Category: Military Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: JTF-Bravo unveils new Combined Joint Operation Center

    Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

    Joint Task Force-Bravo unveiled their new Combined Joint Operation Center in conjunction with a tabletop exercise where they worked with members from the Honduran air force, army, firefighters, Comisión Permanente de Contingencias, Forest Conservation Institute, Environmental Management Unit, and Friends of La Tigra Foundation, February 19, 2025.

    The CJOC was created to better streamline and facilitate communication between JTF-Bravo leaders and local agency leaders when a crisis arises. 
    “The Combined Joint Operation Center is a testament to our commitment to working side-by-side with our Honduran partners,” said U.S. Army Col. Daniel Alder, JTF-Bravo Commander. “This facility is a hub that allows us to plan and coordinate in response to crises, meaning we can react faster and more effectively, ultimately saving lives.”

    The exercise simulated a forest fire in La Tigra National, Northeast of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Participants worked together to determine initial responses and how each agency would act as the crisis grew over time.

    Alongside the exercise, members from JTF-Bravo and the Honduran conducted academic training on a collapsible water-carrying device that is used in aerial firefighting. The device is suspended from a helicopter to pick up water and drop the water onto wildfires. This equipment is extremely valuable in this region as many locations are inaccessible via roads.

    With JTF-Bravo being the U.S. Southern Command’s regional rapid response force for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions and contingency response, the inception of the CJOC and this exercise are big steps towards JTF-Bravo and local agencies and military working together to better react during crises.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why justice for Ukraine must be at the forefront of peace negotiations

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Oleksa Drachewych, Assistant Professor in History, Western University

    On Feb. 18, representatives from Russia and the United States met in Saudi Arabia to determine if peace in Ukraine is possible. Ukrainian representatives were not invited.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on social media that the meeting was a step in developing an “enduring peace” between Russia and Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed in a media interview that the meeting was “very positive” and confirmed the true meaning of the talks was to start normalising relations between Russia and the U.S.

    Although U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed “the Russians want to see the war end,” Russian officials remain committed to their war aims. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov announced before the meetings that Russia would not return Ukrainian territory. After, he stated that should a peace deal be brokered, any peacekeeping forces could not come from NATO nations. The latter statement stunted growing European efforts to develop a security guarantee for Ukraine should a ceasefire be reached.

    Keith Kellogg, U.S. envoy for Kyiv and Moscow, said after his Feb. 20 meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the U.S. is aligned with the nation — and that any end to the war with Russia should ensure there is no “next war”. Yet White House officials do not seem to have Ukraine’s best interest in mind in negotiating a potential resolution to the war.

    For instance, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on Feb. 12 that the U.S. government doesn’t believe NATO membership for Ukraine “is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement.” He added that Ukraine would need to accept territorial concessions to Russia.

    Trump has also increasingly parroted Russian narratives — such as claiming that Ukraine started the war. He has also delegitimized Zelenskyy by claiming he is a “dictator” who refuses to hold elections — despite the nation’s constitution stating elections cannot legally be held under martial law.

    Trump also continues to demand 50 per cent of Ukraine’s natural resources to repay the United States for previous military and financial support. This has led to a deterioration in Ukrainian-U.S. relations at a time where Russian-U.S. relations appear to be improving.




    Read more:
    Ukraine’s natural resources are at centre stage in the ongoing war, and will likely remain there


    European leaders have responded with frustration. Zelenskyy has made his position clear that any negotiation must include Ukraine at the table. Ukraine would not accept an imposed peace.

    Any attempt at negotiating a lasting peace between the two nations must include accountability for Russian crimes.

    The realities of Russia’s invasion

    American overtures for peace have often referred to “stopping the millions of deaths” in Russia’s war in Ukraine. While on the surface this goal is admirable, it oversimplifies the realities of what the last three years of war have done to Ukraine. Namely, Russian forces have committed extensive war crimes and atrocity in Ukraine.

    Russian forces barrage Ukraine with drone strikes and terror bombing — including targeting civilians. Even as negotiations were happening in Saudi Arabia, Russian drones struck Odesa, injuring four civilians. This was the latest in a long line of such attacks. International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants are out for Russian military leaders on just this issue.

    The Ukrainian government has confirmed over 19,500 Ukrainian children have been abducted by Russian forces. But in July 2023, Russian officials claimed they had over 700,000 Ukrainian children in Russian territory.

    Investigative reporting confirms the Russian government is assimilating these children — forcing them to stop speaking Ukrainian and raising them with a Russian identity. These actions have also led to ICC arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s Children’s Rights Commissioner who oversees the program. Russia’s actions violate the UN Genocide Convention.

    Widespread sexual assault by Russian forces has been documented against Ukrainian men and women. Torture chambers have also been found in liberated cities. Russian forces committed mass murder in multiple Ukrainian cities — underscored by the discovery of mass graves in Bucha, Izium and Lyman.

    Mariupol, once a city of over 400,000 has been reduced to a population of 120,000 as of 2023. This showcases the devastation caused by Russian forces. Russia has also started seizing buildings to give to Russian settlers to further Russify the city.

    The realities under Russian occupation are only partially known. The Russian government has demanded Ukrainians living under occupation forfeit their Ukrainian identification documents and obtain Russian passports. In schools, Russia has fully implemented its nationalistic curriculum, which includes “anti-Ukrainian propaganda” aimed at assimilating Ukrainian children.

    Against international law, forcible Russification of the Ukrainian people has become a common feature of Russian occupation during this war.

    Ukraine’s fight for justice

    Ukraine continues to fight against Russian occupation. While it’s honourable to want to stop the deaths caused by fighting, the Russian regime’s actions in Ukrainian territory must be remembered too.

    This is why justice is just as important as resolution. While it’s unlikely Russian officials will find themselves before the ICC, there must be some form of accountability for Russian crimes against Ukraine if peace is negotiated. While present frontlines may dictate where Ukraine may be forced to cede territory or freeze conflict, the realities of Russian aggression cannot be ignored.

    Here, history offers a guide for what shouldn’t be done this time when brokering a peace deal.




    Read more:
    How Russia’s fixation on the Second World War helps explain its Ukraine invasion


    During the Second World War, Soviet forces committed extensive war crimes and atrocities. Yet the Soviet Union never faced a reckoning for those acts. Russian officials remember this. As a result, Putin feels empowered to commit similar atrocities in Ukraine — believing Russia, just as the Soviet Union, won’t face any consequences.

    For any possibility of lasting peace, accountability and justice for Russian war crimes must be at the forefront of negotiations. Otherwise, Russia will have learned it can act with impunity — threatening the likelihood of enduring peace for Ukraine.

    Oleksa Drachewych does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Why justice for Ukraine must be at the forefront of peace negotiations – https://theconversation.com/why-justice-for-ukraine-must-be-at-the-forefront-of-peace-negotiations-250208

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Dare and Win!”: How February 23 was celebrated at the Military Training Center

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Higher School of Economics

    On the eve of Defender of the Fatherland Day in Military training center The HSE hosted ceremonial meetings and creative evenings of student amateur performances. Such events are held here every year on the eve of February 23, and not only HSE students, but also students from partner schools and honorary guests take part in them.

    “Conquer new heights”

    The guest of honor at the ceremonial meeting and creative evening of 4th-year students was Vice-Rector Sergey Rozhkov. After the State Flag of the Russian Federation, the flag of the HSE Military Training Center were carried out and the Anthem of the Russian Federation was performed, he congratulated all those present on Defender of the Fatherland Day.

    “I wish you good health, happiness and prosperity, to always move forward, and not to stop in the face of difficulties. You will have to conquer new heights, and it does not matter whether they will be connected with the specialty you have chosen or with service in the Armed Forces – as far as I know, we also have those who want to join the military service. Dare and win,” said Sergey Rozhkov, addressing the students.

    He also wished for a quick big victory in the special military operation. “We are really looking forward to it, it is important for all of us,” the vice-rector concluded.

    The head of the Military Training Center (VTC), Hero of Russia Vladimir Korgutov, also delivered welcoming words.

    “This national holiday firmly links the past, present and future of Russia, is a symbol of fortitude, courage, solidarity and unity, pride in one’s country and its history. And today we remember those who conscientiously fulfilled their military duty – in every home, in every family, there are reminders of the heroism of our grandfathers and fathers. Military exploits and traditions will never be forgotten,” he said.

    The Hero of Russia recalled the soldiers and officers who died during the SVO, including those who were personally known to the teachers of the Military Training Center. Those present in the hall honored their memory with a minute of silence.

    Award ceremony

    Vladimir Korgutov reported that in the run-up to Defender of the Fatherland Day, congratulations were sent to the Military Training Center “from many of our colleagues and comrades.” Among them were representatives of universities from different regions of Russia where military training centers operate. “We also congratulate them and advocate for us to have more joint projects,” he added.

    This was followed by a ceremony to present awards to the staff and students of the Military Training Center.

    For the consistently high quality of performance of official duties, Sergey Rozhkov presented a letter of gratitude from the Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Nikita Anisimov to the teacher Departments of the Ground Forces Aleksandr Alekseev, associate professor Andrey Cherkesov and the educational department dispatcher Olga Lobova. The vice-rector’s gratitude was awarded to associate professor of the Land Forces Department Viktor Prilyudko.

    A teacher received a commemorative badge of the city of Moscow “80 years of the Battle of Moscow” Department of Aerospace Forces Alexander Lyubimov. Andrey Cherkesov was awarded the medal “65 years of the Strategic Missile Forces” by the Council of Veterans of the Strategic Missile Forces. Gratitude from the head of the Military Training Center was announced to engineer Irina Petrova and senior engineer of the educational and training equipment department Yuri Kuprienko.

    In addition, the best students received incentives. This is not only a certificate or gratitude, but also a photo taken near the unfurled flag of the VUC together with Hero of Russia Vladimir Korgutov, as well as a “letter to the homeland” – a message to parents, which tells about the achievements of their son. Another form of incentive in honor of February 23 is the removal of a previously imposed penalty, and this is no less important for students than any other award.

    Tribute

    Holding concerts on the eve of February 23 is one of the traditions of the Military Training Center. First of all, it is a tribute to those who defended our Motherland during the Great Patriotic War and other wars, and to those who today, faithful to their military duty, continue to defend it.

    This year, not only students of the Military Training Center performed at the creative evenings, but also invited performers and creative groups, for example, the vocal studio “Kladez” from the Moscow State Technical University of Civil Aviation under the direction of Oksana Kazakova. Famous songs of the war years and modern works were performed, including those written by the students themselves. A quiz on military topics was also organized for fourth-year students.

    Yaroslav Rodkin, 2nd year student of the OP “Strategy and production in communications“, acted as the host of the creative evening and read poems of his own composition. “I dedicated the poem “Soon Home” to the soldiers who are awaited at home, because at the front it is important to feel the support of relatives, and the poem “A Bullet Flies” – to the soldiers who died in battles for Russia,” he explained.

    Petr Kutukov, 2nd year student of the OP “Right“, performed the song “We Need One Victory” at two creative evenings – for his classmates and for fourth-year students. The participation of younger fighters in a concert for older ones is another tradition that helps pass the baton and strengthen the spirit of camaraderie.

    “I studied music in my school years and I love singing for the soul. I try to participate in extracurricular activities, and the concert for Defender of the Fatherland Day is a good opportunity to prove myself. This holiday is close to me: my great-grandfather, born in 1898, took part in four wars, my father and grandfather were officers. War songs have a special energy, many of them are written by people who know firsthand what war is,” said Petr.

    “The baton is in safe hands”

    Another tradition of the VUC is a farewell speech to graduates. At the end of the creative evening for 4th-year students, it was delivered by ordinary professor Adam Nizhalovsky.

    He reported that the HSE Military Training Center is one of the best among 137 military training centers in the country, and is distinguished by the high quality of students typical of the HSE, and a unique faculty: 2 generals, 20 colonels, 13 lieutenant colonels, 1 major, 1 “growing lieutenant”. Among them are 16 doctors and candidates of science, 11 combat veterans, including 4 holders of the Order of Courage, 2 holders of the Order “For Military Merit”.

    “We are the only military training center that has been commanded by a Hero of Russia for over ten years,” Adam Nizhalovsky emphasized. He assured those gathered that the baton is in good hands and that HSE graduates “will form the core of the country’s mobilization resource.”

    Then Tatyana Kravets, the guest of honor, the principal of School No. 1251 named after Charles de Gaulle, spoke, attending the event together with her students. She noted that today’s officers and students are growing up in schools. “We admire you. You were and remain our hope and support, and our graduates will honorably, as expected, replace you at your combat post,” the principal said.

    The students presented Vladimir Korgutov with a cake with the number 23 on it. “The doors of the Military Training Center are always open for you,” he assured.

    The Science of Encouragement

    Summing up the ceremonial events, Vladimir Korgutov noted in an interview with Vyshka.Glavnoe that they are an important part of the military-patriotic education of future officers. The presentation of awards is a way to encourage the best, and joint creative activities help to unite the team. “Students get to know each other better, are imbued with the spirit of patriotism,” the Hero of Russia believes.

    In his opinion, it is important to encourage not only experienced teachers, but also young officers and those who are engaged in ensuring the educational process. Alexander Lyubimov, the “growing lieutenant” mentioned in the parting words, the only one who received a state award for Defender of the Fatherland Day, successfully prepares the VUC team for the computer science Olympiads among cadets of military universities.

    “Olga Sergeevna Lobova is a senior warrant officer, a very good employee. Everything that concerns the plans for holding events, drawing up a schedule, distributing audiences – this is hers! Irina Valeryevna Petrova, also an excellent employee, keeps records of personnel, interacts with military registration and enlistment offices, and annually prepares an order from the Minister of Defense to assign ranks to our graduates,” adds Vladimir Korgutov.

    Among the students who have repeatedly received gratitude is a student of the OP “Applied Mathematics and Computer Science» Namig Damirov. Last year, he took 1st place in the individual competition at the All-Army Cadet Olympiad in Computer Science in St. Petersburg, leaving behind his peers from military universities, and his team took 2nd place in the specialized competition. Lieutenant Alexander Lyubimov took an active part in his preparation.

    “The competition is not easy, and we were pleased with the results. I hope that the foundation we laid will help the next generations of students who will represent the Military Training Center at this Olympiad,” Namig said.

    “Indistinguishable from Lev Leshchenko”

    Viewers shared their impressions of “Vyshka.Glavnoe”.

    “The concert was amazing. I especially remember the vocal and vocal-dance numbers of the invited artists, and the evening of amateur performances was wonderfully complemented by their professionalism. An unexpected surprise were the performances of the second-year students: wonderful singers – it was almost impossible to distinguish them from Lev Leshchenko,” says a fourth-year student of the OP “Business Management» Arseniy Samsonov.

    Completing his studies at the Military Training Center, he thanks Colonel Korgutov not only for mastering the military profession, but also for joining the army community, understanding its spoken and unspoken laws. “When I came to the Military Training Center in my second year, this world seemed alien and strange, but now I feel a part of it and am proud to be a reserve officer of the Strategic Missile Forces. I had previously planned to connect my career with the civil service, and the Military Training Center strengthened this intention in me,” the student says.

    “When they performed the song ‘Officers’ and the entire audience stood up, I saw tears welling up in Vladimir Aleksandrovich Korgutov’s eyes,” said Tatyana Kravets.

    “You understand, guys, he is a combat officer, a participant in the First Chechen War,” she addressed her students. “‘I sing to the officers who took pity on their mothers, returning their living sons to them’ – these words are about him. He received the title of Hero of Russia because there were no casualties in his unit. Think about it! He saved everyone!”

    “I liked the theme night,” adds eighth-grader Sergei Burov. “An hour and a half flew by in an instant, the war songs and poems went straight to my heart. If I manage to get into the Higher School of Economics, I will definitely go to study at the Military Training Center and will also perform at such concerts.”

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear Energy Announced as Two Star Partner of the Institute for Defense and Government Advancement’s Operational Energy Summit with CEO James Walker Scheduled to Present

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Operational Energy Summit will be held at the Bethesda Marriot Hotel on February 25-26, 2025

    New York, N.Y., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today announced that it is a Two Star Partner of the 17th annual Operational Energy Summit, hosted by the Institute for Defense and Government Advancement in Bethesda, Maryland at the Bethesda Marriot Hotel on February 25 -26, 2025.

    On Tuesday, February 25th, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Reactor Development, James Walker, will lead a keynote presentation titled, “The role of innovative nuclear technology to support the defense industry and military operations”, at 1:30 PM. Thereafter, he will also present, “Industry insight session hosted by NANO Nuclear Energy Inc.” at 3:30 PM.

    For over two decades, the Institute for Defense and Government Advancement (IDGA) has served as a non-partisan event and thought leadership organization connecting the Defense and Security communities interested in solving high-level challenges. Through its industry-leading conferences, networking events and online community portal, IDGA supports and coordinates the participation of leading stakeholders across the Government, Military, and associated defense industry partners.

    For its 17th year, the IDGA Operational Energy Summit will bring together operational and installation energy leaders from the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Energy, allied military, industry, and academia to discuss the current state of military energy and the path forward. This year’s summit will focus on addressing the emerging threat landscape, contested environments, the role of innovative technology, and the challenges and gaps in defense energy to ensure support of military operations. Guided by thought leaders, the summit will explore alternative energy sources, including nuclear and solar power, along with microgrids and technologies for enhancing grid security. As the demand for energy increases to support both current and future weapon systems and technologies, the topics of discussion will include strategies for achieving energy resilience, security, reliability, and sufficiency.

    “The IDGA is at the forefront of efforts to address the U.S. armed forces’ most urgent challenges, particularly in understanding operational and installation energy,” said John G. Vonglis, Executive Director of Global Government Affairs of NANO Nuclear Energy. “This summit will bring together some of the nation’s foremost experts, united by a shared mission to provide service members with robust, reliable, and resilient next-generation energy solutions, with nuclear set to play a key role in discussions.”

    Figure 1 – NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. Announced as the Two Star Partner of the Institute for Defense and Government Advancement’s Operational Energy Summit on February 25-26, 2025.

    “The growing emphasis on nuclear-based energy systems within the U.S. military creates exciting opportunities to deliver reliable, carbon-neutral power to the country’s service members,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Reactor Development of NANO Nuclear Energy. “This summit provides a valuable platform to connect with key operational leaders throughout the military complex, and I look forward to discussing the future of nuclear energy with all attendees.”

    About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

    NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

    Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors. NANO Nuclear is also developing patented stationary KRONOS MMR Energy System and space focused, portable LOKI MMR.

    Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

    HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

    NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.

    For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

    For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:

    Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
    Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

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    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This news release, the conference presentation described herein, and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. participate in Fleet Synthetic Training-Joint 25-71 (Resilient Shield)

    Source: United States Navy

    FST-J 25-71 (Resilient Shield) will provide computer-generated training to commands ashore and ships at sea. This training provides the opportunity for ships, Patriot batteries, and command centers to integrate and hone warfighting skills collectively in a tactically demanding environment. The annual exercise focuses on testing and refining U.S.-Japan forces’ ballistic missile defense (BMD) tactics, techniques and procedures, pre-planned responses, and warfighting concepts.

    “With this year’s Resilient Shield 25, our joint and combined U.S.-Japan team continues to advance our collective ballistic missile defense,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. 7 Fleet. “This exercise presents our teams with dynamic, realistic BMD scenarios meant to sharpen our reflexes and harden our defenses as we provide an all-domain missile defense capability to the Indo-Pacific theater.”

    FST-J 71 (Resilient Shield) series is focused on strengthening the integrated operational capabilities of the joint U.S. forces and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) to improve proficiency in warfighting and joint operations for ballistic missile defense.

    Participating units include the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Benfold (DDG 65) and USS Shoup (DDG 86), the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Atago-class guided-missile destroyer JS Ashigara (DDG 178) and the Kongo-class guided-missile destroyer JS Kongo (DDG 173). Additional participants include the 613th Air Operations Center, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, E-3 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Battery, 1st Battalion 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The coordination across U.S. joint forces is key to planning and executing missions to fortify a bilateral all-domain missile defense capability that supports regional security and stability.

    The successful defense of the U.S. and our allies from ballistic missile threats requires detailed planning, precision ship stationing and quick defensive reactions. In turn, the BMD mission is one of many that the U.S. and its allies and partners practice routinely to maintain maximum proficiency and interoperability.

    U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: AFSOUTH Foreign Liaison Officers Tour AFTAC WC-135

    Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

    Air Forces Southern Foreign Liaison Officers (FLO) toured a WC-135 Constant Phoenix aircraft Feb. 13, 2025, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base to strengthen military partnerships and enhance regional security cooperation.

    The officers, who represent air forces from six South American nations, were given the opportunity to get a firsthand look and talk to aircrew about the aircraft’s capabilities and its role in nuclear-treaty monitoring, reinforcing transparency and collaboration in countering nuclear threats.

    “The opportunity to engage with our partners and share the capabilities of the WC-135 reinforces our commitment to regional security and transparency,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jacob English, Chief, Theater Security Cooperation Plans and Programs. “I think it is very important for FLOs to have the opportunity to experience the aircraft firsthand and speak with the operators.

    The FLOs who represent Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Ecuador gained insight into the aircraft’s mission and capabilities, fostering stronger ties to support future collaborations in detecting and deterring nuclear threats in the region.

    “Our Air Force has a nuclear mission, and for our partners, understanding the mission of this aircraft and its collection requirements is crucial” added English. “We need baseline data—if something were to happen in the region and we don’t have that baseline, there’s nothing to compare it to.”

    The WC-135, which traveled from the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, plays a critical role in nuclear treaty monitoring by collecting airborne effluents and particulates.

    “The WC-135 mission was very interesting,” said Brazilian air force Col. Leonardo Macedo, Foreign Liaison Officer and fighter pilot. I didn’t know much about it before, but it plays a crucial role—especially in demystifying or preventing misunderstandings that have happened in the past. I think it’s an important mission. I don’t know of many other squadrons around the world that perform this type of mission, one that actively contributes to a safer environment for everyone.”

    “At the beginning of our briefing, the presenters used the word ‘transparency,’ and I believe that is one of the most important aspects of building strong relationships” said Macedo. “As nations, we share the same objectives, so when we have the opportunity to be invited to see more assets in the inventory and learn about the U.S. Air Force mission, it strengthens our relationship. We can take this information back to our country, better understand U.S. operations, and see how these efforts contribute to building stronger partnerships.”

    FLOs serve as key representatives of their home nations’ air forces within Air Forces Southern, the air component of U.S. Southern Command. They facilitate communication, coordination, and cooperation between the U.S. and partner nations, strengthening military relationships and enhancing regional security efforts.

    “I think it was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the U.S. Air Force,” said Macedo. “Coming from the crew perspective, it’s easy for us to connect, understand, and see future interactions.”

    “At the end of the day, we now have a better understanding of the U.S. Air Force mission” added Macedo. “It’s not so different from ours, despite the specialization in aviation–we share the same goals and objectives, and this was a great opportunity.”

    The Air Force Technical Applications Center routinely conducts air sampling missions worldwide and is actively working with the U.S. State Department and combatant commands to expand its reach in Central and South America. Strengthening these partnerships ensures a shared understanding of capabilities and enhances cooperation in monitoring nuclear activity.

    During their visit, the FLOs also toured a HC-130J Combat King II and EC-130H Compass Call, further broadening their awareness of U.S. Air Force operations and capabilities.

    “Beyond understanding the mission sets of these aircraft, this was also an opportunity to strengthen relationships,” said English. “Meeting the operators and technicians who perform this mission, interacting with AFSOUTH personnel, and engaging with one another reinforces our partnership. We are all in this together, facing common threats, and teamwork is essential.”

    This hands-on immersion provided valuable background and broadened perspectives on USAF capabilities, reinforcing the U.S. military’s ongoing commitment to fostering international cooperation and ensuring security and stability in the SOUTHCOM region.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: US Military Partners with El Salvador to Combat Animal Health Concerns

    Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

    U.S. military personnel joined forces with Salvadoran authorities in two events aimed at tackling animal health and overpopulation in El Salvador. The initiatives saw participation from the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador and Joint Task Force-Bravo’s Army Force Battalion veterinarian team.

    On Feb. 19, a joint effort between the U.S. military and El Salvador’s Ministry of Agriculture saw the administration and distribution of more than 54,000 doses of ivermectin to local livestock. The initiative aims to curb the spread of vector-borne illnesses that threaten animal and human populations.

    “El Salvador has been proactive in confronting the issues presented by vector-borne illnesses,” said Lt. Col. Steven Pelham, Veterinary Preventive Medicine Officer Army Force Battalion. “The opportunity to work with the Ministry of Agriculture has been a true privilege. I am honored to have been able to train together and learn from each other, united by one cause.”

    Following the ivermectin distribution, Joint Task Force-Bravo hosted a veterinary readiness training exercise, or VETRETE, in Ahuachapan, El Salvador. The collaborative effort which included 33 individuals from City Hall, the Instituto de Bienestar Animal, Chivo Pets and Universidad Salvadoreña Alberto Masferrer provided free spaying and neutering services to approximately 300 animals.

    “This is truly a knowledge exchange where we learn from one another and become better together,” Pelham said. “It’s been a great collaboration where we have been able to pool our resources and pull off a remarkable event where we all benefit and are better for it.”

    The VETRETE provided U.S. military personnel with valuable experience in austere environments while simultaneously addressing the significant issue of animal overpopulation in El Salvador.

    “There is an overpopulation of animals across El Salvador, and this is a great start in addressing the issue head-on,” said Pamela Figueroa, an IBA representative who oversaw event coordination. “Most people can’t afford to pay for these basic procedures, which are essential to ensuring a healthy pet population.”

    U.S. Army Lt. Col. Carl Schreier, commander of Army Forces Battalion, concluded, “This has been a wonderful experience for JTF-Bravo and our personnel, who have not only become better at their jobs but have been able to fill a gap in a meaningful way. I look forward to the next one and the progress we make as a team.”

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Military Launches LAMAT ‘25 to Strengthen Readiness, Global Partnerships

    Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

    A Global Health Engagement mission led by U.S. Air Forces Southern, is set to launch its third iteration encompassing four partner nations Feb. 24 – April 11, 2025.

    The Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2025, led by AFSOUTH Surgeon General, will embed Air Force Reserve Command medical personnel within host nation hospitals and clinics across the Lesser Antilles region and Guyana. These Global Health Engagements enhance military readiness, strengthen partner nation healthcare systems, and foster resilience through expertise sharing and collaboration with local providers.

    “LAMAT is about building lasting partnerships through medical collaboration,” said Lt. Col. Aaron Goodrich, AFSOUTH deputy command surgeon and lead planner for LAMAT. “By working side-by-side with our host nation counterparts, we aim to enhance interoperability and strengthen our collective ability to respond to medical challenges, whether they stem from natural disasters, public health emergencies or everyday patient care.”

    The mission involves approximately 240 military personnel, including 180 medical professionals partnering with local providers to deliver specialized care and build a long-term healthcare capacity.

    Throughout the exercise, U.S. and partner nation medical professionals will focus on a range of specialties tailored to the specific needs of each location identified by the respective Ministries of Health. In Saint Lucia, teams will focus on vascular, oral surgeries, and general surgery and anesthesia including mass casualty response knowledge exchanges. While in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the focus will shift to primary care, vascular, ENT, neurology and anesthesia.

    The mission will then shift to Saint Kitts and Nevis, where teams will collaborate with local hospitals on emergency medicine, diabetes education and audiology procedures. Finally, in Guyana, medical personnel will collaborate on dental, emergency medicine and ophthalmology.

    “This is a newer way of doing global health engagement,” said Col. Brian Gavitt, AFSOUTH command surgeon. “Instead of setting up a tent in competition with healthcare systems, each one of these missions in LAMAT were requested by the country. The Ministry of Health reached out and said, ‘Can you come and do something?’ We are tailoring what capabilities we bring to their needs.

    “This is operationally relevant readiness,” Gavitt added. “We are leveraging our readiness requirements to build resilience in an area that struggles with natural disasters. We’re not just filling a few cavities—we’re fixing medical equipment, enhancing capabilities and improving healthcare infrastructure in meaningful ways.”

    Government and healthcare leaders in the participating nations have welcomed the initiative, recognizing its long-term impact on healthcare capacity and crisis response.

    “The Ministry of Health (MOH), St Kitts & Nevis thank the AFSOUTH for the successful execution of the LAMAT Mission in 2024,” said Dr. Hazel Laws, St Kitts & Nevis Ministry of Health chief medical officer. “The visiting team of doctors, dentists, nurses and allied health professionals conducted approximately 2,261 procedures and over 1,300 patients benefited from the health services offered in collaboration with local health personnel. Almost 200 persons benefited from hearing aids allowing them to better appreciate their environment. Overall, the National Health System was strengthened through knowledge transfer and acquisition of medical supplies and equipment.”

    “On behalf of the MOH and Government of St. Kitts & Nevis, I extend profound thanks to the AFSOUTH for this collaborative effort. We look forward to the implementation of the LAMAT 2025 mission which we anticipate will impact more persons.”

    LAMAT is part of AFSOUTH’s broader commitment to regional security cooperation and humanitarian assistance, reinforcing the ability of partner nations to respond to public health emergencies and natural disasters.

    The kickoff ceremony in Saint Lucia will mark the official start of the mission, with medical operations set to begin immediately after.

    “This exercise is more than just medial readiness—it’s about building lasting partnerships and strengthening healthcare systems across the region,” said Gavitt. “By embedding our teams within host nation facilities, we are able to exchange knowledge, improve interoperability, and enhance readiness on both sides. Medical readiness isn’t just about preparing for conflict; it’s about ensuring we can respond effectively to humanitarian crises, pandemics and natural disasters.”

    The dual-purpose mission not only helps local healthcare systems but also prepares U.S. military personnel for real-world deployment scenarios. LAMAT 25 offers unique hands-on training opportunities for reservists and active-duty service members, particularly in treating tropical diseases and operating in austere conditions.

    “Our reserve components are coming down to accomplish skills that they don’t get in their regular duties,” Gavitt added. “This mission ensures they are ready to deploy to any location if needed in the future.”

    By partnering with host-nation physicians, they can enhance medical capabilities while reducing the burden on local healthcare systems.

    “If we bring a provider to work alongside yours, side-by-side for two weeks just doing that piece develops a skill set that endures,” Gavitt said. “Once you’re a practicing physician, you don’t get a whole lot of time to learn new skills, so what we can do is pair folks up, work together, and develop new expertise that will benefit these communities long after we leave.”

    Beyond direct patient care, biomedical equipment repair technicians (BMET) are also deployed as part of LAMAT ‘25 to repair critical hospital equipment, restoring functionality to facilities that may struggle with outdated or broken machinery.

    One key success from a past mission was in Guyana, where U.S. personnel trained local youth to become medical equipment repair technicians.

    “That kind of impact endures far beyond the mission itself. When we went on the site survey, we found they had developed their skills, and now they have four or five guys who are repair technicians,” Goodrich said. “That’s the kind of lasting impact we aim for.”

    LAMAT ‘25 also reinforces U.S. commitment to partner nations, particularly in regions vulnerable to natural disasters and health crises.

    For the first time, medical readiness will be tracked in real-time using the Medical Currency Application for Readiness Tracking (MCART). The system allows AFRC medical personnel to log procedures performed, patient care data, and skills acquired, ensuring their experiences contribute to future deployment qualifications.

    A live dashboard will provide ongoing updates, detailing the number of patients treated, medical equipment repaired, and training hours completed—an instrumental tool in assessing the mission’s impact and guiding future engagements.

    “You’ll be able to look in real-time,” Goodrich said. “There’s a value calculated from these things, the number of hours worked, and readiness requirements by type and provider. This information will be essential for tracking the effectiveness of LAMAT 25.”

    All involved agree LAMAT ‘25 is a win-win scenario, benefiting both U.S. military personnel and partner nations. The mission enhances medical readiness and strengthens partnerships while improving healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas.

    For more information about this global health engagement, visit the LAMAT DVIDS Page, https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/LAMAT25.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK steps up life-saving medical support for Ukraine’s Armed Forces

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK steps up life-saving medical support for Ukraine’s Armed Forces

    The Ministry of Defence will double its funding for medical and rehabilitation services for Ukraine’s troops

    Britain is stepping up support for Ukrainian troops wounded on the frontline, who will receive life-saving medical support and rehabilitation services through the UK’s Project Renovator.  The programme, which will see its funding doubled, also includes training for surgeons and rebuilding of a military hospital targeted by Russian bombs. 

    Project Renovator draws on the UK’s leading defence medical expertise to expand Ukraine’s military rehabilitation and medical services and help troops who suffered life-changing injuries to return to the frontline or help them readjust to civilian life after the conflict ends. 

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP has today announced a new £20m funding package to step up the programme further – doubling the Government’s funding for the scheme – as the UK’s cast-iron commitment to Ukraine continues three years into the conflict. 

    The project, which started in October 2023 demonstrates the UK’s international leadership role, taking responsibility for repairing and upgrading a military rehabilitation hospital which was targeted and bombed by Putin’s forces earlier in the conflict. The UK is also encouraging allies to support and grow this work as part of the broader NATO Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine scheme. 

    From providing life-saving surgery, to issuing advanced prosthetics, physiotherapy, and aftercare, the rehabilitation hospital will be a significant upgrade for Ukraine’s current services, with Ukrainian surgeons, doctors, and nurses being trained by the UK. 

    The announcement comes on the third anniversary of Putin launching his illegal full-scale invasion, as the Home Office announced new measures to block Russian elites entering the UK. It forms part of this Government’s record support for Ukraine this year – building on £12.8 billion worth of military, humanitarian, and economic support since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said: 

    As we mark three years of this brutal conflict, Putin is still waging a war he thought he would win in three days, because of fierce resistance to the Russian invasion from ordinary Ukrainians – military and civilian alike. 

    In this critical period, Ukrainians need our support to keep them in the fight and to put their nation in the strongest possible position ahead of any talks. That’s why we are stepping up further our UK leadership and life-saving medical support for brave Ukrainian fighters. Our commitment to them is unshakeable. 

    I’m proud of the UK’s leadership in supporting Ukraine, both now and in the long-term, and this new investment in Ukraine’s military medical services will harness the UK’s leading expertise to ensure wounded troops are given the best treatment possible.

    The work will help address a major challenge posed by the conflict, with the largest casualty figures seen in Europe since the Second World War. The support stands in stark contrast to Russia’s widely-reported poor treatment of Russian casualties and veterans, leading to instances of crime and violence when they return from the frontline.

    While a small number of British personnel have been working to deliver the project in Ukraine, nearly 100 Ukrainian surgeons, doctors, and nurses are due to travel to the UK this year to receive further medical training using the latest techniques and equipment. 

    Around £20m of money from a NATO common fund has been invested in the rehabilitation hospital so far, much of which was provided by the UK. In addition to major structural repairs, improvements have included more than £300k worth of new gym equipment, and £400k worth of prosthetics and associated equipment. 

    Norway has also announced it is carrying out similar work to repair and improve a similar facility under the same NATO scheme, working closely with the UK. It comes as both nations have committed to deepen military ties, with a new agreement being drawn up following a visit from the Defence Secretary last week. 

    Defence Medical Services personnel from Project Renovator have been working with the team at the UK’s world-leading equivalent, the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall, to produce around 50 rehabilitation training videos to support the training of Ukrainian medical staff. 

    Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO, OBE, MC, said:  

    The UK Armed Forces are experts in the area of defence medical services and rehabilitation, pioneering the field during the Second World War.

    These services are absolutely essential to ensuring veterans get the support they need to go back to their daily lives after being on the frontline, especially if wounded.

    The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall in particular is a world-leading facility, and I am proud that the equipment and the skills of our personnel are being put to good use in supporting Ukraine.

    This year, the UK will spend £4.5 billion on military assistance for Ukraine – more than ever before. Supporting Ukraine in the conflict and to secure a peace deal is critical for the security of Europe and the UK, a foundation for the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. Earlier this month, the Defence Secretary announced a new £150 million firepower package including drones, tanks and air defence systems.

    Since July 2024, the Government has provided over £5.26 billion in military aid and financial support to Ukraine, including a £3 billion annual military aid and a £2.26 billion loan for military spending. This includes £300 million for artillery ammunition and £68 million for air defence systems, as well as the new £150 million firepower package for thousands of drones, dozens of battle tanks and armoured vehicles.  

    The UK Government has supplied over 90,000 rounds of 155mm artillery, 150 artillery barrels, and 10 AS90 self-propelled howitzers. Air defence support includes 17 Gravehawk systems, 1,000 counter-drone electronic warfare systems, and £68 million for radars and counter-drone tech.  

    The UK has also invested £7.5 million in drone technology and continues training, surpassing 50,000 Ukrainian troops under Operation Interflex. Naval support totals £92 million, providing drones, uncrewed vessels, loitering munitions, and mine countermeasure drones.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kremlin-linked elites face exclusion from UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Kremlin-linked elites face exclusion from UK

    Elites with known links to the Kremlin may be subject to exclusion from the UK in show of steadfast support for Ukraine on 3 year anniversary of invasion.

    Elites linked to the Russian state can be excluded from entering the UK under new measures announced by the Home Secretary today.  

    Under the new measures, the government will expand the criteria for exclusion to cover Kremlin-linked elites. This will ensure that, while Russia remains an acute national security threat, elites linked to the Russian state can be prevented from entering the UK.  

    Those who could be barred from the UK include anyone who:

    • provides significant support to the Russian state
    • owes their significant status or wealth to the Russian state
    • enjoy access to the highest levels of the Russian state

    Kremlin-linked elites can pose a real and present danger to our way of life. They denounce our values in public while enjoying the benefits of the UK in private – benefits which they look to deprive Ukraine of through their support of Russia’s war.  They can act as tools for the Russian state, enabling the continuation and expansion of Russia’s aggression.      

    The move will bolster both UK national interest and national security, one of the key priorities underpinning the government’s Plan for Change, by blocking the physical access of those who undermine UK national security. These new measures will complement the UK’s existing sanctions regime against Russian elites who are supporting Putin’s war effort, which will remain in place as long as Russia threatens Ukraine’s sovereignty.  

    The move follows continued action from the UK to respond to Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine including through imposing extensive sanctions on elites linked to the Russian state, strengthening law enforcement capabilities through the National Crime Agency’s (NCA’s) Combatting Kleptocracy Cell and closing the legislative loopholes open to money laundering by criminal actors.   

    These measures also follow ramped up efforts to tackle Russian illicit finance through the NCA’s Operation Destabilise, successfully disrupting 2 Russian money laundering networks which provided services to Russian oligarchs and helped fund Russian state espionage operations. The NCA-led action led to 84 arrests and over £20 million in illicit funds seized. This work continues and since the disruption, a further £1 million of cash has been seized and a further 6 arrests made.

    This change builds on the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership signed in January, which commits both countries to work together to tackle the malign influence of elites linked to the Russian state.  

    Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:

    Border security is national security, and we will use all the tools at our disposal to protect our country against the threat from Russia.

    The measures announced today slam the door shut to the oligarchs who have enriched themselves at the expense of the Russian people whilst bankrolling this illegal and unjustifiable war.

    My message to Putin’s friends in Moscow is simple: you are not welcome in the UK.

    Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the UK’s total military, economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine amounts to £12.8 billion. We remain committed to the provision of £3 billion of military support a year to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible.  

    Earlier this month, the Defence Secretary led the 50-nation strong Ukraine Defence Contact Group for the first time and announced a further £150 million firepower package for Ukraine, including drones, tanks and air defence systems. 

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:

    As we mark the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion, Putin is still waging a war he thought he would win in three days, because of fierce resistance from the Ukrainians. Our support for them is unshakeable. 

    I am proud of the UK’s leadership and unity on Ukraine. Keeping the Ukrainians in their fight and as strong as possible at any negotiating table is critical not only for them, but for the security of the UK. These new measures send a powerful message that we will do what it takes to turn the tables on Putin’s aggression.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Adm. Munsch Discusses Vital Role of NPS in Developing Warfighters, Warfighting Solutions

    Source: United States Navy

    Munsch’s lecture focused on the evolving nature of warfare, particularly in the era of great power competition. He outlined ways to gain an advantage over adversaries by utilizing greater proficiency and competency to outthink and outfight the adversary. 

    One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the role of NPS in developing this intellectual advantage, by highlighting NPS’s unique ability to bring together students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem to drive learning and military advancements. 

    “It’s the people. That’s our real inherent advantage,” remarked Munsch. “The joint warfighting concept is built around that concept. The people are our one and inalienable advantage we have over adversaries.”

    During his visit, he also met with NPS students and faculty to hear updates on classified research and innovative projects supporting U.S. and allied naval forces in the European and African areas of operations.

    Munsch commented in his remarks on how NPS fosters asymmetry in warfare by enabling its U.S. and international military students to explore innovative solutions together in ways unmatched by other institutions. He stressed the importance of a synergistic approach, combining the efforts of operators, engineers, financiers, and all-domain warriors to focus and accelerate solutions, rapid adaptation, and effective decision-making.

    Following the lecture, the floor was opened for attendees to ask questions where Munsch addressed pressing issues such as lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, the growing strategic importance of Africa, and the evolving role of non-commissioned officers (NCO) in modern conflicts.

    Munsch highlighted the critical role of leaders and specifically NCOs in the U.S. military, stressing how they dynamically adapt – often the key difference in battle – and their potential beyond their rank. 

    “When you look at collar devices, see that as an indicator not of a person’s maximum ability, but of their minimum ability,” he explained. He emphasized the responsibility of leaders to nurture and develop that untapped potential, saying, “It’s all our jobs to mature that and foster that for the subsequent pay grade.”

    Munsch also reflected on the challenges and strengths of operating with allies and partners, particularly when balancing various national interests. Quoting Winston Churchill, he remarked, “there is only one thing worse than fighting with allies, and that is fighting without them.”

    In his closing remarks, Adm. Munsch left NPS students with a powerful message.

    “All of us here have at least one thing in common – we were called,” Munsch stated. “We were called to sacrifice, to dedicate, to serve. In your years [of service], may you be the shield of freedom and the sword of justice. May you be of sharp of mind and skilled in battle. May your foes fear you, may your friends trust you, and may your fellow countrymen respect you. And may you always celebrate others who’ve made the same commitment. To sacrifice, dedicate and serve.”

    Munsch’s visit underscored the importance of NPS in developing future military leaders and fostering cutting-edge research to maintain our competitive edge and decisive maritime advantage. 

    NPS, located in Monterey, California, provides defense-focused graduate education, including classified studies and interdisciplinary research, to advance the operational effectiveness, technological leadership, and warfighting advantage of the naval service. Established in 1909, NPS offers master’s and doctorate programs to Department of Defense military and civilians, along with international partners, to deliver transformative solutions and innovative leaders through advanced education and research.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: The Navy’s carrier airwing flies further with Hercules’ new tanker approval

    Source: United States Navy

    The test effort expands Hercules’ mission – and that of the Navy’s fleet reserve, which exclusively operates the aircraft – beyond its primary focus on logistics and cargo transport.

    “Prior to this testing we only had a single aircraft cleared for refueling from the upgraded KC-130T,” said NAWCAD’s developmental test wing Commodore Capt. Elizabeth Somerville. “This advanced capability gives us flexibility in any future conflict.”

    Naval aviation’s F-35B/C, F/A-18, EA-18. CH-53K, CH-47, H-60s and AV-8B were cleared for air-to-air refueling from KC-130T after testing by NAWCAD federal government engineers, testers, and military test pilots from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 along with industry partners who worked to make sure Hercules could safely refuel the aircraft with its upgraded NP2000 propeller system.

    “If we look forward to any future fight, it’s going to take intense collaboration between all of the forces: Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard,” said Somerville. “Any resource that provides fuel airborne is going to be invaluable to all assets that are flying.”

    The test effort significantly increases naval aviation’s operational reach and flexibility, as well as several international allies, following a request by U.S. Pacific Fleet.

    The K-130T Hercules is a multi-role, long-range, land-based tactical aircraft that provides logistical support to fleet operating forces.

    Check out a video of the test effort here:

    NAWCAD employs more than 20,000 military, civilian and contract personnel. It operates test ranges, laboratories and aircraft in support of test, evaluation, research, development and sustainment of everything flown by the Navy and Marine Corps. Based in Patuxent River, Maryland, the command also has major sites in St. Inigoes, Maryland, Lakehurst, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Coalition of Unions, Small Businesses, Veterans, and Conservation Organizations Seek Injunction to Prevent Unlawful Firings

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    Amended Complaint also Targets Illegal “Five Things” Email

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In their lawsuit attempting to block the unlawful mass terminations of probationary federal employees, some of the nation’s largest and most influential public service unions, along with small businesses, veterans, and conservation organizations, have filed for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and its Acting Director, Charles Ezell. The TRO would stop OPM from directing the unlawful firings, which the plaintiffs refer to in their complaint as “one of the most massive employment frauds in the history of this country.”

    The complaint, filed last week and amended yesterday, says that OPM’s egregious firings were made on false pretenses and violate federal law, including the Administrative Procedure Act and other statutes defining federal employment and OPM’s role. These firings were executed across federal agencies, based on directives from OPM. OPM, the complaint asserts, acted unlawfully by directing federal agencies to use a standardized termination notice falsely claiming performance issues. Congress, not OPM,controls and authorizes federal employment and related spending by the federal administrative agencies, and Congress has determined that each agency is responsible for managing its own employees.   

    In federal service, new employees and employees who change positions (including through promotions) have probationary status. The plaintiffs claim that OPM is exploiting and misusing the probationary period to eliminate staff across federal agencies.

    The amended complaint is the first to target OPM’s illegal demand that federal employees enumerate five accomplishments of the previous week. The demand, which has been widely derided, is also a violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, as explained in the complaint. “This request, and the resulting confusion, is not just inappropriate – it is disruptive to essential government functions,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley, in a letter to Acting Director Ezell.

    With respect to the termination of the provisional employees,“small business owners across the country rely on the Small Business Administration for access to capital, technical assistance, government contracting, disaster relief and many other critical services. Main street businesses also rely on consistent and predictable permitting and regulation,” said Richard Trent, Executive Director for the Main Street Alliance. “More than 20 million new small businesses have formed in the US since 2020. OPM should immediately stop this chaos. MSA will keep fighting until they do.”

    “Units of the National Park System across the country – who are already struggling with a lack of staff – have been impacted by the unlawful and reckless firings of federal employees,” said Phil Francis, Chair of the Executive Council of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. “We know these reductions in staff will lead to partial or full park closures, safety concerns due to a lack of  emergency responders, reduction or elimination of visitor center operations, a lack of maintenance including filthy restrooms, and an increased risk of harm to plants, animals, and other natural and cultural resources. These mass firings hurt our national parks and they hurt surrounding communities that depend on tourism and visitor spending to help support the local economy. The Coalition appreciates and supports our NPS employees and all federal workers who work tirelessly to conserve and protect our country’s national parks and public lands.”

    “Federal land and wildlife agencies are already understaffed, and the Trump administration’s recent hatchet-job on federal employees is resulting in chaos that will reduce federal oversight over lands that are supposed to be managed for the public interest, with conservation of lands, wildlife, and watersheds an important focus,” said Erik Molvar, a wildlife biologist and Executive Director of Western Watersheds Project. “We are concerned that these new job cuts will result in less federal oversight over public lands, allowing loggers, grazers, and drillers to get away with serious land abuses.”

    “This administration’s mass firings are a direct attack on the working people who have dedicated their lives to public service, including thousands of veterans. These reckless terminations threaten their livelihoods, their families, and their ability to continue serving their country, but the harm doesn’t stop there. Working families across the country could suffer from cuts to essential government services, whether it’s VA hospitals, disaster relief, or public safety,” said Jose Vasquez, Executive Director, CommonDefense.us. “This is not just bureaucratic mismanagement, it’s an assault on our nation from within. Common Defense stands with our fellow plaintiffs to demand an immediate stop to this unlawful purge and to defend the veterans, military families, and public servants who keep our government running.”

    “Veterans constitute approximately 30% of the federal workforce.  The recent mass layoffs have disproportionately affected them, leading to job losses and increased uncertainty. Many veterans rely on federal employment for stability, and these cuts have disrupted their livelihoods, said VoteVets Action Fund Chairman Major General (Ret.) Paul Eaton. “In addition, the termination of tens of thousands of probationary federal employees has had an adverse impact on the services provided to veterans, leading to staffing shortages, diminished support for critical programs, and increased uncertainty for veterans and their families.”

    “This administration has abused the probationary period to conduct a chaotic, ill-informed, and politically-driven firing spree. The result has been the indiscriminate firing of thousands of patriotic public servants across the country who help veterans in crisis, ensure the safety of our nuclear weapons, keep power flowing to American homes, combat the bird flu, and provide other essential services,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “These actions aren’t just illegal. They are hurting everyday Americans and making us all less safe. It’s a stark reminder of the price we all pay when you stack the government with political loyalists instead of professionals.”

    “Overnight, tens of thousands of federal employees received the same termination letter citing ‘performance issues’ without any explanation or reasoning,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “These mass firings are yet another unlawful attempt by this billionaire-run administration to gut public services without regard to the health and safety of our communities. Federal workers are qualified professionals who make our nation stronger – supporting our schools, parks, hospitals and vital infrastructure. We will keep fighting these attacks on their freedoms that threaten everything from food safety to national security to health care.”

    “New hires are crucial as our country continues to face nurse staffing challenges. Indiscriminately firing these nurses, who are essential to the care their units provide, could truly cost lives,” said Charmaine S. Morales, RN and UNAC/UHCP President.

    Ambassador Norm Eisen, representing the plaintiffs and executive chair of SDDF, said, “SDDF is proud to stand with leading public service unions and others in this critical fight to protect their members, who dedicate their lives to serving our nation. The mass firings ordered by OPM are illegal and betray the trust of countless federal employees. The patronizing demand that federal workers still on the job have to justify themselves by enumerating five accomplishments just adds insult to injury. That too is against the law. We are committed to protecting all these workers.”

    The TRO motion is available here.
    The memorandum in support of the TRO is available here.
    The proposed TRO order is available here.
    The amended complaint is available here.

    # # #

     

    The Main Street Alliance champions the voices of small business owners to create a thriving economy. We cultivate a network of entrepreneurs, connecting them with resources to build sustainable enterprises. Our membership drives state and federal policymaking that gives a fair shot to small businesses and strengthens communities nationwide.
    Western Watersheds Project is a unionized nonprofit conservation group dedicated to protecting and restoring wildlife and watersheds throughout the American West.
    Common Defense Civic Engagement (“CommonDefense.us”) is a grassroots membership organization of progressive veterans, military families, and civilian supporters standing up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence. Common Defense invests in the leadership of its members through training and deployment in campaigns that connect directly to their history of service, including voting rights, climate justice, and anti-militarism. Approximately 33,187 of Common Defense’s members live in California, including approximately 2,000 veterans.
    VoteVets uses public issue campaigns to relentlessly lift up the voices of veterans on matters of national security, veterans’ care, and everyday issues that affect the lives of those who served, and their families.
    Altshuler Berzon LLP is a California law firm that  focuses on providing legal representation in the service of economic justice and the public interest. The law firm represents clients in federal and state trial and appellate courts and before administrative agencies.
    State Democracy Defenders Fund brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Video: 15C UAS Operator: MOS Highlights

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:

    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #UAS #DRONE

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGLPGf1oiOU

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI: Silynxcom Announces Successful Delivery of Enhanced Systems with Innovative New Tactical Communication Capability to Elite IDF Special Forces Unit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Successful field validation of Silynxcom’s enhanced tactical communication systems by elite special forces unit marks significant milestone as the Company enhances its offering; initial customer interest in the new feature demonstrates potential market demand, following exceptional positive feedback from operational use

    Netanya, Israel, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silynxcom Ltd. (NYSE American: SYNX) (“Silynxcom” or the “Company”), a manufacturer and developer of ruggedized tactical communication headset devices, today announced the successful delivery of advanced tactical communication systems to an elite special forces unit of the Israel Defense Forces (“IDF”). This delivery includes an innovative secure communication capability as part of a paid pilot program, marking a significant advancement in the Company’s tactical communications technology.

    The delivered systems, for which the Company has already received payment, showcases  Silynxcom’s latest innovation, a new secure communication capability seamlessly integrated into the Company’s proven tactical communication platform. This enhancement enables advanced communication capabilities that are critical for sensitive operational environments. The systems have already been used by the elite special forces unit in the field, generating strong positive feedback based on their operational effectiveness and performance.

    “This delivery, which includes our innovative new tactical communication capability as a paid pilot, represents a significant milestone in Silynxcom’s growth trajectory,” said Nir Klein, Chief Executive Officer of Silynxcom. “We believe that the positive feedback from actual field deployment by this elite special forces unit validates the substantial operational value and market potential that this new feature adds to our existing platform.”

    The successful operational validation has already generated multiple queries from international military and law enforcement organizations and the Company is actively exploring how to satisfy the new demand for the enhanced system.

    About Silynxcom Ltd.

    Silynxcom Ltd. develops, manufactures, markets, and sells ruggedized tactical communication headset devices as well as other communication accessories, all of which have been field-tested and combat-proven. The Company’s in-ear headset devices, or In-Ear Headsets, are used in combat, the battlefield, riot control, demonstrations, weapons training courses, and on the factory floor. The In-Ear Headsets seamlessly integrate with third party manufacturers of professional-grade ruggedized radios that are used by soldiers in combat or by police officers in leading military and law enforcements units. The Company’s In-Ear Headsets also fit tightly into the protective gear to enable users to speak and hear clearly and precisely while they are protected from the hazardous sounds of combat, riots or dangerous situations. The sleek, lightweight, In-Ear Headsets include active sound protection to eliminate unsafe sounds, while maintaining ambient environmental awareness, giving their customers 360° situational awareness. The Company works closely with its customers and seek to improve the functionality and quality of the Company’s products based on actual feedback from soldiers and police officers “in the field.” The Company sells its In-Ear Headsets and communication accessories directly to military forces, police and other law enforcement units. The Company also deals with specialized networks of local distributors in each locale in which it operates and has developed key strategic partnerships with radio equipment manufacturers.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. For example, the Company uses forward-looking statements when it discusses: the belief that the delivered technology enables advanced communication capabilities that are critical for sensitive operational environments; that the delivery of these systems represents a significant milestone in the Company’s growth trajectory; the belief that positive feedback for these systems validate the substantial operational value and market potential of the systems; and the prospective exploration of satisfying new demand for the enhanced system. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 30, 2024, and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC which are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    Capital Markets & IR Contact

    ARX | Capital Market Advisors
    North American Equities Desk
    ir@silynxcom.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: KnowBe4 Secures Leadership Position in Frost Radar™: Human Risk Management, 2024 Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAMPA BAY, FL, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KnowBe4, the world-renowned cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management (HRM), today announced that it has been named by Frost & Sullivan as a Leader in the Frost Radar™: Human Risk Management, 2024 report. This recognition reinforces KnowBe4’s reputation as an innovative and influential force in the HRM industry.

    Analyzing 80 global industry participants, Frost & Sullivan selected 15 benchmark vendors for the Frost Radar™ report based on performance and innovation. KnowBe4 stood out for its focus on human behavior, investment in redefining adaptive training and cybersecurity awareness, and diverse content library.

    In addition, KnowBe4 was recognized by Frost & Sullivan for: 

    • AI-powered adaptive phishing simulations
    • Behavioral security coaching with SecurityCoach
    • Comprehensive human risk scoring
    • PhishER Plus for threat identification and remediation
    • Security awareness training content

    “Our recognition as the Leader in the Frost & Sullivan Frost Radar™ report is an incredible validation of KnowBe4’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the HRM industry,” said Perry Carpenter, chief human risk management strategist at KnowBe4. “Achieving a top position underscores the impact of our AI-driven, ‘best-of-suite’ platform. By creating an adaptive defense layer that strengthens user behavior and anticipates emerging cybersecurity threats, we empower organizations to stay one step ahead. Innovation remains at the core of what we do, and we continue to expand our platform with personalized, actionable, and regionally relevant offerings that address both individual and organizational needs.”

    According to Frost & Sullivan, the HRM market is experiencing unprecedented growth, fueled by the need to address cybersecurity threats, employee well-being, and regulatory compliance. They note key drivers of this expansion include the rise of hybrid work, increasing cyber threats, and a focus on employee engagement. Emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and behavioral analytics enable proactive risk identification, redefining HRM with predictive and seamless user experiences. As a result of this influx, a number of new vendors have entered the scene, offering diverse innovations that address the evolving needs and risks of a modern workplace. 

    Frost & Sullivan analyzed 80 global industry players and selected 15 top vendors for its Frost Radar™ analysis, using Growth and Innovation Indices to evaluate performance and innovation. These indices assess factors like market share, sales effectiveness, strategy alignment, growth potential, and the ability to deliver disruptive, customer-focused solutions. Together, these metrics provide a comprehensive view of each company’s strategy, performance, and innovation.

    To download the report, visit https://www.knowbe4.com/resources/industry-benchmark-reports/frost-and-sullivan-human-risk-management

    About KnowBe4
    KnowBe4 empowers workforces to make smarter security decisions every day. Trusted by over 70,000 organisations worldwide, KnowBe4 helps to strengthen security culture and manage human risk. KnowBe4 offers a comprehensive AI-driven ‘best-of-suite’ platform for Human Risk Management, creating an adaptive defence layer that fortifies user behaviour against the latest cybersecurity threats. The HRM+ platform includes modules for awareness & compliance training, cloud email security, real-time coaching, crowdsourced anti-phishing, AI Defense Agents, and more. As the only global security platform of its kind, KnowBe4 utilises personalised and relevant cybersecurity protection content, tools and techniques to mobilise workforces to transform from the largest attack surface to an organisation’s biggest asset.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: reAlpha Acquires GTG Financial, Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBLIN, Ohio, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — reAlpha Tech Corp. (“reAlpha”) (Nasdaq: AIRE), a real estate technology company developing and commercializing artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, today announced the acquisition of GTG Financial, Inc. (“GTG Financial”), a mortgage brokerage company founded by Glenn Groves, a U.S. Marine and industry leader. GTG Financial is licensed to operate in seven U.S. states, including California, which will expand reAlpha’s geographic footprint to a total of 28 U.S. states and strengthen its operational capacity.

    The acquisition of GTG Financial marks another step in reAlpha’s strategy to further enhance its mortgage operations and provide a more seamless home financing experience within the reAlpha platform, its AI-powered real estate platform. By incorporating GTG Financial’s experience in the real estate industry and its added workforce of loan officers, reAlpha anticipates that it will be able to bolster its overall operational capacity, expand its loan processing capabilities and offer mortgage lending and refinancing services to homebuyers more efficiently.

    “We are excited to welcome GTG Financial to the reAlpha group,” said Piyush Phadke, Chief Financial Officer of reAlpha. “This acquisition will strengthen our mortgage operations, allowing us to scale and more efficiently provide lending services through our AI-powered homebuying platform. By acquiring GTG Financial, we are continuing to advance our vision of a fully streamlined, technology-driven real estate experience.”

    GTG Financial will retain its brand identity under the leadership of its founder, Glenn Groves, while leveraging reAlpha’s resources and generative AI platform, which is expected to enhance loan processing efficiency and support a more seamless home financing experience.

    Glenn Groves, Chief Executive Officer of GTG Financial, added: “I believe that reAlpha’s AI-driven platform is redefining real estate by simplifying and eliminating traditional barriers in the homebuying process. We’re proud to be part of this transformation and committed to driving its long-term success. GTG Financial will be officially powered by Be My Neighbor, one of reAlpha’s subsidiaries, strengthening our mortgage services and operational efficiency.”

    Christopher Griffith, Chief Executive Officer of Be My Neighbor, and a fellow U.S. Marine, echoed the sentiment: “Real success in M&A comes from aligned leadership. I believe that, as Marines, Glenn and I share the same values of discipline, integrity and execution, making this partnership a natural fit.”

    For additional details concerning the terms of the acquisition of GTG Financial, please refer to reAlpha’s Current Report on Form 8-K, which will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

    About GTG Financial Inc.

    GTG Financial, Inc. is a mortgage brokerage company founded by Glenn Groves, committed to helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership dreams, with a focus on transparency, customer service, and financial empowerment.

    About reAlpha Tech Corp.

    reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) is a real estate technology company developing an end-to-end commission-free homebuying platform. Utilizing the power of AI and an acquisition-led growth strategy, reAlpha aims to offer an affordable, streamlined experience for homebuyers. For more information, visit www.reAlpha.com.

    About the reAlpha Platform

    reAlpha’s AI-powered, commission-free homebuying platform enables buyers to navigate the homebuying process with ease. With the tagline “No Fees. Just Keys.™”, reAlpha is dedicated to eliminating traditional barriers and making homeownership more accessible and transparent. The platform’s generative AI assistant, “Claire,” supports homebuyers throughout the journey, from property search to closing, offering insights, market trends, and 24/7 assistance.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The information in this press release includes “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about the GTG Financial acquisition; the anticipated benefits of the GTG Financial acquisition; reAlpha’s ability to anticipate the future needs of the short-term rental market; future trends in the real estate, technology and artificial intelligence industries, generally; and reAlpha’s future growth strategy and growth rate. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “could”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “project”, “strive”, “budget”, “forecast”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” or “continue”, or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: reAlpha’s limited operating history and that reAlpha has not yet fully developed its AI-based technologies; reAlpha’s ability to commercialize its developing AI-based technologies; whether reAlpha’s technology and products will be accepted and adopted by its customers and intended users; reAlpha’s ability to integrate the business of GTG Financial into its existing business and the anticipated demand for GTG Financial’s services; reAlpha’s ability to successfully enter new geographic markets; reAlpha’s ability to obtain the necessary regulatory and legal approvals to expand into additional U.S. states and maintain, or obtain, brokerage licenses in such states; reAlpha’s ability to generate additional sales or revenue from having access to, or obtaining, additional U.S. states brokerage licenses; reAlpha’s ability to enhance its, and its subsidiaries’, loan processing efficiency by leveraging its AI-powered platform and overall resources; reAlpha’s ability to expand its loan processing capabilities through the acquisition of GTG Financial; reAlpha’s ability to offer mortgage lending and refinancing services to homebuyers more efficiently through its platform as a result of the acquisition of GTG Financial; the inability to maintain and strengthen reAlpha’s brand and reputation; reAlpha’s ability to scale its operational capabilities to expand into additional geographic markets; the potential loss of key employees of its acquired companies; reAlpha’s inability to accurately forecast demand for short-term rentals and AI-based real estate focused products; the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain reAlpha’s growth; the inability of reAlpha’s customers to pay for reAlpha’s services; changes in applicable laws or regulations, and the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment; and other risks and uncertainties indicated in reAlpha’s SEC filings. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Although reAlpha believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. reAlpha’s future results, level of activity, performance or achievements may differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking statements. For more information about the factors that could cause such differences, please refer to reAlpha’s filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and reAlpha does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Adele Carey, VP of Investor Relations
    investorrelations@realpha.com

    Media Contact:
    Fatema Bhabrawala, Director of Public Relations
    fbhabrawala@allianceadvisors.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Video: Who you gonna call? DRONEBUSTERS!

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:
    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Drones

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5kFTMYFfKI

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government commits to get more veterans into meaningful jobs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government commits to get more veterans into meaningful jobs

    Thousands of veterans and their family members across the UK will have access to enhanced career support thanks to government plans to expand Op ASCEND.

    • Government to expand UK-wide career support for the armed forces community, ensuring support for all veterans, regardless of when they left service
    • Careers advice service Op ASCEND offer to include broader range of job support for veterans, helping more into employment and boosting growth under this government’s Plan for Change
    • Service will work with industry bodies to make sure businesses are set up to make the most of the talents veterans have to offer, showing how the government is renewing the contract with those who serve and have served

    Thousands of veterans and their family members across the UK will have access to enhanced career support thanks to government plans to expand Op ASCEND. The free service has so far equipped 3,000 veterans and family members with the tools to make their next career move.

    When jobseekers sign up to Op ASCEND for employment advice, specialist-trained advisors can support with:

    • CV writing and interview preparation
    • advice on entering new sectors such as energy, data and digital, telecommunications and construction
    • tips on how to navigate recruitment schemes run by veteran-friendly employers
    • access to employment fairs
    • advice on retraining or setting up a business

    The changes underline the government’s commitment to renewing the contract with those who serve and have served, and will help boost economic growth by helping more veterans into employment.

    The government is committed to improving services and maximising the impact of every penny spent under its Plan for Change, which the improvements will help deliver on.

    Speaking today at an audience of industry leaders and veterans at Mission Community’s annual National Transition Event in Silverstone, Veterans Minister Alistair Carns announced plans to expand the support available under Op ASCEND, which is run by the Forces Employment Charity (FEC). The service will align more closely with the MOD’s official resettlement programme – the Career Transition Partnership (CTP).

    Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP said:

    This government is committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.

    Op ASCEND is a natural extension to the government’s resettlement scheme, enabling veterans and their families to further maximise their potential and take their careers to the next level.

    This is about delivering a clear, easily accessible offering for veterans. From the time they join, to the time they leave service and beyond, veterans will be empowered to succeed, whether that be in protection of our nation, or through meaningful careers which maintain and develop their skills.

    For those just leaving the forces, there is a range of transition and resettlement support available through the CTP. For those who left service more than 2 years ago and are looking for a new job or to progress within their career, Op ASCEND is available to them. This could include provision for those veterans looking to set up their own business or hone their enterprise and entrepreneurial skills. 

    Sam, a British Army veteran who recently secured a role as a physical oil trading contracts analyst in the energy industry thanks to Op ASCEND, said:

    I found Op ASCEND online, and was assigned a mentor to help me navigate the process. There’s the intangible side of the service – knowing there’s people around that care, are interested and want to see you succeed. Knowing you can connect with an advisor, write to them or call them up if you’re having problems and get some advice. Then there’s the tangible impact of the employment events – they’re actionable, you can go ahead and do something with it.

    As well as offering career advice to the armed forces community, Op ASCEND has worked with over 300 businesses to date, helping them understand the commercial benefits of hiring veterans. The service encourages employers to:

    • review their work in recruiting, progressing and retaining talent from the armed forces and their families
    • run employment events to connect job-seeking members of the military community with job opportunities
    • expand or create new military pathways to help veterans with their transition and keep them connected to those with similar backgrounds

    Ian Fortune, Head of Pathways, Centrica, said:

    Working with the Forces Employment Charity through the delivery of Op ASCEND has enabled high-calibre service leavers and the wider military family to bring their significant talent and skillsets into our organisation with confidence.  With fantastic Pathways events such as Women Into Employment, we have been bringing diversity of thought, background and experience into our company and with it, fresh perspectives and thinking that is helping to energise a greener, fairer, future.

    Op ASCEND is being run alongside a veteran industry engagement programme, both backed by £2.1 million of government funding. Run by service charity Mission Community, the programme works with industry bodies – such as the Society of Motor Manufacturing and Traders – to drive practical, cultural and behavioural change within their sectors. Through this partnership with business, the government will help ensure that the value veterans bring to UK businesses is fully recognised, and that industries make the most of the talents they have to offer.  

    Notes to editors:

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Red Cat Holdings Proud to Announce Teal’s Black Widow™ and FlightWave’s Edge 130 Selected as Winners of the Blue UAS Refresh     

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced that its Black Widow drone and FlightWave Edge 130 were included on the list of 23 platforms and 14 unique components and capabilities selected as winners of the Blue UAS Refresh. The platforms will undergo National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) verification and cyber security review with the ultimate goal of joining the Blue UAS List.

    Over the coming months, the Blue UAS List and Blue UAS Framework will expand with new additions. The inclusion of the Black Widow and Edge 130 as winners of the Refresh further validates Red Cat’s commitment to delivering NDAA-compliant unmanned systems for defense and government applications.

    “We applaud the DIU’s ongoing diligence and focus on U.S. drone manufacturing,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. “The inclusion of both Teal’s Black Widow and FlightWave’s Edge 130 in the NDAA verification and cyber security review underscores our dedication to providing safe and secure solutions for the U.S. military and the warfighters that use them. As national security concerns around drone technology continue to grow, our systems ensure that the military and government agencies have access to reliable, mission-ready platforms.”

    Teal’s Black Widow is Red Cat’s small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) designed for short-range reconnaissance (SRR) missions. The system, which was down selected for the U.S. Army’s SRR Program of Record contract, provides military operators with improved situational awareness, autonomous capabilities, and rugged performance in contested environments. The company recently announced a partnership with Palantir to integrate Visual Navigation software (VNav) into Red Cat’s Black Widow drones.

    FlightWave’s Edge 130 is a high-endurance vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone engineered for medium-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Its modular payload system and extended flight capabilities make it a versatile asset for defense and government missions.

    Inclusion in the review continues Red Cat’s legacy of having Blue listed solutions, including Teal 2 and Golden Eagle. Pending inclusion in the updated Blue UAS approved list, Red Cat’s drones can continue to be easily procured by the U.S. Department of Defense, federal agencies, and allied partners, eliminating lengthy waiver processes and ensuring rapid deployment to the field.

    For more information on Red Cat’s approved Blue UAS products, visit www.redcat.red or the official DIU Blue UAS page at www.diu.mil/blue-uas.

    About Red Cat Holdings, Inc.

    Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a Family of Systems. This includes the Black Widow™, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHON™, a fixed-wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA-compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    Contact:

    INVESTORS:
    E-mail: Investors@redcat.red

    NEWS MEDIA:
    Phone: (347) 880-2895
    Email: peter@indicatemedia.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK announces largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK announces largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022

    Three years on from President Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK has today imposed over 100 new sanctions directly targeting those who continue to aid the invasion.

    • 107 new sanctions announced as UK unleashes our largest sanctions package since the early days of the invasion. 

    • Milestone package targets Russian military supply chains, revenues fuelling Putin’s illegal war, and Kleptocrats driving profits for the Kremlin. 

    • Strengthening Ukraine’s hand will help to build a secure and prosperous Europe and UK – a foundation of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Today’s measures will target funds going into Putin’s war chest and propping up Russia’s kleptocratic system.   

    As the Prime Minister said last week, we are facing a once in a generation moment for the collective security of our continent.  The UK is working with our Allies to put Ukraine in the best position to achieve peace through strength. Today’s action is a further step towards this.  

    The sanctions will also target Russia’s military machine, entities in third countries who support it and the fragile supply networks that it relies on.   

    Targets include:  

    • Producers and suppliers of machine tools, electronics and dual-use goods for Russia’s military, including microprocessors used in weapons systems. These are based in a range of third countries including Central Asian states, Turkey, Thailand, India and China, which is the largest supplier of critical goods for Russia’s military.  

    • North Korean Defence Minister No Kwang Chol and other North Korean generals and senior officials complicit in deploying over 11,000 DPRK forces to Russia. Putin is using DPRK forces as cannon fodder; DPRK has suffered over 4,000 casualties.  

    • 13 Russian targets, including LLC Grant-Trade, its owner Marat Mustafaev and his sister Dinara Mustafaeva, who have used the company to funnel advanced European technology into Russia to support its illegal war.  

    For the first time, we are also using new powers to target foreign financial institutions supporting Russia’s war machine.  We are sanctioning the Kyrgyzstan-based OJSC Keremet Bank, disrupting Russia’s use of the international financial system to support its war efforts.

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

    Today’s action, the largest in almost three years, underscores the UK’s commitment to Ukraine.    

    Every military supply line disrupted, every rouble blocked, and every enabler of Putin’s aggression exposed is a step towards a just and lasting peace, and towards security and prosperity in the UK as a part of this government’s Plan for Change. 

    Lasting peace will only be achieved through strength. That is why we are focused on putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position.      

    As the world marks the grim milestone of Putin’s full-scale invasion entering its fourth year, we cannot and will not turn our backs on Ukraine in their fight for our shared security.

    Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and an integral part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. Sanctions against Russia’s military machine and the revenues fuelling it will improve the chances of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which will benefit security and prosperity in the UK.  

    The new sanctions will put further pressure on Putin’s energy revenues, the most vital source of funding for his illegal invasion. They include specification of another 40 ‘shadow fleet’ ships carrying Russian oil. These vessels have collectively carried more than $5 billion worth of Russian oil and oil products in the last six months alone. The specifications bring the total number of oil tankers sanctioned by the UK to 133 – the highest of any nation in Europe.  

    Finally, we are sanctioning 14 ‘New Kleptocrats’, some of whom are fronting up strategic sectors of Russia’s economy.  Among them are Roman Trotsenko, one of the wealthiest men in Russia, worth £2.2 billion.  

    After three years of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainians continue to defend their country and way of life with ingenuity and courage. They have shown that with the right support they can defend themselves against Russian aggression. Today’s action will strengthen Ukraine’s hand at a critical time in their fight for our shared security.

    Background

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Speech: PM remarks at a meeting convened by President Zelenskyy to mark three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine: 24 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    Speech

    PM remarks at a meeting convened by President Zelenskyy to mark three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine: 24 February 2025

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a speech this morning at a meeting of world leaders to mark three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    Thank you very much – colleagues, let me start with Volodymyr and saying on this day of all days, I want to pay tribute to your leadership Volodymyr. And friends – it’s right that we mark this grim anniversary together. For three years we have been united in opposition to Russia’s barbaric invasion. And for three years we have been full of admiration for the incredible response of the Ukrainian people.

    Their voices must be must at the heart of the drive for peace. And I want to be clear – I hear them. I think of the soldiers and civilians that I met in Kyiv just a few weeks ago in the ICU, in the burns unit… The witnesses to the horror of Bucha… The school children I met living under constant bombardment… The soldiers training in the UK, bound for the frontline… Their voices echo in my ears – They inform the decisions I take – and the peace that I believe we must see.

    So I have a very simple, clear message today: the UK is with you. Today and every day. From His Majesty the King… To the NHS workers volunteering in hospitals in Ukraine… To the communities that took Ukrainian refugees to their heart. And that’s why I signed our 100-year partnership with President Zelenskyy last month – Because we believe in Ukraine’s fight today, and the country’s incredible potential to thrive in the years to come.

    This is a time for unity. In this crucial moment as talks begin – we must work together to shape the outcome.

    Russia does not hold all the cards in this war… Because the Ukrainians have the courage to defend their country… Because Russia’s economy is in trouble… And because they have now lost the best of their land forces and their Black Sea Fleet in this pointless invasion. So we must increase the pressure even further to deliver an enduring peace, not just a pause in fighting. We can do that in three ways.

    First, by stepping up our military support to Ukraine. The UK is doing that… Providing £4.5bn in military aid this year – more than ever before. We’re doing more than ever to train Ukrainian troops, helping Ukraine to mobilise even further… And we’re proud to have taken on the leadership of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.

    Secondly, we must keep dialling up the economic pressure… To get Putin to a point where he is ready not just to talk, but to make concessions. So today we’re announcing the UK’s largest package of sanctions since the early days of the war… Going after Russia’s shadow fleet… And going after companies in China and elsewhere who are sending military components.
    Later today I will be discussing further steps with the G7 – And I am clear that the G7 should be ready to take on more risk – Including on the oil price cap… Sanctioning Russia’s oil giants… And going after the banks that are enabling the evasion of sanctions.

    Third, we must bring our collective strength to the peace effort.
    President Trump has changed the global conversation over the last few weeks. And it has created an opportunity. Now, we must get the fundamentals right.

    If we want peace to endure, Ukraine must have a seat at the table… And any settlement must be based on a sovereign Ukraine… Backed up with strong security guarantees. The UK is ready and willing to support this with troops on the ground – With other Europeans, and with the right conditions in place.
    And ultimately a US backstop will be vital to deter Russia from launching another invasion in just a few years’ time.

    So we will do everything we can to get the best outcome for Ukraine – and for us all. Let me close with one of those voices I mentioned earlier – A patient called Petro, from the burns unit I visited in Kyiv. He said to me… “If Ukraine fails, Europe will be next.” That is what’s at stake here. That is why we will always stand with Ukraine, and with our allies… Against this aggression… And for a just and lasting peace. Slava Ukraini.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM remarks at a meeting convened by President Zelenskyy to mark three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine: 24 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    PM remarks at a meeting convened by President Zelenskyy to mark three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine: 24 February 2025

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a speech this morning at a meeting of world leaders to mark three years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    Thank you very much – colleagues, let me start with Volodymyr and saying on this day of all days, I want to pay tribute to your leadership Volodymyr. And friends – it’s right that we mark this grim anniversary together. For three years we have been united in opposition to Russia’s barbaric invasion. And for three years we have been full of admiration for the incredible response of the Ukrainian people.

    Their voices must be must at the heart of the drive for peace. And I want to be clear – I hear them. I think of the soldiers and civilians that I met in Kyiv just a few weeks ago in the ICU, in the burns unit… The witnesses to the horror of Bucha… The school children I met living under constant bombardment… The soldiers training in the UK, bound for the frontline… Their voices echo in my ears – They inform the decisions I take – and the peace that I believe we must see.

    So I have a very simple, clear message today: the UK is with you. Today and every day. From His Majesty the King… To the NHS workers volunteering in hospitals in Ukraine… To the communities that took Ukrainian refugees to their heart. And that’s why I signed our 100-year partnership with President Zelenskyy last month – Because we believe in Ukraine’s fight today, and the country’s incredible potential to thrive in the years to come.

    This is a time for unity. In this crucial moment as talks begin – we must work together to shape the outcome.

    Russia does not hold all the cards in this war… Because the Ukrainians have the courage to defend their country… Because Russia’s economy is in trouble… And because they have now lost the best of their land forces and their Black Sea Fleet in this pointless invasion. So we must increase the pressure even further to deliver an enduring peace, not just a pause in fighting. We can do that in three ways.

    First, by stepping up our military support to Ukraine. The UK is doing that… Providing £4.5bn in military aid this year – more than ever before. We’re doing more than ever to train Ukrainian troops, helping Ukraine to mobilise even further… And we’re proud to have taken on the leadership of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.

    Secondly, we must keep dialling up the economic pressure… To get Putin to a point where he is ready not just to talk, but to make concessions. So today we’re announcing the UK’s largest package of sanctions since the early days of the war… Going after Russia’s shadow fleet… And going after companies in China and elsewhere who are sending military components.
    Later today I will be discussing further steps with the G7 – And I am clear that the G7 should be ready to take on more risk – Including on the oil price cap… Sanctioning Russia’s oil giants… And going after the banks that are enabling the evasion of sanctions.

    Third, we must bring our collective strength to the peace effort.
    President Trump has changed the global conversation over the last few weeks. And it has created an opportunity. Now, we must get the fundamentals right.

    If we want peace to endure, Ukraine must have a seat at the table… And any settlement must be based on a sovereign Ukraine… Backed up with strong security guarantees. The UK is ready and willing to support this with troops on the ground – With other Europeans, and with the right conditions in place.
    And ultimately a US backstop will be vital to deter Russia from launching another invasion in just a few years’ time.

    So we will do everything we can to get the best outcome for Ukraine – and for us all. Let me close with one of those voices I mentioned earlier – A patient called Petro, from the burns unit I visited in Kyiv. He said to me… “If Ukraine fails, Europe will be next.” That is what’s at stake here. That is why we will always stand with Ukraine, and with our allies… Against this aggression… And for a just and lasting peace. Slava Ukraini.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Access to archives of newspapers and magazines from the Great Patriotic War has been opened

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Polytechnicians received a unique opportunity to learn new facts from the history of the war period. As part of the project “Lines scorched by war” dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory, free access to digitized archives of newspapers published during the Great Patriotic War is provided until June 30.

    Access is now available to issues of five key publications from the war years:

    Users will be able to read documents, as well as save and print articles (subject to copyright restrictions), using the moderate text search function for research purposes.

    Military newspapers are not only a chronicle of events, but also an important source of information about the era, reflecting the emotions and feelings of people who fought for the victory of their country. This is an opportunity to touch living history, preserve the memory of the people’s exploits and pass on this knowledge to future generations.

    Access is provided via the SPbPU ESA and from the university’s IP addresses vialink.

    For questions about working with the resource, please contactE-Mail.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: After three years of war, the Netherlands continues to support Ukraine

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    On 24 February 2022 Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For three years the Ukrainian people have been fighting for their lives and for their liberty. This article explains why supporting Ukraine remains important – to the whole of Europe.

    Enlarge image
    Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, in the center of Kyiv.

    Why the Netherlands continues to support Ukraine:

    For the Ukrainian people

    Russia has caused devastation to the daily lives of millions of Ukrainians. Many Ukrainian towns and villages have been completely destroyed. In the areas occupied by Russia, Ukrainians have suffered violence at the hands of Russian soldiers. They have been murdered, tortured and raped. Ukrainian children have also been abducted. With international support, Ukrainians have been defending their country for three years.

    Russia started the war. And Russia could end it at any time.

    For the security of Europe as a whole

    Russia’s aggression is about more than Ukraine. President Putin has spoken publicly about a conflict with ‘the West’. And Russia is stepping up its efforts to undermine European countries. This includes cyberattacks, sabotage, election interference and spreading fake news.

    In other words: by defending itself against Russia, Ukraine is fighting for the security of Europe as a whole. That’s another reason why it’s important to support Ukraine. A Russian victory in Ukraine will not bring an end to the danger. And the costs for Europe will end up being much higher. Europe may have to deal with even more Russian cyberattacks or other kinds of attacks. And with more Ukrainian refugees who are unable to return home.

    For a world in which aggression is not rewarded

    A Russian victory would have consequences for the whole world. It would send a signal to Russia and to China, North Korea and Iran that aggression will be rewarded. And that brute strength is more important than international rules and agreements. That could lead to even more wars.

    Peace through strength, not war through weakness.

    Ukraine must be able to defend itself. And Russia must be made to pay a high price for its aggression. That is why the government is continuing to provide unwavering support to Ukraine. To help secure a positive outcome to the war, based on the idea of: achieving peace by showing strength, not risking further war by showing weakness.

    Dutch support for Ukraine

    The Netherlands continues to support Ukraine. It is for example providing:

    • Military supportequipment, such as munitions, F-16 aircraft and anti-aircraft systems. The Netherlands is also providing training to Ukrainian military personnel.
    • Sanctions against Russia: the sanctions imposed by EU member states are hurting the Russian economy. That makes it harder and more expensive for Russia to keep the war going.
    • Justice for Ukraine: working to ensure that war crimes do not go unpunished and that people who have suffered damage, loss or injury in the war receive compensation.
    • Reconstruction: support to repair damage where it is most needed: water mains, roads, hospitals and the electrical grid. This support is crucial so that Ukraine can continue to function.
    • Humanitarian aid: helping international, Dutch and Ukrainian organisations to provide emergency goods, ensure the availability of drinking water, medicine and food, provide protection, and assist civilian victims.
    • Protection of Ukrainian cultural heritage: Russia is deliberately attacking cultural targets in Ukraine, in an attempt to erase Ukraine’s culture and identity. The Netherlands is supporting Ukraine in the protection of its cultural heritage.
    • Other support: the Netherlands is also helping Ukraine by providing support in areas like healthcare, psychosocial care for victims, agriculture and cybersecurity.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Energetic UK SME Raplas awarded DTEP funding

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Energetic UK SME Raplas awarded DTEP funding

    Raplas Technologies will be collaborating with BAE Systems on innovative 3D printing projects for defence applications

    • Congratulations to SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) Raplas Technologies Ltd
    • They will be collaborating with higher tier supplier BAE Systems
    • The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) boosts defence innovation while supporting the technology supply chain

    Sully based SME Raplas Technologies Ltd has been awarded funding through the latest round of the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP). They will collaborate with BAE Systems who will mentor them over the duration of a forthcoming defence project. They will receive a government grant worth 50 percent of the project value with the aim of developing innovative new solutions that meet UK defence challenges and increase capability in the UK defence supply chain.

    The DTEP programme, which seeks to improve the competitiveness of the UK defence supply chain, is sponsored by the MOD’s Directorate of Industrial Strategy and Exports (DISE) and delivered through the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), Innovate UK, and ADS.

    Congratulations to Raplas

    Raplas is a leading UK designer and manufacturer of 3D printing solutions and equipment for multiple industries. They have proposed to deliver an innovative system for the safe printing and post processing of BAE proprietary energetic material formulations with automated handling of materials in an unmanned environment.

    Raplas will design and produce purpose-made systems which will process BAE proprietary material formulation.

    The new process and production methods will enable these materials to be manufactured in the UK, ensuring a consistent supply to the MOD without having to rely on international imports and thus eliminating the potential for future gaps in the defence supply chain.

    Dr Richard Wooldridge, CEO of Raplas, said:

    “We are honoured to have worked with the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) on an exciting journey to deliver new, commercially viable solutions to the UK defence industry. We are therefore delighted that our advanced resin-based 3D printing technology has been recognised by the Ministry of Defence and BAE Systems, further solidifying our position as a leader in the 3D printing industry. The Raplas team looks forward to collaborating with BAE Systems, leveraging our combined expertise in hardware and software to deliver innovative solutions that strengthen the defence of our nation and its sovereign capabilities.”

    Jon Davies, Business Development, Future Programmes, BAE Systems:

    “BAE Systems is delighted to be working with RAPLAS to explore the benefits of their 3D printing technologies for defence applications. This collaboration aligns with our strategy to integrate cutting-edge technological innovations into our Future Product development initiatives.”

    Anita Friend, Head of DASA, said:

     “We’re proud to announce the allocation of DTEP funding to Raplas Technologies and wish them every success with their collaboration with BAE Systems. DTEP funding allows SMEs to collaborate with higher tier partners to develop innovations that will make a distinct contribution to the UK’s defence supply chain. DASA is delighted to foster collaborations such as this that will help ensure the continued success of future defence and security.”

    DTEP’s funding for Raplas highlights the MOD’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening the UK defence supply chain through strategic SME partnerships.

    Learn more about DASA’s funding opportunities here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Lord-Lieutenant for Stirling and Falkirk: 24 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Appointment of Lord-Lieutenant for Stirling and Falkirk: 24 February 2025

    The King has been pleased to appoint Colonel Charles Wallace DL as His Lord-Lieutenant for Stirling and Falkirk.

    The King has been pleased to appoint Colonel Charles Wallace DL as His Lord-Lieutenant for Stirling and Falkirk, to succeed Alan Simpson CVO, OBE, FRSE following his retirement on 15th February 2025.

    Background

    Charles Wallace spent 35 years in the Army serving across the world from the Falkland Islands to Brunei and Hong Kong; and from India and Nepal to North America. He was on operational service in Northern Ireland, with the UN in the Former Yugoslavia (Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia), in Iraq and Afghanistan where, as the Chief Planner in Helmand Province, he was awarded the US Bronze Star.

    Charles was the Scottish Veterans Commissioner from September 2018 to March 2022. Deeply committed to addressing the challenges that individuals and their families face after military service, he sought innovative and novel approaches to highlight the impressive talent this group of people bring to our society.  He has been the Chairman of the Scottish Veterans Fund Panel and of the Highland and Lowland Brigades Club as well as the Vice Chairman (Army) for the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.  He remains a trustee on the Royal Company of Archers Charitable Trust.

    He is currently the Secretary to the King’s Body Guard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers.  As Secretary, he was instrumental in orchestrating over 390 Archers across 21 different duties during the period of Mourning and State Funeral for the late Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland and London in 2022 and for the Coronation of King Charles III in 2023.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s Remarks to the Human Rights Council [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations – English

    Scroll down for all-English and all-French versions]

    Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. President of the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner,
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    We begin this session under the weight of a grim milestone — the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the UN charter.

    More than 12,600 civilians killed, with many more injured.

    Entire communities reduced to rubble.

    Hospitals and schools destroyed.

    We must spare no effort to bring an end to this conflict, and to achieve a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.

    Conflicts like the war in Ukraine exact a heavy toll.

    A toll on people. 

    A toll on fundamental principles like territorial integrity, sovereignty and the rule of law.

    And a toll on the vital business of this Council.

    Without respect for human rights — civil, cultural, economic, political and social — sustainable peace is a pipedream.

    And like this Council, human rights shine a light in the darkest places.

    Through your work, and the work of the High Commissioner’s Office around the world, you’re supporting brave human rights defenders risking persecution, detention and even death.

    You’re working with governments, civil society and others to strengthen action on human rights.

    And you’re supporting investigations and accountability.

    Five years ago, we launched our Call to Action for Human Rights, embedding human rights across the work of the United Nations around the world in close cooperation with our partners.

    I will continue supporting this important work, and the High Commissioner’s Office, as we fight for human rights everywhere.
    Excellencies,

    We have our work cut out for us. 

    Human rights are the oxygen of humanity.

    But one by one, human rights are being suffocated.  

    By autocrats, crushing opposition because they fear what a truly empowered people would do. 

    By a patriarchy that keeps girls out of school, and women at arm’s length from basic rights.

    By wars and violence that strip populations of their right to food, water and education.

    By warmongers who thumb their nose at international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter.  

    Human rights are being suffocated by the climate crisis.

    And by a morally bankrupt global financial system that too often obstructs the path to greater equality and sustainable development.

    By runaway technologies like Artificial Intelligence that hold great promise, but also the ability to violate human rights at the touch of a button.

    By growing intolerance against entire groups — from Indigenous peoples, to migrants and refugees, to the LGBTQI+ community, to persons with disabilities.  
    And by voices of division and anger who view human rights not as a boon to humanity, but as a barrier to the power, profit and control they seek.

    In short — human rights are on the ropes and being pummeled hard.

    This represents a direct threat to all of the hard-won mechanisms and systems established over the last 80 years to protect and advance human rights. 

    But as the recently adopted Pact for the Future reminds us, human rights are, in fact, a source of solutions.

    The Pact provides a playbook on how we can win the fight for human rights on several fronts.   

    First — human rights through peace and peace through human rights.

    Conflicts inflict human rights violations on a massive scale.

    In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, violations of human rights have skyrocketed since the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7 and the intolerable levels of death and destruction in Gaza.

    And I am gravely concerned by the rising violence in the occupied West Bank by Israeli settlers and other violations, as well as calls for annexation. We are witnessing a precarious ceasefire. We must avoid at all costs a resumption of hostilities. The people in Gaza have already suffered too much.

    It’s time for a permanent ceasefire, the dignified release of all remaining hostages, irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part.

    In Sudan, bloodshed, displacement and famine are engulfing the country.  

    The warring parties must take immediate action to protect civilians, uphold human rights, cease hostilities and forge peace.

    And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms should be permitted to document what is happening on the ground.

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we see a deadly whirlwind of violence and horrifying human rights abuses, amplified by the recent M23 offensive, supported by the Rwandan Defense Forces.  
    As more cities fall, the risk of a regional war rises. 
     
    It’s time to silence the guns. 
     
    It’s time for diplomacy and dialogue. 
     
    The recent joint summit in Tanzania offered a way forward with a renewed call for an immediate ceasefire.

    The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected.

    The Congolese people deserve peace.

    In the Sahel, I call for a renewed regional dialogue to protect citizens from terrorism and systemic violations of human rights, and to create the conditions for sustainable development. 

    In Myanmar, the situation has grown far worse in the four years since the military seized power and arbitrarily detained members of the democratically elected government.

    We need greater cooperation to bring an end to the hostilities and forge a path towards an inclusive democratic transition and a return to civilian rule, allowing for the safe return of the Rohingya refugees.

    And in Haiti, we are seeing massive human rights violations — including more than a million people displaced, and children facing a horrific increase in sexual violence and recruitment into gangs.

    In the coming days, I will put forward proposals to the United Nations Security Council for greater stability and security for the people of Haiti — namely through an effective UN assistance mechanism to support the Multilateral Security Support mission, the national police and Haitian authorities.

    A durable solution requires a political process — led and owned by the Haitian people — that restores democratic institutions through elections.

    The Pact for the Future calls for peace processes and approaches rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international law and the UN Charter.

    It proposes specific actions to prioritize conflict prevention, mediation, resolution and peacebuilding.

    And it includes a commitment to tackle the root causes of conflict, which are so often enmeshed in denials of basic human needs and rights.  

    Second — the Pact for the Future advances human rights through development.

    The Sustainable Development Goals and human rights are fundamentally intertwined.

    They represent real human needs — health, food, water, education, decent work and social protection.

    With less than one-fifth of the Goals on track, the Pact calls for a massive acceleration through an SDG Stimulus, reforming the global financial architecture, and taking meaningful action for countries drowning in debt.

    This must include focused action to conquer the most widespread human rights abuse in history — inequality for women and girls.

    The Pact calls for investing in battling all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and ensuring their meaningful participation and leadership across all walks of life.
    And along with the Declaration on Future Generations, the Pact calls for supporting the rights and futures of young people through decent work, removing barriers for youth participation, and enhancing training.

    And the Global Digital Compact calls on nations to champion young innovators, nurture entrepreneurial spirit, and equip the next generation with digital literacy and skills.
    Third — the Pact for the Future recognizes that the rule of law and human rights go hand-in-hand.

    The rule of law, when founded on human rights, is an essential pillar of protection.

    It shields the most vulnerable.

    It’s the first line of defense against crime and corruption.

    It supports fair, just and inclusive economies and societies.

    It holds perpetrators of human rights atrocities to account.

    It enables civic space for people to make their voices heard — and for journalists to carry out their essential work, free from interference or threats.

    And it reaffirms the world’s commitment to equal access to justice, good governance, and transparent and accountable institutions.   

    Quatrièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à l’action climatique.

    L’année dernière a été la plus chaude jamais enregistrée, et vient couronner la décennie la plus chaude jamais enregistrée.

    La hausse des températures, la fonte des glaciers et le réchauffement des océans ne peuvent mener qu’au désastre.

    Inondations, sécheresses, tempêtes meurtrières, famine, déplacements massifs : notre guerre contre la nature est aussi une guerre contre les droits humains.

    Nous devons prendre un autre chemin.

    Je salue les nombreux États Membres qui reconnaissent légalement le droit à un environnement sain, et j’appelle tous les pays à faire de même.

    Les gouvernements doivent tenir leur promesse d’élaborer cette année de nouveaux plans d’action nationaux pour le climat couvrant l’ensemble de l’économie, et ce bien avant la COP 30 qui se tiendra au Brésil.

    Ces plans doivent limiter la hausse de la température mondiale à 1,5 degré, notamment en accélérant la transition énergétique mondiale.

    Nous avons également besoin d’une augmentation massive des financements pour l’action climatique dans les pays en développement, afin de s’adapter au réchauffement de la planète, de réduire les émissions et d’accélérer la révolution des énergies renouvelables, qui offre d’énormes possibilités économiques.

    Nous devons nous opposer aux campagnes mensongères menées par de nombreux acteurs de l’industrie des combustibles fossiles et à ceux qui la font vivre et s’en rendent complices…

    Tout comme nous devons protéger et défendre les personnes qui sont en première ligne de la lutte pour une justice climatique.

    Et cinquièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à une gouvernance renforcée et améliorée des technologies.

    À l’heure où des technologies en rapide mutation s’immiscent dans tous les aspects de notre vie, je m’inquiète des risques qu’elles représentent pour les droits humains.

    Dans le meilleur des cas, les médias sociaux sont un lieu de rencontre où l’on peut échanger des idées et débattre avec respect.

    Mais ils peuvent aussi devenir un théâtre de confrontations enflammées et d’une ignorance flagrante.

    Un lieu où les poisons que sont la mésinformation, la désinformation, le racisme, la misogynie et les discours de haine sont non seulement tolérés, mais, bien souvent, encouragés.

    La violence verbale en ligne peut facilement se transformer en violence physique dans le monde réel.

    Les reculs récents en matière de vérification des faits et de modération de contenu sur les réseaux sociaux rouvrent grand la porte à plus de haine, plus de menaces et plus de violence.

    Que l’on ne s’y trompe pas.

    Ces reculs entraîneront une diminution de la liberté d’expression, et non une amplification – car les gens craignent de plus en plus de s’exprimer sur ces plateformes.

    Dans le même temps, la grande promesse de l’intelligence artificielle s’accompagne d’un risque insondable qui met en péril l’autonomie, l’identité et le contrôle humains – jusqu’aux droits humains.

    Face à ces menaces, le Pacte numérique mondial rassemble le monde entier pour veiller à ce que les droits humains ne soient pas sacrifiés sur l’autel de la technologie.

    Il s’agit notamment de collaborer avec les entreprises numériques et les décideurs politiques pour étendre le respect des droits humains à tous les recoins du cyberespace, en mettant notamment l’accent sur l’intégrité de l’information sur toutes les plateformes numériques.

    Les Principes mondiaux pour l’intégrité de l’information que j’ai lancés l’année dernière viendront étayer et orienter les efforts que nous déploierons en vue de créer un écosystème de l’information plus humain.

    Le Pacte numérique mondial comprend également le premier accord universel sur la gouvernance de l’intelligence artificielle qui donne voix au chapitre à tous les pays, ainsi que des engagements en matière de renforcement des capacités, visant à ce que tous les pays et toutes les personnes bénéficient du potentiel de l’intelligence artificielle.

    Pour cela, il faut investir dans l’accès à l’Internet à un prix abordable, dans les formations au numérique et dans les infrastructures ;

    Aider les pays en développement à utiliser l’intelligence artificielle pour développer les petites entreprises, améliorer les services publics et connecter les communautés à de nouveaux marchés.

    Et mettre les droits humains au centre des systèmes fondés sur l’intelligence artificielle.

    Les décisions du Pacte – d’établir un Groupe scientifique international indépendant et un Dialogue mondial régulier garantissant la participation de tous les pays dans l’élaboration de l’avenir de l’intelligence artificielle – constituent des avancées importantes. Il faut les concrétiser.

    Excellences,

    Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Nous pouvons mettre fin à l’asphyxie des droits humains en donnant vie au Pacte pour l’avenir et aux travaux de ce Conseil.

    Attelons-nous à cette tâche – ensemble. Nous n’avons pas un instant à perdre.

    Et je vous remercie.

    [all-English version]

    Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. President of the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner,
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    We begin this session under the weight of a grim milestone — the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the UN charter.

    More than 12,600 civilians killed, with many more injured.

    Entire communities reduced to rubble.

    Hospitals and schools destroyed.

    We must spare no effort to bring an end to this conflict, and to achieve a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.

    Conflicts like the war in Ukraine exact a heavy toll.

    A toll on people. 

    A toll on fundamental principles like territorial integrity, sovereignty and the rule of law.

    And a toll on the vital business of this Council.

    Without respect for human rights — civil, cultural, economic, political and social — sustainable peace is a pipedream.

    And like this Council, human rights shine a light in the darkest places.

    Through your work, and the work of the High Commissioner’s Office around the world, you’re supporting brave human rights defenders risking persecution, detention and even death.

    You’re working with governments, civil society and others to strengthen action on human rights.

    And you’re supporting investigations and accountability.

    Five years ago, we launched our Call to Action for Human Rights, embedding human rights across the work of the United Nations around the world in close cooperation with our partners.

    I will continue supporting this important work, and the High Commissioner’s Office, as we fight for human rights everywhere.
    Excellencies,

    We have our work cut out for us. 

    Human rights are the oxygen of humanity.

    But one by one, human rights are being suffocated.  

    By autocrats, crushing opposition because they fear what a truly empowered people would do. 

    By a patriarchy that keeps girls out of school, and women at arm’s length from basic rights.

    By wars and violence that strip populations of their right to food, water and education.

    By warmongers who thumb their nose at international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter.  

    Human rights are being suffocated by the climate crisis.

    And by a morally bankrupt global financial system that too often obstructs the path to greater equality and sustainable development.

    By runaway technologies like Artificial Intelligence that hold great promise, but also the ability to violate human rights at the touch of a button.

    By growing intolerance against entire groups — from Indigenous peoples, to migrants and refugees, to the LGBTQI+ community, to persons with disabilities.  
    And by voices of division and anger who view human rights not as a boon to humanity, but as a barrier to the power, profit and control they seek.

    In short — human rights are on the ropes and being pummeled hard.

    This represents a direct threat to all of the hard-won mechanisms and systems established over the last 80 years to protect and advance human rights. 

    But as the recently adopted Pact for the Future reminds us, human rights are, in fact, a source of solutions.

    The Pact provides a playbook on how we can win the fight for human rights on several fronts.   

    First — human rights through peace and peace through human rights.

    Conflicts inflict human rights violations on a massive scale.

    In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, violations of human rights have skyrocketed since the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7 and the intolerable levels of death and destruction in Gaza.

    And I am gravely concerned by the rising violence in the occupied West Bank by Israeli settlers and other violations, as well as calls for annexation. We are witnessing a precarious ceasefire. We must avoid at all costs a resumption of hostilities. The people in Gaza have already suffered too much.

    It’s time for a permanent ceasefire, the dignified release of all remaining hostages, irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part.

    In Sudan, bloodshed, displacement and famine are engulfing the country.  

    The warring parties must take immediate action to protect civilians, uphold human rights, cease hostilities and forge peace.

    And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms should be permitted to document what is happening on the ground.

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we see a deadly whirlwind of violence and horrifying human rights abuses, amplified by the recent M23 offensive, supported by the Rwandan Defense Forces.  
    As more cities fall, the risk of a regional war rises. 
     
    It’s time to silence the guns. 
     
    It’s time for diplomacy and dialogue. 
     
    The recent joint summit in Tanzania offered a way forward with a renewed call for an immediate ceasefire.

    The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected.

    The Congolese people deserve peace.

    In the Sahel, I call for a renewed regional dialogue to protect citizens from terrorism and systemic violations of human rights, and to create the conditions for sustainable development. 

    In Myanmar, the situation has grown far worse in the four years since the military seized power and arbitrarily detained members of the democratically elected government.

    We need greater cooperation to bring an end to the hostilities and forge a path towards an inclusive democratic transition and a return to civilian rule, allowing for the safe return of the Rohingya refugees.

    And in Haiti, we are seeing massive human rights violations — including more than a million people displaced, and children facing a horrific increase in sexual violence and recruitment into gangs.

    In the coming days, I will put forward proposals to the United Nations Security Council for greater stability and security for the people of Haiti — namely through an effective UN assistance mechanism to support the Multilateral Security Support mission, the national police and Haitian authorities.

    A durable solution requires a political process — led and owned by the Haitian people — that restores democratic institutions through elections.

    The Pact for the Future calls for peace processes and approaches rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international law and the UN Charter.

    It proposes specific actions to prioritize conflict prevention, mediation, resolution and peacebuilding.

    And it includes a commitment to tackle the root causes of conflict, which are so often enmeshed in denials of basic human needs and rights.  

    Second — the Pact for the Future advances human rights through development.

    The Sustainable Development Goals and human rights are fundamentally intertwined.

    They represent real human needs — health, food, water, education, decent work and social protection.

    With less than one-fifth of the Goals on track, the Pact calls for a massive acceleration through an SDG Stimulus, reforming the global financial architecture, and taking meaningful action for countries drowning in debt.

    This must include focused action to conquer the most widespread human rights abuse in history — inequality for women and girls.

    The Pact calls for investing in battling all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and ensuring their meaningful participation and leadership across all walks of life.
    And along with the Declaration on Future Generations, the Pact calls for supporting the rights and futures of young people through decent work, removing barriers for youth participation, and enhancing training.

    And the Global Digital Compact calls on nations to champion young innovators, nurture entrepreneurial spirit, and equip the next generation with digital literacy and skills.
    Third — the Pact for the Future recognizes that the rule of law and human rights go hand-in-hand.

    The rule of law, when founded on human rights, is an essential pillar of protection.

    It shields the most vulnerable.

    It’s the first line of defense against crime and corruption.

    It supports fair, just and inclusive economies and societies.

    It holds perpetrators of human rights atrocities to account.

    It enables civic space for people to make their voices heard — and for journalists to carry out their essential work, free from interference or threats.

    And it reaffirms the world’s commitment to equal access to justice, good governance, and transparent and accountable institutions.

    Fourth — human rights through climate action.   

    Last year was the hottest on record — capping the hottest decade on record.

    Rising heat, melting glaciers and hotter oceans are a recipe for disaster.  

    Floods, droughts, deadly storms, hunger, mass displacement — our war on nature is also a war on human rights.

    We must choose a different path.

    I salute the many Member States who legally recognize the right to a healthy environment — and I call on all countries to do the same.

    Governments must keep their promise to produce new, economy-wide national climate action plans this year, well ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

    Those plans must limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees — including by accelerating the global energy transition.   

    We also need a surge in finance for climate action in developing countries, to adapt to global heating, slash emissions and accelerate the renewables revolution, which represents a massive economic opportunity.  

    We must stand up to the misleading campaign of many in the fossil fuel industry and its enablers who are aiding and abetting this madness, while also protecting and defending those on the front lines of climate justice.

    And fifth — human rights through stronger, better governance of technology.

    As fast-moving technologies expand into every aspect of our lives, I am deeply concerned about human rights being undermined.

    At its best, social media is a meeting ground for people to exchange ideas and spark respectful debate.

    But it can also be an arena of fiery combat and blatant ignorance.

    A place where the poisons of misinformation, disinformation, racism, misogyny and hate speech are not only tolerated — but often encouraged.

    Verbal violence online can easily spill into physical violence in real life. 

    Recent rollbacks on social media fact-checking and content moderation are re-opening the floodgates to more hate, more threats, and more violence.

    Make no mistake.

    These rollbacks will lead to less free speech, not more, as people become increasingly fearful to engage on these platforms.

    Meanwhile, the great promise of Artificial Intelligence is matched by limitless peril to undermine human autonomy, human identity, human control — and yes, human rights.

    In the face of these threats, the Global Digital Compact brings the world together to ensure that human rights are not sacrificed on the altar of technology.

    This includes working with digital companies and policymakers to extend human rights to every corner of cyberspace — including a new focus on information integrity across digital platforms.

    The Global Principles for Information Integrity I launched last year will support and inform this work as we push for a more humane information ecosystem.

    The Global Digital Compact also includes the first universal agreement on the governance of AI that brings every country to the table and commitments on capacity-building, so all countries and people benefit from AI’s potential.

    By investing in affordable internet, digital literacy, and infrastructure.

    By helping developing countries use AI to grow small businesses, improve public services, and connect communities to new markets.

    And by placing human rights at the centre of AI-driven systems.

    The Pact’s decisions to create an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and an ongoing Global Dialogue that ensure all countries have a voice in shaping its future are important steps forward. We must implement them.

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    We can help end the suffocation of human rights by breathing life into the Pact for the Future and the work of this Council. 

    Let’s do that together. We don’t have a moment to lose.

    And I thank you.

    [all-French translation]

    L’ouverture de la présente session coïncide avec un sinistre jalon : le troisième anniversaire de l’invasion de l’Ukraine par la Russie, en violation de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Plus de 12 600 civils ont été tués et bien plus encore ont été blessés.

    Des communautés entières ont été anéanties.

    Des hôpitaux et des écoles ne sont plus que décombres.

    Nous ne devons ménager aucun effort pour mettre un terme à ce conflit et parvenir à une paix juste et durable, conformément à la Charte des Nations Unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

    Les conflits comme la guerre en Ukraine prélèvent un lourd tribut.

    Ils déciment les populations.

    Ils érodent les principes fondamentaux que sont l’intégrité territoriale, la souveraineté et l’état de droit.

    Ils sapent les activités vitales de ce Conseil.

    Sans le respect des droits humains – qu’ils soient civils, culturels, économiques, politiques ou sociaux – la paix durable n’est qu’une chimère.

    Et comme ce Conseil, les droits humains sont une source de lumière dans l’obscurité la plus profonde.

    Grâce à vos travaux et à ceux que le Haut-Commissariat mène dans le monde entier, vous soutenez les défenseurs et défenseuses des droits humains qui, avec courage, risquent la persécution, la détention et même la mort.

    Vous travaillez avec les gouvernements, la société civile et d’autres acteurs pour renforcer l’action en faveur des droits humains.

    Et vous apportez votre soutien aux mécanismes d’enquête et d’établissement des responsabilités.

    Il y a cinq ans, nous avons lancé notre appel à l’action en faveur des droits humains, l’objectif étant d’intégrer les droits humains dans toutes les activités des Nations Unies menées à travers le monde, en étroite collaboration avec nos partenaires.

    Je continuerai d’apporter mon appui à ces travaux importants, ainsi qu’au Haut-Commissariat, dans notre lutte pour les droits humains partout dans le monde.

    Excellences,

    Nous avons du pain sur la planche.

    Les droits humains sont l’oxygène de l’humanité.

    Mais ils sont asphyxiés, les uns après les autres.

    Par les autocrates, qui écrasent l’opposition parce qu’ils craignent ce dont serait capable un peuple ayant pleinement les moyens d’agir.

    Par le patriarcat, qui empêche les filles d’aller à l’école et les femmes de jouir de leurs droits fondamentaux.

    Par les guerres et la violence, qui privent les populations de leur droit à l’alimentation, à l’eau, et à l’éducation.

    Par les bellicistes, qui se rient du droit international, du droit international humanitaire et de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Les droits humains sont asphyxiés par la crise climatique.

    Par un système financier mondial en faillite morale, qui fait trop souvent obstacle à une plus grande égalité et au développement durable.

    Par des technologies incontrôlables comme l’intelligence artificielle, qui suscitent de grands espoirs mais recèlent aussi la capacité de violer les droits humains en un seul clic.

    Par une intolérance croissante à l’égard de groupes entiers, qu’il s’agisse des peuples autochtones, des migrants et réfugiés, de la communauté LGBTQI+, ou encore des personnes handicapées.

    Et par les discours de ceux qui, prêchant la division et la colère, considèrent les droits humains non pas comme un bienfait pour l’humanité, mais comme un obstacle au pouvoir, au profit et au contrôle qu’ils convoitent.

    En bref, les droits humains, sous le coup d’attaques vicieuses, sont dans leurs derniers retranchements.

    Cette situation représente une menace directe pour tous les mécanismes et systèmes établis de haute lutte au cours des 80 dernières années pour protéger et faire progresser les droits humains.

    Or, comme le rappelle le Pacte pour l’avenir adopté récemment, les droits humains sont, en fait, une source de solutions.

    Le Pacte définit les mesures que nous pouvons prendre pour gagner le combat pour les droits humains sur plusieurs fronts.

    Premièrement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à la paix et instaurer la paix grâce aux droits humains.

    Les conflits infligent des violations massives des droits humains.

    Dans le Territoire palestinien occupé, les violations des droits humains ont connu une hausse vertigineuse depuis les horribles attaques perpétrées par le Hamas le 7 octobre, et les niveaux intolérables de mort et de destruction à Gaza.

    Je suis gravement préoccupé par la montée des violences et des autres violations commises en Cisjordanie occupée par les colons israéliens, ainsi que par les appels à l’annexion. Nous assistons à un cessez-le-feu précaire. Nous devons éviter à tout prix une reprise des hostilités. La population de Gaza a déjà trop souffert.

    Il est temps d’instaurer un cessez-le-feu permanent, de libérer tous les otages restants, de réaliser des progrès irréversibles vers la solution des deux États, la fin l’occupation, et la création d’un État palestinien indépendant, dont Gaza ferait partie intégrante.

    Au Soudan, les bains de sang, les déplacements de population et la famine ravagent le pays.

    Les parties en conflit doivent prendre immédiatement des mesures pour protéger les civils, défendre les droits humains, cesser les hostilités et instaurer la paix.

    Les mécanismes nationaux et internationaux de surveillance et d’enquête en matière de droits humains devraient être autorisés à documenter ce qui se déroule sur le terrain.

    En République démocratique du Congo, nous sommes témoins d’un tourbillon mortel de violences et d’atroces violations des droits humains, amplifié par la récente offensive du M23, soutenue par les forces de défense rwandaises.

    Plus les villes tombent, plus le risque d’une guerre régionale augmente. 

    Il est temps de faire taire les armes.

    L’heure est à la diplomatie et au dialogue.

    Le récent sommet conjoint qui s’est tenu en Tanzanie a ouvert la voie en renouvelant l’appel à un cessez-le-feu immédiat.

    La souveraineté et l’intégrité territoriale de la RDC doivent être respectées.

    Le peuple congolais mérite la paix.

    Au Sahel, j’appelle à la reprise du dialogue régional afin de protéger les citoyens du terrorisme et des violations systémiques des droits humains et de créer les conditions du développement durable.

    Au Myanmar, la situation s’est considérablement aggravée au cours des quatre années qui se sont écoulées depuis que les militaires ont pris le pouvoir et détenu arbitrairement des membres du gouvernement démocratiquement élu.

    Il nous faut resserrer la coopération pour mettre fin aux hostilités et ouvrir la voie à une transition démocratique inclusive et au retour à un régime civil, permettant le retour en toute sécurité des réfugiés rohingyas.

    En Haïti, nous constatons des violations massives des droits humains : plus d’un million de personnes ont été déplacées et les enfants sont en proie à une augmentation effroyable des violences sexuelles et de l’enrôlement dans les gangs.

    Dans les jours à venir, je présenterai au Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies des propositions pour renforcer la stabilité et la sécurité du peuple haïtien, notamment par le biais d’un mécanisme d’assistance efficace des Nations unies destiné à soutenir la Mission multilatérale de soutien à la sécurité, à la police nationale et aux autorités haïtiennes.

    Une solution durable nécessite un processus politique – mené et pris en charge par le peuple haïtien – qui rétablisse les institutions démocratiques à travers des élections.

    Le Pacte pour l’avenir demande la mise en place de processus et de démarches pour la paix ancrés dans la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’Homme, le droit international et la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Le Pacte pour l’avenir appelle à des processus et des approches de paix fondés sur la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme, le droit international et la Charte des Nations unies.

    Il propose des mesures précises visant à privilégier la prévention des conflits, la médiation, le règlement des conflits et la consolidation de la paix.

    Il énonce également l’engagement pris de s’attaquer aux causes profondes des conflits, qui sont bien souvent liées au déni des besoins et des droits humains fondamentaux.

    Deuxièmement, le Pacte pour l’avenir fait progresser les droits humains grâce au développement.

    Les objectifs de développement durable et les droits humains sont intrinsèquement liés.

    Ils représentent des besoins humains réels : la santé, l’alimentation, l’eau, l’éducation, le travail décent et la protection sociale.

    Alors que moins d’un cinquième des objectifs sont en passe d’être réalisés, le Pacte appelle à une accélération massive des progrès grâce au plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable, à la réforme de
    l’architecture financière mondiale et à la prise de mesures réfléchies pour les pays qui croulent sous la dette.

    Il s’agit donc, notamment, de mener une action ciblée pour vaincre la violation des droits humains la plus répandue dans l’histoire : l’inégalité pour les femmes et les filles.

    Le Pacte appelle à investir pour lutter contre toutes les formes de discrimination et de violence à l’égard des femmes et des filles et pour permettre à celles-ci de participer véritablement à tous les domaines de la vie et d’y jouer un rôle moteur.

    Avec la Déclaration sur les générations futures, le Pacte appelle à défendre les droits et l’avenir des jeunes en promouvant le travail décent, en éliminant les obstacles à la participation des jeunes et en améliorant la formation.

    Le Pacte numérique mondial appelle tous les pays à soutenir les jeunes innovateurs, à cultiver l’esprit entrepreneurial et à doter la prochaine génération des connaissances et compétences numériques nécessaires.

    Troisièmement, le Pacte pour l’avenir établit que l’état de droit et les droits humains vont de pair.

    L’état de droit, lorsqu’il est fondé sur les droits humains, est un pilier essentiel de la protection.

    Il protège les plus vulnérables.

    C’est la première ligne de défense contre la criminalité et la corruption.

    Il favorise des économies et des sociétés équitables, justes et inclusives.

    Il oblige les auteurs d’atrocités commises en violation des droits humains à rendre compte de leurs actes.

    Il offre aux individus un espace civique où faire entendre leur voix et permet aux journalistes d’accomplir leur travail essentiel, à l’abri des ingérences et des menaces.

    Et il réaffirme l’engagement du monde en faveur de l’égalité d’accès à la justice, de la bonne gouvernance et d’institutions transparentes et responsables.

    Quatrièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à l’action climatique.

    L’année dernière a été la plus chaude jamais enregistrée, et vient couronner la décennie la plus chaude jamais enregistrée.

    La hausse des températures, la fonte des glaciers et le réchauffement des océans ne peuvent mener qu’au désastre.

    Inondations, sécheresses, tempêtes meurtrières, famine, déplacements massifs : notre guerre contre la nature est aussi une guerre contre les droits humains.

    Nous devons prendre un autre chemin.

    Je salue les nombreux États Membres qui reconnaissent légalement le droit à un environnement sain, et j’appelle tous les pays à faire de même.

    Les gouvernements doivent tenir leur promesse d’élaborer cette année de nouveaux plans d’action nationaux pour le climat couvrant l’ensemble de l’économie, et ce bien avant la COP 30 qui se tiendra au Brésil.

    Ces plans doivent limiter la hausse de la température mondiale à 1,5 degré, notamment en accélérant la transition énergétique mondiale.

    Nous avons également besoin d’une augmentation massive des financements pour l’action climatique dans les pays en développement, afin de s’adapter au réchauffement de la planète, de réduire les émissions et d’accélérer la révolution des énergies renouvelables, qui offre d’énormes possibilités économiques.

    Nous devons nous opposer aux campagnes mensongères menées par de nombreux acteurs de l’industrie des combustibles fossiles et à ceux qui la font vivre et s’en rendent complices…

    Tout comme nous devons protéger et défendre les personnes qui sont en première ligne de la lutte pour une justice climatique.

    Et cinquièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à une gouvernance renforcée et améliorée des technologies.

    À l’heure où des technologies en rapide mutation s’immiscent dans tous les aspects de notre vie, je m’inquiète des risques qu’elles représentent pour les droits humains.

    Dans le meilleur des cas, les médias sociaux sont un lieu de rencontre où l’on peut échanger des idées et débattre avec respect.

    Mais ils peuvent aussi devenir un théâtre de confrontations enflammées et d’une ignorance flagrante.

    Un lieu où les poisons que sont la mésinformation, la désinformation, le racisme, la misogynie et les discours de haine sont non seulement tolérés, mais, bien souvent, encouragés.

    La violence verbale en ligne peut facilement se transformer en violence physique dans le monde réel.

    Les reculs récents en matière de vérification des faits et de modération de contenu sur les réseaux sociaux rouvrent grand la porte à plus de haine, plus de menaces et plus de violence.

    Que l’on ne s’y trompe pas.

    Ces reculs entraîneront une diminution de la liberté d’expression, et non une amplification – car les gens craignent de plus en plus de s’exprimer sur ces plateformes.

    Dans le même temps, la grande promesse de l’intelligence artificielle s’accompagne d’un risque insondable qui met en péril l’autonomie, l’identité et le contrôle humains – jusqu’aux droits humains.

    Face à ces menaces, le Pacte numérique mondial rassemble le monde entier pour veiller à ce que les droits humains ne soient pas sacrifiés sur l’autel de la technologie.

    Il s’agit notamment de collaborer avec les entreprises numériques et les décideurs politiques pour étendre le respect des droits humains à tous les recoins du cyberespace, en mettant notamment l’accent sur l’intégrité de l’information sur toutes les plateformes numériques.

    Les Principes mondiaux pour l’intégrité de l’information que j’ai lancés l’année dernière viendront étayer et orienter les efforts que nous déploierons en vue de créer un écosystème de l’information plus humain.

    Le Pacte numérique mondial comprend également le premier accord universel sur la gouvernance de l’intelligence artificielle qui donne voix au chapitre à tous les pays, ainsi que des engagements en matière de renforcement des capacités, visant à ce que tous les pays et toutes les personnes bénéficient du potentiel de l’intelligence artificielle.

    Pour cela, il faut investir dans l’accès à Internet à un prix abordable, dans les formations au numérique et dans les infrastructures ;

    Aider les pays en développement à utiliser l’intelligence artificielle pour développer les petites entreprises, améliorer les services publics et connecter les communautés à de nouveaux marchés.

    Et mettre les droits humains au centre des systèmes fondés sur l’intelligence artificielle.

    Les décisions du Pacte – d’établir un Groupe scientifique international indépendant et un Dialogue mondial régulier garantissant la participation de tous les pays dans l’élaboration de l’avenir de l’intelligence artificielle – constituent des avancées importantes. Il faut les concrétiser.

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Nous pouvons mettre fin à l’asphyxie des droits humains en donnant vie au Pacte pour l’avenir et aux travaux de ce Conseil.

    Attelons-nous à cette tâche – ensemble. Nous n’avons pas un instant à perdre.

    Et je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Remarks to the Human Rights Council [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    [Scroll down for all-English and all-French versions]

    Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. President of the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner,
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    We begin this session under the weight of a grim milestone — the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the UN charter.

    More than 12,600 civilians killed, with many more injured.

    Entire communities reduced to rubble.

    Hospitals and schools destroyed.

    We must spare no effort to bring an end to this conflict, and to achieve a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.

    Conflicts like the war in Ukraine exact a heavy toll.

    A toll on people. 

    A toll on fundamental principles like territorial integrity, sovereignty and the rule of law.

    And a toll on the vital business of this Council.

    Without respect for human rights — civil, cultural, economic, political and social — sustainable peace is a pipedream.

    And like this Council, human rights shine a light in the darkest places.

    Through your work, and the work of the High Commissioner’s Office around the world, you’re supporting brave human rights defenders risking persecution, detention and even death.

    You’re working with governments, civil society and others to strengthen action on human rights.

    And you’re supporting investigations and accountability.

    Five years ago, we launched our Call to Action for Human Rights, embedding human rights across the work of the United Nations around the world in close cooperation with our partners.

    I will continue supporting this important work, and the High Commissioner’s Office, as we fight for human rights everywhere.
    Excellencies,

    We have our work cut out for us. 

    Human rights are the oxygen of humanity.

    But one by one, human rights are being suffocated.  

    By autocrats, crushing opposition because they fear what a truly empowered people would do. 

    By a patriarchy that keeps girls out of school, and women at arm’s length from basic rights.

    By wars and violence that strip populations of their right to food, water and education.

    By warmongers who thumb their nose at international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter.  

    Human rights are being suffocated by the climate crisis.

    And by a morally bankrupt global financial system that too often obstructs the path to greater equality and sustainable development.

    By runaway technologies like Artificial Intelligence that hold great promise, but also the ability to violate human rights at the touch of a button.

    By growing intolerance against entire groups — from Indigenous peoples, to migrants and refugees, to the LGBTQI+ community, to persons with disabilities.  
    And by voices of division and anger who view human rights not as a boon to humanity, but as a barrier to the power, profit and control they seek.

    In short — human rights are on the ropes and being pummeled hard.

    This represents a direct threat to all of the hard-won mechanisms and systems established over the last 80 years to protect and advance human rights. 

    But as the recently adopted Pact for the Future reminds us, human rights are, in fact, a source of solutions.

    The Pact provides a playbook on how we can win the fight for human rights on several fronts.   

    First — human rights through peace and peace through human rights.

    Conflicts inflict human rights violations on a massive scale.

    In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, violations of human rights have skyrocketed since the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7 and the intolerable levels of death and destruction in Gaza.

    And I am gravely concerned by the rising violence in the occupied West Bank by Israeli settlers and other violations, as well as calls for annexation. We are witnessing a precarious ceasefire. We must avoid at all costs a resumption of hostilities. The people in Gaza have already suffered too much.

    It’s time for a permanent ceasefire, the dignified release of all remaining hostages, irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part.

    In Sudan, bloodshed, displacement and famine are engulfing the country.  

    The warring parties must take immediate action to protect civilians, uphold human rights, cease hostilities and forge peace.

    And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms should be permitted to document what is happening on the ground.

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we see a deadly whirlwind of violence and horrifying human rights abuses, amplified by the recent M23 offensive, supported by the Rwandan Defense Forces.  
    As more cities fall, the risk of a regional war rises. 
     
    It’s time to silence the guns. 
     
    It’s time for diplomacy and dialogue. 
     
    The recent joint summit in Tanzania offered a way forward with a renewed call for an immediate ceasefire.

    The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected.

    The Congolese people deserve peace.

    In the Sahel, I call for a renewed regional dialogue to protect citizens from terrorism and systemic violations of human rights, and to create the conditions for sustainable development. 

    In Myanmar, the situation has grown far worse in the four years since the military seized power and arbitrarily detained members of the democratically elected government.

    We need greater cooperation to bring an end to the hostilities and forge a path towards an inclusive democratic transition and a return to civilian rule, allowing for the safe return of the Rohingya refugees.

    And in Haiti, we are seeing massive human rights violations — including more than a million people displaced, and children facing a horrific increase in sexual violence and recruitment into gangs.

    In the coming days, I will put forward proposals to the United Nations Security Council for greater stability and security for the people of Haiti — namely through an effective UN assistance mechanism to support the Multilateral Security Support mission, the national police and Haitian authorities.

    A durable solution requires a political process — led and owned by the Haitian people — that restores democratic institutions through elections.

    The Pact for the Future calls for peace processes and approaches rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international law and the UN Charter.

    It proposes specific actions to prioritize conflict prevention, mediation, resolution and peacebuilding.

    And it includes a commitment to tackle the root causes of conflict, which are so often enmeshed in denials of basic human needs and rights.  

    Second — the Pact for the Future advances human rights through development.

    The Sustainable Development Goals and human rights are fundamentally intertwined.

    They represent real human needs — health, food, water, education, decent work and social protection.

    With less than one-fifth of the Goals on track, the Pact calls for a massive acceleration through an SDG Stimulus, reforming the global financial architecture, and taking meaningful action for countries drowning in debt.

    This must include focused action to conquer the most widespread human rights abuse in history — inequality for women and girls.

    The Pact calls for investing in battling all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and ensuring their meaningful participation and leadership across all walks of life.
    And along with the Declaration on Future Generations, the Pact calls for supporting the rights and futures of young people through decent work, removing barriers for youth participation, and enhancing training.

    And the Global Digital Compact calls on nations to champion young innovators, nurture entrepreneurial spirit, and equip the next generation with digital literacy and skills.
    Third — the Pact for the Future recognizes that the rule of law and human rights go hand-in-hand.

    The rule of law, when founded on human rights, is an essential pillar of protection.

    It shields the most vulnerable.

    It’s the first line of defense against crime and corruption.

    It supports fair, just and inclusive economies and societies.

    It holds perpetrators of human rights atrocities to account.

    It enables civic space for people to make their voices heard — and for journalists to carry out their essential work, free from interference or threats.

    And it reaffirms the world’s commitment to equal access to justice, good governance, and transparent and accountable institutions.   

    Quatrièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à l’action climatique.

    L’année dernière a été la plus chaude jamais enregistrée, et vient couronner la décennie la plus chaude jamais enregistrée.

    La hausse des températures, la fonte des glaciers et le réchauffement des océans ne peuvent mener qu’au désastre.

    Inondations, sécheresses, tempêtes meurtrières, famine, déplacements massifs : notre guerre contre la nature est aussi une guerre contre les droits humains.

    Nous devons prendre un autre chemin.

    Je salue les nombreux États Membres qui reconnaissent légalement le droit à un environnement sain, et j’appelle tous les pays à faire de même.

    Les gouvernements doivent tenir leur promesse d’élaborer cette année de nouveaux plans d’action nationaux pour le climat couvrant l’ensemble de l’économie, et ce bien avant la COP 30 qui se tiendra au Brésil.

    Ces plans doivent limiter la hausse de la température mondiale à 1,5 degré, notamment en accélérant la transition énergétique mondiale.

    Nous avons également besoin d’une augmentation massive des financements pour l’action climatique dans les pays en développement, afin de s’adapter au réchauffement de la planète, de réduire les émissions et d’accélérer la révolution des énergies renouvelables, qui offre d’énormes possibilités économiques.

    Nous devons nous opposer aux campagnes mensongères menées par de nombreux acteurs de l’industrie des combustibles fossiles et à ceux qui la font vivre et s’en rendent complices…

    Tout comme nous devons protéger et défendre les personnes qui sont en première ligne de la lutte pour une justice climatique.

    Et cinquièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à une gouvernance renforcée et améliorée des technologies.

    À l’heure où des technologies en rapide mutation s’immiscent dans tous les aspects de notre vie, je m’inquiète des risques qu’elles représentent pour les droits humains.

    Dans le meilleur des cas, les médias sociaux sont un lieu de rencontre où l’on peut échanger des idées et débattre avec respect.

    Mais ils peuvent aussi devenir un théâtre de confrontations enflammées et d’une ignorance flagrante.

    Un lieu où les poisons que sont la mésinformation, la désinformation, le racisme, la misogynie et les discours de haine sont non seulement tolérés, mais, bien souvent, encouragés.

    La violence verbale en ligne peut facilement se transformer en violence physique dans le monde réel.

    Les reculs récents en matière de vérification des faits et de modération de contenu sur les réseaux sociaux rouvrent grand la porte à plus de haine, plus de menaces et plus de violence.

    Que l’on ne s’y trompe pas.

    Ces reculs entraîneront une diminution de la liberté d’expression, et non une amplification – car les gens craignent de plus en plus de s’exprimer sur ces plateformes.

    Dans le même temps, la grande promesse de l’intelligence artificielle s’accompagne d’un risque insondable qui met en péril l’autonomie, l’identité et le contrôle humains – jusqu’aux droits humains.

    Face à ces menaces, le Pacte numérique mondial rassemble le monde entier pour veiller à ce que les droits humains ne soient pas sacrifiés sur l’autel de la technologie.

    Il s’agit notamment de collaborer avec les entreprises numériques et les décideurs politiques pour étendre le respect des droits humains à tous les recoins du cyberespace, en mettant notamment l’accent sur l’intégrité de l’information sur toutes les plateformes numériques.

    Les Principes mondiaux pour l’intégrité de l’information que j’ai lancés l’année dernière viendront étayer et orienter les efforts que nous déploierons en vue de créer un écosystème de l’information plus humain.

    Le Pacte numérique mondial comprend également le premier accord universel sur la gouvernance de l’intelligence artificielle qui donne voix au chapitre à tous les pays, ainsi que des engagements en matière de renforcement des capacités, visant à ce que tous les pays et toutes les personnes bénéficient du potentiel de l’intelligence artificielle.

    Pour cela, il faut investir dans l’accès à l’Internet à un prix abordable, dans les formations au numérique et dans les infrastructures ;

    Aider les pays en développement à utiliser l’intelligence artificielle pour développer les petites entreprises, améliorer les services publics et connecter les communautés à de nouveaux marchés.

    Et mettre les droits humains au centre des systèmes fondés sur l’intelligence artificielle.

    Les décisions du Pacte – d’établir un Groupe scientifique international indépendant et un Dialogue mondial régulier garantissant la participation de tous les pays dans l’élaboration de l’avenir de l’intelligence artificielle – constituent des avancées importantes. Il faut les concrétiser.

    Excellences,

    Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Nous pouvons mettre fin à l’asphyxie des droits humains en donnant vie au Pacte pour l’avenir et aux travaux de ce Conseil.

    Attelons-nous à cette tâche – ensemble. Nous n’avons pas un instant à perdre.

    Et je vous remercie.

    [all-English version]

    Mr. President of the General Assembly, Mr. President of the Human Rights Council, High Commissioner,
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    We begin this session under the weight of a grim milestone — the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the UN charter.

    More than 12,600 civilians killed, with many more injured.

    Entire communities reduced to rubble.

    Hospitals and schools destroyed.

    We must spare no effort to bring an end to this conflict, and to achieve a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.

    Conflicts like the war in Ukraine exact a heavy toll.

    A toll on people. 

    A toll on fundamental principles like territorial integrity, sovereignty and the rule of law.

    And a toll on the vital business of this Council.

    Without respect for human rights — civil, cultural, economic, political and social — sustainable peace is a pipedream.

    And like this Council, human rights shine a light in the darkest places.

    Through your work, and the work of the High Commissioner’s Office around the world, you’re supporting brave human rights defenders risking persecution, detention and even death.

    You’re working with governments, civil society and others to strengthen action on human rights.

    And you’re supporting investigations and accountability.

    Five years ago, we launched our Call to Action for Human Rights, embedding human rights across the work of the United Nations around the world in close cooperation with our partners.

    I will continue supporting this important work, and the High Commissioner’s Office, as we fight for human rights everywhere.
    Excellencies,

    We have our work cut out for us. 

    Human rights are the oxygen of humanity.

    But one by one, human rights are being suffocated.  

    By autocrats, crushing opposition because they fear what a truly empowered people would do. 

    By a patriarchy that keeps girls out of school, and women at arm’s length from basic rights.

    By wars and violence that strip populations of their right to food, water and education.

    By warmongers who thumb their nose at international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter.  

    Human rights are being suffocated by the climate crisis.

    And by a morally bankrupt global financial system that too often obstructs the path to greater equality and sustainable development.

    By runaway technologies like Artificial Intelligence that hold great promise, but also the ability to violate human rights at the touch of a button.

    By growing intolerance against entire groups — from Indigenous peoples, to migrants and refugees, to the LGBTQI+ community, to persons with disabilities.  
    And by voices of division and anger who view human rights not as a boon to humanity, but as a barrier to the power, profit and control they seek.

    In short — human rights are on the ropes and being pummeled hard.

    This represents a direct threat to all of the hard-won mechanisms and systems established over the last 80 years to protect and advance human rights. 

    But as the recently adopted Pact for the Future reminds us, human rights are, in fact, a source of solutions.

    The Pact provides a playbook on how we can win the fight for human rights on several fronts.   

    First — human rights through peace and peace through human rights.

    Conflicts inflict human rights violations on a massive scale.

    In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, violations of human rights have skyrocketed since the horrific Hamas attacks of October 7 and the intolerable levels of death and destruction in Gaza.

    And I am gravely concerned by the rising violence in the occupied West Bank by Israeli settlers and other violations, as well as calls for annexation. We are witnessing a precarious ceasefire. We must avoid at all costs a resumption of hostilities. The people in Gaza have already suffered too much.

    It’s time for a permanent ceasefire, the dignified release of all remaining hostages, irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, an end to the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part.

    In Sudan, bloodshed, displacement and famine are engulfing the country.  

    The warring parties must take immediate action to protect civilians, uphold human rights, cease hostilities and forge peace.

    And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms should be permitted to document what is happening on the ground.

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we see a deadly whirlwind of violence and horrifying human rights abuses, amplified by the recent M23 offensive, supported by the Rwandan Defense Forces.  
    As more cities fall, the risk of a regional war rises. 
     
    It’s time to silence the guns. 
     
    It’s time for diplomacy and dialogue. 
     
    The recent joint summit in Tanzania offered a way forward with a renewed call for an immediate ceasefire.

    The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected.

    The Congolese people deserve peace.

    In the Sahel, I call for a renewed regional dialogue to protect citizens from terrorism and systemic violations of human rights, and to create the conditions for sustainable development. 

    In Myanmar, the situation has grown far worse in the four years since the military seized power and arbitrarily detained members of the democratically elected government.

    We need greater cooperation to bring an end to the hostilities and forge a path towards an inclusive democratic transition and a return to civilian rule, allowing for the safe return of the Rohingya refugees.

    And in Haiti, we are seeing massive human rights violations — including more than a million people displaced, and children facing a horrific increase in sexual violence and recruitment into gangs.

    In the coming days, I will put forward proposals to the United Nations Security Council for greater stability and security for the people of Haiti — namely through an effective UN assistance mechanism to support the Multilateral Security Support mission, the national police and Haitian authorities.

    A durable solution requires a political process — led and owned by the Haitian people — that restores democratic institutions through elections.

    The Pact for the Future calls for peace processes and approaches rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international law and the UN Charter.

    It proposes specific actions to prioritize conflict prevention, mediation, resolution and peacebuilding.

    And it includes a commitment to tackle the root causes of conflict, which are so often enmeshed in denials of basic human needs and rights.  

    Second — the Pact for the Future advances human rights through development.

    The Sustainable Development Goals and human rights are fundamentally intertwined.

    They represent real human needs — health, food, water, education, decent work and social protection.

    With less than one-fifth of the Goals on track, the Pact calls for a massive acceleration through an SDG Stimulus, reforming the global financial architecture, and taking meaningful action for countries drowning in debt.

    This must include focused action to conquer the most widespread human rights abuse in history — inequality for women and girls.

    The Pact calls for investing in battling all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and ensuring their meaningful participation and leadership across all walks of life.
    And along with the Declaration on Future Generations, the Pact calls for supporting the rights and futures of young people through decent work, removing barriers for youth participation, and enhancing training.

    And the Global Digital Compact calls on nations to champion young innovators, nurture entrepreneurial spirit, and equip the next generation with digital literacy and skills.
    Third — the Pact for the Future recognizes that the rule of law and human rights go hand-in-hand.

    The rule of law, when founded on human rights, is an essential pillar of protection.

    It shields the most vulnerable.

    It’s the first line of defense against crime and corruption.

    It supports fair, just and inclusive economies and societies.

    It holds perpetrators of human rights atrocities to account.

    It enables civic space for people to make their voices heard — and for journalists to carry out their essential work, free from interference or threats.

    And it reaffirms the world’s commitment to equal access to justice, good governance, and transparent and accountable institutions.

    Fourth — human rights through climate action.   

    Last year was the hottest on record — capping the hottest decade on record.

    Rising heat, melting glaciers and hotter oceans are a recipe for disaster.  

    Floods, droughts, deadly storms, hunger, mass displacement — our war on nature is also a war on human rights.

    We must choose a different path.

    I salute the many Member States who legally recognize the right to a healthy environment — and I call on all countries to do the same.

    Governments must keep their promise to produce new, economy-wide national climate action plans this year, well ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

    Those plans must limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees — including by accelerating the global energy transition.   

    We also need a surge in finance for climate action in developing countries, to adapt to global heating, slash emissions and accelerate the renewables revolution, which represents a massive economic opportunity.  

    We must stand up to the misleading campaign of many in the fossil fuel industry and its enablers who are aiding and abetting this madness, while also protecting and defending those on the front lines of climate justice.

    And fifth — human rights through stronger, better governance of technology.

    As fast-moving technologies expand into every aspect of our lives, I am deeply concerned about human rights being undermined.

    At its best, social media is a meeting ground for people to exchange ideas and spark respectful debate.

    But it can also be an arena of fiery combat and blatant ignorance.

    A place where the poisons of misinformation, disinformation, racism, misogyny and hate speech are not only tolerated — but often encouraged.

    Verbal violence online can easily spill into physical violence in real life. 

    Recent rollbacks on social media fact-checking and content moderation are re-opening the floodgates to more hate, more threats, and more violence.

    Make no mistake.

    These rollbacks will lead to less free speech, not more, as people become increasingly fearful to engage on these platforms.

    Meanwhile, the great promise of Artificial Intelligence is matched by limitless peril to undermine human autonomy, human identity, human control — and yes, human rights.

    In the face of these threats, the Global Digital Compact brings the world together to ensure that human rights are not sacrificed on the altar of technology.

    This includes working with digital companies and policymakers to extend human rights to every corner of cyberspace — including a new focus on information integrity across digital platforms.

    The Global Principles for Information Integrity I launched last year will support and inform this work as we push for a more humane information ecosystem.

    The Global Digital Compact also includes the first universal agreement on the governance of AI that brings every country to the table and commitments on capacity-building, so all countries and people benefit from AI’s potential.

    By investing in affordable internet, digital literacy, and infrastructure.

    By helping developing countries use AI to grow small businesses, improve public services, and connect communities to new markets.

    And by placing human rights at the centre of AI-driven systems.

    The Pact’s decisions to create an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and an ongoing Global Dialogue that ensure all countries have a voice in shaping its future are important steps forward. We must implement them.

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    We can help end the suffocation of human rights by breathing life into the Pact for the Future and the work of this Council. 

    Let’s do that together. We don’t have a moment to lose.

    And I thank you.

    [all-French translation]

    L’ouverture de la présente session coïncide avec un sinistre jalon : le troisième anniversaire de l’invasion de l’Ukraine par la Russie, en violation de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Plus de 12 600 civils ont été tués et bien plus encore ont été blessés.

    Des communautés entières ont été anéanties.

    Des hôpitaux et des écoles ne sont plus que décombres.

    Nous ne devons ménager aucun effort pour mettre un terme à ce conflit et parvenir à une paix juste et durable, conformément à la Charte des Nations Unies, au droit international et aux résolutions de l’Assemblée générale.

    Les conflits comme la guerre en Ukraine prélèvent un lourd tribut.

    Ils déciment les populations.

    Ils érodent les principes fondamentaux que sont l’intégrité territoriale, la souveraineté et l’état de droit.

    Ils sapent les activités vitales de ce Conseil.

    Sans le respect des droits humains – qu’ils soient civils, culturels, économiques, politiques ou sociaux – la paix durable n’est qu’une chimère.

    Et comme ce Conseil, les droits humains sont une source de lumière dans l’obscurité la plus profonde.

    Grâce à vos travaux et à ceux que le Haut-Commissariat mène dans le monde entier, vous soutenez les défenseurs et défenseuses des droits humains qui, avec courage, risquent la persécution, la détention et même la mort.

    Vous travaillez avec les gouvernements, la société civile et d’autres acteurs pour renforcer l’action en faveur des droits humains.

    Et vous apportez votre soutien aux mécanismes d’enquête et d’établissement des responsabilités.

    Il y a cinq ans, nous avons lancé notre appel à l’action en faveur des droits humains, l’objectif étant d’intégrer les droits humains dans toutes les activités des Nations Unies menées à travers le monde, en étroite collaboration avec nos partenaires.

    Je continuerai d’apporter mon appui à ces travaux importants, ainsi qu’au Haut-Commissariat, dans notre lutte pour les droits humains partout dans le monde.

    Excellences,

    Nous avons du pain sur la planche.

    Les droits humains sont l’oxygène de l’humanité.

    Mais ils sont asphyxiés, les uns après les autres.

    Par les autocrates, qui écrasent l’opposition parce qu’ils craignent ce dont serait capable un peuple ayant pleinement les moyens d’agir.

    Par le patriarcat, qui empêche les filles d’aller à l’école et les femmes de jouir de leurs droits fondamentaux.

    Par les guerres et la violence, qui privent les populations de leur droit à l’alimentation, à l’eau, et à l’éducation.

    Par les bellicistes, qui se rient du droit international, du droit international humanitaire et de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Les droits humains sont asphyxiés par la crise climatique.

    Par un système financier mondial en faillite morale, qui fait trop souvent obstacle à une plus grande égalité et au développement durable.

    Par des technologies incontrôlables comme l’intelligence artificielle, qui suscitent de grands espoirs mais recèlent aussi la capacité de violer les droits humains en un seul clic.

    Par une intolérance croissante à l’égard de groupes entiers, qu’il s’agisse des peuples autochtones, des migrants et réfugiés, de la communauté LGBTQI+, ou encore des personnes handicapées.

    Et par les discours de ceux qui, prêchant la division et la colère, considèrent les droits humains non pas comme un bienfait pour l’humanité, mais comme un obstacle au pouvoir, au profit et au contrôle qu’ils convoitent.

    En bref, les droits humains, sous le coup d’attaques vicieuses, sont dans leurs derniers retranchements.

    Cette situation représente une menace directe pour tous les mécanismes et systèmes établis de haute lutte au cours des 80 dernières années pour protéger et faire progresser les droits humains.

    Or, comme le rappelle le Pacte pour l’avenir adopté récemment, les droits humains sont, en fait, une source de solutions.

    Le Pacte définit les mesures que nous pouvons prendre pour gagner le combat pour les droits humains sur plusieurs fronts.

    Premièrement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à la paix et instaurer la paix grâce aux droits humains.

    Les conflits infligent des violations massives des droits humains.

    Dans le Territoire palestinien occupé, les violations des droits humains ont connu une hausse vertigineuse depuis les horribles attaques perpétrées par le Hamas le 7 octobre, et les niveaux intolérables de mort et de destruction à Gaza.

    Je suis gravement préoccupé par la montée des violences et des autres violations commises en Cisjordanie occupée par les colons israéliens, ainsi que par les appels à l’annexion. Nous assistons à un cessez-le-feu précaire. Nous devons éviter à tout prix une reprise des hostilités. La population de Gaza a déjà trop souffert.

    Il est temps d’instaurer un cessez-le-feu permanent, de libérer tous les otages restants, de réaliser des progrès irréversibles vers la solution des deux États, la fin l’occupation, et la création d’un État palestinien indépendant, dont Gaza ferait partie intégrante.

    Au Soudan, les bains de sang, les déplacements de population et la famine ravagent le pays.

    Les parties en conflit doivent prendre immédiatement des mesures pour protéger les civils, défendre les droits humains, cesser les hostilités et instaurer la paix.

    Les mécanismes nationaux et internationaux de surveillance et d’enquête en matière de droits humains devraient être autorisés à documenter ce qui se déroule sur le terrain.

    En République démocratique du Congo, nous sommes témoins d’un tourbillon mortel de violences et d’atroces violations des droits humains, amplifié par la récente offensive du M23, soutenue par les forces de défense rwandaises.

    Plus les villes tombent, plus le risque d’une guerre régionale augmente. 

    Il est temps de faire taire les armes.

    L’heure est à la diplomatie et au dialogue.

    Le récent sommet conjoint qui s’est tenu en Tanzanie a ouvert la voie en renouvelant l’appel à un cessez-le-feu immédiat.

    La souveraineté et l’intégrité territoriale de la RDC doivent être respectées.

    Le peuple congolais mérite la paix.

    Au Sahel, j’appelle à la reprise du dialogue régional afin de protéger les citoyens du terrorisme et des violations systémiques des droits humains et de créer les conditions du développement durable.

    Au Myanmar, la situation s’est considérablement aggravée au cours des quatre années qui se sont écoulées depuis que les militaires ont pris le pouvoir et détenu arbitrairement des membres du gouvernement démocratiquement élu.

    Il nous faut resserrer la coopération pour mettre fin aux hostilités et ouvrir la voie à une transition démocratique inclusive et au retour à un régime civil, permettant le retour en toute sécurité des réfugiés rohingyas.

    En Haïti, nous constatons des violations massives des droits humains : plus d’un million de personnes ont été déplacées et les enfants sont en proie à une augmentation effroyable des violences sexuelles et de l’enrôlement dans les gangs.

    Dans les jours à venir, je présenterai au Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies des propositions pour renforcer la stabilité et la sécurité du peuple haïtien, notamment par le biais d’un mécanisme d’assistance efficace des Nations unies destiné à soutenir la Mission multilatérale de soutien à la sécurité, à la police nationale et aux autorités haïtiennes.

    Une solution durable nécessite un processus politique – mené et pris en charge par le peuple haïtien – qui rétablisse les institutions démocratiques à travers des élections.

    Le Pacte pour l’avenir demande la mise en place de processus et de démarches pour la paix ancrés dans la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’Homme, le droit international et la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Le Pacte pour l’avenir appelle à des processus et des approches de paix fondés sur la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme, le droit international et la Charte des Nations unies.

    Il propose des mesures précises visant à privilégier la prévention des conflits, la médiation, le règlement des conflits et la consolidation de la paix.

    Il énonce également l’engagement pris de s’attaquer aux causes profondes des conflits, qui sont bien souvent liées au déni des besoins et des droits humains fondamentaux.

    Deuxièmement, le Pacte pour l’avenir fait progresser les droits humains grâce au développement.

    Les objectifs de développement durable et les droits humains sont intrinsèquement liés.

    Ils représentent des besoins humains réels : la santé, l’alimentation, l’eau, l’éducation, le travail décent et la protection sociale.

    Alors que moins d’un cinquième des objectifs sont en passe d’être réalisés, le Pacte appelle à une accélération massive des progrès grâce au plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable, à la réforme de
    l’architecture financière mondiale et à la prise de mesures réfléchies pour les pays qui croulent sous la dette.

    Il s’agit donc, notamment, de mener une action ciblée pour vaincre la violation des droits humains la plus répandue dans l’histoire : l’inégalité pour les femmes et les filles.

    Le Pacte appelle à investir pour lutter contre toutes les formes de discrimination et de violence à l’égard des femmes et des filles et pour permettre à celles-ci de participer véritablement à tous les domaines de la vie et d’y jouer un rôle moteur.

    Avec la Déclaration sur les générations futures, le Pacte appelle à défendre les droits et l’avenir des jeunes en promouvant le travail décent, en éliminant les obstacles à la participation des jeunes et en améliorant la formation.

    Le Pacte numérique mondial appelle tous les pays à soutenir les jeunes innovateurs, à cultiver l’esprit entrepreneurial et à doter la prochaine génération des connaissances et compétences numériques nécessaires.

    Troisièmement, le Pacte pour l’avenir établit que l’état de droit et les droits humains vont de pair.

    L’état de droit, lorsqu’il est fondé sur les droits humains, est un pilier essentiel de la protection.

    Il protège les plus vulnérables.

    C’est la première ligne de défense contre la criminalité et la corruption.

    Il favorise des économies et des sociétés équitables, justes et inclusives.

    Il oblige les auteurs d’atrocités commises en violation des droits humains à rendre compte de leurs actes.

    Il offre aux individus un espace civique où faire entendre leur voix et permet aux journalistes d’accomplir leur travail essentiel, à l’abri des ingérences et des menaces.

    Et il réaffirme l’engagement du monde en faveur de l’égalité d’accès à la justice, de la bonne gouvernance et d’institutions transparentes et responsables.

    Quatrièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à l’action climatique.

    L’année dernière a été la plus chaude jamais enregistrée, et vient couronner la décennie la plus chaude jamais enregistrée.

    La hausse des températures, la fonte des glaciers et le réchauffement des océans ne peuvent mener qu’au désastre.

    Inondations, sécheresses, tempêtes meurtrières, famine, déplacements massifs : notre guerre contre la nature est aussi une guerre contre les droits humains.

    Nous devons prendre un autre chemin.

    Je salue les nombreux États Membres qui reconnaissent légalement le droit à un environnement sain, et j’appelle tous les pays à faire de même.

    Les gouvernements doivent tenir leur promesse d’élaborer cette année de nouveaux plans d’action nationaux pour le climat couvrant l’ensemble de l’économie, et ce bien avant la COP 30 qui se tiendra au Brésil.

    Ces plans doivent limiter la hausse de la température mondiale à 1,5 degré, notamment en accélérant la transition énergétique mondiale.

    Nous avons également besoin d’une augmentation massive des financements pour l’action climatique dans les pays en développement, afin de s’adapter au réchauffement de la planète, de réduire les émissions et d’accélérer la révolution des énergies renouvelables, qui offre d’énormes possibilités économiques.

    Nous devons nous opposer aux campagnes mensongères menées par de nombreux acteurs de l’industrie des combustibles fossiles et à ceux qui la font vivre et s’en rendent complices…

    Tout comme nous devons protéger et défendre les personnes qui sont en première ligne de la lutte pour une justice climatique.

    Et cinquièmement, réaliser les droits humains grâce à une gouvernance renforcée et améliorée des technologies.

    À l’heure où des technologies en rapide mutation s’immiscent dans tous les aspects de notre vie, je m’inquiète des risques qu’elles représentent pour les droits humains.

    Dans le meilleur des cas, les médias sociaux sont un lieu de rencontre où l’on peut échanger des idées et débattre avec respect.

    Mais ils peuvent aussi devenir un théâtre de confrontations enflammées et d’une ignorance flagrante.

    Un lieu où les poisons que sont la mésinformation, la désinformation, le racisme, la misogynie et les discours de haine sont non seulement tolérés, mais, bien souvent, encouragés.

    La violence verbale en ligne peut facilement se transformer en violence physique dans le monde réel.

    Les reculs récents en matière de vérification des faits et de modération de contenu sur les réseaux sociaux rouvrent grand la porte à plus de haine, plus de menaces et plus de violence.

    Que l’on ne s’y trompe pas.

    Ces reculs entraîneront une diminution de la liberté d’expression, et non une amplification – car les gens craignent de plus en plus de s’exprimer sur ces plateformes.

    Dans le même temps, la grande promesse de l’intelligence artificielle s’accompagne d’un risque insondable qui met en péril l’autonomie, l’identité et le contrôle humains – jusqu’aux droits humains.

    Face à ces menaces, le Pacte numérique mondial rassemble le monde entier pour veiller à ce que les droits humains ne soient pas sacrifiés sur l’autel de la technologie.

    Il s’agit notamment de collaborer avec les entreprises numériques et les décideurs politiques pour étendre le respect des droits humains à tous les recoins du cyberespace, en mettant notamment l’accent sur l’intégrité de l’information sur toutes les plateformes numériques.

    Les Principes mondiaux pour l’intégrité de l’information que j’ai lancés l’année dernière viendront étayer et orienter les efforts que nous déploierons en vue de créer un écosystème de l’information plus humain.

    Le Pacte numérique mondial comprend également le premier accord universel sur la gouvernance de l’intelligence artificielle qui donne voix au chapitre à tous les pays, ainsi que des engagements en matière de renforcement des capacités, visant à ce que tous les pays et toutes les personnes bénéficient du potentiel de l’intelligence artificielle.

    Pour cela, il faut investir dans l’accès à Internet à un prix abordable, dans les formations au numérique et dans les infrastructures ;

    Aider les pays en développement à utiliser l’intelligence artificielle pour développer les petites entreprises, améliorer les services publics et connecter les communautés à de nouveaux marchés.

    Et mettre les droits humains au centre des systèmes fondés sur l’intelligence artificielle.

    Les décisions du Pacte – d’établir un Groupe scientifique international indépendant et un Dialogue mondial régulier garantissant la participation de tous les pays dans l’élaboration de l’avenir de l’intelligence artificielle – constituent des avancées importantes. Il faut les concrétiser.

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Nous pouvons mettre fin à l’asphyxie des droits humains en donnant vie au Pacte pour l’avenir et aux travaux de ce Conseil.

    Attelons-nous à cette tâche – ensemble. Nous n’avons pas un instant à perdre.

    Et je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Specialists from the Almaz-Antey Concern visited the Polytechnic

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On February 13, representatives of the Almaz-Antey Aerospace Defense Concern visited the scientific and technical laboratories of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport (IMMT) of SPbPU. The purpose of the visit was to get acquainted with advanced technologies in the field of additive manufacturing, materials processing and engineering developments.

    Specialists from Almaz-Antey’s production units were shown 3D printing with ceramics and metal — technologies for jet application of binders and selective laser melting of metal powders. The possibilities of 3D printing of polymer composites based on extrusion were also demonstrated.

    The delegation became familiar with plasma spheroidization of powder materials – a process for synthesizing powders of unique alloys suitable for use in additive technologies.

    In the area of low-tonnage production and 3D printing of large-sized parts, guests were shown WAAM (electric arc growing) technology and a section for post-processing printed parts.

    At the Russian-German Center for Laser Technologies, guests saw how parts are repaired using direct laser growth, and how damaged parts and components are restored using laser technologies.

    During the visit, Almaz-Antey representatives discussed with the polytechnicians the prospects for cooperation in the development of new materials and technologies that can be used in the defense industry. Particular attention was paid to the issues of introducing additive technologies into production processes.

    We highly appreciate the level of developments carried out at IMMiT. We are confident that joint projects will help accelerate the implementation of innovative solutions in our industry, the delegation representatives noted.

    At the end of the visit, the parties expressed interest in further cooperation in solving production problems.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News