Europe needs a radical step change in ambition and action – for all skill levels and for all types of training and education. This is as important for people’s careers and prospects as it is for our competitiveness. This is where the Union of Skills comes in.
On March 5th of 2025, the Commission will launch the Union of Skills. This will boost competitiveness, reinforce the skills of workers, and highlight the talent of Europeans.
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Secretary-General/Cairo Summit
– Gaza
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Syria
– Ukraine
– Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Human Rights
– Haiti
– Bangladesh
– Resident Coordinator – Madagascar
– World Wildlife Day
– Briefings
GAZA
Also, you will have seen that yesterday, in a statement we released, the Secretary-General urged all parties to make every effort to prevent a return to the hostilities in Gaza. He calls for humanitarian aid to flow back into Gaza immediately and for the release of all hostages.
Tom Fletcher, our Emergency Relief Coordinator, said that Israel’s decision to halt aid into Gaza is indeed alarming. He added that international humanitarian law is clear: we must be allowed access to deliver vital lifesaving aid. We need to get aid in and the hostages out, he said.
Earlier on the weekend, on Saturday, the Secretary-General, in a statement in which he noted that thousands of trucks carrying life-saving assistance had entered Gaza during the past six weeks, with aid having reached nearly every person in the Strip. And that statement was shared with you.
And he added that as Ramadan – a time of peace and reflection – begins, he calls on all sides to spare no efforts to end all violence. The UN stands ready to support all such endeavours.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
And on the ground, since yesterday, the Kerem Shalom, Erez and Zikim crossings have been closed for cargo. This means that vital humanitarian assistance, including thousands of tents, remains undelivered.
The Spokesman told reporters that every weekday in this room, we have been very clear and provided updates from our colleagues from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on how the ceasefire has allowed ourselves and our partners to scale up the delivery of life-saving assistance to the people of Gaza. The ceasefire has provided the opportunity to distribute food, to distribute water, as well as shelter assistance and medical aid, allowing nearly everyone in Gaza to receive food parcels.
Our humanitarian partners tell us that following the closure of the crossings into Gaza yesterday, flour and vegetable prices increased more than 100-fold. Partners are currently assessing the stocks that are currently available within the Gaza Strip.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=03%20March%202025
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
This outreach webinar provides VA CF partners with information and resources from the National Cemetery Administration, Scheduling Office about the Pre-Need and Burial eligibility to aid in the process of internment in a VA National Cemetery. This presentation is open to Veterans, their families, their beneficiaries, and the general public.
The panelists for this training are:
1. Jay Dalrymple, Director, National Cemetery Scheduling Office, Deputy Director, Field Programs, National Cemetery Administration, U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
2. Steve Ecker, Assistant Director, National Cemetery Scheduling Office, National Cemetery Administration, U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
This webinar provides a brief overview of the benefits and services provided by the VA’s Veteran Justice Outreach Program, including the Legal Services for Veterans Grants Program. This briefing is open to Veterans, their families, and the general public.
The panelists for this training are:
1. Sean Clark, National Director, Veterans Justice Programs (VJP), VHA Homeless Programs Office, Veterans Health Administration (VHA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
2. Madolyn Gingell, National Coordinator, Legal Services for Veterans, Veterans Justice Programs (VJP), VHA Homeless Programs Office, Veterans Health Administration (VHA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Secretary Kennedy met with tribal leaders and elders from his advisory committee to hear from delegates and affirm his commitment to supporting the health and well-being of Indian Country, a top priority for his administration.
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Wade Witmer presents an overview of what alert-on-behalf (AOB) provides, including its purpose, background, and process. Wade also highlights the resources that IPAWS and the Technical Support Services Facility (TSSF) offer to implement AOB.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Kevin Williams presents updates made to the IPAWS User Portal by providing an overview of the refresh and showing new features. This includes visual aids and detailed explanations behind the purpose and expected impact of the refresh.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Director Centeno discusses the importance of Emergency Alert System (EAS) alerts in creating a robust alert and warning ecosystem. He also provides an overview of the National Public Warning System (NPWS) and its benefits before, during, and after disaster.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Chayne Sparagowski presents an overview of what the Message Design Dashboard (MDD) offers Alerting Authorities and how it has positively affected Alert Originators’ knowledge and operations. Chayne shares personal stories of how he received the MDD training and how he has seen it be implemented within his jurisdictions.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Ward Hagood discusses the purpose and goals behind the Software Certification Program including the approach to determining certification requirements and the testing to ensure compliance with security, reliability, and performance standards. Ward touches upon the IPAWS working group and how their feedback has led to program improvement as well.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Jian Mei Wu and Eddie Bertola present an overview of the new Missing and Endangered Persons (MEP) event code. They explain the impact that the code will have on IPAWS, Alerting Authorities, Alert Originators, and missing and endangered persons. They also touch upon how the code will aid in safe search and recovery of Indigenous people.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Director Manny Centeno and Deputy Director Wade Witmer informally address IPAWS questions covering the program’s past, present, and future. They discuss the important challenges, strategic initiatives, and desired end goals for IPAWS over the years and moving forward
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Director Manny Centeno and Elton Ushio present and discuss an overview of what the IPAWS Training Series entails and how the increased engagement has had a positive impact on Hawai’i. This includes detailed information about the training’s content, targeted audience, and positive results and after-actions.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Hector Huyke-Villeneuve highlights the capabilities and resources that the TSSF provides attendees, including training opportunities, live demonstrations, tests, and other useful tools. The TSSF is a 24/7 technical support center for Alerting Authorities to contact for questions, assistance, or bolstering its capabilities.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Alfred Kenyon presents new improvements made to the IS-247 and IS-251 courses for Alerting Administrators and Alert Originators. He covers specific alterations that were made and how it has positively affected Alerting Authority and Alert Originator knowledge and preparedness. Two Alerting Authorities – Kenneth Cochran and David Meyer – share their experience with the new course and how important this training has been to their operations and daily functions.
“Data are critically important for everyone,” says Stefan Schweinfest, Director of UN DESA’s Statistics Division.
“All the decisions that you take in your life, you’re basing them on data,” he stressed, as we spoke on the important work of the UN Statistical Commission. On 4-7 March 2025, some 600 statisticians from across the world will come together at UN Headquarters in New York to ensure better data, better lives.
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Why We Serve is a video series introducing Veterans to VA employees at VA Acquisition Academy (VAAA). Each VA employee has a connection to service, and many are Veterans themselves! Listen to federal employees share in their own words “why” they choose to work for the VA.
In Part 2 of this series, listen to Kasey Kazakavich, Program Manager, Acquisition Internship School at VAAA share his connection to service and the Veteran. The VA Acquisition Academy (VAAA) in the Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction at the Department of Veteran Affairs has always prioritized Veterans. One of its longstanding values is connecting employees with the mission of serving Veterans. When employees feel connected to the Veterans they serve, they are more likely to take pride in their organization and in their role as employees, leading to greater engagement and improved outcomes for Veterans. For more information about VAAA, visit: https://www.acquisitionacademy.va.gov/index.asp
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Why We Serve is a video series introducing Veterans to VA employees at VA Acquisition Academy (VAAA). Each VA employee has a connection to service, and many are Veterans themselves! Listen to federal employees share in their own words “why” they choose to work for the VA.
In Part 1 of this series, listen to Brian White, Program Manager, Acquisition Internship School at VAAA, discuss his connection to service and Veterans.
The VA Acquisition Academy (VAAA) in the Office of Acquisition, Logistics, and Construction at the Department of Veteran Affairs has always prioritized Veterans. One of its longstanding values is connecting employees with the mission of serving Veterans. When employees feel connected to the Veterans they serve, they are more likely to take pride in their organization and in their role as employees, leading to greater engagement and improved outcomes for Veterans. For more information about VAAA, visit: https://www.acquisitionacademy.va.gov/index.asp.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The Petitions Committee has scheduled a debate relating to VAT and business rates relief for independent schools.
John Lamont MP has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. The Government will send a Minister to respond.
Read the petition:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/701268
Find petitions you agree with, and sign them: https://petition.parliament.uk/
What are petition debates?
Petition debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.
Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means that MPs will not vote on the issues raised in the petition at the end of the debate.
The Petitions Committee can only schedule debates on petitions to parliament started on petition.parliament.uk
Find out more about how petition debates work: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/326/petitions-committee/content/194347/how-petitions-debates-work/
Stay up-to-date
Follow the Committee on Twitter for real-time updates on its work: https://www.twitter.com/hocpetitions
Army families are often connected from one generation to the next, and sometimes can trace their family service through the centuries! Tell us about your family’s Army history!
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 #Family #Heritage
The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.
This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
X ► https://twitter.com/wef
LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
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