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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko discussed bilateral cooperation with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov. The parties discussed current issues of Russian-Uzbek cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov.

    Meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    November 1, 2024

    Meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    November 1, 2024

    Meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    November 1, 2024

    Meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    November 1, 2024

    Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov

    November 1, 2024

    In the presence of Dmitry Chernyshenko and Umid Shadiev, Acting Rector of the Russian State University of Tourism and Service Ambartsum Galustov and First Vice-Rector for Administrative Affairs of the Silk Road International University of Tourism Dilmurod Nasimov signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between universities for the development of joint educational programs in the field of tourism

    November 1, 2024

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    Meeting of Dmitry Chernyshenko with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov

    The Prime Minister of the Republic emphasized that cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia is developing on the principles of comprehensive strategic partnership and allied relations.

    “This has been achieved thanks to the strong political will and trusting relations between the presidents of the two states – the respected Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev and the respected Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. The state visit of the President of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Uzbekistan on May 26-28, 2024 and the agreements reached opened a new milestone in our multifaceted cooperation. Under the direct leadership of the respected heads of state, the first meeting of the Council of Regions of Uzbekistan and Russia was held in Tashkent, which was attended by a representative delegation from 26 regions of Russia, of which 22 regions were represented by their heads,” said Abdulla Aripov.

    For his part, Dmitry Chernyshenko expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Abdulla Aripov for the warm welcome in Uzbekistan.

    The Russian Deputy Prime Minister noted that, despite the difficulties caused by sanctions and turbulence in the global economy, trade, economic and investment ties between Russia and Uzbekistan are developing dynamically, and an effective intergovernmental dialogue has been established.

    The countries are working systematically on the basis of an intergovernmental comprehensive economic cooperation program for 2022–2026.

    Last year, mutual trade turnover between Russia and Uzbekistan grew by 11.5% and reached 823 billion rubles.

    In order to develop investment cooperation, the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia has prepared proposals for the implementation of 30 tourism investment projects in Russia.

    During the negotiations, the parties focused on discussing cooperation in the fields of science, education, youth policy, tourism and sports.

    “Our presidents pay great attention to the development of fruitful cooperation. Uzbekistan is the leader in the number of branches of Russian universities abroad, implementing projects within the framework of the state programs “Priority-2030″, advanced engineering schools. The success of the branches is ensured, among other things, by close ties with industrial partners,” Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized.

    During his visit to the republic, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister also held a meeting with the Chairman of the Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan Umid Shadiev. At the meeting, the parties discussed measures to increase mutual tourist flow and implement the action plan in the tourism sector.

    Last year, the mutual tourist flow between the countries doubled. This became possible due to the active work of the departments, including increasing the frequency of regular flights.

    In 2024, the Year of Tourism of Uzbekistan in Russia will be held. Participation of businesses in key Russian tourism exhibitions is ensured.

    Umid Shadiev noted that Uzbekistan feels support from Russia, thanked for cooperation and proposed to intensify internships and exchanges of tourism personnel.

    Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexey Chekunkov, who was present at the meeting, spoke about the main points of attraction for travelers in the Far East.

    “In the Far East, tourism projects are aimed at both domestic and foreign tourism. Today, about 420 investment projects are being implemented here and in the Arctic. There is great interest, which makes it possible to work at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, to offer tourism products to Asian guests. If we take into account the legendary Uzbek hospitality and cuisine, we can create a unique offer that will be mutually beneficial and will allow us to strengthen ties. I invite you to the Far East to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum,” said Alexey Chekunkov.

    In the presence of Dmitry Chernyshenko and Umid Shadiev, Acting Rector of the Russian State University of Tourism and Service Ambartsum Galustov and First Vice-Rector for Administrative Affairs of the Silk Road International University of Tourism Dilmurod Nasimov signed a memorandum of cooperation between the universities for the development of joint educational programs in the field of tourism.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ​Symposium promotes global outreach of Chinese Nuo Opera

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Symposium on the Translation and International Communication of Chinese Nuo Opera and the 2024 Annual Conference of the China Nuo Opera Research Institute were held in Beijing from Oct. 26-27. The two-part event was hosted by the China Nuo Opera Research Institute and Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) and was organized by the School of International Journalism and Communication and the School of Art and Research, BFSU. The gathering aimed to be a platform for in-depth conversation on the protection, inheritance and worldwide promotion of the opera form.

    Participants of the Symposium on the Translation and International Communication of Chinese Nuo Opera pose for a group photo at Beijing Foreign Studies University in Beijing, Oct. 26, 2024. [Photo courtesy of BFSU]

    The symposium featured two keynote speeches and six panels. Experts and scholars from around China and Osaka, Japan engaged in discussions on topics such as the innovative development and cross-cultural research of Chinese Nuo Opera, historical and theoretical research on Chinese Nuo culture and new media dissemination of Chinese Nuo Opera. Three youth forums were also held, giving a platform for young scholars to share their ideas and youthful insights related to the inheritance, development and dissemination of Chinese Nuo Opera.

    Nuo Opera is a traditional form of folk drama where practitioners wear masks and perform dances intended to drive away ghosts and disease.

    The symposium received 73 paper submissions, including 38 for the youth forums, with 83 scholars presenting academic reports and engaging in discussions. The symposium also assembled an expert committee to select the top ten papers for the inaugural Chinese Nuo Opera Research Youth Forum.

    Officials and guests launch a Nuo Opera mask exhibition at Beijing Foreign Studies University in Beijing, Oct. 26, 2024. [Photo courtesy of BFSU]

    Ning Qiang, dean of BFSU’s School of Art and Research, said in his speech that promoting the translation and international communication of Nuo Opera not only helps increase the international community’s awareness and appreciation of Chinese traditional culture but also enhances China’s international competitiveness.

    “Our school will take this conference as an opportunity to further promote the translation and international communication of Nuo Opera, allowing more people to understand and appreciate this intangible cultural heritage and contribute anew to the promotion of excellent traditional Chinese culture and the diversity of world cultures,” he said.

    Ning’s sentiments were echoed by other speakers at the two-day event, with professor Yuan Jun, director of the Academic Committee at BFSU, stating his advocacy for the academic community to invest more in the development and preservation of Nuo Opera, such as more “academic support for international communication” and engaging in more Nuo Opera research. 

    Li Zhiyuan, president of the China Nuo Opera Research Institute, mentioned that more than 30 types of Nuo Opera have been listed in the national intangible cultural heritage inventory, underscoring the unquestionable status of Nuo Opera as an essential component of traditional Chinese culture. Li believes that Nuo Opera, characterized by its national distinctiveness, can become more globally recognized through both the research institute’s and BFSU’s efforts.

    A corner of the Nuo Opera mask exhibition at Beijing Foreign Studies University in Beijing, Oct. 26, 2024. [Photo courtesy of BFSU]

    After the opening ceremony, all participants attended an unveiling for a Nuo Opera mask exhibition and mask-making workshop. The masks displayed as part of the exhibition were primarily provided by Qin Fazhong, director of the Guizhou Anshun Nuo Carving Culture Museum and council member of the China Nuo Opera Research Institute. Qin explained the selection rationale for the masks on display and guided visitors through the exhibition, sharing stories and information behind the masks. The exhibition will continue until early November.

    A scene from the Nuo Opera performance that took place during the two-day event at Beijing Foreign Studies University in Beijing, Oct. 27, 2024. [Photo courtesy of BFSU]

    On Oct. 27, the Chizhou Nuo Opera Art Troupe from Anhui province joined the Art Troupe of BFSU for a cultural performance along with interactive sessions such as a Nuo mask carving workshop.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Philippine Supreme Court orders ‘temporary protection’ for abducted environmental activist

    By Jairo Bolledo in Manila

    The Philippine Supreme Court has granted temporary protection to an environmental activist abducted in Pangasinan earlier this year.

    In its resolution dated September 9 — but only made public this week — the court granted Francisco “Eco” Dangla III’s petition for temporary protection, and prohibited the respondents, including high-ranking soldiers and police officers, to be near the activist’s location.

    “Furthermore, you, respondents, and all persons and entities acting and operating under your directions, instructions, and orders are PROHIBITED from entering within a radius of one kilometer of the person, places of residence, work, and present locations of petitioner and his immediate family,” the resolution read.

    The respondents are:

    • Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Roy Galido
    • Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil
    • Brigadier General Gulliver Señires (in his capacity as 702nd Brigade commanding general Brigadier)
    • Ilocos Region police chief Police Brigadier General Lou Evangelista
    • Police Colonel Jeff Fanged (in his capacity as Pangasinan police chief)

    Aside from giving Dangla temporary protection, the court also granted his petition for writs of amparo and habeas data. A writ of amparo is a legal remedy, which is usually a protection order in the form of a restraining order.

    The writ of habeas data compels the government to destroy information that could cause harm.

    These extraordinary writs are usually invoked by activists and progressives in the Philippines as they face intimidation from the government and its forces.

    Dangla’s abduction
     Dangla and another activist, Joxelle Tiong, were abducted in Pangasinan last March 24.

    According to witnesses, they saw two men who were forced to board a vehicle in Barangay Polo, San Carlos City.

    The two activists, who who had been red-tagged for their advocacies, were serving as convenors of the Pangasinan People’s Strike for the Environment.

    They “vocally defended the people and ecosystems of Pangasinan against the harms of coal-fired power plants, nuclear power plants, incinerator plants, and offshore mining in Lingayen Gulf,” at the time of their abduction.

    Three days later, several groups announced that Dangla and Tiong were found safe, but that the two had gone through a “harrowing ordeal.”

    “Bruised but alive” . . . the environmental activists abducted in Pangasinan but found safe, Francisco ‘Eco’ Dangla III (left) and Joxelle ‘Jak’ Tiong. Image: Rappler

    The reality
     The protection given to Dangla is only temporary as the Court of Appeals still needs to conduct hearings on the petition. In other words, the Supreme Court only granted the writ, but the power to whether grant or deny Dangla the privilege of the writs of amparo and habeas data lies with the Court of Appeals.

    There have been instances where the appellate court granted activists the privilege of writ of amparo, like in the case of labour activists Loi Magbanua and Ador Juat, where the court issued permanent protection orders for them and their immediate families.

    Unfortunately, this was not the case for other activists, such as young environmentalists Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro.

    The two were first reported missing by activist groups. Security forces later said they were “safe and sound” and that they had allegedly “voluntarily surrendered” to the military.

    However, Tamano and Castro went off-script during a press conference organised by the anti-insurgency task force and revealed that they were actually abducted.

    In February, the High Court granted the two temporary protection and their writs of amparo and habeas data petitions. However, the appellate court in August denied the protection order for Tamano and Castro.

    Associate Justice Emily San Gaspar-Gito fully dissented in the decision and said: “It would be uncharacteristic for the courts, especially this court, to simply fold their arms and ignore the palpable threats to petitioners’ life, liberty and security and just wait for the irreversible to happen to them.”

    Republished with permission from Rappler.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: All about digital twins: Polytech and Gazprom Neft held an inter-industry conference

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and Gazprom Neft held an inter-industry conference, Digital Twins 2024. For two days, the Technopolis Polytech research building became a platform for exchanging experiences, discussing innovations, and developing solutions to existing problems. The event was attended by over 150 IT, systems analysis, and engineering specialists from 30 companies and organizations.

    The plenary sessions were moderated by Kirill Vasiliev, head of the Gazpromneft-ITO department, Polytechnic University graduate and ambassador. The experts presented over 20 reports on such topical issues as the use of artificial intelligence, HR policy, import substitution and the use of digital twins in complex industrial systems.

    Opening the conference, Gazprom Neft Science Director Mars Khasanov noted: It is important to understand the difference between a model and a digital twin. If a model describes only part of an object or system and does not “live” on its own, then a digital twin must adapt, adjust to changes in the environment, change as new data arrives, and learn. This means that a full-fledged digital twin must have intelligence to some extent — artificial intelligence. If artificial intelligence is used purposefully, understanding its key advantages, and “landing” it on engineering soil, then it will be a very useful tool, and digital twins will not be able to work without it. Meetings like our conference today are needed to form the correct understanding of digital twins.

    Vice-Rector for Research at SPbPU Yuri Fomin welcomed the participants by saying that the topic of digital twins is now coming to the forefront: The Polytechnic University is characterized by the speed of introducing products to the industry. The current situation in the country and the world, on the one hand, contributes to the acceleration of this process, on the other hand, it introduces restrictions. In these conditions, we decided that digital twins are a strategic direction for us, in conjunction with our partners. We have accumulated competencies in the field of digital twins, it is gratifying that we make a serious contribution to this matter, and we need to find a common language with the industry.

    The need for collaboration among all participants in the digital twin market was repeatedly emphasized during the discussions. The participants of the meeting not only presented their own business experience, shared achievements and problems, but also discussed how universities and companies can communicate more productively and bring mutual benefit.

    Director of Product Development Programs at Gazprom Neft, Evgeny Yudin, believes that building such interaction is one of the most pressing tasks today.

    The digital transformation stage is clear, we need to take the next step — to more intelligent management based on artificial intelligence, digital twins, — Evgeny Viktorovich is sure. — We need to coordinate efforts from the point of view of a single conceptual base. There is a GOST that defines what digital twins are, there are concepts that businesses use. We need to start agreeing on the same language. And secondly, we need to share experience in using digital twins, artificial intelligence to optimize the management process. This is important because the goals are quite ambitious, and we understand that this goal cannot be achieved by one company alone, we need to coordinate, share experience, create consortiums, associations, and do joint projects. This is more effective in terms of getting an increment on the way to this goal. And the goal, I repeat, is the transition towards intelligent management. We are open to cooperation and interaction.

    On the first day, the experience of the Polytechnic University in creating technologies for developing digital twins of products in industry was shared with the conference participants by the Vice-Rector for Digital Transformation of SPbPU, Head of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” Alexey Borovkov. Also, from the speeches of representatives of leading companies and scientific organizations, the audience learned about various aspects of digital transformation in the oil and gas sector, aircraft and helicopter manufacturing, and other industries. Solutions were proposed for optimizing processes using digital models, accelerating hydrodynamic modeling using machine learning methods, hybrid modeling, and integrating artificial intelligence into control systems.

    At the end of the first day of the conference, Evgeny Yudin and the head of well modeling and ground facilities at Gazprom Neft, Alexander Vinokurov, held a round table discussion on “Artificial Intelligence for Optimizing Business Processes.”

    On the second day, Dmitry Mikhalyuk, CEO of JSC Tsifra and a graduate of the Physics and Mechanics Department of the Polytechnic University, covered the topic of digital twins of production systems as a synergy of information technology and modeling of physical processes. Dmitry Sokolov, Solution Architect at Kaspersky Lab, taught how to safely update and enrich a digital twin with industrial data. Maxim Simonov, Head of the Competence Center for the Development of Integrated Asset Modeling at Gazprom Neft, spoke about the company’s HR policy: how interaction with universities occurs, what internal training is, what helps a young specialist go from a student to an expert, etc. The conference participants also learned about the tools and best practices for using neural network approaches, discussed the problems of switching to domestic software, data in digital twins, and management processes.

    The conference concluded with a panel discussion on the topic “Digital Twins: Development Prospects in Industry”. Experts exchanged opinions on what problems of implementing digital twins are coming to the forefront today – technological, personnel, import substitution or legal regulation; where government assistance is needed; how well universities are coping with training engineers of the future, etc.

    We are delving quite deeply into the topic of digital twins of physical, physical and chemical systems. But if we want to move to new management principles, then large companies have other objects that need to build digital twins, for example, the external environment, the same markets, – believes the head of the digital technologies and artificial intelligence department of Gazprom Neft Mikhail Korolkov. – Problems will begin when the twins of external systems need to be connected and integrated with the twins of physical systems. And the second barrier that will at some point stand in the way of the widespread use of digital twins is a possible change in the business models of companies.

    Assessing the prospects for the development of domestic digital technologies in the next 5-10 years, Alexey Zaslavsky, CEO of Vaizteco (Aiteko Group of Companies), noted: We can certainly achieve priorities in certain specific things. The main thing is to choose them correctly and concentrate on them. We must not forget that our Motherland launched a man into space 16 years after the end of World War II.

    Our country has a unique way of mobilizing itself in very difficult periods, agreed Maxim Simonov. We are now seeing that in two or three years, many software solutions have appeared that, although they do not yet allow us to meet all business needs, already provide the opportunity to work with domestic solutions. In some ways, they are already ahead of previously used software products.

    The most important thing is to use these technological breakthroughs in the formation of a new system of international cooperation, – says Andrey Dobrynin, Director of the Center for Geospatial Economic Analysis at Lomonosov Moscow State University. – Yes, the circle of partners has changed. But I would not say that the market has narrowed. We need to be able to position ourselves correctly there, offer the right solutions. If we can build a chain of development of artificial intelligence and digital twins and move in this direction, we will be able to set the tone, create standards, promote our projects and gain a foothold in key positions in the global market.

    Andrey Dobrynin also highly praised the level of the meeting of specialists. It was a wonderful conference. The Polytechnic University has a great deal of groundwork in the field of digital twins, and Gazprom Neft is a leading company that comes up with initiatives before others. And joining efforts will allow us to move forward. But what was even more impressive was how the topics were discussed. The participants represented different industries, not even related ones, which gave an additional impetus to the discussion. Everyone contributed to understanding the issue, which, in my opinion, serves as a good basis for further cooperation.

    Mikhail Korolkov summed up the conference: There were two very interesting, eventful days, with excellent reports, lively discussions, exchange of ideas, impressions, and experience. Digital twins are a topic that is becoming advanced and breakthrough in all important industries for the country. We are coming to new issues that were not even raised a year or two ago: integration of digital twins, the role of artificial intelligence in digital twins. The main problem of import substitution was also touched upon. The discussion was comprehensive, not only the reports are important, but also the exchange of opinions, and the audience, the speakers will only benefit from this, they will find ways to overcome barriers. I hope that this event will become permanent, and in some time we will discuss new trends and ideas at a new level.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrating our university students this Care Leavers Week

    Source: City of Plymouth

    We currently have 17 Care Leavers aged 18 to 23 who are at university. 10 of our young people are studying here in Plymouth at one of our local institutions but the rest are attending universities across the country including Bristol, Liverpool, Bath, Greenwich, Manchester and West London.

    What is it like being a care experienced university student?

    James is a 19 year old university student who is studying Economics at the University of the West of England (UWE).

    Reflecting on when he moved to university, he said: “I was very well supported by the Care Leavers team. The team paid and organised the moving van for me, which honestly helped me a lot!

    James also completed work experience at Plymouth City Council, he said: “The week helped me develop my understanding of local economic development and also presented, to me, the sheer number of functions that the council has to keep the city working.

    “Especially coming from a care leaver background, it really helps me build up my employment skills and allowed me to explore future career options, such as local government.”

    Steeve, 23, has graduated his Foundation Degree in Science in Culinary Arts Management this summer from the University of West London. Steeve has always had high educational aspirations and has worked hard to achieve this goal, in fact after graduating he has gone on to further study in this subject.

    Steeve provided some lovely feedback about his Personal Advisor: “I just wanted to say thank you to you personally and to Plymouth City Council for supporting me for years”.

    Councillor Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “It is excellent to see how many of our care experienced young people have moved on to university and higher education, I am so proud of them all and the amazing things that they are all doing.

    “We know that the journey to higher education is exciting, but it can be challenging.

    “Our staff have done an amazing job in supporting each care experienced young person.

    “I hope the achievements we are celebrating here serve as real inspiration for the younger children in our care to think as ambitiously as possible about their own futures.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Industrial Fusion Solutions stands-up to deliver STEP

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The UK’s prototype fusion energy powerplant programme will be led by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd.

    Professor Sir Ian Chapman and Paul Methven – Image credit: UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd.

    In a milestone moment on the journey to deliver the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant, leadership of the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme today transitions to UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS).

    UKIFS is a wholly owned subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group and has been established to lead a public-private partnership that will design, build and operate the STEP prototype plant at the West Burton site in Nottinghamshire.

    UKAEA will continue to be STEP’s fusion partner, working alongside two industry partners – one in engineering and one in construction – to spearhead the development of a UK-led fusion industry.

    A major procurement exercise is currently underway to select STEP’s strategic, long-term industry partners, with the shortlist expected to be announced by the end of the year.

    Paul Methven, CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and Senior Responsible Owner for STEP, said: “The launch of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions demonstrates significant progress and commitment to developing fusion as a viable clean energy source, and also to creating a UK-led fusion industry.

    “STEP is a national endeavour with global impact, and we will continue to work closely with public and private sector partners to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of a revolutionary sustainable new energy source that will drive economic growth.”

    STEP aims to pave the way for the commercial viability of fusion by demonstrating net energy, fuel self-sufficiency and a viable route to plant maintenance. The programme’s holistic approach was recently published in a special edition of Royal Society Journal, Philosophical Transactions A.

    Professor Sir Ian Chapman, CEO of UKAEA Group, said: “UKIFS brings together an experienced team dedicated to translating decades of fusion research into a functioning prototype plant that will be capable of supplying low-carbon, safe, and sustainable energy to the grid.  

    “UKIFS will integrate partners in a national endeavour to build STEP as well as focussing on delivering enormous social and economic benefits to the UK, especially for the East Midlands region where the plant will be built.”

    The West Burton site in Nottinghamshire was chosen as the home for STEP due to its infrastructure, proximity to skilled workforces, and community support for innovative energy solutions.

    For the latest updates about UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and the STEP programme, visit the newly launched website step.ukaea.uk or follow social channels @STEPtoFusion.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HK to host Olympics body meeting

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The 2024 General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) announced yesterday the successful bid of Hong Kong, China to host the 2026 ANOC General Assembly.

    The ANOC comprises 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and is responsible for protecting and advancing the interests of the world’s NOCs and supporting their mission of promoting Olympic values worldwide. The general assembly is the supreme governing body of the ANOC and a significant international sports event.

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung said the successful bid shows international confidence in Hong Kong’s ability to host major sports events. 

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will fully support and guide the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China in hosting this important international meeting, co-ordinating close co-operation between relevant government departments and various sectors including tourism and business, with a view to demonstrating the synergy between sports, convention and exhibition as well as tourism, giving full play to Hong Kong’s strengths in connecting with the world and telling good stories of Hong Kong.

    Under the arrangements of the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Portugal, Mr Yeung visited the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda yesterday morning and exchanged views with its curator on ways to promote culture exchanges through museums.

    Mr Yeung also met Secretary of State for Sport of the Government of Portugal Pedro Dias the day before to discuss the work and vision of the promotion of sports development in Hong Kong and Portugal.

    The sports chief then visited the Portuguese Football Federation’s Cidade do Futebol (Football City) in Lisbon, where he spoke to the federation’s president Fernando Gomes on exploring co-operation opportunities between the two places in promoting football development.

    He also toured Football City’s various facilities, including training and competition venues as well as ancillary facilities for sports medicine and science.

    Mr Yeung left Portugal for Hong Kong today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Provisional statistics of retail sales for September 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (November 1).     The value of total retail sales in September 2024, provisionally estimated at $29.6 billion, decreased by 6.9% compared with the same month in 2023. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in August 2024 decreased by 10.0% compared with a year earlier. For the first 9 months of 2024 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 7.6% compared with the same period in 2023.     Of the total retail sales value in September 2024, online sales accounted for 10.4%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $3.1 billion, decreased by 11.8% compared with the same month in 2023. The revised estimate of online retail sales in August 2024 decreased by 0.7% compared with a year earlier. For the first 9 months of 2024 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales decreased by 2.0% compared with the same period in 2023.     After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in September 2024 decreased by 8.7% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the volume of total retail sales in August 2024 decreased by 11.7% compared with a year earlier. For the first 9 months of 2024 taken together, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales decreased by 9.2% in volume compared with the same period in 2023.     Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing September 2024 with September 2023, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets decreased by 1.1%. This was followed by sales of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (-7.6% in value); jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (-17.9%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (-3.2%); wearing apparel (-8.7%); medicines and cosmetics (-2.5%); commodities in department stores (-11.4%); motor vehicles and parts (-26.7%); fuels (-8.6%); furniture and fixtures (-14.4%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-3.8%); Chinese drugs and herbs (-17.7%); and optical shops (-10.6%).     On the other hand, the value of sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified increased by 2.9% in September 2024 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (+20.3% in value).     Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales decreased by 1.0% in the third quarter of 2024 compared with the preceding quarter, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales decreased by 2.0%.Commentary     A government spokesman said that the value of total retail sales continued to decline in September from a year earlier, but the rate of decline narrowed. On a seasonally adjusted month-to-month comparison, the value of total retail sales recorded an increase.     Looking ahead, the spokesman said that the near-term performance of the retail sector would continue to be affected by the change in consumption patterns of residents and visitors. Nevertheless, an improved outlook for the Mainland economy following the recent introduction of a wide range of stimulus measures, and a possible easing of the Hong Kong dollar alongside the US dollar with the commencement of the US interest rate cut, would be conducive to boosting sentiment and supporting spending. In addition, the Central Government’s various measures benefitting Hong Kong, the SAR Government’s various initiatives to boost market sentiment and increasing employment earnings would also benefit the retail sector.     The spokesman added that the Policy Address this year includes various measures that would benefit the retail sector, such as developing new tourist hotspots, relaxing visa application criteria for some ASEAN countries, and boosting “silver consumption”. The Policy Address has also launched a series of measures to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including those in the retail sector, in addressing the challenges encountered in the process of economic restructuring. These include relaunching the principal moratorium under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme to ease the repayment pressure of enterprises, expanding the geographical coverage of E-commerce Easy to the 10 ASEAN countries, and relaunching the Hong Kong Shopping Festival in the next two years to help SMEs develop e-commerce business to expand their markets. These measures would help the retail sector in transitioning through the economic restructuring period and improve its prospects.Further information     Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for August 2024 as well as the provisional figures for September 2024. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the first 9 months of 2024 taken together are also shown.     Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for August 2024 as well as the provisional figures for September 2024. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first 9 months of 2024 taken together are also shown.     Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for August 2024 as well as the provisional figures for September 2024. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first 9 months of 2024 taken together are also shown.     Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.     The classification of retail establishments follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.     These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail establishments and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail establishments through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail establishments with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics.     The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents. Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.     Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication “Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component” for more details.     More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey of Retail Sales”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080003&scode=530).     Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of C&SD (Tel. : 3903 7400; E-mail : mrs@censtatd.gov.hk).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs detects smuggling case involving ocean-going vessel and goods worth about $140 million (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected smuggling case involving an ocean-going vessel destined for the Philippines on September 26. A large batch of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $140 million was seized.

         Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods and thus formulated strategies to combat related activities.

         On September 26, Customs officers identified an ocean-going vessel preparing to depart from Hong Kong for the Philippines for inspection and seized a large batch of suspected smuggled items, including new tyre rims, red wine, game consoles, CPUs and electronic products inside two containers which were declared as carrying plastic protective travelling cases and plastic tableware respectively aboard the vessel.

         An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.

         Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, with targeted anti-smuggling operations carried out at suitable times to disrupt these activities.

         Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.

         Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).   

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Washington man sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison for trafficking eagles, hawks killed on the Flathead Indian Reservation and sold on black market

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MISSOULA — A Washington man who conspired to hunt and kill bald and golden eagles and hawks on the Flathead Indian Reservation to sell on the black market was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $777,250 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

    The defendant, Travis John Branson, 49, of Cusick, Washington, and formerly of the Flathead Reservation, pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy, two counts of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles and violation of the Lacey Act, which prohibits interstate trade in wildlife that has been taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of federal or state law. The Lacey Act also prohibits any person from making or submitting any false record, account, label for or identification of wildlife that has been or was intended to be transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

    U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court ordered Branson to self-report to the Bureau of Prisons.

    “The bald eagle, adopted as America’s national symbol in 1782, represents our country’s core ideals of freedom, strength, and justice. Once on the brink of extinction, eagles recovered only because of conservation efforts by the American people and federal laws protecting them. None of that mattered to Travis Branson. Instead, Branson went on self-described ‘killing sprees’ for thousands of eagles and hawks, butchered them, and sold the parts and feathers for profit on the black market. He knew he was committing felonies and even joked his cost to kill them was the price of a bullet. But his conduct was no laughing matter. With today’s sentence, the cost to Branson was more than a bunch of bullets – he forfeited the very freedom the bald eagle symbolizes,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.  

    “The unlawful killing of these majestic birds violates federal law and is a profound offense against our nation’s cherished natural heritage,” said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “Travis Branson’s blatant disregard for the law and the sanctity of these protected species highlights the urgent need for stringent enforcement and greater public awareness regarding wildlife trafficking. His actions are particularly egregious, considering the significant number of bald and golden eagles he killed for personal profit, and such behavior will not be tolerated. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect America’s wildlife and hold accountable all who are engaged in these illicit activities.”

    “We are going to feel the impacts of the Flathead Reservation’s raptor loss for years to come,” said Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Chairman Mike Dolson. “We hope this helps put a stop to illegal poaching on our homelands and gives these birds a chance to recover. Eagles are not only a treasured and important part of the Reservation’s ecosystem, but they also have a profound place in CSKT cultural and spiritual practices.”

    In court documents, the government alleged that from about January 2015 until about March 2021, Branson and others hunted and killed eagles on the Flathead Reservation. Branson then sold the eagles on the black market across the United States and elsewhere. Brandon traveled from Washington to the Flathead Reservation, where he met co-defendant, Simon Paul. Branson and Paul would then shoot, transport and ship bald and golden eagles for future black-market sales. Co-defendant Paul remains a fugitive.

    The government sought restitution values of $5,000 per eagle and $1,750 per hawk.

    The government estimated that from 2009 until 2021, Branson made between $180,000 and $360,000 by selling eagles feathers and parts for profit on the black market.

    The government’s investigation showed that Branson and others killed approximately 3,600 birds during the conspiracy. At least 118 eagles and 107 hawks killed were directly traceable to Branson and documented through his own text messages. Branson had taken up to nine eagles at a time. The photograph below shows nine sets of feathers, with one set stacked on top of the other in the upper left corner.

    Law enforcement also recovered text messages from Branson stating he was specifically looking to shoot a baby eagle.

    Not only did Branson kill eagles, but he also butchered them into pieces to sell. On March 13, 2021, Branson shot and killed a golden eagle near Polson. Law enforcement stopped Branson and recovered from Branson’s vehicle the feet and feathers of the golden eagle and later recovered the remainder of the carcass in a field. The claws are identified here:

    Branson knew killing and selling eagles was illegal and that he did not have a permit for any of the activities. When negotiating a purchase price for eagle feathers with a potential buyer, Branson said:

    “I don’t get em for free though ..out hear committing felonies”

    Branson told another potential buyer he would obtain other eagle tails by “[g]oing on a killing spree.”

    Further, Branson acknowledged that international shipping was illegal:

    “International is still illegal ..I just get em for 99 cents ..price of a bullet..lol”

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Fish and Game Department conducted the investigation.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Independent experts outperform group assessments in complex situations

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Joint research of associate professor Faculty of Economic Sciences, National Research University Higher School of EconomicsSergey Stepanov, experts from the INSEAD business school and New York University in Shanghai showed that for tasks with a high level of uncertainty, when there is no certainty which of the decisions taken is better, consultation with individual experts will be more useful than with a whole group. The study was published in the journalGamez and Economic Benavior.

    In real life, decision makers often face the choice of whether to use the opinions of several independent experts or a collective discussion. Individual expert assessments are common in science and medicine. For example, when reviewing articles in academic journals, several reviewers evaluate the work independently and do not know who else is checking it. Collective assessments are meetings of directors, think tanks, commissions, and councils where the decision is discussed together.

    To understand when it is better to rely on the opinions of individual experts and when to listen to a collective assessment, the researchers developed a model that involved two hypothetical experts. They received information about a situation, but could interpret it differently. Their task was to convince the decision maker of their competence, that is, to give the most accurate forecast possible. The model included two scenarios: an independent assessment, in which the experts were unaware of each other’s participation, and a joint assessment, in which they could discuss the information before presenting a unified conclusion.

    In the model, the honesty of experts’ conclusions is influenced by their desire to preserve their reputation. When a certain decision is considered the most probable in the community, an expert may be reluctant to contradict this opinion. And in groups, employees can share doubts with each other without fearing for the reputation of the team, so groups can give a more accurate answer in such a situation. Where individual experts are reluctant to speak out, groups can persuade management to accept a different point of view if it seems more correct to them.

    The results of the study showed that the effectiveness of one or another approach depends on the level of certainty of the situation. In conditions of certainty, where the probability of success of each option is approximately known, a collective approach allows collecting more data and making a common decision. By discussing and processing information together, a group of specialists can come to more accurate conclusions and minimize disagreements.

    However, when the situation is complex and unpredictable, independent assessment works better. Due to the lack of consensus, an individual expert is not afraid of pressure and can express any point of view. This approach also helps to avoid the influence of groupthink, when pressure on experts forces them to accept the opinion of the majority.

    By high uncertainty, scientists mean situations where there is no obvious and widely accepted understanding of the outcome. These may include unconventional economic forecasts, unstable political situations, unfamiliar medical cases, and other examples where assessment requires flexibility and an unconventional approach.

    “The results of the study change our understanding of what advice is better – collective or individual. For the decision maker, this choice does not depend on the problem itself that he needs to solve, nor on his preferences,” comments Associate Professor of the Faculty of Economic Sciences Sergey Stepanov.

    When there is no single correct answer, individual experts are able to give a more objective assessment. This is observed, for example, when polling economists to forecast inflation or GDP growth, where the complexity of economic processes does not allow one to identify the “correct” point of view in advance. The media, analytical agencies and government services involve different specialists in such polls in order to obtain a multifaceted assessment of the situation.

    “In some cases, we can really choose whether to interview an individual specialist or seek advice from a group,” says Sergey Stepanov. “For example, when making a complex diagnosis, you can consult several doctors individually or organize a medical consultation. Each of these approaches will be effective.”

    Thus, according to scientists, the choice between individual and collective assessment depends on the specific situation, its complexity and the available data.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MOD signs advisors to develop surplus land for community use

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Local communities will benefit from real estate and environmental & technical advice in developing surplus Defence sites for residential use.

    Local communities will benefit from real estate and environmental & technical advice in developing surplus Defence sites for residential use.

    The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has appointed three Strategic Property Advisors (SPA) and three Strategic Environmental & Technical Advisors (SETA) to support the single biggest estates change programme within Defence: the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio.

    The six contracts are divided into three packages partnering real estate advisors Savills UK, Avison Young (UK) Ltd and WSP GL Hearn Ltd (working closely with Jones Lang LaSalle) with technical consultants Tetra Tech Ltd, Jacobs UK and Drees and Sommer UK Ltd (working closely with WSP in the UK) respectively.

    Together they will provide comprehensive advice on how former military sites can be redeveloped for alternative residential and commercial use to support local community needs.

    Catherine Davies, Head of Estates for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said:

    “Working with industry experts helps us to ensure we are finding the right future use for sites which are surplus to military requirements, considering local needs and generating value for the taxpayer. These appointments offer a great opportunity to embrace Social Value, to create diverse teams working on MOD sites and to positively impact local communities.”

    DEO is investing £5.1Bn in more modern and sustainable infrastructure with projects ranging from new homes for military personnel and their families through to bespoke technical, combat and medical facilities as well as cyber warfare and fast jet training infrastructure.

    As these new military assets come into use the SPA & SETA contracts will provide strategic planning and land sales expertise to dispose of those sites that become surplus to military requirements.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DVLA and VCA business plans for 2024 to 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Publication of 2024 to 2025 business plans for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and Vehicle Certification Agency.

    Location:
    House of Commons
    Delivered on:

    I am pleased to announce the publication of the 2024 to 2025 business plans for 2 of the Department for Transport’s motoring agencies:

    Each agency’s business plans sets out:

    1. The key business priorities that each agency will deliver and any significant changes they plan to make to their services.
    2. The key performance indicators, by which their performance will be assessed.

    These plans allow service users and members of the public to understand the agencies’ plans for delivering their key services and managing their finances.

    The business plans will be available electronically on GOV.UK and copies will be placed in the libraries of both Houses.

    The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) 2024 to 2025 business plan will be published separately as we continue to work with them on measures to drive down practical driving test waiting times.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s property market transactions up in October

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Transaction volume of new homes in China went up 0.9 percent year on year in October, reversing a decline since June last year, as the government introduced a series of measures to prop up the market, the latest figures showed on Friday.

    Second-hand home transactions rose for the seventh month by 8.9 percent year on year in October, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development said.

    On a monthly basis, transaction volume of new homes increased 6.7 percent and that of second-hand homes moved up 4.5 percent in October.

    Dubbed “Golden September and Silver October” by the property market, the two months are considered a peak sales season in the second half of the year. Typically, September is the stronger of the two months as property developers push to hit third-quarter targets.

    The ministry said that it was the first time since 2007 that October transactions exceeded those in September.

    China’s property market has seen a stabilization in the price decline with the continued implementation of existing policies and the introduction of incremental policies, said the ministry.

    The growth trend in property transactions is more evident in first-tier cities and is expanding to more cities, the ministry added.

    New home transactions in first-tier cities rose 14.1 percent year on year in October, while those of second-hand homes jumped by 47.3 percent year on year.

    China has rolled out a slew of measures to bolster the property market, including cutting mortgage rates for existing loans, lowering down payment ratios and relaxing purchase restrictions.

    The property market is expected to sustain the recovery momentum as policies continue to take effect, said the ministry.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese envoy to US: Don’t hinder Ukraine peace efforts

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on the United States not to obstruct peace efforts in the Ukraine crisis, as U.S.-led arms transfers to Kyiv continue.

    Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks at a UN Security Council meeting, where UN Undersecretary-General for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu noted that the Ukrainian armed forces continue to receive arms transfers and other forms of military support, including heavy conventional weapons.

    Nakamitsu expressed concern over the use and transfer of cluster munitions, highlighting their indiscriminate nature and potential for widespread pollution.

    Geng said the immediate priority is to adhere to the principles of no battlefield spillover, no escalation of hostilities, and no incitement by any party to quickly de-escalate the situation and seek a political solution to the crisis. 

    China urges parties involved in the conflict to demonstrate political will and engage in peace talks as soon as possible, Geng said. He also called on the international community to create favorable conditions and provide constructive assistance for this process.

    It is the United States that has been aggravating security tensions in Europe, increasing trust deficits and promoting divisive confrontations, Geng said, adding that after the conflict broke out, the U.S. continued to send weapons to the battlefield, openly advocating for the weakening and defeat of Russia, pushing its geopolitical strategy in a blatant manner. 

    It is also the U.S. that has repeatedly smeared China’s peace efforts, tied China to Russia, tried to drive a wedge between China and Europe, and deliberately fostered camp-based rivalry, said the Chinese diplomat.

    Selling fear, creating enemies and inciting confrontation will not only bring disputes and chaos to the world but will also ultimately harm the U.S. itself, Geng warned.

    China has not provided weapons to any party in the Ukraine conflict and has strictly controlled dual-use items, Geng said in response to Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood’s accusations that China has provided decisive support for Russia.

    Chinese companies engage in regular trade with countries worldwide, including Russia and Ukraine, in compliance with World Trade Organization rules and market principles, and are beyond reproach, Geng added.

    From the very beginning, China has called for a ceasefire, an end to hostilities, the resolution of disputes through diplomatic negotiations, and a push toward a political solution, according to the Chinese envoy.

    Over the past three years, China has been vocal and active in these efforts, he said. “Who is truly supporting peace, and who is obstructing it? I think the international community sees this very clearly.”

    China opposes the United States’ use of the Ukraine issue to discredit and pressure China, imposing unilateral sanctions and illegal “long-arm jurisdiction” on Chinese entities and individuals, Geng said, adding that China will take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and citizens.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: End of lifetime licences for rehabilitated IPP offenders

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Around 1,800 rehabilitated offenders still under indefinite probation oversight for abolished Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences, years after completing their prison terms, will have this supervision lifted today (1 November 2024).

    • 1,800 rehabilitated people have never-ending probation supervision stopped
    • first time these ex-offenders will have an ‘end date’ to their sentence
    • significant changes provide clearer path to rehabilitation for all IPP offenders

    Reforms mean IPP offenders who were released from custody at least 5 years ago but not sent back to prison in the last 2 years will have their licences automatically terminated.

    IPP sentences were introduced in 2005 but abolished in 2012 as they were used inconsistently and more broadly than anticipated.

    Offenders on these indefinite sentences have had to wait at least 10 years after their initial release for the Parole Board to consider terminating their licence. With no guarantee that their sentence would end, they could be subject to supervision for their whole lives.

    Further changes, effective from 1 February 2025, will cut the eligibility period for the Parole Board to consider ending licences from 10 years after first release to 3. This will make an additional 600 former offenders eligible to have their licenses ended.

    Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, Lord Timpson said:

    It was absolutely right that the IPP sentence was abolished. It has left many ex-offenders subject to indefinite probation supervision long after turning their backs on crime.  

    IPP offenders who have served their time in prison and lived safely in the community for years should not be subjected to a lifetime licence and today we have taken a significant step in addressing this.

    A former offender expressed relief that their licence has finally ended. Sentenced in 2006 to 15 months and released in 2007, they have not been recalled since but have lived with the restrictions of their licence conditions and uncertainty about their future.

    The ex-offender said:

    I am really happy that this order has ended, I have worked really hard to get myself together and worked with all agencies in order to do this. I am hopeful for the future.

    Since 2012, the IPP prison population has reduced by over 50 per cent anyone still in prison serving an IPP sentenced but deemed still a risk to the public will remain there until the Parole Board recommends their release.

    This will make sure we balance important public protections, with the need to move offenders who have turned their lives around out of prison and off licence.  

    Note to editors

    Those who were sentenced aged under 18 can have their licences terminated 4 years following their first release, with the same provision that they must not have been recalled in the last 2 years.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funding for UK’s growth-driving creative industries confirmed in the Budget

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has welcomed confirmation in the Budget of the government’s commitment to support the creative industries – as part of the Industrial Strategy – recognising the key role it can play in economic growth.

    • Budget funding to help thousands of creative businesses grow across the UK
    • £3m scheme to improve awareness of creative career paths for school children 
    • £25m devolved local growth funding, which the North East plans to use for new Crown Works film studio to be built in Sunderland
    • Grants to continue for start-up video game studios, grassroots music venues and for regional clusters of creative firms outside of London
    • New VFX tax credit confirmed, UK’s world-leading film,TV, theatre, orchestra and museums tax reliefs continue

    The creative industries are worth £125 billion to the UK economy and were named as one of the government’s eight growth-driving sectors in its Industrial Strategy.

    At the Budget yesterday the Chancellor confirmed that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s spending programmes to grow the creative industries will continue, with additional funding to improve access to creative careers for young people across the country.

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    This was a Budget to fix the foundations, stabilise our economy and put us on the path to prosperity for years to come.

    The Creative Industries will play a critical role in helping us turn the corner and deliver on the national missions of this Government – driving economic growth into our towns and cities; drawing on the wealth of talent that exists everywhere; and flying the flag for British culture and values on the world stage.

    The Chancellor’s Budget underscored just how important these sectors are going to be with funding extended for vital programmes and tax reliefs, an expansion of the Creative Careers Programme and a £25 million investment in the CrownWorks Studio in Sunderland that will make the city one of the centres of our TV and film industry for years to come.

    This Government recognises that for millions of people, geography has become destiny. That while talent is everywhere, opportunity is not. This Budget has put the Creative Industries front and centre of how we write those people back into our national story and drive opportunity, jobs and prosperity into every community, in every region.

    The government will continue to broaden and diversify the talent pipeline in the creative industries by expanding the Creative Careers Programme, providing 11-18 year olds with the opportunity to learn more about the full range of jobs in the creative industries and directly engage with the workplace.

    The programme has helped 25,000 students meet industry professionals in 2023, trained over 200 careers professionals on roles in the sector and registered over 500 employers to take part in the annual Discover! Creative Careers Week.

    Funding for the Creative Careers Programme will be increased to £3 million, meaning it can boost its awareness-raising efforts and provide even more schoolchildren with information, advice and guidance on creative career routes.

    The £25 million funding for the North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA) has been confirmed. NEMCA plans to use the funding to remediate the Crown Works Studio site. 

    The North East is already a backdrop for major blockbusters – with Indiana Jones, Harry Potter and Transformers all filmed in the region. Crown Works is set to be one of the largest film studios in Europe and is expected to lead to around 8,000 new jobs in the region.

    The DCMS will also continue to fund the following creative industries programmes:

    • The Create Growth Programme, which supports thousands of businesses, enabling them to convert their creative potential into creative growth, boosting their access to private finance and helping turn today’s creative entrepreneurs into tomorrow’s CEOs.
    • The BFI’s Global Screen Fund helps innovative independent filmmakers showcase the best of Britain’s screen sectors on the global stage by boosting international development and distribution opportunities. 
    • The Dundee-based UK Games Fund, which develops talent and awards grants to high-potential, early-stage video game studios, helping them turn their drawing board ideas into working prototype games and unlock private investment. 
    • The Supporting Grassroots Music Fund, which enables grassroots music venues, recording studios, promoters and festivals to apply for grants of up to £40,000 to develop new revenue streams, make repairs and improvements, and enhance the live music experience for millions of gig-goers across the UK. 

    More details will be set out in due course by DCMS on the specific funding for its programmes going forward. 

    Elsewhere the Creative Industries Clusters programme, supported with at least £50 million and delivered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council on behalf of UKRI, will continue to fund creative clusters in new sub-sectors and regions over the next six years. The first round of the scheme supports nine regional hubs of business specialising in creative subsectors, such as film and high end TV in Cardiff’s Clwstwr and fashion in the Future Fashion Factory in Leeds, helping entrepreneurs and businesses in these areas innovate with new technologies, secure investment, and access global markets, with further clusters to be announced. 

    DCMS will also continue to contribute funding towards the hosting of the London Film Festival and London Fashion Week, as well as providing continued funding for the British Film Commission, National Film and Television School and the BFI’s Certification Unit.

    The Budget has confirmed that the government remains committed to the UK’s regime of highly-competitive tax reliefs for film, high-end TV and video games, including the recently-announced Independent Film Tax Credit, as well as reliefs for animation and children’s TV production.

    Yesterday the government also confirmed that a new VFX relief will go ahead in April 2025, with costs incurred by VFX firms from 1 January 2025 eligible. It will incentivise more film projects to draw on the UK’s post-production expertise – potentially generating hundreds of millions of pounds in additional revenues and creating thousands of jobs.

    The UK’s visual effects industry has grown substantially in recent years and it is now home to six of the world’s biggest visual effects studios. British firms have created CGI and visual effects for global box office hits such as Barbie and Wonka.

    In addition, the Chancellor has increased support for the national museums and galleries by raising their Grant-in-Aid to help support their long-term sustainability. A package of cultural infrastructure funding will also support cultural organisations across the country. 

    The Chancellor also announced yesterday that the government will continue to provide generous tax reliefs to museums, galleries, theatres and orchestras, which will support cultural sectors and help to ensure they can share their world-class productions and collections with more audiences up and down the country. 

    From 1 April 2025, theatres, orchestras and museums and galleries will benefit from higher tax relief rates of 40 percent for non-touring productions, and 45 percent for orchestral and touring productions.

    ENDS

    Notes to Editors

    Creative Careers Programme

    • The Creative Careers Programme (CCP), launched in 2018, tackles information and coordination barriers to providing specialist information, advice and guidance about creative careers to young people, targeting 11-18 year olds, as well as their parents, carers, teachers and careers advisors. 
    • The programme delivers Discover! Creative Careers Week annually in November, alongside a website with lesson plans and resources, monthly online insight Q&A panels, and training for careers advisors.
    • The programme operates UK-wide, with current priority focus given to areas in England where young people face particular challenges in accessing information about the Creative Industries
    • It is delivered by ScreenSkills, with co-delivery partners Creative UK and Speakers for Schools. Further partners include: National Careers Service, Careers and Enterprise Company, Design Council, Into Film, the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Advertising Association, the Publishers Association, UK Fashion and Textiles Association, YouTube, UK Music and UK Theatre/Society of London Theatre.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: HS2 Ltd response to Construction Commissioner’s 29th report

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd responds to the twenty-ninth Construction Commissioner’s report published in August 2024.

    Documents

    HS2 Ltd response to Construction Commissioner’s 29th report

    PDF, 332 KB, 2 pages

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    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    Details

    The HS2 independent Construction Commissioner’s report provides an update on issues raised in his previous report and comments on matters which may have an impact on future numbers of complaints.

    The independent Construction Commissioner’s role is to mediate and monitor the way in which HS2 Ltd manages and responds to construction complaints. The Construction Commissioner will mediate any unresolved construction related disputes between HS2 Ltd and individuals or bodies, and provides advice to members of the public about how to make a complaint about construction.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ofsted opens registrations for new childcare provider type

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ofsted has today begun accepting applications for a new category of childcare provider, as part of a series of changes the Department for Education has introduced to give the early years sector more flexibility.

    Childcare providers now have the option to register as childminders without domestic premises, meaning they can work solely from somewhere other than a home, such as a village hall.  

    Previously, childminders had to register on domestic premises and spend at least 50% of their time working from a home address. The government has now removed this limit, but those registered to provide care at someone’s home will still have to spend some of their time on domestic premises. It will be up to individual providers to decide how best to split this between settings.  

    The total number of people who can work together under a childminder’s registration has also increased from 3 to 4, allowing providers more flexibility to work with others, such as co-childminders and childminding assistants.   

    New guidance, published today, explains how these changes will impact on childcare providers and how to register under the new provider type.  

    Read the guidance on how to ‘Register as a childminder without domestic premises’.

    Providers already registered as childcare on domestic premises can continue to operate with a minimum of 4 people working together, but from 1 November 2024 new applications for this type of provision will need a minimum of 5 people.  

    If you are already a registered childcare provider and don’t want to change the way you operate, you don’t need to do anything.

    Watch our video about the new changes

    New changes for childminders and childcare on domestic premises providers

    Press office

    8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday 0300 013 0415

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/LAOS – President of the Bishops of Laos and Cambodia: The life of the Church in Laos ‘is a small miracle’

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “In Laos there are great difficulties in communicating with the outside world. Even for me, as President of the Episcopal Conference of Laos and Cambodia (CELAC), it is very complicated to get in touch with the local bishops, who are rather elderly and sick, or with other representatives of the Catholic communities. There are language difficulties and then there are the difficulties related to the control of the government apparatus. Contacts are sporadic. However, the Catholic community in Laos gives glory to God, has a strong faith, and continues its journey with joy,” said to Fides Jesuit Enrique Figaredo Alvargonzález SJ, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, Cambodia, and President-in-Office of CELAC, the Episcopal Conference that unites the Bishops of the two Southeast Asian countries.The assembly of bishops is held twice a year, once in Laos, once in Cambodia, and during the course of the year an attempt is made to maintain a link between the bishops, depending on the needs and opportunities in the ecclesial community.”In Laos,” recalls the Apostolic Prefect, “there are only local priests and religious because it is not permitted to have foreign missionaries on a permanent basis. Contacts between local communities with the outside world are difficult, and even the Churches in neighbouring countries can offer limited and sporadic support. But the Laotian community is not discouraged at all, and truly lives each day to the glory of God’.The Laotian Bishop, Andrew Souksavath Nouane, Apostolic Vicar of Paksé since 2022,” reports Figaredo, “is the youngest and speaks English, so he is the reference for our communications with the Laotian Church, which,” he informs us, “is necessarily autonomous and self-sufficient, at all levels, since it has no material or spiritual aid from abroad. Within this framework, “the Church goes forward only by the grace of God. The life of the community proceeds well, even the baptized are increasing. How is this possible? I would say it is a small miracle. There are many nuns and catechists, all Laotian, who help in pastoral life, especially going around the villages where there are baptized people,” he observes.Apostolic Prefect Figaredo recalls some celebrations he attended in Laos: “There, we could see the vitality of the Laotian Catholic community. At the episcopal ordination liturgy of Apostolic Vicar Souksavath an incredible number of people packed the church, about 4,000 of them came from all over the country. The celebration of the recognition of the Laotian martyrs in 2016 was also a great event of faith, very well organized and full of emotion”.”Therefore,” he continues, “the life of the Church throbs, there is participation and loyalty, it is a community that is culturally very local, but lives full loyalty to the Pope, who is regarded with great affection,” he continues.‘”What do they need? Facilities, spiritual and biblical formation for nuns, catechists, seminarians, the faithful. Priests and teachers could come from the Churches of neighbouring countries, but this is not always allowed,” he says.A positive sign, Figaredo notes, is “the establishment of Caritas Laos, which is already working, and is included in the Caritas Internationalis network, so that Laotian volunteers participate in meetings abroad, for example in Bangkok”.The President of CELAC concludes: “From my own experience, I can say that there is great hope for the Church in Laos. There is life. There are many young people, and there is a blossoming of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, which are more numerous than in Cambodia. In Laos, with 51,000 faithful, there are more Catholics than in Cambodia. For foreign contacts and that of the universal Church, there are some priests who studied in the Philippines and thus learned English. These people are a link and can help their community and their country a lot”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 1/11/2024)
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  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Amnesty demands Northern Ireland political leaders to speak up against China’s brutal suppression of human rights

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Northern Ireland’s political leaders should use their voices to challenge China’s human rights abuses.

    That’s the call from Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland Director, ahead of a special film screening in Belfast on Saturday which tells the story of China’s persecution of the minority Muslim Uyghur community in the country’s Xinjiang region.

     Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland Director of Amnesty International, said:

    “Stormont Ministers regularly meet with Chinese government representatives, yet consistently fail to raise human rights concerns despite being fully aware of the atrocious record of abuses by the Chinese authorities.

    “This includes the mass internment and torture of the Uyghur population. An estimated one million members of the Muslim community have been detained in camps and prisons in Xinjiang, northwest China.

    “Our political leaders have a responsibility to speak up about this when they have the opportunity of Chinese government officials sitting in front of them.”

    Amnesty recently revealed that the First and deputy First Minister failed to raise any concerns over China’s human rights record when they met the Chinese ambassador at Stormont Castle in May this year.

    Corrigan was speaking ahead of the Northern Ireland premiere of documentary film All Static & Noise, which explores ongoing atrocities in China and tells the story of Ilham Tohti, an economist now serving the tenth year of a life sentence in prison for his peaceful work bringing Uyghur and Han people together in dialogue.

    The film screening will take place at 3pm on Saturday 2 November at The MAC, followed by a panel discussion featuring the film’s director David Novack, Amnesty’s Patrick Corrigan and Clive Corry, of the Action Trauma Network. This event is free but reservations are required here.

    View latest press releases

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Amnesty urges Northern Ireland political leaders to speak up against China’s brutal suppression of human rights

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Northern Ireland’s political leaders should use their voices to challenge China’s human rights abuses.

    That’s the call from Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland Director, ahead of a special film screening in Belfast on Saturday which tells the story of China’s persecution of the minority Muslim Uyghur community in the country’s Xinjiang region.

     Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland Director of Amnesty International, said:

    “Stormont Ministers regularly meet with Chinese government representatives, yet consistently fail to raise human rights concerns despite being fully aware of the atrocious record of abuses by the Chinese authorities.

    “This includes the mass internment and torture of the Uyghur population. An estimated one million members of the Muslim community have been detained in camps and prisons in Xinjiang, northwest China.

    “Our political leaders have a responsibility to speak up about this when they have the opportunity of Chinese government officials sitting in front of them.”

    Amnesty recently revealed that the First and deputy First Minister failed to raise any concerns over China’s human rights record when they met the Chinese ambassador at Stormont Castle in May this year.

    Corrigan was speaking ahead of the Northern Ireland premiere of documentary film All Static & Noise, which explores ongoing atrocities in China and tells the story of Ilham Tohti, an economist now serving the tenth year of a life sentence in prison for his peaceful work bringing Uyghur and Han people together in dialogue.

    The film screening will take place at 3pm on Saturday 2 November at The MAC, followed by a panel discussion featuring the film’s director David Novack, Amnesty’s Patrick Corrigan and Clive Corry, of the Action Trauma Network. This event is free but reservations are required here.

    View latest press releases

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Richard Allan appointed as Non-Executive Director of the Ofcom Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Secretary of State has appointed Lord Richard Allan for a four-year term from 1 November 2024.

    Lord Richard Allan

    Richard has nearly 30 years of experience in communications and technology policy. He has been a Member of the House of Lords since 2010, initially affiliated with the Liberal Democrats. He has been non-affiliated since 2 October 2024.

    He began his career with the NHS as a Systems Developer. He served as the MP for Sheffield Hallam from 1997 to 2005 and chaired the Information Select Committee. He then joined Cisco Systems as Director of Public Policy and later worked at Facebook (now Meta) for 10 years as VP of Public Policy, where he led over 70 policy experts across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Richard currently holds Non-Executive Board roles with New Automotive and the Centre for Public Data.

    His previous roles include positions with the European Digital Media Observatory, the Power of Media Taskforce, and the Sheffield City Trust.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Non-Executive Directors of the Ofcom Board receive £42,519 per annum. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Arbour Academy (Salford): warning notice

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Warning notice to Kings Academy Trust in relation to Arbour Academy.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Arbour Academy (Salford): Warning Notice

    PDF, 163 KB, 3 pages

    Details

    Notice relating to: Arbour Academy

    URN: 149590

    Notice issued to: Kings Academy Trust

    Reason for issue: Inadequate Ofsted judgement

    Ofsted report: Arbour Academy – Open – Find an Inspection Report

    DfE regional director: Vicky Beer CBE

    DfE regional director office: North West

    Local authority: Salford City Council

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tamara Ingram appointed as Deputy Chair of the Ofcom Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Secretary of State has appointed Tamara Ingram for a four-year term from 1 December 2024.

    Tamara Ingram

    Tamara has over 35 years of experience in the communication industry. She has held several high-profile CEO roles, including at McCann World Group UK, Added Value and The Henley Centre, WPP’s Team Procter & Gamble, and J. Walter Thompson Company.

    Tamara was also Chair and CEO at Saatchi & Saatchi. She has a track record of driving growth and innovation. Currently, Tamara holds board positions with Marks and Spencer, Marsh McLennan, Intertek, and Reckitt, and serves as Chairman of Asthma & Lung UK and Non-Exec Chair of 10 Group.

    Her previous non-executive roles include positions with The Royal Court, Wunderman Thompson, Visit London, Sage PLC, and EDF.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    The Deputy Chair of the Ofcom Board receives £70,000 per annum. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Child First: path to safer communities

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    YJB Board member Louise Shorter discusses Child First with Professor Neal Hazel.

    Youth Justice Board (YJB) member Louise Shorter met with Professor Neal Hazel to discuss Child First and how it supports safer communities.

    Louise is a YJB Board member, charity founder and journalist specialising in criminal justice.

    Neal was a YJB Board member from January 2018 to August 2024 and is the Chair of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Salford.

    Louise Shorter:

    How would you describe Child First?

    Neal Hazel:

    Child First is a framework for what works best with children in trouble. It’s based on the latest research and evidence and is designed to keep communities safe by helping children achieve their best outcomes and prevent offending.

    Until recently, a lot of the guidance that existed in youth justice was based on quite old evidence, but we now understand a lot more. We’ve summed up all our current understanding of what works for children into a four-part framework that we call Child First.

    The YJB has produced a guide to Child First. It provides detailed explanations of the 4 parts to Child First – which we call the 4 tenets. For short, the 4 parts of Child First can be remembered as ABCD:

    1. recognise children ‘As’ children
    2. help them to ‘Build’ a positive identity
    3. ‘Collaborate’ with them
    4. ‘Divert’ them from the stigma associated with crime wherever possible

    Louise Shorter:

    So, Child First is a way of bringing together all the information and evidence we have about what works best for children in trouble. It’s a decision-making tool that can make our policies and practices evidence-informed.

    Neal Hazel:

    Yes, that’s right. Child First is a summary of the consensus on research on youth justice. It’s not just one approach or one theory. It’s the result of 30 years of evidence and gives us a framework that can be used to guide all aspects of work with children in trouble.

    Louise Shorter:

    Some people might worry that Child First means that we’re forgetting about victims. What do you say to that?

    Neal Hazel:

    Child First is about achieving positive outcomes for all parties, so that includes children, victims and communities.

    The evidence shows that if we focus on helping all children to develop constructively, we’ll also reduce offending and make communities safer, and that will mean fewer victims.

    Louise Shorter:

    Does Child First work for all children, even those who commit serious crimes?

    Neal Hazel:

    Yes, Child First is applicable to all children, whether they have or haven’t offended, and regardless of the severity of their offending. In fact, much of the evidence base for Child First is focused on more serious offences.

    We know that children who commit serious crimes often have complex needs, and they need more than just a punishment to turn their lives around.

    We absolutely need that contemporary research and understanding around brain development, trauma and identity if we are to help them.

    Louise Shorter:

    Is Child First a “get out of jail free card”?

    Neal Hazel:

    As a researcher on preventing offending, I’ve never been interested in whether we’re softer or harder. I’m simply interested in what makes us all safer. It all comes down to “is it effective?”

    The fact is that children within the criminal justice system are not simply naughty boys or girls that need a short, sharp shock. We’ve tried that time and time again over the years and it always has disastrous results.

    The key is to fix the issue – to look deeper and try to understand what is stopping that child from achieving the same positive outcomes as any other child. That’s a really important point to make, that these children should have the same aspirations, chances and opportunities as other children.

    These children are in trouble because there are barriers or problems that are stopping them from moving forward and achieving positive, crime-free lives.

    “The fact is that children within the criminal justice system are not simply naughty boys or girls that need a short, sharp shock. We’ve tried that time and time again over the years and it always has disastrous results.”

    Louise Shorter:

    What do you mean by “positive outcomes”?

    Neal Hazel:

    Positive outcomes are what we would want for any child. For them to be healthy, safe, have an education, gain skills and importantly, to see themselves as a constructive, positive member of society.

    Louise Shorter:

    What can we do to provide more positive opportunities for children?

    Neal Hazel:

    We need to invest in youth services and provide children with safe and supportive environments where they can learn and grow. We also need to challenge stigma and discrimination, which we know encourages crime, and we need to work with children to develop their strengths and potential.

    Louise Shorter:

    When I was growing up as a child, I had lots of very supportive adults around me who showed me how to be a positive person. Is it true that many children who come into contact with the system, have been failed by adults in one way or another?

    Neal Hazel:

    When you look at cases of serious violence, as I have done all through my career, one thing strikes you. That is that the vast majority of children have abuse and serious loss (trauma) in their backgrounds. Ultimately, they are in trouble because society and largely adults have failed to recognise and address this.

    Adults are generally responsible for the trauma a child experiences and professional adults are also responsible for the failure to correct that. And so, in some cases it feels like the offending is almost a sad inevitability due to the failure of adults. And then children get punished for that.

    That’s not to say that the behaviour is not dreadful or that those children haven’t committed it. But we consistently find that it’s due to the failure of adults.

    Louise Shorter:

    Does Child First relate to children who are older or in their late teens. Some of those might be physically imposing. How do we think of them as children?

    Neal Hazel:

    It absolutely applies. Most of the evidence base is centred around older children because most offending happens in middle to late teens. Also, we must not forget that all under-18s are legally children.

    We also now understand that the brain hasn’t fully developed until after the age of 25. Some of the last elements to develop in the brain relate to decision making and behaviour.

    Louise Shorter:

    I’ve heard that we don’t talk about children’s ‘risk’ any more. Why is that?

    Neal Hazel:

    It’s about time we started asking people “risk of what?” We will rarely help children move forward in their in their lives and make society safer if we’re just trying to manage the negatives.

    We used to talk about ‘risk of offending’, but we now know that labelling children as potential reoffenders stops them from moving on. So, in the national standards and the case management guidance, this phrase is not used because we now understand the limits and damage it can cause.

    However, that is not to say that we shouldn’t be concerned with the risk of harm that a child can cause to themselves or to others, or indeed suffer from others.

    This does not equate to moving away from public protection. Public protection is always central. However, what we now understand is that it’s much better to avoid any stigma and negative outcomes. This is tenet 4 of Child First.

    So, it’s much better to talk in more positive terms. An example I use is a safety talk on an aeroplane. Rather than talking about the risk of dying, you’re much more likely to get passengers engaged if you talk about keeping them safe. And it’s exactly the same with children. You’re much more likely to engage them if you talk about their safety and well-being than if you talk about them as being risky.

    “It’s much better to talk in more positive terms. An example I use is a safety talk on an aeroplane. Rather than talking about risk of dying, you’re much more likely to get passengers engaged if you talk about keeping them safe.”

    Louise Shorter:

    And engaging them leads to much better outcomes for both children and their communities?

    Neal Hazel:

    Exactly. Tenet 3 is all about engagement. We’ve learned that you can’t “do” youth justice to a child, they need to be engaged. For children to move forward, they must feel involved in the process. Plans and services need to be relevant to their lives and future. Engagement is about more than just attendance – it’s feeling connected to their goals.

    Louise Shorter:

    Is Child First being applied consistently across services and the wider youth justice system?

    Neal Hazel:

    Some services are further along in implementing Child First aligned practice, and this is reflected in inspections. A cultural shift is happening, but it takes time. We’re seeing more understanding in youth justice plans and there’s progress in using the evidence base to inform practice across the wider youth justice system. The Youth Justice Resource Hub provides great examples of these advancements.

    Louise Shorter:

    Hats off to all those services and professionals across the sector for embracing Child First. There’s a wealth of resources available for those needing support.

    Neal Hazel:

    Absolutely. While there’s more work to be done, especially with regards to assessments, the dedication and innovation of professionals working in the youth justice system is driving real progress and we’re seeing tangible results.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Art of Being a Polytechnician: How an Engineering University Became a Territory of Culture

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Future engineers are taught to listen to music. For Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, this has been a routine matter for 18 years. That is how long the Polytechnic has been implementing the unique educational practice of “Creative Semesters” for Russian universities.

    The Polytechnic is the only university in the country where the development of students’ creative abilities is built into the educational process using the best examples of world musical culture. Instead of an auditorium, there is a concert hall, lecturers are a conservatory professor and musicians of a symphony orchestra. Future civil engineers, nuclear physicists, technologists, systems analysts, bioengineers – all first-year students of the Polytechnic do not just listen to Mozart and Bach, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov, they learn to hear and understand music.

    For 18 years in a row, the Polytechnic University has been purposefully educating students in music, revealing to them the cultural heritage accumulated by humanity. The university’s leaders are convinced that the walls of the Polytechnic University should not just produce graduates, but the future elite of Russia, those who will determine the life of the country tomorrow. Their ideas and decisions will shape the future of the Russian economy, politics and culture, says the author of the project, the head of the Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity of SPbPU Boris Kondin.

    This year, the first lesson of the “Creative Semesters” was devoted to getting acquainted with the electronic musical instrument theremin, invented in the last century at the Polytechnic Institute. In the second lesson, students became participants in the musical and literary composition “Russia, don’t be afraid, we are with you!”, in which theater actors, soloists and musicians, through the prism of the Leningrad blockade, talked about the tragic events in Donbass. Now the Polytechnic students are getting acquainted with classical music of different eras, learning to talk about it, and willingly enter into dialogue with Professor Igor Rogalev of the St. Petersburg State Conservatory named after N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov.

    In every person there lives both a creator and a scoundrel, and one of them wins. It seems to me that it is music that clears the way for the creator, for the artist, – Igor Rogalev is sure. – Music is a life-giving emotion, a feeling that gives life. Freshmen come out of our meetings different. There are more creators.

    Many students, most of whom came to study from the regions, hear a symphony orchestra live for the first time in their lives in the majestic interiors of the concert hall.

    This is divine! I didn’t know that music can also be described in words. The discovery in such a field is surprising, – shared first-year student of IPMET Maxim Pashin.

    Lively discussions about music during creative semesters are very interesting. According to my observations, first-year students are cultured people, classical music will resonate in everyone’s heart! – says first-year student of IPMET Ivan Sinko.

    Over the 18 years of the “Creative Semesters”, more than 50 thousand students have been able to receive a “cultural vaccination”. In addition to music lessons for future engineers, the Polytechnic University can boast of the White Hall with a concert philharmonic repertoire, a huge number of creative student associations, including two theaters, two choirs, vocal studios and a pop-symphony orchestra. Since the beginning of the new academic year, all of them have been involved in another cultural project of the Polytechnic University. “Musical Break”— mini-concerts on the main staircase of the Main Building.

    In the spring of 2024, the SPbPU Academic Council adopted the concept of developing the university as a cultural territory, and these are the first steps towards its implementation. Banners with quotes from great thinkers, writers, and scientists about culture, education, and the purity of language have also appeared on campus, and their number will grow. A specially created film about the inadmissibility of obscene language has been shown. Creative contacts are being established with the St. Petersburg Theological Academy. The issue of covering the entire university campus with music, which today only sounds above the entrance to the Main Building, is being resolved.

    All of this university activity in the musical and aesthetic education of students is in line with the National Security Strategy of Russia in terms of protecting traditional Russian spiritual and moral values, culture and historical memory.

    The founder of the Polytechnic University, Sergei Witte, believed that educating a modern engineer without a good humanitarian background is not only immoral, but also destructive for the country. Today, thanks to the support of the rector of SPbPU, Andrei Rudskoy, the culture at the university is entering a new stage of development.

    This is what the story said about it “Why do engineers need a classical music education?” on Channel One.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets delegation from Foreign Trade and Development Committee of Dutch House of Representatives

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai meets delegation from Foreign Trade and Development Committee of Dutch House of Representatives
    President Lai meets delegation from Foreign Trade and Development Committee of Dutch House of Representatives
    2024-11-01

    On the afternoon of November 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Foreign Trade and Development Committee of the Dutch House of Representatives. In remarks, President Lai thanked the House of Representatives for its backing of Taiwan and for urging the Dutch government to prioritize the issue of peace across the Taiwan Strait and strengthen bilateral relations. The president noted that Taiwan and the Netherlands share the values of inclusion, diversity, democracy, and freedom, and that we enjoy close exchanges in such areas as semiconductors, renewable energy, and water resource management. He said that he looks forward to Taiwan and the Netherlands continuing to deepen our partnership in fields including digital trade, cybersecurity, and innovative agriculture as well as to jointly building resilient supply chains for global democracies so as to safeguard the rules-based international free trade order.
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    I want to start by warmly welcoming Chair of the Foreign Trade and Development Committee of the Dutch House of Representatives Aukje de Vries and her delegation. This is the first time the House of Representatives has organized an official delegation to Taiwan. This large group of members from various Dutch political parties includes the spokespersons for foreign trade and foreign affairs. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to extend our warmest welcome.
    This year marks the 400th anniversary of the beginning of Taiwan-Netherlands relations. The Netherlands has made this the Year of Netherlands Innovation and Culture in Taiwan. Your visit serves to further advance bilateral exchanges and cooperation. Taiwan and the Netherlands share the values of inclusion, diversity, democracy, and freedom. We enjoy close exchanges in such areas as semiconductors, renewable energy, and water resource management. And we are both key players in global high-tech supply chains.
    I look forward to Taiwan and the Netherlands continuing to deepen our partnership in fields including digital trade, cybersecurity, and innovative agriculture. And I also look forward to strengthening each other’s hybrid approach to economic security by jointly building resilient supply chains for global democracies so as to safeguard the rules-based international free trade order. As authoritarian expansion continues, democratic partners must show resolve and work together to safeguard global security and prosperity.
    I especially want to thank the House of Representatives for its backing of Taiwan. So far this year, it has passed three motions in support of Taiwan. It has urged the Dutch government to prioritize the issue of peace across the Taiwan Strait and strengthen bilateral relations. The Netherlands was also the first country in Europe to pass a parliamentary motion rejecting China’s attempts to distort United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and impede Taiwan’s right to international participation.
    This year, the Dutch government has demonstrated stronger support for Taiwan than ever before. It congratulated the Taiwanese people for successfully completing elections in January. In May, it dispatched the frigate Tromp to transit the Taiwan Strait, and it publicly voiced indirect support for Taiwan at the World Health Assembly. This all speaks to the Dutch parliament’s staunch backing of Taiwan.
    In closing, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I welcome you all again and thank you for visiting, allowing Taiwan and the Netherlands to walk side by side on the road of democracy and freedom. I am confident that by working together we will make even greater contributions to the world.
    Chair de Vries then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for his gracious reception. She noted that this is the first time a delegation like this from the Dutch House of Representatives is visiting Taiwan. Over the last week, she said, they had a very intense program, and yesterday they were here during the typhoon. She added that they were impressed to see how Taiwan deals with this kind of natural phenomenon. She stated that the purpose of their visit is to get a better understanding of Taiwan’s political, economic and social developments, as well as the current state of cross-strait relations.
    Chair de Vries pointed out that the Netherlands and Taiwan enjoy excellent relations, engaging in intensive exchanges in the fields of trade and innovation, science and innovation, agriculture, education, and culture. And this year is a very special year, she emphasized, just as President Lai mentioned in his remarks, as it is exactly 400 years ago that the Dutch came to Taiwan’s shores for the first time. The chair said that various activities have been organized to mark the occasion through which our shared history is presented in an appropriate, measured, and balanced manner.
    Chair de Vries remarked that the commonalities and interactions between Taiwan and the Netherlands are manyfold. Firstly, she said, both the Netherlands and Taiwan are vibrant democracies and share respect for human rights as well as the freedom of press and freedom of association. She added that we also take very seriously the issues of sustainable economic development and climate change. The second example she mentioned is our shared values, saying that both Taiwan and the Netherlands are aiming at improving working standards and working environments for our workers. The third example, she said, is in the bilateral economic domain. She pointed out that Taiwan is the second largest export market for the Netherlands in Asia, even before Japan and Korea. The Netherlands is one of the largest European investors in Taiwan, she said, with a total stock of over $35 billion euro of investments. She also noted that over 200 Taiwanese companies are using the Netherlands as a gateway to Europe.
    Noting that their Committee on Foreign Trade and Development monitors foreign trade and development policies, Chair de Vries said that many of the themes they have discussed this week will be very useful for their work back home, since these policies include trade and investment, climate policy, corporate social responsibility, human rights, and international cooperation in the fields of science and innovation. She added that what they have learned throughout the week will also allow them to execute a monitoring role regarding Dutch policies towards Taiwan and the region as a whole, including cross-strait relations.
    In that regard, Chair de Vries emphasized, the recent increase in tensions is very much a matter of their concern. She added that the consensus in the Dutch House of Representatives is that any unilateral change in the cross-strait situation must be avoided, and that any dispute must be solved through peaceful means, not by force or coercion. The series of motions adopted over the past few years, she said, reflects the level of support that Taiwan enjoys in the Dutch House of Representatives.
    In closing, Chair de Vries thanked President Lai for the warm welcome. She remarked that it has been a visit they will never forget and that it has given them confidence that Taiwan and the Netherlands do not only share a rich common past and a fruitful and productive common present, but that we also have a bright and promising future ahead, with ever closer cooperation.
    The delegation also included Members of Parliament Daniëlle Hirsch, Roelien Kamminga, Isa Kahraman, Jan Paternotte, Derk Boswijk, Dennis Ram, Tom van der Lee, Femke Zeedijk, and Eric van der Burg. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Netherlands Office Taipei Representative Guido Tielman.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Student suicide prevention enhanced

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    ​The Government today announced the enhanced measures of the Three-tier School-based Emergency Mechanism to strengthen the support for students with suicidal risk, and extended the mechanism to December 31, 2025.

    Under the enhanced measures, the Government will strengthen the training for school personnel and parent education in the first-tier mechanism, to enhance their capability in identifying and supporting students with a higher suicidal risk.

    In the second-tier mechanism, the support services will cover new and existing cases involving students with a higher suicidal risk in all publicly funded secondary schools.

    Schools can contact the “off-campus support network” team in their district directly, and the team will match and refer the students or their families to other community support services as needed.

    The off-campus team will also strengthen communication with the schools’ multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuous support for the cases.

    As for the third-tier mechanism, the Government will provide clear guidelines for schools to clarify the criteria for considering cases that are suitable for referral to the Hospital Authority’s psychiatric specialist services. This allows the needs of different students to be catered for in a more precise way.

    After triage and screening, students who are considered in a stable condition may also receive first-tier in-school support, and services from the second-tier “off-campus support network” arranged by their schools while awaiting psychiatric services.

    To strengthen school personnel’s knowledge and skills of promoting students’ mental health, the Education Bureau will organise a number of thematic training courses this school year, and provide lesson plans and short videos on students’ mental health

    It will also continue collaborating with the Social Welfare Department to arrange for non-governmental organisations to visit secondary schools in need to organise mental health activities.

    There will also be thematic parent education workshops and seminars on a regular basis.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Media Invited to Inaugural Ministerial Meeting of the IAEA World Fusion Energy Group in Rome

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    On Wednesday, 6 November 2024, the inaugural ministerial meeting of the IAEA World Fusion Energy Group (WFEG) will be held at Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rome. Co-organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Italy, the meeting will see governments, executives from public and private institutions, and investors join forces in paving the way for this promising technology to provide the abundant clean energy the world needs to meet its growing development needs.

    The meeting will begin at 10:00 CET with welcome remarks by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani, followed with opening remarks by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, Minister of the Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

    A family photo will be taken at 09:45 in the Mosaic Room (across from the International Conference Room) before the meeting.

    Statements from the Head of Delegation of each invited country will follow. Director General Grossi and Minister Fratin are expected to hold a joint press conference at 13:30.

    The meeting and press conference will be livestreamed on the Farnesina YouTube channel.

    At the event, the IAEA will launch two publications, Fusion Key Elements and the World Fusion Outlook 2024. The WFEG meeting will also feature three panel discussions on the status of fusion energy; global collaboration and public-private partnerships; and sustaining resources and exploring alternative business opportunities. The tentative programme is available here.

    All media representatives wishing to attend the meeting must submit their accreditation request to Italy. Please see this page for more details.

    MIL Security OSI –