites embed social media buttons that help users to share content easily. However, these innocuous buttons often come with tracking capabilities. Even if the user does not engage with the social media site directly, these platforms still collect data on their online behavior.
Services like Google Analytics offer a deep dive into user engagement on websites. These tools track a wide range of metrics, from page views and bounce rates to conversion rates, empowering businesses to understand user behavior and optimize website performance.
Device fingerprinting is a tracking technique that identifies users by collecting unique information about their device and browser settings. This includes details like screen resolution, operating system, installed plugins, and browser language. This creates a unique “fingerprint” that can identify the user across different websites, even without cookies.
For this report, we used anonymous statistics collected from July 2023 to June 2024 inclusive, by the Do Not Track (DNT) component, which prevents the loading of tracking elements that track user actions on websites. The statistics consist of anonymized data provided by users voluntarily.
Even the most experienced users often make the mistake to confuse DNT features with the built-in “incognito mode” offered by all leading web browsers. Incognito mode only ensures that all your data like browsing history and cookies is cleared after you close the private window. However, it does not prevent websites from tracking your activities within that session. It also does not make you anonymous to your internet service provider (ISP) or protect you from adware or spyware that might be tracking your online behavior, cryptominers, or worse.
Over the year, the DNT component was triggered 38,725,551,855 times. We have compiled a list of 25 tracking services that DNT detected most frequently across nine regions and certain individual countries. 100% represents the total number of DNT detections triggered by all 25 tracking services.
The DNT component is included in all Kaspersky security solutions and is disabled by default.
Eight tracking systems appeared in almost all of the TOP 25 lists for the regions we studied. Four of these belong to Google. Besides these, we will look at two other tracking systems which were also widely represented across almost all regions: New Relic and Microsoft.
In addition, two other systems – Criteo and Facebook Custom Audiences – also made it into the TOP 25 for all regions, but we’ve already covered them in previous articles.
Google has several tracking systems responsible for various but often overlapping areas of marketing, advertising, and other fields involving the collection, analysis, and interpretation of user data.
Google Display & Video 360 is a tool for managing advertising campaigns. Its trackers monitor advertising-related activities (clicks, technical metrics of ads, and so on). This system had the largest share among the TOP 25 tracking systems in Asia. In South Asia, it accounted for 25.47% of DNT component triggers, and in East Asia – 24.45%. The smallest share of this tracking system was in the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) – just 8.38%, as this region features a strong presence of local tracking systems, which we will discuss later.
The share of DNT triggers for Google Display & Video 360 trackers in each region, July 2021 — June 2022, and July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
Compared to our previous report, covering the period from August 2021 to August 2022, the presence of Google Display & Video 360 slightly increased in East Asia and the CIS, while it decreased in other regions.
The second frequently encountered tracking system is Google Analytics. This system analyzes user behavior and tracks keywords to enhance website traffic and efficiency. Its largest share is in Latin America – 14.89%, followed by the Middle East at 14.12%. The lowest share of these trackers in our statistics is in North America – 8.42%.
The share of DNT triggers for Google Analytics trackers in each region, July 2021 — June 2022, and July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
Just like the previous system, Google Analytics slightly increased its share in East Asia (up to 13.83%) and the CIS (9.36%), while decreasing in other regions.
Trackers from Google AdSense, like Google Display & Video 360, monitor advertising activity and provide reports to website owners. This tracking system has its largest share in the Middle East (6.91%) and South Asia (6.85%). The smallest shares are in Oceania (3.76%) and the CIS (2.30%).
The share of DNT triggers for Google AdSense trackers in each region, July 2021 — June 2022, and July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
In almost all regions, the share for this tracking system increased. It’s worth noting that while some of these tracking systems reduced their presence in certain regions and others increased, they all belong to the same company – Google. Thus, user tracking by Google remains extensive, far exceeding other companies.
Another significant Google tracking system is YouTube Analytics. It gathers information about video views and audience engagement, measures engagement levels, and more. YouTube Analytics holds the largest share in South Asia (12.71%) and the Middle East (12.30%), and the smallest in Europe (5.65%) and North America (4.56%).
The share of DNT triggers for YouTube Analytics trackers in each region, July 2021 — June 2022, and July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
Compared to other Google tracking systems, YouTube Analytics has notably increased its share in all regions.
The share of DNT triggers for New Relic trackers in each region, July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
The San Francisco-based New Relic appeared for the first time in our list of global giants present in all regions. Its activity is focused on web tracking for subsequent performance analysis and the detection of website and application errors. The largest share of this tracking system is in Oceania – 15.79%, and the smallest in the CIS – 1.96%.
The share of DNT triggers for Microsoft Corporation trackers in each region, July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
Microsoft trackers collect information about user interactions with its online services and other sites. This data is used to optimize service performance, find errors, and more. While this tracking system has a relatively small share, it is present in all regional TOP 25 lists. Microsoft Corporation largest share is in Latin America – 3.38%, and the smallest in the CIS – 0.68%.
We studied Bing as a separate tracking system, although it is actually part of Microsoft.
The share of DNT triggers for Bing trackers in each region, July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
Bing is a full-fledged search engine. Its trackers collect information on search queries, location, and user preferences to display relevant ads – classic search engine functionality. It can be assumed that the share of Bing’s tracking system in various regions indicates the popularity of the search engine itself. A notable share of Bing trackers among the TOP 25 was in Africa – 8.46%, and the smallest in the CIS – 0.77%.
Distribution of the TOP 25 tracking systems in Europe, July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
In the European region, Google tracking systems occupy the top two positions in the TOP 25. Google Display & Video 360 accounts for 17.27%, while Google Analytics holds 11.93%. In third place, with a 9.13% share, is Amazon Technologies. Fourth is Criteo with 6.80%, followed by YouTube Analytics (5.65%), Bing (5.33%), and Google AdSense (5.23%).
In addition to the tracking systems that are in the TOP 25 of other regions, there is one company in the European ranking not found anywhere else: Improve Digital, a Dutch company that deals with advertising and marketing projects. It closes the TOP 25 with a small share of 1.22%. Next, we’ll look at regions and even countries where the tracking system rankings contain far more names not found in any other region.
Distribution of the TOP 25 tracking systems in Africa, July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
In Africa, Google trackers occupy the top three spots, with Google Display & Video 360 leading at 19.03%. By the way, only one region and one country among those we examined do not have Google tracking systems in the top position; in nearly all other regions, Google Display & Video 360 leads the rankings, occasionally being surpassed by Google Analytics. In second and third place in the African region are Google Analytics (12.94%) and YouTube Analytics (10.25%). Following them are the aforementioned New Relic (8.55%), Bing (8.46%), Google AdSense (5.11%), Criteo (3.40%), and Xandr (3.17%) – a company owned by Microsoft that focuses on advertising and analytics. The African TOP 25 doesn’t contain any unique tracking systems that can’t be found in other regions.
Distribution of the TOP 25 tracking systems in the Middle East (excluding Iran), July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
The top four most widespread tracking systems in the Middle East belong to Google: Google Display & Video 360 (22.92%), Google Analytics (14.12%), YouTube Analytics (12.30%), and Google AdSense (6.91%). Next are Criteo (6.55%), New Relic (4.42%), Bing (2.66%), and Amazon Technologies (2.37%).
In 19th place, with a small share of 1.42%, are trackers from the Turkish advertising company Virgul.com, unique to this region.
Distribution of the TOP 25 tracking systems in Iran, July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
In the Middle East, there is one country worth considering separately due to the significant number of tracking systems that are not found in other rankings – Iran. Despite the presence of numerous local trackers, Google still takes the top spot. However, not with Google Display & Video 360, which ranks third at 11.35%, but rather with Google Analytics at 35.78%, the highest for this system across all the regions and countries we reviewed. In second place are Microsoft Corporation trackers (12.08%), and in fourth is Yandex.Metrica (4.90%). The latter is a division of the Russian company Yandex, responsible for user data collection and analysis for advertising and marketing services, such as analyzing audiences and their behavior. Following Yandex is the local Tehran-based company Yektan (4.52%), which collects and analyzes data for advertising services. Another local Iranian company in the TOP 25 is the internet advertising agency SabaVision (1.55%).
In addition to these domestic trackers, Iran’s TOP 25 also includes some that appear only in this country but which are not Iranian in origin. These include Tradingview.com (1.84%), an American company collecting telemetry, Amplitude (1.46%), a digital analytics company, Heap (1.18%), a product optimization platform, and Webklipper Technologies (0.96%), which specializes in internet marketing.
Distribution of the TOP 25 tracking systems in Latin America, July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
The TOP 25 tracking systems most frequently detected in Latin America contain no local companies. Google Display & Video 360 ranks first with 20.13%, followed by Google Analytics (14.89%) and YouTube Analytics (8.89%). The TOP 25 is completed by PubMatic (1.08%), a company providing software for internet advertising. While it appears in many TOP 25 rankings, its share is minimal.
Distribution of the TOP 25 tracking systems in North America, July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
In North America, Google Display & Video 360 leads the TOP 25 with a significant margin, holding 16.84%. Amazon Technologies comes second with 9.08%. Interestingly, Amazon Technologies trackers appear in the TOP 3 only in three regions or countries we considered: Europe, North America, and Japan. In third place is Google Analytics with 8.42%, which is the lowest share for this system in any of the regions examined. New Relic comes in fourth with 7.62%.
The North American TOP 25 includes two tracking systems not seen in other regions: The Trade Desk (1.79%) and Quantum Metric (1.76%), both American companies providing platforms for digital analytics and advertising.
Distribution of the TOP 25 tracking systems in Oceania, July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
In Oceania, Google Display & Video 360 (18.43%) ranks first, and New Relic, with a 15.79% share, takes second, marking the highest percentage for this tracking system among all the regions and countries examined. Google Analytics is in third place with 12.00%. In addition to the trackers found in most regions, Oceania features Oracle Moat Measurement (2.10%), Chartbeat (1.11%), and Nielsen (1.03%), which appear only in this region’s ranking. Chartbeat is an American company that collects and analyzes user data for media companies to improve monetization. Nielsen is an American company specializing in market measurement, collecting and analyzing user data for this purpose. Oracle Moat Measurement is the advertising division of Oracle, which will cease operations on September 30, 2024. Oracle itself will exit the advertising market, so this is likely the last time we’ll see this tracking system in our research.
Distribution of the TOP 25 tracking systems in the CIS (excluding Russia), July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
The CIS region is the most unusual in terms of the distribution of the TOP 25 tracking systems. This is the only region where Google trackers do not occupy the top two spots, ranking third (Google Analytics) with a relatively small share of 9.30% or lower. The first place is held by Yandex.Metrica trackers with 26.19%. As mentioned earlier, Yandex system not only made the TOP 25 in the CIS but was also seen in the Iranian ranking (fourth place at 4.90%), the Middle East (2.30%), and of course, Russia, where it holds first place with a 26.43% share.
In second place in the CIS ranking is the tracking system from Mail.ru (owned by the VK corporation) with a share of 20.76%. In addition to these two giants in the CIS tracking market, several other local tracking systems also made it into the TOP 25. Right after the three Google systems – Google Analytics (9.30%), YouTube Analytics (8.34%), and Google Display & Video 360 (8.33%) – the tracking system of the local company Mediascope had 2.82%. Mediascope focuses on audience preference and behavior research. Also included in the TOP 25 of the CIS are developments from the following Russian companies: Adriver (2.75%), Buzzoola (2.02%), AdFox, owned by Yandex (1.69%), Rambler Internet Holdings (1.46%), Sape.ru (1.42%), Artificial Computation Intelligence (1.33%), Between Digital (1.01%), Otm (0.99%), Adx.com.ru (0.93%). In total, Russian tracking systems account for 63.35% of the overall CIS ranking.
Distribution of TOP 25 tracking systems in Russia, July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
In Russia, the TOP 5 is occupied by domestic tracking systems: Yandex.Metrica (26.43%), Mail.Ru (16.60%), Mediascope (6.16%), Sape.ru (4.89%) and Artificial Computation Intelligence (4.80%). Google AdSense only ranks sixth with a 4.50% share. In addition to the trackers seen in the CIS TOP 25, the Russian ranking features an even larger number of Russian tracking services: VK (2.09%), Uniontraff (1.79%), Bidvol (1.16%), Teleport Media (0.97%), Avito (0.87%), MoeVideo (0.79%), GetIntent (0.62%), AmberData (0.59%), Kimberlite.io (0.59%) and Bumlam.com (0.56%).
The share of Russian tracking systems in the TOP 25 amounts to 87.50%. This makes Russia the only region where the overwhelming majority of the TOP 25 tracking systems are local players.
Distribution of the TOP 25 tracking systems in East Asia (excluding Japan and South Korea), July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
The top four positions in East Asia are occupied by Google tracking systems. Google Display & Video 360 is in first place with a share of 24.45%, followed by Google Analytics (13.83%), YouTube Analytics (11.66%), and Google AdSense (6.61%). Unlike other regions, the tracking system of the major Chinese IT company Baidu made the TOP 25 in East Asia with a share of 1.87%.
There are also countries in the region that are worth considering separately, as they feature not only global tracking systems but also local players.
Distribution of the TOP 25 tracking systems in Japan, July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
In addition to global companies whose tracking services are observed around the world, in Japan there are trackers only popular within the country. The Yahoo! Japan web portal is widely used, with its trackers accounting for 4.70%. Yahoo Advertising, the digital advertising division of Yahoo, holds a share of 2.35%.
Local Japanese tracking systems are also well-represented in Japan’s TOP 25, including Geniee (2.77%), Adsp from the Japanese company SMN Corporation (1.35%), MicroAd (1.18%), Supership (1.05%), and LINE Corporation (1.04%). The total share of Japanese companies in the TOP 25 tracking systems is 12.08%.
Distribution of the TOP 25 tracking systems in South Korea, July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
The TOP 25 in South Korea also differs from other global rankings, as it includes local Korean trackers. For example, the tracking systems of the highly popular Korean online platform NAVER rank fifth with 7.75%. Another major local player, Kakao, appears twice in the rankings: Kakao trackers are in ninth place with a 1.83% share, while trackers from the web portal Daum (owned by Kakao Corporation) hold a 1.17% share.
Distribution of the TOP 25 tracking systems in South Asia, July 2023 — June 2024 (download)
The last region under review is South Asia. The ranking here is fairly typical in terms of the global statistics. Google Display & Video 360 takes first place with 25.47%, followed by Google Analytics (13.97%), YouTube Analytics (12.71%) and Google AdSense (6.85%). Only three American trackers made it into the TOP 25 in South Asia: Sovrn (1.24%), Mux (1.10%) and LinkedIn (1.02%).
Google remains the undisputed leader in collecting, analyzing, and processing user data globally. However, in regions like South Korea, Japan, and Russia – where local internet services are particularly advanced – regional tracking systems not only make it into the TOP 25 but can even prevail over global ones. In some cases, such as in the CIS, local trackers can even take over entire regions. On one hand, looking at the TOP 25, it’s clear that user data collection and analysis is not limited to just a few large companies – and the more companies store and process our data, the higher the risk of data breaches. On the other hand, the list of companies is still finite, and the majority of tracking is handled by IT giants, who are motivated to protect user data to avoid reputational damage. The presence of local trackers is undoubtedly a sign of technological development in a region or country. However, the spread of local tracking systems increases the risk of data leaks and can weaken the user’s sense of control over who collects their data. To prevent unwanted data collection by various companies and, in turn, prevent data leaks, we recommend activating the Do Not Track (DNT) plugin.
Source: European Investment Bank
Execution is starting under the new Health Impact Investment Platform on the first country health investment plans turning original commitment into operational reality. The landmark partnership between Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), the World Health Organization (WHO) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is addressing the critical need for coordinated efforts to strengthen primary healthcare (PHC) in vulnerable and underserved communities to build resilience against pandemic threats like mpox and the climate crisis.
At the high-level roundtable meeting in New York on the margins of the UN Summit of the Future in New York today, new funding was signed, and it was agreed that the partners will sit down and start identifying needs and planning health care improvements in 15 countries*.
The roundtable was attended by the partnership’s three founding MDBs – the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) –,WHO and the heads of state, as well as finance and health ministers from Djibouti, Egypt and Ethiopia. The Asian Development Bank also attended the high-level meeting and announced their intention to join the Health Impact Investment Platform in order to expand the initiative into the regions where it operates.
The EIB and WHO signed an initial contribution of € 10 million to kick start the implementation of these investment plans. The Islamic Development Bank and the African Development Bank are finalizing their contributions for the same amount that will be signed in the near future.
The platform is a key part of an effort to unlock € 1.5 billion in concessional loans and grants to expand and improve primary health-care services in low- and middle-income countries, especially in the most vulnerable communities. The investment plans now being developed in these 15 countries, as a phase 1, are expected to make up a significant proportion of that financing effort.
The platform aims to work in close partnership with governments to develop national health strategies focused on primary health care and on prioritizing investment opportunities that meet national health needs. Today’s kick-off comes one year after the platform was announced during the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris.
Dr Ibrahima Sy, Minister of Health, Republic of Senegal said, “it’s important to bring in private sector, local communities and different forms of financing to drive health progress. The involvement of WHO, multilateral development banks and countries is critical to guiding the investments from this Platform to deliver primary health care on the ground and develop local vaccine manufacturing capacity.”
Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health of Uganda said, “I congratulate you for coming up with this very important platform. All our issues are actually based at primary health care level, whether it comes to disease outbreaks, whether it comes to health access, everything is at the primary health care level, and our diseases start there and end there.”
“Primary health care is the most equitable, cost-effective and inclusive way to improve health and well-being, helping to keep people healthy, prevent diseases, and detect outbreaks at their earliest stage,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The Health Impact Investment Platform will be a vital source of new financing to build climate and crisis-resilient primary health care in some of the countries that need it most. WHO thanks the multilateral development banks for their partnership, and we are committed to working closely with the countries to put these funds to work and start making a difference in the communities we serve.”
Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank, said: “One year ago, we launched the Health Impact Investment Platform, and today we are taking the next steps with our contribution to help countries develop their tailored investment plans. Supporting primary health-care services is the foundation of strong communities. Working closely with fellow Multilateral Development Banks and partner countries, guided by the expertise of the World Health Organization, we are making a difference.”
“The health security of the world is only as strong as its weakest part, and the new funds announced today will help countries improve primary healthcare, which is critical to stopping disease outbreaks in their tracks,” said Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. “In addition to the funds, the Platform will strengthen partnerships between countries and funders to ensure funds are effectively invested.”
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO estimated that to reach the health-related Sustainable Development Goals, low- and low-middle income countries needed to increase their health spending significantly and require an additional US$ 371 billion annually combined by 2030. This funding would allow populations to access health services, contribute to building new facilities and train and place health workers where they need to be. It has also been estimated that preparing for future pandemics will require investment in the order of US$ 31.1 billion annually. Approximately one third of that total would have to come from international financing.
The new Platform builds on experience gained through cooperation between countries, multilateral organizations and development banks that proved fruitful during the pandemic. For example, WHO, the EIB and the European Commission supported Angola, Ethiopia and Rwanda in strengthening their health systems. Initially launched as stand-alone programmes or as part of the countries’ response to COVID-19, these interventions mobilized technical assistance, grants and investments with advantageous terms to build up or implement primary health care related interventions.
*15 countries identified as part of phase one of the Health Impact Investment Platform are:
Background information
About the World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations’ specialized agency for health. It is an inter-governmental organization and works in collaboration with its Member States usually through the Ministries of Health. The World Health Organization is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.
Media contact: mediainquiries@who.int
About the African Development Bank Group
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 37 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states.
About the European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It finances sound investment contributing to EU policy goals. The EIB’s activities focus on the following priority areas: climate and environment, development, innovation and skills, small and medium-sized businesses, infrastructure, and cohesion. The EIB works closely with other institutions and has provided total financing of more than € 42 billion for healthcare-related projects around the world since it started investing in the sector in 1997.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, September 3, 2024/
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) today announced the 2024 global cohort of the Inclusive Ventures Lab, with 25 companies selected from the Americas and Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Over the next five months, the companies will participate in an in-house accelerator program designed to further develop and scale technology and technology-enabled startups in the seed to Series A funding round stage.
Chosen from thousands of applications, the 25 startups represent a range of disruptive technologies across industries such as Climate Tech, Retail, Healthcare, FinTech, SaaS, Enterprise Software, Consumer and Travel – with many incorporating AI and sustainability into their products and services. Cohort companies will receive a $250,000 investment (£250,000 in EMEA) from Morgan Stanley, as well as a variety of mentorship opportunities, a tailored entrepreneurship curriculum and business-growth resources from the firm’s ecosystem of internal and external partners.
“In today’s challenging venture capital environment, we are proud to welcome our largest cohort of groundbreaking startups to the Inclusive Ventures Lab and are eager to support them as they scale their innovations and work to build a better world,” said Selma Bueno, Global Head of the Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Group. “Each year since the Inclusive Ventures Lab’s launch in 2017, we have expanded our efforts to ensure that more entrepreneurs around the world can succeed – and this year is no different.”
The companies selected to participate in the 2024 cohort include the following:
Programming will culminate in February 2025 with a global Demo Day, when participating companies will present to potential investors, business partners and customers. The investment firms in attendance at the last showcase represented over $40 billion of dry powder and indicated a high level of interest following the event.
About the Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab
The Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab (MSIVL) is an intensive five-month in-house accelerator program designed to help further develop and scale startups, culminating in a showcase presentation and Demo Day to the investor community. Morgan Stanley launched MSIVL, formerly called the Multicultural Innovation Lab, in 2017 in order to address inequities in funding of startup founders, which our research shows equals over four trillion dollars in unrealized returns.
About Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in 42 countries, the Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.
Scientists have unravelled a mystery about the disappearance of dwarf hippos and elephants that once roamed the picturesque landscape on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus before palaeolithic humans arrived.
Cyprus only had two species of megafauna present during the Late Pleistocene — the 500-kg dwarf elephant (Palaeoloxodon cypriotes), and the 130-kg dwarf hippo (Phanourios minor), but both species disappeared soon after humans arrived around 14,000 years ago.
In examining the reasons behind the extinction of these prehistoric animals, research funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Cyprus through the Research and Innovation Foundation for project MIGRATE found that palaeolithic hunter-gatherers on Cyprus could have first driven dwarf hippos, and then dwarf elephants to extinction in less than 1000 years.
The research was led by Flinders University’s Professor Corey Bradshaw. These findings refute previous arguments that suggested the introduction of a small human population on the island could not have caused these extinctions so quickly.
The researchers built mathematical models combining data from various disciplines, including palaeontology and archaeology, to show that palaeolithic hunter-gatherers on Cyprus are most likely the main cause of the extinction of these species due to their hunting practices.
Professor Bradshaw, with Drs Theodora Moutsiou, Christian Reepmeyer, Frédérik Saltré, and Stefani Crabtree, used data-driven approaches to reveal the impact of rapid human settlement on driving the extinction of species soon after their arrival.
Using detailed reconstructions of human energy demand, diet composition, prey selection, and hunting efficiency, the model demonstrates that 3,000–7,000 hunter-gatherers predicted to have occurred on the island were likely responsible for driving both dwarf species to extinction.
“Our results therefore provide strong evidence that palaeolithic peoples in Cyprus were at least partially responsible for megafauna extinctions during the Late Pleistocene and early Holocene. The main determinant of extinction risk for both species was the proportion of edible meat they provided to the first people on the island,” says lead author, Professor Corey Bradshaw of Flinders University.
“Our research lays the foundation for an improved understanding on the impact small human populations can have in terms of disrupting native ecosystems and causing major extinctions even during a period of low technological capacity.”
Predictions in the model matched the chronological sequence of megafauna extinctions in palaeontological records.
Dr Moutsiou says that “Cyprus is the perfect location to test our models because the island offers an ideal set of conditions to examine whether the arrival of populations of humans ultimately led to the extinction of its megafauna species. This is because Cyprus is an insular environment and can provide a window back in time through our data.”
Previous findings by Professor Bradshaw, Dr Moutsiou, and collaborators have shown that large groups of hundreds to thousands of people could have arrived on Cyprus in two to three main migration events in less than 1000 years.
The research – “Small populations of palaeolithic humans in Cyprus hunted endemic megafauna to extinction” by Corey Bradshaw, Frédérik Saltré, Stefani Crabtree, Christian Reepmeyer and Theodora Moutsiou – has been published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B 291: 20240967. doi:10.1098/rspb.2024.0967
The project Modelling Demography and Adaptation in the Initial Peopling of the Eastern Mediterranean Islandscape (MIGRATE, EXCELLENCE/0421/0050) is hosted at the Archaeological Research Unit, University of Cyprus and coordinated by Dr Theodora Moutsiou.