NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 16 February 2025 Departmental update World leaders gather to reduce road deaths, boost road safety

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Leaders, ministers and officials from over 100 countries are set to advance commitments and actions to strengthen road safety worldwide at the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road safety that will be hosted by the Kingdom Morocco and the World Health Organization (WHO] in Marrakech this week.

    Leaders are set to endorse the ‘Marrakech Declaration on Global Road Safety’ which urges countries to make road safety a political priority and boost actions to achieve the goal of halving global road deaths by 2030 as set out in the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

    Road crashes kill nearly 1.2 million people each year, which is more than two deaths every minute. Road crashes cost most countries around 3 to 5 per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) and transport accounts for around a quarter of the world’s harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

    “Road safety is a priority for people, planet and prosperity. It underpins individual opportunity and sustainable development globally. The Marrakech Declaration calls for a step-change in efforts to reduce road deaths and ensure safe and sustainable mobility for everyone. No road deaths are ever acceptable, or necessary, and we must double-down on our efforts to apply proven solutions,” said Mr Abdessamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics for the Kingdom of Morocco. 

    The Marrakech Declaration calls on governments to implement all recommendations set out in the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, including strengthening laws, safety regulations and coordination across government. The Global Plan calls for more cross-border knowledge-sharing, technical support, technology transfer and research into emerging technologies, as well as efforts to make walking, cycling and public transport more accessible for everyone.

    “Road deaths are preventable and making roads safe for everyone is within our reach. We know what to do, and this conference marks a clear call to urgent action. Leaders are making new commitments and advancing actions to save more lives but much more still needs to be done,” said Dr Etienne Krug, WHO Director of the Department for the Social Determinants of Health.

    The latest WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety (2023) shows that road deaths fell slightly to 1.19 million per year in 2021, which was a 5% reduction in fatalities since 2010. More than half of all UN Member States reported a decline in deaths over this period and 10 of these countries managed to halve deaths in the last 10 years, showing that a 50% reduction in a decade is possible. 35 of these countries reduced the number of deaths by between 30 and 50% between 2010 and 2021.

    The Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety takes place in Marrakech, Morocco on 18-20 February, with the theme of “Commit to Life”. Around 2500 delegates, including ministers, heads of national road safety agencies, government representatives, parliamentarians and experts from the United Nations, civil society, business and academia are attending.

    Focus areas for the conference include road safety governance, emerging trends in mobility, financing, working with the private sector, road traffic injury data, connections with other health, transport, environment and development agendas, and as the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety to be held on the African continent, a focus on Africa.

    WHO is hosting and participating in a series of events at the conference, including a meeting of the Global Network of Heads of National Road Safety Agencies in partnership with the World Bank, and sessions on road safety governance, data, legislation and enforcement and strategic communications.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: FCDO statement on the situation in DRC

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The FCDO has released a statement following the entrance of M23 and the Rwandan Defence Force into Bukavu​: 16 February.

    An FCDO spokesperson said:

    “The entrance of M23 and the Rwandan Defence Force into Bukavu​ is a violation of DRC’s sovereignty and​ territorial integrity, and a breach of​  the UN Charter. This is a serious escalation that heightens the risk of a wider regional conflict – the human cost of which would be devastating​. The UK calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, withdrawal of all RDF from Congolese territory and a return to dialogue through African-led peace processes. There can be no military solution.

    “The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC is critical. Close to a million people have already been displaced by this recent offensive and hundreds of thousands are now in desperate need of lifesaving support. It is appalling that vital aid routes have been cut off. All​ parties must restore humanitarian access as a matter of urgency.”

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Has finance for green industry had an impact in Africa? What’s happened in 41 countries over 20 years

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nara Monkam, Associate Professor of Public Economics, Chair in Municipal Finance within the Department of Economics, and Head of the Public Policy Hub at the University of Pretoria, University of Pretoria

    The African continent finds itself in a predicament. Advanced economies in the rest of the world developed through industrialisation: their economies transformed from mainly agricultural to industrial. This involved burning fossil fuels like coal, generating greenhouse gas emissions that caused global warming.

    African economies have trailed behind industrially. They’re now industrialising at a time when the world is moving away from fossil fuels and towards solar power, wind energy and hydropower.

    Africa has 60% of the world’s best solar resources but only 1% of the world’s installed solar power systems. Despite renewable energy capacity nearly doubling in the last decade, only 2% of global investments in renewable energy went to Africa.

    Green industrialisation could be the answer: achieving long-term economic growth and industrial development that does not harm the environment. But in most African countries, renewable energy is more expensive than fossil fuels, which are readily available in many parts of the continent. Africa is also one of the world’s poorest regions and cannot easily afford green technologies.

    So a key issue in economic development is how to stimulate green industrial productivity. Green finance (funding from banks and investors specifically for environmentally friendly projects) can fund green innovations. These include renewable energy technologies, energy-efficient building designs, or electric vehicles.

    Read more: Africa doesn’t have a choice between economic growth and protecting the environment: how they can go hand in hand

    I am an economist who worked with a team of researchers to study the impact of green finance on industrialisation in Africa. We also wanted to find out if green innovation influenced the effect that green finance has on industrialisation. (This was measured in this study as the total industrial value added as a percentage of gross domestic product.)

    For example, switching to renewable energy like solar power reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps mitigate climate change. But the high costs of renewable energy equipment could harm industrial growth.

    The research analysed macroeconomic and energy, green finance and industrialisation statistics from 41 African countries between 2000 and 2020.

    Our research found that green finance offers funding opportunities for clean and innovative technologies and creating new jobs in green sectors. However, the potential of green financing to drive industrialisation through green innovation (such as renewable energy projects) is not being realised.

    Read more: How green innovation could be the key to growth for the UK’s rural businesses

    This is because renewable energy comes with high costs. There also are not enough skilled people available to run green projects. There’s a lack of proper roads, connectivity or transmission lines to connect renewable energy to the main grid. The basic conditions for industrial growth through renewable energy are not in place.

    Governments in Africa should find ways to make green innovation work. This will mean that society can enjoy the benefit of new environmentally friendly projects.

    How to make green innovation work

    African governments should focus on increasing people’s access to renewable energy projects. For this to happen, they need to put more funding and effort into developing renewable energy infrastructure. Renewable energy technologies must be available and affordable.

    Education and capacity building is needed, particularly in rural communities. For example, community-owned solar microgrid projects provide people with the skills needed to manage and look after renewable energy systems.

    Governments will need to subsidise local manufacturing of renewable energy components. When these are produced locally, this can help harness the potential of green innovation for industrialisation and also create jobs.

    Countries must co-operate regionally on green innovation. This means sharing best practices, pooling resources, and making coordinated efforts towards green industrialisation.

    Our research found that it would be useful to set up regional centres of excellence for renewable energy research and development. Regional alliances are also needed, so that countries can work together to negotiate better terms for green finance. This could enhance Africa’s journey towards the kind of green industrialisation that is cost effective and sustainable over time.

    What needs to happen next

    These steps would boost the impact of green finance on industrialisation in Africa:

    • more climate finance, including finance from the private sector

    • environmental taxation – a policy tool to limit activities, goods or services that have negative environmental impacts

    • reform of multilateral development agencies to make it easier for African countries to access to climate funds

    • development bank funding tailored to the needs of African countries. Nations that invest in renewable energy manufacturing should get tax breaks and other incentives. Green bonds that only fund renewable energy projects should be issued to attract private investors

    • vocational training and higher education programmes that focus on training people in green technologies must get government funding.

    Africa has a huge problem with trying to build some resilience to the effects of climate change, such as floods and drought. Economic development is also a challenge on the continent. Both could be addressed by green industrialisation. With the right investments in green finance, innovation and infrastructure, the continent can unlock sustainable growth, reduce poverty and help curb climate change.

    – Has finance for green industry had an impact in Africa? What’s happened in 41 countries over 20 years
    – https://theconversation.com/has-finance-for-green-industry-had-an-impact-in-africa-whats-happened-in-41-countries-over-20-years-244567

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Fourth industrial revolution in South Africa: inequality stands in the way of true progress

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Zama Mthombeni, Senior lecturer, University of Pretoria

    In his 2019 State of the Nation address, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he was creating a commission on the fourth industrial revolution (4IR).

    The term refers to the integration of advanced digital technologies like AI and robotics, as well as automation, into various economic and social domains. The first (1760s to early 1800s), second (1870s to early 1900s) and third (1950s to late 20th century) industrial revolutions were mechanical and electronic in nature. The 4IR is characterised by the fusion of physical, digital and biological systems. It is fundamentally reshaping industries, work and societies.

    Ramaphosa acknowledged at the time that the 4IR “may lead to job losses”. However, he added, it would also “create many new opportunities”:

    Through this transformation, we can build the South Africa we want, ensuring inclusive and shared growth for all.

    Six years on, the commission’s work has yielded some results. It’s led to the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Institute and the creation of AI hubs in key sectors like healthcare and mining.

    But how do ordinary South Africans view the 4IR? Globally, research has shown that there’s a stark divide in how people view the promises and perils of modern technological advancements. The wealthy, armed with access to education and resources, see opportunity. Marginalised groups, particularly those in lower-income brackets, are left fearing job losses and economic exclusion. Historical and cultural anxieties around technology also play a role in people’s perceptions.

    I’m a researcher whose work explores, among other things, the intersection of technology, policy and governance. I am especially interested in the 4IR in a South African context and recently co-authored a study with development studies scholar Oliver Mtapuri to examine the role of social class on people’s views of technological change.

    We found that wealthier South Africans, particularly those in urban areas, were more optimistic about automation, artificial intelligence and other emerging 4IR technologies than those in lower-income and rural communities. Racial disparities were evident, too. White South Africans were 2.5 times more likely to report feeling comfortable with technological change than Black South Africans.

    These findings can help policymakers understand how best to push for a 4IR in South Africa that doesn’t deepen existing inequalities. This will require inclusive digital policies and expanded access to technology and training. Here South Africa could learn from countries like Germany and Finland.

    Germany is working nationwide to equip workers with the skills needed for an increasingly digital economy. Finland, meanwhile, has focused on active labour market policies. It combines digital training programmes with progressive social welfare measures to support workers transitioning between industries. Both countries have also expanded social protections by extending unemployment benefits and offering financial support for retraining. They’ve also ensured that gig and platform workers have access to social security.

    Marginalised groups left behind

    Our data was drawn from the South African Social Attitudes Survey. It’s a nationally representative survey of 2,736 adults (16 and older). We conducted a secondary analysis of the data. The focus was on questions in the survey about technological change, fears of job displacement and access to digital tools. This, alongside an analysis of demographic data in the survey, allowed us to examine class, race and geographic disparities in perceptions of automation, AI and digital transformation.

    Read more: South Africans are upbeat about new technologies, but worried about jobs

    Some of the key findings were:

    • 56% of South Africans believed that 4IR technologies would lead to job losses rather than job creation. Lower-income groups expressed the highest levels of concern.

    • Unemployment was a key determinant of 4IR scepticism: 63% of unemployed respondents felt threatened by automation, compared to 41% of those currently employed.

    • Only 29% of respondents from rural areas reported having regular access to the internet. The figure was 74% among urban respondents.

    There are structural and historical barriers to lower-income South Africans’ economic mobility, access to quality education and participation in the digital economy.

    Apartheid-era policies entrenched economic disparities. These still show in unequal access to education and infrastructure.

    Today, rural areas lack reliable internet connections. (About 31.18% of South Africa’s population live in rural areas.) This makes it nearly impossible for people to benefit from or contribute to the digital economy.

    Many industries at the forefront of automation, such as manufacturing and agriculture, are those with the highest number of low-skilled workers. Research by the International Labour Organisation emphasises that vulnerable workers all over the world often lack the skills needed in new job markets. This reinforces workers’ fears that technology will replace them.

    Closing the gap: policy solutions

    It will take bold, inclusive policies to address these inequalities.

    The South African government must do more to increase access to technology. It already subsidises internet costs especially to schools. It has also expanded broadband networks into some under-served areas. And it offers free digital skills programmes. The problem is that these efforts are piecemeal. A more cohesive national strategy is needed.

    Read more: The Fourth Industrial Revolution: a seductive idea requiring critical engagement

    Policies must also be developed with those who have been excluded from technological progress. This will allow them to participate fully in the digital economy – and, perhaps, come to understand and trust technology a bit more.

    In practice, this could mean expanding initiatives like the National Digital and Future Skills strategy, which aims to equip citizens with the necessary skills to participate in the digital economy. This focuses on developing digital skills across various sectors and communities, ensuring inclusivity and broad participation.

    Additionally, policies could support township-based digital innovation hubs such as the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct. It provides training, incubation and resources to entrepreneurs from marginalised communities, enabling them to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

    Industries have a role to play, too. Singapore’s Skills Future initiative provides citizens with resources to adapt to changing job markets. This is a good example of government and industry working together. Closer to home, Rwanda’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) brings together “government, industry, civil society and academia to co-design, test and refine policy frameworks and governance protocols that maximise the benefits of new technologies”.

    The 4IR has the potential to transform South Africa. But this will only happen if its benefits are shared equitably among all citizens. Innovation must be re-imagined not as a tool to consolidate wealth and privilege but as a means of creating a more inclusive society.

    – Fourth industrial revolution in South Africa: inequality stands in the way of true progress
    – https://theconversation.com/fourth-industrial-revolution-in-south-africa-inequality-stands-in-the-way-of-true-progress-248475

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint statement on the first anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK and partners pay tribute to Alexei Navalny

    On the anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death, which followed years of persecution by the Kremlin, we again extend our condolences to his family. We reiterate that the ultimate responsibility for his death lies with the Russian authorities. One year on, Russia’s dire human rights record continues to deteriorate. The Kremlin crushes peaceful dissent, maintains a climate of fear and undermines the rule of law. All to serve its own interests. As we reflect on Navalny’s enduring legacy, we continue to stand with civil society and human rights defenders working tirelessly to build a better future for Russia in the face of immense personal risk. 

    There are over 800 political prisoners in Russia, including many imprisoned for speaking out against the Kremlin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the brutality shown towards the Ukrainian people. The UN Special Rapporteur’s reports illustrate how many political prisoners are tortured, denied adequate medical treatment and placed in forced psychiatric detention. We are clear: the Russian authorities must uphold their international obligations and release all political prisoners. 

    Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: government nabs Coalition policy on foreigners buying houses, Dutton eyes action on insurance companies

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    With the unembarrassed audacity parties show as an election nears, the government has stolen the opposition’s policy to ban foreign investors buying established homes.

    Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Housing Minister Clare O’Neil have announced foreigners won’t be able to purchase established homes from April 1 for at least two years, with a review to determine whether the ban should be extended.

    When the opposition announced its policy last year, Labor was dismissive, pointing out the numbers were minuscule. But the idea is popular with the public and the government is anxious to neutralise it.

    The turnabout comes immediately ahead of the Reserve Bank’s’s two-day meeting starting Monday, with expectations high that on Tuesday the bank may finally start moving rates down.

    A rate cut would increase speculation Anthony Albanese will opt for an April rather than a May election. That would mean cancelling the March 25 budget.

    With the election fast approaching and polls suggesting a high prospect of a minority government, attention has turned to how crossbenchers would react in the event of a hung parliament.

    Much conjecture is around the “teals” who occupy former Liberal seats but are more progressive than the current Liberal party.

    Opposition leader Peter Dutton said on Sunday: “It would be unusual that if we were able to achieve 72 [a majority is 76] and we were a number of seats ahead of the Labor Party, that there wouldn’t be a guarantee of supply and confidence from the crossbench.

    “But some of them will only ever support the Labor Party. I think if they’re into transparency and honesty, they should be transparent and honest with the public before the election about if you vote for Kate Chaney, are you going to get Anthony Albanese or will she support a Coalition government in a minority situation?”

    Chaney, one of the teals, holds the Western Australian seat of Curtin, which the Liberals believe is a chance for them.

    In their statement about foreign investors, Chalmers and O’Neil said the government would also “crack down” on foreign land banking.

    The ministers admitted these latest initiatives were small but said they were an important part of the government’s broad housing policy,

    “Until now, foreign investors have generally been barred from buying existing property except in limited circumstances, such as when they come to live here for work or study,” they said.

    Under the new arrangements, “foreign investors (including temporary residents and foreign-owned companies) will no longer be able to purchase an established dwelling in Australia while the ban is in place unless an exception applies.”

    On landbanking, the ministers said foreign investors are presently subject to developmental conditions requiring they put vacant land to use within a reasonable time.

    “The Government is focused on making sure these rules are complied with and identifying any investors who are acquiring vacant land, not developing it while prices rise and then selling it for a profit.”

    The Australian Taxation Office and Treasury will be funded for an audit program and to improve compliance.

    Dutton hints at action against insurance companies that ‘rip off’ people

    While Labor sought to shore up its credentials on housing, Dutton was venturing further down the interventionist road, hinting a Coalition government might use divestiture against recalcitrant insurance companies.

    The Coalition has already courted controversy with its threat supermarkets could face divestiture.

    Dutton is now looking more widely, after being concerned about how people in areas recently devastated by fires or floods often haven’t insurance because they can’t afford the increasingly high premiums.

    Asked on Sky whether the Coalition would reduce the cost of insurance, Dutton said, “We need to make sure that we’re not being ripped off by insurance companies.

    “As we’ve done with the supermarkets, where we have threatened divestment if consumers are being ripped off, similarly, in the insurance market, we will intervene to make sure that consumers get a fair go because at the moment people are paying too much for their insurance and what’s resulting is that people aren’t taking out insurance. […] People just simply can’t afford to insure the car or their home at the moment.”

    In a wideranging interview, Dutton cast doubt on whether the opposition would support any extension of government relief on power bills.

    “If it’s going to be inflationary and it’s going to keep interest rates higher for longer and it’s going to keep grocery prices higher for longer and it’s going to keep electricity prices higher for longer, then no.”

    (The relief the government has already provided put downward pressure on inflation.)

    The opposition leader criticised the government for not putting enough effort into its handling of the Trump administration.

    “Every minister should have been cycling through Washington. I’m not aware that other ministers have been to Washington since Penny Wong was there for the inauguration,” he said.

    “If they have, that’s great. But the prime minister probably should have been on a plane to the US, as we’ve seen with other world leaders and there should have been greater engagement with the president earlier on.”

    Dutton apparently forgot the visit made by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, who was the first defence minister to meet new defence secretary Pete Hegseth.

    Reminded of the Marles visit, he immediately criticised him. “Richard Marles is a nice guy, but he’s batting fairly significantly down the list in terms of the government’s key hitters.”

    Dutton said Trump had to be seen in a different light to other presidents.

    “Donald Trump is different to any of his predecessors, certainly in the modern age. If you look at his background, he’s a businessman, he does deals, he brings parties together, he swaps contracts. That’s been his background, and it’s not a background, probably, that’s been shared by too many of his predecessors. So, I don’t think you’re taking everything he says literally.”

    Dutton left his options open when asked whether he would replace Kevin Rudd as ambassador to the United States.

    “We have to have an ambassador who is in our country’s best interests. Kevin, obviously, is an accomplished person as prime minister of our country and if he’s the best person for the job, then he should stay in the job.

    “If it turns out that he’s had no access to the White House and no real influence in relation to this [tariff] issue or whatever the next issue might be, then you would have to reassess his position. But at the moment, we’re being told that he’s effective in his advocacy in the administration. I suppose time will tell.

    “My instinct would be to leave him in the job. But […] if there are insurmountable problems that he has, or that the administration has with him, then that would make it very difficult.”

    Michelle Grattan 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. View from The Hill: government nabs Coalition policy on foreigners buying houses, Dutton eyes action on insurance companies – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-government-nabs-coalition-policy-on-foreigners-buying-houses-dutton-eyes-action-on-insurance-companies-250023

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Has finance for green industry had an impact in Africa? What’s happened in 41 countries over 20 years

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nara Monkam, Associate Professor of Public Economics, Chair in Municipal Finance within the Department of Economics, and Head of the Public Policy Hub at the University of Pretoria, University of Pretoria

    The African continent finds itself in a predicament. Advanced economies in the rest of the world developed through industrialisation: their economies transformed from mainly agricultural to industrial. This involved burning fossil fuels like coal, generating greenhouse gas emissions that caused global warming.

    African economies have trailed behind industrially. They’re now industrialising at a time when the world is moving away from fossil fuels and towards solar power, wind energy and hydropower.

    Africa has 60% of the world’s best solar resources but only 1% of the world’s installed solar power systems. Despite renewable energy capacity nearly doubling in the last decade, only 2% of global investments in renewable energy went to Africa.

    Green industrialisation could be the answer: achieving long-term economic growth and industrial development that does not harm the environment. But in most African countries, renewable energy is more expensive than fossil fuels, which are readily available in many parts of the continent. Africa is also one of the world’s poorest regions and cannot easily afford green technologies.

    So a key issue in economic development is how to stimulate green industrial productivity. Green finance (funding from banks and investors specifically for environmentally friendly projects) can fund green innovations. These include renewable energy technologies, energy-efficient building designs, or electric vehicles.



    Read more:
    Africa doesn’t have a choice between economic growth and protecting the environment: how they can go hand in hand

    I am an economist who worked with a team of researchers to study the impact of green finance on industrialisation in Africa. We also wanted to find out if green innovation influenced the effect that green finance has on industrialisation. (This was measured in this study as the total industrial value added as a percentage of gross domestic product.)

    For example, switching to renewable energy like solar power reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps mitigate climate change. But the high costs of renewable energy equipment could harm industrial growth.

    The research analysed macroeconomic and energy, green finance and industrialisation statistics from 41 African countries between 2000 and 2020.

    Our research found that green finance offers funding opportunities for clean and innovative technologies and creating new jobs in green sectors. However, the potential of green financing to drive industrialisation through green innovation (such as renewable energy projects) is not being realised.



    Read more:
    How green innovation could be the key to growth for the UK’s rural businesses

    This is because renewable energy comes with high costs. There also are not enough skilled people available to run green projects. There’s a lack of proper roads, connectivity or transmission lines to connect renewable energy to the main grid. The basic conditions for industrial growth through renewable energy are not in place.

    Governments in Africa should find ways to make green innovation work. This will mean that society can enjoy the benefit of new environmentally friendly projects.

    How to make green innovation work

    African governments should focus on increasing people’s access to renewable energy projects. For this to happen, they need to put more funding and effort into developing renewable energy infrastructure. Renewable energy technologies must be available and affordable.

    Education and capacity building is needed, particularly in rural communities. For example, community-owned solar microgrid projects provide people with the skills needed to manage and look after renewable energy systems.

    Governments will need to subsidise local manufacturing of renewable energy components. When these are produced locally, this can help harness the potential of green innovation for industrialisation and also create jobs.

    Countries must co-operate regionally on green innovation. This means sharing best practices, pooling resources, and making coordinated efforts towards green industrialisation.

    Our research found that it would be useful to set up regional centres of excellence for renewable energy research and development. Regional alliances are also needed, so that countries can work together to negotiate better terms for green finance. This could enhance Africa’s journey towards the kind of green industrialisation that is cost effective and sustainable over time.

    What needs to happen next

    These steps would boost the impact of green finance on industrialisation in Africa:

    • more climate finance, including finance from the private sector

    • environmental taxation – a policy tool to limit activities, goods or services that have negative environmental impacts

    • reform of multilateral development agencies to make it easier for African countries to access to climate funds

    • development bank funding tailored to the needs of African countries. Nations that invest in renewable energy manufacturing should get tax breaks and other incentives. Green bonds that only fund renewable energy projects should be issued to attract private investors

    • vocational training and higher education programmes that focus on training people in green technologies must get government funding.

    Africa has a huge problem with trying to build some resilience to the effects of climate change, such as floods and drought. Economic development is also a challenge on the continent. Both could be addressed by green industrialisation. With the right investments in green finance, innovation and infrastructure, the continent can unlock sustainable growth, reduce poverty and help curb climate change.

    Nara Monkam receives funding from the University of Pretoria.

    – ref. Has finance for green industry had an impact in Africa? What’s happened in 41 countries over 20 years – https://theconversation.com/has-finance-for-green-industry-had-an-impact-in-africa-whats-happened-in-41-countries-over-20-years-244567

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Fourth industrial revolution in South Africa: inequality stands in the way of true progress

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Zama Mthombeni, Senior lecturer, University of Pretoria

    Low-income South Africans in rural areas feel left out of the technological advancements linked to the fourth industrial revolution. Lucian Coman/Shutterstock

    In his 2019 State of the Nation address, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he was creating a commission on the fourth industrial revolution (4IR).

    The term refers to the integration of advanced digital technologies like AI and robotics, as well as automation, into various economic and social domains. The first (1760s to early 1800s), second (1870s to early 1900s) and third (1950s to late 20th century) industrial revolutions were mechanical and electronic in nature. The 4IR is characterised by the fusion of physical, digital and biological systems. It is fundamentally reshaping industries, work and societies.

    Ramaphosa acknowledged at the time that the 4IR “may lead to job losses”. However, he added, it would also “create many new opportunities”:

    Through this transformation, we can build the South Africa we want, ensuring inclusive and shared growth for all.

    Six years on, the commission’s work has yielded some results. It’s led to the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Institute and the creation of AI hubs in key sectors like healthcare and mining.

    But how do ordinary South Africans view the 4IR? Globally, research has shown that there’s a stark divide in how people view the promises and perils of modern technological advancements. The wealthy, armed with access to education and resources, see opportunity. Marginalised groups, particularly those in lower-income brackets, are left fearing job losses and economic exclusion. Historical and cultural anxieties around technology also play a role in people’s perceptions.

    I’m a researcher whose work explores, among other things, the intersection of technology, policy and governance. I am especially interested in the 4IR in a South African context and recently co-authored a study with development studies scholar Oliver Mtapuri to examine the role of social class on people’s views of technological change.

    We found that wealthier South Africans, particularly those in urban areas, were more optimistic about automation, artificial intelligence and other emerging 4IR technologies than those in lower-income and rural communities. Racial disparities were evident, too. White South Africans were 2.5 times more likely to report feeling comfortable with technological change than Black South Africans.

    These findings can help policymakers understand how best to push for a 4IR in South Africa that doesn’t deepen existing inequalities. This will require inclusive digital policies and expanded access to technology and training. Here South Africa could learn from countries like Germany and Finland.

    Germany is working nationwide to equip workers with the skills needed for an increasingly digital economy. Finland, meanwhile, has focused on active labour market policies. It combines digital training programmes with progressive social welfare measures to support workers transitioning between industries. Both countries have also expanded social protections by extending unemployment benefits and offering financial support for retraining. They’ve also ensured that gig and platform workers have access to social security.

    Marginalised groups left behind

    Our data was drawn from the South African Social Attitudes Survey. It’s a nationally representative survey of 2,736 adults (16 and older). We conducted a secondary analysis of the data. The focus was on questions in the survey about technological change, fears of job displacement and access to digital tools. This, alongside an analysis of demographic data in the survey, allowed us to examine class, race and geographic disparities in perceptions of automation, AI and digital transformation.



    Read more:
    South Africans are upbeat about new technologies, but worried about jobs

    Some of the key findings were:

    • 56% of South Africans believed that 4IR technologies would lead to job losses rather than job creation. Lower-income groups expressed the highest levels of concern.

    • Unemployment was a key determinant of 4IR scepticism: 63% of unemployed respondents felt threatened by automation, compared to 41% of those currently employed.

    • Only 29% of respondents from rural areas reported having regular access to the internet. The figure was 74% among urban respondents.

    There are structural and historical barriers to lower-income South Africans’ economic mobility, access to quality education and participation in the digital economy.

    Apartheid-era policies entrenched economic disparities. These still show in unequal access to education and infrastructure.

    Today, rural areas lack reliable internet connections. (About 31.18% of South Africa’s population live in rural areas.) This makes it nearly impossible for people to benefit from or contribute to the digital economy.

    Many industries at the forefront of automation, such as manufacturing and agriculture, are those with the highest number of low-skilled workers. Research by the International Labour Organisation emphasises that vulnerable workers all over the world often lack the skills needed in new job markets. This reinforces workers’ fears that technology will replace them.

    Closing the gap: policy solutions

    It will take bold, inclusive policies to address these inequalities.

    The South African government must do more to increase access to technology. It already subsidises internet costs especially to schools. It has also expanded broadband networks into some under-served areas. And it offers free digital skills programmes. The problem is that these efforts are piecemeal. A more cohesive national strategy is needed.



    Read more:
    The Fourth Industrial Revolution: a seductive idea requiring critical engagement

    Policies must also be developed with those who have been excluded from technological progress. This will allow them to participate fully in the digital economy – and, perhaps, come to understand and trust technology a bit more.

    In practice, this could mean expanding initiatives like the National Digital and Future Skills strategy, which aims to equip citizens with the necessary skills to participate in the digital economy. This focuses on developing digital skills across various sectors and communities, ensuring inclusivity and broad participation.

    Additionally, policies could support township-based digital innovation hubs such as the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct. It provides training, incubation and resources to entrepreneurs from marginalised communities, enabling them to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

    Industries have a role to play, too. Singapore’s Skills Future initiative provides citizens with resources to adapt to changing job markets. This is a good example of government and industry working together. Closer to home, Rwanda’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) brings together “government, industry, civil society and academia to co-design, test and refine policy frameworks and governance protocols that maximise the benefits of new technologies”.

    The 4IR has the potential to transform South Africa. But this will only happen if its benefits are shared equitably among all citizens. Innovation must be re-imagined not as a tool to consolidate wealth and privilege but as a means of creating a more inclusive society.

    Zama Mthombeni 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. Fourth industrial revolution in South Africa: inequality stands in the way of true progress – https://theconversation.com/fourth-industrial-revolution-in-south-africa-inequality-stands-in-the-way-of-true-progress-248475

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, European auto industries have great cooperation potential

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Auto industries in China and Europe have solid foundations and great potential for cooperation, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said on Friday.

    China welcomes European car manufacturers to increase investments and deepen their presence in the Chinese market, Wang said during a video call with Ola Kallenius, president of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

    Wang said that a proper settlement of the European Union’s anti-subsidy case against Chinese electric vehicles aligns with the interests of both China and Europe, as well as the broader expectations of the industry.

    The ACEA and Mercedes-Benz Group should continue to play an active role and urge the European Commission to make a political decision as soon as possible, Wang said, while also expressing the hope that the European side will work with China and reach a constructive solution acceptable to both sides at the earliest date possible.

    While expressing his support and expectation for the two sides to resolve differences through dialogue and consultation at an early date, Kallenius said that Mercedes-Benz Group will uphold its long-term commitment to the Chinese market and further deepen its cooperation with China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Albanese Government clamping down on foreign purchase of established homes and land banking

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    The Albanese Government will ban foreign investors from buying established homes for at least two years and crack down on foreign land banking.

    We’re coming at this housing challenge from every responsible angle.

    This is all about easing pressure on our housing market at the same time as we build more homes.

    These initiatives are a small but important part of our already big and broad housing agenda which is focused on boosting supply and helping more people into homes.

    It’s a minor change, but a meaningful one because we know that every effort helps in addressing the housing challenge we’ve inherited.

    We’re banning foreign purchases of established dwellings from 1 April 2025, until 31 March 2027. A review will be undertaken to determine whether it should be extended beyond this point.

    The ban will mean Australians will be able to buy homes that would have otherwise been bought by foreign investors.

    Until now, foreign investors have generally been barred from buying existing property except in limited circumstances, such as when they come to live here for work or study.

    From 1 April 2025, foreign investors (including temporary residents and foreign‑owned companies) will no longer be able to purchase an established dwelling in Australia while the ban is in place unless an exception applies.

    These limited exceptions will include investments that significantly increase housing supply or support the availability of housing supply, and for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

    We will also bolster the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) foreign investment compliance team to enforce the ban and enhance screening of foreign investment proposals relating to residential property by providing $5.7 million over 4 years from 2025–26.

    This will ensure that the ban and exemptions are complied with and tough enforcement action is taken for any non‑compliance.

    Alongside the temporary ban on foreign purchases of established dwellings, we will tackle land banking by foreign investors.

    We’re cracking down on land banking by foreign investors to free up land to build more homes more quickly.

    Foreign investors are subject to development conditions when they acquire vacant land in Australia to ensure that it is put to productive use within reasonable timeframes.

    The Government is focused on making sure these rules are complied with and identifying any investors who are acquiring vacant land, not developing it while prices rise and then selling it for a profit.

    This activity breaks the rules and results in delays to the development of essential residential housing and commercial developments.

    We are providing the ATO and Treasury $8.9 million over four years from 2025–26 and $1.9 million ongoing from 2029–30 to implement an audit program and enhance their compliance approach to target land banking by foreign investors.

    Foreign investors that have already acquired or are proposing to acquire vacant residential or non‑residential land will be subject to heightened scrutiny by the ATO and Treasury to ensure they comply with development conditions.

    A temporary ban on foreign purchases of established dwellings, strengthened compliance activity by the ATO to enforce the ban, and an enhanced compliance approach by both the ATO and Treasury to discourage land banking by foreign investors will help ensure that foreign investment in housing is in our national interest.

    The ATO and Treasury will publish updated policy guidance prior to the commencement of these changes.

    These initiatives are an important part of the Albanese Government’s $32 billion Homes for Australia plan.

    We’re investing more in housing than any government in history.

    Peter Dutton and the Coalition have promised to cut tens of billions from housing and to halt construction on thousands of new homes by scrapping Labor’s Housing Australia Future Fund.

    The housing crisis would only get worse under Peter Dutton.

    The contrast is clear – Labor is all about more homes, the Liberals are all about more cuts.

    We’ll continue to do everything we can to ease pressure on the housing market and build more homes, more quickly, in more parts of Australia.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mass Civil Servant Layoffs Harm Vital Work Washingtonians Depend On

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    02.15.25

    Mass Civil Servant Layoffs Harm Vital Work Washingtonians Depend On

    Trump Admin arbitrarily fires as many as 200k federal employees, hindering or even halting ongoing projects & programs; Layoffs include personnel at HHS, DOE, VA, Dept. of Ag, and mor

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the Trump administration announced it would recommend mass layoffs across the federal government, which could total as many as 200,000 federal workers across multiple agencies.  The full scope of the mass firings is still emerging, but the administration is reportedly targeting federal employees who lack full civil service protections and appeal rights because they do not have these protections, not for performance reasons.

    Said U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA): “The Trump Administration is trying to illegally cut the federal workforce in an attempt to come up with a budget and tax increases on middle class Americans, all while giving $4 trillion in tax breaks to corporations and the wealthiest individuals. Our deficit and essential programs like Medicaid can’t take the Trump hack job.  

    The Trump Administration is also leaving Americans’ data exposed while he is doing it. What is he going to do next that will make it easier for Americans to be spied on?”

    The layoffs include personnel who work in Washington state, or who work on projects and programs vital to the people in the state. Potentially impacted agencies include:

    The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):

    Approximate number of layoffs nationwide: 5,200 agency-wide, including 1,300 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Initial reports from the Indian Health Service (IHS) also indicate that these firings include 850 IHS employees, including 90 physicians, 350 nurses, at least 25 nurse practitioners, nearly 20 dentists, 43 dental assistants, more than 85 pharmacists, 45 lab technicians, and more than 15 service area chief executives or their deputies.

    Vital projects or programs in the state that could be threatened: In 2023, Washington state received almost $1.3 billion in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. Any delays or reductions in NIH funding could threaten the 12,000 jobs that this funding supports, especially for our major research centers like University of Washington, Washington State University, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

    Over 70% of CDC’s funding goes directly to state, local, Tribal, and territorial health departments and partners. CDC also fills critical public health staffing gaps for states, counties, cities, and at Tribal levels, including sending highly trained “Disease Detectives” to states for outbreak responses. Without this support, states will face significant public health workforce shortages limiting critical public health programs that ensure our food, water, and communities is are safe. In 2023, Washington state received $13.3 million from the CDC’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness Fund. This funding is vital for Washington state’s ability to respond to emerging bio threats like the avian flu.

    The Department of Energy (DOE):

    Approximate number of layoffs nationwide: 2,000 agency-wide, including 200 (6%) at Bonneville Power Administration, 325 at the National Nuclear Security Administration, and fewer than 10 at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. At this time, the number of impacted employees at Hanford remains unclear.

    The Department of Agriculture (USDA):

    Approximate number of layoffs nationwide: 800 from USDA Agricultural Research Service and 3,400 from USDA Forest Service (roughly 10% of the entire USFS).

    Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):

    Total approximate number of layoffs nationwide: Over 1,000, though the VA says no one has been fired who supports direct benefits or services for veterans and their beneficiaries.

    The Department of the Interior (DOI):

    Approximate number of layoffs nationwide: 2,600 agency-wide, including 118 from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 800 from the Bureau of Land Management, and potentially up to 1,700 from the National Parks Service.

    Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

    Total approximate number of layoffs nationwide: 4,800 (roughly 50% of HUD workforce), including 786 (84%) of Community Planning and Development, 438 (76.5%) of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, and 148 (75.5%) of Policy Development and Research.

    Small Business Administration (SBA):

    Total approximate number of layoffs nationwide: 720 (20% of agency’s workforce).

    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

    Total approximate number of layoffs nationwide: 1,700 received warning emails.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong-born giant panda cubs to meet public Sunday

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The first locally-born giant panda cubs at Ocean Park Hong Kong are set to meet the public on Sunday, and residents are encouraged to propose names for the cuddly twins.
    The pair of giant panda cubs was born last August and their parents are Ying Ying and Le Le, the giant pandas gifted by the central government to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
    At a greeting ceremony Saturday, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee expressed heartfelt gratitude to the experts for taking excellent care of the twins and providing professional postnatal care to Ying Ying after her giving birth to the cubs.
    “Ying Ying, the mother of the twin cubs, is on record as the world’s oldest giant panda to give birth for the first time. The birth of the twin cubs not only solidifies the outstanding achievements of our country in giant panda conservation, but also demonstrates the Ocean Park’s leading position as an important conservation and education base in Hong Kong,” he said, adding that the HKSAR government will continue to advance and promote conservation of giant pandas.
    Lee also announced the launch of a naming competition for the cubs. At present, members of the public are calling the twin cubs “elder sister” and “little brother.” Hong Kong residents are encouraged to suggest a pair of names for the twin cubs by observing their physical features and characteristics, as well as the interaction between the cubs and their daily lives. Results will be announced in the first half of this year.
    Over the past six months, the cubs have grown healthily from around 120 grams at birth to more than 12 kg now, according to caretakers.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, European auto industries have great cooperation potential: commerce minister

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Auto industries in China and Europe have solid foundations and great potential for cooperation, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said on Friday.

    China welcomes European car manufacturers to increase investments and deepen their presence in the Chinese market, Wang said during a video call with Ola Kallenius, president of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

    Wang said that a proper settlement of the European Union’s anti-subsidy case against Chinese electric vehicles aligns with the interests of both China and Europe, as well as the broader expectations of the industry.

    The ACEA and Mercedes-Benz Group should continue to play an active role and urge the European Commission to make a political decision as soon as possible, Wang said, while also expressing the hope that the European side will work with China and reach a constructive solution acceptable to both sides at the earliest date possible.

    While expressing his support and expectation for the two sides to resolve differences through dialogue and consultation at an early date, Kallenius said that Mercedes-Benz Group will uphold its long-term commitment to the Chinese market and further deepen its cooperation with China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM calls for further cooperation with Brazil

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday expressed China’s willingness to promote more achievements in various fields of China-Brazil cooperation.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Celso Amorim, special advisor to the president of Brazil, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

    Wang said that Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a historic visit to Brazil last year and reached a series of important consensus with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on building the China-Brazil community with a shared future, demonstrating the contemporary significance and strategic value of China-Brazil relations.

    The synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Brazil’s development strategies has injected strong impetus into China-Brazil cooperation, he added.

    As major global powers and representative forces of the Global South, China and Brazil, facing a turbulent and intertwined world, have maintained strategic focus and worked together to make contributions to promoting world peace, stability, and development, Wang noted.

    China is willing to work with Brazil to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, promote more achievements in various fields of cooperation, practice true multilateralism, uphold the core role of the United Nations, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Global South countries, he said.

    Amorim said that President Xi’s state visit to Brazil last year was of great significance, demonstrating the vision of the two heads of state and consolidating the deep friendship between Brazil and China.

    The visit would also promote more achievements in practical cooperation between Brazil and China in various fields, said Amorim.

    Brazil is willing to work with China to accelerate the implementation of the consensus reached by the two heads of state, build a fairer and more sustainable Brazil-China community with a shared future, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, he added.

    The two sides expressed their willingness to strengthen communication and coordination, and deepen cooperation within the BRICS framework and between China and Latin American countries.

    Both sides recognized the work of the “Friends of Peace” platform and pledged to continue to play a constructive role in promoting a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Munich Security Conference highlights Europe’s struggle for strategic realignment

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The 61st Munich Security Conference, which kicked off on Friday, has underscored the complex challenges facing Europe and the urgent need for the continent to define its strategic role in an increasingly volatile global landscape.

    From the persistent conflict in Ukraine to rising uncertainties in the transatlantic alliance, as well as mounting pressures on the EU’s vision for the international order, the conference focused on the multiple crises Europe faces. It also highlighted the need for the continent to navigate these complexities and assert its place on the world stage.

    German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier addresses the opening ceremony of the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany, Feb. 14, 2025. [Photo by Gao Jing/Xinhua]

    DEMANDING ROLE IN UKRAINE PEACE TALK

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at the conference, said that once Ukraine reaches an agreement with the United States and Europe on how to end the conflict, he will be ready to hold direct talks with Russia. “I am ready to meet only in this case,” he stressed.

    The announcement came days after U.S. President Donald Trump had held separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Ukrainian leader.

    Following a 90-minute phone call with Putin, Trump announced that negotiations to end the conflicts would start “immediately.”

    However, concerns ignited in Europe over being sidelined in peace talks.

    On Wednesday, a joint statement by multiple European countries and the European Commission stated, “Ukraine and Europe must be part of any negotiations.”

    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed this sentiment on Thursday, stating that “a dictated peace will never find our support” and stressing that peace must last and ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty.

    Addressing the opening of the conference, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said “everyone wants this war to end,” adding that how it ends will have “a lasting impact on our security order” and the power position of Europe and the United States.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that “a failed Ukraine would weaken Europe, but it would also weaken the United States.”

    She expressed her concerns by saying that many in European security circles were “confused,” some even worried, by Washington’s recent comments.

    TRANSATLANTIC TIES UNDER STRAIN

    On Monday, the security conference released a report underscoring the challenges to the transatlantic relationship under the new U.S. administration.

    The report expressed apprehension about a “more selective, often unilateral, international engagement” from the United States and warned that the United States could relinquish its historic role as Europe’s security guarantor.

    Expressing his concerns about relations with the United States, Steinmeier said that the new U.S. administration has “a different worldview than we do,” one that disregards established rules, partnerships and trust.

    “We cannot change that. We must accept that and deal with it,” he said.

    The shift in responsibilities described in the conference report has already been reflected in actions taken by the new administration, such as imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports — a move the European Union deems unjustified and which “will not go unanswered.”

    “We know how quickly tariffs can affect essential transatlantic supply chains,” said von der Leyen, reiterating that trade wars and punitive tariffs make no sense.

    According to a survey conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations after the U.S. presidential election, Europeans have adopted a newly pessimistic outlook on the transatlantic partnership.

    The survey revealed that Europeans increasingly view the United States less as an ally sharing the same interests and values and more as a necessary partner with whom they must strategically cooperate.

    Europe’s current struggles to address its security challenges highlight the risks of over-reliance on the United States and foreshadow growing difficulties in the transatlantic partnership, Wu Shicun, president of the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, told Xinhua at the conference.

    He said Europe’s current predicament in resolving its security issues “warrants reflection,” suggesting that dependence on the United States for protection would significantly limit Europe’s autonomy and influence on the world stage.

    “I could sense at the (conference) that the future transatlantic partnership will face many challenges,” Wu said.

    BRACE OR BE BLOWN AWAY

    “Europe must use the potential for transatlantic tensions to get its act together and start working on necessary internal market reforms and boost European innovation and competitiveness,” Peterson Institute for International Economics commented in an opinion piece.

    Home to the world’s highest concentration of developed countries, the EU, once the world’s largest economy, has seen a continuous decline in its competitiveness in recent years.

    According to a flash estimate published by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, in the fourth quarter of 2024, seasonally adjusted GDP increased by 0.2 percent in the EU compared with the previous quarter.

    The slow pace highlights the ongoing challenges facing Europe’s economy, with risks ranging from geopolitical tensions and persistent energy vulnerabilities to escalating trade disputes and political unrest.

    A report titled “Multipolarization,” unveiled ahead of the Munich gathering, emphasized that Europe has been facing its most challenging geopolitical situation since the end of the Cold War, while underscoring the ongoing transformation of the international system into a more multipolar world.

    “It is imperative that the EU diversifies its trade relations and forges new partnerships with countries of the so-called Global South,” said the report.

    According to conference organizers, over 30 percent of speakers at this year’s conference will represent the Global South nations, ensuring their voices are heard in discussions on the evolving multipolar order.

    As the global landscape is increasingly defined by crisis, Europe’s ability to determine its role and strategic path will be of paramount importance, said Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China.

    In an interview with the Financial Times published on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron championed the need for Europe to “muscle up” on defense and the economy.

    Trump’s designs on Gaza and Greenland were examples of the “extreme strategic uncertainty” the world is experiencing now, said Macron. This uncertainty demands a radical rethinking of how the EU and its member states operate. Macron has called on Europe to “wake up” and spend more on defense to reduce its reliance on the United States for its security.

    “This is Europe’s moment to accelerate and execute,” said the French president in the interview. “It has no choice. It is running out of road.”

    “A complacent shrug or a knee-jerk response to any soundbite coming out of the White House or Mar-a-Lago won’t be enough. Europe needs to take back control of its own destiny,” Carsten Brzeski, the global head of Macro for ING Research, warned in an article published in January.

    “2025 really is a make-it-or-break-it moment for Europe,” said Brzeski. “Europe needs to change. And change fast.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How Israeli propaganda filters into NZ media – drop it, says Mediawatch

    COMMENTARY: By Saige England

    Mediawatch on RNZ today strongly criticised Stuff and YouTube among other media for using Israeli propaganda’s “Outbrain” service.

    Outbrain is a company founded by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) military and its technology can be tracked back to a wealthy entrepreneur, which in this case could be a euphemism for a megalomaniac.

    He uses the metaphor of a “dome”, likening it to the dome used in warfare.

    Outbrain, which publishes content on New Zealand media, picks up what’s out there and converts and distorts it to support Israel. It twists, it turns, it deceives the reader.

    Presenter Colin Peacock of RNZ’s Mediawatch programme today advised NZ media to ditch the propaganda service.

    Outbrain uses the media in the following way. The content user such as Stuff pays Outbrain and Outbrain pays the user, like Stuff.

    “Both parties make money when users click on the content,” said Peacock.

    ‘Digital Iron Dome’
    The content on the Stuff website came via “Digital Iron Dome” named after the State of Genociders’ actual defence system. It is run by a tech entrepreneur quoted on Mediawatch:

    “Just like a physical iron dome that scans the open air and watches for any missiles . . . the digital iron dome knows how to scan the internet. We know how to buy media. Pro-Israeli videos and articles and images inside the very same articles going against Israel,” says the developer of the propaganda “dome” machine.

    Peacock said the developer had stated that the digital dome delivered “pro-Jewish”* messages to more than 100 million people worldwide on platforms like Al Jazeera, CNN — and last weekend on Stuff NZ — and said this information went undetected as pro-Israel material, ensuring it reached, according to the entrepreneur: “The right audience without interference.”

    According to Wikipedia, Outbrain was founded by Yaron Galai and Ori Lahav, officers in the Israeli Navy. Galai sold his company Quigo to AOL in 2007 for $363 million. Lahav worked at an online shopping company acquired by eBay in 2005.

    The company is headquartered in New York with global offices in London, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC, Cologne, Gurugram, Paris, Ljubljana, Munich, Milan, Madrid, Tokyo, São Paulo, Netanya, Singapore, and Sydney.

    Peacock pointed out that other advocacy organisations had already been buying and posting content, there was nothing new about this with New Zealand news media.

    But — and this is important — the Media Council ruled in 2017 that Outbrain content was the publisher’s responsibility: that the news media in NZ were responsible for promoted links that were offered to their readers.

    “Back then publishers at Stuff and the Herald said they would do more to oversee the content, with Stuff stating it is paid promoted content,” said Peacock, in his role as the media watchdog.

    Still ‘big money business’
    “But this is also still a big money business and the outfits using these tools are getting much bigger exposure from their arrangements with news publishers such as Stuff,” he said.

    He pointed out that the recently appointed Outbrain boss for Australia New Zealand and Singapore, Chris Oxley, had described Outbrain as “a leader in digital media connecting advertisers with premium audiences in contextually relevant environments”.

    The watchdog Mediawatch said that news organisations should drop Outbrain.

    “Media environments where news and neutrality are important aren’t really relevant environments for political propaganda that’s propagated by online opportunists who know how to make money out of it and also to raise funds while they are at it, ” said Peacock.

    “These services like Outbrain are sometimes called ‘recommendation engines’ but our recommendation to news media is don’t use them for the sake of the trust of the people you say you want to earn and keep: the readers,” said Peacock.

    Saige England is a journalist and author, and member of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA).

    * Being “pro-Jewish” should not be equated with being pro-genocide nor should antisemitism be levelled at Jews who are against this genocide. The propaganda from Outbrain does a disservice to Palestinians and also to those Jewish people who support all human rights — the right of Palestinians to life and the right to live on their land.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Clandestine’ Cook Islands-China deal ‘damaged’ NZ relationship, says Clark

    By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific presenter/Bulletin editor

    Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark maintains that Cook Islands, a realm of New Zealand, should have consulted Wellington before signing a “partnership” deal with China.

    “[Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown] seems to have signed behind the backs of his own people as well as of New Zealand,” Clark told RNZ Pacific.

    Brown said the deal with China complements, not replaces, the relationship with New Zealand.

    The contents of the deal have not yet been made public.

    “The Cook Islands public need to see the agreement — does it open the way to Chinese entry to deep sea mining in pristine Cook Islands waters with huge potential for environmental damage?” Clark asked.

    “Does it open the way to unsustainable borrowing? What are the governance safeguards? Why has the prime minister damaged the relationship with New Zealand by acting in this clandestine way?”

    In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Clark went into detail about the declaration she signed with Cook Islands Prime Minister Terepai Maoate in 2001.

    “There is no doubt in my mind that under the terms of the Joint Centenary Declaration of 2001 that Cook Islands should have been upfront with New Zealand on the agreement it was considering signing with China,” Clark said.

    “Cook Islands has opted in the past for a status which is not independent of New Zealand, as signified by its people carrying New Zealand passports. Cook Islands is free to change that status, but has not.”

    Sione Tekiteki in Tonga for PIFLM 2024 . . . his last leader’s meeting in his capacity as Director of Governance and Engagement. IMage: RNZ Pacific/ Lydia Lewis

    Missing the mark
    A Pacific law expert said there was a clear misunderstanding on what the 2001 agreement legally required New Zealand and Cook Islands to consult on.

    Brown has argued that New Zealand does not need to be consulted with to the level they want, something Foreign Minister Winston Peters disagrees with.

    AUT senior law lecturer and former Pacific Islands Forum policy advisor Sione Tekiteki told RNZ Pacific the word “consultation” had become somewhat of a sticking point:

    “From a legal perspective, there’s an ambiguity of what the word consultation means. Does it mean you have to share the agreement before it’s signed, or does it mean that you broadly just consult with New Zealand regarding what are some of the things that, broadly speaking, are some of the things that are in the agreement?

    “That’s one avenue where there’s a bit of misunderstanding and an interpretation issue that’s different between Cook Islands as well as New Zealand.”

    Unlike a treaty, the 2001 declaration is not “legally binding” per se but serves more to express the intentions, principles and commitments of the parties to work together in “recognition of the close traditional, cultural and social ties that have existed between the two countries for many hundreds of years”, he added.

    Tekiteki said that the declaration made it explicitly clear that Cook Islands had full conduct of its foreign affairs, capacity to enter treaties and international agreements in its own right and full competence of its defence and security.

    There was, however, a commitment of the parties to “consult regularly”, he said.

    For Clark, the one who signed the all-important agreement all those years ago, this is where Brown had misstepped.

    Pacific nations played off against each other
     Tekiteki said it was not just the Joint Centenary Declaration causing contention. The “China threat” narrative and the “intensifying geopolitics” playing out in the Pacific was another intergrated issue.

    An analysis in mid-2024 found that there were more than 60 security, defence and policing agreements and initiatives with the 10 largest Pacific countries.

    Australia was the dominant partner, followed by New Zealand, the US and China.

    A host of other agreements and “big money” announcements have followed, including the regional Pacific Policing Initiative and Australia’s arrangements with Nauru and PNG.

    “It would be advantageous if Pacific nations were able to engage on security related matters as a bloc rather than at the bilateral level,” Tekiteki said.

    “Not only will this give them greater political agency and leverage, but it would allow them to better coordinate and integrate support as well as avoid duplications. Entering these arrangements at the bilateral level opens Pacific nations to being played off against each other.

    “This is the most worrying aspect of what I am currently seeing.

    “This matter has greater implications for Cook Islands and New Zealand diplomatic relations moving forward.”

    Mark Brown talking to China’s Ambassador to the Pacific, Qian Bo, who told the media an affirming reference to Taiwan in the PIF 2024 communique “must be corrected”. Image: RNZ Pacific/Lydia Lewis

    Protecting Pacific sovereignty
     The word sovereignty is thrown around a lot. In this instance Tekiteki does not think “there is any dispute that Cook Islands maintains sovereignty to enter international arrangements and to conduct its affairs as it determines”.

    But he did point out the difference between “sovereignty — the rhetoric” that we hear all the time, and “real sovereignty”.

    “For example, sovereignty is commonly used as a rebuttal to other countries to mind their own business and not to meddle in the affairs of another country.

    “At the regional level is tied to the projection of collective Pacific agency, and the ‘Blue Pacific’ narrative.

    “However, real sovereignty is more nuanced. In the context of New Zealand and Cook Islands, both countries retain their sovereignty, but they have both made commitments to “consult” and “cooperate”.

    Now, they can always decide to break that, but that in itself would have implications on their respective sovereignty moving forward.

    “In an era of intensifying geopolitics, militarisation, and power posturing — this becomes very concerning for vulnerable but large Ocean Pacific nations without the defence capabilities to protect their sovereignty.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Slams Trump & Elon Threatening to Rip Away Federal Funding for Public Schools & Colleges Over Political Crusade: “Do Not Be Intimidated”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Education Committee, issued the following statement in response to the post on X by DOGE and the letter sent by the Trump administration to all state departments of education as well as the nation’s colleges and universities, threatening them that they just have 14 days to remove all so-called DEI programming in their institutions.

    “This threat to rip away the federal funding our public K-12 schools and colleges receive flies in the face of the law. I hope no parent, student, or teacher is intimidated by these threats—this former preschool teacher certainly is not. While it’s anyone’s guess what falls under the Trump administration’s definition of ‘DEI’, there is simply no authority or basis for Trump to impose such a mandate. In fact, federal laws prohibit ANY president from telling schools and colleges what to teach, including the Every Student Succeeds Act, that I negotiated with Republicans.  I refuse to let Trump and Elon try to bully our schools from teaching students basic and important topics like the history of slavery or treatment of indigenous people in America or the powerful contributions of the civil rights movement.

    “Parents want their local schools to have the funding they need so their kids can get a great education—they don’t want Trump and Elon to impose their deranged culture war onto our kids. Parents want their kids to be able to go to college to get the workforce training they need to graduate and find a good job. Rather than trying to make college more affordable or helping to improve our kids’ outcomes, Trump is letting far-right extremists inject politics into the classroom at every turn. Republicans tell you they want to empower local communities and that states, schools, and parents know best, and again and again use top down threats to achieve their culture war agenda.  

    “Democrats are focused on getting our kids math and science scores up—making sure they can read at grade level. Parents are right to be enraged that two billionaires are threatening to rip away funding for their kids’ public schools and local colleges over their petty political crusade.”

    Senator Murray has championed students and families at every stage of her career—fighting to help ensure every child in America can get a high-quality public education. Among other things, Senator Murray negotiated the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), landmark legislation that she got signed into law, replacing the broken No Child Left Behind Act. As a longtime appropriator, she has successfully fought to boost funding to support students and invest in our nation’s K-12 schools, and she has secured significant increases to the Pell Grant so that it goes further for students pursuing a higher education. Senator Murray also successfully negotiated the FAFSA Simplification Act, bipartisan legislation to reform the financial aid application process, simplify the FAFSA form for students and parents, and significantly expand eligibility for federal aid.

    In March 2020, Senator Murray introduced the Supporting Students in Response to Coronavirus Act to support students as COVID-19 spread, and she proceeded to work across the aisle to deliver resources to schools to support students in the CARES Act in March 2020 and in December 2020 through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). In March 2021, Senator Murray helped secure critical resources for K-12 schools in the American Rescue Plan, which was passed without any Republican votes. She also worked to require a portion of the resources are specifically used to address learning loss—and has pushed to ensure the resources are being used effectively to help students get back on track. In the years since, Senator Murray has fought to renew federal investments in our schools, ensure resources are used effectively and consistent with federal laws, and successfully defeated House Republicans’ efforts to gut federal educational funding as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee in the 118th Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lights, Camera, Action! 40% business rates relief for film studios rolled out

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    From tomorrow (17 February), Local Authorities can begin rolling out local schemes for tax relief to help filmmakers produce the country’s next box office hits, rom-coms and cult classics.

    • Box-office boost for film studios as 40% relief on business rates roll out begins, lasting until 2034.
    • Creative sector, which includes film, is a vital industry of the future, worth over £120 billion to the UK economy, employing over 2.4 million people.

    Film studios are to receive business rates relief over the next nine years as the government rolls out a 40% reduction in business rates bills – to help drive growth and deliver the Plan for Change.

    From tomorrow (17 February), Local Authorities can begin implementing local schemes and awarding the tax relief to help filmmakers kickstart their journeys to producing the country’s next box office hits, cult classics and major rom-coms.

    The UK’s creative sector already employs over 2.4 million people and is worth over £120 billion to the economy. The start of the business rates relief for film studios rollout will help create the conditions to boost both of these.

    In October, the government confirmed that it would proceed with Film Studio Business Rates Relief that will be available for eligible studios in England until 2034, and, where applicable, will be backdated to 1 April 2024.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    The UK leads the world in creating great film and TV and we should all be immensely proud of the impact we’ve had across the globe.

    From the Avengers to Indiana Jones, the UK has drawn in some of cinema’s biggest names thanks to a combination of fantastic local talent and a world-leading creative sector as well as attractive tax incentives. 

    As part of the Plan for Change, we will continue to build the sector into a global beacon of home grown success, creating more jobs, more investment, and putting more money into working people’s pockets.

    This comes on top of a package of wider previous announcements for the creative industries announced on 17 January that included investments for start-up video game studios, grassroots music venues and creative businesses.

    The relief will maintain the UK’s status as a world leader in the creative industries and will help deliver the Plan for Change by going further and faster to kickstart economic growth so working people have more money in their pockets.

    The creative industries sector employs 2.4 million people and is worth £124.6 billion to the UK economy. Business rates relief forms part of the government’s wider strategy to support this vital growth sector, and forms a key part of our modern Industrial Strategy.

    The film and TV sector benefits from other generous tax reliefs. The Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit (AVEC) provides companies with a tax credit worth 34% of their UK production costs on a film or high-end TV programme, or 39% of their production costs on an animation or children’s TV programme.

    In addition, from 1 April 2025, film and high-end TV companies may claim a credit of 39% on their UK visual effects costs; and eligible films with budgets of under £15 million will be able to claim an enhanced 53% rate, known as the Independent Film Tax Credit.  

    Today (16 February), the UK film and TV industry will attend the BAFTA Film Awards that celebrate the many achievements of the sector and the significant cultural impact of British film and TV around the world.

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    The UK’s film industry is truly world class, producing global box office hits like Wicked and indie classics like Aftersun.

    The sector has huge potential for further economic growth and the government is ambitious for its future. Our new tax incentive, as well as other new measures like indie film tax reliefs and £25 million funding for a new film studio in Sunderland, will help ensure we can continue to create British content, international blockbusters and high quality jobs.

    Adrian Wootton OBE, Chief Executive of the British Film Commission:

    The British film and TV industry is a creative and economic powerhouse, and our film studios are a vital contributor to this success. Today’s confirmation of the Business Rates Relief for Film Studios in England is testament to Government’s recognition of this fact. The BFC is pleased that Government listened to the sector’s concerns and we are proud to have supported the development of this landmark intervention. We will continue to work with Government and stakeholders to secure the best possible long term solution for all parties.

    Harriet Finney, Deputy CEO and Director of Corporate & Industry Affairs, BFI said: 

    2024 saw a massive £5.6 billion of production spend in the UK, further confirming that our film and TV industries continue to be a powerful and vital growth industry. Our state-of-the-art studio spaces are central to that growth, so we welcome today’s announcement and the Government’s recognition of their crucial role in ensuring we can continue to make world-renowned UK film and TV and attract outstanding international productions, driving investment and creating jobs across the UK.

    Sara Putt, Chair, BAFTA said:

    The UK is a world-leading centre for film and TV production – our studios provide world-class facilities and the craft and production skills here are second to none, as showcased by the British-made films nominated in this year’s EE BAFTA Film Awards.  For those freelancers and crews to continue doing what they do best, it is vital that the UK remains competitive as a prospect for inward investment and continues to support a healthy talent pipeline to grow our domestic film and TV industry, so more UK talent and stories are celebrated at home and around the world.

    Simon Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery Studios said:

    We welcome the Treasury’s announcement confirming its commitment to providing vital relief to business rates.  It will create a stable environment for long-term investment, including securing the Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden expansion, which will create 4,000 direct and indirect jobs, and the opportunity for continued growth of the industry in the UK and U.S.

    More information

    • The relief will be available on properties valued by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) as film studios.
    • The 40% reduction is inclusive of Transitional Relief. The value of any Transitional Relief a studio receives will be deducted from the value of the film studio relief. This means that eligible film studios’ final bills will be no more than 60% of their gross bill. Studios will remain eligible for Improvement Relief in addition to this relief, which will mean that no ratepayer will face higher business rates bills for 12 months as a result of qualifying improvements to a property they occupy.
    • Film studios will not need to apply for the relief, as Local Authorities will award it to eligible properties. If in doubt, film studios should contact their local authority.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Business Secretary fortifies UK steel industry

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Business Secretary launches the Plan for Steel Consultation, seeking views from stakeholders to inform development of the Steel Strategy.

    British steelmakers are being backed today by the Government as the Business Secretary launches the Plan for Steel Consultation. 

    This will look at the long-term issues facing the industry like high electricity costs, unfair trading practices, and scrap metal recycling – to protect jobs and living standards in the UK’s industrial heartlands. 

    Up to £2.5 billion will be put towards supporting the steel industry, as per the manifesto commitment, including via the National Wealth Fund. This could benefit regions across the UK – like Scunthorpe, Rotherham, Redcar, Yorkshire, and Scotland – which have a strong history of steel production. It will be spent on initiatives that will give the industry a long future – such as electric arc furnaces, or other improvements to UK capabilities. 

    This will drive growth in the economy – the priority of the Plan for Change – and protect our industrial heartlands for the long term. 

    But the Government is wasting no time in taking immediate action to support the industry. Just this week, Heathrow Airport announced a multimillion-pound investment, which will require 400,000 tonnes of steel – enough to build the Empire State Building.  

    This will give the industry a strong pipeline of business that will secure supply chains for years to come – and will drive economic growth as part of our Plan for Change. 

    This week the Government also simplified public procurement and aligned it with the Government’s missions, including the Industrial Strategy, to put UK firms – like the steel industry – in the best possible position to compete for and win public contracts. 

    That is on top of delivering a better deal for Port Talbot within weeks of taking office which will transform production at Port Talbot and deliver a modern Electric Arc Furnace, and implementing the British Industry Supercharger which will cut electricity costs for steel firms and bring prices more in line with international competitors. 

    This delivers on a manifesto commitment to secure the future of Britain’s steel industries – building on initiatives like the £22 billion investment in Carbon Capture Usage and Storage in Teesside and Merseyside – because the country’s industrial heartlands are too important to Britain’s heritage and will be supported by this Government.  

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, said: 

    The UK steel industry has a long-term future under this Government. We said that during the election, and we are delivering on it now.  

    The deal announced by Heathrow this week will secure a strong industry pipeline for years to come – and we are putting the full weight of Whitehall behind the industry to build on this success. 

    Britain is open for business, and this Government has committed up to £2.5 billion to the future of steel to protect our industrial heartlands, maintain jobs, and drive growth as part of our Plan for Change.

    The Plan for Steel will help with the issues which have been holding the industry back for too long. It will look at ways to: 

    • Identify where there are opportunities to expand UK steelmaking to better support UK manufacturing, construction, infrastructure and growth – and secure UK jobs and livelihoods 

    • Protect the steel sector from unfair trading practices abroad 

    • Improve our scrap processing facilities so they can best support the steel-making of the future 

    • Encourage high usage of UK-made steel in public projects 

    To make the UK competitive globally, the Plan for Steel will examine the electricity costs for steel companies. 

    The Plan will also look at ways to improve the UK’s scrap metal processing capabilities, in light of the industry’s ongoing transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking which recycles scrap steel by melting it to produce high-quality steel and other metals. 

    It will assess the UK’s primary steelmaking capabilities and primary production technologies with a commissioned independent review, currently being carried out by the not-for-profit Material Processing Institute, based in Teesside. 

    The Steel Strategy will also explore what can be done to protect the steel sector from unfair trading practices abroad and look at how it can attract and retain skilled talent in the UK. It will leverage the UK’s world-leading research and development capabilities to support the industry, aligning closely with the Government’s Trade Strategy, Strategic Defence Review and its upcoming Industrial Strategy. 

    The Government will work closely with the Steel Council towards the launch of the Steel Strategy in Spring, and the Council will continue to meet regularly following its publication to help drive investment into steelmaking communities across the country. 

    Gareth Stace, Director-General of UK Steel, commented: 

    “Developing the Steel Strategy must be a collaborative process, and the consultation is an open invitation for all stakeholders to help shape the future of UK steel. 

    “The Government’s commitment to our steel sector is both vital and welcome. A robust, bold, and ambitious Steel Strategy has the power to reverse the sector’s decline, particularly as we face increasing competition from imports benefiting from more favourable business conditions. By setting out a clear business plan and roadmap for investment, the Government can secure a brighter future for our industry, safeguard jobs, and support steelworkers and their families.” 

    Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said: 

    “After years of dithering, today’s plan provides desperately needed funding for our once proud, now beleaguered steel industry. 

    “As the world becomes more volatile, primary domestic steel making capacity is vital for both our economy and domestic security.” 

    Jon Bolton, Steel Council co-chair, said: 

    “Publishing a consultation so quickly after the launch of the Steel Council demonstrates the importance the government places on the steel strategy and the important role it plays as part of an Industrial Strategy.   

    “Thorough consultation is key, with a first round table held with steel consumers chaired by The Industry Minister where future market dynamics were discussed including the demand for Green Steel.   

    “This work will continue over the coming weeks and I urge all stakeholders to respond to the consultation, with the issuing of the Steel Strategy in the spring a key moment for the sector.” 

    Roy Rickhuss CBE, Community General Secretary, said:  

    “After a long era of neglect under the previous government, we welcome the government’s firm commitment to our steel industry.  

    “The new green paper sets out some of the main challenges and opportunities our steel sector will face over the years ahead – this consultation is an important step towards developing the government’s new steel strategy, and we look forward to engaging with the process at every step of the way.” 

    Notes to editors

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Young entrepreneurs revitalise retail

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The “experience centre” operated by Raymond Yam and his partner in a government shopping centre is not what you would typically expect to find in such a location. Motivated by their desire to reshape perceptions of stray animal adoption, it is not quite a pet shop and not quite a cat café. It facilitates cat adoptions and hosts workshops aimed at educating the public about responsible pet ownership, but also allows customers to play board games while interacting with the centre’s feline residents.

    Changing perceptions

    The workshops, promoting cat welfare, are run in collaboration with veterinarians and animal care instructors.

    “We want to develop a sense of responsibility in children,” said Mr Yam. “We will teach them how to interact with cats and the importance of caring for animals.”

    Challenging misconceptions about the adoption of strays is also a key focus. “Most people think adopting stray or abandoned cats is unappealing,” Mr Yam explained. “After they come here and see our cats, they think they are just great and they even forget they were once strays.”

    Overcoming obstacles

    Mr Yam’s entrepreneurial journey has not been straightforward. For years, his plans to start a business focused on helping stray cats were hindered by financial constraints. The turning point came when he applied to the Housing Authority’s Well Being·Start-Up programme.

    “The major difficulty that we faced was the pressure of rent,” Mr Yam recalled, adding that this concern was addressed directly by the programme. “This project is different from other incubation programmes. They provide a rental space rather than financial support, and I think this is a great idea for us to try different kinds of business.”

    Strategic initiative

    Targeting individuals aged 35 or below, the Well Being·Start-Up programme seeks to revitalise vacant retail spaces in government shopping centres, while fostering youth innovation.

    Housing Department Chief Estate Surveyor/Commercial Properties Evelyne Fung described the programme as a “win-win” solution. She explained that a challenging retail environment of late has resulted in rising numbers of vacant shops in shopping centres on government estates. The department perceived that this presented an opportunity to help young people launch new businesses in empty retail spaces. “Instead of reletting them for those traditional trades such as grocery shops or pharmacies, we might take this chance to introduce some new image and new elements into our shopping centres.”

    Comprehensive support

    Participants in the programme receive more than just retail spaces. The scheme provides mentorship from experienced business owners and offers essential shop renovations. “For example, we provide air-conditioning, we provide carpeting and basic wall-painting for the shops, so that the young people can start their business very shortly as soon as they get the shop,” Ms Fung outlined.

    Having received positive feedback from residents in participating housing estates, the department is now exploring the possibility of inviting private developers and shopping centre owners to join the programme.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Experts appointed to lead anti-bullying rapid review

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    The Albanese Labor Government is working together with states and territories on a national standard to address bullying in Australian schools.

    This includes a new Anti-Bullying Rapid Review to examine current school procedures and best practice methods to address bullying behaviours.

    Dr Charlotte Keating and Dr Jo Robinson have been appointed as co-chairs of the Review.

    The Review will inform the development of a national standard to addressing bullying in schools.

    Bullying has no place in our schools. Students, teachers and staff should always feel safe in the classroom.

    That’s why we will listen to the experts and develop a national strategy that is grounded in evidence and informed by lived experiences.

    Dr Keating and Dr Robinson will consult broadly with key stakeholders across Australia, including parents, teachers, students, parent groups, state education departments and the non-government sector. 

    It will draw on work already underway across the country to address bullying in schools.

    Today’s announcement builds on the success of the national mobile phone ban in all public schools, vaping reforms and introducing a minimum age of 16 years for Australian children to access social media.

    The Review will be conducted over the next six months with recommendations then provided to Education Ministers.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

    “Bullying is not just something that happens in schools, but schools are places where we can intervene and provide support for students.

    “All students and staff should be safe at school, and free from bullying and violence.

    “That’s why we’re taking action to develop a national standard to address bullying in schools. 

    “Last year we worked together to ban mobile phones in schools. This is another opportunity for us to support students, teachers and parents across the country. 

    “I have asked Dr Keating and Dr Robinson to work with parents, teachers, students and the states and territories to get this right.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: M23 rebels are marching across eastern DRC: the interests driving players in the conflict

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kristof Titeca, Professor in International Development, University of Antwerp

    The current conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) resemble the situation during the Second Congo War between 1998 and 2003. This resulted in millions of deaths, with neighbouring countries – especially Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi – playing a significant role.

    The pan-African weekly The Continent has already raised alarms. A February 2025 cover features a cartoon referencing the 1884 Berlin Conference, but instead of colonial powers carving up the Congo, it depicts regional states dividing the country among themselves. Kristof Titeca, who has extensively studied the dynamics of conflict in the DRC, unpacks the interests of the key players.

    The DRC

    The M23 rebel group entered the outskirts of Bukavu, a city of 1.3 million in eastern DRC, in mid-February 2025. This happened two weeks after Goma, another city in the region, came under the control of M23 rebels. With support from the Rwandan army, M23 already controls vast territory in eastern DRC.

    The current situation doesn’t look good for DRC president Felix Tshisekedi. The further M23 advances, the more it highlights the failure of his policies in eastern Congo and weakens his legitimacy. Notably, he was not physically present at a peace summit in Tanzania on the conflict in early February 2025. In the same month, he also called off peace talks in Paris at the last minute. On social media, videos are circulating of Congolese soldiers fleeing the towns they should be protecting.

    Kinshasa is filled with rumours about internal political and military tensions: fears of a coup could have prevented Tshisekedi from travelling to the earlier peace talks. The president’s personal security is handled by an Israeli security firm, indicating the level of distrust towards his own security services.

    As it stands, Kinshasa seems to have lost control over the situation in the east. Tshisekedi has largely pinned his hopes on international pressure. Yet, many international actors have expressed frustration with his erratic and sometimes unrealistic decisions in addressing the conflict. Tshisekedi has purchased new and sophisticated weapons instead of tackling the structural weaknesses of the army (such as widespread corruption). He also decided to collaborate with a wide range of armed groups under the “Wazalendo” banner to stop rebel forces.

    Rwanda

    In theory, M23 is fighting to protect the Rwandophone community in eastern Congo (particularly the Tutsi community). Under the Alliance Fleuve Congo – the political wing of the M23 rebellion – this goal later expanded into a broader national agenda aiming to overthrow the regime in Kinshasa.

    Whether this will actually happen remains uncertain. What is, however, certain is that Rwanda’s interests mainly lie in the east of the country. These interests are a mix of political, economic and security factors – strongly rooted in history.

    Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame in the past has publicly questioned the borders between Rwanda and Congo. This narrative on “Greater Rwanda” would mean extending Rwanda beyond its colonial borders. Access to resources plays a role in Rwanda’s presence in the DRC, as does (in)security.

    Rwanda wants influence and control. This is where M23 plays a crucial role. In Kigali, the idea of eastern DRC as a “buffer zone” is openly used. This would mean having an armed actor, such as the M23, govern provinces in the eastern region to protect Rwanda’s political, security and economic interests.

    Uganda

    Shortly after the fall of Goma, neighbouring Uganda deployed around 1,000 additional troops to Congo. In private conversations with me, diplomats estimate the country already had between 3,000 and 7,000 troops in the DRC. Officially, Uganda is there to fight another rebel group – the Allied Democratic Forces, which is linked to the Islamic State. However, these newly deployed troops have been moving towards the M23 rebels.

    Uganda has always played an ambiguous role in the conflict. On the one hand, it wants to continue joint military operations with the Congolese army against the Allied Democratic Forces. On the other hand, it cannot allow its long-standing “frenemy” Rwanda to be the only power exerting influence over eastern Congo and M23.

    For the past 30 years, these two neighbouring countries have competed for control in eastern Congo – sometimes cooperating, but often in direct competition.

    Like Rwanda, Uganda’s main export is gold, and just like Rwanda, the vast majority of this gold comes from eastern Congo.

    Several prominent Ugandan political and military figures – including Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the head of the Ugandan army and son of the president – have openly voiced their support for M23 and questioned Congo’s borders. And shortly after M23 entered Bukavu, Muhoozi announced – again – an expansion of the Ugandan operation in DRC, threatening an attack in the town of Bunia in the eastern province of Ituri.

    In the current context, the movement of Ugandan troops could be seen as a clear signal to Rwanda: this is our zone of influence. In doing so, the conflict concerningly starts to look like the Second Congo War when Uganda and Rwanda divided Congolese territory. Uganda claimed Ituri, while Rwanda claimed the North and South Kivu provinces.

    Burundi

    Burundian troops are present in Congo at the invitation of Kinshasa. Meanwhile, tensions between Burundi and Rwanda are rising. UN reports indicate that both Burundi and Rwanda have resumed supporting rebel groups against each other’s governments in eastern Congo. These reports also claim that the Rwandan army has issued direct orders to target Burundian soldiers in the region.

    Burundian president Évariste Ndayishimiye has warned of an escalating regional war, and even suggested that Rwanda is planning to invade Burundi.

    With the M23 entering Bukavu, the group is getting increasingly close to the Burundian border, increasing the country’s concerns of regional escalation.

    International community

    The risk of an escalation of the DRC conflict underscores a number of issues. Most obviously, any attempt to resolve the crisis needs to involve the regional countries involved.

    It also shows the importance of international pressure on Rwanda. It is generally accepted by analysts that this pressure – such as a US$240 million aid cut by a variety of donors – played a key role in ending the 2012-2013 M23 conflict.

    While actors such as the European Union and United States have firmly condemned Rwanda, this has materialised into little action. So far, Germany has suspended aid talks with Rwanda, and the United Kingdom has threatened to cut aid. Other than that, there has been no action – a striking difference from 2012-2013.

    Given US president Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, eyes are on the European Union to take action. However, internal differences are so far making this difficult. Belgium has been pushing for sanctions, while France has been taking the lead in blocking these. France’s national interests are a key reason for this: Rwandan peacekeeping troops are key in Mozambique, where a major TotalEnergies gas project – worth US$20 billion – is on hold because of an ongoing insurgency.

    Next steps

    The structural weaknesses of the Tshisekedi government should not be used as an excuse by international actors to fail to pressure Rwanda. At the moment, there is a major risk of the violence in eastern DRC escalating to the region.

    Further, there is already a major humanitarian crisis. Since the beginning of the year alone, more than 700,000 people in the DRC have been displaced by the M23 conflict. The World Health Organization has warned that a public health “nightmare” is unfolding. Since the fall of Goma, M23 has unlawfully ordered tens of thousands of displaced people to leave the camps around the city. To prevent a bigger regional humanitarian crisis, urgent action is therefore needed.

    Kristof Titeca is a Senior Associate Fellow at the Egmont Institute (Brussels).

    – ref. M23 rebels are marching across eastern DRC: the interests driving players in the conflict – https://theconversation.com/m23-rebels-are-marching-across-eastern-drc-the-interests-driving-players-in-the-conflict-249738

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: M23 rebels are marching across eastern DRC: the interests driving players in the conflict

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kristof Titeca, Professor in International Development, University of Antwerp

    The current conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) resemble the situation during the Second Congo War between 1998 and 2003. This resulted in millions of deaths, with neighbouring countries – especially Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi – playing a significant role.

    The pan-African weekly The Continent has already raised alarms. A February 2025 cover features a cartoon referencing the 1884 Berlin Conference, but instead of colonial powers carving up the Congo, it depicts regional states dividing the country among themselves. Kristof Titeca, who has extensively studied the dynamics of conflict in the DRC, unpacks the interests of the key players.

    The DRC

    The M23 rebel group entered the outskirts of Bukavu, a city of 1.3 million in eastern DRC, in mid-February 2025. This happened two weeks after Goma, another city in the region, came under the control of M23 rebels. With support from the Rwandan army, M23 already controls vast territory in eastern DRC.

    The current situation doesn’t look good for DRC president Felix Tshisekedi. The further M23 advances, the more it highlights the failure of his policies in eastern Congo and weakens his legitimacy. Notably, he was not physically present at a peace summit in Tanzania on the conflict in early February 2025. In the same month, he also called off peace talks in Paris at the last minute. On social media, videos are circulating of Congolese soldiers fleeing the towns they should be protecting.

    Kinshasa is filled with rumours about internal political and military tensions: fears of a coup could have prevented Tshisekedi from travelling to the earlier peace talks. The president’s personal security is handled by an Israeli security firm, indicating the level of distrust towards his own security services.

    As it stands, Kinshasa seems to have lost control over the situation in the east. Tshisekedi has largely pinned his hopes on international pressure. Yet, many international actors have expressed frustration with his erratic and sometimes unrealistic decisions in addressing the conflict. Tshisekedi has purchased new and sophisticated weapons instead of tackling the structural weaknesses of the army (such as widespread corruption). He also decided to collaborate with a wide range of armed groups under the “Wazalendo” banner to stop rebel forces.

    Rwanda

    In theory, M23 is fighting to protect the Rwandophone community in eastern Congo (particularly the Tutsi community). Under the Alliance Fleuve Congo – the political wing of the M23 rebellion – this goal later expanded into a broader national agenda aiming to overthrow the regime in Kinshasa.

    Whether this will actually happen remains uncertain. What is, however, certain is that Rwanda’s interests mainly lie in the east of the country. These interests are a mix of political, economic and security factors – strongly rooted in history.

    Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame in the past has publicly questioned the borders between Rwanda and Congo. This narrative on “Greater Rwanda” would mean extending Rwanda beyond its colonial borders. Access to resources plays a role in Rwanda’s presence in the DRC, as does (in)security.

    Rwanda wants influence and control. This is where M23 plays a crucial role. In Kigali, the idea of eastern DRC as a “buffer zone” is openly used. This would mean having an armed actor, such as the M23, govern provinces in the eastern region to protect Rwanda’s political, security and economic interests.

    Uganda

    Shortly after the fall of Goma, neighbouring Uganda deployed around 1,000 additional troops to Congo. In private conversations with me, diplomats estimate the country already had between 3,000 and 7,000 troops in the DRC. Officially, Uganda is there to fight another rebel group – the Allied Democratic Forces, which is linked to the Islamic State. However, these newly deployed troops have been moving towards the M23 rebels.

    Uganda has always played an ambiguous role in the conflict. On the one hand, it wants to continue joint military operations with the Congolese army against the Allied Democratic Forces. On the other hand, it cannot allow its long-standing “frenemy” Rwanda to be the only power exerting influence over eastern Congo and M23.

    For the past 30 years, these two neighbouring countries have competed for control in eastern Congo – sometimes cooperating, but often in direct competition.

    Like Rwanda, Uganda’s main export is gold, and just like Rwanda, the vast majority of this gold comes from eastern Congo.

    Several prominent Ugandan political and military figures – including Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the head of the Ugandan army and son of the president – have openly voiced their support for M23 and questioned Congo’s borders. And shortly after M23 entered Bukavu, Muhoozi announced – again – an expansion of the Ugandan operation in DRC, threatening an attack in the town of Bunia in the eastern province of Ituri.

    In the current context, the movement of Ugandan troops could be seen as a clear signal to Rwanda: this is our zone of influence. In doing so, the conflict concerningly starts to look like the Second Congo War when Uganda and Rwanda divided Congolese territory. Uganda claimed Ituri, while Rwanda claimed the North and South Kivu provinces.

    Burundi

    Burundian troops are present in Congo at the invitation of Kinshasa. Meanwhile, tensions between Burundi and Rwanda are rising. UN reports indicate that both Burundi and Rwanda have resumed supporting rebel groups against each other’s governments in eastern Congo. These reports also claim that the Rwandan army has issued direct orders to target Burundian soldiers in the region.

    Burundian president Évariste Ndayishimiye has warned of an escalating regional war, and even suggested that Rwanda is planning to invade Burundi.

    With the M23 entering Bukavu, the group is getting increasingly close to the Burundian border, increasing the country’s concerns of regional escalation.

    International community

    The risk of an escalation of the DRC conflict underscores a number of issues. Most obviously, any attempt to resolve the crisis needs to involve the regional countries involved.

    It also shows the importance of international pressure on Rwanda. It is generally accepted by analysts that this pressure – such as a US$240 million aid cut by a variety of donors – played a key role in ending the 2012-2013 M23 conflict.

    While actors such as the European Union and United States have firmly condemned Rwanda, this has materialised into little action. So far, Germany has suspended aid talks with Rwanda, and the United Kingdom has threatened to cut aid. Other than that, there has been no action – a striking difference from 2012-2013.

    Given US president Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, eyes are on the European Union to take action. However, internal differences are so far making this difficult. Belgium has been pushing for sanctions, while France has been taking the lead in blocking these. France’s national interests are a key reason for this: Rwandan peacekeeping troops are key in Mozambique, where a major TotalEnergies gas project – worth US$20 billion – is on hold because of an ongoing insurgency.

    Next steps

    The structural weaknesses of the Tshisekedi government should not be used as an excuse by international actors to fail to pressure Rwanda. At the moment, there is a major risk of the violence in eastern DRC escalating to the region.

    Further, there is already a major humanitarian crisis. Since the beginning of the year alone, more than 700,000 people in the DRC have been displaced by the M23 conflict. The World Health Organization has warned that a public health “nightmare” is unfolding. Since the fall of Goma, M23 has unlawfully ordered tens of thousands of displaced people to leave the camps around the city. To prevent a bigger regional humanitarian crisis, urgent action is therefore needed.

    – M23 rebels are marching across eastern DRC: the interests driving players in the conflict
    – https://theconversation.com/m23-rebels-are-marching-across-eastern-drc-the-interests-driving-players-in-the-conflict-249738

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

    The Secretary-General and the President discussed ongoing political and governance issues.  They also discussed the ongoing transition to the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, including efforts underway to secure predictable financing in line with Security Council Resolution 2767.

    The Secretary-General reiterated the United Nations continued commitment to supporting Somalia in the period ahead including on governance and the electoral process.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement: February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Meeting of G7 Foreign Ministers on the margins of the Munich Security Conference, 15 February 2025.

    The G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, met on the margins of the Munich Security Conference for the first time under Canada’s 2025 Presidency.

    The G7 members discussed Russia’s devasting war in Ukraine.  They underscored their commitment to work together to help to achieve a durable peace and a strong and prosperous Ukraine and reaffirmed the need to develop robust security guarantees to ensure the war will not begin again.  

    The G7 members welcomed their discussion today with Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.  They recalled the G7’s important contribution towards ending the war in Ukraine, including through measures pursuant to the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine, by supporting Ukraine financially through the use of extraordinary revenues stemming from Russian Sovereign Assets, by imposing further cost on Russia, if they do not negotiate in good faith, through caps on oil and gas prices, and by making sanctions against Russia more effective. Any new, additional sanctions after February should be linked to whether the Russian Federation enters into real, good-faith efforts to bring an enduring end to the war against Ukraine that provides Ukraine with long-term security and stability as a sovereign, independent country.  The G7 members reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

    The G7 members discussed the provision to Russia of dual-use assistance by China and of military assistance by DPRK and Iran.  They condemned all such support.

    The G7 members discussed political, security and humanitarian issues in the Middle East, including in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iran, and their commitment to advancing regional peace and stability.  They underscored the importance of a durable, Israeli-Palestinian peace.  They reaffirmed their support for the full implementation of the ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas, including for the release of all hostages and the expansion of humanitarian aid in Gaza.  The G7 members stand behind the ongoing efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States in continuing to work towards a permanent ceasefire.  They reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and the need to ensure that Hamas neither reconstitutes militarily nor participates in governance.  They recognized Israel’s inherent right to self-defence, consistent with international law. 

    The G7 members welcomed the outcomes of the International Conference on Syria, hosted by France on February 13, 2025.  They reiterated their shared commitment to the people of Syria and their support for an inclusive political transition process, in the spirit of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.  They welcomed, as well, positive developments in Lebanon, including the recent election of President Joseph Aoun, the designation of Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister, and the formation of a new government.  The G7 members reaffirmed their commitment to both countries’ stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

    The G7 members unequivocally condemned Iran’s destabilizing actions, including its rapid advancement of uranium enrichment without credible civil justification, its facilitation of terrorism organizations and armed groups across the Middle East and Red Sea, its proliferation of ballistic missiles and drones, and its transnational repression and violation of fundamental human rights.

    The G7 members reiterated their commitment to a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region, grounded in respect for the rule of law and sovereignty.  They strongly opposed any attempts to change unilaterally the status quo using force and underscored the importance of resolving disputes peacefully.  They strongly opposed China’s attempts to restrict freedom of navigation through militarization and coercive activities in the East and South China Sea. 

    The G7 members expressed serious concern over the DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. They demanded that the DPRK abandon all its nuclear weapons, existing nuclear programs, and any other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner in accordance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). They underscored that direct DPRK support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine marks a dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security. They urged the DPRK to cease immediately all assistance for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including by withdrawing its troops. The called upon DPRK to resolve the abductions issue immediately.

    The G7 members also discussed urgent situations of conflict and instability elsewhere in the world, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan, and in Haiti and Venezuela.

    The G7 Foreign Ministers looked forward to their meeting in Canada in Charlevoix, Quebec on March 12-14.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: School construction reaches warp speed

    [. To keep pace with fast-rising enrolment, the province announced $8.6 billion to accelerate school construction and introduced a new approach to funding school projects, so they can advance to the next stage of construction as soon as they are ready.

    As a result of this new funding approach, Alberta’s government has sped up 11 previously announced school projects in the Calgary Metropolitan Region and Edmonton from the design stage to full construction funding. This means that these projects are now closer to having shovels in the ground building new schools for Alberta’s students. These projects will create more than 12,000 new student spaces between Airdrie, Calgary, Chestermere, Edmonton, and Okotoks.   

    “There is no two ways about it, Alberta is growing and growing fast, so we need to build schools now. That’s why we are making a generational investment of $8.6 billion, and fast-tracking school construction process. Our commitment to building schools will help us build and open 200,000 spaces for students in communities that need them the most all within the next seven years.”

    Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education

    It is anticipated that these 11 school projects will be delivered through two public-private partnership bundles, with next steps being contractor selection and project design. Additional details such as total project costs and timelines will be available once contractors have been selected.

    “Regardless of what stage of construction we are in, our priority is to get students into desks as quickly as possible, while ensuring their classrooms are well-built for years of learning. As Alberta communities continue to grow, this announcement allows us to meet demands for spaces faster and more efficiently. I’m excited to continue working with my ministry and industry partners on school builds, modernizations and renovations, supporting tens of thousands of jobs across the province and boosting our local and provincial economies.”

    Pete Guthrie, Minister of Infrastructure

    “We are grateful to the provincial government for this new high school in Cornerstone and new elementary school in Redstone. These urgently needed new schools will benefit students in the northeast corner of Calgary, which is experiencing strong growth. Across Calgary, the CBE has over 11,000 CBE students who are waiting for new schools to be announced this year, so they can attend school closer to home, and these two school announcements today are great news for over 3,000 of our students and their families.”

    Patricia Bolger, board chair, Calgary Board of Education

    “Rocky View Schools looks forward to opening a new high school in Airdrie and a new K-9 school in Chestermere to help relieve space pressures in some of our most over-utilized schools. These projects are critical for two of our fastest-growing communities; we are very grateful for the government’s support in moving them forward from the design phase to full construction funding.”

    Fiona Gilbert, board chair, Rocky View Schools

    Funded as part of a $2.1 billion school capital investment by Alberta’s government last year, these 11 school projects are part of the government’s overall commitment to build and modernize more than 200,000 student spaces within the next seven years. The province will invest an additional $8.6 billion over the next three budget cycles to kick-start up to 90 new schools and as many as 24 renovations or replacements and roll out more modular classrooms.

    Quick facts

    • Since the introduction of the accelerated school construction process, a total of 22 previously announced school projects have been approved to move forward to the next stage of the construction process.
    • The 11 projects advancing to construction funding were initially approved for design funding in March 2024. The projects are as follows:

    Community

    School division

    Project type/Name

    Airdrie

    Rocky View Schools

    new 9-12 school

    Calgary

    Calgary Board of Education

    new 10-12 school in Cornerstone

    Calgary

    Calgary Board of Education

    new K-4 school in Redstone

    Calgary

    Calgary Catholic School District

    new K-6 school in Redstone

    Chestermere

    Rocky View Schools

    new K-9 school

    Edmonton

    Edmonton Catholic Schools

    new K-9 school in Laurel

    Edmonton

    Edmonton Catholic Schools 

    new K-9 school in River’s Edge

    Edmonton

    Edmonton Public Schools

    new K-6 school in Glenridding Heights

    Edmonton

    Edmonton Public Schools 

    new K-6 school in Rosenthal

    Edmonton

    Edmonton Public Schools

    new 7-9 school in McConachie 

    Okotoks

    Foothills School Division

    new 10-12 school

    Related news

    • Fast-tracking new schools for Alberta students | La province accélère la construction de nouvelles écoles pour les élèves de l’Alberta (September 18, 2024)
    • **UPDATED New schools in Alberta’s growing communities | **MIS À JOUR De nouvelles écoles dans les communautés albertaines en pleine croissance (March 11, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary: Bad peace deal with Russia will cause damage far beyond Ukraine

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    The Foreign and Defence Secretaries have written a joint Op-Ed in the Daily Telegraph on how to reach a strong and durable peace in Ukraine.

    For 20 years, Vladimir Putin has been repeating the mistakes of Russia’s past: by seeking to recreate the Russian empire and suffocate the countries around its borders.

    Too often in the past, the West has let him. We did too little in 2008, when he invaded Georgia, and in 2014, when he first went into Ukraine.

    When he launched his full-scale attack almost three years ago, he thought it would be more of the same. Putin believed that he would win his war in three days. Yet the Ukrainians continue to fight with huge courage and the support of their friends.

    Putin only responds to strength. Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky have both spoken of their desire to achieve “peace through strength”. And the support we give to Ukraine provides the strength to achieve that peace. Ukraine, Britain, Europe and the US all agree.

    In Brussels this week, at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group – which we as the UK chaired for the first time – Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, confirmed that, like us, the US wants to see a sovereign, prosperous Ukraine.

    Like us, the US wants a lasting peace, after almost three years of war.

    Like us, the US recognises the failure of Minsk agreements, deals made from a position of division and weakness.

    At the Munich Security Conference this weekend, our message to our allies is the need for us all to continue to unite and show strength.

    The Prime Minister has signed a 100-year partnership with Ukraine – a testament to our long-term commitment and confidence in the country’s future. Including the new loans we are giving, which will be repaid using the windfall profits from frozen Russian assets, our support extends to £15 billion.

    And we are going farther still: this week, we announced an additional £150 million military package, part of the record £4.5 billion in support we are providing this coming year.

    A year on from the death of Alexei Navalny, we are also putting new sanctions on Putin’s inner circle, adding to 2,000 sanctions Britain has already put on Russia.

    From opposition and in government, we have been clear that Europe and the UK must do more together to share the burden of our continent’s security.

    [POLITICAL CONTENT REDACTED]

    We were clear we need our friends in Europe to invest more in defence and seize the opportunities of closer UK-EU cooperation.

    This has already begun. Europe is united on the need to step up. We are – and we will.

    Europe has now committed almost two thirds of all aid to Ukraine, and well over half the military aid. In 2021, the UK and US were two of only six allies meeting Nato’s 2 per cent defence spending target. That number is now 23.

    And we all need to turn up the pressure on Russia. Putin’s economy is struggling. Last year, the Kremlin spent more on military aid than social welfare for the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

    Sanctions on energy are a particular priority: the UK has sanctioned more than 100 ships, as well as Gazprom Neft and PJSC Surgutneftegas, two of Russia’s big four oil companies.

    While Russia is weakened, it remains undeniably dangerous. Just this weekend, our Royal Navy will track Russian warships passing close to British waters. These ships are retreating from Syria after Putin abandoned his ally Bashar al-Assad, yet they remain armed and full of ammunition. We will be watching their every move.

    Ultimately, we need a strong peace. A durable peace. A peace that allows Ukrainians a secure future and deters any future Russian aggression. That is why there must be no talks about Ukraine without Ukraine, and we must give Mr Zelensky the strongest possible hand in those talks.

    A bad peace would not only harm our security, but our economies, too: Putin’s 2022 invasion took 1.5 per cent off global GDP and added 3 per cent to European inflation. China, Iran and North Korea are all watching.

    A durable peace must be based on new security arrangements: Europe doubling down to do more on our own continent’s security; a continuing, long-term US commitment to its allies through Nato; and British support to the US and allies in the Indo-Pacific – such as through the Aukus security partnership. That is the way to make us all stronger.

    On Feb 24, we will mark a grim milestone – three years since Putin’s full-scale invasion. Yet despite all the challenges, Ukrainians are showing astonishing tenacity. Now is the time to turn up the pressure on the Kremlin. With strength and unity, we will prevail.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to find climate data and science the Trump administration removed from government websites

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Eric Nost, Associate Professor of Geography, University of Guelph

    Government scientists at NOAA collect and provide crucial public information about coastal conditions that businesses, individuals and other scientists rely on. NOAA’s National Ocean Service

    Information on the internet might seem like it’s there forever, but it’s only as permanent as people choose to make it.

    That’s apparent as the second Trump administration “floods the zone” with efforts to dismantle science agencies and the data and websites they use to communicate with the public. The targets range from public health and demographics to climate science.

    We are a research librarian and policy scholar who belong to a network called the Public Environmental Data Partners, a coalition of nonprofits, archivists and researchers who rely on federal data in our analysis, advocacy and litigation and are working to ensure that data remains available to the public.

    In just the first three weeks of Trump’s term, we saw agencies remove access to at least a dozen climate and environmental justice analysis tools. The new administration also scrubbed the phrase “climate change” from government websites, as well as terms like “resilience.”

    Here’s why and how Public Environmental Data Partners and others are making sure that the climate science the public depends on is available forever.

    Why government websites and data matter

    The internet and the availability of data are necessary for innovation, research and daily life.

    Climate scientists analyze NASA satellite observations and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather records to understand changes underway in the Earth system, what’s causing them and how to protect the climates that economies were built on. Other researchers use these sources alongside Census Bureau data to understand who is most affected by climate change. And every day, people around the world log onto the Environmental Protection Agency’s website to learn how to protect themselves from hazards — and to find out what the government is or isn’t doing to help.

    If the data and tools used to understand complex data are abruptly taken off the internet, the work of scientists, civil society organizations and government officials themselves can grind to a halt. The generation of scientific data and analysis by government scientists is also crucial. Many state governments run environmental protection and public health programs that depend on science and data collected by federal agencies.

    Removing information from government websites also makes it harder for the public to effectively participate in key processes of democracy, including changes to regulations. When an agency proposes to repeal a rule, for example, it is required to solicit comments from the public, who often depend on government websites to find information relevant to the rule.

    And when web resources are altered or taken offline, it breeds mistrust in both government and science. Government agencies have collected climate data, conducted complex analyses, provided funding and hosted data in a publicly accessible manner for years. People around the word understand climate change in large part because of U.S. federal data. Removing it deprives everyone of important information about their world.

    Bye-bye data?

    The first Trump administration removed discussions of climate change and climate policies widely across government websites. However, in our research with the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative over those first four years, we didn’t find evidence that datasets had been permanently deleted.

    The second Trump administration seems different, with more rapid and pervasive removal of information.

    In response, groups involved in Public Environmental Data Partners have been archiving climate datasets our community has prioritized, uploading copies to public repositories and cataloging where and how to find them if they go missing from government websites.

    Most federal agencies decreased their use of the phrase ‘climate change’ on websites during the first Trump administration, 2017-2020.
    Eric Nost, et al., 2021, CC BY

    As of Feb. 13, 2025, we hadn’t seen the destruction of climate science records. Many of these data collection programs, such as those at NOAA or EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, are required by Congress. However, the administration had limited or eliminated access to a lot of data.

    Maintaining tools for understanding climate change

    We’ve seen a targeted effort to systematically remove tools like dashboards that summarize and visualize the social dimensions of climate change. For instance, the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool mapped low-income and other marginalized communities that are expected to experience severe climate changes, such as crop losses and wildfires. The mapping tool was taken offline shortly after Trump’s first set of executive orders.

    Most of the original data behind the mapping tool, like the wildfire risk predictions, is still available, but is now harder to find and access. But because the mapping tool was developed as an open-source project, we were able to recreate it.

    Preserving websites for the future

    In some cases, entire webpages are offline. For instance, the page for the 25-year-old Climate Change Center at the Department of Transportation doesn’t exist anymore. The link just sends visitors back to the department’s homepage.

    Other pages have limited access. For instance, EPA hasn’t yet removed its climate change pages, but it has removed “climate change” from its navigation menu, making it harder to find those pages.

    During Donald Trump’s first week back in office, the Department of Transportation removed its Climate Change Center webpage.
    Internet Archive Wayback Machine

    Fortunately, our partners at the End of Term Web Archive have captured snapshots of millions of government webpages and made them accessible through the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine. The group has done this after each administration since 2008.

    If you’re looking at a webpage and you think it should include a discussion of climate change, use the “changes” tool“ in the Wayback Machine to check if the language has been altered over time, or navigate to the site’s snapshots of the page before Trump’s inauguration.

    What you can do

    You can also find archived climate and environmental justice datasets and tools on the Public Environmental Data Partners website. Other groups are archiving datasets linked in the Data.gov data portal and making them findable in other locations.

    Individual researchers are also uploading datasets in searchable repositories like OSF, run by the Center for Open Science.

    If you are worried that certain data currently still available might disappear, consult this checklist from MIT Libraries. It provides steps for how you can help safeguard federal data.

    Narrowing the knowledge sphere

    What’s unclear is how far the administration will push its attempts to remove, block or hide climate data and science, and how successful it will be.

    Already, a federal district court judge has ruled that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s removal of access to public health resources that doctors rely on was harmful and arbitrary. These were put back online thanks to that ruling.

    We worry that more data and information removals will narrow public understanding of climate change, leaving people, communities and economies unprepared and at greater risk. While data archiving efforts can stem the tide of removals to some extent, there is no replacement for the government research infrastructures that produce and share climate data.

    Eric Nost is affiliated with the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative and the Public Environmental Data Partners.

    Alejandro Paz is affiliated with the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative.

    – ref. How to find climate data and science the Trump administration removed from government websites – https://theconversation.com/how-to-find-climate-data-and-science-the-trump-administration-removed-from-government-websites-249321

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov met with the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Meeting of Denis Manturov with the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates

    February 15, 2025

    Meeting of Denis Manturov with the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates

    February 15, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Meeting of Denis Manturov with the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates

    First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Denis Manturov met with Vice President of the United Arab Emirates Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

    The meeting was also attended by Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and Chairman of the Central Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina.

    The parties discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the topic of mutual settlements and interaction in the financial and banking sector.

    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 –