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Category: MIL-Submissions

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business and Africa Prosperity Network sign a Strategic Partnership on the eve of the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan

    SOURCE: The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business

    Strategic MoU establishes framework for collaboration, event reciprocity, and new joint initiatives to accelerate Canada-Africa trade and investment
    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, May 12, 2025 – The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (www.CanadaAfrica.ca) and The Africa Prosperity Network (APN) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the occasion of the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, marking a significant step forward in strengthening economic ties between Canada and African investments.

    The MoU was formalized during a high-level reception at the Canadian Embassy last night, with Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, and Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Chair of the Africa Prosperity Network, as signatories. The MoU was witnessed by H.E. Anderson Blanc, Canada’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, who graciously hosted the Official Canadian Reception during the Africa CEO Forum currently underway.

    Retired Ambassador St-Onge, who previously served as Director General for Pan African Affairs in the Government of Canada, emphasized the agreement’s practical impact: “This MoU includes tangible commitments to reciprocity between our organizations’ extensive program offerings and establishes a framework for new collaborative initiatives that will directly support the acceleration of Canada-Africa trade and investment.”

    “I would like to extend special thanks to former Board Chair Sebastian Spio-Garbrah for his leadership in bringing this initiative to fruition,” added St-Onge during her remarks at the Opening Reception of the Canada Program during the Africa CEO Forum, where the Canada-Africa Chamber served as an official partner with private sector support.

    Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, co-signatory to the MoU, highlighted the alignment with his organization’s mission: “At APN, we believe in strong and practical partnerships that result in bankable projects across the continent. This partnership with the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business creates new pathways for meaningful economic engagement.”

    “This MoU is more than a formal agreement — it is a bridge between ideas, people, and shared ambitions,” said His Excellency Anderson Blanc, the Ambassador of Canada to Côte d’Ivoire. “Canada is committed to fostering partnerships that harness innovation and create meaningful connections between African and Canadian businesses. We believe in the potential of dialogue, collaboration, and forward-looking engagement to deliver tangible benefits to our respective populations.”

    About The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business:
    Founded in 1994, the Chamber is based in Toronto with members located throughout Canada and African markets.  The Chamber is an independent, not-for-profit organization with strong working links with both Canadian and African businesses and governments. ‘Our membership rates are provided thanks to the generous support of several existing private sector members who sponsor the Chamber,” says Chamber President Garreth Bloor.

    “We thank our generous supporters for ensuring we can deliver our mission – as a proudly independent Not-for-Profit organization, dedicated to accelerating trade and investment through world-class networking and information-sharing events across Canada and the African continent.”

    For more information visit: www.CanadaAfrica.ca

    About The Africa Prosperity Network:
    The Africa Prosperity Network (APN) is a private non-profit organisation founded to advance the vision of “Africa We Want,” as outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It strives to promote Africa’s progress, independent of external aid. Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD). The Africa Prosperity Dialogues series offers a strategic platform where movers and shakers across Africa elevate the continent’s economic integration objectives from ambition to real action.

    Set in Accra, the APD is a one-of-a-kind event where African leaders from diverse areas of national endeavour gather each year to expedite, among other things, the implementation of the agreed initiatives within the AfCFTA trade bloc and shape the Africa Agenda for Action.

    For more information visit: www.AfricaProsperityNetwork.com                                

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Stats NZ information release: Ready-mixed concrete: March 2025 quarter

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Ready-mixed concrete: March 2025 quarter – 12 May 2025 – Ready-mixed concrete statistics provide an indicator of construction activity.

    Key facts

    • In the March 2025 quarter, the actual volume of ready-mixed concrete produced was 854,509 cubic metres, down 1.5 percent compared with the March 2024 quarter.
    • In the year ended March 2025, 3.8 million cubic metres of ready-mixed concrete was produced, down 5.4 percent compared with the year ended March 2024.
    • In seasonally adjusted terms, the volume of ready-mixed concrete rose 1.4 percent in the March 2025 quarter, following a 4.6 percent fall in the December 2024 quarter.

    Files:

     

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Electricity and gas to be included in the monthly selected price indexes – Stats NZ media release

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Electricity and gas to be included in the monthly selected price indexes – 12 May 2025 – Stats NZ will begin publishing indexes for electricity and gas as part of the monthly selected price indexes (SPI).

    The April 2025 SPI, scheduled for release on 15 May 2025, will be the first to include the indexes, which will be part of the housing and household utilities group.

    General manager and macroeconomic spokesperson Jason Attewell said this is the next step in Stats NZ’s continued commitment to improving and modernising the economic data it produces.  

    “The cost of electricity and gas prices are important to New Zealanders, especially as we head into winter. Adding these components to our monthly release now will provide decision makers and the public more timely information about energy costs,” Attewell said.

    Files:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – Global Barometers indicate a slowdown in world economy – KOF

    Source: KOF Economic Institute

    The Coincident and Leading Barometers decrease for the third consecutive month. This time more markedly, reflecting rising uncertainty due to escalating trade tensions and the prospect of slower growth in several regions.

    In May, the Global Economic Coincident Barometer decreases by 3.6 points to 92.2 points, the lowest level since February 2023, when it recorded 89.0 points. The Leading Barometer, in turn, drops by 3.9 points to 95.9 points. The falls are mainly driven by the Asia, Pacific & Africa and Western Hemisphere regions.

    “Given the geopolitical tensions, it is probably not really surprising that both global barometers show a further decline this month. While it has been most pronounced in the Americas and Asia, led by the US and China, Europe has not been entirely immune. Here, hopes are pinned on the new German government to revive the German, and hence the European, economy and thus counteract the negative impact of trade tensions” comments KOF Director Jan-Egbert Sturm on the latest results of the Global Economic Barometers.

    Coincident Barometer – regions and sectors

    The 3.6-point decrease in the Coincident Barometer in May is primarily due to the negative contribution of 1.9 points from the Asia, Pacific & Africa region and 1.5 points from the Western Hemisphere. Europe contributes slightly, with -0.2 points, to the decrease in the aggregated indicator. This is the third consecutive decrease in the Western Hemisphere indicator, which accumulates losses of over 15 points during the period and reaches 87.2 points, the lowest level since June 2023 (86.8 pts.). The region shows the lowest level among the regional coincident indicators.

    All coincident sectoral indicators decrease in May, with the most noticeable declines in Industry and the Economy indicator (which is based on variables representing overall business and consumer evaluations). The Services sector continues to record the lowest level among the sectors.

    Leading Barometer – regions and sectors

    The regional contributions to the decrease in the Global Leading Barometer in May follow the same pattern observed in the Coincident indicator: the strongest contribution, of -2.6 points, comes from the Asia, Pacific & Africa region, followed by the Western Hemisphere, with -1.2 points. Europe contributes with -0.1 points to the aggregated result. The Western Hemisphere Leading Indicator diverges from the other regions and continues to record the lowest level among them. The Leading Global Barometer leads the world economic growth rate cycle by three to six months on average.

    Among the leading sectoral indicators, only the Services indicator rises slightly this month. The most marked decreases are seen in the Economy (which is based on variables representing overall business and consumer evaluations), Trade, and Industry indicators. As a result, the Trade indicator falls into the 80-point range, reaching its lowest level since October 2023 (87.5 pts.). The Economy indicator also returns to its lowest level since 2023.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – Invest Africa and United Kingdom (UK) Government Announce Strategic Partnership for The Africa Debate – London

    SOURCE: Invest Africa

    As the UK’s leading forum for high-level dialogue on Africa’s economic trajectory, The Africa Debate 2025 will convene over 500 senior leaders from government, finance, and industry to explore this year’s theme: “Harnessing Natural Capital for Growth”

    LONDON, United Kingdom, May 8, 2025 – Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com), the leading platform for promoting trade and investment across the African continent, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the UK Government for the 11th edition of The Africa Debate, taking place on Wednesday, 2 July 2025 at the historic Guildhall in the City of London.

    As the UK’s leading forum for high-level dialogue on Africa’s economic trajectory, The Africa Debate 2025 will convene over 500 senior leaders from government, finance, and industry to explore this year’s theme: “Harnessing Natural Capital for Growth”. The agenda will examine how African nations can leverage their abundant resources – from critical minerals and biodiversity to human capital – to build globally competitive industries, enhance intra-African value chains, and deliver inclusive, sustainable development.  

    The event comes at a strategically important moment: just over one year into the new UK Government, as it sets out a renewed international agenda focused on trade, investment, and strategic partnership with Africa.

    The Rt Hon. the Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa, commented: “The UK recognises the critical role Africa plays in the global economy and in shaping a sustainable, inclusive future. We are proud to support The Africa Debate as a strategic platform to deepen trade and investment ties with African partners and boost mutual economic growth between our countries. Our ambition in our new approach to Africa is to support the scale-up of transformative green growth across the continent – and the UK stands ready to be a long-term, trusted partner in that journey.”

    Chantelé Carrington, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Africa, added: “Our collaboration with the UK Government is a major milestone for The Africa Debate. With a new administration in place, this is a crucial opportunity to shape a modern and meaningful UK-Africa relationship centred on mutual benefit. As African economies focus on industrialisation, value addition, and sustainable investment, we are proud to offer a platform that connects the UK’s financial expertise and private sector strength with Africa’s vast economic potential.”

    The Africa Debate 2025 will feature head of state and ministerial keynotes, alongside high-level plenaries and curated side events that convene senior leaders from across Africa and the global investment community. This year’s agenda will examine how the continent can harness its natural capital – through the lenses of finance, industrialisation, and digital innovation – to drive long-term value creation and sustainable development. Our strategic partnership reflects the UK’s commitment to forging deeper, future-oriented relationships with African partners – focused on mobilising investment at scale, promoting inclusive economic growth, and co-creating resilient solutions to shared global challenges.

    Websites:
    Invest Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4k2YU2U)
    The Africa Debate (https://apo-opa.co/43u2xbJ)

    About The Africa Debate:
    The Africa Debate is London’s premier investment forum dedicated to shaping the future of African trade, investment, and economic transformation. Now in its 11th year, the event serves as a critical platform for global businesses, investors, policymakers, and thought leaders to engage in high-level discussions on Africa’s evolving role in the global economy.

    About Invest Africa:
    Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business and investment platform, that drives trade and investment across the continent. With over sixty years’ experience in Africa, we provide our network with trusted market insights, tailored business support, and platforms for meaningful engagement. Our network includes more than 400 multinational corporations, investors, policy makers, and entrepreneurs, united by a shared commitment to building sustainable opportunity across Africa.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Stats NZ information release: LGBT+ population of Aotearoa New Zealand: Year ended June 2023

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    LGBT+ population of Aotearoa New Zealand: Year ended June 2023 – 9 May 2025 – LGBT+ population of Aotearoa New Zealand provides key demographic and economic characteristics of the LGBT+ population as a whole, of the transgender and non-binary populations, and of the sexual minorities’ populations. The statistics include qualifications and income, as well as experiences of depression and anxiety for those who are part of the LGBT+ population.

    This release includes tables of data based on questions on sexual identity and gender included in the Household Economic Survey (HES) for the year ended June 2023 – a survey of about 14,100 responding households (including more than 28,670 people aged 18 and over).

    In 2025, HES data about the LGBT+ population has been included in a larger analytical report based predominantly on 2023 Census data. This report is due to be published in June.

    Files:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Haiti – MSF trauma hospital in Port-au-Prince nears its limits as fighting intensifies in Haiti’s capital

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Port-au-Prince, May 6, 2025 – Port-au-Prince is undergoing extremely high level of violence as armed groups are coordinating attacks on several areas of the city that were previously beyond their control.

    Plagued by years of political instability and an alarming humanitarian situation, Haiti has been experiencing a new upsurge in violence since mid-February as armed groups, united in a single coalition, attempt to increase their control of Port-au-Prince. Fighting is intensifying and the front lines are shifting, squeezing the last remaining districts of the capital.

    Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is warning that its Tabarre trauma hospital – one of the last in the capital is nearing the limits of its capacity. This would create an even more desperate situation for the city’s residents, whose access to surgical care would be considerably reduced.

    MSF’s Tabarre hospital is under great pressure, having already increased its capacity by half. The hospital is strained by the growing number of seriously injured people requiring treatment. Although the number of trauma beds is officially 50, the hospital regularly has over 70 trauma patients. Beyond the 75-patient limit, it will be virtually impossible to accept new cases.

    “The number of seriously injured patients has risen steadily over the past four weeks. Nearly 40% of them are women and children,” said Dr Seybou Diarra, coordinator of MSF’s Tabarre hospital. “We’re already overloaded, and we can’t push the walls. We are now creating hospital rooms in the meeting rooms. The medical teams are exhausted, and the intensification of violence around the hospital complicates the conduct of our activities, as we are located next to areas that are regularly under attack, with a high risk of stray bullets.”

    In this unprecedented context, where over 60% of health facilities in Port-au-Prince are closed or non-functional according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, those that remain open are facing severe shortages of human resources, equipment and specialized services. In just one month, the number of hospitals able to treat trauma cases has fallen from four to two.The Mirebalais University Hospital, one of the last hospitals capable of providing trauma care, suspended its activities on April 23 due to insecurity in the area, as it is located on a road now controlled by armed groups. MSF had to suspend its activities at its trauma center in Carrefour, following a security incident in March, while the Hôpital Universitaire de la Paix, which remains open, is overloaded.

    “It’s becoming increasingly difficult for Haitians to access health facilities, and nearly impossible for those requiring trauma care,” explains Dr Diarra. “If the situation doesn’t calm down, I fear that many of the wounded will die for lack of available treatment.”

    MSF calls for the protection of civilians and respect for health facilities in combat zones.

    For over 30 years, MSF has been responding to the urgent medical needs of vulnerable populations in Haiti. In 2024, our teams carried out more than 72,000 consultations, treated 31,500 emergencies,performed 7,400 surgical procedures and assisted 1,300 births. Located in the most vulnerable areas of Port-au-Prince and beyond, we provide essential care, particularly in trauma, maternal health, sexual and reproductive health, and support for survivors of sexual violence.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Solomon Islands – Central Honiara Constituency Boosts HCC health service delivery with brand-new vehicles

    Source: Government of the Solomon ISlands – Ministry of Rural Development (MRD)

    The Central Honiara Constituency (CHC) office has provided timely support with the delivery of two brand-new 15-seater buses worth $497,231.80 to the Honiara City Council (HCC), Health Division last week, Friday.

    The assistance was part of the constituency’s ongoing commitment and resolute action under the leadership of Honourable Member of Parliament (MP), Gordon Darcy Lilo, to boost the delivery of healthcare services to communities within the constituency.

    The support was made possible under the national government’s Constituency Development Funds (CDF) programme with funding from the CHC budget allocation for 2024.

    Direct beneficiaries are Mbokonavera Clinic and Mataniko Pikinini Clinic.  

    The generous assistance is targeted towards improving logistics and supporting the transportation needs of the council’s health outreach programs, medical supply delivery, community health workers’ mobility, and for transporting critically sick patients from respective clinics to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) for immediate medical attention if the need arises.

    “…because of the obvious challenge our nurses from these clinics faced every day with transportation, we stepped in to support, ensuring our nurses reach their work stations on time to serve our clinics, the constituents, and the wider Honiara community. Not only that, but one of the constituency’s top priorities is support for health under the essential services sector, to ensure quality and timely health services are accessible for our people,” Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Rexford Paul explained.

    Mr. Paul further said, “Working collaboratively with HCC is one of our missions going forward under the Essential Services sector.

    “It is the firm commitment of the constituency office, under the guidance of our Member of Parliament Gordon Darcy Lilo, to put the community first through strategic support and partnership.

    “This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen service delivery and ensure the well-being of our people. We are proud to stand with the Honiara City Council in this shared mission,” he underscored.

    Meanwhile, the Honiara City Clerk, Justus Denni, while acknowledging the generous assistance, recognized Hon. Lilo’s leadership and his constituency’s officers for their strong commitment to public service and community well-being, adding that the provision of this logistical support will greatly enhance the delivery of the much-needed health services in Honiara.          

    Held at the HCC Car Park, the handover ceremony was attended by the City Clerk Justus Denni, HCC’s Health Director, Dr Lawrance Diau, Nurses from Mbokonavera and Mataniko Clinics, CHC Officers, CHC Ward Leaders, and HCC staff.

    Constituency Development Program is a national programme of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

    It is implemented by the 50 constituencies in the country, purposely to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Entities to Host the 13th Private Sector Forum in Algiers, Algeria (20-22 May 2025)

    SOURCE: Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group)

    The forum will enhance public-private partnerships by strengthening collaboration between governments and private enterprises to drive economic diversification and sustainable development

    ALGIERS, Algeria, May 6, 2025/ — The Entities of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group (www.IsDB.org), including the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH), are pleased to announce the 13th edition of the Private Sector Forum (PSF 2025), taking place from May 20 to 22, 2025, at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Center in Algiers, Algeria. This prestigious event will take place on the sidelines of the IsDB Group Annual Meetings and is organized under the high patronage of His Excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.

    Under the theme “Diversifying Economies, Enriching Lives” PSF 2025 aims to reinforce the pivotal role of the private sector in fostering sustainable economic growth, enhancing trade and investment flows, and unlocking opportunities for strategic partnerships across the IsDB member countries. The forum will provide an exclusive platform for key stakeholders to explore new business opportunities, exchange knowledge, and strengthen regional and international economic cooperation.

    PSF 2025 will promote investment and trade by highlighting emerging opportunities in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, technology, healthcare, and finance while facilitating cross-border investments and trade.  The forum will enhance public-private partnerships by strengthening collaboration between governments and private enterprises to drive economic diversification and sustainable development. It will also empower entrepreneurs and startups by providing a dedicated platform to support innovative startups and SMEs through networking, capacity-building, and funding opportunities.  Additionally, it will facilitate business networking by organizing B2B and B2G meetings, fostering strategic alliances between businesses, investors, policymakers, and financial institutions.  Finally, it will showcase success stories and best practices by sharing real-world insights from industry leaders and experts to inspire growth, resilience, and transformation within member economies.

    The event is expected to attract over 1,500 participants, including high-level government officials, chairpersons, presidents, and CEOs of leading local and international companies, multilateral development institutions, chambers of commerce and industry, business associations, investment promotion agencies, individual investors, and entrepreneurs.

    In addition to insightful panel discussions and keynote speeches, PSF 2025 will feature a dedicated exhibition where partners can showcase their projects, services, and investment opportunities. It will include a startup competition designed to foster innovation and highlight groundbreaking business ideas. For the third time, the event will introduce the IsDB Group recognition awards, honoring distinguished organizations and individuals for their contributions to economic development and trade facilitation.

    The forum will welcome prominent speakers, including the Chief Executive Officers of the IsDB Group entities, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC and Acting CEO of ICD, and Eng. Adeeb Al Aama, CEO of ITFC. These leaders, along with industry experts, will share success stories, experiences, and best practices to further strengthen investment and trade across the IsDB member countries.

    For further details, please visit the event’s official website: www.IsDBG-PSF.org

    About Islamic Development Bank (IsDB):
    The Islamic Development Bank is a multilateral development bank that works to improve the lives of those it serves by promoting social and economic development in Muslim countries and communities around the world and making a difference at scale. Through collaborative partnerships between communities in its 57 member countries, the Bank seeks to equip communities to drive their own economic and social progress at scale, and put the infrastructure in place to enable them to realize their potential. The Bank’s new business model of “making markets work for development” contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of our member countries in strategic industries in order to improve participation and upgrading in global value chains. This is in the field of food and agricultural industries, textiles, clothing, leather, shoes, petrochemicals and petroleum, construction, and Islamic finance. The Bank also promotes innovative and sustainable solutions to the biggest development challenges in the world, and takes advantage of the scientific potential in technology and innovation as strategic drivers of economic growth, and we also work to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals.

    About The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC)
    About ICIEC:
    ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC member countries and promote intra-OIC trade and investments by providing risk mitigation tools and financial solutions. The Corporation is uniquely the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. It has led from the front in delivering a comprehensive suite of solutions to companies and parties in its member countries. ICIEC, for the 17th consecutive year, maintained an “Aa3” insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody’s, ranking the Corporation among the top of the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) Industry. Additionally, ICIEC has been assigned a First-Time “AA-” long-term Issuer Credit Rating by S&P with Stable Outlook.  ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting, reinsurance, and risk management policies. Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than US$121 billion in trade and investment. ICIEC activities are directed to several sectors – energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.

    For more information, visit: http://ICIEC.IsDB.org ,

    About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD):
    The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral organization affiliated with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). It supports the economic development of its member countries by providing financial assistance to private sector projects in accordance with the principles of Shari’ah. It also mobilizes additional resources for projects and encourages the development of Islamic finance. ICD’s operations complement the activities of IsDB in member countries and also those of national financial institutions. ICD has 55 member countries and five public financial institutions as its shareholders and has an authorized capital of USD 4 billion.

    About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
    The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$ 83 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.

    About the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH):
    The Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH) is the window of the IsDB Group that facilitate contact and coordination between entities concerned of the IsDB Group and private sector firms and related institutions in IsDB Group member countries. The main objective of THIQAH is to establish a unique platform for effective dialogue, cooperation and inclusive partnership for business leaders committed to partnering in promising investment opportunities. Through facilitation and catalyst roles, THIQAH will be leveraging IsDB Group’s resources to offer necessary services and confidence to investors and to establish strategic partnerships with the leaders of the private sector. The primary focus will be on maximizing cross-border investment among member countries to be supported by IsDB Group’s financial products and services. (www.IDBGBF.org)

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia card acquiring market to hit $700 billion in 2025 as growth set to slow amid global uncertainty, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    The Australian card acquiring market is projected to grow by 5.5% to reach AUD1.1 trillion ($713.4 billion) in 2025. Despite this growth, global economic uncertainty linked to recent US tariffs may weigh on momentum, slowing the pace of expansion compared to previous years of stronger performance driven by cashless trends and consumer spending, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s Merchant Acquiring Analytics reveals that the card acquiring value in Australia registered a growth of 7.5% in 2024, driven by the rise in consumer spending and increasing consumer preference for cashless transactions. However, the current global uncertainty because of latest US tariffs can pose a challenge for the Australia’s overall economic growth, which is expected to impact even payment industry resulting a slower growth in card acquiring value in 2025.

    Asha Lalitha, Senior Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Domestic transactions with Australian-issued cards dominate the acquiring space in the country, accounting for over 97% of the total value of acquiring transactions. Well-established card acceptance infrastructure, nearly-100% banking population, and the burgeoning e-commerce market are all contributing to this.”

    The number of POS terminals per one million inhabitants in Australia rose from 36,012 in 2020 to 40,055 in 2025. In addition to the traditional POS terminals, companies are offering POS solutions designed to target SMEs. For instance, Fiserv launched “Clover” POS solution in March 2025, especially targeting SMEs operating in the hospitality, service, and retail sectors.

    Debit cards accounted for 59% of the total domestic card acquiring value in 2024. Credit and charge cards, on the other hand, accounted for 75.3% share in the total foreign card acquiring value, supported by high usage of foreign issued credit and charge cards for purchases of goods and services in Australia both online and in-person.

    Traditional banks such as Commonwealth Bank (CommBank), Westpac, and National Australian Bank held significant share in Australia’s card acquiring space, accounting for around 60% of total acquiring value in 2024. CommBank is the leading operator in the Australian merchant acquiring market. The bank offers a wide range of POS terminals, including mobile POS terminals. In May 2023, CommBank rolled out the Smart Mini reader for small businesses, enabling them to accept all types of card payments. The terminals are equipped with features such as surcharging, tipping, and digital receipts.

    In addition to banks, non-bank financial institutions such as Tyro, Worldline, and Fiserv also have a presence in the acquiring space in the country.

    Asha concludes: “The Australian card acquiring market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5%, reaching AUD1.3 trillion ($866.7 billion) by 2029. This growth is supported by strong consumer awareness of digital payments, wider merchant acceptance, and a rising preference for contactless and e-commerce transactions.”

    About GlobalData

    4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: New Book – Modernising Islam? The Limits of Liberal Reforms in Muslim Nations – by Rumy Hasan

    Source: MTP.Agency a book by Rumy Hasan

    Modernising Islam? The Limits of Liberal Reforms in Muslim Nations explores the complex and often fraught attempts at modernisation in Muslim-majority countries. From Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 to the UAE’s drive for economic diversification, and from Turkey’s reversal of Atatürk’s secular reforms to Tunisia’s struggles post-Arab Spring, this book critically examines the challenges of reconciling liberal reforms with deeply entrenched religious and political structures.

    Author Rumy Hasan provides a thought-provoking analysis of whether these reforms represent genuine progress or merely superficial adjustments to maintain power. Drawing on historical context and contemporary developments, he explores key issues, including the role of Sharia law, the status of women, freedom of expression, and the relationship between Islam and democracy.

    With in-depth case studies spanning the Gulf states, North Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, this book questions whether meaningful change is possible in societies where religion remains deeply intertwined with governance. It also considers whether Saudi Arabia’s recent reformist rhetoric could set a precedent for the wider Islamic world—or whether entrenched theological doctrines will continue to limit progress.

    A compelling and incisive read, this book is essential for anyone interested in global politics, Middle Eastern affairs, and the intersection of religion and modernity.

    This book is instructive, precise and very well documented. Taking in consideration different Islamic countries, it explains how difficult the reformation of Islam is. And when reforms have been adopted, there remains always the danger of cancelling them, as happened with Turkey after Atatürk’s death.

    – Prof Sami Aldeeb, Director, Centre of Arab and Islamic Law, St Sulpice, Switzerland

    Rumy Hasan approaches difficult issues in the Muslim world with a sharp intellect and penetrating analysis.

    – Sir Alan Duncan, former UK Foreign Minister

    Paperback (236 pages) £9.99; $13.25; Ebook £3.99; $4.50
    Michael Terence Publishing, 2025;
    ISBN-139781800949836; 9781805880196
    ASIN: ‏B0F4FLKJKN

    Available now from book outlets and distributors worldwide.
     
    About the Author
    Rumy Hasan is Associate Professor at SPRU, University of Sussex and a Visiting Professorial Research Fellow at Civitas. His previous books include Multiculturalism: Some Inconvenient Truths; Dangerous Liaisons: The Clash between Islamism and Zionism; Religion and Development in the Global South; and Modern Europe and the Enlightenment.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Fintec – Visa and Whish Money Announce a Strategic Alliance that is Set to Revolutionize Digital Payments and Financial Services Regionally and Globally

    Source: Whish Money

    Beirut, Lebanon, May 6, 2025 – Visa, a global payments technology leader, and Whish Money SAL, a leading regional fintech, are pleased to announce one of the most strategic partnerships in the region. This partnership will enable Whish to leverage Visa’s advanced services and technology for payments and money movement, while allowing Visa to expand its service offerings to over 1 million Whish app users. A signing ceremony was held to commemorate this significant collaboration, marking a new chapter in the fintech landscape of the region.

    Leila Serhan, Senior Vice President at Visa and Group Country Manager for the North Africa, Levant and Pakistan (NALP) region, commented on the partnership: “This strategic partnership between Visa and Whish is the first in the levant region with an e-wallet and money transfer company, and we align with Whish on multiple pillars, most of which, trust and innovation. This partnership will enable us to bring our advanced payment technologies to a broader audience, facilitating seamless and secure money movement across the world. And as Whish is already present globally and is further expanding its reach, we can further facilitate the international growth through our presence in over 200 countries.”

    Toufic Koussa, CEO and Co-Founder of Whish Money, added: “We are excited to embark on this new collaboration with Visa which marks a significant milestone for Whish Money. By integrating Visa’s cutting-edge technology and services, we are poised to enhance our payment solutions and provide even more secure and efficient financial services to our customers. This partnership underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in the fintech industry and is a testament to the thorough and careful due diligence Visa undertakes while engaging in such an affiliation given their high compliance standards. Our commitment to compliance and security has enabled us to achieve this unique partnership in the region.”

    This strategic alliance between Visa and Whish Money is set to revolutionize the fintech sector, bringing unparalleled advancements to digital payments and financial services regionally and globally. As both entities leverage their strengths and innovative technologies, the partnership will not only drive economic growth but also set a new benchmark for excellence and security in the industry.

    About Visa:

    Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com .

    About Whish Money:

    Whish Money is part of Talaco Group that was established in 2004, specializing in technology, telecom, software development, money remittance, digital payments and logistics industries. Whish has been one of the first global fintech platforms disrupting the distribution of telecom, ISP, gaming, and gift card vouchers, in addition to the digitization of financial services to corporates, retailers, and end users. With over 1,200 agents in Lebanon and 3,000 points of sale in the UAE, Whish Money continues to expand its reach and impact. Today, Whish has offices in Lebanon, UAE, and the USA serving more than 1 million users in over 110 countries.

    As a licensed and regulated company by the Central Bank of Lebanon, Whish Money adheres strictly to all local and international laws, regulations, and best practices including stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) measures. Whish works closely with local and international authorities to detect and prevent financial crime. Its robust compliance framework, backed by advanced technology and experienced professionals, ensures that every transaction is screened against local and international watch lists, and is scrutinized to identify and mitigate potential risks, enabling it to provide secure and reliable financial services to its customers.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Business – Sustainability start-ups Krosslinker and Ayrton Energy secure S$1 million each in catalytic funding at The Liveability Challenge 2025 Grand Finale

    Source: Eco-Business

    The 2025 Grand Finale witnessed another record-breaking year, attracting more than 1,200 submissions from over 100 countries competing for the top prize in two tracks: Decarbonisation and Cool Earth.

    Passive cooling using advanced aerogel technology and safe, cost-effective storage and transport to accelerate adoption of hydrogen as a clean fuel were the top winners at the Grand Finale.
    The Liveability Challenge, was presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business. 

    Singapore, 7 May 2025: Krosslinker and Ayrton Energy have emerged as the top winners at The Liveability Challenge (TLC) 2025 Grand Finale for their innovative solutions to drive decarbonisation and tackle climate challenges.

    The two groundbreaking projects were the standouts among eight finalists, each securing a S$1 million grant in catalytic funding to help advance and scale their solutions sustainably.

    The winner of the Cool Earth track was Singapore-based deep-tech start-up Krosslinker, which develops passive cooling technologies in the form of aerogel materials capable of reducing surface temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius and ambient temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius.

    The winner of the Decarbonisation track was Canada-based Ayrton Energy, which develops technology for safe and cost-effective hydrogen storage and transport, and addresses infrastructure challenges that currently hinder the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy.

    The two winners were selected after a competitive and rigorous judging session, where all eight finalists pitched their innovative solutions live to a judging panel at the Grand Finale, held at ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay as part of Ecosperity Week.

    These pioneering climate solutions are integral in advancing progress towards the climate targets set under the Paris Agreement in 2015 – an urgent imperative as global temperatures reach dangerously new highs each year.  

    With rising heat, extreme weather events and ecological deterioration afflicting society and natural ecosystems, solutions must be mobilised to address these climate impacts while contributing to the global targets of reducing emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050.

    This will require coordinated efforts across society, enabling regulatory frameworks and strategic investments to enable the large-scale deployment of innovative climate technologies.

    Presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business, TLC was launched in 2018 as a platform to search for the most disruptive and innovative solutions that solve the pressing sustainability challenges of today.

    Today, TLC is Asia’s largest sustainability solutions platform and since its first edition, has attracted thousands of applications globally, shortlisted and incubated 53 finalists, and deployed more than S$12 million in funding to help these startups, who have gone on to raise hundreds of millions more.  

    In its eighth edition, TLC searched for solutions across two tracks: Decarbonisation and Cool Earth. The Decarbonisation track seeks disruptive deep-tech solutions that provide scalable and impactful solutions to reduce carbon emissions across diverse industries. The Cool Earth track seeks groundbreaking innovations that specifically address the challenges posed by climate-induced extreme weather conditions.

    The eight shortlisted finalist teams – Ayrton Energy, CatAmmon, Cetogenix, CO2Tech, D-CRBN, Eztia Corp, Krosslinker and SXD, Inc – represent various countries including Singapore, Australia, Belgium and the United States.

    TLC’s strategic partners this year are Enterprise Singapore, OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund, TRIREC and Valuence Ventures. Amazon Web Services was the Tech for Good partner for the event.

    “We are very happy and excited [to have secured this award], but this is just the beginning. We have a very big job to do to make sure that we develop solutions that equitably reach everybody and not just the tech-savvy community. Many thanks to Temasek Foundation for all the inspiring work that you have been doing, and to all our investors who have specially flown in for this event. To all the fellow finalists who keep inspiring us – it’s such amazing work to solve some of the most difficult challenges in this world and committing to a cause rather than building easy solutions,” said Dr Gayathri Natarajan, Co-founder and CEO of Krosslinker Private Limited.  

    “We’re really excited to be able to have this funding support and cement our position in Singapore and Southeast Asia. I’m very grateful to Temasek Foundation for believing in the tech that we’re building, and in our ability to decarbonise these hard-to-abate sectors. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my fantastic team of nerds, as I like to call them back home, as well as the support that we have from our investors both locally and internationally,” said Dr Brandy Kinkead, Chief Technology Officer of Ayrton Energy Inc.

    “At Temasek Foundation, we believe in the urgency of supporting bold and deep-tech innovative solutions that can drive real progress in decarbonising our planet, and keeping our environment cool even with rising temperatures. Our catalytic funding reflects this important commitment – helping innovators move from promising innovations to operational prototypes with potential to scale. Beyond The Liveability Challenge, Temasek Foundation is growing our network of climate tech challenges across the region into China, Indonesia and Vietnam. By doing so, we aim to accelerate innovators’ paths to commercialisation and deliver real impact for both the people and the planet. Our heartiest congratulations to Krosslinker Private Limited and Ayrton Energy Inc on this exciting milestone,” said Heng Li Lang, Head of Climate and Liveability at Temasek Foundation.  

    “TLC has become a fixture in the global sustainability innovation ecosystem, providing a vital catalytic platform for promising start-ups with cutting-edge climate tech solutions from all over the world. By driving innovation, entrepreneurship, ecosystem collaboration and access to finance, it helps groundbreaking ideas move beyond the prototype stage to deliver real-world impact. In a world dangerously close to irreversible planetary thresholds, accelerating these solutions is no longer optional – it is critical,” said Jessica Cheam, Founder and CEO of Eco-Business.

    In addition to the two S$1 million in grants (S$1 million for each winner), a total of S$400,000 in investment and grant opportunities were awarded to the finalists by TLC’s strategic partners [see Appendix A].  

    The Grand Finale also hosted an Innovation Dialogue where speakers Mark Gainsborough, Chairman, Seatrium; Magdalene Loh, Director, Urban Systems and Solutions, Enterprise Singapore; and Dr Dazril Phua, Chief Operating Officer, Nandina REM, identified the solutions needed to advance climate tech solutions and innovation in Singapore and globally – including ecosystem building, policy and financial support and public private partnerships.

    Experts said that clear market signals and policy coherence were key to enabling climate technologies to scale. “Technology risk is (usually) the least of the problem. But is the market going to develop the way as expected and is there a supportive policy framework and regulation? Unfortunately, there are too many cases in the climate tech space where the market hasn’t developed as we expected because of an ever-changing policy and regulation landscape,” Mark Gainsborough, Chairman of Singapore-listed marine engineering company Seatrium, shared during the Innovation Dialogue.  

    Magdalene Loh, Director, Urban Systems and Solutions, Enterprise Singapore, noted that in addition to scaleability and exportability, climate tech solutions must be effectively priced to attract customers, and designed for easy integration into existing systems or processes.

    “Today, many of the climate tech solutions that we’re seeing do need to interact with existing infrastructure – existing systems that clients would already be used to. How would these tech solutions integrate? Many times, you need the buy-in internally within the organisation, not just with the innovation team. There are different facets of the clients to [consider] to secure buy-in as well,” Loh said.  

    For more information, visit The Liveability Challenge website at  www.theliveabilitychallenge.org.  

    About Temasek Foundation 

    Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond. Temasek Foundation’s programmes are made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, as well as gifts and contributions from other donors. These programmes strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science and protect the planet. 

    For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg 

    About Eco-Business 

    Established in 2009, Eco-Business is Asia Pacific’s leading media organisation on sustainable development. Its independent journalism unit publishes high quality, trusted news and views that advance dialogue and enables measurable impact on a wide range of sustainable development and responsible business issues. Eco-Business is headquartered in Singapore, with a presence in Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and correspondents across major cities in Asia Pacific. Visit www.eco-business.com  

    Appendix A

    Additional investment and grant opportunities:

    Singapore’s Krosslinker Private Limited received S$100,000 from OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund to develop urban cooling solutions using zero energy aerogel coating.

    Canada’s Ayrton Energy Inc received S$100,000 from TRIREC and S$100,000 from Valuence Ventures to develop safe hydrogen storage and transport which seamlessly integrates with existing liquid fuel infrastructure.

    Australia’s CO2Tech received S$100,000 from Enterprise Singapore to develop a cost effective and compact CO2 capture solution which converts emissions into carbon-negative and valuable products.

    Appendix B

    Comments from our Strategic Partners:

    Emily Liew, Assistant Managing Director, Innovation, Enterprise Singapore, said: “As the world races to address pressing environmental challenges, we need platforms such as The Liveability Challenge more than ever to uncover and support breakthrough climate innovations. Start-ups can leverage Singapore’s robust innovation ecosystem, infrastructure and strategic networks to validate and scale their climate solutions. Enterprise Singapore is committed to working with important partners such as Temasek Foundation to accelerate the development of innovative solutions for a sustainable future.”

    Axel Tan, Venture Partner, OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund, said: “Climate tech startups are pioneering vital solutions for a more liveable planet, but they face steep challenges in scaling. At the OCTAVE Well-being Economy Fund, we believe in backing these innovators by bridging capital, partnerships and purpose. Together with platforms like The Liveability Challenge, we can direct collective investment toward breakthrough technologies – accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more conscious and regenerative future.”

    Andrew Wong, Director, TRIREC, said: “The Liveability Challenge is crucial as it catalyses breakthrough innovations urgently needed to tackle escalating climate crises. By matching catalytic capital with the most promising solutions in climate change, the Challenge accelerates the commercialisation of transformative technologies, especially in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment. This platform not only empowers innovators to scale their impact but also drives collective action toward a net-zero and a climate-resilient future worldwide. TRIREC looks forward to supporting ambitious climate founders.”

    Andrew Hyung, General Partner, Valuence Ventures, said: “At a time when the world’s attention is pulled in many directions and the climate crisis is too often set aside, The Liveability Challenge brings much needed focus. It unites visionaries, doers and believers to shape a future we all deserve. By turning urgency into momentum and bold ideas into real solutions, this platform reminds us that hope backed by action can still change everything.”

    Ashley Tan, International Head of Social Impact & Sustainability at Amazon Web Services (AWS), said: “We’re excited by the powerful sustainability solutions presented by winners Krosslinker Private Limited and Ayrton Energy Inc, and the other finalists. Together with Temasek Foundation and Eco-business, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is committed to making a positive environmental and social impact around the world. We will continue to provide the latest AI-driven technologies and bench of deep technical expertise to power innovative solutions in the cloud and solve the climate crisis’s most pressing decarbonisation and food security challenges of our time.”

    Appendix C

    Finalists for The Liveability Challenge 2025:

    1. Ayrton Energy Inc (Canada)  

    Solution: Safe hydrogen storage and transport that seamlessly integrates with existing liquid fuel infrastructure for scalable deployment that is up to 50 per cent lower cost 

    2. CatAmmon (Israel) 

    Solution: ”Cold” (400ºC) ammonia cracking, catalysed by Ruthenium – free, ceramic nanomaterials that achieves over 30 per cent reductions in cost for hydrogen generation 

     3.  Cetogenix (New Zealand)

    Solution: Transforming urban waste into renewable natural gas, green ammonia and other circular bioeconomy products with carbon intensities 19 times less than those of fossil equivalents 

    4.  CO2Tech (Australia) 

    Solution: Cost effective and compact CO2 capture solution capable of converting emissions into carbon negative and valuable products  

    5. D-CRBN (Belgium) 

    Solution: Plasma-based CO2 recycling with a fossil price parity  

    6. Eztia Corp (US)

    Solution: Cooling wearables that absorb body heat, reducing skin temperature by 10°C  

    7. Krosslinker Private Limited (Singapore)

    Solution: Cooling cities 24/7 with a zero energy aerogel coating: passive, powerful and planet friendly 

    8. SXD, Inc (US) 

    Solution: SXD uses its patent-published AI to co-design and scale zero material waste garments, driving 10 times the material savings, approximately 80 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions and up to 55 per cent in cost savings.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – National Palliative Care Week 11 to 17 May 2025 What’s your plan? Making end of life healthcare choices matter

    Source: Advance Care Planning Australia

    During National Palliative Care Week, 11 to 17 May 2025, Advance Care Planning Australia is supporting the call for all Australians to consider – what’s your plan?

    Dr Catherine Joyce, National Manager for Advance Care Planning Australia encourages Australians to start planning for their future health care to ensure good quality end of life care. Dr Joyce explains what advance care planning is and why it’s so important.  

    “Advance care planning involves planning for future health care. If you were seriously unwell and unable to communicate or make decisions about your own health care, who do you want to make them for you? What would you want them to do?”

    “It might seem like an uncomfortable topic. However, planning for your future health care has benefits for you and for your loved ones. It gives peace of mind, knowing that you are prepared and your voice will be heard. It eases the burden for loved ones faced with making decisions on your behalf, reducing confusion, stress, and anxiety by giving them confidence that they know what you would have wanted.”

    Advance Care Planning Australia, an Australian Government initiative, says the best place to start is a simple conversation.  

    “During National Palliative Care Week, our friends at Palliative Care Australia are asking a simple, yet powerful question – what’s your plan?” said Dr Joyce.

    “This is a timely reminder to make your future health care choices matter.  You can talk to your family, so they know what’s important to you. It may be the music that you love or the pet that you want by your side if you become critically ill and not able to communicate your preferences,” said Dr Joyce.  

    As well as talking with loved ones, people can talk to their GP or health provider. This can be very helpful for people with a serious health condition to understand what kind of health care decisions might need to be made in the future.  

    For free advice or to get a free starter pack, visit the Advance Care Planning Australia website or call the National Advance Care Planning Advisory Line on 1300 208 582 from 9am – 5pm (AEST/AEDT) Monday to Friday. 

    Advance Care Planning Australia is an Australian Government initiative administered by Metro South Health, Brisbane.

    What is advance care planning?

    Advance care planning involves planning for your future health care. If you become seriously unwell and unable to communicate or make decisions about your own health care, who do you want to make them for you? What would you want them to do?  

    About Advance Care Planning Australia

    Advance Care Planning Australia (ACPA) is an Australian Government initiative administered by Brisbane South Palliative Care Collaborative, Metro South Health. ACPA is the national voice on advance care planning and supports individuals, health and aged care providers to ensure people’s preferences and wishes for future health care are known and respected. We promote a national collaborative approach by focussing on improving advance care planning policy and systems, community awareness, understanding and uptake, workforce capability and quality monitoring and evidence.

     Visit www.advancecareplanning.org.au

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Global Economy – KOF Business Tendency Surveys: Swiss companies lowering their forecasts

    Source: KOF Economic Institute

    The KOF Business Situation Indicator for the private sector in Switzerland, which is calculated based on KOF’s Business Tendency Surveys, fell again in April, recording its third consecutive decline. Firms’ business expectations for the next six months show a similar pattern: forecasts are being adjusted downwards for the third month in a row.

    Business activity cooled in April, particularly in financial and insurance services and in other services. Business in the construction industry, the project engineering sector and the retail trade is also slightly less buoyant than before. In contrast, the Business Situation Indicator revealed a fairly encouraging trend in manufacturing, wholesale and food services. This means that the picture is not uniform across all sectors, with recent growth in the key sector of other services acting as the main constraint.

    Almost all sectors are adopting a more sceptical stance

    A different pattern can be seen in firms’ business expectations for the next six months. Companies in the manufacturing sector are adjusting their expectations downwards for the fifth month in a row, with sceptical sentiment prevailing on balance in April for the first time since the end of 2022. Firms in financial and insurance services, construction, project engineering, wholesale and hospitality are also lowering their forecasts. Only the retail trade and other service providers are more confident about future trends than they were in the previous month. If we compare the forecasts for these two sectors with those made at the beginning of this year, however, they too have become more cautious.

    Companies anticipating lower wage increases than before

    Firms are expecting average salary rises of 1.3 per cent over the period up to twelve months from now. They are therefore forecasting lower salary increases than in the January survey (1.5 per cent) and in last year’s April survey (1.6 per cent). Companies in the manufacturing and hospitality sectors in particular are expecting lower rises than in January. Overall, firms have become more restrictive in their workforce planning and, on balance, no more staff increases are scheduled for the next three months. Reports of staff shortages have grown in the construction and hospitality industries, are similarly frequent in manufacturing as in the last quarter and are decreasing in the other sectors (financial and insurance services, project engineering, wholesale and other services).

    The results of the KOF Business Tendency Surveys from April 2025 include responses from around 4,500 firms from manufacturing, construction and the major service sectors. This equates to a response rate of around 59 per cent.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – KOF Employment Indicator falls to lowest level in four years – KOF

    Source: KOF Economic Institute

    The KOF Employment Indicator has fallen again in the second quarter of 2025 and is now at its lowest level since the beginning of 2021, when the Swiss labour market was still being affected by the COVID pandemic. The Swiss labour market is expected to see subdued growth in both the current quarter and the next.

    The boom years on the Swiss labour market appear to be over for the time being. The KOF Employment Indicator stands at 0.6 points in the second quarter of 2025, down from 2.7 points in the first quarter of this year (revised from 2.6 points). This is the indicator’s lowest level in four years. Analysis for the second quarter of 2025 is based on the responses of around 4,500 firms that were surveyed in April 2025 about their employment plans and expectations. As the KOF Employment Indicator is a leading indicator of actual employment trends, its current value points to a moderate employment outlook for the Swiss labour market over the coming months.

    The decline in the employment indicator is attributable to both of its sub-components: the firms surveyed rate both their current staffing levels and the employment outlook for the next three months less positively than they did in the last quarter. While their assessment of their current staffing levels remains positive on balance, the employment outlook for the next three months is sliding into negative territory, which means that there are more firms that want to reduce their headcount in the next three months than those that are planning to increase it.

    Bleak employment prospects in the manufacturing sector

    The employment outlook in the wholesale, manufacturing and banking sectors is the most negative of all. On balance, a clear majority of the firms surveyed in manufacturing expect to see a reduction in employment. The KOF Employment Indicator for this industry stands at minus 13.2 points. Compared with the last quarter, the indicator for this sector has fallen again and has now been in negative territory since mid-2023.

    On balance, a majority of the firms surveyed in the retail and hospitality sectors are also planning to reduce their workforces. In the remaining sectors, however – particularly in insurance, construction and other services – the number of firms that expect to increase their staffing levels continues to exceed those that do not.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Solomon Islands – Ministry of Rural Development completes review of the first ‘draft CDF regulations’

    Source: Government of the Solomon Islands – Ministry of Rural Development (MRD)

    The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) senior management has successfully concluded a two-day review of the first draft regulations for the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Act 2023 last week, Thursday.

    The first draft was produced by the Attorney General’s Chamber (AGC) based on the ‘Drafting Instructions’ prepared and submitted by the MRD.

    The regulations drafting instructions were developed following extensive consultations the ministry held with integrity institutions, provincial governments, and community stakeholders, which concluded in October 2024.

    The regulations, which will be cited as the CDF Regulations 2025 once adopted and gazetted by the Minister of MRD, will further support the Ministry to implement the CDF Act 2023 and strengthen the governance and administration of the CDF programme.

    The CDF regulations, including other reforms undertaken by the MRD, are the ongoing mandatory and legislative reforms the ministry is undertaking to improve and strengthen the delivery mechanisms of the Constituency Development (CD) programme and its governance.

    Work on reforming the CD programme commenced by MRD in August 2022 with the formulation of the first ever Solomon Islands Constituency Development Policy (SICDP), which was followed by the CDF Act 2023

    The CDF Act 2023 was passed by Parliament in December 2023. It came into force on January 5, 2024.

    Meanwhile, the two-day session provided an opportunity for the MRD senior management to review and refine the draft, provide feedback, and respond to questions from the AGC. The inputs will be used by the AGC drafters for the second round of drafting.

    Permanent Secretary John Misite’e thanked his management team for their invaluable insights and contributions to the draft during the review process.

    “This is a crucial process as it gives the ministry and the AGC a space for exchange of drafts and further instructions until we are satisfied that the draft legislation reflects the policy in a legally implementable form.

    “Our team is committed to complete this task and will have the final draft in place before the end of this second quarter.”

    PS Misite’e also acknowledged the AGC for its support toward this legislative procedure, which will slowly but surely lead to greater transparency and accountability in the administration of CDF, ensuring better outcomes are achieved for community development in Solomon Islands.

    PS Misite’e also expressed his appreciation to the GNUT government for its ongoing commitment to the CDF programme and support for this legislative reform to improve and strengthen the delivery of services to rural communities across the country.

    The Constituency Development Programme (CDP) is a national programme of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

    It is implemented by the 50 constituencies in the country to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: South Sudan: MSF strongly condemns the deliberate bombing of its hospital in Old Fangak, Jonglei State – MSF

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Jonglei State, SOUTH SUDAN (May 4, 2025) – Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) strongly condemns the deliberate bombing of its hospital in Old Fangak, South Sudan. The attack began at around 4:30am when two helicopter gunships first dropped a bomb on the MSF pharmacy, burning it to the ground, then went on to fire on the town of Old Fangak for around 30 minutes. At around 7am, a drone bombed the Old Fangak market. There have been at least seven deaths and 20 injured.

    Mamman Mustapha, MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan, said “At 8am, we received around 20 wounded people at our hospital in Old Fangak, including four in a critical condition. There are reports of more fatalities and wounded in the community. One patient and two care givers, including one of our staff, who were already inside the hospital were injured in the bombing – patients who were not in a critical condition, ran from the facility. The bombing of our hospital in Old Fangak has resulted in significant damage, including the complete destruction of the pharmacy, which was burned to the ground. This is where all our medical supplies for the hospital and our outreach activities were stored, severely compromising our ability to provide care. We strongly condemn this attack, which took place despite the geolocations of all MSF structures, including Old Fangak Hospital, being shared with all parties to the conflict.

    “Old Fangak Hospital is the only hospital in Fangak county, serving a population of over 110,000 people who already had extremely limited access to healthcare. We are still assessing the full extent of the damage and the impact on our ability to provide care, but this attack clearly means people will now be even further cut-off from receiving life-saving treatment. We call on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure – this includes health workers, patients and health facilities. Hospitals must never be targeted and the lives of civilians must be protected.”

    This is the second time an MSF hospital has been impacted in the past month, following the armed looting of our hospital and premises in Ulang, Upper Nile state on April 14, which led to the entire population of Ulang county being cut off from accessing secondary health care.

    Notes:

    Since 2014, MSF has been providing secondary healthcare services in Fangak County, a remote area where people struggle to access medical care due to flooding, insecurity, and displacement. The hospital supported by MSF is the only facility serving a population of over 110,000 people in Fangak county. Many patients travel for days by canoe to reach it, particularly during the rainy season when extreme flooding isolates entire communities.

    In South Sudan, MSF works in six of the country’s 10 states and in two administrative areas, providing a range of services including general healthcare, mental healthcare and specialist hospital care. Our mobile teams also provide health assistance to displaced people and remote communities. In addition to responding to emergencies and disease outbreaks, we also carry out preventative activities, such as vaccination campaigns, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, safe drinking water and distribution of non-food items.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Livestock numbers fall over the last 10 years while area planted in fruit increases – Stats NZ media and information release: Agricultural production statistics: Year to June 2024 (final)

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Livestock numbers fall over the last 10 years while area planted in fruit increases – 5 May 2025 – The total number of sheep was 23.6 million at June 2024, a fall of 6.2 million (21 percent) compared with 10 years ago, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    The total number of dairy cattle also fell by 861,000 (13 percent) over this period to 5.8 million.

    “Bucking the trend of falling livestock, however, is beef cattle. There were 3.7 million beef cattle in 2024, similar to the total in 2014,” agricultural statistics spokesperson Tehseen Islam said.

    Deer had the highest percentage fall of all livestock types, down 26 percent in the 10-year period. Numbers are down by 250,000 since 2014, bringing the total to 709,000 deer.

    Files:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: India: Authorities should urgently rehabilitate thousands displaced in two years of ethnic violence in Manipur

    Source: Amnesty International

    The Government of India must prioritize humanitarian aid and immediately implement a clear, inclusive and time-bound plan for the safe and voluntary return of communities displaced by ethnic violence in Manipur, said Amnesty International, ahead of the second anniversary of the outbreak of violence.

    Since violence erupted on 3 May 2023 between the Meitei community and Kuki and other tribal hill communities, more than 50,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) from both communities continue to remain in relief camps across the state, living in inhumane conditions with limited access to healthcare, sanitation, and adequate nutrition.

    “It is unacceptable that the Indian government has failed to address the humanitarian needs and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation policy for displaced communities who remain in relief camps two years since the start of the ethnic violence in Manipur. This inaction has left tens of thousands in limbo, forced to endure life in inhumane conditions with no end in sight,” said Aakar Patel, chair of board, Amnesty International India.

    “Despite the devastating impact of the violence, including the loss of 260 lives, there has been no meaningful progress toward justice and accountability. The rehabilitation policy must also prioritize accountability for the grave human rights violations and abuses committed since May 2023.”

    According to the latest government data as per sources, more than 58,000 people are living in 281 relief camps across the state. Many others have fled to states like Mizoram and Meghalaya. Despite the imposition of President’s rule in Manipur in February 2025 which suspended the state government and extended central government’s rule in the state, the conditions have not improved.

    Fear and insecurity preventing return

    Key stakeholders in Manipur told Amnesty International that while many IDPs are desperate to return home because of the terrible living conditions, fear and insecurity persist. Numerous homes have been destroyed, while others remain occupied by vigilante groups, making return impossible without proper state intervention and guarantees of safety.

    Babloo Loitongbam, a human rights defender and lawyer from Imphal, said: “Thousands are still unable to return home – not by choice, but due to ongoing fear and insecurity.  As delays persist, frustration and resentment continue to grow among those affected… potentially creating a far more volatile and dangerous situation.”

    A community worker told Amnesty International: “If they go back to their homes, how can they sleep peacefully in a house where the roof and the walls are riddled with bullet holes? They need security and protection. And not many can afford to reconstruct their homes without assistance from the authorities.”

    Inhuman conditions in relief camps

    While the Union Home Ministry announced that it has provided INR 21,700,000 (256470 USD) for relief and rehabilitation during the 2024-25 fiscal year, the Home Minister Amit Shah on 3 April said that ‘discussions are ongoing’ regarding a rehabilitation package for the internally displaced people.

    A community worker from a relief camp, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Amnesty International: “The health facilities in these camps are very bad. We regularly see outbreaks of measles, dysentery and fever…There are also people with illnesses like cancer and tuberculosis and many who need dialysis treatment. The only government hospital nearby doesn’t have the capacity to treat these patients and there aren’t many specialist doctors, which is worrying. We are getting some assistance from civil society and philanthropic organizations but nothing much from the state.”

    Another community worker told Amnesty International: “Sanitation is a big problem in these camps. More than 100 families are using two to three makeshift toilets right now. The living conditions are pathetic, cramped and very suffocating. My concern is also that they are provided with two meals a day and the quality of the food is not good.”

    Under international law, IDPs have the right to access to adequate housing, water, sanitation, health and other essential services, without discrimination, as anyone else living in India. The denial of access to these essential rights is a violation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which India ratified in 1979 and the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.

    Failure to ensure accountability

    Since May 2023, homes, businesses, villages, and places of worship have been burned, attacked, looted, and vandalized in the ongoing ethnic violence. Two years on, the authorities have failed to bring the suspected perpetrators of the human rights violations to account, and to provide access to justice and effective remedies for victims, thereby contributing to impunity.

    Benjamin Mate, Chairman of the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust, said: “To ensure true progress in Manipur, the Government of India must appoint an independent commission to thoroughly investigate the role of senior officials, state bureaucrats, police officials, and armed groups during the ethnic violence over the past two years. Accountability is essential, and only through such a transparent and impartial inquiry can justice be delivered to the victims.”

    “The BJP-led administrations at both the state and central levels have not succeeded in bringing an end to the ongoing violence in Manipur. By consistently failing to hold those suspected of serious human rights violations accountable, the government risks signaling that such impunity will persist – ultimately paving the way for further abuses which unfortunately will impede any proposed rehabilitation policy in the coming days,” said Aakar Patel.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – Similar to owls, sharp hearing helps hunting harriers home in on their prey – Flinders

    Source: Flinders University

    Owls, well adapted to hearing the exact location of prey, have something in common with an unrelated group of raptors – harriers.

    A new study led by Canadian and Australian researchers has found that harriers across the world are able to keep a much better ear out for their next meal than previously thought.

    The international team of University of Lethbridge and Flinders University researchers made the discovery when they found unexpected owl-like traits in the ear and brain of several harrier species, such as the Australian spotted harrier.

    The new article published in Journal of Anatomy features the work of the Iwaniuk Lab at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta and Associate Professor Vera Weisbecker’s ‘Bones and Diversity Lab’ at Flinders University in South Australia.

    University of Lethbridge PhD student Sara Citron, who led the study, says owls have fine-tuned hearing abilities, allowing some of their species to locate prey in complete darkness.

    “Until recently, it was assumed that all their hearing adaptations were unique to owls. However, our study shows that harriers have independently evolved several key adaptations for finding prey by sound,” she says.

    The research team focused on harriers – a group of hawks found in North America, Australia, NZ, Europe, and parts of Africa and Asia – because they show some unusual, owl-like hunting behaviours.

    Senior author and PhD supervisor Dr Andrew Iwaniuk, Associate Professor at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience,  says: “Hawks tend to hunt primarily by sight. But unlike other hawks, harriers fly low over tall grass with their beak pointed to the ground.

    “During this so-called ‘quartering flight’, they are not only looking for prey, they are also listening for it,” he says.

    Co-author Aubrey Keirnan, a PhD student at Flinders University who is also co-supervised by Dr Iwaniuk and Flinders University Associate Professor Vera Weisbecker, says that simply by looking at the harrier, you can see similarities with owls.

    “The Australian Spotted Harrier is a great example,” she says. “When you look at this species’ face, you can see a distinctive disc-shaped face, which may improve their prey localisation just like owls.”

    The discovery matches older behavioural studies showing that harriers can locate sounds with similar accuracy to owls, but how they did this has been a mystery.

    Using specimens from wildlife rehabilitators and museums in Australia and Canada, the team examined the anatomy of the skull and brain of harriers and other closely related hawk species such as the wedge-tailed eagle.

    They found that, like owls, harriers have enlarged ear openings and two expanded brain regions that are essential for calculating where a sound is coming from.

    “These auditory nuclei are found in the brainstem and compare the time at which sounds arrive at the left or right ear,” says co-author Associate Professor in evolutionary biology Vera Weisbecker, from Flinders University’s College of Science and Engineering.

    “If a sound arrives at both ears at the same time, then the sound is coming from directly in front of an animal. If there is a delay, this indicates that the prey is more to the left or right,” she says.

    “By having these two brain regions expanded, harriers can make such computations more accurately than other hawks, allowing them to locate where a potential rat, mouse or other prey is hiding in the grass.”

    “Harriers have therefore evolved an auditory system similar to owls, enabling them to target sounds as accurately as owls in a remarkable example of convergent evolution of both brain and behaviour in animals separated by over 60 million years,” adds first author Ms Citron.

    The team is careful to point out that the auditory system of many owls is far more sophisticated than that of harriers. This explains the ability of some owl species, such as the barn owl, to hunt in complete darkness whereas hawks only hunt during the day.

    “There are several other features that help owls with their keen hearing which we did not find in harriers. For example, some owl species have asymmetric ears that allow them to locate sound with greater acuity, and these owls also have several other enlarged brain regions that were not enlarged in harriers,” says Ms Citron.

    The team hopes their study results will encourage further research on bird anatomy to find out how a species perceives its surrounds.

    “Anatomical studies like ours are a window into how a bird perceives the world around it, which can be extremely useful for bird conservation,” adds Dr Iwaniuk. “For example, harriers’ reliance on sound for prey location means that they are likely more sensitive to traffic and industrial noise. This could be contributing to the large decreases in Northern Harrier populations we have seen in Canada.”

    The article, ‘The evolution of an “owl-like” auditory system in harriers: Anatomical evidence’ (2025) by Sara Citron, Cristian Gutierrez-Ibanez, Aubrey Keirnan, Vera Weisbecker, Douglas Wylie, Andrew N Iwaniuk has been published in Journal of Anatomy (Wiley Online Library) DOI: 10.1111/joa.14264.

    First published: 29 April 2025 https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.14264

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Home consents down in year ended March 2025 – Stats NZ

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Home consents down in year ended March 2025 – 2 May 2025 – There were 34,062 new homes consented in Aotearoa New Zealand in the year ended March 2025, down 3.3 percent compared with the year ended March 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    In the year ended March 2025, the North Island recorded 23,570 new home consents, a decrease of 7.1 percent compared with the year ended March 2024. In contrast, the South Island saw a 6.4 percent increase over the same period, reaching 10,491 new homes consented.

    “The increase in the South Island was driven by higher numbers of new homes consented in Otago, Tasman, and Canterbury compared with the same period last year,” economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen said.

    Files:

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Global Bodies – IPU welcomes the release of former MP Ahmed Al-Alwani

    Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

    Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday 1 May 2025 – The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) welcomes the release and acquittal of former Iraqi MP Mr. Ahmed Al-Alwani on 23 April 2025, following more than a decade of detention.

    Mr. Al-Alwani was arrested in December 2013 in Ramadi, Iraq, in a raid that violated his parliamentary immunity and resulted in the deaths of his brother and seven others. He was held incommunicado, tortured and sentenced to death by hanging.

    The IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians has been closely monitoring the case, repeatedly calling for his release and seeking opportunities to engage with Iraqi authorities.

    In August 2023, a breakthrough came when an IPU delegation, including the Committee President at the time, Mr. Samuel Cogolati, and former member Mr. Mushahid Hussein, visited Baghdad. The team met with Iraqi leaders at the highest levels, as well as Mr. Al-Alwani in detention, his family and legal representatives.

    The mission provided a platform for dialogue, transparency and trust-building. During the visit, the IPU used diplomatic channels to urge political and religious leaders to prevent Mr. Al-Alwani’s execution and to seek a satisfactory resolution.

    More recently, the release of Mr. Al-Alwani became possible after the family of a victim from the 2013 raid withdrew their complaint and accepted financial compensation, enabling Mr. Al-Alwani to benefit from the amnesty law.

    The IPU’s efforts, combined with the crucial mediation of tribal leaders and the Iraqi authorities’ commitment to resolving the case, helped overcome longstanding political obstacles and contributed to Mr. Al-Alwani’s release.

    Mr. Al-Alwani’s family have credited the IPU’s consistent advocacy, monitoring and direct engagement with promoting accountability and encouraging the Iraqi authorities to reach a fair and peaceful resolution.

    Background

    The IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians is the only international complaints mechanism with the specific mandate to defend the human rights of persecuted parliamentarians around the world. Its work includes mobilizing the international parliamentary community to support threatened MPs, lobbying national authorities, visiting MPs in danger and sending trial observers.

    Find out more about the live cases currently being monitored by the IPU: https://data.ipu.org/dataset/human-rights-of-mps/

    The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 14 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development. It helps parliaments become stronger, younger, greener, more innovative and gender-balanced.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Consumers price index: March 2025 quarter missing vehicle relicensing fee increase

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Consumers price index: March 2025 quarter missing vehicle relicensing fee increase – We have identified that vehicle relicensing fee increases were not captured in the consumers price index (CPI) March 2025 quarter, released on 17 April 2025.

    The CPI March 2025 headline figure will not be updated. CPI data published on 17 April remains the official measure of inflation. We will capture the impact of the vehicle relicensing fee increase and incorporate this in the CPI June 2025 quarter release.

    Background 

    On 1 January 2025, vehicle relicensing fees increased by $25. While these prices were collected by Stats NZ, the increases were not included in our CPI calculations.

    We have investigated the impact of this. Had the increase been captured, the CPI all groups inflation would have increased by an additional 0.1 percentage points, as shown in the table below.

      Official CPI measure March 2025 quarter  CPI if the vehicle relicensing fee increase were included 
    CPI all groups – annual percentage change 2.5 percent 2.6 percent
    CPI all groups – quarterly percentage change 0.9 percent 1.0 percent

    Next steps 

    We will capture the impact of the vehicle relicensing fee increase and incorporate this in the CPI June 2025 quarter release. This is our standard approach for data updates to the CPI. We have confirmed with key customers that this is their preferred approach. CPI is widely used for contract indexation which is why it is not changed after publication.

    We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

    Files: 

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Research – Australia’s credit and charge card payments to near $300 billion in 2025 amid consumer and e-commerce growth, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Australia’s credit and charge card payments market continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, underpinned by rising consumer spending, robust payment infrastructure, and an expanding e-commerce landscape.

    Enhanced by value-added incentives such as cashback offers, flexible repayment options, and installment facilities, the market is set to maintain an upward trajectory, reaching AUD453.9 billion ($299.7 billion) in 2025 despite evolving global economic challenges, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s Payment Cards Analytics reveals that credit and charge card payment value in Australia registered a growth of 6.3% in 2024, driven by the rise in consumer spending.

    Kartik Challa, Senior Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Public awareness of the advantages associated with credit card usage is widespread in Australia. Consumers frequently utilize these cards to capitalize on benefits, including cashback offers and rewards programs. Bolstered by a robust payment infrastructure and a flourishing e-commerce market, credit and charge cards have gained marked preference among the Australian consumers.”

     

    Australians are increasingly using credit and charge cards for payments, with the frequency of payments per card standing at 225.5 times in 2024 and is anticipated to further rise to 239.5 in 2029. This is driven by banks offering flexible repayment options and value-added benefits such as cashback, reward points, discounts, and installment facilities.

    CommBank offers an installment plan “SurePay,” allowing its credit card holders to convert purchases into three, six, or 12 months. Likewise, National Australia Bank’s  NAB Now Pay Later option allows customers to split the cost of purchases into four interest-free repayments over six weeks.

    Well-developed payment infrastructure has been another key driver for the rise of credit and charge cards in Australia. The number of POS terminals per million inhabitants in Australia stood at 39,031 in 2024, which is higher compared to some of its peers such as China (33,631), Hong Kong (27,184), and India (6,964), though there is significant room for further expansion of POS infrastructure.

    Rising e-commerce payments is another factor contributing to the growth in credit and charge card usage. According to GlobalData’s E-Commerce Analytics, credit and charge cards are the preferred payment method for online payments, with 22.5% share in 2024.

    Meanwhile, to mitigate the risk of over-indebtedness, banks offer debt reconsolidation programs and credit card balance transfer programs to their customers to enable them to merge multiple loans (including credit card debt) into a single, monthly installment and transfer their credit card balance without interest. For example, ANZ offers balance transfer options that enable customers to consolidate debt by transferring outstanding balances from non-ANZ credit cards to a new or existing ANZ credit card.

    Challa concludes: “Australia’s credit and charge card market is poised for sustained growth over the next five years, driven by the economic recovery, growing consumer spending, and growth in e-commerce payments. However, challenges such as the ongoing global trade tariff dispute among major countries, and geopolitical uncertainties remain bottlenecks to the market. Overall, the value of credit and charge card payments is forecast to register a slower compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% between 2025 and 2029 to reach AUD539.1 billion ($356 billion) in 2029.”

    About GlobalData

    4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – Drinking water plumbing a hotspot for antimicrobial resistant pathogens – Flinders

    Source: Flinders University

    A growing threat of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) pathogens poses a critical public health threat – and drinking water plumbing systems serve as significant but overlooked reservoirs of these problematic microbes.

    Despite international efforts to combat AMR, surveillance has primarily focused on clinical cases, while environmental reservoirs – such as drinking water plumbing systems – remain poorly understood.

    A recent study by researchers from Flinders University and other leading institutions revealed alarming findings about bacterial persistence in Australian drinking water plumbing, and identified significant transmission risks in both hospital and residential environments.

    “The presence of these antimicrobial resistant bacteria in residential and hospital plumbing systems highlights a pressing public health concern that requires immediate attention,” says Flinders University’s Professor Harriet Whiley.

    Published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, the study assessed the prevalence of key AMR threats – being methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), plus carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa andAcinetobacter baumannii – in hospital and residential drinking water and biofilm samples across Australia.

    Key findings showed:

    73% of residential water and biofilm samples tested positive for at least one AMR pathogen, compared to 38% of hospital samples.
    45% of residential drinking water plumbing fixtures had at least two of the targeted AMR pathogens, highlighting the risks in home environments.
    Drain biofilms were identified as a major reservoir for AMR bacteria, contributing to their persistence even after disinfection efforts.
    Carbapenem resistance genes were found in biofilm samples that tested negative for P. aeruginosa, suggesting biofilms may act as long-term reservoirs for AMR genes, which will allow resistance to spread even after the original bacteria have died.
    MRSA, typically associated with dry, high-touch surfaces such as bed rails and doorknobs, was detected in both water and biofilm samples. This indicates that AMR pathogens that are not traditionally considered waterborne may thrive in plumbing systems.

    Antimicrobial resistance is among the most pressing 21st century global health challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that by 2050, AMR infections could cause 10 million deaths a year, and would therefore surpass cancer as the leading cause of death worldwide.

    Resistant infections already lead to prolonged hospital stays, higher medical costs and an increasing reliance on last-resort antibiotics, which are becoming less effective.

    “Our research underscores the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and targeted interventions to mitigate the risks posed by AMR pathogens in drinking water systems, especially in home healthcare settings,” said lead researcher Dr Claire Hayward.

    This study calls for improved strategies to manage AMR risks in water infrastructure, particularly in environments housing vulnerable populations, such as hospitals and aged care facilities.

    Strengthening water system hygiene, routine monitoring, and innovative biofilm control methods could play a crucial role in addressing this growing threat.

    The research – “Drinking water plumbing systems are a hot spot for antimicrobial resistant pathogens”, by Claire Hayward, Kirstin Ross, Melissa Brown, Richard Bentham, Jason Hinds and Harriet Whiley – has been published in the Journal of Hospital Infection. For access to the full study, visit: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195670125000593

    Funding statement: This work was supported by the Impact Seed Funding for Early Career Researcher and Flinders Foundation grant 2021.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Energy Sector – Equinor to commence second tranche of the 2025 share buy-back programme

    Source: Equinor

    30 APRIL 2025 – Equinor (OSE: EQNR, NYSE: EQNR) will after the annual general meeting 14 May 2025 commence the second tranche of up to USD 1,265 million of the share buy-back programme for 2025, as announced in relation with the first quarter results 30 April 2025.

    Execution of share buy-back under the tranche is subject to renewal of a board authorisation for share buy-back from the annual general meeting 14 May 2025 and agreement with the Norwegian State regarding share buy-back.

    In this second tranche of the share buy-back programme for 2025, shares for up to USD 417.5 million will be purchased in the market, implying a total second tranche of up to USD 1,265 million including shares to be redeemed from the Norwegian State. The tranche will end no later than 21 July 2025.

    Equinor announced at the Capital Market Update in February 2025 a share buy-back programme of up to USD 5 billion for 2025, including shares to be redeemed from the Norwegian State, in order to conclude the two-year programme for 2024 – 2025, announced in February 2024. The share buy-back programme will be subject to market outlook and balance sheet strength and be structured into tranches where Equinor will buy back shares for a certain value in USD over a defined period. For the second tranche in 2025, Equinor will be entering into a non-discretionary agreement with a third party who will execute repurchases of shares and make its trading decisions independently of the company.

    Commencement of new share buy-back tranches after the second tranche in 2025 will be decided by the board of directors on a quarterly basis in line with the company’s dividend policy and will be subject to a new board authorisation for share buy-back from the company’s annual general meeting and agreement with the Norwegian State regarding share buy-back (as further described below).

    The purpose of the share buy-back programme is to reduce the issued share capital of the company. All shares purchased as part of the second tranche for 2025 will thus be cancelled through a capital reduction at the annual general meeting of the company in May 2026.

    Further information about the share buy-back programme and the second tranche:

    The second tranche of the share buy-back programme for 2025 is subject to an authorisation being granted to the board of directors by the annual general meeting of the company 14 May 2025. According to such authorisation proposed by the board of directors, the maximum number of shares which can be purchased in the market is 84 million. The minimum price that can be paid per share is NOK 50, and the maximum price is NOK 1,000. The authorisation proposed will be valid until the annual general meeting of the company in May 2026, but no later than 30 June 2026.

    It is a precondition for execution of the second tranche that Equinor and the Norwegian State have entered into an agreement regulating the State’s participation in the share buy-back programme: At the annual general meeting of the company in May 2026, the State will, as per proposal by the board of directors, vote for the cancellation of shares purchased in the market pursuant to the board authorisation, and the redemption and cancellation of a proportionate number of its shares in order to maintain its ownership share in the company at 67%. The price to be paid to the State for redemption of the State’s shares shall be the volume-weighted average of the price paid by Equinor for shares purchased in the market plus interest rate compensation, adjusted for any dividends paid.

    In the second tranche in 2025, shares will be purchased on the Oslo Stock Exchange and possibly other trading venues within the EEA. Transactions will be conducted in accordance with applicable safe harbour conditions, and as further set out in the Norwegian Securities Trading Act of 2007, EU Commission Regulation (EC) No 2016/1052 and the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority’s Guidelines for buy-back programmes from March 2025.

    The board of directors will propose to the annual general meeting to be held in May 2026, to cancel shares purchased in the market in this second tranche in 2025 and to redeem and cancel a proportionate number of the State’s shares per the agreement with the State. Based on renewal of this agreement, shares purchased under subsequent tranches of the share buy-back programme for 2025, and a proportionate number of the State’s shares will follow a similar process at the annual general meeting of the company in 2026.

    This is information that Equinor is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and that is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: KOF Economic Barometer: Outlook for the Swiss Economy darkens

    Source: KOF Economic Institute

    The KOF Economic Barometer falls strongly in April. After an increase in the previous month, it now drops below its medium-term average for the first time this year. The outlook for the Swiss Economy is considerably subdued.

    In April, the KOF Economic Barometer decreases strongly by 6.1 points to a level of 97.1 (after revised 103.2 in the previous month). The negative developments are reflected in the majority of the indicator bundles included in the Economic Barometer. In particular, the indicator bundle for manufacturing experiences a strong setback. Similarly, the indicator bundles for other services and hospitality are under downward pressure. Solely the level of the indicator bundle for financial and insurance services remains nearly unaltered.

    Within the producing industry (manufacturing and construction), the sub-indicators for different aspects of business activity all show negative developments, except for the sub-indicators for the stock of finished products, which show slight positive developments. Particularly negatively impacted are the sub-indicators for exports, production activity and the competitive situation.

    Within manufacturing, the indicators for vehicle and also machinery and equipment manufacturers, for paper and printing producers as well as for the electrical industry are slowing down most noticeable. The indicators for the metal industry remain nearly unaltered.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Energy Sector – Equinor first quarter 2025 results

    Source: Equinor

    30 APRIL 2025 – Equinor delivered adjusted operating income* of USD 8.65 billion and USD 2.25 billion after tax in the first quarter of 2025. Equinor reported net operating income of USD 8.87 billion and net income at USD 2.63 billion. Adjusted net income* was USD 1.79 billion, leading to adjusted earnings per share* of USD 0.66.

    • Strong financial and operational performance
    • Strong financial results and cash flow
    • Solid oil and gas production 
    • Strategic progress 
    • Successful start-up of the Johan Castberg and Halten East fields
    • Final investment decision on Northern Lights phase 2.

    Capital distribution

    First quarter cash dividend of USD 0.37 per share
    Proposed second tranche of share buy-back of up to USD 1.265 billion
    Expected total capital distribution for 2025 of up to USD 9 billion.

    Anders Opedal, President and CEO of Equinor ASA:
    “Equinor delivers strong financial results in the first quarter. I am pleased to see the good operational performance and solid production capturing higher gas prices. With the current market uncertainties, Equinor’s core objective is safe, stable and cost efficient operations and resilience through a strong balance sheet.”

    “We maintain a competitive capital distribution and expect to deliver a total of USD 9 billion in 2025.”

    “The production start-up of the Johan Castberg field strengthens Norway’s role as a reliable energy exporter to Europe. The field opens a new region in the Barents Sea and is expected to contribute to energy supply, value creation and ripple effects for at least 30 years to come.”

    “We have invested in Empire Wind after obtaining all necessary approvals, and the order to halt work now is unprecedented and in our view unlawful. This is a question of the rights and obligations granted under legally issued permits, and security of investments based on valid approvals. We seek to engage directly with the US Administration to clarify the matter and are considering our legal options.”

    Solid production

    Equinor delivered a total equity production of 2,123 mboe per day in the first quarter, down from 2,164 mboe in the same quarter last year.

    The operational performance for most of the fields on Norwegian continental shelf is strong, including the Johan Sverdrup and Troll fields. This almost offsets the negative production impact from the shut-in at Sleipner B after the fire in fourth quarter 2024 and planned and unplanned maintenance at Hammerfest LNG.

    In the US, production increased from the same period last year. This was due to increased production from the fields and transactions increasing Equinor’s ownership interest in onshore gas assets in 2024.

    The production from the international upstream segment, excluding US, is down compared to the same quarter last year, due to exits from Nigeria and Azerbaijan in 2024.

    The total power generation from the renewable portfolio was 0.76 TWh, on par with the same period last year.

    In the quarter, Equinor completed five offshore exploration wells on the NCS with two commercial discoveries.

    Strong financial results

    Equinor delivered adjusted operating income* of USD 8.65 billion. and USD 2.25 billion after tax* in the first quarter of 2025. The results are driven by solid gas production and higher gas prices.

    Equinor realised a European gas price of USD 14.8 per mmbtu and realised liquids prices were USD 70.6 per bbl in the first quarter.

    Adjusted operating and administrative expenses* increased from the same quarter last year driven by overlift, higher maintenance activity and some one-off costs. This was partially offset by active measures to reduce costs for business development and early phase projects in renewables and low carbon solutions.

    A strong operational performance generated a cash flow from operating activities, before taxes paid and working capital items, of USD 10.6 billion for the first quarter. Equinor paid one NCS tax instalment of USD 3.09 billion in the quarter.

    Cash flow from operations after taxes paid* ended at USD 7.39 billion.

    Organic capital expenditure* was USD 3.02 billion for the quarter, and total capital expenditures were USD 4.50 billion.

    Equinor continues to demonstrate capital discipline and strengthen financial robustness with a net debt to capital employed adjusted ratio* of 6.9% at the end of the first quarter, compared to 11.9% at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Empire Wind 1

    After quarter close, Equinor received a halt work order from the US government on the offshore construction on the outer continental shelf for the Empire Wind project. The lease was obtained in 2017 and the project was fully permitted in 2024. It has a potential for delivering power to half a million New York homes, and is approximately 30% to completion.

    Equinor is complying with the order and is seeking dialogue with the proper authorities and assessing legal options. The Empire Wind project has per
    31 March 2025 a gross book value of around USD 2.5 billion, including South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.

    Strategic progress

    A major milestone was reached when production was started from the Johan Castberg field in the Barents Sea on 31 March. Production also started at the Halten East development in the Norwegian Sea, with estimated recoverable reserves of 100 million boe and one year pay-back time.

    Equinor continues to optimise and strengthen long-term value creation on the NCS, and was awarded 27 new production licenses in the Awards in Predefined Areas round (APA) in January. The ambition is to drill around 250 exploration wells on the NCS by 2035.

    In the quarter, the Bacalhau floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) arrived at its destination in the Santos Basin in Brazil’s pre-salt region. First oil is expected in 2025.

    Within low carbon solutions, Equinor together with partners Shell and TotalEnergies made a final investment decision to progress phase two of the groundbreaking Northern Lights carbon transport and storage development in Øygarden. The NOK 7.5 billion investment is expected to increase the total injection capacity from 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 per year (Mtpa) to at least 5 Mtpa and further develop the commercial market for transport and storage of CO2.

    The appraisal wells for carbon storage at Smeaheia were completed in the quarter on time and on cost.

    Competitive capital distribution

    The board of directors has decided a cash dividend of USD 0.37 per share for the first quarter 2025, in line with communication at the Capital Markets Update in February.

    Expected total capital distribution for 2025 is USD 9 billion, including a share buy-back programme of up to USD 5 billion. The board has decided to initiate a second tranche of the share buy-back programme of up to USD 1.265 billion. The second tranche is subject to an authorisation from the company’s annual general meeting 14 May 2025 and will commence after this. The tranche will end no later than 21 July 2025.

    The first tranche of the share buy-back programme for 2025 was completed on 24 March 2025 with a total value of USD 1.2 billion.

    All share buy-back amounts include shares to be redeemed by the Norwegian State.

    *For items marked with an asterisk throughout this report, see Use and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures in the Supplementary disclosures.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Energy – The U.S.-Africa Energy Forum (USAEF) to Spotlight African Energy Opportunities, U.S.-Africa Collaboration

    SOURCE: Energy Capital & Power

    U.S. and African energy leaders will gather at the U.S.-Africa Energy Forum in Houston this August to drive investment, forge strategic partnerships and deepen American engagement in key African markets

    HOUSTON, United States of America, April 29, 2025 – The U.S.-Africa Energy Forum (USAEF) returns to Houston with a bold agenda focused on catalyzing American investment and innovation across Africa’s most dynamic energy markets. Designed as a high-impact platform for government and private sector dialogue, USAEF brings together African energy stakeholders and leading U.S. companies to accelerate project development, capital deployment and technology transfer across the continent.

    The forum is set to open with a High-Level U.S.-Africa Energy Dialogue, bringing together senior policymakers, energy ministers and private sector leaders to set the tone for deeper cooperation and alignment on mutual priorities. This flagship session will be followed by a forward-looking panel discussion on Private Equity Driving a New Wave of African Business, exploring how U.S.-based investment firms are shaping Africa’s next chapter of energy growth. The agenda will also spotlight frontier opportunities; overlooked plays across the Middle East, North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa; and bold strategies to grow the U.S. footprint in Africa’s critical minerals and energy assets.

    Libya, the Republic of Congo, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will take center stage during a series of Country-Focused Sessions highlighting strategic priorities, reform agendas and concrete investment opportunities. African governments and national oil companies will present their latest projects and policy frameworks, while American firms such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, SLB and ConocoPhillips will explore avenues to deepen partnerships in established markets like Nigeria and Libya, and tap into emerging opportunities in the Republic of Congo and the DRC.

    With major reforms and investment drives underway, these markets are fast becoming focal points for American engagement. Libya, North Africa’s powerhouse, has launched a 22-block licensing round as it works to revitalize its upstream sector and reach a production target of 1.6 million barrels per day (bpd), alongside multi-billion-dollar gas monetization and export projects.

    The Republic of Congo is aiming to scale production to 500,000 bpd, while advancing gas monetization under a new Gas Master Plan that invites international collaboration. In the DRC, reforms to the hydrocarbons code and a potential minerals-for-security agreement with the U.S. signal new entry points for American firms. Nigeria continues to stand out as a top-tier investment destination, targeting $10 billion in deepwater gas projects through new tax incentives and a planned auction of undeveloped blocks to boost exploration and production.

    With participation from key industry players and high-level delegations, USAEF affirms a shared commitment by African stakeholders to attract American capital and technology to bolster their respective energy markets. U.S. companies, in turn, are ready to expand their footprint, forge new alliances and unlock the full potential of Africa’s energy future.

    For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more information, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com. Join us in Houston this August to connect with the leaders shaping Africa’s energy landscape and experience the momentum that drives ECP’s events worldwide.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –