NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government has improved the mechanism for providing tax incentives for scientific research and development work

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The government continues to create favorable conditions for conducting research and development work. A decree has been signed establishing a new coefficient value, which reduces the base for calculating income tax.

    We are talking about expenses incurred in conducting research and development, which are excluded from the calculation base of the profit tax. They are classified as other expenses. Until now, the coefficient increasing them was equal to 1.5, now it will be equal to 2. Thus, the tax payments of organizations and enterprises will decrease, which will allow them to allocate more funds for conducting research.

    The list of research and development activities covered by this benefit is approved by the Government. Today, it includes several hundred types of work in 10 areas. Among them are “Nanosystems Industry”, “Information and Telecommunication Systems”, “Transport and Space Systems”, “Small- and Medium-Tonnage Chemistry”.

    The increase in the coefficient reducing the base for calculating income tax is provided for by the new version of the Tax Code. It was adopted by legislators in July 2024.

    The document will be published.

    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: LCQ2: Development of private museums

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ2: Development of private museums
    LCQ2: Development of private museums
    ************************************

         ​Following is a question by the Hon Ma Fung-kwok and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, in the Legislative Council today (October 30): Question:      In the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the country has expressed unequivocal support for developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. It is learnt that while private museums are recognised as facilitating the preservation of arts and culture and are booming in many places across the globe, the development of private museums in Hong Kong has all along been constrained by the lack of suitable venues, high maintenance costs, as well as the lack of government support, accreditation, promotion and publicity, etc, some private museums have even ceased operations as a result. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) whether it knows the number of private museums and their operating conditions in the past three years, including the ratio of fee-charging to free admission, attendances, the ratio of those on the promotion list of the Government or the relevant organisations, as well as the number of private museums facing operating difficulties; whether any applications to operate a private museum have been rejected; (2) among the existing private museums, of the number of those which have received support (including one-off or regular funding) from the Government or the relevant organisations; whether any requests for support by a museum have been rejected by the Government, and of the purpose for which support was requested; and (3) whether it has plans to introduce an accreditation scheme for private museums or extend the scope of application of the Museums Regulation to cover private museums and to centralise the promotion of local museums, so as to enrich the contents of Hong Kong’s tourism in arts and culture, and facilitate the development of Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange? Reply: President,      Museums are an important part of cultural inheritance and dissemination. The Government has been committed to supporting the development of cultural software in Hong Kong through public museums. Currently, 15 museums and two art spaces are managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) in accordance with the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Chapter 132), each with different focuses and themes, covering the three major areas of art, history and science, bringing different cultural experiences to citizens and tourists. The LCSD continues to invest a lot of resources in improving the facilities and enriching the content of its museums. The renovation of the Hong Kong Museum of Art in recent years is an important example.           The current-term Government is committed to fostering cultural development with a view to developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, and has announced that the number of museums under the LCSD will be further increased to continue to enrich Hong Kong’s cultural landscape and bring new impetus to cultural development to meet the general public’s demand for museums. From the cultural policy perspective, in addition to operating and developing public museums, the Government also welcomes the establishment of private museums by individuals or organisations to complement with public museums, which is conducive to the diversified development of the cultural ecology of Hong Kong. The LCSD museums have detailed plans from planning, construction to operation to achieve the Government’s public policy mission, while private museums have higher development autonomy, fewer restrictions, and can also be operated in a more commercial manner. Therefore, when the Government considers supporting private museums and formulating related policies, it must take into account the overall resource allocation and evaluate relative priorities of projects to avoid unnecessary pressure on public funds. Having regard to the uniqueness on the history, theme, scale, operating mode, and financial situation of individual museums, the Government currently does not have plans to formulate a set of standard mechanisms to support the operation of private museums, however, if resources permit, we will consider providing different forms of support to the operation of individual private museums, based on the Government’s policy objectives, expectations of society, and the actual situation of individual museums.      In consultation with relevant bureaux/departments, my reply to the question raised by the Hon Ma Fung-kwok is as follows: (1) and (2) The Government does not maintain data on the number and operating conditions of private museums. As far as we know, there are dozens of private museums in Hong Kong, covering different themes such as culture, arts, history, folklore and education. Currently, the Hong Kong Maritime Museum (HKMM) is the only private museum subvented by the Government. It rents Central Pier No. 8 at nominal rent and receives Government subvention to support its operation. The HKMM recorded approximately 66 100, 52 800 and 106 200 visitors respectively in the last three financial years (i.e. April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2024), among which free visitors account for about 30 per cent, mainly school tour groups.      In addition to subvention, the Government welcomes organisations interested in operating museums to apply for subsidy for cultural, arts projects or activities, such as the Springboard Grants and the Project Grants under the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme managed by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), the Project Grant and Matching Fund Scheme from Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC) and the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, to support the museum’s operations or to organise events. For example, the HKADC provided funding to a private museum’s training programme in 2023.           Non-government organisations and social enterprises, if interested in operating a private museum on vacant government land, can submit an application for “Use of Vacant Government Land for Community, Institutional or Non-Profit Making Purposes on Short Term Basis”. The Government will consider whether to grant the short term tenancy at nominal rent in accordance with policy objectives and established assessment criteria. In 2024, the CSTB provided policy support at nominal rent for two short-term tenancy applications for the use of private museums. These two applications are currently being considered together with other applications by relevant departments.           Private museums may also consider participating in the global network of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) by referring to and adhering to the professional and ethical standards established by the ICOM, thereby improving the quality of their museums to attract more visitors and gain more chances of mutual support and collaboration with other museums. The ICOM, established in 1946, is an international organisation of museums and museum professionals committed to the conservation, continuation and communication to society of the world’s natural and cultural heritage. The major museums under the LCSD are members of the ICOM. Non-governmental cultural and museum organisations including the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, the HKMM, the Art Museum of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the University Museum and Art Gallery of the University of Hong Kong and MILL6 Foundation are also members of the Council. (3) As mentioned above, the Government encourages the diversified development of Hong Kong’s cultural ecology and currently has no plans to launch a private museum certification system or regulate the operation of private museums through legislation. Nonetheless, the LCSD museums have been collaborating with other local museums from time to time, and promoting these museums through different platforms and channels. One of the most obvious examples is the Muse Fest HK organised by the LCSD every year since 2015, inviting different local museums and cultural institutions to become partners, allowing citizens and tourists to visit different museums in the city and experience Hong Kong’s rich and unique culture, history and artistic diversity. In addition, the LCSD museums and private museums also from time to time lend collections to each other or collaborate in organising various activities, including exhibitions, lectures and seminars.      In addition, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has been promoting unique museums, including public and private museums and related activities to tourists through its website (discoverhongkong.com), social platforms and tourist information centres, etc, such as M+, Hong Kong Palace Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences and Hong Kong News-Expo. The HKTB also introduces Hong Kong’s museums through social media. For example, it has collaborated with the Mainland social media Xiaohongshu to launch the Hong Kong Citywalk Guide, which introduces five unique Citywalk routes for roaming around Hong Kong, including the Museum Walk route.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 30, 2024Issued at HKT 15:11

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: APRA increasing scrutiny of expenditure by superannuation trustees

    Source: Allens Insights

    Increased surveillance and potential for enforcement action 8 min read

    APRA recently announced in a letter to all superannuation trustees that it will intensify scrutiny of ‘fund-level expenditure to hold RSE Licensees accountable to improve practices’ and ‘reduce spending that is deemed to not be in members’ best financial interests’.

    In this Insight, we highlight what APRA plans to do over the coming 12 months through surveillance and enforcement action and areas of its likely focus, and then set out practical steps trustees can take now to prepare for increased scrutiny and possible enforcement action from APRA.

    What APRA plans to do about trustee expenditure

    Over the next 12 months, APRA will prioritise its supervision of fund expenditure where member benefit is not immediately evident or may not be reasonably justified. It is this expenditure which we assume is at risk of being deemed not to be in members’ best financial interests by APRA.

    APRA Deputy Chair Margaret Cole also warned this week that APRA is prepared to ‘test the limits of the law’ in this area if needed, which we interpret to mean a willingness to commence proceedings even where there may be legal uncertainty about the application of the law to expenditure by trustees.

    APRA will take a targeted approach, partly informed by expense data that RSE licensees were required to submit to APRA. It will initially focus on ‘discretionary expenditure’ such as travel, entertainment and conferences, outliers (which we take to mean RSE licensees with higher expenses than their peers), and particular types of payees and payments.

    It says its focus will be informed by ‘market intelligence and matters of public interest’. The reference to ‘public interest’ suggests APRA may be reacting to issues raised in the media or public criticism of individual funds and their expenses, and APRA may be more likely to target these trustees for scrutiny and enforcement action.

    APRA’s interest in trustee expenditure is not new, but its announcements are a warning to trustees that it is looking closely at this area and wants to be seen to be taking action against trustees who are not complying with their obligations.

    APRA is already engaging with a number of trustees following its review of initial expense data. The review isn’t finished and APRA has said trustees can expect it to issue notices requiring information that demonstrates how trustees determined that expenditure is in members’ best financial interests. In reviewing expenditure decisions, APRA will consider governance, conflicts of interest and attestations from management (as recommended under the updated SPG 515 from 1 July 2025) and the role of accountable persons under the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR). It has foreshadowed imposing rectification measures where warranted, and will make enforcement actions public where appropriate.

    The focus on expenditure by trustees ties in with APRA’s stated aim in the 2024-25 corporate plan of improving transparency around expenses and a focus on compliance by trustees with the updated SPS 515, which commences from 1 July 2025. APRA flagged in the plan that it will use the new, more detailed expense data it receives ‘to identify trustees with outlying expenditure for certain discretionary expense categories and will intensify supervisory efforts accordingly’.

    Steps trustees can take to anticipate APRA action

    Given APRA’s clear warning that it will focus on trustee compliance with expenditure obligations in the next 12 months, including increased surveillance and potential for enforcement action, trustees should take steps now to prepare and anticipate issues APRA may raise. Failure to do so may itself open trustees to criticism. This could include:

    1. Reviewing compliance of existing expenditure management policies and processes

    While APRA’s level of scrutiny and apparent willingness to take enforcement action are new, the obligations are not.

    Trustees have obligations under the SIS Act to perform their duties and exercise their powers in the best financial interests of beneficiaries, to give priority to beneficiaries’ interests where there is a conflict, and to comply with the sole purpose test. They are also subject to existing requirements in SPS 515 to demonstrate that decisions about business operations that result in significant expenditure will contribute to meeting the trustee’s strategic objectives.

    All trustees should have governance policies and processes in place for complying with these requirements. This would include an expenditure management policy and procedures for reviewing and approving expenditure, including escalation of decisions to senior management or the board for significant decisions.

    Trustees should check that their policies and procedures are up to date and that they are following their own policies and procedures when making decisions about budgets and expenses. Those people who will become their accountable persons should be taking reasonable steps now to make sure they are being applied.

    It is these things that will enable trustees to demonstrate to APRA that they have complied with their duties in making expenditure decisions if required.

    2. Reviewing high-risk expenses

    APRA is likely to focus its scrutiny on certain types of expenses, including advertising, sponsorships, corporate entertainment, political donations and related-party transactions.

    Trustees may want to review these categories of expenses—particularly where they are significant or where the link to financial interests of beneficiaries is not evident. A good starting point would be expense data that has been reported to APRA, as APRA will use the same data to identify areas for further scrutiny.

    Trustees should test whether they can demonstrate that good governance processes were followed when approving expenses and that the decisions were consistent with the trustee’s obligations. They should identify documents and information that could be produced to evidence the approval process if APRA raises concerns.

    An internal review could bring to light expenditure decisions that potentially lack justification on the available information, in which case the trustee may need to reconsider the decisions or identify and document any additional information available to support the decisions. It is important to remember that some expenditure may have an indirect connection to members’ best financial interests and can be justified on this basis—such as spending on employee benefits that assists in recruitment and retention of good employees that ultimately benefits members.

    3. Checking on progress in implementing updated SPS 515 and SPG 515

    The updated SPS 515 was finalised in July 2024 and takes effect from 1 July 2025. It includes additional requirements around expenditure management that apply to all expenditure decisions (not just to ‘significant expenditure’), and the new SPG 515 includes revised guidance with a focus on trustees’ duties to act in the best financial interests of beneficiaries, more scrutiny of expenditure that involves conflicts or provides incidental benefits to third parties, and greater focus on accountability around expenditure decisions.

    Trustees will need to review and update their policies, procedures and governance arrangements to address the new requirements and APRA’s expectations by 1 July 2025. Trustees should be in a position to provide APRA with an update on progress in this area, including timeframes and anticipated changes to their existing arrangements.

    4. Testing whether some expenses may be outside the regulatory regime

    The requirements in SPS 515 and the guidance in SPG 515 purport to apply broadly to ‘expenditure decisions’ by an RSE Licensee ‘relating to its business operations’. There is an important unresolved issue around how far APRA’s scrutiny will go, and whether it will extend beyond the use by trustees of fund assets for expenses.

    There is an important distinction between trustee business models that is not acknowledged in SPS 515 or SPG 515. Some trustees pay expenses directly from fund assets relying on their right of indemnity or exoneration. Other trustees charge a fee for their services and then meet expenses out of their personal assets. Many trustees do both—with the proportion of expenses coming from fund assets or personal assets varying depending on the trustee’s business model.

    The source of funding for expenses has important implications for the trustee’s obligations in relation to expenditure decisions. Trustees are required to comply with the SIS Act obligations to act in the best financial interests of beneficiaries, give priority to their interests and ensure consistency with the sole purpose test only where they are performing a trustee’s duties or exercising a trustee’s powers. In spending their own money, they are doing neither of these things (although some restrictions apply to the use of trustee capital which is maintained to meet operational risk loss events).

    It is not at all clear whether SPS 515 and SPG 515 acknowledge this distinction. While the guidance refers to the requirement to ‘have robust governance and oversight of fund expenditure’, which suggests it is intended to apply only to expenses paid from fund assets, SPS 515 imposes requirements on a trustee when it makes ‘an expenditure decision relating to its business operations’. On its face, this appears to apply equally to expenditure from fund assets or the trustee’s personal assets.

    In its letter to trustees, APRA says it will prioritise supervisory attention on ‘fund expenditure’. Whether it gives this a narrower meaning confined to trustees spending fund money, or whether it includes a broader range of expenditure by trustees, is yet to be seen. This could be one area where it decides to ‘test the limits of the law’. SPS 515 also includes new obligations in relation to the setting of fees—including to ensure the fee is ‘appropriate and proportionate, having regard to factors such as the arm’s-length value of the features and services that the fee relates to’. While this raises separate issues, it could provide another means for APRA to regulate the ability of trustees to pay for expenses out of their own funds.

    5. Preparing a ‘playbook’ for responding to APRA notices or enforcement action

    Given APRA has issued a letter to trustees saying it intends to increase scrutiny on expenditure and issue notices to trustees, trustees should prepare now to be able to respond to those notices in an efficient and cost-effective way.

    We suggest trustees plan now:

    • A process to ensure that, when a notice is received, it is quickly referred to those responsible for preparing a response, to avoid wasting time in the initial phase.
    • The resources available and governance arrangements to be followed in responding to any notice, including identifying key accountable individuals and specifying roles and responsibilities, identifying advisers who will be briefed to assist in any response, setting out a process for obtaining input from a range of stakeholders, and setting out the approval and escalation process, including indicative timeframes required for review of draft responses.
    • Collating relevant policy and procedures documents so they can be quickly produced and, to the extent possible, preparing draft responses in relation to governance arrangements and key areas of likely scrutiny.
    • Preparing a public relations and press engagement strategy in the event issues are first raised in the media or come to light following an APRA notice (although given the nature of the investigations, having regard to the interests of members).

    The plan should have input from key senior management and individuals who will be involved in any response.

    What’s next?

    APRA’s focus on fund expenditure over the coming 12 months will require trustees to consider their expenditure management arrangements again, and potentially to respond to scrutiny of their governance or individual expenditure decisions. APRA’s warning gives trustees a rare opportunity to anticipate issues and prepare a response plan ahead of time. A failure to do so could itself be cause for criticism by APRA.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Q&A: Innovative Finance Facility for Climate in Asia and the Pacific (IF-CAP)

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    • Workers walking by a solar power plant in Kazakhstan

    Article | 30 October 2024
    Read time: 6 mins

    SHARE THIS PAGE

    •  IF-CAP is the first leveraged guarantee mechanism for climate finance to ever be adopted by a multilateral development bank.
    •  Various simulations have shown that for every $1 that is guaranteed, up to $4.5 of new climate finance will be generated under IF-CAP’s mechanism.
    •  IF-CAP will strengthen ADB’s developing member countries’ capacity to develop their low-carbon and climate-resilient strategies and build a larger pipeline of potential investments.

    What is IF-CAP?

      The Innovative Finance Facility for Climate in Asia and the Pacific, or IF-CAP, is a multi-donor financing partnership facility with the goal of scaling-up finance for accelerated action against climate change in Asia and the Pacific. IF-CAP partners will provide guarantees for parts of ADB’s sovereign loan portfolios to enable ADB to free up capital to increase lending for climate investments. Supplementary grants will facilitate project preparation, capacity building, and knowledge solutions.

    Why is IF-CAP being formed?

    The battle against climate change will be won or lost in Asia and the Pacific. And our region is uniquely vulnerable to the impacts. More than 40% of climate-related disasters occurred in Asia and the Pacific since the start of the century, affecting nearly 3.6 billion people. ADB estimates that $1.7 trillion per year will need to be invested in infrastructure in developing Asia between 2016-2030 to meet both climate and development goals. The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) says the year 2030 is a significant crossroad after which it will become considerably harder to meet climate targets.

    As Asia and the Pacific’s climate bank, the Asian Development Bank is spearheading significant climate change financing and expertise across the region.   IF-CAP is the first leveraged guarantee mechanism for climate finance to ever be adopted by a multilateral development bank. It is inspired by the International Finance Facility for Education (IFFEd), which aims to use innovative financing to unlock new education funding in low-and middle-income countries.

    What will IF-CAP do?

    IF-CAP will allow ADB to significantly increase climate finance for investments that are aligned with the Paris Agreement and other key ADB policies, including the forthcoming Climate Change Action Plan.

      With a model of “$1 in, $4.5 out”, IF-CAP’s current guarantee size of $2.5 billion will create over $11 billion in climate finance for much-needed climate projects across Asia and the Pacific. Alongside lending facilitated by IF-CAP, ADB will provide up to $1 billion in concessional ordinary capital resources lending (COL) from its own resources, in support of projects enabled by IF-CAP’s guarantee structure. In total, resources aligned with IF-CAP amount to over $12 billion.

    IF-CAP enabled projects will address both climate change mitigation, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change adaptation, which focuses on building resilience to the worsening effects of climate change. These investments could cover a wide range of sectors, such as transportation, energy, urban, and agriculture and natural resources, as well as social sectors such as health and education, for projects with high climate impacts.

    What will IF-CAP not do?

    IF-CAP will not support new or existing fossil fuel-based electricity generation facilities or dedicated transmission, or any new or existing natural gas-related projects. Climate finance enabled by IF-CAP will not be used towards early retirement or repurposing of fossil fuel fired power plants.

    • Developing Asia’s share of global greenhouse gas emissions nearly doubled, from 22% in 1990 to 44% in 2019 and is expected to remain at this level until mid-century under current policies.

    • Asia and the Pacific can only realize its climate goals if it pursues a transition away from coal-based energy in the near term.

    How does the leverage mechanism work?

    The program is based on the use of financial guarantees from our partners. By guaranteeing a portfolio of ADB sovereign loans on a first-loss basis, they will help shoulder some of the loss in case of a default by one of our borrowers included in our portfolio.

    This is a groundbreaking arrangement because IF-CAP’s portfolio guarantee enables ADB to optimize the usage of our balance sheet, supported by the strength of our triple-A credit ratings and preferred creditor status. This allows ADB to reduce the capital held for credit risk and release more capital for climate loans. Every dollar of guarantee into IF-CAP will result in the capacity to provide more climate finance for eligible projects. Simulations show that for every $1 that is guaranteed, $4.5 of climate finance could be generated. That is a fundamental shift from the traditional “one dollar in, one dollar out” facilities at MDBs, because of IF-CAP’s leverage effect.

    Who are the partners supporting IF-CAP?

    IF-CAP’s founding partners are Denmark, Japan, Norway, Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In 2023, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet established a trust fund under the IF-CAP Financing Partnership Facility.

    What sovereign portfolios will their guarantees cover?

    IF-CAP will cover a dynamic and diversified reference portfolio consisting of ADB’s exposures to a board spectrum of developing member countries, which have been identified to achieve the desired leverage based on the risk appetite of the partners.

    Which countries are eligible for IF-CAP financing?

    All ADB’s developing member countries (DMCs) are eligible. Individual financing partners may exercise discretion for certain projects based on their policies and priorities.

    Will IF-CAP differ from ADB’s regular climate financing?

    Functionally, there will be no difference. IF-CAP’s role will be to enable ADB to approve climate financing more quickly and at a higher volume.

    What are the benefits of IF-CAP?

    For DMCs, IF-CAP can help them advance operations with high climate ambition that are currently not in their pipeline, increase climate finance components of existing pipeline projects, and enable greater visibility and demonstration effects for projects including those with innovative components or high climate impact.

    For IF-CAP partners, it can enable them to make a greater impact through a leveraged guarantee mechanism not offered by other financing partnership facilities, providing them with an effective and efficient way to fight climate change in support of their national commitments.

    For ADB, IF-CAP is an innovative method to optimize our balance sheet, unlock capital resources, and increase our lending capacity by over $11 billion so we can make more resources available for critical climate projects in Asia and the Pacific.

    Will IF-CAP contribute to ADB’s ambition of $100 billion climate financing for 2019-2030?

    IF-CAP will be one of the flagship instruments to enable ADB to reach its climate finance target beyond $100 billion and support our target for climate finance to reach 50% of the total committed financing volume by 2030.

    SHARE THIS PAGE
    Subjects
    • ADB funds and products
    • Climate change
    • Climate finance

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: What excursions await the participants of the ninth season of the project “Discover

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    From November 5 to 22, more than 170 excursions will be held around the capital’s high-tech industrial enterprises. Participants will visit production facilities that produce cosmetics, footwear, clothing, confectionery and bakery products, ventilators, emergency medical supplies, elevators and other products. You can register for the excursion on the project’s website “Open. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Investment and Industrial Policy Anatoly Garbuzov.

    “We continue to introduce Moscow residents to the production processes of food products, children’s educational kits, laser equipment, pharmaceuticals, auto parts and other high-tech products. In November, we prepared over 170 excursions to 35 enterprises, as well as 75 master classes. This season, four new factories have joined the project, which produce Christmas tree decorations, clothing, cable products and printed products,” said Anatoly Garbuzov.

    The new season will see the first tours of the Kolomeyev Christmas tree toy factory. Guests will see how the products are blown and painted. The company makes classic Soviet toys: pine cones, Christmas trees, houses, astronaut figurines, as well as New Year’s decorations for the interior and dolls for the tree. Most of the products are made using traditional technologies and hand-painted by master artists.

    For the first time, the company “Printing House “Tissot”” will welcome visitors. The company’s specialists will show how postcards, books, calendars, folders and other products are produced. In addition, a master class on making notebooks will be held here.

    In addition, Muscovites will be able to visit the production of PLNB Jeans, where jeans, trousers, jackets, shirts and much more are produced. The tour will tell about all stages of preparation and production of products, as well as the history of denim culture and the capital brand.

    At the Spetskabel plant, which will also welcome visitors for the first time, guests will see how modern cable and wire products are manufactured. The company manufactures cables for all industries, including the oil and gas, energy, shipbuilding and space sectors. Many of the company’s developments have no analogues in the world. The plant produces more than 40 thousand kilometers of cable per year.

    The Open Project

    Sobyanin: This year, the project “Open

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145935073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergei Sobyanin named the most popular measures to support technology companies

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Moscow is constantly increasing support for high-tech companies in the form of grants and loans. This was reported by Sergei Sobyanin in his telegram channel.

    “In May, they determined

    main tasks to support innovation and business development until 2030. We approach the issue comprehensively: over the past years, we have formed a unique line of tools,” the Mayor of Moscow emphasized.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

    One of the successful and fast growing programs is preferential loans under the pledge of rights to the results of intellectual activity. With the support of the city, entrepreneurs concluded 20 contracts for the amount of 608 million rubles, 13 of them this year for the amount of 452 million rubles, which is already almost three times more than for the whole of last year.

    Sobyanin: 66 billion rubles were attracted to the city’s SME economy through guaranteesMoscow Mayor Talks About City Projects to Support Tech Business

    Thus, a loan was received by a company that produces special pipeline fittings for heating systems of housing and communal services. Support was also provided to a company that creates briquettes from small waste of large industrial enterprises for their further use as raw materials or fuel.

    Another measure in demand is grants for the purchase of equipment and development of activities. The city compensates businesses for expenses already incurred. Since the beginning of the year, Moscow entrepreneurs have been approved for over 450 applications for a total of almost 1.9 billion rubles. This is 17 percent more than last year’s figure for the same period. Thanks to the capital’s support, companies have purchased equipment for over 4.2 billion rubles.

    Among those receiving compensation was a company that produces vaccines for adults and children. In addition, the list includes a developer and manufacturer of equipment for precision machining of parts in various industries with numerical control.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11970050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SFST’s speech at ASIFMA’s 5th Annual Sustainable Finance Conference: Enabling Transition Finance in Asia (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at ASIFMA’s 5th Annual Sustainable Finance Conference: Enabling Transition Finance in Asia today (October 30):

    Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

         It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today at ASIFMA’s 5th Annual Sustainable Finance Conference. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to ASIFMA (Asia Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association) for hosting this significant event, now in its fifth year, and for bringing together an impressive gathering of leaders and advocates in the realm of sustainability. We are here to engage in critical discussions about how we can collectively scale and enable transition finance in Asia – a topic that has never been more urgent.

         Today’s theme, “Enabling Transition Finance in Asia”, reflects a vital aspect of our collective effort to combat climate change. As we know, climate change poses unprecedented challenges to our societies and economies. We must take bold steps to address these challenges. Hong Kong serves as a crucial financial gateway in Asia, bridging the East and West. This unique position makes it an ideal location for managing and channelling investments aimed at sustainable development. With our robust banking system, flourishing financial market, and strong regulatory framework, Hong Kong is well-positioned to facilitate transition finance.

         As we gather here today, we are acutely aware of the challenges that climate change poses to our societies and economies. Today, I would like to outline Hong Kong’s efforts in driving sustainability, encapsulated in four key “C” pillars: Capital, Creation, Commitment, and Collaboration.

    Capital – A vital tool for green financing

         The first “C” is Capital, which highlights Hong Kong’s well-developed capacity for green investment. This is not just a financial mechanism; it is a vital tool for green financing that underpins our commitment to sustainability. Hong Kong has set an ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with a target to halve carbon emissions by 2035. To realise these goals, we are implementing a range of policies and initiatives designed to promote green finance and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

         As Asia’s leading international financial centre and green finance hub, Hong Kong stands ready to channel international investment toward sustainable purposes. Our financial ecosystem is equipped to facilitate a robust green transition. Recent market research estimates that sustainable bond issuance will approach US$1 trillion in 2024. Moreover, it is projected that annual climate investments must reach US$9 trillion by 2030 and US$10 trillion by 2050, underscoring the immense demand for green finance.

         To this end, we launched the Government Green Bond Programme (renamed Government Sustainable Bond Programme) in 2019. This initiative aims to raise funds for government green projects that contribute to sustainable development. I am pleased to report that our issuance has been attracting strong interest from both local and international investors. For example, for the issuance in July this year, our offer of HK$25 billion of bonds attracted more than HK$120 billion equivalent in orders, about five times of the offer size. So far a total of HK$220 billion in government green bonds has been successfully issued, including a diverse array of bonds – retail, institutional, and tokenised – across multiple currencies and tenors. These efforts have effectively raised funds for the Government’s green projects, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a greener future for Hong Kong.

         The momentum towards sustainable investment has gained unprecedented traction in our financial markets. Over 230 ESG (environmental, social, and governance) funds have been authorised by our Securities and Futures Commission, collectively managing over HK$1.3 trillion in assets. This represents a significant year-on-year increase of 19 per cent in the number of funds and an 8 per cent rise in assets. These encouraging statistics reflect a growing recognition among investors of the importance of sustainable finance and their commitment to supporting responsible investment initiatives.

    Creation – innovating the green fintech market

         The second “C” is Creation, which emphasises Hong Kong’s role in innovation for adoption of green fintech. In addition to capital, technology plays a crucial role in green transition. The global shift toward sustainability is not just creating new markets; it is also driving innovation and opening up investment opportunities. The Government recognises that sustainable development and financial innovation must go hand in hand. By positioning Hong Kong as a leader in sustainable finance, we can attract capital, stimulate innovation, and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.

         As we strive to integrate fintech with green finance and accelerate our green transformation, we are actively expanding the green fintech ecosystem. This year in June, we launched the Green and Sustainable Fintech Proof-of-Concept Funding Support Scheme. This initiative aims to provide early-stage funding to technology companies or research institutes conducting green fintech activities, allowing them to collaborate with local enterprises to co-develop new projects that address industry pain points. By facilitating the completion of the commercialisation and proof-of-concept stages, this scheme aims to enable wider adoption of green and sustainable fintech solutions in our local business landscape.

         Fostering partnerships that drive innovation in financial products is another crucial element in promoting sustainable practices and ensuring that our financial systems are resilient and future-ready. Earlier this year, in March, we launched the Prototype Hong Kong Green Fintech Map, developed in collaboration with various stakeholders. This map serves as a one-stop resource, providing comprehensive information on the current status of green fintech companies in Hong Kong and the related services available. By enhancing the visibility of these companies, we support their growth and ultimately contribute to our vision of a greener and more sustainable financial ecosystem.

    Commitment – building a comprehensive foundation

         The third “C” is our commitment to building a comprehensive green finance ecosystem. Recent market studies indicate that approximately 90 per cent of issuance in the green bond market relates to financing climate transition projects. Transition finance encompasses more than just capital; it empowers various industries to evolve towards sustainable practices while acknowledging that the journey to a low-carbon economy varies across sectors.

         The time is ripe for Hong Kong to seize the opportunities ahead in developing a sustainable community. We are committed to enabling transition finance in Asia and working towards a more sustainable future. As part of this commitment, Hong Kong is a forerunner in setting regulatory requirements and guidance for the financial sector. In the recent Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced significant steps towards enhancing our financial reporting framework.

         We will soon launch a roadmap for the full adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards). Our goal is clear: We aim for Hong Kong to be among the first jurisdictions to align our local requirements with these internationally recognised standards. This initiative not only underscores our commitment to transparency and sustainability but also positions Hong Kong as a leader in the global financial landscape.

         Transparency and accountability are essential for the success of sustainable finance. As a crucial initial step, Hong Kong Stock Exchange has introduced new climate-related disclosure requirements. These requirements, developed based on the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S2 Climate-related Disclosures, will be implemented for listed companies under a phased approach starting next year. These initiatives reflect our ongoing efforts to foster a sustainable environment that resonates throughout our financial ecosystem.

    Collaboration – the key to a sustainable future

         The last “C”, but certainly not least, is collaboration. While government initiatives are crucial, the transition to a sustainable economy cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires collaboration among all stakeholders – the Government and regulators, financial institutions, corporations, and the community.

         In 2020, the Government established the Green and Sustainable Finance Cross-Agency Steering Group, comprising representatives from various sectors. This group is working diligently to formulate strategies that enhance Hong Kong’s role as a green finance hub and engage industry participants and relevant stakeholders to advance sustainable finance in Hong Kong.

         As we look ahead, we are also mindful of the international context.  In just a few weeks, the global climate challenge will be front and centre at COP29 (29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in Azerbaijan. This conference presents an opportunity for world leaders to ramp up climate action and provide stronger protections for those on the frontlines of climate change. COP29 is being billed as the “finance COP”, a pivotal moment for countries to establish a new global climate finance goal. We look forward to actively exploring collaboration with other regions on zero-carbon projects and initiatives, enhancing our collective capacity to address these urgent challenges.

    Closing

         In closing, the journey to a sustainable future is one that requires capital, creation, commitment, and collaboration. As we gather here today, we reaffirm our shared responsibility to enable transition finance in Asia and harness the power of finance to drive meaningful change. Together, we can create a better world for future generations.

         Your commitment to advancing the agenda of sustainable finance in Asia is truly inspiring. I am grateful for your attention to this pressing global issue, and I look forward to the fruitful discussions and insights that will emerge from today’s conference. Together, let us turn our vision of a sustainable future into a reality.

         Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Technograd opens free courses on programming and protection against cyber threats

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Muscovites can get a profession in the field of programming and information security for free, as well as master design and marketing on free courses at the Technograd innovation and educational complex, subordinate to the capital’s Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development. Training will begin in November.

    During the classes you can learn programming languages C

    In the same language with the IT sphere

    Python is considered an ideal language for starting a career in programming. It will suit students who are attracted by web development and data analysis, machine learning, simplicity of code and a variety of ready-made solutions. Course “Python for Web Development. Flask and Web Application Development” will start on November 1st.

    Students will be introduced to the Flask software platform, style templates and writing code to create a request form, databases and much more. Students will learn the basics of web development using Python and the Flask framework, learn how to manage database storage and build user authentication on websites.

    Classes under the program will begin on November 3 “Functional Programming in Python. Basic Level”. The teacher will tell about the structure of the language, teach how to write and read program code, solve algorithmic problems and create flow charts. As a result, students will be able to analyze other people’s programs and work with data arrays.

    On the same day, November 3, classes on the course will begin. “Functional programming in C. Learning a universal programming language will be useful for students who want to create games, desktop applications for Windows, web services, neural networks or graphics for metaverses. This language is used by banks, digital agencies, communication providers and large IT companies. Choosing this direction of study will help beginners find a job in a short time. During the classes, students will master the language structures, learn to use branches and cycles, work with the selection operator and data arrays.

    Well “JavaScript. Basic Level” will start on November 6. Webinars will help expand knowledge in the field of web technologies for designers and marketers, as well as those who are already mastering programming in a comprehensive manner. JavaScript does not require complex concepts and technical details from beginners. The visual part of most websites on the Internet is written in it. Therefore, programmers who have studied this language are always in demand. The course program includes training in the principles of object-oriented programming, working with control structures and data structures, as well as familiarity with the logic of program execution.

    In addition, Technograd is opening courses and for advanced JavaScript users. Training will begin on November 6th.

    Future mobile developers for iOS and macOS, as well as gamedev and ackend developers will find this useful Webinars on the basic level of programming in Swift. Starting November 16, the teacher will introduce students to the basics of the language, the Xcode development environment, data collection, and user interface elements. During the training, students will create the To-Do List and Exchange Rates applications and test them in the iPhone Simulator.

    Russian companies are always in demand for specialists who can find and eliminate vulnerabilities in the system and minimize the consequences of cyber attacks. From November 1, it will be possible to study the specifics of the profession and solve real problems on the course “Computer networks and information security”. Students will learn about the structure, topology, infrastructure and security of networks, protocols and network services. Particular attention will be paid to threat analysis and vulnerability detection, cryptography and advanced security methods.

    Creativity and self-realization

    Marketing and design are traditionally popular areas among young professionals. These areas offer creative freedom, the opportunity for self-realization and a dynamic career. Given digitalization and the development of new media formats, social networks and online trade, the demand for employees in these areas remains high.

    In November, Technograd offers 11 specialized programs, where you can master the graphic editors Figma and Photoshop, the website builder Tilda, the 3D engine Blender, animation and video in After Effects. And also learn how to set up targeted advertising, engage in promotion in social networks and create selling photo and video content.

    Upon completion of the training, a certificate or certificate of advanced training is issued. The project is supervised by Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City of Moscow.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145917073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Muscovites from 83 old houses completed the paperwork for the renovation program in the third quarter of 2024

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    All residents of 83 old buildings signed documents in July-September 2024 to receive new apartments under the renovation program. The resettlement of these five-story buildings has been completed or is still ongoing. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, the head of the capital’s Department of City Property Maxim Gaman.

    “In the third quarter of 2024, 100 percent of Muscovites from 83 old buildings completed the paperwork for housing in new buildings under the renovation program in 10 administrative districts. Thus, about 14 thousand people became owners of equivalent apartments. Most of them live in the east of the capital. There, almost 2.7 thousand Muscovites from 16 old buildings received the keys to new apartments. In the southeast, more than 2.6 thousand people from 14 buildings signed contracts for modern housing, and in the west, more than 2.6 thousand city residents from 13 buildings,” said Maxim Gaman.

    New buildings will be erected on the site of the old buildings, intended for the subsequent resettlement of city residents under the renovation program.

    “From July to September of this year, 23 new buildings were handed over for settlement. The areas around the residential complexes were landscaped. Trees and shrubs were planted there, and children’s and sports grounds were equipped for the leisure of city residents. Residents of 80 old houses have already begun moving to new residential complexes,” noted the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy of the capital

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    Earlier Sergei Sobyanin reported, that 1.2 trillion rubles have been allocated in the draft budget for three years to implement the renovation program.

    The program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Last year alone, 59 new buildings were handed over for settlement in the capital and over 47 thousand people were resettled. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin instructed to double the pace of implementation of the renovation program.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction rates and volumes. Over the past five years, within the framework of the federal project “Housing” of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” the volume of construction and commissioning of residential properties in the capital has doubled – from three to five to seven million square meters per year. More information about this and other national projects being implemented in Moscow can be found Here.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145936073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Labour urged to use wealth tax on super-rich to fund green transition

    Source: Scottish Greens

    30 Oct 2024 Finance

    By taxing the super wealthy we can fund our shift to a fairer, greener and better economy.

    More in Finance

    The Labour government must tax the super-rich and polluters to fund our green transition and tackle the climate and nature emergencies, say the Scottish Greens.

    Speaking ahead of today’s UK Budget statement, the party’s Co-leader, Lorna Slater, has urged the Chancellor to apply a wealth tax on the wealthiest 1% of households in the UK – those with assets worth £3.4 million and above.

    Analysis from the University of Greenwich suggests that this tax would raise over £70 billion a year and potentially up to £130 billion. 

    Ms Slater said:

    “The world is burning around us. We urgently need to see climate leadership from Downing Street.

    “There is more than enough money to support our transition to a greener future and create thousands of high quality, well paid green jobs, but so much of it is being hoarded by a tiny number of extremely wealthy people who don’t need it.

    “The solution is staring us right in the face. By asking the richest people and corporations to pay their fair share we can transform our economy and protect future generations.

    “Making the change is essential for our climate, but it is also crucial for our economy. The UK has a huge opportunity, but it has been squandered by 14 years of a Tory government that actively undermined our climate efforts while giving handouts and tax breaks to its super-wealthy friends and donors.

    “Labour must show the level of ambition that is needed by making a generation-defining investment in clean, green renewable energy and nature restoration and ending the climate vandalism of the Tories.”

    Ms Slater added:

    “The pain that households and families have suffered over the last 14 years was not inevitable. The cuts and austerity were a political choice, and one that Labour has doubled down on by cutting Winter Fuel Payments and refusing to lift the cruel two child cap. Labour can put an end to the cuts and support vital services like our NHS and schools.”

    The tax, supported by the Scottish Greens, would start at a marginal rate of 1%, rising to 5% for those with £5.7 million or more (the richest 0.5%), and 10% for those with £18.2 million (the richest 0.15%). 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “M” Mark status awarded to Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:
     
         The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded “M” Mark status to the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2024, which will be held at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground from November 1 to 3.
          
         The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (October 30), “We are delighted to award the ‘M’ Mark status to the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2024. Hong Kong is hosting this tournament again after seven years. We look forward to bringing in more visitors from abroad, thereby strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a centre for major international sports events.
          
         The “M” Mark System aims to encourage and help local “national sports associations” and private or non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be granted “M” Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events.
          
         For details of “M” Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extension to Baroness Newlove’s appointment as Victims’ Commissioner

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Secretary of State has approved an extension to Baroness Newlove’s term as Victims’ Commissioner from 17 October 2024 to 31 December 2025.

    Baroness Newlove was initially appointed to the role without competition for a year from 17 October 2023 to allow for a further campaign fill the role substantively.

    The Lord Chancellor decided not to continue with that campaign.  Following consultation with the Attorney General and Home Secretary, the Lord Chancellor will readvertise the role later in 2024 with revised criteria which reflect the government’s vision for a strengthened role. To ensure there is no gap in cover in this vital role, The Lord Chancellor has extended Baroness Newlove’s term until 31 December 2025.

    The Victims’ Commissioner independently promotes the interests of victims and witnesses, encourages good practice in their treatment, and regularly reviews the Victims’ Code which sets out the services victims can expect to receive. 

    Biography of the Victims’ Commissioner: 

    • Baroness Helen Newlove is a community reform campaigner and activist. She came to prominence after her husband Garry Newlove was murdered outside the family home by a gang of youths, all alcohol and drug-fuelled, in 2007. After his death she campaigned to tackle anti-social behaviour and the underage and binge drinking culture.
    • Baroness Newlove was given a peerage in the 2010 Dissolution Honours list and sits in the House of Lords as Baroness Newlove of Warrington in the County of Cheshire. 
    • She originally took up the post of Victims’ Commissioner on 4 March 2013, was reappointed for a second term in March 2016, and stepped down on 31 May 2019. She was succeeded by Dame Vera Baird. 
    • On 5 March 2018, Baroness Newlove took up the office of Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords.
    • On 17 October 2023, Baroness Newlove was appointed as the government’s Victims’ Commissioner for a term of 12 months.

    This appointment is made by the Secretary of State under Section 48 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, and is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The appointment has been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Defence and Employment – Industrial action escalates as NZDF refuses to budge on zero pay rise

    Source: PSA

    The stubborn refusal of NZDF to lift pay for civilian workers will spark another round of industrial action by PSA members beginning next week.
    Further bargaining for a new collective agreement has failed to budge NZDF from its zero-increase position. As a result, members have voted overwhelmingly to reject the offer and to escalate industrial action. The current industrial action legally must end on Thursday.
    “NZDF is insulting the thousands of dedicated civilian workers who, like the men and women in uniform, are keeping our country safe from threats, but in the eyes of NZDF are second class citizens who don’t deserve a pay rise,” said Duane Leo, National Secretary for Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “This stubborn refusal to increase the zero-pay rise offer shows how little NZDF respects and values its civilian workers who like many are doing it tough in a cost-of-living crisis. It leaves our members with no choice but to send another strong message that this position is unacceptable.”
    PSA members are already working to rule and refusing overtime and callouts (unless life preserving services as required). Members will now initiate further industrial action on top of this beginning 9am Thursday 6 November. Kauri Point (Auckland) members, who load and unload ships, will join them on 20 November. This may include a refusal to work in certain circumstances and an escalation of actions. The action ends on 31 January.
    “NZDF doesn’t seem to care that its refusal to budge on pay for civilian staff will keep undermining morale. Workloads are already increasing through its current voluntary redundancy programme as it seeks to cut $30m from spending. Forced redundancies may also follow.
    “All this will prompt more to consider leaving at a time when the Defence Force is facing critical worker shortages.
    “The Government promised no impacts on the frontline from its spending cuts.
    “Make no mistake, these cuts will impact the ability of NZDF to deliver on its stated mission to ‘secure the country against external threats’. There is nothing more frontline than that. We urge NZDF to reconsider,” said Duane Leo.
    Previous statement
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Japan: Momentum for marriage equality grows with Tokyo High Court ruling – Amnesty International

    Source: Amnesty International

    In response to today’s Tokyo High Court ruling recognizing the unconstitutionality of Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage, Amnesty International’s East Asia Researcher Boram Jang said:

    “This decision marks a critical step towards marriage equality in Japan and offers renewed hope to same-sex couples across the country.

    “This case is also a reminder of the lengthy and fragmented legal battles couples must endure to exercise rights to equality that should already be protected. It is an injustice that weighs heavily on their lives.

    “The Japanese government must take action to legalize same-sex marriage across the country. It is time to introduce national legislation that brings marriage equality to everyone in Japan, rather than relying on inconsistent and inadequate responses at the local government level. All couples, no matter their gender or sexual orientation, deserve the same legal rights, protections, and the dignity that comes with recognition under the law.”

    Background

    The Tokyo High Court decision on 30 October marks another important development in Japan’s ongoing struggle for marriage equality. The court ruled that Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional as it violates Article 14(1) and Article 24(2) of the Constitution. The legal battle for LGBTI equality has been fraught with key victories and setbacks over recent years.

    In March 2021, the Sapporo District Court made a landmark decision, ruling that the government’s failure to recognize same-sex marriage was unconstitutional under Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality under the law. This initial victory gave hope to same-sex couples across the country.

    In March 2024, the Sapporo High Court became the first high court to rule on the issue, upholding the district court’s finding that the ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. This ruling reinforced the growing trend toward equality, increasing pressure on the Japanese government to address legal gaps. A Tokyo District Court decision, also handed down March 2024, mirrored that of the Sapporo High Court.

    However, the path to marriage equality has been complicated. In June 2022, the Osaka District Court rejected claims by same-sex couples, ruling that the Constitution did not require the recognition of same-sex marriage, a setback for the rights of LGBTI persons. In May 2023, the Nagoya District Court restored momentum by recognizing that denying same-sex couples the right to marry constituted discrimination.

    The Fukuoka District Court in June 2023 acknowledged flaws in the legal framework but maintained that legislative reform – not judicial rulings – was the appropriate way to address the issue. The Tokyo District Court reached a similar verdict in November 2022.

    Presently, couples must rely on the limited recognition provided by local governments. For example, in November 2022, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government introduced a partnership certificate scheme. While these certificates offer some recognition, they do not provide essential rights such as inheritance, spousal visas, or parental recognition.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions and Budget 2024 – 30 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Watch PMQs with British Sign Language (BSL) –

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Rishi Sunak MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, will then deliver the Budget Statement in the House of Commons.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT8JZ6Ln5ls

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions and Budget 2024 with British Sign Language (BSL) – 30 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Rishi Sunak MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, will then deliver the Budget Statement in the House of Commons.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx0EJDhmEeU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: Key AI Accomplishments in the Year Since the Biden-⁠ Harris Administration’s Landmark Executive  Order

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    One year ago, President Biden issued a landmark Executive Order to ensure that America leads the way in seizing the promise and managing the risks of artificial intelligence (AI). The Executive Order directed sweeping actions to manage AI’s safety and security risks, protect Americans’ privacy, advance equity and civil rights, stand up for consumers and workers, promote innovation and competition, advance American leadership around the world, and more.
    Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing that Federal agencies have completed on schedule each action that the Executive Order tasked for this past year—more than one hundred in all. Below are some of the Administration’s most significant accomplishments on managing AI’s risks and seizing its promise in the year since President Biden signed his Executive Order.
    Managing Risks to Safety and Security:The Executive Order directed the boldest actions ever taken to protect Americans from a broad range of AI’s safety and security risks, including risks related to dangerous biological materials, software vulnerabilities, and foreign actors’ efforts to develop AI for harmful purposes. Over the last year, to protect safety and security, agencies have:
    Used Defense Production Act authorities to require developers of the most powerful AI systems to report vital information, including results of safety and security testing, to the U.S. government. These companies have notified the Department of Commerce about the results of their red-team safety tests, their plans to train powerful models, and large computing clusters they possess capable of such training. Last month, the Department of Commerce proposed a rule to require the reporting of this information on a quarterly basis.
    Led the way on AI safety testing and evaluations to advance the science of AI safety. The U.S. AI Safety Institute (US AISI) at the Department of Commerce has begun pre-deployment testing of major new AI models through recently signed agreements with two leading AI developers. The Department of Energy (DOE) developed and expanded its AI testbeds and evaluation tools, which it has already used to test models’ risk to nuclear security.
    Developed guidance and tools for managing AI risk. The US AISI and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the Department of Commerce published frameworks for managing risks related to generative AI and dual-use foundation models, and earlier this month, AISI released a Request for Information on the responsible development and use of AI models for chemical and biological sciences. The Department of Defense (DoD) released its Responsible AI toolkit to align AI projects with the Department’s Ethical Principles.
    Issued a first-ever National Security Memorandum (NSM) on AI. The NSM directs concrete steps by Federal agencies to ensure the United States leads the world’s development of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI; to enable agencies to harness cutting-edge AI for national security objectives, including by protecting human rights and democratic values; and to advance international consensus and governance on AI. This essential document serves as a formal charter for the AI Safety Institute, designating it as the center of the whole-of-government approach to advanced AI model testing, and will guide rapid and responsible AI adoption by the DoD and Intelligence Community. The NSM also directs the creation of a Framework to Advance AI Governance and Risk Management in National Security, which provides agile guidance to implement the NSM in accordance with democratic values, including mechanisms for risk management, evaluations, accountability, and transparency. 
    Finalized a framework for nucleic acid synthesis screening to help prevent the misuse of AI for engineering dangerous biological materials. The framework, developed by the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), encourages nucleic acid synthesis providers to identify gene sequences that could be used to pose national security risks, and to implement customer screening to mitigate the risks of misuse. Federal agencies will require that funding recipients obtain synthetic nucleic acids from vendors that adhere to the framework, starting in 2025. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has developed an initial framework with principles for evaluating the effectiveness of screening mechanisms going forward.
    Launched a new Task Force on AI Datacenter Infrastructure. The Task Force provides streamlined coordination on policies to advance datacenter development operations in line with economic, national security, and environmental goals.
    Identified measures—including approaches for labeling content and improving transparency—to reduce the risks posed by AI-generated content. The Department of Commerce submitted to the White House a final report on science-backed standards and techniques for addressing these risks, while NIST has launched a challenge to develop methods for detecting AI-generated content. President Biden has emphasized that the public has a right to know when content is AI-generated, and agencies are working to use these tools to help Americans to know that communications they receive from their government are authentic.
    Combatted AI-generated image-based sexual abuse. Image-based sexual abuse—both non-consensual intimate images of adults and child sexual abuse material—is one of the fastest growing harmful uses of AI to date and disproportionately targets women, children, and LGBTQI+ people. This year, following the Vice President’s leadership in underscoring the urgent need to address deepfake image-based sexual abuse and a White House Call to Action to reduce these risks, leading AI developers and data providers made voluntary commitments to curb the creation of AI-generated image-based sexual abuse material. Additionally, the Department of Justice (DOJ) funded the first-ever helpline to provide 24/7 support and specialized services for victims of the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, including deepfakes. The Department of Education also clarified that school responsibilities under Title IX may extend to conduct that takes place online, including AI-generated abuse.
    Established the AI Safety and Security Board (AISSB) to advise the Secretary of Homeland Security on the safe and secure use of AI in critical infrastructure. The AISSB has met thrice this year to develop a set of recommendations for entities that develop, deploy, and promote accountability for AI systems that assist in delivering essential services to millions of Americans. The work of the AISSB complements DHS’s first-ever AI safety and security guidelines for critical infrastructure owners and operators, which were informed by agencies’ assessments of AI risks across all critical infrastructure sectors. To help protect critical infrastructure further, the Department of Treasury released a report on managing security risks of AI use in the financial sector, and the Department of Energy released an assessment of potential risks to the power grid, as well as ways in which AI could potentially strengthen grid resilience and our ability to respond to threats.
    Piloted AI for protecting vital government software systems. The Department of Defense and DHS conducted AI pilots to address vulnerabilities in government networks used, respectively, for national security purposes and for civilian governmental organizations.
    Standing up for Workers, Consumers, Privacy, and Civil RightsAI is changing the products and services Americans buy, affecting jobs and workplaces, and introducing or exacerbating risks to privacy, equity, and civil rights. President Biden’s Executive Order stands up for Americans in each of these domains, and over the last year, agencies have:
    Developed bedrock principles and practices, along with guidance, to help protect and empower workers as AI is built for and used in the workplace. The Department of Labor (DOL) released AI Principles and Best Practices for employers and developers to build and use AI in ways that center the wellbeing of workers and improve the quality of jobs. DOL also published two guidance documents to assist federal contractors and employers in complying with worker protection laws as they deploy AI in the workplace. In addition, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission released resources for job seekers and workers to understand how AI use could violate employment discrimination laws.
    Protected patients’ rights and safety, while encouraging innovation, as AI is developed and deployed for healthcare. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) established an AI Safety Program to track harmful incidents involving AI’s use in healthcare settings and to evaluate mitigations for those harms. HHS has also developed objectives, goals, and high-level principles for the use of AI or AI-enabled tools in drug development processes and AI-enabled devices. Additionally, HHS finalized a rule that established first-of-its-kind transparency requirements for AI and other predictive algorithms that are part of certified health information technology. HHS also finalized a civil rights regulation, implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, that requires covered health care entities to take steps to identify and mitigate discrimination when they use AI and other forms of decision support tools for care.
    Published guidance and resources for the safe, secure, and trustworthy design and use of AI in education. In July, the Department of Education released guidance calling up on educational technology developers to design AI in ways that protect rights, improve transparency, and center teaching and learning. This month, the Department of Education released a toolkit to support schools and educational leaders in responsibly adopting valuable AI use cases.
    Issued guidance on AI’s nondiscriminatory use in the housing sector, which affirms that existing prohibitions against discrimination apply to AI’s use for tenant screening and housing advertisements, while explaining how to comply with these obligations. Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau approved a rule requiring that algorithms and AI used for home valuations are fair, nondiscriminatory, and free of conflicts of interest.
    Set guardrails on the responsible and equitable use of AI and algorithmic systems in administering public benefits programs. The Department of Agriculture’s guidance provides a framework for how State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments should manage risks for uses of AI and automated systems in critical benefits programs such as SNAP, while HHS released a plan with guidelines on similar topics for benefits programs it oversees.
    Affirmed commitments to prevent and address unlawful discrimination and other harms resulting from AI. DOJ’s Civil Rights Division convenes federal agency civil rights offices and senior government officials to foster AI and civil rights coordination. Five new agencies also joined a 2023 pledge to uphold America’s commitment to fairness, equality, and justice as new technologies like AI become more common in daily life.
    Advanced privacy protections to safeguard Americans from privacy risks that AI creates or exacerbates. In particular, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and DOE established a research network dedicated to advancing the development, deployment, and scaling of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs), while NSF launched the $23 million initiative Privacy-preserving Data Sharing in Practice program to apply, mature, and scale PETs for specific use cases and establish testbeds to accelerate their adoption. Simultaneously, DOE launched a $68 million effort on AI for Science research, which includes efforts at multiple DOE National Laboratories and other institutions to advance PETs for scientific AI. The Department of Commerce also developed guidelines on evaluating differential privacy guarantees. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a Request for Information (RFI) on issues related to federal agency collection, processing, maintenance, use, sharing, dissemination, and disposition of commercially available information containing personally identifiable information. OMB also released an RFI on how federal agencies’ privacy impact assessments may be more effective at mitigating privacy risks, including those that are further exacerbated by AI and other advances in technology and data capabilities.
    Harnessing AI for GoodOver the last year, agencies have worked to seize AI’s enormous promise, including by collaborating with the private sector, promoting development and use of valuable AI use cases, and deepening the U.S. lead in AI innovation. To harness AI for good, agencies have:
    Launched the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot and awarded over 150 research teams access to computational and other AI resources. The NAIRR pilot—a national infrastructure led by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with DOE and other governmental and nongovernmental partners—makes available resources to support the nation’s AI research and education community. Supported research teams span 34 states and tackle projects covering deepfake detection, AI safety, next-generation medical diagnoses, environmental protection, and materials engineering.
    Promoted AI education and training across the United States. DOE is leveraging its network of national laboratories to train 500 new researchers by 2025 to meet demand for AI talent, while NSF has invested millions of dollars in programs to train future AI leaders and innovators. These programs include the EducateAI initiative, which helps fund educators creating high-quality, inclusive AI educational opportunities at the K-12 through undergraduate levels that support experiential learning in fields such as AI and build capacity in AI research at minority-serving institutions.
    Expanded the ability of top AI scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to come to the United States, including by clarifying O-1 and H-1B visa rules and working to streamline visa processing.
    Released a report on the potential benefits, risks, and implications of dual-use foundation models for which the model weights are widely available, including related policy recommendations. The Department of Commerce’s report draws on extensive outreach to experts and stakeholders, including hundreds of public comments submitted on this topic.
    Announced a competition for up to $100 million to support the application of AI-enabled autonomous experimentation to accelerate research into—and delivery of—targeted, industry-relevant, sustainable semiconductor materials and processes.
    Established two new National AI Research Institutes for building AI tools to advance progress across economic sectors, science, and engineering. The NSF-led AI Research Institutes launched in September will develop AI tools for astronomical sciences, with broader applications across scientific disciplines. Earlier this year, NSF also funded 10 inaugural Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines), seven of which include a focus on advancing AI.
    Announced millions of dollars in further investments to advance responsible AI development and use throughout our society. These include $13 million invested by DOE in the VoltAIc initiative for using AI to streamline permitting and accelerate clean energy deployment, as well as $68M from DOE to fund AI for scientific research to accelerate scientific programming and develop energy efficient AI models and hardware. DOE has also launched the Frontiers in AI for Science, Security, and Technology (FASST) initiative roadmap and request for information to harness AI for scientific discovery, national security, energy and electric grid resilience, and other national challenges, building on AI tools, models, and partnerships. NSF, in partnership with philanthropy, announced an inaugural investment of more than $18 million to 44 multidisciplinary, multi-sector teams across the U.S. to advance the responsible design, development, and deployment of technologies including AI, ensuring ethical, legal, community, and societal considerations are embedded in the lifecycle of technology’s creation.
    Issued a first-ever report analyzing AI’s near-term potential to support the growth of America’s clean energy economy. DOE’s National Laboratories also issued a long-term grand challenges report identifying opportunities in AI for energy over the next decade. 
    Released a vision for how AI can help us achieve our nation’s greatest aspirations. AI Aspirations sets forth goals to create a future of better health and opportunity for all, mitigate climate change and boost resilience, build robust infrastructure and manufacturing, ensure the government works for every American, and more. In furtherance of these goals, HHS launched CATALYST, a research and development program focused on the potential use of AI to better predict drug safety and efficacy before clinical trials start. In complement, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology also authored a report outlining AI’s potential to revolutionize and accelerate scientific discovery.
    Published guidance addressing vital questions at the intersection of AI and intellectual property. To advance innovation the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has released guidance documents addressing the patentability of AI-assisted inventions, on the subject matter eligibility of patent claims involving inventions related to AI technology, and on the use of AI tools in proceedings before USPTO.
    Bringing AI and AI Talent into GovernmentAI can help government deliver better results for the American people, though its use by Federal agencies can also pose risks, such as discrimination and unsafe decisions. Bringing AI and AI-enabling professionals into government, moreover, is vital for managing these risks and opportunities and advancing other critical AI missions. Over the last year, agencies have:
    Issued the first-ever government-wide policy to strengthen governance, mitigate risks, and advance innovation in federal use of AI. OMB’s historic policy, M-24-10, requires agencies to implement concrete safeguards when using AI in a way that could impact Americans’ rights or safety. These safeguards include a series of mandatory risk management practices to reliably assess, test, and monitor AI’s impacts on the public and provide greater transparency into how the government uses AI. OMB’s policy also directs agencies to designate Chief AI Officers to coordinate the use of AI across their agency, while expanding and upskilling their AI workforce and removing barriers to adopting AI for all manner of purposes—from addressing climate change to advancing public health and safety.
    Released a government-wide policy to advance responsible acquisition of AI by Federal agencies. M-24-18, published this month by OMB, helps ensure that when Federal agencies acquire AI, they have the information and tools necessary to manage risks, promote a competitive marketplace, and collaborate on strategic planning. This work directs the Federal government—the largest buyer in the U.S. economy—to advance AI innovation and risk management through responsibly exercising its purchasing power.
    Hired over 250 AI practitioners into the Federal government through the AI Talent Surge. Tech talent programs ramped up hiring for AI talent, with the Presidential Innovation Fellows bringing on their first-ever AI cohort, DHS establishing their AI Corps with over 30 members onboarded to date, and the U.S. Digital Corps providing pathways for early-career technologists to join Federal service. AI talent has been instrumental in delivering on critical AI priorities, from using AI to deliver top-tier government services, to protecting the public’s rights and safety in the use of AI.
    Established the Chief AI Officers Council to harmonize best practices and sharing of resources across the interagency to implement OMB’s guidance and coordinate the development and use of AI in agencies’ programs and operations.
    Introduced expanded reporting instructions for the federal AI use case inventory to include identifying use cases that impact rights or safety and how the agency is addressing the relevant risks in line with OMB’s policies. 
    Bolstered the public interest technology ecosystem. Building on the AI Talent Surge, the White House announced funding across government, academia, and civil society to support education and career pathways that will help ensure government has access to diverse, mission-oriented technology talent.
    Activated new hiring authorities to bring AI and AI-enabling talent into agencies. As part of the AI Talent Surge, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) granted new hiring authorities, including direct hire authorities and excepted service authorities, for agencies to rapidly bring on top-tier AI and AI-enabling talent, and released guidance on skills-based hiring and pay and leave flexibilities to best position agencies to hire and retain AI and AI-enabling talent. Additionally, OPM collaborated with partners to run three National Tech to Gov career fairs to connect the public with AI and tech jobs in government, surfacing roles from over 64 Federal, state, and local government employers to over 3,000 job seekers.
    Advancing U.S. Leadership AbroadPresident Biden’s Executive Order directed work to lead global efforts to capture AI’s promise, mitigate AI’s risks, and ensure AI’s responsible governance. To advance these goals, the Administration has:
    Sponsored and passed a landmark United Nations General Assembly resolution. The unanimously adopted resolution, with more than 100 co-sponsors (including the People’s Republic of China), lays out a common vision for countries around the world to promote the safe and secure use of AI to address global challenges.
    Engaged foreign leaders on strengthening international rules and norms for AI, including at the 2023 UK AI Safety Summit and the AI Seoul Summit in May 2024, where Vice President Harris represented the United States. In the United Kingdom, Vice President Harris unveiled a series of U.S. initiatives to advance the safe and responsible use of AI, including the establishment of AISI at the Department of Commerce.
    Announced a global network of AI Safety Institutes and other government-backed scientific offices to advance AI safety at a technical level. This network, which will formally launch in November at the inaugural network convening in San Francisco, will accelerate critical information exchange and drive toward common or compatible safety evaluations and policies.
    Expanded global support for the U.S.-led Political Declaration on the Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy. Fifty-six nations now endorse the political declaration, which outlines a set of norms for the responsible development, deployment, and use of military AI capabilities. DoD has expanded the scope of its international AI Partnership for Defense to align global Responsible AI practices with the Political Declaration’s norms.
    Developed comprehensive plans for U.S. engagement on global AI standards and AI-related critical infrastructure topics. NIST and DHS, respectively, will report on priority actions taken per these plans in 90 days.
    Signed the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on AI and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. This first multilateral treaty on AI represents a powerful affirmation of the relevance of existing human rights obligations to AI activities and establishes a strong baseline in international law for responsible government use of AI. The United States’ signature reflects its commitment to ensuring that AI technologies are designed, developed, used, and governed in ways that promote respect for human rights and democratic values. 
    Led the development of a Joint Statement on Responsible Government Practices for AI Technologies. The Joint Statement, to which the 41 countries of the Freedom Online Coalition committed, calls on governments to develop, use, and procure AI responsibly, including by respecting international obligations and commitments, assessing impacts of AI systems, conducting ongoing monitoring, ensuring adequate human training and assessment, communicating and responding to the public, and providing effective access to remedy. 
    Launched the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse.  The 15-country Global Partnership has advanced international policies to address online safety, and spurred new programs to prevent and respond to technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including through AI.
    The Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development published resources to advance global AI research and use of AI for economic development. The AI in Global Development Playbook incorporates principles and practices from NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework to guide AI’s responsible development and deployment across international contexts, while the Global AI Research Agenda outlines priorities for advancing AI’s safe, responsible, and sustainable global development and adoption.
    The table below summarizes many of the activities that federal agencies have completed in response to the Executive Order.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: GAZA – Israeli UNRWA ban will deepen Palestinian humanitarian catastrophe – MSF

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

    30 October, 2024. The Israeli Knesset’s ban on UNRWA’s operations voted on 28 October represents a devastating blow to Palestinian life. It will further undermine people’s survival prospects in Gaza and heavily impact communities in the West Bank.

    Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) denounces this legislation, which represents an inhumane ban on vital humanitarian aid. The Knesset’s vote is propelling Palestinians towards an even deeper humanitarian crisis. It is imperative that the world acts to safeguard Palestinians’ fundamental rights. Immediate international intervention is needed to pressure Israel to allow unhindered access to humanitarian aid, implement a ceasefire and bring to an end the current campaign of destruction in Gaza.

    “UNRWA is a lifeline for Palestinians,” says Christopher Lockyear, MSF Secretary General. “If implemented, the ban on UNRWA’s activities would have catastrophic implications on the dire humanitarian situation of Palestinians living in Gaza, as well as in the West Bank, now and for generations to come. We strongly condemn this decision, which is the culmination of a long-running campaign against the organisation.”

    The newly voted legislation will make it almost impossible for UNRWA to work in Gaza or the West Bank; coordination with Israeli authorities will be impeded and entrance permits to either of the occupied territories will be denied, and essentially blocking delivery of UNRWA aid into and within Gaza. UNRWA handles almost all the distribution of UN aid coming into the strip.

    UNRWA is the largest health provider in Gaza, with over half of Gazans relying on UNWRA for essential healthcare services, including for the treatment of chronic diseases, maternal and child heath, and vaccinations; each day UNWRA’s health teams provide over 15,000 consultations in the Gaza Strip. The ban of its activities threatens to create a vast gap in services within an already largely destroyed health system in Gaza – directly and indirectly endangering the lives of Palestinians. Without urgent action, more Gazans could die from preventable diseases and displacement-related conditions.

    The impact of UNRWA’s ban will extend beyond Gaza. Critical services, including refugee camp management, health services, education, and social programmes across the West Bank are also at risk of destabilisation under this legislation. This legislation sets a grave precedent for other conflict situations where governments may wish to eliminate an inconvenient United Nations presence.

    For months, international leaders and organisations, including MSF, have raised warnings about the disastrous potential of these newly adopted bills. Yet Israel has chosen to press forward with measures that will undermine vital assistance, endangering Palestinian lives and intensifying the collective punishment they face.

    This vote adds to the endless physical and bureaucratic impediments imposed by Israel to limit the amount of aid reaching Gaza, and blatantly contradicts Israel’s claims that it is facilitating humanitarian assistance into the Strip.

    MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ17: Protecting the rights and interests of consumers

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Professor the Hon Priscilla Leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, in the Legislative Council today (October 30):
     
    Question:
     
         It has been reported that a chain fitness and beauty group suddenly announced its “temporary business suspension” last month. As at the middle of last month, the Consumer Council received a total of 3 861 relevant complaints, involving a total amount of nearly $130 million, with an average amount of about $33,000 per case, and the largest amount involved in a single complaint was about $1.81 million. Regarding protecting the rights and interests of consumers, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it will re-activate the legislative exercise to stipulate a statutory cooling-off period for beauty and fitness services consumer contracts; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) whether it will consider establishing new industry rules for the beauty and fitness industries, so as to protect the rights and interests of consumers; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) whether it will consider setting up an interdepartmental task force to roll out publicity and education programmes (especially targeting underprivileged groups such as poor elders), so as to help members of the public become smart consumers and avoid suffering losses; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is highly concerned about the recent incident involving the temporary business suspension suddenly announced by a chain fitness and beauty group, and has formed an inter-departmental dedicated investigation team to follow up. The dedicated investigation team, which comprises the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Security Bureau, the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), the Hong Kong Police Force (Police) and the Consumer Council (Council), continues to closely monitor the developments of the incident. In particular, the C&ED and the Police are conducting intensive investigation from the perspectives of offences regarding the unfair trade practices under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (Cap. 362) (the Ordinance) and whether other criminal offences are involved respectively.
     
         The reply to the various parts of the question is as follows:
     
    (1) and (2) In view of the unfair trade practices involving prepaid mode of consumption (in particular the situation of fitness centres and beauty parlours using aggressive tactics to sell services that involve large amount of prepayments), the Government conducted a three-month public consultation in 2019 to solicit views on the proposal to stipulate a statutory cooling-off period for beauty and fitness services consumer contracts through legislation. However, shortly after the public consultation, there have been drastic changes in the social environment, economic situation and consumption sentiment since the second half of 2019.
     
         We are aware that different sectors of the community have put forward various suggestions in respect of offering better protection to consumers who make prepayments (including stipulating a statutory cooling-off period, imposing a cap on the length of prepayment contracts and prepayment amounts, and setting up trust accounts), after this incident of the chain fitness and beauty group announcing temporary business suspension. We will conduct an in-depth study into different suggestions and consider their pros and cons and feasibility, with reference to the experience of this incident, other relevant factors (including the economic environment, the operating situation of relevant industries and relevant complaint and enforcement statistics) and the experience in other jurisdictions, with a view to formulating appropriate strategies to strengthen the protection of consumers’ rights and interests.
     
    (3) Currently, various laws in Hong Kong protect consumers’ rights and interests. Among others, the Ordinance covers goods and services, and prohibits traders from subjecting consumers to unfair trade practices, including false trade descriptions, misleading omissions, aggressive commercial practices, bait advertising, bait-and-switch and wrongly accepting payment. The Ordinance is applicable to the trade practices of both physical and online traders.
     
         The C&ED is the principal enforcement agency of the Ordinance, and adopts a three-pronged approach, covering enforcement actions, compliance promotion and publicity and public education, to combat unfair trade practices proactively. Meanwhile, the Council endeavours to study and promote the protection of consumers’ rights and interests, and carries out its statutory functions in accordance with the Consumer Council Ordinance (Cap. 216), including handling complaints from consumers and resolving disputes between consumers and traders.
     
         The C&ED and the Council have been maintaining close communication with each other, and have been collaborating with other government departments and social service organisations, etc, to jointly promote the protection of the rights and interests of consumers (including the elderly and other vulnerable groups). They also adjust and strengthen the strategies and work in respect of publicity and public education, having regard to the complaints and the enforcement situation. Among others, the relevant publicity and public education work includes:
     
    (i) Conducting talks and workshops for the elderly and other vulnerable groups (and their family members and carers), with a view to enhancing their understanding of common unfair trade practices and sharing with them tips about “smart consumption”, so as to prevent them from falling into sales pitfalls.
     
         In particular, targeting common unfair trade practices, the C&ED conducts talks for the elderly and joins hands with the Police, District Councils and District Fight Crime Committees to carry out promotion by distributing promotional leaflets to the elderly, with a view to enhancing the elderly’s understanding of the Ordinance and awareness of “smart consumption”.
     
    (ii) Conducting dedicated educational programmes to enhance the capability of the elderly and other vulnerable groups to guard against unfair trade practices.
     
         In particular, the Council conducts the Educator Scheme for Senior Citizens, which provides consumer education training to soon-to-be retirees and retirees so as to equip them to host consumer educational talks for other elderly in the community. The Council’s Support Programme for Persons with Special Needs, through virtual reality role-play simulations that cover different scenarios (for example those about the sales pitfalls of fitness and beauty centres), allows persons with special needs to better grasp the skills for guarding against common sales pitfalls.
     
    (iii) Disseminating consumer information to facilitate consumers to make informed consumption decisions.
     
         In particular, the Council publishes product tests, service surveys, consumption tips and complaint case sharing, etc, in its CHOICE magazine, providing practical consumer information to different groups of consumers (including the elderly and other vulnerable groups).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two social landlords fail to meet RSH’s consumer standards

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Regulator of Social Housing has today published regulatory judgements for seven social housing landlords.

    Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Willow Tree Housing Partnership were both given a C3 grading by RSH, meaning they failed to meet the new consumer standards, introduced on 1 April 2024, and will need to make significant improvements.

    Meanwhile Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council became the first local authority to receive a C1 grading.

    Following responsive engagement with Sandwell MBC about the Safety and Quality Standard due to its Tenant Satisfaction Measure (TSM) return, RSH found:

    • The council was only able to evidence that required asbestos management surveys or re-inspections had been carried out on around 2% of relevant buildings.
    • Although electrical safety inspections had been completed for 96% of its 27,900 homes, the council was unable to monitor or report on the completion of remedial actions.
    • A backlog of more than 14,000 overdue repairs, with over 90% of these yet to be assigned for completion.
    • Accurate, up-to-date information was available for only 5% of the council’s homes.

    Following an inspection completed in October 2024 and earlier responsive engagement carried out following a self-referral from Willow Tree relating to the Rent Standard, RSH found:

    • Around 185 tenancies had been overcharged as a result of errors made in setting rents over a prolonged period.
    • Limited information on the quality of its homes to assure us that they were meeting the Decent Homes Standard.
    • Improvement is needed to more proactively identify and manage of damp and mould.
    • Evidence of weaknesses in the provision of an effective, efficient and timely repairs service.

    Willow Tree has now corrected its formula rents and has issued refunds worth £133k over the last six years.

    Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said:

    Improving data management can help address the root cause of many of the issues we see. Without accurate, up-to-date information on homes, it is nearly impossible to deliver the outcomes of our standards and provide safe, decent places to live for tenants.

    Today’s judgements reflect the range of grades we are seeing across the spectrum in the early days of our new consumer remit. We are working intensively with each of the landlords where there are failings, as they put things right for their tenants.

    Even when a landlord has been awarded a C1 grading, there is always room for improvement.

    Our governance and financial viability standards remain as important as ever. Landlords need to keep a tight grip on identifying and mitigating risks to avoid problems now and later down the line.

    The other five judgements were part of RSH’s planned inspections of all large social landlords (those with over 1,000 homes) over a four-year cycle. 

    Provider Reason for publication Grades
    Broadacres Housing Association Limited Inspection C2 G2 V2
    Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust Inspection C2 G1 V2 – Issues relating to rent setting have not yet been addressed
    Lincolnshire Housing Partnership Limited Inspection C2 G1 V2
    Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Responsive engagement C3
    The Industrial Dwellings Society (1885) Limited Inspection C2 G2 V2
    Willow Tree Housing Partnership Limited Inspection and responsive engagement C3 G2 V2
    Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Inspection C1

    Notes to editors

    1. On 1 April 2024 RSH introduced new consumer standards for social housing landlords, designed to drive long-term improvements in the sector. It also began a programme of landlord inspections. The changes are a result of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 and include stronger powers to hold landlords to account. More information about RSH’s approach is available in its document Reshaping Consumer Regulation.
    2. More information about RSH’s responsive engagement, programmed inspections and consumer gradings is also available on its website.
    3. RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ13: Promoting students’ physical and mental health

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ13: Promoting students’ physical and mental health
    LCQ13: Promoting students’ physical and mental health
    *****************************************************

         Following is a question by Dr the Hon Hoey Simon Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (October 30): Question:      Last year, the Ministry of Education issued the Special Action Plan for Comprehensively Strengthening and Improving the Mental Health Education for Students in the New Era (2023-2025), pointing out that promoting the physical and mental health and all-round development of students is an important issue. However, there are views pointing out that a number of student suicide cases were reported in Hong Kong at the beginning of the school year in September this year, highlighting the critical situation of students’ mental health and the need for the Government to strengthen the co-operation among schools, families and the community in order to establish a more comprehensive support system. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) whether it will review afresh the Three-Tier School-based Emergency Mechanism implemented in December last year in order to strengthen the assistance to schools in early identifying students with higher suicidal risk and providing them with appropriate support expeditiously; (2) whether it will formulate quantifiable guidelines (e.g. setting maximum daily homework load) based on the four elements (i.e. Rest, Relaxation, Relationship and Resilience) and the objectives for promoting mental health covered in the Education Bureau’s 4Rs Mental Health Charter to enable schools to take practical actions to reduce student stress; (3) whether it will further implement small class teaching and improve the teacher-student ratios so as to increase the level of student participation and the opportunities for teacher-student interaction, so that teachers can better understand the individual needs and challenges of each student, thereby enhancing the care and counselling for individual students; (4) whether it will improve the resources for life-wide learning so that schools can be more flexible in applying them to help students achieve the aims of whole-person development; (5) whether it will strengthen the comprehensive implementation of positive education and the establishment of a caring school culture, so as to enhance the sense of well-being in schools; and (6) as some studies have pointed out that the emotional stress of teachers and parents positively correlates with the depression level of students, whether the authorities will introduce various activities and measures (e.g. streamlining the administrative work of schools) at the level of teachers and parents to relieve their emotional stress, so as to prevent their negative emotions from affecting students? Reply: President,      The Education Bureau (EDB) attaches great importance to physical and psychological well-being and whole-person development of students, and has been assisting schools in adopting the Whole School Approach at three levels, namely Universal, Selective and Indicated, to promote students’ mental health.      Our reply to the question raised by Dr the Hon Hoey Simon Lee is as follows: (1) The Government has implemented the Three-tier School-based Emergency Mechanism in all secondary schools in Hong Kong since December 2023 through cross-departmental collaboration among the EDB, the Social Welfare Department and the Health Bureau, working with the schools’ multidisciplinary teams, the off-campus support network and medical services for early identification and support of students with high risk. The 2024 Policy Address has announced to extend the Mechanism to the end of 2025 and that enhancement would be made to strengthen collaboration. The Government will continue to review the operation of the Mechanism. (2) The EDB implements the 4Rs Mental Health Charter in 2024 to foster the mental health of students, staff and parents in a more holistic manner. It is pleased to see that over 500 schools have joined the Charter. In the relevant circular memorandum, the EDB has set out the action pledges that participating schools have to achieve in relation to the four elements for promoting mental health (i.e. rest, relaxation, relationship and resilience). Schools are also required to implement various measures and organise activities for the promotion of students’ mental health starting from this school year to help students develop healthy living habits and positive interpersonal relationships, provide them with more opportunities to relax and reduce stress, and enhance their sense of well-being and resilience. In particular, schools should formulate an appropriate school-based assignment policy and co-ordinate the workload across different subjects to strike a balance between the quality and quantity of assignments. (3) It is an established government policy to implement small class teaching (SCT) in public sector primary schools. SCT is a teaching strategy that provides teachers with an environment conducive to greater flexibility in adopting different teaching strategies for diversified educational activities and promoting teacher-student and student-student interactions. Currently, over 90 per cent of public sector primary schools in Hong Kong have implemented SCT, achieving the target set in the 2022 Policy Address one year ahead of schedule. The EDB has also arranged nine schools to start implementing SCT in the 2025/26 school year. By then, the percentage of public sector primary schools implementing SCT will increase to nearly 95 per cent. The EDB will continue to prudently assess the circumstances of individual districts/school nets and maintain communication with schools to pragmatically and flexibly advance SCT in public sector primary schools as soon as possible.      The current standard class size of 25 for primary schools implementing SCT is smaller when compared to the average class size in some advanced places. For secondary schools, the current allocation class size of public sector secondary schools ranges from 31 to 34, while the actual average class size is just 27.1, which is comparable to those in other developed countries. With the implementation of various measures, the overall teacher-to-student ratios in public sector primary and secondary schools have been improving from 1:14.4 and 1:14.5 respectively in the 2012/13 school year to 1:11.9 and 1:11.1 respectively in the 2023/24 school year, which are better than those in most other regions, providing teachers with greater flexibility to nurture students’ whole-person development. (4) The EDB has been proactively encouraging schools to promote students’ life-wide learning in and outside the classroom.  Starting from the 2019/20 school year, the EDB has been providing a recurrent Life-wide Learning Grant (the Grant) to all public sector schools and schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme each year, with the aim of supporting schools in organising more out-of-classroom experiential learning activities and procuring the necessary equipment, so as to enrich the learning experiences of students. In view of the latest education development and students’ needs, the EDB issued a circular in September this year to update the ambit and guidelines on the use of the Grant, related examples, etc, which includes encouraging schools to make good use of the Grant to organise activities relating to the promotion of students’ mental health, or procure related services, materials and learning and teaching resources. (5) The EDB has all along been encouraging schools to promote positive education and help students face challenges positively. In terms of curriculum, the EDB strives to nurture students with a positive and optimistic attitude towards life through values education. The Values Education Curriculum Framework (Pilot Version) released in 2021 has included “strengthening life education” as one of its emphases, with continuous support given to schools to foster students’ positivity and a positive and optimistic attitude towards life through learning as well as life-wide learning activities within and beyond the classroom. In addition, diversified student activities have been organised to help create a caring and harmonious campus atmosphere. Examples of such include the launch of the “Active Students, Active People” Campaign” to support schools in promoting physical activities; the organisation of Understanding Adolescent Project in primary schools, the Enhanced Smart Teen Project in secondary schools in collaboration with disciplinary forces and uniform groups, and the Pupil Ambassador Scheme on Positive Living to enhance students’ resilience through adventure-based, team-building and problem-solving training; and the “WE” Positive Dynamic Scheme and the “Gratitude, Forgiveness & Happiness Project” to help students build a positive self-image. Besides, the EDB has been organising the “Caring School Award Scheme” annually to recognise schools that are dedicated to implementing caring school measures, and encourage them to establish a caring school culture.  (6) In parallel, the EDB also concern about the mental health of teachers and parents. In this regard, the EDB has set up the Teachers’ Helpline to provide telephone counselling and follow-up services to help teachers cope with stress at work or emotional problems. There are also courses on stress management and promotion of physical and psychological well-being for teachers organised under the Teachers’ Helpline initiative. Over the past few years, the Quality Education Fund has subsidised various projects relating to teachers’ physical and psychological well-being, such as the Mindshift Educational Networking Programme launched by the University of Hong Kong to help teachers learn how to relieve stress. In the 2023/24 school year, the EDB organised a total of 48 workshops and courses for teachers, covering topics such as mental health, expressive arts, mindfulness and physical health. The EDB will continue to organise such workshops and courses for teachers.       The EDB has implemented various new initiatives in recent years to allocate additional manpower and resources to support teachers’ work continuously. Examples of the related measures include increasing the teacher-to-class ratio for public sector schools by 0.1 across-the-board starting from the 2017/18 school year to enhance their teaching manpower; providing additional regular teaching posts for schools; providing cash grants for schools to hire additional teaching and non-teaching staff; and implementing the “One Executive Officer for Each School” policy starting from the 2019/20 school year so as to reduce the administrative work of teachers, thereby creating more room for them.      For parents, the EDB has been implementing the territory-wide Positive Parent Campaign since 2020 to foster parents’ positive thinking and attitudes. The focus of the Positive Parent Campaign this year is to encourage parents and children to develop a healthy lifestyle together, and help parents take good care of the physical and psychological well-being of themselves and their children. In addition, the EDB has introduced the Curriculum Frameworks on Parent Education for kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools respectively, providing reference for schools and other organisations in designing parent education programmes or activities, and one of the four core strands of the Curriculum Frameworks is “Promotion of Parents’ Physical and Psychological Well-being”. Starting from the 2022/23 school year, the EDB has been organising parent education courses and talks for parents of kindergarten and primary school students based on the Curriculum Frameworks. The themes include how to help children cope with stress, and exercising empathy to help children understand, express and regulate their emotions. Meanwhile, the EDB has all along been making use of the one-stop parent education website “Smart Parent Net” to provide information on positive parenting, emotional management of parents, etc. In the 2024/25 school year, the EDB will organise more thematic parent education programmes, and promote positive parent education and enhance parents’ awareness of children’s mental health through diversified modes such as district-based film gala presentations.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 30, 2024Issued at HKT 17:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five reasons weight-loss jabs alone won’t help get people back to work

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lucie Nield, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Sheffield

    Weight-loss injectables don’t address the many core reasons for why weight gain and unemployment occur in the first place. oleschwander/ Shutterstock

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer and health secretary Wes Streeting have recently discussed plans to trial weight-loss injections for around 250,000 people with obesity who are unemployed in a bid to get them back into work, ease pressure on the NHS and boost the economy.

    Obesity is estimated to cost UK society around £35 billion annually. This is due to lower productivity and higher NHS treatment costs.

    Around 26% of the English adult population (approximately 15 million) are considered obese. However, it’s not known what proportion of unemployed people are obese.

    While weight-loss injections have proven to be very effective in helping people who are obese to lose weight and lower their risk of certain chronic diseases, there are many reasons why these drugs alone won’t help tackle obesity and unemployment rates in the UK.

    1. Lack of capacity

    The majority of UK people who are obese are likely to meet the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s eligibility criteria for weight-loss injections.

    But prescribing these drugs is just one part of the equation. Eligible patients will require support from specialist services who provide guidance in making the appropriate lifestyle changes (such as to their diet) to successfully lose weight while on these drugs. This is crucial, as all of the weight-loss injection trials to date have involved a behaviour change component. This may potentially be key to the successful weight losses observed in these studies.

    However, current demand for weight-loss services is already outstripping capacity. Nearly half of eligible patients in England are unable to get an appointment with a specialist team. Weight-loss injections can only be prescribed through such services currently. If the government is to roll out the proposed programme, they will need to rethink the way weight-loss services are delivered so all eligible patients can access support.

    2. Won’t work for everyone

    Weight-loss jabs don’t necessarily work for everyone. One study found that 9-15% of participants who took the drug tirzepatide (Mounjaro) did not lose clinically significant amounts of weight.

    Weight-loss jabs may also cause intolerable side-effects for some. Trials have shown between 4-8% of participants couldn’t tolerate the side-effects, causing them to drop out of the study. Constipation, diarrhoea and nausea are some of the most commonly reported.

    People with certain health conditions may be unable to use weight-loss injections – such as those with inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatitis. In such cases, weight-loss jabs may worsen symptoms or interact with the prescription drugs used to manage these conditions, increasing risk of harm.

    There are many reasons why weight loss jabs may not work for a person.
    Mohammed_Al_Ali/ Shutterstock

    Additionally, some people may not want to take an injection – whether that’s simply due to personal preference or even fear of needles.

    3. Obesity is a complex issue

    There are many complex factors that contribute to weight gain – such as opportunities for physical activity, access to healthy foods and levels of deprivation in a community. Prescribing weight-loss jabs to help people lose weight may not be effective long-term if the rest of these factors are not also addressed.

    A more effective way of seeing significant, sustainable reductions in obesity levels across a population is by using a “whole systems approach”. This would address to the multiple environmental, social and economic factors that contribute to obesity.

    Where whole systems approaches have been embedded in healthcare design and delivery, they have led to improvements in services and patient outcomes – including obesity-related metrics (such as patients making healthier food choices and being more active).

    However, one limitation to whole systems approaches is challenges in measuring impact. This can reduce political will to implement these approaches.

    4. Obesity stigma

    Obesity stigma in the workplace is a huge barrier to satisfactory employment and leads to poor wellbeing and burnout.

    Obesity stigma in the workplace perpetuates harmful weight-based stereotypes that overweight and obese people are lazy, unsuccessful, unintelligent and lack willpower. As a result, people with obesity are more likely to be in insecure and lower-paid jobs than those who may be considered of a healthy weight.

    It’s also well-evidenced that regular exposure to stigmatising, isolating and degrading prejudices has long-term consequences on physical and mental health – and may lead to problems such as binge eating and depression.This can lead to a loss of productivity, absenteeism and loneliness.

    Prescribing weight-loss jabs to help a person lose weight doesn’t address the core reasons for why they may have been absent from work or unemployed in the first place. Nor does it help to address the mental health struggles they may still harbour as a result of discrimination they might have experienced.

    5. Barriers to employment

    Weight loss alone does not begin to address the complex physical and mental health reasons for why a person might be unemployed. A person may also be unemployed due to factors such as caring responsibilities or disability.

    Current prescribing restrictions also limit some injections to a maximum of 24 months (although further trials are ongoing). This means that even if a person has successfully lost weight, they may regain that weight again when they stop using the drug. This could mean any health problems they experienced prior to losing weight (and which may have prevented them from being in employment) could reemerge.

    There are better ways of getting people back into work than prescribing weight-loss jabs. Flexible working approaches, for instance, may make it easier for someone who is unemployed due to caring responsibilities or health problems to transition back into employment. Supportive policies and workplace wellbeing programmes may be a more cost-effective way of helping people to overcome barriers, improve their health and transition back into work.

    Lucie Nield has received funding from The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) for evaluation of children’s weight management services.

    Lucie Nield sits on the Board of Trustees for Darnall Wellbeing (a local community service organisation).

    – ref. Five reasons weight-loss jabs alone won’t help get people back to work – https://theconversation.com/five-reasons-weight-loss-jabs-alone-wont-help-get-people-back-to-work-241835

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mexican president says no upcoming trade war with US

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Friday that there is no trade war on the horizon with the United States, after U.S. President Donald Trump’s conciliatory remarks on trade with Mexico the day before.

    “I do not see a trade war. The U.S. president spoke differently about Mexico yesterday,” Sheinbaum told a daily press conference.

    Responding to questions at the World Economic Forum on Thursday, Trump said: “We’re dealing with Mexico, I think, very well. We just want to be treated fairly.”

    Trump has threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on Mexican imports starting Feb. 1.

    Sheinbaum also expressed willingness to strengthen collaboration with Washington and work with Trump on some priority issues, such as the distribution of fentanyl and migration.

    Trump has signed various executive orders to strengthen anti-immigrant measures through mass deportations since taking office. In response, the Mexican government set up migrant care centers along the border and launched the “Mexico Embraces You” program to provide comprehensive care for deportees.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Supply chain resilience drives 18% YoY growth in global M&A deal activity in Q3 2024, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Supply chain resilience drives 18% YoY growth in global M&A deal activity in Q3 2024, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Strategic Intelligence

    Despite high interest rates and modest economic growth, global mergers, and acquisition (M&A) deal activity surged during the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, with an 18% increase in total deal value year-over-year (YoY). Supply chain resilience drove this momentum, with $71 billion in supply chain-related transactions across 38 deals, spotlighting sectors like automotive, healthcare, and industrials, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest Strategic Intelligence report, “Global M&A Deals in Q3 2024 – Top Themes by Sector,” reveals that in terms of deal volume, there was a 4% increase from Q3 2023 to record 7,890 deals in Q3 2024.

    Priya Toppo, Analyst, Strategic Intelligence at GlobalData, comments: “An increase in geopolitical tensions, population growth, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, labor shortages, and digital transformation have all contributed to a greater focus on supply chain related deals. This was especially true in the automotive, consumer, basic materials, healthcare, transportation, infrastructure, and logistics and industrials sectors.”

    The biggest supply chain deal was China First Heavy Industries’ merger with China Shipbuilding for $16 billion. This deal was also the biggest in the industrials sector in Q3 2024. It was followed by TowerBrook Capital Partners and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice’s acquisition of R1 RCM for $9 billion and Boeing’s acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems for $8 billion.

    Toppo continues: “An ongoing trend is the dominance of North America in M&A deal activity, accounting for 3,112 deals worth $325 billion during Q3 2024. However, Europe, China, South America, and the Middle East and Africa saw a YoY decline in deal value.”

    Toppo concludes: “The M&A forecast for the last quarter of 2024 is cautiously optimistic, as potential rate cuts in certain markets and a generally improving global economic outlook could drive the activity. Nonetheless, mega-deals may encounter obstacles, especially in the US, where antitrust issues remain a priority for regulators.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: France defense expenditure to reach $67.8 billion in 2029, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    In July 2023, France outlined its defense spending plans for the next six years in the Military Planning Law (LPM) 2024-30, expanding the modernization initiatives kickstarted by LPM 2019-25 to reflect evolving geostrategic dynamics and better incorporate emerging technologies, including unmanned and space-based assets. Against this backdrop, France is expected to increase defense spending from $60.4 billion in 2024 to $67.8 billion in 2029, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “France Defense Market Size, Trends, Budget Allocation, Regulations, Acquisitions, Competitive Landscape and Forecast to 2029”, reveals that France’s defense spending is forecast to rise to $64 billion in 2025.

    Tristan Sauer, Senior Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The deterioration of European security following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the importance of France’s strategic reforms, providing the impetus for further and more diversified investment in defense and security capabilities. The most recent spending commitments will allow French defense expenditures to surpass 2% of GDP and finally attain the minimum threshold recommended for NATO members.”

    France’s armed forces continue to pursue modernization across the different operational domains. The largest amount of spending is being directed to the fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and missile defense systems, naval vessels, submarines, and armored vehicles market segments over the next several years. Between 2024-2034, France’s largest investments are for the international FCAS New Generation Fighter program ($17.9 billion), the SNLE 3G nuclear submarines ($17.3 billion), and various upgrades to the Rafale fighter jet program ($12.9 billion).

    Sauer continues: “These investments are indicative of a renewed strategic focus on the commensurate rise of both great power competition and the risk of high intensity conflict. Procurement of conventional capabilities such as aircraft, naval assets, artillery, armored vehicles, and weapons systems is being supplemented with investment in cybersecurity as well as space systems to account for the increasingly diffuse and multi-domain nature of modern warfare.”

    As with many western nations, France is facing recruitment issues leading to personnel shortages despite growing investment. GlobalData forecasts that France will spend $125.9 billion on military personnel between 2025-2029, though spending will only increase at a CAGR of 0.5%, which is far slower than the 1.26% CAGR achieved between 2020-2024.

    Sauer concludes: “France’s continued investments in modernization and acquisition programs provide substance to the broader political refocus on strategic competition and its associated risks, with the nation’s growing defense industrial base providing growing opportunities for international engagement. However, much like with the US and other NATO allies, lackluster performance with regards to personnel recruitment and retention is indicative of a wider challenge, which current investments have thus far failed to overcome.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Tech startups well placed to proliferate in Africa as digitalization enables growth in greenfield projects, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Tech startups well placed to proliferate in Africa as digitalization enables growth in greenfield projects, says GlobalData

    Posted in Technology

    With digitalization as a key enabler of organic growth in greenfield projects in Africa, technology startups are well placed to capitalize on the desire of larger and established corporations wanting to move into various enterprise technologies in the region, according to research conducted by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Recent tie ups – including Safaricom’s deal with Kenyan SaaS startup tappi, American security firm Unartificial Labs tapping Tunisian startup Enova Robotics, and British payment processing firm partnership and financial inclusion firm Paymentology partnering with Zambian fintech startup Union54 – point to this trend.

    Ismail Patel, Senior Analyst, Enterprise Technology and Services at GlobalData, says: “Africa remains a price-sensitive market not only for consumers but also for corporate buyers. This means that technology enablement beyond the deployment of costly physical infrastructure will be a space occupied by smaller vendors who are both less costly and seeking to build their own profiles in the region.”

    GlobalData analysis finds Africa is seeing burgeoning growth in the number of tech startups across cybersecurity, IoT, fintech, SaaS, APIs, analytics, blockchain, and AI. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity associated with these startups has picked up over the past decade, and the number of contractual deals with startups, both inside Africa and beyond, is growing.

    The expectation is that this expansion will continue to grow as there is plenty of room for organic growth across key sectors, including rural communities and SMBs (small and medium businesses), where digitalization is a prime enabler for next-gen technology adoption and boosting national economies. Still, the key buyers for these startups will remain the large African corporate enterprises looking to either partner with them or bring them in-house via acquisition.

    Patel concludes: “Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tunisia have emerged as the tech startup capitals across Africa. Tech enablement is being fueled by capital raising success stories across the board, from debt financing and governmental grants to angel and venture capital investments, all of which are encouraging the startup trends. In its own way, the region is responding to the global technological boom.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Premier Pillai on Saskatchewan election

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

    “On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to congratulate Premier Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party on their success in yesterday’s provincial election.

    “I also want to congratulate the Saskatchewan NDP on their historic surge in support as they continue as Saskatchewan’s official opposition.

    • Read more about Statement from Premier Pillai on Saskatchewan election
    • Add new comment

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Premier Pillai on British Columbia election

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

    “On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I would like to congratulate Premier David Eby and the British Columbia New Democratic Party on their success in the B.C. provincial election.

    • Read more about Statement from Premier Pillai on British Columbia election
    • Add new comment

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Biodiversity: No country is immune to devastation inflicted by climate change – UN Chief at COP16

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the opening of the High-Level Segment of the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) in Cali, Colombia.

    “President Petro,

    Thank you for hosting this important session, here in Cali – a microcosm of our planet’s rich biodiversity.

    Excellencies, dear friends,

    Nature is life.

    And yet we are waging a war against it.

    A war where there can be no winner.

    Every year, we see temperatures climbing higher.

    Every day, we lose more species.

    Every minute, we dump a garbage truck of plastic waste into our oceans, rivers and lakes.

    Make no mistake.

    This is what an existential crisis looks like.

    No country, rich or poor, is immune to the devastation inflicted by climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and pollution.

    These environmental crises are intertwined. They know no borders.

    And they are devastating ecosystems and livelihoods, threatening human health and undermining sustainable development.

    The drivers of this destruction are embedded in outdated economic models, fueling unsustainable production and consumption patterns.

    They are multiplied by inequalities – in wealth and power.

    And with each passing day, we are edging closer to tipping points that could fuel further hunger, displacement, and armed conflicts.

    We have already altered 75% of the Earth’s land surface and 66% of its ocean environments.

    Dear friends,

    Biodiversity is humanity’s ally.

    We must move from plundering it to preserving it.

    As I have said time and again, making peace with nature is the defining task of the 21st century.

    That is the spirit of today’s Declaration of the World Coalition for Peace with Nature:

    A call for action to enhance national and international efforts towards a balanced and harmonious relationship with nature – protecting nature and conserving, restoring and sustainably using and sharing our global biodiversity.

    A call to recognize the vital knowledge, innovations and practices of Indigenous people, people of African descent, farmers and local communities.

    A call for life.

    Excellencies,

    Last month, UN Member States adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact recognizes the need to accelerate efforts to restore, protect, conserve and sustainably use the environment.

    It emphasizes the importance of halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, and other terrestrial and marine ecosystems that act as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases.

    This means conserving biodiversity, while ensuring social and environmental safeguards – in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

    When the Framework was adopted two years ago in Montreal, the world made bold commitments to living in harmony with nature by mid-century.

    Its goals and targets require robust monitoring, reporting, and review arrangements to track progress, as well as a resource mobilisation package to increase finance for biodiversity from all sources – mobilizing at least USD 200 billion per year by 2030.

    But we must now turn these promises into action in four vital ways.

    First – at the national level, all countries must finally present clear, ambitious and detailed plans to align with the Framework’s targets.

    These national plans should be developed in coordination with Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans – with positive outcomes in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    We must shift to nature-positive business models and production: renewable energies and sustainable supply chains… zero-waste policies and circular economies… regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices…

    These must become the default for governments and businesses alike.

    Second – we must agree on a strengthened monitoring and transparency framework.

    This is not only vital for accountability but also about enabling course corrections and driving ambition.

    Third – finance promises must be kept and support to developing countries accelerated.

    We cannot afford to leave Cali without new pledges to adequately capitalize the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, and without commitments to mobilize other sources of public and private finance to deliver the Framework – in full.

    And we must bring the private sector on board.

    Those profiting from nature cannot treat it like a free, infinite resource.

    They must step up and contribute to its protection and restoration.

    By operationalizing the mechanism on the sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, we will give them one clear avenue to do so, bringing more equity and inclusivity…”

    Full remarks: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2024-10-29/secretary-generals-remarks-the-high-level-segment-of-cop16-biodiversity-trilingual-delivered-scroll-down-for-all-english

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiM2kUkGPOU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Expands Mpox Appeal to Reach Migrants and IDPs Across Africa 

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Geneva, 30 October 2024 – In response to the escalating number of people affected by the mpox outbreak, spreading across parts of Africa, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is appealing for USD 27.8 million to protect and support migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and mobile populations, from the disease, as well as the communities they interact with.  

    Since August 2024, the number of confirmed cases across Africa has risen sharply from over 2,800 in 12 countries to more than 9,300 in 34 countries as of 20 October 2024.  This appeal comes after an initial USD 18.5 million dollar request for funding for countries affected in East, Horn and Southern Africa, was issued in August 2024.  

    IOM has expanded the East, Horn and Southern Africa’s plan into a Multi-country mpox Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa, covering the period from September 2024 to February 2025. The Plan aims to address the health needs of migrants and IDPs by providing health screenings, risk communication and community engagement within affected communities, supporting cross-border coordination between governments and local communities, and supporting countries to strengthen response at key borders and points of entry in high-risk areas across Africa.   

    “By mobilizing support for this Plan, IOM will be able to support response and readiness measures from our Member States and partners to contain the outbreak and strengthen preparedness.” Said Dr Poonam Dhavan, IOM Director for Migration Health.  

    The virus, which spreads through close contact with infected persons, is disproportionately affecting IDPs, migrants, and highly mobile populations living in cross-border communities due to the absence of disease prevention, detection and control measures available to them. The risk is further heightened by their overcrowded and poor living and working conditions.   

    IOM has been responding to mpox since the recent outbreak and spread of the disease in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Over 1,047,900 health screenings have been conducted in the DRC, Guinea, and Uganda for over four months. Nearly 2,300 border officials and community health workers have been trained in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo Kenya, Libya, Mozambique, South Sudan, Uganda and Zimbabwe on early detection and case management.  In DRC, Mozambique, and Uganda, IOM has reached more than 27,500 individuals with mpox awareness messages since June 2024.  

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the continent’s most affected country, IOM is strengthening mpox control in high-risk areas by supporting risk communication and community engagement in IDP camps and trained over 80 community health workers and community leaders to sensitize the camps.  

    IOM response plan seeks to address pressing health vulnerabilities exacerbated by high mobility across the continent. However, despite the work of IOM, the funding gap remains significantly low, with only USD 1 million secured from the USD 18.5 million. Without additional support, crucial activities at points of entry are likely to face disruptions. IOM appeals to international donors, governments, and partners to support the mpox response to protect the health and well-being of migration-affected communities.   

     

    Note to Editor  

    The IOM response plan is developed in coordination with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).  

    The latest situation report is accessible here.  

      

    For more information, please contact:   

    Dorothy Njagi, dnjagi@iom.int  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –