Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)
In the second episode of Marrakesh Coffee, Anabel González, former WTO Deputy Director-General and now Vice President for Countries at the Inter-American Development Bank, takes us down memory lane—from her early days to unforgettable moments at the WTO. She also shares her insights on today’s trade challenges and explores the concept of re-globalization.
Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder briefs the news media at the Pentagon. The briefing will also be livestreamed on Defense.gov.
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Your military is an all-volunteer force that serves to protect our security and way of life, but Service members are more than a fighting force. They are leaders, humanitarians and your fellow Americans. Get to know more about the men and women who serve, who they are, what they do, and why they do it.
For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
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Source: United Nations (Video News)
Ms. Basima Abdulrahman is the founder and CEO of KESK, the first Iraqi greentech company which synergizes green power and cloud computing technologies to build alternative energy projects in the country.
Ms. Abdulrahman was a participant of the panel “Women, Peace, and Security: How to Promote Stability in Conflict-affected Countries by Funding Female Entrepreneurs” at the 5th World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum in Bahrain on 16 May 2024.
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
-Briefings tomorrow
-IPC report
-Occupied Palestinian Territory
-Lebanon
-Lebanon/Humanitarian
-Syria/Lebanon
-Chad
-Women/Peacekeeping
-Poverty Index
-Eradication of poverty
IPC REPORT
The Secretary-General said that he is alarmed by today’s IPC report findings that high displacement and restrictions on humanitarian aid flows mean that the people of Gaza are facing catastrophic levels of hunger. One year into the conflict, famine looms. This is intolerable, the Secretary-General said.
Mr. Guterres said that crossing points must open immediately, bureaucratic impediments must be removed, and law and order must be restored so that UN agencies can deliver lifesaving humanitarian assistance.
Earlier today, the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization said that the latest findings of the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) report, collecting the work of 16 UN agencies and NGOs, make clear that the risk of famine persists across the whole Gaza Strip. Given the recent surge in hostilities, there are growing concerns that this worst-case scenario may materialize.
Between September and October 2024, the whole territory is classified in IPC Phase 4 – Emergency. About 1.84 million people across the Gaza Strip are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, classified in IPC Phase 3 – Crisis – or above, including nearly 133,000 people facing catastrophic food insecurity, which is IPC Phase 5. Acute Malnutrition is ten times higher than before the escalation of the hostilities.
The report adds that nearly the entire population has been displaced multiple times, risking injuries or death from shelling and aerial bombardments, while many vulnerable groups are unable to relocate or find safe shelter. The majority are living in temporary makeshift camps with an alarming density of almost 40,000 people per square kilometre.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Our colleagues from Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warn that the ongoing Israeli military operations in northern Gaza are putting tens of thousands of civilians in grave danger. OCHA stresses once again that civilians in the north and across Gaza must be protected. Moreover, the military offensive in northern Gaza is also choking off people’s access to the essentials for their survival, including water.
Intense hostilities, evacuation orders, and loss of access to numerous water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in northern Gaza have rendered a number of systems for water production and wastewater collection inoperable. In Jabalya and Beit Lahya, water production from municipal wells is currently at zero. That’s according to our partners, who are also doing everything possible to provide access to water for people throughout Gaza. As of a week ago, they reported that 638 cubic metres of water were being distributed in northern Gaza on a daily basis through water trucking. For your reference, daily water distribution throughout all of Gaza prior to October 2023 was 380,000 cubic metres.
Meanwhile, in central Gaza, we and our humanitarian partners working to support water, sanitation and hygiene services there are preparing for winter and taking urgent steps to mitigate the risk of flooding. These include rehabilitating wastewater pumping stations in Deir al Balah and removing solid waste and cleaning stormwater channels in An Nuseirat refugee camp. Partners are also rehabilitating drainage systems and working to procure dewatering pumps.
Also in central Gaza, the World Health Organization reports that the second round of the polio vaccination campaign there concluded yesterday, with more than 181,000 children receiving the vaccine and over 148,000 children getting vitamin A supplements. Eight health facilities in central Gaza will continue to provide polio vaccines for families who were unable to bring their children to be vaccinated over the past three days.
The second round of the polio vaccination campaign is expected to start in southern Gaza tomorrow.
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, OCHA warns that Israeli settler violence in the context of the ongoing olive harvest season is threatening people’s safety and livelihoods. Since the beginning of the month, OCHA has documented 32 attacks by Israeli settlers, during which 39 Palestinians harvesting olives were injured and about 600 trees and saplings were vandalized, sawn off, or stolen.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=17%20October%202024
Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)
In mid-2023, Pakistan faced significant economic challenges, including due the devastating floods of the previous year. Since then, economic stability has been restored through careful policy-making. However, challenges remain, such as a narrow tax base, elevated spending pressures for social and development needs and building climate resilience, as well as low productivity and weak growth. MCD Director Jihad Azour will be joined by Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss the government’s ambitious policy and reform agenda and the path to sustainable growth.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)
Welcome to Ahead of the Threat, the FBI’s new podcast miniseries that brings together an FBI cyber executive and a private sector chief information security officer. Join Bryan Vorndran, assistant director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, and Jamil Farschi, a strategic engagement advisor for the FBI who also works as an executive vice president and CISO of Equifax, as they discuss emerging cyber threats and the enduring importance of cybersecurity fundamentals. Featuring distinguished guests from the business world and government, Ahead of the Threat will confront some of the biggest questions in cyber: How will emerging technology impact corporate America? How can corporate boards be structured for cyber resilience? What does the FBI think about generative artificial intelligence? Listen to new episodes biweekly and stay Ahead of the Threat.
For a full transcript and download, visit: https://www.fbi.gov/audio-repository/ahead-of-the-threat-episode-zero-101624.mp3/view
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Source: United States Department of Justice (video statements)
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced that Stephanie M. Hinds has been appointed as the Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA).
Source: United States Department of Justice (video statements)
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, delivers a statement regarding the December 2019 murder of Dime Doe, a Black transgender woman from Allendale, South Carolina.
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Spokesperson Matthew Miller leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on October 17, 2024.
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Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at http://www.state.gov and on social media!
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#StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
Daphne Koller is an AI pioneer, MacArthur fellow, member of the National Academy of sciences and the founder and CEO of drug discovery and development company insitro. She’ll talk about how attitudes surrounding AI have evolved in her multi-decade career and what’s ahead – including how technology is reshaping drug discovery, paving the way for more targeted treatments for the patients who can benefit most. But maximizing AI-powered innovation will depend on better investments in data aggregation, quality and collection and navigating hype cycles that can distract from real impact.
This academic-turned-entrepreneur will also share how founding insitro (and a previous company, Coursera) helped her expand her leadership and management skills, all while driving home the importance of shaping a company culture. At insitro, this focus building a culture that works for unique needs led to a special ‘helix’ inspired-structure that helps discovery biologists, automation engineers and others in the company’s cross-functional teams keep communication flowing, problem solve, and prevent the siloes that can hold true innovation back.
Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader/episodes/daphne-koller-insitro-AI-soft-skills Insitro: https://www.insitro.com/ Top Ten Technologies of 2024: https://www.weforum.org/publications/top-10-emerging-technologies-2024/
Source: European Central Bank (video statements)
Session 6 – Trade, firms and expectations measurement
Session chair: Maarten Dossche, European Central Bank
The Causal Effects of Expected Depreciations
Martha Elena Delgado, Inter American Development Bank
Juan Herreno, University of California, San Diego
Marc Hofstetter, Universidad de los Andes and CEDE
Mathieu Pedemonte*, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
The Coherence Side of Rationality: Theory and evidence from firm plans
Pamela Giustinelli* and Stefano Rossi, both Bocconi University
A Choice-Based Approach to the Measurement of Inflation Expectations
Olga Goldfayn-Frank*, Deutsche Bundesbank
Pascal Kieren, Heidelberg University
Stefan Trautmann, Alfred-Weber-Institute
Source: European Central Bank (video statements)
Chair: Philip R. Lane, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB
Panellists:
Yuriy Gorodnichenko, University of California, Berkeley
Kim Huynh, Bank of Canada
Wilbert van der Klaauw, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Source: European Central Bank (video statements)
Session 5 – Geopolitical shocks, uncertainty and expectations
Session chair: Oscar Arce, European Central Bank
Do Election Shocks Affect Economic Expectations?
Olivier Armantier, Gizem Kosar, Giorgio Topa* and Wilbert van der Klaauw, all Federal Reserve Bank of New York
The Causal Effects of Inflation Uncertainty on Households’ Beliefs and Actions
Olivier Coibion, University of Texas at Austin
Dimitris Georgarakos*, European Central Bank
Yuriy Gorodnichenko, University of California, Berkeley
Geoff Kenny, European Central Bank
Households’ Subjective Expectations: Disagreement, Common Drivers and Reaction to Monetary Policy
Stefano Pica, Banca d’Italia
Clodomiro Ferreira*, Banco de España
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy A. Miller was in San Diego, California, meeting with local CBP leadership and workforce from across Southern California. While in California, Mr. Miller hosted a media availability at the San Ysidro Port of Entry to discuss CBP’s enhanced enforcement efforts that are enhancing the safety and security of our communities.
Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/CBPgov
Facebook ➤ https://facebook.com/CBPgov
Twitter ➤ https://twitter.com/CBP
Official Website ➤ https://www.cbp.gov
#cbp
#lawenforcement
#bordersecurity
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Joint statement delivered by a group of Ambassadors, who are part of the signatories of the “Shared Commitments” document to support UNRWA on the recent developments with the agency.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell hosts a press briefing to provide an update on the ongoing federal and local response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Major Mandy Heeren, Military Gender Advisor with UNIFIL, speaks from the UNIFIL bunker about the recent fighting in southern Lebanon and the ongoing efforts on the ground.
Source: United Nations (Video News)
Secretary-General’s message on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: “Ending social and institutional maltreatment: acting together for just, peaceful and inclusive societies”
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Poverty is a global plague, affecting hundreds of millions of people around the world.
But poverty is not inevitable. It is the direct result of the choices that societies and governments make — or fail to make.
This year’s theme reminds us that people mired in poverty contend with societal discrimination and systemic barriers that make it more difficult to access vital services and support.
Ending global poverty — and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals — requires governments shaping institutions and systems that put people first.
It demands that we prioritize investments in decent work, learning opportunities and social protection that offer ladders out of poverty.
And it calls on us to fully implement the new Pact for the Future by supporting an SDG Stimulus and reforming the global financial architecture to help developing countries invest in their people.
Eradicating poverty is an essential foundation for humane, dignified societies that leave no one behind.
On this important day, let’s re-commit to making poverty history.
*****
(En français)
La pauvreté est un fléau mondial qui touche des centaines de millions de personnes à travers la planète.
Toutefois, elle n’est pas une fatalité. Elle résulte directement des choix que font, ou ne font pas, les sociétés et les États.
Le thème de cette année nous rappelle que les personnes en proie à la pauvreté sont confrontées à des discriminations sociétales et à des obstacles systémiques qui les empêchent d’accéder à l’aide et aux services essentiels.
Pour éliminer la pauvreté dans le monde et atteindre les objectifs de développement durable, il faut que les États se dotent d’institutions et de systèmes qui placent les gens au cœur de leur action.
Il convient d’investir en premier lieu dans le travail décent, l’apprentissage et la protection sociale, véritables marchepieds pour sortir de la pauvreté.
Il convient enfin de mettre pleinement en œuvre le nouveau Pacte pour l’avenir, en soutenant le plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable et en réformant l’architecture financière internationale afin d’aider les pays en développement à investir dans leur population.
L’éradication de la pauvreté est indispensable à l’édification de sociétés humaines et dignes où personne n’est laissé de côté.
En ce jour important, redisons notre détermination à faire de la pauvreté une histoire ancienne.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Today marks one month until the start of UK Parliament Week
This year’s theme, “The Journey of a Parliament,” will take you through from State Opening to a General Election.
There’s still time to sign up for your free digital kit, which contains resources and activities suitable for all ages, including a tailored booklet, card game, pop-up ballot box, and decorations.
Visit http://www.ukparliamentweek.org to sign up and explore an array of free resources. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn more about how your democracy works.
#UKPW2024
Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)
Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala met with the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, on 17 October at the WTO. The two discussed the importance of the multilateral trading system governed by the WTO and the impact of the current geopolitical situation on global trade.
Source: US Army (video statements)
: DMA
About the U.S. Army:
The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.
Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L
Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #AUSA2024 #Spot #BostonDynamics
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
From bespoke gene editing to AI-powered healthcare, we are living in an age of breakthroughs propelled by advances in AI. What are the trade-offs societies and industries need to manage as AI adoption progresses?
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
The IMF predicts 3.2% global growth over the next two years, persistently below pre-pandemic levels. But averages are misleading and fail to illustrate the quality of such growth and its impact on the health of people and planet.
In a world characterized by fragmentation as well as rapid technological advancement, what will be the next drivers fuelling the quantity and quality of growth we need?
This session has been developed in collaboration with Bloomberg News
Source: US Army (video statements)
About the U.S. Army:
The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.
Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L
Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Shorts
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
Rapid technological advancements are driving disruption in everything from employment, skills and education to international trade and industry. Meanwhile a fragmented geopolitical and geo-economic landscape has sidelined traditional models of international cooperation.
Amid these powerful forces, how is the United Arab Emirates navigating these headwinds to define the next decade?
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
Spokesperson Matthew Miller leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on October 16, 2024
———-
Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at http://www.state.gov and on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
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Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
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#StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy
Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)
The promise of the net-zero transition will be unmet if the impact on jobs, access and affordability is not considered.
What novel approaches are needed to tackle emissions while ensuring an equitable and socially responsible transition?
Source: US Army (video statements)
CW2 Eric Lejeune, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment describes his role as part of a medevac team.
About the U.S. Army:
The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.
Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L
Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Medevac
Source: US Army (video statements)
: AMVID
The most influential level of leadership is at the Squad — where the majority of our Soldiers reside. “Squad” extends beyond a traditional infantry squad to any small-unit group of Soldiers, connected by a squad leader, who has the most direct impact on their lives. Soldiers never fight alone, the unbreakable bonds forged through shared hardship and unending support for one another are the hallmark of our most successful small units.
The week-long competition will assess each squad on their technical and tactical proficiency, as well as their ability to work as a disciplined and cohesive team. The competition features a multitude of different fitness and combat related events ranging from the Army Combat Fitness Test and various weapons lanes, to a strenuous 12-mile foot march and detailed individual warrior tasks and squad battle drills.
About the U.S. Army:
The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.
Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L
Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #BSC #BSC2024 #BestSquad2024
Source: US National Guard (video statements)
North Carolina National Guard Soldiers provide door to door aid in Haywood County, North Carolina on October 14, 2024, while supporting Hurricane Helene relief efforts. As of Oct. 16, more than 6,000 Guardsmen continue to support Hurricanes Helene and Milton response efforts. (U.S Army National Guard Video by Cpl. Nigel Hatcher)