Jefferson City, Mo.— Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, in conjunction with the Missouri Attorney General’s office, filed a lawsuit today to block the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) continued attempts to interfere with polling places on Election Day. Ashcroft serves as the chief election officer in Missouri.
“No one is above the law,” Ashcroft said. “The law clearly and specifically limits who may be in polling places and this action by the DOJ is not allowed. Once again the federal government is attempting to illegally interfere in Missouri’s elections.”
According to organizations, including the Heritage Foundation, Missouri leads the nation regarding election integrity as it pertains to accessible, secure voting with timely, credible results. This recognition is due to the efforts of the hard-working election authorities across the state and the many poll workers who give their time.
“This is a repeat performance,” Ashcroft stated. “Two years ago, we met with the DOJ. We showed them the law and explained that they have no jurisdiction to interfere in Missouri elections. Now they are doing the same thing; trying to go through the back door by contacting local election officials and making false jurisdictional claims for access rather than contacting my office directly. The DOJ just doesn’t seem to get it – we don’t need them here; we don’t want them here. This time we are taking it a step further and filing a lawsuit against the DOJ to get them to stop the continued harassment.”
In 2022, the day prior to Election Day, the U.S. Department of Justice was sent a letteroutlining the denial and addressing other concerns relating to the election.
“Rather than contaminate the process – like in Virginia and Alabama, the DOJ should consider the Show-Me State as the example for other states when it comes to sound non-partisan elections,” Ashcroft said. “It would be highly inappropriate for federal agents to violate the law by intimidating Missouri voters and harassing poll workers.”
Ashcroft continued, “The secretary of state’s office has full confidence in our election authorities. Voting has been underway for several weeks and we are ready for Election Day. I want to personally thank all 116 local election authorities and the thousands of poll workers across Missouri who make our elections safe, secure and credible.”
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Visit www.sos.mo.gov to learn more about the Office of the Missouri Secretary of State
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued this statement: “Canada congratulates Maia Sandu on her re-election as President of the Republic of Moldova.
November 4, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued this statement:
“Canada congratulates Maia Sandu on her re-election as President of the Republic of Moldova.
“We also congratulate the people of Moldova for exercising their democratic rights in these elections. We continue to support Moldova’s democratic and European pathway and are pleased to see that Moldovans have confirmed their desire to join the European Union.
“Canada supports Moldova’s democratic integrity in the face of Russia’s destabilization efforts in the region and will continue to support the democratically elected Government of Moldova.
“We look forward to working with Moldova on shared priorities, continuing to bolster our bilateral relationship and collaborating on some of today’s most pressing global challenges.”
Headline: ICC and World Governments Summit announce knowledge partnership
The agreement was formalised in a signing ceremony between ICC Secretary-General John W.H. Denton AO and Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and Director of the WGS.
Under the partnership, ICC and WGS will work closely to exchange insights and best practices to support the design of resilient economic models and international standards conducive to sustainable development, at both regional and global levels.
Mr Al Olama underscored the WGS’ commitment to improving governance models, enhancing community quality of life, and creating better opportunities for future generations.
“Enhancing international partnerships to define future pathways and proactively tackle challenges is central to the vision and mission of the World Governments Summit,” he said.
Mr Al Olama said the partnership would add depth to WGS’s knowledge resources and strengthen its capacity to support decision-makers with innovative, yet practical, solutions. “Economic, trade, and business sectors hold a prominent position on the summit’s agenda, as they are crucial drivers of development and prosperity,” he added, highlighting the need for cooperation to design future-oriented economic models.
Recognising WGS’s role in fostering dialogue on global issues, ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said:
“The World Governments Summit is increasingly recognised as a critical platform for discussing and influencing the future of global governance. As the world’s largest business organisation, ICC firmly believes that no global challenge can be effectively addressed without the involvement of the private sector. Through our partnership with WGS, we look forward to leveraging the expertise and resources of our vast network, representing over 45 million companies across 170 countries, including 70% from the Global South, to foster innovative approaches to international cooperation.”
Mr Denton stressed ICC’s commitment to collaborative solutions that are not only innovative but also inclusive, ensuring developing economies have a voice in shaping the global economic landscape.
The World Governments Summit is a global platform that brings together leaders from government, business, and civil society to address pressing global challenges and explore future trends. Through collaborative efforts and knowledge-sharing, the Summit aims to shape the future of governance, foster innovation, and develop sustainable solutions that improve quality of life for communities worldwide.
Contemporary economic challenges in Africa appear to be shifting the continent into a new era of development. From COVID-19 to war-induced inflation, many countries in Africa are facing significant economic challenges. The crises of recent years come on top of longer-term increases in debt, especially after the 2014 commodity price shock.
These circumstances have been the backdrop to recent conflicts, coups, and regime changes. But these contemporary crises follow a period of relatively successful state-led development in the first two decades of the 21st century, resulting in a hype about the new “African lions” and the emergence of an “Africa rising” narrative.
Two cases stand out as emblematic of this era: Rwanda’s vision of a Dubai-style financial and service hub, and Ethiopia’s rapid manufacturing and infrastructure ambitions.
Much has been written about the international factors behind this era of state-led development. The focus has been on the extension of private finance and the growth of “new” lenders such as China, India and Brazil. But these perspectives often overlook important questions. What has inspired ambitious African national plans over the last two decades? What assumptions were made about how development happens and how it should look?
In new research published in a special issue of a journal, we analyse these modernising visions. We unpick their differences and commonalities using cases from multiple countries.
Our emphasis is on understanding ideas, beliefs, and norms in shaping development plans. Such perspectives are often overlooked in the study of Africa. Scholars have often presumed that ruling elites are primarily interested in narrow material power or self-enrichment. We argue that ideas and beliefs underpin the goals and content of development plans.
The research covered in the special issue covers Angola, Eritrea and Tanzania, but in this article we will unpack our analysis of Ethiopia and Rwanda.
20th century modernist development
Many of the elements of development this century look like resurgent 20th century “high modernism”. This is a term coined by scholar James Scott to describe top-down, state-led, authoritarian programmes of economic development. These programmes typically used infrastructure and technology to engineer supposedly “backward”, “traditional” people and landscapes into efficient, modern, rational alternatives.
Perhaps the chief examples here are large dams. Historically, dams were viewed as the hallmark projects of modernisation. They could tame nature and deploy technology, whether electricity or irrigation, to found modern economies and workers. Ghana’s Akosombo Dam is one such project.
But building dams paused from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s as the World Bank and other major funders withdrew. Dam projects were seen as having too-high social and economic costs and as not performing well. Such negative impacts also generated significant protests.
Rwanda’s case
Underpinning Rwanda’s model is a concentrated Leninist-style power structure. The president and associated elites chart the path to progress. The party, with its affiliated companies and investment funds, is all powerful – not solely the state. Rwanda also revived mid-century plans, from dams to an east African railway corridor. Electricity was deemed central, resulting in a rapid, but overambitious five-fold increase in over 15 years.
This recent period was not just a reproduction of the 1960s, however. It had new elements. A Dubai-style aesthetic is central to the reinvented capital, Kigali, where the goal is to create a new corporate service hub, replete with skyscraper, conference centres, shopping malls and a new international airport. This replaces the 20th century obsession with industrial sites and brutalist concrete.
Rather than the state-led programmes of the 20th century, pro-market reforms have been incorporated. There’s an embrace of private enterprise, a stock market and investment. The country’s electricity boom was largely enacted by private firms and Rwanda consistently ranks as one of the top countries in the Ease of Doing Business index. It takes hours, not weeks, to set up a company and there’s a speedy regulatory bureaucracy.
In some cases, “neoliberal” reforms have been brought in, with private enterprise and investment in previously state-controlled domains. Rwanda embraced corporate investment and ownership while making business-friendly, low-tax reforms. The private sector was given a big role in Rwanda’s boom to build over 40 microhydro plants in 15 years.
New public management techniques, with individual incentives and civil service targets, were adopted.
Ethiopia’s case
Ethiopia focused on investments in large agricultural plantations and industrial parks. The result evoked 20th century modernisation drives. A broad-based infrastructure boom and an industrialisation strategy that moved agricultural produce up the value chain would transform the structure of the economy. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the Addis-Djibouti Railway and other megaprojects became symbols of this vision. The aim was to maintain state control of the commanding heights of the economy (electricity, water, telecommunications and aviation, among others), while building an industrial base that would absorb the surplus agricultural labour.
This was coupled with investments in education and health. In 2016, Ethiopia had the third highest ratio of public investment to GDP, but also one of the fastest economic growth rates globally.
Unlike Rwanda, this ideology has not survived. Progress in health, education and income was achieved but political tensions grew. By the mid 2010s, the material reality of people’s livelihoods could no longer keep up with the promises the ruling party had evoked. Dissent was not tolerated and led to mass protests, riots, and the eventual demise of the party. Since 2018, there has been a dramatic shift in ideology and vision with an openness to liberalisation, and a focus away from industrialisation to the service sector.
Continuity and change
Overall, our analysis reveals a combination of continuity and change during this period. It marks the triumph of an “African left”, with old titans like Tanzania’s Chama Cha Mapinduzi or Mozambique’s Frelimo joined by new revolutionary parties also inspired by Marxism.
The language of communism or socialism is not used explicitly. But a belief endures that top-down schemes and mega-infrastructure can catapult people into an “enlightened” future. Structural economic barriers are surmountable through technology and engineering.
Simultaneously, one cannot escape the language of the Davos establishment about the supremacy of markets, importance of foreign investment and pledges to tackle climate change and poverty. This illustrates the degree to which these illiberal modernisers are connected to international policymaking.
Our publication conceptualises this pattern of continuity and change, as a 10-point “illiberal modernisers” manifesto. Although holding considerable variation between countries, we argue that these these hegemonic ruling parties shared common goals of transforming society through an elite-defined programme.
Ultimately, the pattern of continuity and change demonstrates the importance of analysing ideas, beliefs, and values. Elites in Africa, just as elsewhere, are not only interested in power but are influenced by ideas about development.
Barnaby Joseph Dye receives funding from the Economic and Social Science Research Council (UK).
Biruk Terrefe received funding from the Heinrich Böll Foundation (Germany).
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Henning Melber, Extraordinary Professor, Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria
The former liberation movement South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo) has been in firm political control of Namibia since independence in 1990.
Itula, contesting as an “independent candidate” without party nomination, managed to snatch 30% of the votes from Geingob. Swapo’s downward trend was confirmed by a dramatic decline in support in the 2020 regional and local elections.
Despite these shifting grounds, democracy stood the test of time. The smooth transition following the death of Geingob in February 2024 was a sign of political stability. Previous vice-president Nangolo Mbumba became interim president.
But Swapo faces a new quality of opposition.
I have followed and analysed policy in Namibia since independence. In my view, the national assembly and presidential elections of 27 November 2024 signify a new political scenario. For the first time a clear victory for Swapo seems less certain.
Swapo
The Swapo election manifesto pays tribute to Geingob. But it doesn’t mention his Harambee Prosperity Plan. Nor does it feature his metaphor of the “Namibian house”, in which nobody is left behind.
This signifies an abrupt closing of a chapter. Mbumba declared himself a caretaker, not interested in the position for a long term. He therefore does not feature prominently in the election manifesto.
As decided by the party congress in December 2023 the Swapo presidential candidate is Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, also known as “NNN”. Born in 1952, she was a Swapo Youth League activist from her school days and joined Swapo in exile in the mid-1970s. As a liberation struggle veteran she became part of the party leadership and has been a cabinet member since independence.
Nandi-Ndaitwah would be the first female Namibian head of state if elected. But she faces strong competition from Itula.
Namibia’s president is directly elected by a 50% + 1 vote from the electorate. There are several presidential candidates nominated by parties with notable followings. This raises the possibility of no candidate achieving an absolute majority in the first round, for the first time. There would then be a second-round presidential election between the two candidates with most votes.
While not yet in parliament, Itula’s party, Independent Patriots for Change, made inroads in the 2020 regional and local government elections. In 2019, the Popular Democratic Movement won 16 out of the 96 parliamentary seats, becoming the official opposition. The newcomer Landless People’s Movement won four seats, making it the third strongest party.
Despite all these recent gradual shifts, hopes for visible transformation were largely unfulfilled. Namibian politics remained business as usual. As Rui Tyitende, a political scientist at the University of Namibia, recently wrote:
Namibia’s opposition parties are marred by political promiscuity, factionalism, internal conflicts and a perennial struggle for power … Even though Swapo is dysfunctional, the opposition needs to earn the right to govern.
The manifestos
This year’s election campaigns started much earlier than usual, testifying to new dynamics. While often lacking substance beyond personalised insults, electioneering remained peaceful. Notably, since independence, Namibia has not recorded a single politically motivated killing.
Despite early campaigning, party manifestos were released only from mid-September. These kept the media watching out for often dubious promises. Swapo wants to allocate about N$85.7 billion (U$4.9 billion) over five years for mass employment. It does not explain where the funds will come from. But it projects this will create 256,538 jobs.
The Landless People’s Movement claims to be Marxist, but includes a commitment to promoting a free market economy, and investment by multinationals. It also wants to send the first Namibian satellite into space.
Arguably, election manifestos have no serious impact on voting behaviour. For example, among the older generation, political party loyalties remain influenced to some extent by the liberation struggle history, and regional and ethnic identities.
In contrast, Namibians who were born after independence make up more than half of the country’s three million people, with an average age of 21 years. Many of the younger electorate live in urban areas, and have become an increasingly decisive factor. For them, the anti-colonial struggle and ethnicity provide little influence. This might be a factor in voting behaviour.
It seems that Swapo continues to attract the biggest crowds at rallies. However, it remains a matter of speculation if this signals huge electoral support, or is due to the entertainment by popular artists. Entertainment has always played a role in Namibian elections.
Free T-shirts, food and drinks are also incentives for people attending rallies, many of whom are not yet of voting age. While facing financial constraints, Swapo still has the most funds and donors. Another advantage is that it has a functioning operational structure throughout the country, with a regional and local presence of activists.
Something new or more of the same?
Swapo has comparative advantages but there is growing frustration among voters. Its dominance since independence has resulted in a form of democratic authoritarianism or authoritarian democracy. But voter support has still declined.
Similarly authoritarian leadership in the opposition parties and factional in-fighting provide no hope of alternative policies or political culture. Their political coalitions ended in disarray. This might come to Swapo’s rescue.
An unlikely but possible scenario would be an elected president coming from outside Swapo, while Swapo dominates the national assembly. The head of state has far-reaching executive powers. But he or she would then have to work with ministers and deputy ministers drawn from a parliament dominated by Swapo.
Such a constellation would complicate governance. It risks making a non-Swapo president a lame duck. It would be the biggest test for Namibia’s constitutional democracy and rule of law since independence.
As South Africa’s case shows, a former liberation movement can still have a future despite losing its outright majority.
Swapo could get beyond the nostalgic liberation struggle mindset and reinvent itself as a modern political party. This could – as happened in South Africa – pave the way to enter coalition politics in the best interest of the people.
The report on losses of public money within Saskatchewan health organizations has been tabled with the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
The Ministry of Health reports losses by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), Athabasca Health Authority (AHA), Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA), Health Shared Services Saskatchewan (3sHealth), Health Quality Council (HQC) and Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO) in keeping with similar reporting of losses within ministries and Crown agencies.
Two reportable losses were reported by the SHA and HQC to the Ministry of Health in the second quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year (from July 1 to September 30, 2024):
A former SHA employee was paid by SHA while working for an external organization at the same time, resulting in a loss of $2,018 over a period of sixteen months.
A former HQC employee was paid by HQC while working for an external organization at the same time, resulting in a loss of $1,800 over a period of a year and half.
See the attached report, or visit: www.saskatchewan.ca/government/government-structure/ministries/health/other-reports/public-losses.
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for more information, contact:
Media Desk Health Regina Phone: 306-787-4083 Email: media@health.gov.sk.ca Cell: 306-787-4083
UConn Engineering professors are aiding a national effort to maintain secure election infrastructure, ensuring fair elections for all United States voters.
School of Computing professors Benjamin Fuller, Laurent Michel, Ghada Almashaqbeh, and Alexander Russell partnered with the University of Nebraska at Omaha to launch the Secure, Holistic Infrastructure for Election Logistics and Data (SHIELD) project in October. The SHIELD project is supported by the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education (NCITE) Center, a United States Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence.
The election system in the United States is historically complex, with local and state offices given decentralization and autonomy. The system offers oversight and independence to local and state offices. This decentralization yields increased cybersecurity resilience. However, the lack of sharing can result in duplication of efforts or a waste of limited resources.
This project will develop tools and processes that solidify the decentralized electoral systems in the United States to increase the trust of stakeholders in election outcomes. The research team will design a non-prescriptive formal process for election officials to reason holistically about the security of elections.
SHIELD has two main goals, including reporting on optimizing the standard for auditing election reporting, analyzing elections and their components, and specifying procedures for desired security; and organizing an Omaha forum on election security.
Fuller visited the University of Nebraska at Omaha early in October to attend an event hosted by NCITE, which brought Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and five Midwestern secretaries of state to discuss the challenges of the 2024 election and priorities for keeping it secure.
“By partnering with the University of Nebraska at Omaha, we can elevate our impact and continue to provide thoughtful models for election audits and secure systems,” Fuller says. “Boosting the public’s trust in the electoral process should be considered a key offering from a public institution like UConn.”
The four UConn researchers have experience in applied cryptography, cryptography, computer systems security, privacy, information theory, modeling and programming languages, combinatorial optimization, constraint programming, electronic voting security, and statistical election auditing.
This project is one of many UConn is leading related to election standards and national security.
“Our faculty in the School of Computing are recognized authorities in their respective domains, and they are profoundly dedicated to strengthening the integrity of electoral processes,” says School of Computing Director Sanguthevar Rajasekaran. “Their pioneering research on voting security and election standards plays a crucial role in fortifying the resilience and reliability of our democratic systems. I take great pride in working with such distinguished scholars committed to advancing this essential field of study.”
The ninth annual #MedSafetyWeek takes place this week, with regulators from 94 countries and 107 organisations taking part across the globe.
#MedSafetyWeek forms part of international efforts to raise awareness about the importance of reporting suspected side effects to national medicines regulatory authorities such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
This year’s campaign, which runs from 4 to 10 November, focuses on the importance of using medicines correctly to prevent side effects.
This means taking the right medicines, at the right time, in the right way and at the right dose, and carefully following instructions for use of medical devices. Following these steps can drastically reduce the risk of some side effects and safety issues.
When side effects do arise, this MedSafetyWeek, we ask that they are reported directly to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme and local reporting systems as soon as possible. Anyone can make a report: patients, parents, carers and healthcare professionals.
Reporting to the scheme allows the MHRA to not only identify new adverse effects but also gain more information about known adverse effects. This helps to improve the safety of medicines and healthcare products for all patients.
Safety concerns about medical devices, blood factor and immunoglobulin products, e-cigarettes and defective, low-quality or fake healthcare products should also be reported on the Yellow Card website.
This year’s MedSafetyWeek theme of ‘preventing side effects’ aligns with the third World Health Organization (WHO) Global Patient Safety Challenge: Medication Without Harm.
Preventable side effects contribute significantly to an increasing burden on patients and healthcare services, with studies consistently showing that between one third and a half may be potentially preventable.
Anticipating and managing side effects is key to reducing this burden and protecting patients from avoidable harm.
Please support #MedSafetyWeek by sharing, liking and reposting our social media posts:
In the UK, the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme is a critical source of information for us as the regulator to monitor the safety of healthcare products once they are on the market.
Importantly, Yellow Card reports can help to identify previously unknown side effects – or adverse drug reactions (ADRs) – and provide new safety knowledge to ensure risk is minimised.
Examples include a report of a three-month-old baby who was prescribed Gaviscon Infant to manage reflux and two days later had severe constipation.
MHRA experts investigated the report and found six other reports of constipation with Gaviscon Infant in children. The ages of the patients varied between two weeks and nine months, except for one child who was a one-year-old.
As the medicine is indicated for children aged one to two years, it appeared that in the vast majority of these cases the product had been prescribed by a healthcare professional in an unapproved patient age group.
It was decided that regulatory action was needed to make the product information clearer with the relevant warnings and precautions.
Yellow Card Biobank
The Yellow Card Biobank is an MHRA and Genomics England pilot project with the goal of increasing understanding of how a patients’ genetic makeup may increase their risk of side effects from prescribed medications.
The MHRA is currently looking for patients who have experienced severe skin reactions when taking allopurinol or severe bleeding when taking direct oral anticoagulants to join the study, before mid-January 2025.
If you or your patient have experienced a side effect to either of these drugs please complete a Yellow Card report. If you have any questions on the Biobank study, please email Yellowcardbiobank@mhra.gov.uk
Create your own Glass Lantern Workshop at the Alley Theatre
4 November 2024
A five-week workshop in the Alley Theatre will allow participants to create their own handmade glass lantern under the guidance of sculptor and ceramic artist Leona Devine.
This workshop, starting on Wednesday 6th November, will involve painting and creating a bespoke lantern. Participants will have fun with fusion and will be introduced to a selection of materials and tools. Each stage will be demonstrated.
There are limited spaces for this fun and creative workshop running Wednesdays 6th 13th, 20th, 27th November and Wednesday 4th December at 11am each day. All abilities welcome. Cost is £60, to book visit www.alley-theatre.com or call the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444.
The Official Partners sponsoring the UK’s Pavilion at COP29 are: AVEVA, Corporate Leaders Group, DP World, National Grid, Octopus Energy, SSE and Standard Chartered.
This year’s COP29 UK Pavilion Official Partners represent UK industry’s outstanding reputation for addressing climate change through enterprise and innovation.
Throughout the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, the UK Pavilion will host a series of events including panel talks, roundtable discussions and networking receptions. These will raise awareness of the best of British climate leadership and share insights on climate change from UK organisations, policy and business.
The funding by the UK Pavilion sponsors reduces cost to the taxpayer, while enabling official partners to demonstrate the vital role industry plays in progressing the climate agenda.
National Grid and SSE are returning as official partners from COP26 in Glasgow, COP27 in Sharm-El Sheikh and COP28 in Dubai, while Octopus Energy is returning from COP28 – showing the ongoing commitment of these companies to cutting emissions and accelerating towards net zero, and to working with the government on this important mission.
The UK government has also welcomed 4 new businesses to the COP29 sponsor portfolio: AVEVA, Corporate Leaders Group, DP World and Standard Chartered, resulting in the highest ever number of official partners at a COP summit.
COP29 runs from 11-22 November and the UK Pavilion will be open for the duration of the conference.
The sponsors
AVEVA
Headquartered in the UK, AVEVA is a global leader in industrial software, driving responsible use of the world’s resources. Over 25,000 enterprises in over 100 countries rely on AVEVA to help them deliver life’s essentials: safe and reliable energy, food, medicines, infrastructure and more. By connecting people with trusted information and AI-enriched insights, AVEVA enables teams to engineer efficiently and optimize operations, driving growth and sustainability. AVEVA attends COP29 with a wholehearted commitment to ensure that COP29 remains the key mechanism for driving collaborative progress on net zero. With the industrial sector contributing to a quarter of global emissions, AVEVA aims to demonstrate digitalization’s critical role in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors while enabling innovation in low-carbon paradigms that can support a just transition to a more sustainable future. Sponsoring the UK Pavilion is a key opportunity to collaborate with business, government and civil society leaders, supporting the transformation of UK economic interests to support COP objectives and accelerating the drive for net zero worldwide.
Caspar Herzberg, CEO, AVEVA:
As a UK-headquartered global leader in industrial intelligence software, AVEVA is proud to support the UK Pavilion at COP29. With industry responsible for a quarter of global emissions, industrial digitalisation is revolutionising decarbonisation strategies. Our work with more than 20,000 enterprises worldwide shows how cross-sector collaboration and untapped industrial data are driving breakthrough sustainability solutions. The UK continues to demonstrate leadership in sustainable industrial innovation, and alongside our government and industry partners, we’re committed to accelerating measurable action on our path to net zero.
Corporate Leaders Group UK
The UK Corporate Leaders Group (CLG UK) is a cross-sector, impact-driven business membership group that provides a strong corporate voice to support UK leadership for the transition to a climate neutral, nature positive and socially inclusive economy. CLG UK’s ongoing mission is to increase business and government leadership through a reinforcing virtuous cycle of increasing ambition and implementing action. It has convened and helped build consensus across the UK business community in support of the transition to competitive, climate-neutral, nature-positive and socially inclusive economies.
Beverley Cornaby, Director, UK Corporate Leaders Group:
The UK Corporate Leaders Group (CLG UK) is delighted to be sponsoring the UK Pavilion at COP29. The timing could not be more important, with the window of opportunity to transition to a clean future closing rapidly. CLG UK is urging governments to be decisive, provide clear policy frameworks and stay on course to meet net zero through strong delivery and implementation plans. To succeed, the UK government must bring business with it on its journey. That is where CLG UK is perfectly positioned to work with the UK Pavilion’s partners, businesses and change-makers to mobilise investment, technology and innovation to achieve our shared goals. We must work together to unlock the power of UK leadership, shift markets and economies, and maintain ambition for climate, nature and people.
DP World
DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities it serves globally. With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 115,000 employees from 160 nationalities, spanning 78 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that’s fit for the future. DP World is rapidly transforming and integrating its businesses – Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology – and uniting its global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient and sustainable end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades.
Rashid Abdulla, CEO & Managing Director, Europe:
DP World’s ambition is to streamline and sustain global trade while building a resilient, lower-carbon supply chain. At COP29 with the UK government, we will champion sustainable end-to-end solutions that address climate challenges head-on, playing our part in connecting stakeholders across sectors, promoting collaboration and creating shared value.
National Grid
National Grid plays a crucial role in connecting millions of people to the energy they use safely, reliably and efficiently. National Grid is pioneering ways to decarbonise the energy system; from building interconnectors to allow the UK to share clean energy with Europe, to investing in renewable energy generation in the United States.
Rhian Kelly, Chief Sustainability Officer, National Grid:
Collaboration across borders and the sharing of best practice is vital if the global ambition for a clean energy future is to be met. Energy networks are an important part of this, enabling clean, green energy to flow from where it’s generated to where it’s needed. National Grid is proud to support the UK Pavilion at COP29, and we look forward to sharing our experiences and learning more from the international community.
Octopus Energy
As a British-born company, Octopus Energy showcases how the UK is leading the world in green innovation, investing billions in clean technologies to drive meaningful change globally. With operations in 18 countries, and 54 million households running on its tech platform Kraken, Octopus is bringing cheaper power to millions of customers globally. Launched just eight years ago, Octopus is now the largest electricity supplier in the UK and one of the largest investors in renewables in Europe, managing a portfolio worth £7 billion. Its relentless focus on smart tech and innovations has unlocked the world’s largest virtual power plant and homes with zero energy bills, delivering clean solutions that save people money and power the world.
Zoisa North-Bond, CEO Octopus Energy Generation:
The UK is the vanguard of green innovation, brimming with the talent and technology needed to accelerate the global energy revolution – and COP is a great opportunity to showcase this. From microgrids to wind farms and EVs – the solutions to empower global communities and stop climate change are available today. By working with policymakers and industry leaders worldwide, we can make green energy accessible for all and drive the solutions that will power the world.
SSE
SSE is the UK and Ireland’s clean energy champion, investing over £20 billion into homegrown energy. Our purpose is to provide the energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in world-class electricity infrastructure that is vital to the clean energy transition. We were the first company in the world to develop a ‘just transition strategy’, aimed at ensuring the benefits of the clean energy transition are shared by workers and communities. SSE has aligned its business strategy to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing a powerful framework to guide the creation of shared value for shareholders and society.
Martin Pibworth, SSE Chief Commercial Officer:
At SSE, we’ve put delivering net zero at the heart of our strategy backed up with of a multi-billion-dollar investment programme focused on mission-critical clean energy infrastructure. COP29 provides the opportunity to speed up the pace of the transition working with a range of international partners to collectively deliver a global just transition.
Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered has an important role to play in supporting our clients, sectors and markets to accelerate the transition to a low carbon, climate resilient economy. We’re pleased to partner with the UK at COP29, creating a platform to bring together partners, stakeholders and decision makers to help deliver outcomes in support of the Paris Agreement. As a major financial hub, the UK has some of the deepest pools of internationally oriented capital and as a leading international cross-border bank, headquartered in the UK, Standard Chartered is uniquely positioned to mobilise this capital and investment towards our footprint markets across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Marissa Drew, Chief Sustainability Officer, Standard Chartered:
We’re pleased to partner with the UK at COP29 and will use this platform, alongside the full breadth of our sustainable finance expertise, to help scale finance and innovative solutions in support of the Paris Agreement. The UK has some of the deepest pools of internationally oriented capital and as a leading international cross-border bank, headquartered in the UK, Standard Chartered is uniquely positioned to mobilise this capital towards sustainable and inclusive growth across our footprint markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
In October 2024, the foreign-exchange reserve increased by kr. 8.4 billion to kr. 650.0 billion. The increase reflects Danmarks Nationalbank’s net purchase of foreign exchange for kr. 0.6 billion, and the central government’s net borrowing of foreign debt for kr. 7.7 billion, cf. table 1.
For settlement in October, Danmarks Nationalbank has not intervened in the foreign exchange market.
Danmarks Nationalbank’s net foreign-exchange purchases and the change in the foreign-exchange reserve – table 1
Kr. billion
October 2024
January 2024 – October 2024
Danmarks Nationalbank’s interventions* to purchase foreign exchange, net
0.0
0.0
Other**
0.6
15.2
Danmarks Nationalbank’s net foreign-exchange purchases
0.6
15.2
The central government’s net foreign borrowing***
7.7
8.9
Change in the foreign-exchange reserve
8.4
24.1
Note: Details may not add because of rounding and previously published figure may have been revised. All transactions as per settlement date.
* Intervention takes place when Danmarks Nationalbank purchases and sells foreign exchange for Danish kroner in the foreign-exchange market in order to stabilise the exchange rate.
** Comprises e.g. interest accrued on the foreign-exchange reserve, the central government’s net payments in foreign exchange, and changes in the banks’ deposits in euro-denominated accounts at Danmarks Nationalbank.
*** Including net payments to the central government in foreign exchange as a result of currency swaps.
DEVELOPMENT IN LIQUIDITY
In October, the central government’s net financing requirement amounted to kr. 25.5 billion. Since the turn of the year, the central government’s net financing requirement has been kr. -35.1 billion, cf. table 2.
The net position of the banks and mortgage-credit institutes vis-à-vis Danmarks Nationalbank increased by kr. 25.3 billion in October, to an outstanding amount of kr. 258.3 billion. In October, the central government’s liquidity impact increased the net position by kr. 22.5 billion.
Impact of various factors on the net position of the banks and mortgage-credit institutes via-a-vis Danmarks Nationalbank – table 2
Kr. billion
October 2024
January 2024 – October 2024
The central government’s net financing
25.5
-35.1
Redemption on domestic central-government debt*
5.6
41.8
Net bond purchases by the government funds and own portfolio and financing of social housing
-1.0
0.1
Other**
-0.2
0.0
The central government’s gross domestic financing requirement
29.8
6.9
The central government’s gross domestic borrowing***
7.3
66.4
The central government’s liquidity impact
22.5
-59.6
Danmarks Nationalbank’s net foreign-exchange purchases
0.6
15.2
Danmarks Nationalbank’s net bond purchases
0.2
-0.2
Other factors****
2.0
12.5
Change in net position
25.3
-32.1
Note: Details may not add because of rounding and previously published figure may have been revised. All transactions as per settlement date.
* Including krone-denominated payments by the central government in currency swaps.
** Comprises foreign net financing requirement and changes in net collateral for the government’s swap portfolio.
*** Gross long-term borrowing, net short-term borrowing and krone-denominated payments to the central government in currency swaps.
**** Comprises e.g. changes in banknotes and coins in circulation.
DANMARKS NATIONALBANK’S INTEREST RATES
Since 18 October 2024 the discount rate has been 2.85 pct. p.a., since 18 October 2024 the current-account interest rate has been 2.85 pct. p.a., since 18 October 2024 the lending rate has been 3 pct. p.a. and since 18 October 2024 the rate of interest on certificates of deposit has been 2.85 pct. p.a.
Enquiries can be directed to press advisor Teis Hald Jensen on tel. +45 3363 6066.
BALANCE SHEET OF DANMARKS NATIONALBANK 31 OCTOBER 2024
Assets
2024
2024
1000 kr.
31/10
30/09
Stock of gold
29,762,724
29,762,724
Foreign assets
568,018,936
558,598,616
Claims on the International Monetary Fund
56,612,023
56,612,023
Claims related to banks’ and mortgage credit institutes’ TARGET accounts in ECB
25,158
21,936
Monetary-policy lending
–
–
Other lending
1,257,590
1,328,162
– Banks’1)
1,257,590
1,328,162
– Miscellaneous loans
–
–
Domestic bonds
32,828,772
32,648,468
Financial fixed assets, etc.
131,550
131,550
Tangible and intangible fixed assets
657,630
659,416
Other assets
3,266,872
2,613,908
692,561,255
682,376,803
1) Other lending to banks include loans for cash deposits.
Liabilities
2024
2024
1000 kr.
31/10
30/09
Banknotes
49,490,166
50,703,826
Coins
6,141,453
6,139,781
Monetary-policy deposits
258,308,841
232,970,192
– Current accounts
258,308,841
232,970,192
– Certificates of deposit
–
–
Other deposits
14,923,309
14,842,944
– Deposits related to banks’ and mortgage credit institutes’ TARGET accounts in ECB
25,158
21,936
– Other deposits from banks’ and mortgage credit institutes’
1,090,023
1,116,117
– Miscellaneous deposits
13,808,128
13,704,891
Central government
228,928,623
243,798,735
Foreign liabilities
4,405,659
3,348,426
Counterpart of Special Drawing Rights allocated by the IMF (SDR)
43,743,945
43,743,945
Other liabilities
2,912,279
3,121,974
Capital and reserves
83,706,980
83,706,980
692,561,255
682,376,803
Note: The monthly balance sheet is calculated at beginning of year values +/- accumulated transaction values. The monthly balance does not include value adjustments and accruals, as these are only calculated at year-end, cf. Danmarks Nationalbank’s accounting principles.
Minister Anand announces investment to support the training and development of IT workers in the Government of Canada
November 4, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
The Government of Canada is committed to building its digital talent to deliver best-in-class digital programs and services for all Canadians.
Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, announced the first annual investment of $4.725 million to support the IT Community Training and Development Fund.
The fund aims to support the professional development of over 20,000 IT practitioners in the Government of Canada (GC) and was established under the latest collective bargaining agreement with the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC).
Managed jointly by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and PIPSC, this fund provides support to ongoing efforts to equip the government’s IT professionals with the latest digital skills and knowledge. In doing so, the fund helps to strengthen the capacity of the public service to design, deliver, and maintain robust, human-centered technology solutions and services.
By supporting the expertise and excellence of the public service, we can deliver effective, modern and citizen-focussed programs and services to Canadians.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments
In this Technical Bulletin, GAD summarises various aspects of the Autumn Budget 2024. We focus on a selection of measures most closely linked to GAD’s work.
Credit: Shutterstock
The Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) has produced a summary of various aspects of the Autumn Budget 2024. It focuses on a selection of the Budget measures most closely linked to GAD’s work.
Budget relevance to GAD
As a department which advises on financial risk, the implications of a new budget are important for GAD’s work and the clients we support. GAD provides actuarial solutions on a non-profit basis for the government and wider public sector using:
risk analysis
modelling
quality assurance and advice
data insights to identify trends and share insights
A significant proportion of our work is on aspects of public service pension schemes. These affect 15 million working and retired people including police, firefighters, teachers, civil servants, doctors and nurses.
Credit: Shutterstock
Our skills further support government departments and stakeholder initiatives. Examples of these include reports on Great Britain’s National Insurance fund and on the State Pension age.
Topics covered
The Autumn Budget 2024 covered a number of topics relevant for GAD, ranging from National Insurance to pensions, and from fiscal forecasts to investment in public services. Further details can be found in the GAD Technical Bulletin.
Alberta’s diverse cultural communities are one of the many things that make the province a great place to live, work and raise a family. Up to $13.5 million over three years has been dedicated to help support community organizations and Indigenous communities promote the value and benefit of multiculturalism and intercultural connections through two grant programs.
“Our government is committed to working with communities to promote and foster respect and inclusion for all Albertans, regardless of cultural background or origin. These grants support locally driven initiatives that honour our multicultural communities and Indigenous and Métis Peoples in Alberta, helping build a strong and inclusive society.”
Ethnocultural Grant Program
Alberta’s Ethnocultural Grant program has two streams to support community-led initiatives that promote Alberta’s multicultural diversity and foster inclusivity, including by supporting Indigenous community organizations in celebrating and sharing their rich culture and heritage.
Stream 1 provides up to $50,000 for projects that create opportunities for intercultural connections with ethnocultural and Indigenous groups.
Stream 2 provides up to $15,000 for projects that create opportunities to celebrate diversity.
Anti-Racism Grant Program
Alberta’s Anti-Racism Grant program has two streams to support community-led initiatives that help address and prevent racism and promote more inclusive and accepting multicultural communities across Alberta.
Stream 1 provides up to $5,000 for projects that promote awareness and the impacts of racism faced by Indigenous and racialized groups.
Stream 2 provides up to $10,000 to support community-led anti-racism projects.
This past spring, the Ethnocultural Grant program supported 182 projects with a total of $5.1 million to deliver programs to increase cross-cultural awareness, and 49 anti-racism initiatives received a total of $424,000 in funding through the Anti-Racism Grant program.
“This grant was crucial to the success of our project. It enabled us to expand the scale of our event, ensuring we could include more diverse performances, educational workshops and community engagement activities. Without this financial support, it would have been impossible to achieve the same level of impact, particularly in reaching underrepresented communities and providing free access to the public.”
“The success of our initiative to minimize systemic discrimination and foster collaboration across sectors in Medicine Hat would not have been possible without the dedicated involvement of community leaders. The government’s grant has played a pivotal role, particularly by enabling the opportunity to create a video series after the Newcomer Connectivity Summit. This funding ensures that the stories and actionable insights from the summit will reach a broader audience, enhancing both the project’s impact and sustainability as we continue to tackle the challenges newcomers face.”
NEW HOLLAND, Pa. (Nov. 2, 2024) – Savencia Cheese USA is recalling select soft ripened cheeses manufactured in our Lena manufacturing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The following products are affected by this recall:
Description
Best Buy Date
GTIN
UPC-A
UPC-B
Emporium Selection Brie, 12/8oz Brie
12/24/2024
10041498111325
004149811132
041498111328
Supreme Oval 7oz, 6/7oz
12/24/2024
10071448504211
007144850421
071448504214
La Bonne Vie Brie, 6/8oz
12/24/2024
10820581678538
La Bonne Vie Camembert, 6/8oz
12/24/2024
10820581678613
12/8oz Industrial Brie
12/24/2024
10077901005226
077901005229
Market Basket Brie 6/8oz
12/24/2024
10049705666309
004970566630
049705666302
The only products being recalled are those in the table above. You can identify these products by reviewing the UPC and the best buy date on the product labels. These products had limited regional distribution in the United States. The few retailers that received the product have been informed of this possible contamination and are in the process of removing products from shelves. Consumers that have any of the recalled products listed in the table above should refrain from consuming them and return them to their place of purchase for a full refund.
At this time, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse health events due to consumption of these products.
Through routine testing, it was identified that processing equipment at the site may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. While finished product testing has not identified contaminated product, we have initiated a voluntary recall to retrieve the potentially affected product.
This voluntary recall is being conducted in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Consumer Relations at (800)-322-2743 or email sc.customer.service@savencia.com.
Media Contact: Kriston Ohm kriston.ohm@savencia.com
As the Plateau State Local Government Elections approach, set for October 9, 2024, the Equity International Initiative, a civil society organization committed to advancing democracy and human rights, has called for a credible and transparent electoral process.
During a press conference held in Jos, Amb. Chris Iyama, the organization’s Team Lead, urged citizens to actively participate in the elections and appealed to the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to ensure a smooth electoral process free from intimidation, violence, or manipulation.
Iyama emphasized the importance of fairness in the electoral process and the significant roles played by various stakeholders.
. “We call on PLASIEC to be diligent in the deployment of materials and ensure that every voter has unhindered access to the polls.The integrity of our democracy hinges on this process, and we urge all political parties and candidates to respect existing rules and refrain from actions that could undermine the election’s credibility.” he stated.
He raised concerns about potential voter inducement, vote-buying, and the threats of violence on election day. Iyama revealed that Equity International Initiative plans to deploy both stationary and roving observers to monitor the election across all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“We will have trained observers at various polling units and roving observers to monitor the collation of results at ward levels. This strategy will enable us to compile a detailed report post-election, identifying areas for improvement in the electoral process,” he added.
Furthermore, the organization urged security personnel assigned to the election to maintain neutrality and professionalism. Iyama also called on other civil society organizations to join efforts in ensuring a peaceful and credible election. “Security personnel must act in accordance with their code of conduct and ensure that any attempts to interfere with the electoral process are swiftly addressed. Their role is to protect voters and uphold the integrity of the elections.”
“We believe that collaboration among civil society groups is vital for strengthening democracy. We are committed to working with others to ensure this election sets a standard for fairness and transparency,” he said.
Iyama particularly urged young voters to participate actively. “We encourage the youth to come out en masse and ensure their votes count. Your participation is crucial for the future of our democracy. Together, we can safeguard the integrity of this election,” he declared.
In the same vein, Dr. Chris Kwaja, Nigeria Country Director of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), also highlighted the essential role that local government elections play in Nigeria’s political landscape.
He remarked, “In 2019, USIP launched a major report assessing the risks of election violence, and one of the key findings was that unresolved local conflicts often manifest in these elections.”
“When local government elections lack credibility, people often wait for general elections to vent their frustrations. This underscores the need for PLASIEC to ensure a fair, transparent election process at the grassroots level.”
Dr. Kwaja praised PLASIEC’s initiatives to promote an open and transparent electoral process, including the establishment of a Situation Room for monitoring election activities.
“I told the PLASIEC chairman that his integrity is on the line. This election is an opportunity for PLASIEC to demonstrate its credibility or risk falling back into the negative perceptions of the past. The media and civil society will be crucial in observing and validating the transparency of this process,” he noted.
He further stressed the need for civil society to remain vigilant, warning that a compromised civil society could undermine the credibility of the election.
The grouping which originally began with Brazil, Russia, India, China – was coined in 2001 by then Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O’Neill – expanded to include South Africa in 2010.
The bloc was founded as an informal club in 2009 to provide a platform for its members to challenge a world order dominated by the United States and its Western allies.
Its creation was initiated by Russia.
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The group is not a formal multilateral organisation like the United Nations, World Bank or the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
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The heads of state and government of the member nations convene annually with each nation taking up a one-year rotating chairmanship of the group.
It now represents around 3.5 billion people – 45 per cent of the world’s population.
Its combined economies are valued at over $28.5 trillion – nearly a third of the global economy.
But which countries have recently joined? Which want to join now and why? And what does the expansion mean for the West?
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the 16th Brics Summit in Kazan, let’s take a closer look at how Brics is expanding.
Which countries joined recently?
Brics in 2023 invited six countries – Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – to become new members of the bloc.
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The formal invitation was made during a summit in August in Johannesburg.
While all BRICS members had publicly expressed support for growing the bloc, there were divisions among the leaders over how much and how quickly.
Members at the time said the move would help reshuffle a world order they view as outdated.
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In January, five of these nations – Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – said they were joining the BRICS bloc.
Argentina declined the invitation to join.
As per Al Jazeera, this came after President Javier Milei took office.
Milei has vowed to increase ties with the West.
However, Saudi Arabia later said it is not yet joining the group and that the matter is being considered by its leadership.
Ultimately, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and UAE joined the bloc.
Which want to join now and why?
Dozens of countries have voiced interest in joining the grouping.
Algeria, Bolivia, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Turkiye, Comoros, Gabon, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia have all expressed interest in joining the forum.
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Turkiye, a Nato member, formally requested to join BRICS in September.
As p_er Bloomberg,_ Turkiye is looking to become part of the bloc as it eyes increasing its global influence.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration is looking further than its time-tested allies in the West, people familiar with the development told the outlet.
Erdogan’s government believes the centre of geopolitics is moving away from the developed economies.
Turkiye is also eyeing improving its economic relationship with Russia and China.
Turkiye under President Tayyip Erdogan is looking to join Brics. Reuters
This is a departure for the NATO member nation which has historically been suspicious of Moscow and been a US ally.
Turkiye is also thought to be upset over the lack of forward movement in its decades-long attempt to join the European Union.
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According to Al Jazeera, Thailand said it was interested in joining the grouping during the BRICS Dialogue with Developing Countries held in Russia in June.
Malaysia too expressed interest in becoming a member ahead of a visit from Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
The bloc “can help Malaysia’s digital economy grow faster by allowing it to integrate with countries that have strong digital markets and also take advantage of best practices from other members,” Rahul Mishra, associate professor at the Center for Indo-Pacific Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, told DW.
“Thailand would also be able to draw investments in important industries including services, manufacturing, and agriculture,” Mishra added.
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Bolivia’s President Luis Arce has expressed interest in BRICS membership.
His government has said it is determined to curb dependence on the US dollar for foreign trade, instead turning to the Chinese yuan, in line with BRICS leaders’ stated aim to reduce dependence on the US currency.
Algeria last July it has applied for BRICS membership and to become a shareholder in the New Development Bank, the so-called BRICS Bank.
The North African nation is rich in oil and gas resources and is seeking to diversify its economy and strengthen partnership with China and other countries.
The countries hope the bloc can level the global playing field. Most nations view BRICS as an alternative to global bodies viewed as dominated by the traditional Western powers and hope membership will unlock benefits including development finance, and increased trade and investment.
Dissatisfaction with the global order among developing nations was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic when life-saving vaccines were hoarded by the rich countries.
“That so many countries are willing to go to Russia, deemed a pariah state not so long ago for having violated international law by invading Ukraine, confirms a trend followed by an increasing number of countries in the world: They don’t want to have to choose between partners,” Tara Varma, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institute, told Al Jazeera.
Adam Gallagher, writing for USIP.org, noting the size of the bloc, said there are clear economic benefits to joining the grouping.
“Intra-BRICS trade is one area that the group has found its footing,” Gallagher said. He noted how the June 2024 BRICS foreign minister’s meeting encouraged “enhanced use of local currencies in trade and financial transactions” by Brics members.
Gallagher said that countries like Malaysia, who want to join the grouping, are looking to form alliances across the globe and preserve their strategic autonomy.
“For these countries, it’s not about taking sides. Some countries also believe BRICS membership will give them a greater voice and representation in international politics. It’s not all about anti-Western ideology,” Gallagher wrote.
James Chin, a professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania told DW “both Thailand and Malaysia are seen as middle powers.”
“It’s better for them to join groups like BRICS so that they will have a larger voice in the international arena. But the major benefit will be trade,” Chin added.
What does the expansion mean for the West?
Experts say that these growing number of nations who want to join Brics shows that they want their financial independence – and that the established world order may be vulnerable.
“In the aftermath of the war in Gaza, Russia and China have more effectively harnessed this anti-Western sentiment, capitalising on frustrations over Western double standards as well as the use of sanctions and economic coercion by the West,” Asli Aydintasbas, a Turkish foreign policy expert, was quoted as telling the Brookings Institute as per Al Jazeera.
“It doesn’t mean that middle powers want to trade US dominance for Chinese, but it means they are open to aligning with Russia and China for a more fragmented and autonomous world.”
As per Al Jazeera, Brics members and their associates clearly want to decrease their reliance on the US dollar and Europe’s Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) network.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim walks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Anwar’s ceremonial reception at India’s Presidential Palace Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, India, August 20, 2024. REUTERS
This comes after Russia was cut-off from the system in the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
“China now has an alternative to the SWIFT payment system, though limited in use, and countries like Turkiye and Brazil increasingly restructure their dollar reserves into gold,” Aydintasbas added. “Currency swaps for energy deals are also a popular idea – all suggesting a desire for greater financial independence from the West.”
As per CFR.org, Western nations until now have talked down the bloc as a threat.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has said Brics isn’t a geopolitical rival, while Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has downplayed the de-dollarisation strategy of Russia and China.
But some argue that the West needs to do some serious introspection.
“The accusation that the West is arrogant toward the needs of the Global South is serious. It cannot be answered by offering ‘value-based partnerships’ and a ‘rules-based’ multilateralism when the interest of the BRICS is focused on changing those rules in global finance, trade, and other standard-setting procedures,” Günther Maihold, senior fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, was quoted as saying by CFR.org.
“Ignoring BRICS as a major policy force—something the U.S. has been prone to do in the past—is no longer an option,” Tufts University scholars wrote in 2023.
It remains to be seen how the US-led West will react.
(Bloomberg) — The American Sikh separatist targeted in a foiled assassination plot allegedly planned by India said that intelligence agents in New Delhi still want him dead and said that the Biden administration’s “quiet diplomacy” has failed to deter Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
“The risk has increased,” Gurpatwant Singh Pannun said in an interview at his office in New York. “The Modi regime has not faced any consequences. They have not been held accountable. Why would they stop?”
The Indian government has branded him a terrorist and declared that his group Sikhs for Justice — which advocates for a Sikh nation known as Khalistan to be carved out of India’s Punjab state — is an “unlawful organization” that poses a threat to India’s sovereignty.
Pannun’s case first disrupted US-India ties late last year. That’s when the US Justice Department unsealed a superseding indictment in the Southern District of New York alleging that Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, was recruited by an Indian government employee — known as “CC-1” — to have Pannun killed as part of a broader plan to assassinate overseas activists. At the time, Pannun’s group was organizing unofficial Khalistan referendums among Indian diaspora communities.
Gupta has plead not guilty.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs declined to respond to Pannun’s allegation that he remains a target of assassination. A ministry spokesman previously said the indictment was a “matter of concern,” that the allegations run “contrary to government policy” and that there is a “high-level committee” looking into the issue.
Months earlier in Canada, a Sikh separatist called Hardeep Singh Nijjar — a long-time associate of Pannun’s — was slain in a shooting that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blamed on India, which rejected the accusations as “absurd.” But the US assassination plot on Pannun was foiled, according to the indictment, when an Indian national, operating under the Indian agent’s direction, inadvertently hired an undercover US agent posing as a potential hit-man.
Indian and US security agencies are in touch, and New Delhi continues to investigate the alleged murder plot, Vikram Misri, India’s foreign secretary, told reporters recently in New Delhi.
Earlier: India, Canada Meet as Arrests Point to Another Sikh Murder Plot
The case has been embarrassing for the Biden administration, which has continued to court Modi in an effort to counterbalance China.
“The question that this episode raises is whether we really are on the same page with this Indian government, and the extent to which an inclination to want to achieve a broader strategic end is maybe leading us to overlook the actually very transactional nature of the relationship,” said Daniel Markey, a former State Department official who’s now at the US Institute of Peace.
The case also represents a collision of geopolitical, criminal and constitutional considerations. India takes separatist movements seriously, given the militant history of the Sikh separatist movement in the 1980s and ongoing political violence in Kashmir. India blames overseas groups for fueling instability and potential violence at home.
Pannun, who worked at a Wall Street bank before turning to human rights law, now has five security guards to protect him and search the bags of even his close friends and associates, he said.
“I can continue to fight for the liberation of Punjab only if I stay alive,” he said. “You are doing a peaceful and democratic referendum, you are sitting at a place — and India has the resources and the proxies and the weapons and the money to kill you. You have to make sure that you survive and you continue the campaign.”
In a recent twist, Pannun filed a civil case in the US seeking restitution against senior Indian officials he alleges are responsible for the assassination attempt. Those allegations are “unsubstantiated” and “unwarranted,” Misri, the foreign secretary, said.
In Canada, which saw India expel dozens of diplomats after Trudeau accused India, the government is holding firm on its accusation that India was behind the killing of Nijjar. “That’s the ultimate breach of our country’s sovereignty,” Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told Bloomberg in an interview on Sept. 30. “That can’t happen again.”
About Sikh Separatists India Is Accused of Targeting: QuickTake
‘Terrorism’ Issue
“For India, the issue is that of terrorism,” said Aparna Pande, a research fellow at the Hudson Institute who put out a report pointing to ties between Khalistan groups and Pakistan, which India blames for fomenting violence in Kashmir. “India also believes that Western countries have shown tolerance towards groups and individuals deemed extremists and terrorists by the Indian government.”
Western law enforcement agencies are now attempting to balance protecting constitutional guarantees of free speech against what India views as a movement with the intent to break up the country — and that it alleges has ties to criminal gangs and smuggling. India also views Sikh protests outside its consulates and embassies as threatening.
Pannun, who was born in Amritsar, India, came to the US as a student. He made the new allegations that his life was still at risk after Sikh separatists in California had their truck “sprayed with bullets,” his group said.
That new attack is reviving concerns among US lawmakers after the original assassination plot prompted some Democratic senators to call on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to mount a strong diplomatic response “no matter the perpetrator.”
Senator Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, said it was crucial to investigate the California incident and to “send a strong message deterring potential future efforts to undermine the values of free speech and protest that we as a nation hold dear.”
Senior Biden administration officials, including White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, have raised Pannun’s case with Modi’s government. Sullivan said in July that the issue “is sensitive, it is something we are working through,” but that the US effort “has been effective, in my view, mostly because it is taking place behind closed doors.”
Pannun, however, says that “quiet diplomacy” hasn’t worked “in the last 15 months” and that “it will not work in the next three years.” He also the Biden administration was handling his case differently because of its desire to have a strategic relationship with New Delhi.
“Had it been Iran, had it been China, had it been Russia — would the administration’s response be the same?” he asked.
–With assistance from Laura Dhillon Kane and Sudhi Ranjan Sen.
(Updates in last paragraph with additional quote.)
This week is National Pain Awareness Week in Canada. A time to raise awareness, show compassion towards people living with pain, and address stigma related to this chronic health condition.
November 4, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada
Everyone will experience pain at some point in their lives, but for one in five Canadians, pain is a part of daily life. This week is National Pain Awareness Week in Canada. A time to raise awareness, show compassion towards people living with pain, and address stigma related to this chronic health condition. Since chronic pain remains largely invisible, those affected often feel stigmatized and isolated. As a result, they may not seek help. We know that when pain goes unmanaged, it takes a physical, emotional and social toll. Unmanaged pain increases risks of mental health and substance use issues and has been identified as a key contributor to the overdose crisis.
The prevalence of chronic pain is even higher for many, including women, military personnel and veterans, Indigenous Peoples, and those working in physically demanding jobs.
National Pain Awareness Week is also an opportunity to recognize and thank those in the pain community working hard to advance priorities identified by the Canadian Pain Task Force, supported by Health Canada. The Government of Canada a funded the establishment of Pain Canada, an initiative dedicated to coordinating national efforts and mobilizing resources for Canadians living with pain across Canada. Health Canada also supported the creation of the Power Over Pain Portal, which provides free, virtual resources to help Canadians living with pain better manage this complex health condition. Finally, in 2023, Canada became the first country to publish a national standard dedicated to the management of pain in our pediatric population.
Since injury and pain are common in the trades, workers often use alcohol or other substances to cope with pain. Pain relief is one way people get introduced to opioids. We recently re-launched an updated Ease the Burden campaign to offer free resources for men in the trades struggling with substance use and to share the message that “it takes strength to ask for help.” The campaign includes information for employers and employees to help start these difficult conversations in the workplace. The goal is to create a space where men feel safe and supported to reach out for help if they are struggling with substance use and addiction, to reduce stigma around getting help, and to ultimately save lives.
These are all actions that will enhance the quality of life for people living with pain. It is through the collective efforts undertaken by different orders of government, members of the medical community, pain researchers and experts, and through meaningful engagement with people living with pain, that we can better prevent and manage pain.
By raising awareness, we can help ensure that people living with chronic pain receive the supports they need to live their lives to the fullest.
The Honourable Ya’ara Saks, P.C., M.P.
Contacts
Callum Haney Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Ya’ara Saks Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health 343-576-4407
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has been urged to rule out the introduction of tuition fees under any future Scottish Labour government, following reports that the UK Labour government will hike fees for students in England to record levels.
Scottish Greens education spokesperson Ross Greer has urged Mr Sarwar to condemn the unfair decision and to instruct Scottish Labour MPs to vote against it.
“Tuition fees are a fundamentally unfair policy, saddling young people with decades of debt and financial anxiety that many will never pay off.
“We all benefit from a well-educated society where higher education is open to everyone, not just those that can afford it.
“England already has some of the highest university fees in the world, but Sir Keir Starmer and his Labour colleagues seem happy to repeat Nick Clegg’s mistakes with a whole new generation of students – raising fees beyond anything the Tories and Lib Dems introduced.
“Scottish Labour must explain whether their MPs support this hike and where it leaves their tuition policy for Scotland. Anas Sarwar should not only condemn this decision, he should show some leadership by instructing Scottish Labour MPs to oppose it. Most importantly though, he must rule out any attempt to inflict tuition fees on students in Scotland.
“TheScottish Greens will always stand up for students and oppose attempts by Labour or any other party to reintroduce tuition fees in Scotland.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Environment Agency has prosecuted a Midlands company for failing to complete safety works on a Lancashire reservoir.
Ward’s reservoir near Belmont, Lancashire. Credit: Environment Agency
Midlands-based company fails to carry out safety recommendations at reservoir near Belmont
Enforcement notice required completion of safety works
The Environment Agency has prosecuted a Midlands company which failed to safely maintain Ward’s Reservoir in Lancashire, putting residents in nearby Belmont at risk.
At Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on 8 October 2024, Blue Lagoon Heritage Limited, of Old Marlbrook Quarry, Lydiate Ash, Bromsgrove, admitted failing to comply with an enforcement notice. This was issued under the Reservoirs Act 1975.
This required the company to complete essential maintenance and construction works in the interests of public safety. The company was ordered to pay fines and costs of £5,445.
Safety checks
The court heard that a notice was served on the company by the Environment Agency’s National Reservoir Safety Team in May 2021. This was to carry out safety measures under the supervision of a qualified civil engineer.
However, the company by October 2021 had failed to carry out the work and weekly safety checks by Environment Agency officers were started.
In June 2022, the Environment Agency intervened to protect public safety, commissioning contractors to inspect and free the outlet valve.
This allowed levels in the reservoir to be managed and maintained at 5.25 metres below the maximum top water level, significantly reducing its risk of failure.
In the continued absence of adequate management by the company the Environment Agency has since been conducting site visits and engineer safety checks.
The reservoir spillway which was not maintained. Credit: Environment Agency
Karl Hunter, Enforcement Advisor for the Environment Agency’s National Reservoir Safety Team, said:
The director and owners of Blue Lagoon Heritage Limited failed to respond to advice and enforcement notices to improve the unacceptable and unsafe condition.
This failure to comply came despite repeated site inspections and warnings from Environment Agency officers and independent expert engineers.
This caused unacceptable risks to local residents and businesses in the village of Belmont and surrounding areas downstream of the reservoir.
The owners of all Large Raised Reservoirs are regulated under the Reservoirs Act 1975 by the Environment Agency.
The Act requires owners to maintain their reservoirs in full compliance with safety recommendations, set periodically by independent reservoir engineers.
Blue Lagoon Heritage Limited took ownership of Ward’s Reservoir in 2019 and has consistently failed in its legal duty.
We will continue to work to tackle inadequate maintenance of reservoirs which puts lives at risk. We are committed to ensuring that reservoir safety standards are adhered to.
The charge:
That Blue Lagoon Heritage Limited, (Company number 07390323) by 29 July 2021 as undertaker of Wards (Blue Lagoon) Reservoir, had failed to comply with the requirements of a Notice.
This was made on the 20 May 2021 under Section 10(7)(b) of the Reservoirs Act 1975. This required safety measures to be put into effect at Wards (Blue Lagoon) Reservoir under the supervision of a qualified civil engineer by the 28 July 2021. Contrary to Section 22(1)(b) of the Reservoirs Act 1975.
Background Information
Reservoirs in England and Wales capable of holding more than 25,000 cubic metres of water must be registered with the Environment Agency.
The owners (‘Undertakers’) must comply fully with the requirements of the Reservoirs Act 1975.
The Act is designed to provide a regulatory framework for maintaining reservoir safety to prevent an uncontrolled release of water and risk to life.
People can report environmental incidents to our 24/7 hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or Crimestoppers anonymously and in confidence on 0800 555 111.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
From 28-30 October, charity regulators from eight nations gathered in the UK for a three-day meeting.
Representatives and Heads of Regulators from Australia, Canada, England and Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Singapore, in addition to an observing invitee from the United States, met to discuss matters of mutual interest and concern.
Regulators recognised the world is currently dealing with substantial challenges including evolving social environments with changing patterns of volunteering, climate change and more natural disasters, cost of living pressures driving higher demand for services and costs of running organisations, and the need to support populations through conflict not seen for a generation.
Regulators affirmed that given this current global context, the work of charities and not-for-profit organisations has never been more important. Charities and not-for-profit organisations have a long history of enabling society to adapt, improving the lives of millions globally, and supporting and enabling cohesion where there has been division. Working across sectors to find solutions to the world’s most challenging problems, they are fundamental to world class research, scientific endeavour and policy change that enables health, environmental and animal welfare issues to be advanced.
Regulators shared examples of how effective, expert regulation plays a fundamental part in allowing charities to thrive and allows the public to have trust and confidence in the work of charities. Our organisations each contribute to supporting and ensuring strong governance in charities, so that they deliver their charitable purpose for the benefit of all. Regulators have been delighted to advance our shared objectives at this meeting through the exchange of knowledge and best practice.
The meeting covered four key themes:
Charity registration and charitable status
Registration is the start of the journey for new charities and trustees, and at the core of each of our roles is making efficient, effective decisions to ensure genuine applicants can begin delivering their charitable purpose.
Regulators:
shared improvements to our respective processes for registration, acknowledging the constraints inherent in applying a legal test.
gained valuable insights from other jurisdictions approaches to improve the quality of applications from prospective charities
shared plans to digitise and improve registration services within jurisdictions
shared trends and case studies on those seeking to abuse charity status but were prevented from doing so
agreed, subject to national jurisdictions laws and restrictions, to improve data sharing to prevent cross border abuse of charity status via the registration process
agreed to explore how to enable simpler but robust registration services for those who work across borders
Digital, technology and data
Regulators are at different stages in their journeys of delivering new digital technologies, with a particular focus across each jurisdiction on using online services to enhance relationships with charity trustees, ensuring we provide charities with the best guidance and tools, as well as driving regulatory efficiency. Regulators discussed experiences in delivering recent innovations, and how charities in their jurisdiction responded, to inform each of our future plans.
Regulators:
agreed to share digital and technology plans to enable better cross jurisdiction co-operation and experience for charities and the public
agreed, subject to national laws and regulations, to share emerging trends, issues, impacts of technology on charities, charity regulation and policies to enable the benefits of technology to be exploited whilst mitigating risks and unintended consequences.
Communication, education and public trust
Regulators identified many commonalities in our approaches to using social media, events and guidance to secure greater engagement with charities, particularly those who are traditionally harder to reach or might have less knowledge.
Regulators:
identified several approaches that have been successfully applied in individual nations and have taken away from the meeting ideas as to how these could potentially be translated into new national initiatives.
welcomed the contribution such work programmes make in delivering our core remit to build public trust and confidence in charity, and in our own effectiveness.
Compliance
Regulators reviewed global trends in charity non-compliance, and how these have been addressed through use of regulatory powers. Discussion of recent domestic cases with international significance, allowed identification of issues in common, that might damage the vast majority of genuine, compliant charities.
With many charities and voluntary organisations working extensively across international borders, Regulators:
affirmed that, subject to national laws and regulations, we will continually share appropriate insight so we can each effectively tackle such risks, acting within our legislative frameworks.
affirmed, we each have a central role to play in supporting compliance with The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards, to ensure the substantial amount of money that flows across borders to facilitate the vital work of the sector is safe and secure and charities may continue to deliver vital services to the world’s most vulnerable.
The group will be hosted by a different member when they next reconvene in the spring of 2026. Until then, Regulators will continue their online quarterly meetings to build on these positive discussions to ensure lessons continue to be shared and the international community of charity Regulators remains united.
Delegate List
David Holdsworth – Chief Executive, England & Wales
Orlando Fraser KC – Chair, England & Wales
Paul Latham – Director of Communications & Policy, England & Wales
Sue Woodward AM – Commissioner, Australia
Natasha Sekulic – Assistant Commissioner – General Counsel, Australia
Sharmila Khare – Director General, Charities Directorate, Canada
Madeleine Delaney – Chief Executive, Ireland
Geraldine McCarthy – Head of Communications, Ireland
Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
Funding comes from senators’ Inflation Reduction Act
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet welcomed the U.S. Department of Interior’s (DOI) announcement of $7.5 million in federal investment to expand clean drinking water access for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Specifically, the funding will help the Ute Mountain Ute plan and complete 18 miles of a 22-mile waterline to connect Cortez and Towaoc and deliver clean water to the community.
Two weeks ago, the senators urged the Bureau of Reclamation to explore new opportunities for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe to access federal funding for drought and water supply management.
“Our tribal communities have long lacked adequate resources to reliably access clean drinking water,” said Hickenlooper. “Thanks to our Inflation Reduction Act, we’re changing that. This $7.5 million will connect Cortez and Towaoc to deliver clean drinking water and create good-paying jobs for the Ute Mountain Ute.”
“When the federal government established reservations for Native American Tribes, it promised a permanent and livable homeland for those it had displaced from their ancestral lands. At a time when our country’s Tribes still lack reliable access to clean and safe water in the 21st century, that promise clearly has been denied and critical tribal water infrastructure like this pipeline should be a priority for the federal government,” said Bennet. “This funding is an important step forward to ensure more members of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe can continue to access clean water, and I’m grateful to the Biden/Harris administration for working to fulfill our nation’s promises.”
“Investing in water infrastructure projects is crucial to ensuring the health, safety and economic prosperity of Indigenous communities,” said Secretary Haaland. “This new program, funded by the President’s Investing in America agenda, will help us ensure all Tribal families and communities have access to the clean, safe drinking water they need in order to thrive.”
“The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe considers water and its watersheds as a sacred and vital element to life. Stewardship of the environment allows life to flourish and is an obligation of our tribe and people. This grant is a crucial step in finishing the project that we’ve been working on for over 14 years to make sure everyone in our community has access to drinking water,” said Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Chairman Manuel Heart.
The Ute Mountain Ute’s project is one of 23 projects the DOI selected to receive $82 million from the Inflation Reduction Act’s $550 million allocated for domestic water supply projects for historically disadvantaged communities.
Hickenlooper and Bennet fought for $8 billion for western water infrastructure, $10 billion for forests, $19 billion for agricultural conservation, and $4 billion for drought in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Full list of selected projects available HERE.
Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
Iran has reportedly paid criminal organizations in America to carry out violent crimes and assassination attempts.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) are announcing a bipartisan effort to strengthen criminal penalties and boost accountability for individuals who commit or attempt to commit violent crimes in the United States on behalf of foreign adversaries.
In September 2024, Ernst and Hassan called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to take action and stop foreign actors, including the Iranian regime, from carrying out criminal activity on our soil.
“Iran is bringing their reign of violence to our homeland, and bad actors helping the regime carry out its proxy terrorism must be met with consequences,” said Ernst, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Any person or organization that does the bidding of foreign adversaries on U.S. soil jeopardizes Americans’ safety. We must end the growing footprint of Tehran’s terrorism and deter this criminal behavior by ensuring it’s met with the full force of the justice system.”
“We need to do more to stop the new and chilling set of attempted crimes by our foreign adversaries who are trying to silence their critics in the United States by directing criminals in our country to harm them,” said Senator Hassan. “Our upcoming bipartisan legislation will help ensure that those who commit or attempt these heinous acts face serious consequences and deter others from accepting offers to do the dirty work of foreign governments.”
The Deterring External Threats and Ensuring Robust Responses to Egregious and Nefarious Criminal Endeavors (DETERRENCE) Actwould include measures such as:
Boosting sentences for offenders working with foreign adversaries and deter individuals and criminal organizations to carry out violence on American soil, like murder-for-hire, threatening or assaulting current or former U.S. officials, kidnapping, and stalking; and,
Increasing the maximum penalties available for stalking related charges when done on behalf of a foreign government.
Background:
Ernst has been leading the PUNISH Act to enforce “maximum pressure” sanctions on Iran until the State Department can certify that Iran has not supported any attempt in the last five years to kill a U.S. citizen or a former or current U.S. official.
Source: United States Small Business Administration
WASHINGTON – Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 34 million small businesses, announced a single-year record for federal contracting certifications for FY24, in which the SBA certified more than 17,000 small businesses—a nearly 40 percent increase over FY23, across its certification programs for women, veterans, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, and HUBZones. Further, the SBA also announced that its new MySBA Certifications online platform is live and accepting applications. The announcement comes as the Administrator proposes a new procurement rule to further supercharge small business participation in government contracting by expanding the number of small business set aside opportunities. The proposed rule, “Small Business Contracting: Increasing Small Business Participation on Multiple Awards,” expands the ‘Rule of Two’ to multiple-award contracts.
“Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the SBA has taken bold action to ensure that more small businesses than ever before can compete for and win valuable government contracts,” said SBA Administrator Guzman. “To increase opportunities for America’s small business owners, the SBA has rolled out MySBA Certifications, a streamlined technology tool that makes it easier for entrepreneurs to apply for multiple certifications with a single application. However, we don’t just want to certify more firms – we want those firms to have more contracts to pursue. That’s why we’re also proud to announce our proposed increase of small business set aside opportunities with a potential expansion of the ‘Rule of Two’ to multiple award contracts. All of these actions help further the SBA’s mission of driving competition, innovation, and opportunity in federal contracting.”
During the Biden-Harris Administration, the SBA has consistently exceeded its government-wide contracting goal and is projected to again exceed the 23% goal with over 28% awarded to small firms in FY24. In FY23, 28% of prime contracts went to small businesses, representing a $178.6 billion investment in the small business economy – an increase of $15.7 billion from FY22 fiscal year and a new all-time high.
Since taking office, President Biden and Vice President Harris have proudly championed the federal government’s record-high level of small business contracts, especially those owned by veterans and individuals who have traditionally been disadvantaged. Under President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, the SBA has worked tirelessly to fuel the nation’s economy by leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and ensuring fair competition in federal contracting. With the newly announced MySBA Certifications platform, the already-growing number of certifications is expected to increase further, thanks to the overall improvements to the customer experience embedded within the platform.
Currently, per the SBA’s existing ‘Rule of Two,’ government agencies must set aside a contract for small businesses when there are two or more small businesses expected to submit offers at reasonable prices. Today’s new rule proposal would apply the ‘Rule of Two’ to multiple award contracts, which are becoming more prevalent in federal procurement. The SBA estimates that full implementation could increase contracting with small businesses by up to $6 billion annually.
Small businesses and other interested parties may submit comments on the proposed ‘Rule of Two’ during the next 60 days using regulations.gov. The SBA will review those public comments before finalizing the rule. For further information please contact Donna Fudge, Lead Procurement Policy Analyst in the SBA’s Office of Policy Planning and Liaison, at donna.fudge@sba.gov.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. Learn more at www.sba.gov.
Headline: Governor Cooper Proclaims Employ a Veteran Week
Governor Cooper Proclaims Employ a Veteran Week mseets
North Carolina will celebrate “Employ A Veteran Week,” Nov. 11-15, and a variety of events before and during that week will help connect veterans to jobs and other services, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.
“Veterans strengthen our communities and enrich our businesses as citizens, skilled workers and leaders,” said Governor Cooper. “We owe veterans and their families a deep debt of gratitude for their service, and, as America’s most military and veteran-friendly state, North Carolina honors them by helping them get good jobs in growing industries.”
“It’s our privilege to serve our Veterans, the more than 20,000 military service members who transition from active duty in North Carolina each year, and their families, through our NCWorks Career Centers and other state programs,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “The talent found within our military community brings a strong work ethic, leadership experience, adaptability, integrity, and specialized training to our workforce—attributes every business needs to be successful—and part of what makes North Carolina such an attractive state for innovative companies.”
“Veterans bring invaluable skills and experiences to our communities and demonstrated resilience, leadership, and dedication during their service. The N.C. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NC DMVA) expresses our profound gratitude for their sacrifices,” said NC DMVA Secretary Grier Martin. “A successful transition to civilian life is important for a veteran and also harnesses their talents to benefit our economy.”
Local events focused on helping veterans find employment and access other services include:
Tuesday, Nov. 5 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Union County will hold a Veterans Appreciation Event at 1125 Skyway Drive, Monroe, NC. Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) workshops will be offered to veterans and their spouses at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. A hiring event with at least two employers will take place from 1-4 p.m., with the first hour reserved for veterans. Lunch will be provided to the first 20 veterans to attend the workshops or the hiring event. To register, call 704-283-7541.
Tuesday, Nov. 5 (11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center -Iredell/Statesville will hold a Veterans Lunch and Learn session at 133 Island Ford Road, Statesville, NC. Attendees will learn about VA benefits, Iredell County Veteran Services and other resources.
Wednesday, Nov. 6 (8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center -Iredell/Statesville will offer Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) workshops to veterans at 133 Island Ford Road, Statesville, NC. The general public is also welcome. Workshops include “Marketing Yourself & Other Job Search Tactics,” “Interview Skills,” “Networking & Professional Introductions,” and “Job Fair Strategies & On the Spot Interviews.”
Wednesday, Nov. 6 (9 a.m. – noon) – The NCWorks Career Center – Lincoln will present a Veterans Job & Resource Fair at Gaston College – Lincoln Campus, Room LC 139, 511 South Aspen Street, Lincolnton, NC.
Wednesday, Nov. 6 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Onslow will present a Veterans Career Fair at the American Legion building, 146 Broadhurst Road, Jacksonville, NC. The event is open only to veterans and their dependents from 10 to 11 a.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 6 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Cumberland County will hold a Veterans Hiring Event at 490 N. McPherson Church Road, Fayetteville, NC.
Wednesday, Nov. 6 (2 – 4 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Catawba and partners will present the annual Veterans, Students & Civilians Job Fair, with approximately 25 employers, at Appalachian State University’s new Hickory campus, 800 17th St. NW, Hickory, NC.
Thursday, Nov. 7 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center -Iredell/Statesville will hold a Veterans Job and Resource Fair at 133 Island Ford Road, Statesville, NC. The general public is also welcome.
Thursday, Nov. 7 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Hoke County will hold a Veterans Job Fair at 304 Birch Street, Raeford, NC, with at least four employers, plus Dress for Success. The general public is also welcome.
Thursday, Nov. 7 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Cumberland County will hold a Veterans Hiring Event at 490 N. McPherson Church Road, Fayetteville, NC.
Thursday, Nov. 7 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Pitt County will hold a Veterans Job Fair at 3101 Bismarck St., Greenville, NC. The first hour is reserved for veterans; members of the general public are welcome at 11 a.m.
Thursday, Nov. 7 (2-4 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Rowan will hold the “Veterans Day Expo” at 1904 S. Main St., Salisbury, NC. This event will include Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) workshops with a focus on Networking & Professional Introductions at Job Fairs, Job Fair Strategies, and On-the-Spot Interviews, and Federal Hiring, as well as an Expo with community organizations presenting information on their services, and employers seeking to fill positions.
Thursday, Nov. 7 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Craven will conduct the 4th Annual Veterans Day Job Fair at the National Guard Armory, 301 Glenburnie Drive, New Bern, NC. The job fair is also open to the general public.
Thursday, Nov. 7 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) – The 2024 Foothills Veterans Winter Stand Down will take place at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, 1909 Hickory Blvd., Lenoir, NC. The event provides access to medical services, food, clothing, employment services and more.
Thursday, Nov.7 (2:30 – 6 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Rockingham County will host a Veteran Job Fair. The event is also open to the public. At least five employers will participate, as will partnering organizations that offer resources to veterans.
Friday, Nov. 8 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) – Partners including the NCWorks Career Center – Craven will present the 9th Annual Craven County Veterans Stand-down at the National Guard Armory, 301 Glenburnie Drive, New Bern, NC.
Friday, Nov. 8 (10 a.m. – noon) – The NCWorks Career Center – Richmond County will hold an “Honoring Veterans” event to educate veterans and their dependents on services and benefits to which they are entitled, at 115 W. Franklin St., Rockingham, NC.
Tuesday, Nov. 12 (9 a.m. – noon) – The NCWorks Career Center – Haywood invites all Veterans to a “Thank A Vet” event, featuring breakfast as well as information on local veterans’ resources, at 1170 North Main Street, Waynesville, NC.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Charlotte (Mecklenburg) will host a Veterans Hiring Event at 8601 McAlpine Park Drive, Suite 110, Charlotte, NC. Mock interviews and reviewing of resumes will be offered from 9 – 10 a.m. The hiring event will be open to veterans only from 10 – 11 a.m., and open to the public thereafter.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center -Halifax/Northampton County will hold a Veterans Career Fair at 1560 Julian R. Allsbrook Hwy., Roanoke Rapids, NC.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Centers – Pasquotank & Chowan Counties will hold a Veterans Day Job Fair & Resource Expo at the American Legion, 1317 W. Queen St., Edenton, NC. This event is open to Veterans and the general public.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Cumberland and other partners will present a Women Veterans Career & Resource Fair at Soldier Support Building, 2843 Normandy Drive, Fort Liberty, NC.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) – NCWorks will present a Yancey County Veterans Stand Down event at Burnsville Town Center, 6 S. Main St., Burnsville, NC.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 (1 – 4 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Randolph County and partners will hold a Veteran-Centered Hiring Event at the National Guard Armory, 1430 South Fayetteville Street, Asheboro, NC. The first hour (1-2 p.m.) is reserved for Veterans only.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 (1 – 4 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Wilkes County will present a “Veterans and Job Seekers Job/Resource Fair” at 1320 West D Street, Suite #2, North Wilkesboro, NC.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 (3 – 7 p.m.) – NC4ME presents a “Beers & Careers” networking event for Veterans, Transitioning Service Members, Guard/Reserve Members and Military Spouses in the Camp Lejeune area, at Angry Ginger Irish Pub, 1202 Gum Branch Road, Jacksonville, NC. Register at Eventbrite.
Thursday, Nov. 14 (9 a.m. – noon) – NCWorks Veterans Services invites all Veterans to a “Thank A Vet” event, featuring breakfast as well as information on local veterans’ resources, at the Steve Youngdeer American Legion Post located at 1526 Acquoni Road, Cherokee, NC.
Thursday, Nov. 14 (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) – NCWorks will present a Macon County Veterans Stand Down event at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building, 1288 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC.
Thursday, Nov. 14 (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Greensboro (Guilford) will hold “Hire a Vet Day” at 2301 W. Meadowview Road, Greensboro, NC.
Friday, Nov. 15 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) – Partners including NCWorks will present the Rocky Mount Veteran Resource Fair, at Word Tabernacle Church, 821 Word Plaza, Rocky Mount, NC.
Monday, Nov. 18 (2 – 4 p.m.) – The NCWorks Career Center – Cabarrus will hold a “Veterans Day Expo” at 845 Church Street North, Suite 201, Concord, NC. This event will include resources for veterans and employers onsite.
The Department of Commerce, working in close partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, has 50 NCWorks Veterans Services professionals (all of whom are veterans themselves). Their primary mission is to help veterans find good jobs and training opportunities. These professionals are located across the state at local NCWorks Career Centers, which serve veterans and other jobseekers, while also helping employers meet their talent needs. In many parts of the state, they also play a key role as partners in Veterans Treatment Courts. The department also partners with North Carolina For Military Employment (NC4ME) on special hiring events.
Contact information for each career center can be found at www.NCWorks.gov. In addition, veterans and employers can access services through the NCWorks Veterans Portal at veterans.ncworks.gov.
Since 2022, the Commerce department has added a new resource for veterans, in the form of a national partnership with the Hilton Honors Military Program. Through this partnership, when veterans, transitioning service-members and qualified military spouses need to travel related to their search for work (for example, to go to an in-person job interview or to required training), they may be eligible for free accommodations at a Hilton property. To participate, veterans should contact or visit their local NCWorks Career Center and ask to speak with a veterans representative.
Read the “Employ a Veteran Week” proclamation here.
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NCWorks Veterans Services are supported by the Jobs for Veterans State Grant from the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) of the U.S. Department of Labor as part of an award to North Carolina totaling $5,703,016, with 0% financed from non-governmental sources.
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 4, 2024 – Join the team at Knob Noster State Park for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Nov. 7, at 2 p.m. for the new section of the Spirit Trail. The finished trail will now connect Warrensburg and Whiteman Air Force Base to Knob Noster State Park.
In 1995, the citizens of Warrensburg and Whiteman shared an interest in connecting the two communities. Phase 1 of the trail was completed in the late 1990s but did not fully connect the two locations.
By 2012, the Johnson County Trail Coalition, now known as the Spirit Trail Coalition, organized to continue a county-wide pedestrian and bicycle trail system. Through cooperative efforts of the Johnson County Commission, local municipal governments, Missouri State Parks, University of Central Missouri, Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission, state legislators, Missouri Department of Transportation and Whiteman AirForce Base, a four-phase plan was developed with a completion timeline of up to 10 years.
Through multiple funding sources, construction on the trail began in August 2017, with a ribbon cutting for the completed eastern section of the Spirit Trail held Oct. 16, 2018. Now complete, the trail connects Warrensburg through Knob Noster State Park to the city of Knob Noster and Whiteman Air Force Base.
“We are excited to see this come to fruition,” said David Kelly, director of Missouri State Parks. “This will provide the citizens of Warrensburg and residents and visitors to Whiteman a great opportunity to experience nature. The trail is designed for the enjoyment of hikers and bicyclists both.”
Knob Noster State Park is located at 817 SE 10 in Knob Noster.
For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
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November 4, 2024
Albany, NY
“Earlier today, a Thruway Authority Maintenance employee tragically lost his life when he was struck by a vehicle while working on I-90 in Silver Creek. We are heartbroken over the devastating death of a dedicated public servant, and my prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow co-workers during this difficult time. Roadside workers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road and they deserve our utmost attention at all times. This is the second fatality involving a Thruway maintenance worker this year and it is a serious reminder to slow down, safely move over and be alert for all vehicles stopped on the side of the road.”
Source: United States Senator for Maryland Ben Cardin
“Regardless of your political affiliation, we should all agree that Trump’s attempt to rebrand himself insults the sacrifices of the many actual prisoners still suffering around the world,” wrote Chair Cardin.
WASHINGTON – Today, MSNBC published an opinion piece by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, challenging former President Donald Trump’s self-characterization as a “political prisoner.” In his op-ed, Chair Cardin contrasts the former president’s false claim with the profound sacrifices of true political prisoners around the world – courageous individuals who have risked everything, facing torture, imprisonment, and even death, in their fight for freedom and justice.
“Regardless of your political affiliation or partisan allegiance, we should all agree that Trump’s attempt to brand himself a political prisoner in order to fuel his campaign war chest insults the sacrifices of the very real political prisoners who have suffered and continued to suffer around the world,” wrote Chair Cardin in his MSNBC op-ed. “As America votes on Election Day, let’s remember those who have actually given up their freedom and even their lives for democracy and the protection of human rights — because they think those fundamental principles are still worth fighting for.”
CLICK HERE to read Chair Cardin’s MSNBC op-ed.
The text of the Chair’s op-ed has been provided below:
Over the summer, minutes after Donald Trump became the first former president in American history to be convicted of felony crimes, his campaign began fundraising. Emails flooded supporters’ inboxes with the words “I’M A POLITICAL PRISONER” and Trump’s picture. “Your support is the only thing standing between us and total tyranny,” the appeals declared.
Throughout my career, and especially as chair of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I’ve encountered numerous political prisoners and their families. I’ve embraced the spouses and partners of individuals imprisoned for speaking truth to power. I’ve stood beside the loved ones of journalists and opposition leaders, demanding their immediate release. I’ve mourned the deaths of these courageous individuals, whose lives were cut short by authoritarians who saw their dissent as a direct challenge to their rule.
Let me be clear: Donald Trump is no political prisoner. However, Narges Mohammadi is.
Since 1998, Mohammadi — an Iranian human rights lawyer and activist — has faced relentless persecution at the hands of a misogynist Islamic Republic of Iran for her unwavering commitment to Iranians’ human rights. Her activism has led to repeated incarcerations, with her most recent sentences totaling almost 14 years in Tehran’s Evin prison, accompanied by more than 150 lashes. Last month, it was reported that she has once again been sentenced to additional prison time, the latest in a string of sentence extensions, and the Iranian regime continues to deny her critical medical care despite her deteriorating health.
Despite countless arrests and threats to her family, Mohammadi remains resolute in her campaign against mandatory hijab laws and the broader repression of all human rights, but especially the rights of women and girls. Around the world, her defiance stands as a powerful testament to resistance.
Last year, Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her human rights work. Her teenage children accepted the award on her behalf and read aloud her speech, which had been smuggled out of her prison cell.
“I write this message from behind the high, cold walls of a prison. The Iranian people, with perseverance, will overcome repression and authoritarianism,” she declared.
Her plight underscores the growing attempts by authoritarian regimes to stifle dissent and crush fundamental freedoms. Political prisoners like her endure torture, inhumane living conditions, forced disappearances and unimaginable forms of abuse. Despite these harrowing challenges, their courage is profoundly inspiring. It is a level of bravery that Trump can scarcely imagine as he relaxes amid his Mara-a-Lago comforts.
Make no mistake: Trump has never had to fight for his survival. But columnist and Pulitzer Prize-winner Vladimir Kara-Murza has.
Kara-Murza is a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin who has condemned the dismantling of democratic institutions in Russia and the state-sponsored violence against political opposition and independent voices. Following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, he was one of the most prominent figures to denounce the annexation of Crimea and the Kremlin’s support for separatist forces.
His columns, rich in intellectual rigor and emotional depth, painted an unflinching portrait of Russia’s descent into authoritarianism. His public defiance against Putin, rare in Russia, showcased his staunch commitment to political reform, press freedom and civil rights.
Hours after an American television appearance where he was critical of Putin’s leadership, Kara-Murza was arrested for “spreading false information,” labeled a “foreign agent” and sentenced by Russia’s flawed judiciary to 25 years in Siberian penal colonies. His detention in these notorious prisons underscores the fear he instilled in Putin and his cronies.
Until recently, when he was released in a historic prisoner exchange, Kara-Murza was one of an estimated 1 million political prisoners worldwide who have been unjustly imprisoned for defending human rights, advocating for religious freedom, fighting corruption and exposing the dangerous acts of tyrants. These actual political prisoners have endured profound personal and familial upheaval, resulting in irrevocable changes to their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
That is not what happened to Trump, who was convicted by a free, fair and legitimate judicial process on 34 felony charges. Real political prisoners, like Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Álvarez — unjustly incarcerated for more than 500 days and facing a 26-year sentence — often don’t get the luxury of fair trial and may be forced to live in exile, never to return to their homes.
Álvarez is a fierce critic of Nicaragua’s government and has forcefully spoken out against President Daniel Ortega’s totalitarian regime and its ongoing persecution of the Catholic Church. On Aug. 4, 2022, authorities blocked Álvarez from leaving his residence to lead mass at the local cathedral. Álvarez had been a vocal critic of the government’s shutdown of Catholic radio stations and cruel human rights abuses as tensions deepened over the church’s support for anti-government protests that broke out in 2018 following social security changes. Consequently, he was placed under house arrest and investigated on allegations of “organizing violent groups” and inciting “acts of hate against the population.”
While detained, Álvarez shared a powerful message of love with the world, asserting “we must respond to hate with love, to despair with hope, and to fear with the strength and courage granted to us by the glorious and resurrected Christ.” Earlier this year, the imprisoned bishop was finally released and expelled from the country along with 18 other clergy members. They now live in exile in Vatican City.
These courageous people merit our sincere respect, collective attention and deepest empathy. Think of Buzurgmehr Yorov, a Tajik human rights lawyer renowned for defending the politically persecuted, who recently saw his 28-year prison term extended by 10 years on dubious fraud charges. Or Dr. Gulshan Abbas, a retired physician and ethnic Uyghur, sentenced to 20 years in prison by Chinese authorities on baseless charges. Reflect on Maykel Castillo Pérez, also known as “Osorbo,” a prominent Cuban musician and human rights advocate, who was arrested by security forces and remains behind bars after his song “Patria y Vida” become a national anthem for protest against the Cuban government.
These are the true faces of resolve and injustice.
Trump’s sentencing was delayed until after Election Day to avoid any impression of political influence or impropriety. As Justice Juan Merchan wrote in a letter to lawyers in the case, “the Court is a fair, impartial and apolitical institution.”
Regardless of your political affiliation or partisan allegiance, we should all agree that Trump’s attempt to brand himself a political prisoner in order to fuel his campaign war chest insults the sacrifices of the very real political prisoners who have suffered and continued to suffer around the world. As America votes on Election Day, let’s remember those who have actually given up their freedom and even their lives for democracy and the protection of human rights — because they think those fundamental principles are still worth fighting for.
Source: United States Senator for Maryland Ben Cardin
WASHINGTON– U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) today announced $5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education for Morgan State University (MSU) to strengthen its research capacity to better serve its students, faculty, the Baltimore community, and the nation.
Morgan State, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Baltimore City, is currently classified as a “high research activity status” (R2) university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education; this funding will support the University’s efforts to achieve the Carnegie classification of “very high research activity status,” (R1), by 2030. An R1 classification would provide more opportunities for MSU students and faculty to conduct even more transformative and impactful research. Among the 146 R1-designated colleges and universities in the U.S., none are HBCUs.
“Morgan State has become a central part of our engine of economic growth despite decades of underfunding. The university is leading research that strengthens key industries like technology and health care and prepares students to compete in a global economy,” said Senator Cardin. “This funding will support new and existing programs that will help Morgan State reach new heights and reinforces our commitment to investing in Maryland’s HBCUs.”
“Morgan State not only provides a quality education to thousands of students, it also serves as a hub for cutting-edge innovation. With this $5 million in federal funding – along with support from the HBCU RISE Program – we are furthering Morgan State’s goal of becoming one of the first HBCUs to achieve R1 status while diversifying the pipeline of leaders working to solve our most pressing challenges,” said Senator Van Hollen, who introduced legislation and then worked to pass the language to create the HBCU RISE program as a provision of theFY23 national defense billin order to spur greater research investment in R2 HBCUs such as Morgan State to help them achieve R1 status while strengthening our national defense research.
“This announcement for Baltimore’s Morgan State University will further enhance the research capabilities of one of our country’s leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). The funding will bolster Morgan in its efforts to attain the prestigious R1 research status – a needed designation to induce additional federal and state investment and empower the school’s student body, faculty, and researchers,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “I will always work in the Congress to uplift our nation’s HBCUs that represent a beacon for Black excellence and promise,” he concluded.
“This generous $5 million federal investment is a crucial accelerator on Morgan’s journey to becoming a nationally recognized very high research (R1) university. It represents a significant step forward for our students, faculty, and community, enabling new opportunities for transformative research that addresses real-world challenges,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “Morgan is one of the nation’s fastest-rising universities, and our elected leaders have been instrumental in that ascension. We are deeply grateful to Senator Van Hollen, Senator Cardin, and Congressman Mfume for their steadfast support in empowering Morgan as a national leader in inclusive innovation and knowledge creation.”
The grant was awarded through the HBCU, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU), and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Research and Development Infrastructure Grant Program, which the lawmakers funded at $50 million in fiscal year 2024. With this $5 million investment, MSU will boost its research expenditures in science, engineering, and other fields, recruit new full-time postdoctoral researchers, and increase its research and development capacity. The funds will also help enhance faculty professional development, prepare students for research and teaching assistant roles, and attract doctoral students to new programs and increase doctoral conferrals in STEM and social sciences fields.
MSU will prioritize efforts to increase diversity among faculty, students, and research topics, ensuring equitable access to research opportunities. Further, the University will actively collaborate with industry, government agencies, and other research institutions to expand research opportunities, leverage resources, and advance solutions to real-world challenges.