Category: Politics

MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Baldwin Calls on Senate to Pass Her Bill to Create a Reproductive Health Travel Fund

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WATCH: Baldwin speaking on the Senate floor in support of the Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) went to the U.S. Senate floor to advance her legislation to break down barriers to abortion care for women in states without access. The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act would help offset the cost of travel-related expenses associated with traveling long distances to access reproductive health care, such as travel, lodging, meals, childcare, and more. Senator Baldwin’s call to unanimously advance the bill failed after a Senate Republican objected.
“Across the country, women have been stripped of the freedom to make their own decisions about their family, their health, and their future. Judges and politicians have inserted themselves into exam rooms, telling doctors they cannot treat their patients, sometimes even if that treatment would save her life,” said Senator Baldwin. “The rights you have as an American should not depend on the state you live in. If we cannot restore Roe this Congress, we should at the very least extend a lifeline to the millions of women who are unable to access needed care in their own communities.”
For 15 months from June 2022 until September 2023, women in Wisconsin lived under an 1849 abortion ban. Prior to the Dobbs decision, only 16%, or one in six, of Wisconsin abortion patients received out-of-state care. In 2023, that number was up to 88%, meaning that nine out of ten patients had to seek out-of-state care. Wisconsinites have traveled to Illinois for care from all 72 counties. In 2023, over 6,000 Wisconsinites fled to Minnesota and Illinois to get abortion care. The average cost of seeking care out of state exceeded $1,000, with patients spending an average of $330 on lodging alone. Even with limited access to abortion returning to Wisconsin in September 2023, the monthly number of traveling patients from Wisconsin to Illinois remains three times higher than it was pre-Dobbs.
The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act would set up a grant program to help ease the financial burden associated with traveling long distances to access safe and legal reproductive health care. Specifically, the bill would allow the Treasury Secretary to award grants to eligible entities to pay for travel-related expenses and logistical support for individuals accessing abortion services. Funds, made available through a competitive grant, could be used for round trip travel, lodging, meals, childcare, translation services, doula care, patient education and information services, and lost wages.
Eligible entities include non-profits or community-based organizations that assist individuals seeking abortions. Grants would be prioritized for entities that serve people who live in a jurisdiction that has banned or severely restricted access to abortion, serve those who travel to a jurisdiction to access abortion care, or have a program in operation that helps patients access abortion services.
Watch Senator Baldwin’s full remarks here.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN addresses the 8th Jakarta Geopolitical Forum

Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn delivered pre-recorded remarks on “ASEAN’s perspective on maritime whole-of-government approach in the region” at the 8th Jakarta Geopolitical Forum 2024, which is being convened from 25-26 September 2024 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Hosted by the National Resilience Institute of the Republic of Indonesia (Lembaga Ketahanan Nasional RI/LEMHANNAS RI), the Forum this year is held under the theme “Addressing Geo-Maritime Resilience Challenges in the Indo-Pacific.” The Forum serves as a platform for relevant stakeholders, including government officials, diplomats, academics, and industry leaders, for exchanging views on maritime issues in the Indo-Pacific region and exploring ways to address them.

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN addresses the 8th Jakarta Geopolitical Forum appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Australia: Appointment to the National Archives of Australia Advisory Council

Source: Australian Ministers 1

The Albanese Labor Government has today announced the appointment of Ms Amanda Heyworth as a member of the National Archives of Australia Advisory Council for a three-year term.

The National Archives is Australia’s federal government record collecting agency, preserving and managing documents and other evidence that record important events in Australian history, and making them available to the public.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said Ms Heyworth would be a valuable addition to the Council.

“The National Archives holds some of our most important records dating back to Federation in 1901, helping to tell the story of our nation.

“Amanda’s experience in digital transformation and service design will benefit the National Archives as it works to make collections more digitally available and improve information management.”

Ms Amanda Heyworth is a professional company director, with expertise in governance, strategy and innovation. Ms Heyworth currently holds Chair positions at UniSA Ventures Pty Ltd and the Centennial Park Cemetery Authority, and is a non‑executive Director at People First Bank and Commissioner of the Essential Services Commission of South Australia.

Ms Heyworth has previously held senior executive positions in the venture capital, technology and finance sectors. Early in her career, she served as an economist with the Federal Treasury and as Adjunct Faculty in the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of New South Wales.

MIL OSI News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Symposium 2024
Source: New Zealand Government

Thank you very much for the generous welcome Reverend Reihana.

Thank you to Alcohol Healthwatch and your organising committee, including representatives from: FASD-CAN Aotearoa; Te Iho Tātai-ā-Rongo (the Māori FASD Coalition); Hauora Māori Services and Health Promotion Directorates, Health New Zealand; Oranga Tamariki; and the Centre for Addiction Research, University of Auckland, for inviting me to this important event.

Alongside the organising committee, I would also like to acknowledge Raawiri Ratuu, from Kookiri ki Taamakimakaurau Trust, and the advice and practical support he has provided in preparation for this symposium.

I am very pleased to be addressing the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) community today.

I would like to take this moment now to recognise all of you and your tireless efforts and commitment.

FASD has gone under-recognised and under-supported for too long in New Zealand, but you have remained strong and dedicated as we now stand on the precipice of meaningful change.

I acknowledge that you have had to navigate difficult spaces, motivated by the love of family and community. Ngā mihi ki a koutou.

I would also like to acknowledge Alcohol Healthwatch for leading engagements with their community across New Zealand over the past two months. You have gathered valuable insights that will inform the revitalisation of the Government’s FASD Strategic Action Plan.

Along with FASD-CAN, Kookiri ki Taamaki Makaurau Trust, the Māori Coalition for Te Iho Tātai-ā-Rongo, Village Collective, and the whole FASD community, you have built a foundation upon which we can set our collective direction for FASD.

I believe families, whānau, professionals at the frontline and communities are best placed to know how to support people impacted by FASD.

I acknowledge the range of experiences and strengths you bring to this work, and this is is reflected in the approach we are taking to develop the new FASD Strategic Action Plan.

I am committed to keeping people at the front and center of this mission.

Only with the experiences, opportunities and solutions from people within and outside of the health system will we develop services truly respond to the needs of people affected by FASD.

Comments from FASD providers highlighted the importance of listening to communities, when they expressed, “the very first thing that this is about – is being heard and seen, that your story is true, valid and important. Just that, I reckon just that. I call it deep listening.”

I used to similarly observe as a GP, that often people just want to hear and be heard, see and be seen.

That’s what an engagement process is about. Listening to whānau. Listening to community.

I intend to continue listening to all voices. Even when it is hard. Even when it is challenging. I will listen.

In April this year, I committed this Government to taking meaningful, tangible action to address FASD in New Zealand.

I announced a first tranche of initiatives, with $2 million of funding across five key initiatives:
1. Publishing the first New Zealand-specific FASD diagnostic guidelines.
2. Training up to 30 health professionals from Child Development Services to use these new guidelines.
3. Launching A nationwide FASD prevention campaign.
4. Establishing an FASD pilot programme to support Māori communities and whānau living with FASD, and
5. Revitalising the FASD Strategic Action Plan.
We are already seeing considerable progress on these actions.

Publication of the new FASD guidelines occurred in April and diagnostic training has already started, in collaboration with Hāpai Te Hauora, and the first group of 30 clinicians will have completed their training by the end of the year.

This will further grow a health workforce that is better equipped to understand and support the needs of people with FASD and their families.

Health New Zealand are now co-designing the prevention campaign with a group of young people who represent the next generation of parents, as well as their support people, whānau, hapū and iwi.

The campaign focuses on preventing and raising awareness about FASD and its effects on communities and will launch before the end of this year.

The FASD community pilot programme started in May this year and is being delivered by the Māori Coalition for Te Iho Tātai-ā-Rongo (FASD).

This is a comprehensive programme that includes a series of regional wānanga with communities that have been identified with FASD high needs.

These wānanga focus on whānau living with FASD, health professionals and has a particular focus in setting up peer support.

In addition, they have completed a national online conference bringing together Māori researchers, policy makers, clinicians and representation from Te Kāhui Taurikura.

The coalition is building FASD capacity within regions with stakeholder hui with workforce and whānau living with FASD.

They have Te Whare ō Oro training that is in alignment with the wānanga which introduces neurodiversity training into these pilot areas.

Finally, the revitalisation of the FASD Strategic Action Plan is well underway. Community engagement was completed at the end of August, and health agencies are now actively developing the priorities that will make up the plan.

I know health agencies will be further consulting key FASD organisations and networks, as well as clinicians and sector experts, in the first quarter of 2025 on the draft plan.

I expect groups that led the community engagement will be able to see their contributions reflected in that draft plan, which will outline a phased and coordinated approach to addressing FASD over the coming years.

As I said in April, these are only the first steps the Government is taking to drive action on FASD. I signaled a clear intention to introduce further initiatives that will build momentum and further our knowledge and understanding of FASD.

I reflect again on the voices of the community in setting further FASD priorities today.

One FASD observer has noted, “Pretty much every professional group would gain hugely from understanding and then reframing their responses as a result… It seems to me that actually our whole society needs education on what FASD is and its impacts.”

I agree.

An important part of advancing FASD is lifting literacy and actions across all areas where there are opportunities to prevent FASD or provide support to people with FASD.

This includes in the community, in healthcare settings, the education system, children’s system and the justice system.

That’s why today I am confirming $4.85 million of funding, for a second tranche of three more key FASD initiatives.

I expect to make further announcements on FASD in the build up to the release of the FASD Strategic Action Plan next year.

This funding is made possible through a lift to the Alcohol Levy that Cabinet agreed to in July.

This took the levy from approximately $11.5m to $16.6m – a boost of more than $5 million this year.

There were criticisms that the levy was not actually raised high enough, and I understand this.

However, it demonstrates a willingness on the part of the Government to fund our priority actions that deliver tangible outcomes, and given this is the first rise in the alcohol levy in 15 years.

We have taken a microscope to what the levy is being spent on and it is not clear to me that all the initiatives have delivered tangible, positive health outcomes for New Zealanders.

Evidence-based outcomes is a key principle of this Government’s investments – every initiative must provide clear, demonstrable value to communities.

That is the challenge I put to you, as together we design the FASD Strategic Action Plan. Demonstrate how your initiatives and proposals will make a tangible difference for New Zealanders.

$4.85 million is a sizeable commitment to the FASD work programme and builds on the $2 million I announced for tranche one initiatives in April – bringing our total investment in FASD support and prevention to date, to $6.85 million.

The tranche two initiatives announced today are:
1. Undertaking an FASD prevalence study, to understand the true nature of the challenge FASD presents in New Zealand, rather than relying on extrapolated overseas data. We will have our own, New Zealand data.
2. Growing FASD awareness and capacity across communities and a range of health, disability, and social services, with formal, structured education.
3. Supporting initiatives that promote alcohol-free pregnancies and reduce the stigma of FASD.
The three year prevalence study will start in mid-2025. It will focus on both the prevalence and impact of FASD in New Zealand, and how demographic, socio-economic, and maternal factors influence the occurrence and diagnosis of FASD among different populations.

The aim is for this study to screen a minimum of 2500 children, in line with World Health Organization FASD prevalence research protocols. Children will be identified through targeted school settings in high-risk locations.

Growing FASD awareness and capacity within communities and across a range of health, disability, and social services professionals will occur through a range of training opportunities being made available.

These will include:
- Developing a new micro-credential training programme for the recently developed NZQA-approved unit standards. Development and delivery of this training will be undertaken in close collaboration with subject matter experts and will be relevant and accessible for a range of different audiences and training cohorts, including families and carers.
- Developing and implementing non-clinical training for communities to increase FASD awareness. This training will align to current activities with the FASD community pilot programme and other localised support programmes.
- Funding a second clinical cohort of 30 Child Development Services professionals to undertake training based on New Zealand’s FASD diagnostic guidelines.
Supporting prevention and reducing stigma around FASD will include: expanding our evaluation cohort for the nation-wide prevention campaign which will provide insights into the campaign messaging and implementation. In collaboration with sector partners we have supported with resource to highlight FASD awareness month.

These priorities are direct responses to community-led efforts and demonstrate the importance of community advocacy and voice in all parts of the health system.

For instance, the new FASD micro-credential training that includes NZQA unit standards will support best practice for people working alongside and engaging with people living with FASD. These unit standards were developed collaboratively by Hayley Semenoff and the team at Toitū te Waiora workforce development council and FASD-CAN Aotearoa.

This training will reflect a shared aspiration with the FASD community for a workforce with an FASD-informed lens, who will be our frontline change agents. They will be competent and confident supporting people impacted by FASD across their lifespan and in different settings, including health, education, disability, and justice systems.

Health NZ is still in the early stages of work on these priorities. I expect to continue to update the FASD community as they progress in the lead up to the launch of the FASD Strategic Action Plan next year.

We remain committed to driving change and improving health outcomes for all New Zealanders, and particularly those who experience the worst health outcomes.

That won’t come without its challenges. Achieving change has been hard for previous governments and will be hard for me too. But these challenges provide opportunities. Opportunities to sharpen our focus on what matters most and actions that will make the biggest impacts on people’s lives.

I believe in bringing care and decision making close to the home and closer to the hapū, and I recognise the unique qualities Māori health providers bring and the importance of local providers delivering services within their communities.

I look forward to seeing what opportunities there are for local and community initiatives to better support people with FASD, to consider as part of the refreshed FASD Strategic Action Plan.

One of the greatest challenges is in fully understanding the prevalence and extent of FASD in New Zealand. This is, in part, due to complexities and barriers to formal diagnosis and national data collection. These barriers limit our ability to intervene effectively and tailor supports to local needs.

We need to better understand FASD prevalence across New Zealand, which means we can deliver more effective and targeted prevention and early intervention activities and then measure their impact.

This is why the announcements I have made today are so important. But I want to make clear that gaps in what we know about the prevalence of FASD does not distract from its very real impacts.

We must remember our context, where an estimated three to five children in New Zealand are born with FASD every day.

We know we must address this and the primary mechanism we have is through the refreshed FASD Strategic Action Plan.

Over the next 12 months, I hope to build an approach that will further support the prevention of FASD and identify critical points in the lifespan of individuals with FASD where we can make the greatest difference.

The community voices and insights captured over the past two months will be vital to that, and I acknowledge the wider alcohol prevention work that Rawiri and his team have undertaken with the Kaupapa Te Ropū report on alcohol harm for Māori.

However, until the long-term action plan is published next year, we have listened to the best community and expert advice and have already made a start, with an investment of over $6.85 million across eight initiatives aimed at better understanding the impact of FASD, promoting better education in community and clinical settings and supporting women to stay alcohol free during pregnancy.

Three to five children are born with FASD every day – that’s why there’s no time to wait.

We want New Zealand to be a country where people are supported to have alcohol-free pregnancies, where the prevalence of FASD is well understood, where quality FASD diagnostic tools and training are widely used, and people living with FASD and their families are well supported.

Finally, I would like to reflect on the theme of this conference, ‘Ko te FASD kei a hau, ehara i a hau. FASD is what I have NOT who I am’.

To me, this is a powerful message which tackles both the issues of stigma, and most importantly, aspiration.

The aspirations of individuals, families, carers, and the whole FASD community, to lead thriving lives. Lives in which people with FASD, can pursue education, employment, and meaningful connections with friends, families, and communities.

While FASD might have lifelong impacts, it should not be a life sentence. We have the chance to change that. To build on our strengths and not be defined by a diagnosis.

That’s my vision for the future.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI China: HK rises to 3rd place in global financial centers index

Source: China State Council Information Office

Photo taken on June 22, 2022 shows the view at the Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong, south China. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hong Kong moved up one place to rank third globally and first in the Asia-Pacific region in a global financial centers index, showing the city’s status and strengths as a leading global financial center.

The Global Financial Centers Index (GFCI) 36 Report was published Tuesday by British think tank Z/Yen Group and the China Development Institute in Shenzhen.

A spokesperson from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said that Hong Kong’s scores were rated among the top in various areas of competitiveness, including business environment, human capital, infrastructure, as well as reputational and general.

Hong Kong’s rankings in various financial industry sectors also rose significantly, including investment management, insurance, banking and professional services. Among them, the ranking in investment management advanced to first globally.

In addition, the report assessed the financial centers’ fintech offerings, and Hong Kong’s ranking rose five places to ninth, making it among the top 10 fintech hubs.

The spokesperson said that Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management business is booming, with assets under management growing by about 2 percent from the previous year to more than 31 trillion Hong Kong dollars by the end of 2023.

Net fund inflows reached 390 billion Hong Kong dollars, representing a year-on-year increase of over 3.4 times. The development of the family office business in Hong Kong continues to gain momentum. The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme has continued to receive overwhelming responses since its launch in March, with more than 550 applications received so far. It is expected to bring in more than 16.5 billion Hong Kong dollars in investments to Hong Kong.

The spokesperson said that the HKSAR government will continue to actively understand, respond to and embrace changes to promote high-quality development of the financial sector. In the stock market, it is proactively enhancing its breadth and depth as well as boosting market efficiency and competitiveness, while endeavoring to deepen financial mutual access between the mainland and Hong Kong so as to further strengthen Hong Kong’s role in connecting the mainland and international capital markets.

The GFCI Report is released in March and September every year since 2007. In GFCI 36, 121 financial centers were assessed, and Hong Kong ranked third globally with an overall rating of 749. (1 Hong Kong dollar equals 0.1284 U.S. dollars)

MIL OSI China News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI China: Haier breaks ground on $40M plant in Egypt

Source: China State Council Information Office

Chinese home appliance giant Haier held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday for the second phase of its industrial park in Egypt in 10th of Ramadan, a city northeast of Cairo.

The Haier Egypt Ecological Park is invested by Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Haier Group. Once fully built, the park will cover an area of 200,000 square meters and have an annual production capacity of more than 1.5 million units of home appliances.

The second phase of the project, with an investment of about 40 million U.S. dollars, will mainly produce refrigerators and freezers.

During the ceremony, Zhou Yunjie, chairman and CEO of Haier Group, said the first batch of products manufactured in the first phase of the park have been exported to Kenya in July. After the second phase of the project becomes operational, it will further help Egypt’s manufacturing industry to go global.

Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El Khatib said Haier is the first Chinese enterprise to obtain a Golden License (Comprehensive Approval) from the Egyptian government, which makes it a role model for foreign enterprises investing in the Egyptian market.

Zhang Tao, minister and deputy chief of mission of the Chinese Embassy in Egypt, said that the success of the first phase of the Haier Egypt Ecological Park has attracted more Chinese enterprises to invest and set up factories in Egypt, which promoted the upgrading of Egypt’s home appliance manufacturing industry, created jobs, trained outstanding talents, and increased Egypt’s foreign exchange incomes.

The first phase of the industrial park was inaugurated in May, with trial production of air-conditioners, televisions, and washing machines.

MIL OSI China News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Nations: Governments and Philanthropies Commit Approximately US$350 Million, Giving Urgent Boost to Family Planning and Sexual and Reproductive Health Supplies and Services Worldwide
Source: United Nations Population Fund

During the UN General Assembly, countries and donors rally critical investments to save women and girls’ lives and drive sustainable development.

As part of the global effort to secure sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all, governments and philanthropies have committed approximately US$350 million in new investments to expand access to family planning and sexual and reproductive health services.

Healthy women are the foundation of healthy families, vibrant communities, and prosperous economies and demand for SRH services is growing globally. Between 2023 and 2035, the number of people in low- and middle-income countries using modern contraceptives is predicted to increase by 95.4 million and annual births will increase by 3.29 million. Yet, a significant financing gap for contraceptives and lifesaving maternal health medicines – reaching at least US$1.5 billion in the world’s poorest countries alone by 2030 – threatens to derail hard-earned progress. Today, only 57 per cent of women are able to make their own decisions about their SRHR—a lack of autonomy that can put women’s lives at risk, rob them of opportunities, and foster an intergenerational cycle of poverty.

Together, the landmark commitments announced today on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly — ranging from countries committing domestic resources for reproductive health supplies to donor governments pledging funds to the UNFPA Supplies Partnership and new commitments from private sector and foundation partners — will help transform the lives of women and girls in 54 countries.

“Investing in reproductive health supplies is a ‘best buy’ for development, empowering women, improving maternal and newborn health outcomes, and uplifting economies,” said Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency. “The significant new resources that governments and philanthropies are committing to are a lifeline for millions of women, who can now enjoy reproductive freedom and the power of choice. Together, we must close the funding gap for reproductive health commodities so that every woman, everywhere, can exercise her fundamental rights.”

The contributions to UNFPA alone have the potential to reach more than 28 million people with reproductive health care, prevent more than 8 million unintended pregnancies, avert more than 2 million unsafe abortions, and save the lives of up to 9,000 women and girls.

Domestic financing commitments include:
- The Kyrgyz Republic announced US$119,000 to domestic resources for family planning commodities.
- The Republic of Madagascar announced a US$15 million government contribution to procure quality-assured contraceptives and maternal health medicines through UNFPA.
- Nepal announced a US$600,000 government contribution to purchase quality-assured contraceptives.
Financing commitments from international donors include:
- The Government of Canada announced US$84 million commitment to SRHR projects.
- The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) announced a US$100 million commitment to co-fund the WISH/Step-Up (Women’s Integrated Sexual Health) platform, strengthening donor coordination on funding access to SRH choices for communities in the Sahel and Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The Kingdom of the Netherlands committed to a multi-annual partnership.
- Norway announced a US$12.3 million commitment to the UNFPA Supplies Partnership over 2 years.
- The Government of Spain announced a US$18 million commitment to UNFPA.
Other commitments include:
- The European Union and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced a partnership to design new innovative financing mechanisms to expand contraceptive and SRH access for women in low- and middle-income countries.
- As a catalytic in-kind investment, HELP Logistics (Kühne Foundation) committed to bringing their expertise to UNFPA’s supply chain strengthening activities to help ensure SRH services reach those who need them most.
A Smart Investment for Health, Prosperity, and Sustainable Development

“When we invest in healthy women, we invest in a healthy world,” said Dr. Anita Zaidi, President of the Gender Equality Division at the Gates Foundation. “Family planning is a proven, high-impact intervention that not only saves lives but also fuels economic growth, makes societies more resilient, and advances gender equality. Investing in family planning can help unlock a brighter, more sustainable future for us all.”

Increasing sexual and reproductive health financing pays off. Globally, every US$1 invested in family planning yields more than US$8 in benefits for families and societies. Addressing the women’s health gap – in which they currently spend 25 per cent more of their lives in poor health compared to men – will boost the global economy by US$1 trillion by 2040. That amounts to an increase in per capita GDP of nearly 2 per cent every year.

A World Made Possible by Family Planning

Furthering the impact of today’s domestic financing announcements, the governments of the Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, and Nepal have ongoing commitments under FP2030 to expand access to family planning. FP2030 – a global partnership dedicated to putting family planning at the centre of global health, development, and gender equality – premiered a new video at the UN General Assembly featuring Nigerian football star Asisat Oshoala and former US Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star and American business owner Renee Montgomery speaking to all that has been made possible by continued investments in family planning and SRH.

“So much of our world has been made possible by family planning. By enabling more women to shape their lives and futures, family planning has helped women to finish their education, join the workforce, ascend to leadership positions, and achieve their dreams,” said Dr. Samukeliso Dube, Executive Director of FP2030. “The commitments made to family planning and sexual and reproductive health today will create limitless possibilities for women, for families, and for our collective future.”

Investing in Family Planning and Sexual and Reproductive Health is Investing in the Future

Today’s commitments represent a critical step towards ensuring universal access to SRH services. While the work is far from over, these commitments get us closer to closing the current and expanding financing gap.

“There is no escaping the reality: even with the important pledges today, we still need to do more to ensure all women and girls have access to life-saving family planning when they want it,” said Sir Chris Hohn, Founder and Chair of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. “The shameful gap in funding for commodities and services must be met by strong domestic leadership – and sustained donor funding in service to country priorities. CIFF’s US$100 million investment in the WISH platform, on top of our US$100 million investment last year to end the commodity financing gap, is a demonstration of our commitment to prioritizing country-led solutions to ensure more women and girls can choose their futures.”

By unlocking sustainable financing and recharging political will for SRH, we can secure a healthier, more equitable world for future generations.

Media contact:

MIL OSI United Nations News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-Evening Report: At 2.7%, Australian inflation is back within the RBA zone. Here’s why that matters

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra

Jeremy Ng/Shutterstock

A closely watched measure of Australian inflation dived in the month of August, plunging from 3.5% in July to just 2.7%.

The dip below 3% puts the monthly measure of annual inflation back within the Reserve Bank’s target band of 2-3% for the first time since August 2021.

The longer-running quarterly measure of annual inflation is also likely to be back within the 2-3% band when the September-quarter figure is released next month.

The dramatically lower inflation rate puts Australia in the same league as the United States, whose inflation rate is 2.5%, and the United Kingdom, whose inflation rate is 2.2%.

The US and the UK have inflation targets of 2%, meaning their inflation rates are still somewhat above target. Australia’s monthly measure of inflation is on target, close to the middle of the band.

Electricity prices down 17.9%

Inflation has been trending down since late 2022, as shown on the graphs, but the sharp drops in the past two months are largely due to electricity rebates offered by the federal and state governments.

The rebates will be applied automatically to electricity bills in this and each of the next three quarters. A staged rollout means they hit bills in only Queensland and Western Australia in July and hit other states in August.

The Bureau of Statistics says these rebates took 6.4% off the average national power price in July and a further 14.6% off in August.

Household electricity prices were down 17.9% over the year to August. The Bureau of Statistics describes this as the largest annual fall on record.

Also helping bring down inflation were lower petrol prices and cheaper public transport, aided by Brisbane’s pre-election six-month trial of 50 cent fares.

The jump in the monthly measure to 4% in May, which had excited some commentators, now looks like a misleading blip.

A takeaway is to be cautious in interpreting the less-comprehensive monthly indicator, as is the Reserve Bank, which puts it in small print at the top of its website under the quarterly index, which it headlines in big print.

For what it’s worth, I am expecting the quarterly index to show annual inflation of 2.8% in the year to September, down from 3.8% for the June quarter.

Governor Bullock isn’t impressed

Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock says that at the moment she is paying more attention to the “underlying” rate of inflation, which looks through temporary measures such as subsidies.

But the Reserve Bank’s preferred measure of underlying inflation, the so-called trimmed mean, also fell in August, to 3.4%, down from 3.8% in July.

Australia’s weak economy – right now it’s the weakest outside of a recession – means the underlying measure of inflation is likely to continue to fall, unless the tax cuts that started in July have a big effect.

Why do we target 2-3% anyway?

Reserve Bank set its target of 2-3% inflation in the early 1990s without a lot of science. It was about where inflation was, close to the targets adopted by other countries, and was a range rather than a specific number in order to give the authorities some flexibility.

But it happens to be a sensible target, as last year’s independent review of the Reserve Bank confirmed.

The bank wants to target an inflation rate low enough to not be noticed much and to not much distort decisions.

Evidence from Google searches suggests that when inflation is around the 2-3% range, people don’t much notice it, but when it climbs up to 4% or 5%, they notice it a lot and search for the word a lot.

Although zero is (literally) a round number, zero inflation would be too low a target. It would mean deflation (prices falling) as often as not to balance out the prices that were climbing. Deflation is associated with recessions and poor economic performance.

An inflation rate of 2-3% also allows some real wages to fall (because they can increase by less than the inflation rate), which can be useful in encouraging workers out of declining industries into ones that are expanding.

In particularly bad times, the Reserve Bank might want to push interest rates down below the inflation rate. This is hard to do if the inflation rate is zero.

In theory, there is a case for increasing Australia’s inflation target to about where inflation is at the moment, but if that happened, Australia’s inflation target and future inflation targets would have less credibility.

And in any event, we are moving quickly back towards the target, and on Wednesday’s measure have already hit it.

Read more:
No RBA rate cut yet, but Governor Bullock is about to find the pressure overwhelming

John Hawkins was formerly a senior economist and forecaster in the Reserve Bank and the Australian Treasury.

– ref. At 2.7%, Australian inflation is back within the RBA zone. Here’s why that matters – https://theconversation.com/at-2-7-australian-inflation-is-back-within-the-rba-zone-heres-why-that-matters-237650

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Russia: The capital will host the second Moscow Forum of Volunteers in the Sphere of Health Protection

MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

The second one will take place in the capital Moscow Forum of Volunteers in the Sphere of Health Protection. It will be held on October 14 and 15 at the address: Pokrovsky Boulevard, Building 11, Building 6 in the cultural center of the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE). Volunteers will help with its implementation.

The forum will bring together the expert community, volunteers and citizens interested in the topic of assistance in the field of healthcare. Participants will be able to attend master classes, tours of medical institutions, as well as volunteer networking and a first aid simulation theatre.

“Today, more than 14.2 thousand people are developing volunteerism in the field of health protection with us. This direction is open and can be interesting not only to people with medical education, it is multifaceted and very important. This year, the forum will become a meeting place for all those who share the values of medical volunteering and will be dedicated to issues of strategic development of the community and will unite more than 600 people,” said Alexander Levit, director of the Mosvolonter resource center.

The First Moscow Forum of Volunteers in the Sphere of Health Protection passed in 2023. More than 600 people took part in it.

The forum was organized by the Mosvolonter resource center, the Moscow regional branch of the All-Russian public movement Volunteers-Medics with the support of Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy of the City of Moscow.

Public Speaking and Lean Techniques

On the first day, the forum will feature representatives of Moscow non-profit organizations (NPOs), medical organizations, universities, and experienced volunteers in the field of health care. Business and educational programs will be aimed at acquiring cross-professional skills for productive teamwork and community development in 2025.

Leaders of educational organizations and socially oriented NPOs, together with the team of the youth council of the Moscow City Department of Health (DZM), will take part in a team session “Sonatuning” on managing and forming effective teams with the opportunity to exchange experiences and build social connections.

In addition, forum participants will attend master classes on creating media content, public speaking, professional medical communication skills, and the implementation of lean technologies in project work.

The exhibition area will feature various organizations that develop medical volunteering. Special attention will be paid to formats of volunteer assistance to patients, as well as issues of first aid in emergency situations.

The program also included a strategic session of youth councils of the capital’s Department of Health, a partnership meeting for new and experienced NGOs and commercial organizations, as well as with volunteer centers of the city’s medical universities, and a round table with representatives of medical colleges on the development of volunteer work in the field of health care.

Sobyanin: City grants help NGOs implement socially significant projects From food to temporary accommodation: how Moscow NGOs help residents of border areas Theory, practice and internship: how to learn first aid in an NPO

Tours of the history of social work in Russia

On the second day of the forum, events will be held where everyone will be able to learn about areas of volunteer work in the field of health protection.

From 12:00 to 13:00 there will be a tour of the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Care. It will be conducted by Marina Kramskaya, winner of the “Best Guide of Russia” and “Best Guide of Moscow” competitions. Participants will learn the history of one of the most popular hospitals in the country. The acquaintance will begin with a story about the hospice of Count Sheremetev, or the Sheremetev Hospital.

From 15:00 to 16:00 and from 16:00 to 17:00, participants will be given tours of the Russian Red Cross Museum. Visitors will learn about its history, priority areas of activity, and the modern development of the movement. In addition, a visit to the organization’s training center is planned.

Muscovites also have the opportunity to attend the excursion “Saving Lives Every Day” from 15:00 to 16:00, which will be held at the A.S. Puchkov Emergency and Urgent Medical Care Station. Doctors will show the heart of the station – a single city dispatch center, where calls are received from all over the city. Tour participants will learn about the distribution of calls to substations, and will see the work of the medical evacuation department.

During the excursion “The Journey of Donor Blood” at the Blood Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, participants will be treated to a visual story about the journey blood takes from blood transfusion stations to the recipient.

On the excursion “Anatomy of Modernism” at the Russian National Research Medical University named after N.I. Pirogov, participants will study the architectural complex of its buildings, history, facts about Soviet modernism and how monumental art can inspire. Together with university staff, guests will visit the classrooms where students study.

Master classes, board games and a project to help patients in children’s hospitals

You can immerse yourself in practical cases close to real emergency situations in the city in the first aid simulation theater. Using special equipment to simulate real incidents, instructors will show how to act in order to provide first aid promptly and correctly. Guests themselves will become theater actors and take part in saving lives on the site of the medical simulation center of the Botkin Hospital.

From 10:00 to 15:00, the HSE Cultural Center will host the program “Be an Example for Everyone.” People of different ages and professions will be able to try their hand at volunteer work in the field of healthcare. You can join master classes on making blankets for premature babies, tactile bags, cards and pillows for patients, “Morse Code” bracelets, and on making clay heart keychains.

In addition, everyone will have the opportunity to communicate in an informal setting during board games and join the project to help patients of children’s hospitals “For the Little and the Brave”. To do this, you need to bring new, tagged toys, books and board games to children who are undergoing treatment in the capital’s hospitals.

You can join the team of volunteers in the field of health protection on the website of the resource center “Mosvolonter”.

You can find out more about volunteering on the page “VKontakte” resource center “Mosvolonter” and in the telegram channel.

Watch of Good Deeds: How the Work of the Capital’s Humanitarian Aid Collection Headquarters is Organized Exchange of experience and launch of new projects: a new volunteer center has opened in Moscow Online: what courses are available to city residents on the Mosvolonter website

Organizing volunteer activities and involving young people in city events correspond to the objectives of the national project “Education” and the federal project “Social Activity”. More information about this and other national projects implemented in the capital, you can find out 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/144426073/

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL OSI Russia News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Russia: The My Documents public services center in the Biryulevo Vostochnoye district will become more spacious, comfortable and brighter after major repairs

MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

Major repairs have begun at the My Documents government services center in the Biryulevo Vostochnoye district. It is located on Zagoryevskaya Street (building 10, block 4). The office will become more spacious and bright due to a modern approach to organizing space, a corporate style in the interior, and new furniture.

“The government services center is located in a separate two-story building built in 1987, it occupies the first floor and part of the basement. Before the work began, the office premises were in an unsatisfactory condition. In the most frequently visited places, there were abrasions on the finish. The heating, hot and cold water supply systems required partial replacement, and the drainage and ventilation systems required modernization. The building had to be adapted to the needs of people with limited mobility,” said the first deputy head of the Moscow City Department of Capital Repairs

Alexey Vasyutin.

Now specialists are dismantling the old finishing of walls, floors and ceilings, as well as engineering systems. Then they will zone the premises, which will ensure sufficient width of passages for evacuation, corresponding to fire safety standards. After that, they will begin repairing engineering systems, finishing works, installing door and window units.

The ground floor will house an entrance area with a reception desk, coffee machine, terminals, photo booth, bookcrossing point and self-service area. The building will have comfortable waiting areas, a children’s play area and a mother and child room, administrative offices for the center’s employees, changing rooms, a meeting room, a rest and dining room, an archive, and an office for informal marriage registration. The office will house a migration department, for whose specialists separate offices, a waiting area, an archive and a biometrics room will be set up. Five zones with 65 windows for receiving applicants (including for the migration department) and an extended window for people with disabilities will be equipped.

In addition to the first floor, the government services center has a basement at its disposal, where, during the major renovation, archives for the center and the migration department will be organized and other service and utility rooms will be set up.

Taking into account the new layout and re-equipment of adjacent systems, the power supply systems will be replaced. This will ensure safety and simplify the operation and maintenance of the premises. In addition, the hot and cold water supply systems will be updated, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, video surveillance, security and fire alarms will be modernized.

The materials for interior decoration were selected depending on the functional purpose of the premises. In the corridors, utility rooms and waiting rooms, where many visitors come every day, the floors will be made of porcelain stoneware, and in the offices and reception window areas – of quartz-vinyl flooring. The walls in the main rooms will be painted, and in the sanitary rooms – tiled. Suspended ceilings will also be installed. For people with limited mobility, unimpeded access to the service areas will be provided.

“Special indicators and mnemonic diagrams for the blind and visually impaired will be placed on the floor and walls. They will indicate the way from the entrance to the reception, then to the reception window and back. In addition, a special restroom will be made with a button to call employees in case of emergency. To ensure the safe evacuation of people from the premises of the public service center, a warning and evacuation management system will be installed, which will duplicate the visual information,” added Alexey Vasyutin.

The major overhaul of the My Documents government services center is planned to be completed in the third quarter of 2025.

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/144401073/

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL OSI Russia News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Govt turns back on social housing, prepares to axe 300 Kāinga Ora workers – PSA

Source: PSA

– A net 321 roles in housing delivery teams proposed to go

– Kāinga Ora confirms housing builds falling from 4800 a year to 1600

Kāinga Ora is proposing to cut a net 321 roles in the teams which play a key role in delivering social housing for thousands of New Zealanders as it significantly slows the building of new houses.

Staff were informed of the proposed change today making crystal clear the Government’s plans to downsize the state’s role in providing housing for low-income families. Kāinga Ora told staff that the ‘Government has asked us to deliver housing in lower volumes’.

“We feel for all those dedicated workers who are impacted by this proposal – they have been doing great work for a great purpose which this government is failing to value in its ideological obsession with outsourcing a key state function,” said Duane Leo National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

“This is a sad day for the proud tradition of the State building houses for those who depend on the government to provide a secure and healthy roof over their heads.”

People who look likely to lose their jobs are those critical to the planning, design and construction of social houses, like architects, technical advisors, project coordinators, urban designers, spatial planners, and quality assurance experts. They work across the country with a third in Auckland and represent around 10% of Kāinga Ora’s workforce.

“Kāinga Ora has done an extraordinary job in its short life in boosting the construction of social houses with nearly 5000 built last year alone. Staff should take credit for their efforts in providing modern homes for those who need them most.”

A host of Kāinga Ora developments are now on hold as the Government shifts back to a focus on community-provided social housing. This follows a so-called independent review by former Prime Minister Sir Bill English and significant cuts in funding in Budget 2024.

Duane Leo said; “The Government has made much of the fact that the demand for emergency housing is falling as some families shift to private rentals and into social housing. Many of those social houses were built by the previous government.

“The confirmation of Kāinga Ora’s much reduced role will only mean uncertainty in the future for these families as the supply of social housing provided by the State falls.

“Once again we see the Government’s misplaced priorities laid bare – it would rather give a helping hand to landlords than a helping hand to those who need it most.”

Background – previous PSA statements on Kāinga Ora cuts

1 August 2024 – Govt axes specialist Māori housing roles despite housing crisis facing many Māori

https://www.psa.org.nz/our-voice/govt-axes-specialist-maori-housing-roles-despite-housing-crisis-facing-many-maori/

2 May 2024 – Government cuts put 130 jobs on the line at Kāinga Ora, and 40 at HUD

https://www.psa.org.nz/our-voice/government-cuts-put-130-jobs-on-the-line-at-kainga-ora-and-40-at-hud/

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 –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Government grants ACEREZ transmission operator’s licence for Central-West Orana REZ

Source: New South Wales Environment and Heritage

ACEREZ, a consortium of Acciona Concesiones, Cobra and Endeavour Energy, was selected by the Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) as the preferred network operator to deliver the Central-West Orana REZ transmission system, following a rigorous competitive tender.

The NSW Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe granted the licence, which will enable ACEREZ to design, construct, own and operate the Central-West Orana REZ transmission system, which will connect renewable energy projects within the REZ to the existing Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong load centres.

When operational, the Central-West Orana REZ transmission system will unlock 4.5 gigawatts of network capacity, allowing generation and storage projects to connect at scale. This is expected to deliver $3 billion in net benefits for NSW energy consumers, drive $20 billion in regional investment and support 5000 jobs during peak construction.

The Central-West Orana REZ is a vital component in the government’s roadmap to powering the state with affordable, clean and reliable energy.

The decision follows the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) recommendation to the NSW Minister for Energy on ACEREZ’s application for the licence, published in its final report.

In granting the licence, the Minister included several licence conditions, some unique to ACEREZ, which were recommended by IPART and developed in response to public consultation, including consultation with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, EnergyCo and ACEREZ. These are intended to support safe and reliable operation of the Central-West Orana REZ transmission system. An important condition to support social licence is a requirement for ACEREZ to become a member of an external dispute resolution scheme.

A copy of the ACEREZ transmission operator’s licence, along with IPARTs final recommendation report, are available on the IPART website.

Background:

Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap

The Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap is NSW’s pathway to powering the state with affordable, clean and reliable energy for everyone. It sets out how we are transitioning the electricity network to one that will keep the lights on and put downward pressure on energy prices for years to come. The Roadmap will support the delivery of at least 12 gigawatts of new renewable energy generation and 2 gigawatts of long-duration storage by 2030.

Energy Corporation of NSW

EnergyCo leads the design, delivery and coordination of Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and priority transmission in a way that benefits consumers, investors and regional communities. This includes the new transmission lines infrastructure required to connect generation projects within each Renewable Energy Zone with the electricity grid.

Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal

IPART is an appointed regulator under the Roadmap to help NSW electricity consumers get safe and reliable services at a fair price. Alongside its regular duties, IPART is responsible for undertaking performance audits of the entities delivering the Roadmap and prepares an annual report on the exercise of Roadmap functions by the Consumer Trustee, the Financial Trustee, the Infrastructure Planner and the Regulator.

Going forward, IPART is also responsible for monitoring for compliance by ACEREZ with the transmission licence in the Central-West Orana REZ.

ACEREZ

ACEREZ, a consortium comprising Acciona Concesiones, Cobra and Endeavour Energy, was selected by EnergyCo as the preferred network operator to deliver the Central-West Orana REZ transmission system. following a competitive tender process. EnergyCo entered into a commitment deed with ACEREZ in December 2023.

MIL OSI News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Security: Director Rachel Rossi Delivers Opening Remarks at the World Affairs Council’s “From Local to Global: Justice Reform & Community Engagement in the United States and Ukraine”

Source: United States Attorneys General 7

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

Thank you, Fraser, for that kind introduction and thank you to the World Affairs Council for organizing this panel. A big thank you to Jared Kimball and our colleagues with the Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) for inviting the Office for Access to Justice to partner in this engagement.

It is an honor to be here in the company of distinguished representatives from Ukraine and Seattle – to learn about their respective community prosecution efforts and to think more deeply about the prosecutor’s role in ensuring equal access to justice for all.

I must first acknowledge and applaud the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office for its pursuit of community driven approaches to prosecution – especially during such a complex and devastating time.

Roman Shpyrka is here with us from the Office of Ukraine’s Prosecutor General with a number of his colleagues. Roman – thank you and your team for being here and for all you are doing in the face of unimaginable challenges. We are honored to stand with you as Ukraine plans for a future grounded in the rule of law.

While our circumstances are quite different, through our collaboration we have seen that that community driven approaches to prosecution align with the mission of equal access to justice for all.

Achieving “access to justice” requires that all communities can equally access public safety and the promise of justice. This requires equal enforcement of laws, but it also requires us to intentionally dismantle barriers many continue to face, to accelerate innovative strategies and to safeguard the integrity of our legal systems, so that justice doesn’t depend on income, status, who you are or where you live. This, in turn, promotes trust in the rule of law.

This is the mission of the Office for Access to Justice. As a stand-alone federal office, we are housed within the Justice Department – the United States’ leading federal prosecuting agency – because closing access to justice gaps for all is central to the pursuit of justice.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland underscored the importance of our mission in quoting former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy who stated, quote “It must be our purpose … to insure that the department over which I preside is more than a Department of Prosecution and is in fact the Department of Justice.” Attorney General Garland further stated: “We are responsible not only for enforcing the law, but for upholding the Rule of Law. We are responsible for protecting civil rights and pursuing justice for all Americans.”

As prosecutors stand at the forefront of this pursuit of access to justice, community prosecution strategies incorporate a multi-dimensional approach.

First, this mission requires consistent engagement with the community. We’ll soon hear more about prosecutorial strategies to engage and collaborate with community members and community-based organizations in a variety of innovative ways.

And it is with this commitment that our office is working to ensure engagement advances culturally responsive approaches, including for communities that don’t speak or write English. Through our Language Access Program, we have partnered with 38 United States Attorneys’ Offices and 24 other Justice Department offices to translate public-facing materials, include webpages, complaint forms and more.

We’ve also launched the Access DOJ initiative, to make the Justice Department’s programs and services more efficient and accessible. And we lead the Federal Government Pro Bono Program, assisting federal prosecutors and government employees across the country to engage with communities by volunteering to provide pro bono legal help.

Prosecutors can also support access to justice by supporting access to counsel for the accused. A robust public defense function helps to ensure the integrity of convictions and that due process rights are protected – central elements to the pursuit of justice. Just last year, our office launched a Public Defense Resource Hub for professionals providing public defense services and related organizations. And we recently partnered with the Federal Bureau of Prisons to conduct a first-of-its-kind comprehensive review of access to counsel in federal pretrial facilities.

Prosecutors can further pursue equal access to justice through the development of and support for innovative approaches to ensuring justice. For example, our office is supporting leaders across the country who are moving away from the reliance on fines and fees to promote economic justice. We recently published a spotlight report to uplift promising practices across the country, including those lead by prosecutors, to reduce these economic burdens faced by low-income communities.

And over the last year, our office, led by my colleagues Jarvis Idowu, Jesse Bernstein and Lauren Lambert, has joined OPDAT to support the exchange of knowledge by organizing virtual sessions with Ukraine and U.S. prosecutors and experts from around the country to uplift a variety of innovative prosecutorial strategies.

Topics have included youth justice, trauma-informed victims and witness engagement, community-based alternatives and partnerships, diversion programs and specialty courts, bail and pretrial detention, restorative justice, data-driven strategies and working with internally displaced persons and the veteran community.

This week, we’re thrilled to learn more about the innovations driven by the King County Prosecutor’s Office — like their focus on access to justice for those struggling with addiction through LEAD, a community-driven partnership to direct people engaged in low-level drug activity into evidence-based, intensive wrap-around services.

Finally, prosecutors pursue access to justice through efforts like this one today, to share best practices and engage with our partners at home and abroad. Our office proudly supports U.S. implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, focused on access to justice. We serve as the U.S. authority on access to justice internationally, like at the U.N. Crime Commission and the Cross Border Crime Forum, centering the importance of access to justice as we tackle complex cross-border criminal issues and pursue strengthened democracy and rule of law globally.

Prosecutors carry a heavy burden and awesome privilege to pursue public safety. They regularly stand with those experiencing our society’s worst violence, trauma and unimaginable harm. They lead the charge to safeguard the integrity of the criminal justice process, advance community collaboration, uphold civil rights, protect due process and pursue the promise of access to justice for all. And in Ukraine today, it is undeniable that this burden has only become more complex and difficult.

We’re impressed by the dedication of our colleagues, both here in Seattle and abroad in Ukraine to these principles. The Office for Access to Justice looks forward to continued collaboration as we stand shoulder to shoulder with you in this critical mission. Together, we can increase community trust and strengthen the rule of law. I’ll now turn it over to our moderator, and former King County Prosecuting Attorney, Dan Satterburg.

MIL Security OSI –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon Business and SK Shieldus team up to bolster cybersecurity offerings

Source: Verizon

Headline: Verizon Business and SK Shieldus team up to bolster cybersecurity offerings

SEOUL – Verizon Business and SK Shieldus have agreed to collaborate to deliver cybersecurity solutions to South Korean and Asian enterprises operating on a global scale. This strategic relationship will leverage Verizon Business’ extensive global reach and SK Shieldus’ deep-rooted expertise to provide comprehensive, world-class protection addressing the unique needs of Asian businesses.

By combining their strengths in real-time threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment, incident response, and managed security services, Verizon Business and SK Shieldus aim to empower enterprises to confidently navigate the complex global threat landscape, safeguarding their operations and assets worldwide.

Verizon Business works with 99% of Fortune 500 companies and governments worldwide and offers a suite of management and data security services. The company operates nine Security Operations Centers, six forensics labs and one of the largest IP networks in the world, monitoring 61 billion security events annually. In addition, Verizon’s investigative response team boasts more than 400 security experts and conducted 500+ IT investigations in 2023.

“South Korea boasts one of the largest and most advanced economies in the world, and SK Shieldus has developed world-class cyber security capabilities in this market. We’re pleased to be working with them to enable businesses to further navigate the complexities of the digital landscape with confidence and resilience,” said Robert Le Busque, Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific at Verizon Business Group.

Headquartered in South Korea, SK Shieldus is South Korea’s largest security services provider with a comprehensive suite of offerings, including physical security, security monitoring, consulting, system integration, solution supply, and operations. SK Shieldus was formed in 2021 following the merger of SK Infosec and ADT Caps. As a result, this integrated security provider, with physical and cybersecurity capabilities, has positioned itself as an industry leader by offering comprehensive security services. These services include security monitoring, consulting, system integration (SI), security solution supply, and security operations. With a customer base of over 1,800 across public, financial, and corporate sectors, including affiliates of the SK Group.

SK Shieldus Chief Executive Officer, Dr. W.P. Hong stated that ‘Verizon is one of the world’s biggest technology providers with strong cyber capabilities. With the synergies and our capabilities in the Korea market, we will further strengthen cyber security capabilities for our customers in the market. As No.1 cyber security provider in Korea, we will utilise this collaboration to service our clients in Asia and globally’.

To learn more about Verizon Business’ cybersecurity portfolio, visit https://www.verizon.com/business/en-sg/products/security/ .

MIL OSI Economics –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Australia: Seeds planted for $16.7 million agriculture precinct

Source: Australian Ministers 1

The Albanese Government is continuing to invest in the nation’s future as an agritech powerhouse, investing $16.7 million into the Western Sydney University’s Agri Tech Precinct.

Once complete, the precinct will be a world-leading hub of research, innovation, incubation and production, working to advance sustainable and resilient food systems.

It will create new education pathways for future students as well as collaborative opportunities with other agricultural institutions.

The approximately $30 million project is jointly funded with Western Sydney University, and is an election commitment being delivered under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program.

Western Sydney University has estimated the construction phase will create 150 direct jobs and up to an additional 240 jobs in the precinct’s day-to-day operations.

Delivered in two stages, the Commonwealth’s contribution is for stage 1 of the roughly 50-hectare precinct on the Hawkesbury campus.

Planning for the precinct is well underway with construction due to commence in April 2025, and stage 1 of the precinct expected to open to students from late 2025 with Stage 2 to follow.

For more information on the Priority Community Infrastructure Program visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“Agriculture makes up around13% of Australia’s export economy and 55% of its land mass.

“With growing demand for sustainable, resilient food systems, the Agri Tech Precinct will help keep Australia at the forefront of innovation in the agriculture sector.

“This is a smart, long-term investment in both the economy of Western Sydney, and the future of agriculture across Australia.

“Our commitment to this project is another example of our investment in infrastructure that will deliver benefits for all Australians for generations.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman:

“This is an important investment in the WSU Hawkesbury campus in Richmond.

“The Hawkesbury is the heart of peri-urban farming in NSW, with a rich tradition in food production and land management, and this initiative opens up opportunities for 21st Century agri-tech.

“Not only will the Agri Tech Precinct play a growing role in the future of agriculture in Australia, but it will create hundreds of exciting new jobs plus new higher education opportunities in the Hawkesbury and Western Sydney.

“I’m proud to have this election commitment become a reality and look forward to seeing the results of the investment in the WSU Richmond campus over many years to come.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins:

“Innovation is at the heart of growing the agriculture sector’s productivity. The new Western Sydney University Agri Tech Precinct will bring students, researchers, businesses and industry together to develop and use new technology and methods to continue Australian agriculture’s competitiveness and success, which is why our Government is backing it.

“Agriculture is increasingly drawing on technology and scientific advances to manage resource use, monitor production and target pests and diseases.

“I am excited by the prospects of bringing our best minds and technology together in the Western Sydney University Agri Tech Precinct. Collaboration can encourage innovation and attract investment and will be crucial to growing the jobs Australian agriculture needs into the future.”

Quotes attributable to Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO:

“Western Sydney University’s Agri Tech Precinct is a multi-million dollar investment in the future of sustainable agriculture production.

“The precinct will draw on the University’s expertise and research innovation ecosystem, with a focus on challenges faced by communities globally, to be advanced in genuine partnership with industry, government and community.

“Offering exceptional work-integrated learning opportunities for students in agriculture and food production, it will create much-needed career pathways and a future jobs pipeline for Australia’s agricultural sector.

“Critically, the precinct will also create skilled jobs for Western Sydney and capitalise on the proximity to Sydney’s premier international airport at Badgery’s Creek – strengthening our opportunity to rapidly-export fresh, high-yield produce to the rest of the world.

“Our Hawkesbury campus has a long history of agricultural education and cutting-edge research. We are delighted this facility continues that proud tradition, cementing Western Sydney’s position as a world-leading hub for agricultural research and innovation.”

MIL OSI News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin: Lomonosov Cluster Plays Leading Role in Import Substitution Development

MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

The need for import substitution has become one of the drivers for the development of Moscow production. Work in this direction was discussed by in his blog Sergei Sobyanin.

“Our comprehensive business support system is designed to provide all necessary assistance to new developments and production of domestic products. The leading role in this matter is given to

cluster “Lomonosov”, the operator of which is Moscow Innovation Cluster“, the Mayor of Moscow wrote.

The new building of the scientific valley of the Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov has allowed to unite the most promising innovations of the capital. All necessary conditions for the operation of high-tech productions have been created here.

More than 60 companies have become residents of the cluster since 2023. They develop high-tech solutions for the medical, space, oil and gas, food and other industries.

More than two thousand people are employed in production. The enterprises’ revenues exceeded 11 billion rubles last year. They have access to support from the entire innovation ecosystem of the capital, including the “Academy of Innovators” – one of the most successful projects of the capital Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development, which helps develop projects from an idea to a startup.

Powerful controllers, efficient filters and software for pharmaceuticals

The developments of the residents of the Lomonosov cluster successfully compete with both domestic and foreign analogues.

For example, the company “Adaptto” produces controllers – electronic devices for controlling the electric drive of vehicles. Compact and functional devices are two to four times more powerful than similar imported devices. They are used in all types of electric transport (in land, air, water transport), as well as in industry (fans, elevators).

The company plans to complete new developments in the near future. These include a three-in-one unit (controller, inverter, gearbox) for electric vehicles and hybrid power plants.

“Pharmaceutical and microelectronic production requires a particularly clean air environment – there literally shouldn’t be a speck of dust in the room,” noted Sergei Sobyanin.

Aerolife specialists have developed a fundamentally new type of filters. Innovative filters allow achieving the highest level of purification according to class U15. Air is purified by 99.9995 percent with a size of polluting particles greater than 0.1 micrometer. The products have no analogues in Russia, and imported ones are inferior in such characteristics as dust capacity and energy efficiency.

Aerolife systems are used at microprocessor manufacturing plants in Zelenograd, in the development of new drugs at institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in the production of vaccines at the N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology (NRCEM), and at more than 20 pharmaceutical companies.

Serial production of new filters has been launched in the Mosgormash technology park. This year, the company plans to triple its capacity.

The Simurg computing platform, created by Simurgpharm, is the first drug development software in Russia. It can be used to analyze and predict preclinical and clinical data during drug planning and testing.

The use of such mathematical models is a mandatory condition for registering new drugs. The platform is registered in the register of domestic software. It was tested jointly with specialists from the companies “Alpharma”, “Biocad” and others and is actively used in educational programs of the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov and the Scientific and Technological University “Sirius”.

Wireless communications, seismological equipment and protective coatings

INWAVE (OOO Microwave Electronics) is a leading domestic manufacturer of control and measuring equipment, wireless communications and antenna systems. Wireless communications solutions include broadband access, radio relay and satellite communications.

“The company’s technologies are successfully used in the development and production of various radio-electronic products, such as onboard equipment for space systems. Over the past year, with the support of the city, the company has increased its production capacity and is also planning to improve the line of control and measuring equipment, introducing new technologies and materials, which will improve the characteristics and reliability of the products,” the Mayor of Moscow said.

The Split company produces a hardware and software complex using SplitMultiSeis technology. The system helps to conduct high-quality seismic research on land and at sea. It is used to solve engineering and geological problems, for example, when developing offshore fields or in transition zones. With the help of the complex, more than 100 projects have been implemented in the Arctic seas of Russia, the Black, Caspian, Baltic, Japanese seas, Onega and Ladoga lakes, Lake Baikal and others.

OOO TSZP develops and implements technologies for surfacing and spraying multifunctional protective coatings from metals, ceramics and metal ceramics. Such coatings allow to extend the service life of products by three to four times, reduce the costs of major repairs by 30 percent and increase the interval between repairs of equipment, as well as provide a sufficient reserve of time for technical re-equipment of enterprises.

“Innovative technologies for repair and strengthening of hot gas path elements of turbines from General Electric, Siemens, Ansaldo and others, which have successfully replaced foreign analogues, play a major role in import substitution. Over the past year alone, about 300 gas turbine parts have been restored for Moscow enterprises, and five research projects have been conducted to create import-substituting technologies,” wrote Sergei Sobyanin.

The company’s customers include enterprises in the energy, oil, gas, oil refining, metallurgy, shipbuilding, aircraft manufacturing and other industries.

Sergei Sobyanin: The Lomonosov Cluster has united the best innovators of the capital

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/11748050/

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL OSI Russia News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Translation: Meeting of the Council of Ministers on 25 September 2024

MIL OSI Translation. Timor-Leste Portuguese to English –

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste

……………………………………………. ……………………………………………. …………………….

Press release

Meeting of the Council of Ministers on 25 September 2024

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Government Resolution, presented by the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in office, Adérito Hugo da Costa, and by the President of the Civil Service Commission, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus, which sets the vacancies for the promotion of personnel integrated in the General Regime of Public Administration Careers for the year 2024.

Of the total of 817 vacancies for promotion established by this Government Resolution, 47 are for the category of Senior Technician – Grade A, 122 for Senior Technician – Grade B, 188 for Professional Technician – Grade C, 234 for Professional Technician – Grade D, 149 for Administrative Technician – Grade E and 77 for Assistant – Grade F.

Vacancies for promotion are set annually by the Government, based on a proposal from the Civil Service Commission, up to a limit of ten percent of the total staff in each category or professional group.

*****

An initial assessment was made of the initiative to create a seniority-based promotion system for civil servants, also presented by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Civil Service Commission, concerning. This initiative aims to ensure career progression for those who, for various reasons, have not been able to obtain merit-based promotions in recent years, based on criteria such as seniority, performance, age, professional training, work in remote areas, good behaviour and attendance.

*****

The Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina de Sousa Carvalho, made a presentation to the Council of Ministers on the implementation of the gender equality policy and the recommendations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The Third Phase of the Maubisse Declaration (2023-2028) was also presented, which follows on from the previous phases, focusing on the economic empowerment of rural women and people with disabilities. This phase is aligned with the priorities of the IX Constitutional Government and the recommendations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

The main commitments of this phase are organised into three areas: Social Capital, which covers social protection, inclusive education and health care, with a focus on preventing gender-based violence and improving maternal health care; Infrastructure, which promotes access to safe and accessible markets, the development of roads, sanitation and adapted public buildings, with a focus on inclusive public transport; and Economy, which prioritises agricultural development, female entrepreneurship and access to credit for rural women, strengthening their participation in sectors such as tourism and agriculture. Monitoring mechanisms are also being strengthened to ensure the implementation of these commitments. Implementation is led by several key government institutions, including relevant ministries and the National Bank of Commerce of Timor-Leste (BNCTL), which ensure the effective implementation of the planned measures.

*****

In order to resolve the payment of existing debts to hospitals abroad and ensure the continuity of health services, the Council of Ministers decided to instruct the Minister of Health to carry out a detailed survey of debts and payment deadlines, as well as the funds available to meet these commitments. The Minister of Health must establish prioritization criteria for payments, based on the urgency of the services, risks to public health and impact on hospital operations.

Among other measures, the Council of Ministers also instructed the Minister of Health to start negotiations with hospitals for debt restructuring and to propose to the Ministry of Finance a budgetary reinforcement for the health sector. The implementation of these measures will be monitored by a working group created specifically for this purpose, which will be required to report regularly to the Council of Ministers on the progress made in regularizing hospital debts. ENDS

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL Translation OSI

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Australia: Update in our Berkeley Living Retirement Village court action

Source: Government of Victoria 2

Our Supreme Court case seeking to recover in-going contributions paid by former retirement village residents is off to the High Court, after support from the Victorian Attorney-General.

The former Berkeley Living Retirement Village in Patterson Lakes closed in 2017, leaving many former residents and their families, who had paid considerable refundable fees, out of pocket.

Following our successful prosecution of former manager Stephen George Snowden and reforms to Victoria’s retirement villages laws, we filed a legal application in the Supreme Court of Victoria last year, seeking to sell all the retirement village land and use the sale funds to ensure residents are repaid what they are owed.

Last month at our request, the Victorian Attorney-General applied to take the matter to the High Court of Australia. The Attorney-General is seeking a ruling that would give the Supreme Court of Victoria full powers to make all the orders we are seeking in the case, including the sale of all the individual lots of land that make up the former village.

The reason this is important is that some of the lots of land are now owned by the Commonwealth or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, because the previous owners were companies that are now deregistered under federal law. This means that the Supreme Court must consider making orders that would cover the Commonwealth government – this raises constitutional issues, that the Attorney-General’s application to the High Court can help resolve.

Director Nicole Rich said Consumer Affairs Victoria would continue to support the High Court application and do anything in its powers to progress the case.

“Our priority is ensuring that the former Berkeley Living residents and their families receive their entitlements under the law,” Rich said.

“As soon as the High Court application is resolved, we will take any next steps available to us to finalise our Supreme Court case in the public interest.”

MIL OSI News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI NGOs: Sudan: Pregnant women and children dying in shocking numbers in South Darfur
Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –
A new report by MSF details how women and children are dying of preventable conditions in South Darfur state, as their health needs surpass what MSF can respond to.

We call on the UN to act decisively and mobilise a response with all available resources.
Nyala/ Amsterdam – One of the worst maternal and child health emergencies in the world is unfolding in South Darfur, Sudan, according to a report released by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Pregnant, birthing, and postpartum women, as well as children, are dying from preventable conditions as their health needs far exceed what MSF can respond to.

Driven to oblivion: the toll of conflict and neglect on the health of mothers and children in South Darfur reveals the number of maternal deaths in just two MSF-supported hospitals in South Darfur between January and August to be more than seven per cent of the total number of maternal deaths in all MSF facilities worldwide in 2023. A screening of children for malnutrition also found rates well beyond emergency thresholds.

Driven to oblivion: the toll of conflict and neglect on the health of mothers and children in South Darfur pdf — 9.75 MB Download

For these crises to be addressed, the United Nations (UN) must act decisively to prevent further loss of life in Darfur. The UN must accelerate the return of UN staff and agencies to Darfur and leverage all available resources and political influence to ensure that aid reaches those in need. Only a coordinated international response, supported by robust funding and unyielding pressure on the warring parties, can avert mass starvation and alleviate the suffering of millions.

“This is a crisis unlike any other I have seen in my career,” says Dr Gillian Burkhardt, MSF sexual and reproductive health activity manager speaking in Nyala, South Darfur. “Multiple health emergencies are happening simultaneously with almost no international response from the UN and others. Newborn babies, pregnant women, and new mothers are dying in shocking numbers. And so many of these deaths are due to preventable conditions, but almost everything has broken down.”

From January to August in South Darfur, there were 46 maternal deaths in Nyala Teaching and Kas Rural hospitals, where MSF teams provide obstetric care and other services. The scarcity of functioning health facilities and unaffordable transportation costs mean many women arrive at hospital in critical condition. Around 78 per cent of these 46 deaths occurred in the first 24 hours following admission.

Fatoum Abdelkarim, from Nyala, is in her seventh month of pregnancy. South Darfur, Sudan, September 2024.
Abdoalsalam Abdallah/MSF

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Sepsis was the most common cause of maternal death in all MSF-supported facilities in South Darfur. The dearth of functioning health facilities forces women to give birth in unsanitary environments that lack basic items such as soap, clean delivery mats, and sterilised instruments. Without these basic items women are getting infections. And with antibiotics in low supply, they can arrive at a hospital only to be met with no treatment option available.

“A pregnant patient from a rural area waited two days to collect the money needed to get care,” says Maria Fix, MSF medical team leader in South Darfur. “When she travelled to a health centre, they had no drugs, so she went back home.”

“After three days, her condition deteriorated but again she had to wait five hours for transportation. She was already in a coma when she reached us,” says Fix. “She died from a preventable infection.”

The crisis in South Darfur extends to children, with thousands on the brink of death and starvation, while others are dying of preventable conditions. From January to June 2024, 48 newborns died from sepsis in in Nyala Teaching and Kas Rural hospitals, meaning one in five newborns with sepsis did not survive.

In August, 30,000 children under two-years-old were screened for malnutrition in South Darfur. Of these, 32.5% were found to be acutely malnourished, well beyond the World Health Organization’s emergency threshold of 15%. Furthermore, 8.1% of children screened were severely acutely malnourished.

Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, was a hub for humanitarian organisations before the war. But since its outbreak, most organisations have not returned. The UN still has no international staff in the city, where MSF is one of the only international organisations present. Between January and August, MSF teams in South Darfur provided 12,600 ante- and post-natal consultations and assisted in 4,330 normal and complicated deliveries.

Across Sudan, interrelated crises are compounding to cause immense suffering, with little help available, as Dr Burkhardt, who worked in North Darfur prior to her assignment in South Darfur, explains.

“The disparity between the huge needs for healthcare, food, and basic services, and the consistently lacking international response is disgraceful,” she says. “We call on donors, the UN, and international organisations to urgently increase funding for, as well as scale up and supply, maternal health and nutrition programmes.”

“We know that Sudan is a challenging place to work but waiting for challenges to disappear by themselves is getting nowhere,” says Dr Burkhardt. “For many mothers and children, it’s already too late. Risks must be managed, and solutions found before more lives are lost.”

Conflict is also driving the maternal and child health crisis as people are displaced and subject to violence. Supply shortages are aggravated by the warring parties which, along with their affiliated armed groups, continue to block or restrict access to lifesaving aid.

The crisis risks trapping families in protracted cycles of malnutrition, sickness, and deteriorating health that span generations.

A patient caretaker describes how maternal mortality and malnutrition are interrelated for their family.

“The mother of the twins died from severe bleeding, leaving behind eight other children,” they say. “My husband and I try to take care of them… we don’t earn enough to feed them. Now we’re 13 in the house. We’re struggling, eating porridge and sauce with a bit of salt, little or no oil, and green leaves.”

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MIL OSI NGO –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI USA: Budd, Hagerty, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect American Assets From Unlawful Seizure by AMLO’s Mexico

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)
Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) helped introduce the Defending American Property Abroad Act alongside Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN).
The bipartisan legislation would impose retaliatory prohibitions that deter and punish any Western Hemisphere nation that unlawfully seizes American assets. The bill responds to ongoing efforts by the Mexican government to seize a deep-water port owned by U.S.-based Vulcan Materials Company, which is a flagrant violation of the United Sates-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The bill is co-sponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).
Senator Budd said in a statement:
“The United States and Mexico have an important trade and economic relationship. The illegal seizure of American property and infrastructure in Mexico is unacceptable and undermines that relationship. I am proud to partner with Senator Hagerty to stand up for American’s right to engage in international commerce without being extorted.”
Senator Hagerty said:
“I strongly condemn AMLO’s threats against Vulcan Materials Company and am pleased to see this bipartisan rebuke from the United States Senate. No nation or president, and especially one of our largest trade partners, should be allowed to bully an American firm without consequences. Our legislation will help to undermine any attempt by AMLO to profit from his illegal actions and, in the event of a seizure, would strengthen our nation’s position in trade negotiations with Mexico.”

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Revealed: the two faces of a Scottish Labour MP

Source: Scottish National Party

The hypocrisy of Scottish Labour has been put on full display in the party’s latest humiliation.

Numerous Labour MPs from Scotland – including the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray – have been exposed as bitterly opposing Tory policies towards pensioners in winter, before axing the winter fuel payment with their first move in the new parliament.

The guilty MPs also include Labour Party darling Michael Shanks, who has purveyed misleading information and was feted for saying he would vote for a ceasefire in Gaza and the abolition of the two child cap – before backtracking on both once he was elected.

Here’s a start on the growing list of Scottish Labour MPs whose volte face is showing exactly why they can’t be trusted.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray (Edinburgh South)

The Secretary of State for Scotland is known for capitalising on a media opportunity and has regularly taken to the airwaves to rail against Conservative policies – at times trying to draw bizarre parallels with the SNP’s record in Scotland, which couldn’t be further from the plans of the Conservative Party.

In a particularly feisty intervention, the Scottish Secretary claimed pensioners were daily “freezing to death” under the Conservatives.

Which makes it even more puzzling that among his first moves as a senior government minister – entitled to a salary of over £160,000 plus expenses – was a vote to axe winter fuel payments for pensioners across the UK. Presumably his Labour government will take their share of responsibility for any pensioners “freezing to death” as a result of their policy.

Pre-1997 I remember the news used to report almost daily the number of pensioners freezing to death in their own homes. We are heading back their this winter unless the government acts now. https://t.co/RRaaTR7r78

— Ian Murray MP (@IanMurrayMP) August 28, 2022

Ex-Better Together chief Blair McDougall (East Renfrewshire)

McDougall was head strategist for the Better Together campaign, and has unsuccessfully sought elected office before.

Since his entry into politics as a student, he backed the failed leadership campaigns of both David Miliband and Jess Phillips while retaining senior status among the ranks of Scottish Labour.

He has vehemently defended Labour’s time in government and listed the winter fuel payment as among its top achievements. Unfortunately, his senior status in Scottish Labour didn’t warrant any consideration from Sir Keir – and when the call came, he trooped through the voting lobbies to strip pensioners of that same winter fuel payment along with all the other Scottish Labour MPs.

Winter fuel payment and free Tv licences. 3 million Child Trust Funds. Cancelling the debts of the poorest countries. Co2 emissions down 1/5. Largest offshore wind capacity in world. 8/

— Blair McDougall MP (@blairmcdougall) August 16, 2023

Imogen Walker (Hamilton and Clyde Valley)

A former longtime London councillor, Walker is the wife of Starmer’s chief spin doctor Morgan McSweeney and the couple are high flyers among Labour’s Westminster leadership. She was parachuted into the Hamilton and Clyde Valley constituency in the hope that it would be a winnable seat for Labour – a stark sign that the party was taking local voters for granted before a single ballot had even been cast.

Her new constituents will be unsurprised to learn that she too was vocal about the energy crisis and a ‘long hard winter’. She even promised a Labour government would lower bills.

Since Labour took office, Ofgem has announced it is once again lifting the price cap and bills are set to rise 10%.

Lovely to see the sun today at the @ScottishLabour stall in Lanark – but it was a long hard winter for so many and we’ve been talking to people about the energy crisis. A Labour govt will act to keep bills low. pic.twitter.com/rTTdmLe8EU

— Imogen Walker (@imogenwalker) May 13, 2023

Johanna Baxter (Paisley and Renfrewshire South)

Another career politician, Baxter has unsuccessfully contested elections before and was previously a senior trade unionist and Labour NEC member.

She urged her followers online to support a petition to create a national strategy for reducing excess winter deaths.

The Labour Party’s own research has suggested its policy of cutting the Winter Fuel Payment could cause in excess of 4,000 deaths.

Baxter, like other Scottish Labour MPs, voted to scrap the Winter Fuel Payment.

.@DanJarvisMP calling for the gov to bring forward a national strategy for reducing excess winter deaths. Sign here https://t.co/t4qBmZ48Jq

— Johanna Baxter MP (@JohannaBaxter) June 6, 2016

Kirsty McNeill (Midlothian)

Having unsuccessfully stood for election in London, McNeill turned her sights to what she thought might be a winnable seat in Scotland. Parachuted into the constituency and immediately appointed to the Scotland Office, McNeill has been silent about the devastating impact Starmer’s winter fuel cut on her new constituents.

She wasn’t so silent in 2022, when she slammed the Conservative government’s decisions and said many families “are set to have a brutal winter.”

We can only assume a cushy Scotland Office job is keeping her too busy to be just as vocal this time.

Families are set to have a brutal winter but the impact of today’s decisions will still be showing up in future decades. https://t.co/8quHQoBdh6

— Kirsty McNeill MP (@kirstyjmcneill) September 23, 2022

Michael Shanks (Rutherglen)

Shanks has unsuccessfully sought election three times before.

Once elected to serve as MP for Rutherglen in last year, he quickly backtracked on promises he had made to constituents such as supporting a ceasefire in Gaza and campaigning for the abolition of the two child cap.

Initially, he masqueraded as an MP who would be fighting for those struggling with punishing energy bills.

But before long, Shanks was marching into the voting lobbies to support the winter fuel cut – it seems his position might have changed?

I asked the Energy Minister earlier about forced installation of pre-payment meters. The new code has protections for some vulnerable groups but has arbitary definitions. As we go into the winter months it will be worrying for many households who may struggle with energy bills. pic.twitter.com/8oJPa7CCm4

— Michael Shanks MP (@mgshanks) November 28, 2023

Patricia Ferguson

Ferguson was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999, serving twice as a minister and even as Deputy Presiding Officer. Once she left office in 2016, she fought to be a local councillor before her run for the Westminster parliament.

As part of the Labour group, she championed the Winter Fuel Allowance.

After decades of public service, we’d have thought Ms Ferguson might have learnt the value of being true to her word – and the duty to be honest with the people who elected her.

Instead, she managed to sideline her longtime support for the allowance, backing Starmer over Scotland.

Great news. Last meeting Labour Group won the reinstatement of the Winter Fuel Allowance this month they get this motion through! Well done @JillBGlasgow

— Patricia Ferguson (@PJFerguson18) December 9, 2021

Scottish Labour’s most senior MPs have sold out

They’ve sold out on their principles, their policies and most importantly – they’ve sold out Scottish communities who trusted Labour’s promise of change. And their support for Starmer’s fiscal plans is forcing our own government here in Scotland into some impossible decisions.

This is just the beginning. For the next five years, Scottish Labour MPs will continue without fail to put Starmer before Scotland. It’s clear they’ve already forgotten who their real boss is – the Scottish people.

That’s if they ever cared in the first place.

The SNP can promise one thing – whoever you are and wherever you are in Scotland, we’ll stand up for you and your family.

While Labour will spend the next five years taking Scotland for granted, we’ll be busy fighting for the change Scotland really needs.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Banking: Verizon Business delivers mission-critical connectivity to South Carolina Army National Guard
Source: Verizon

Headline: Verizon Business delivers mission-critical connectivity to South Carolina Army National Guard
- The South Carolina Army National Guard has selected Verizon as its primary wireless communications partner
- Contract includes more than 1,000 lines of service, ranging from smartphones to data devices
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Verizon Business today announced a new contract with the South Carolina Army National Guard (SCARNG), becoming the primary wireless communications provider of the state-based military component.

The deal encompasses connectivity for more than 1,000 devices ranging from 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) and 4G LTE smartphones to data devices like jet packs.

The communications capabilities provided by these devices will play a key factor in the SCARNG’s ability to achieve its mission across the state of South Carolina.

The SCARNG will also have access to the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team, a specialized group composed primarily of former first responders and military personnel, dedicated to supporting public safety and government agencies during emergencies at no cost to the supported agencies.

This team provides on-demand, emergency assistance during crisis situations on a 24/7 basis. Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team members set up portable cell sites, Wi-Fi hotspots, charging stations and other Verizon Frontline devices and solutions that enable communications and/or boost network performance.

The SCARNG serves the state of South Carolina by responding to domestic emergencies, such as natural disasters, and by assisting in special situations. The SCARNG can also provide staff operations to support the governor during contingency operations.
MIL OSI Global Banks –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New laws to be introduced to crack down on fraud
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

The government will bring forward a new Fraud, Error and Debt Bill in this parliamentary session to crack down on fraud in the social security system.
Fraud, Error and Debt Bill brought forward to tackle fraud in social security system

New laws to give DWP more powers to catch fraudsters faster and prevent customers from getting into debt sooner

Bill to include measures to protect vulnerable customers and ensure support goes to those who need it most

The Bill is expected to save £1.6 billion over the next five years and will extend and modernise DWP’s powers to stop fraud in its tracks, recover money lost to fraud and protect vulnerable customers from racking up debt.

Fraud and error in the social security system currently costs the taxpayer almost £10 billion a year and since the pandemic a total of £35 billion of taxpayers’ money has been taken away from those who need it most.

The nature of fraud has also become more sophisticated, meaning without new legal powers, DWP cannot properly keep pace with the changing nature of fraud to tackle it robustly enough.

This legislation will give DWP powers to:

Better investigate suspected fraud and new powers of search and seizure so DWP can take greater control investigations into criminal gangs defrauding the taxpayer.

Allow DWP to recover debts from individuals who can pay money back but have avoided doing so, bringing greater fairness to debt recoveries.

Require banks and financial institutions to share data that may show indications of potential benefit overpayments

The Bill will also include safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable customers. Staff will be trained to the highest standards on the appropriate use of any new powers, and we will introduce new oversight and reporting mechanisms, to monitor these new powers. DWP will not have access to people’s bank accounts and will not share their personal information with third parties.

We will also bring forward a Code of Practice which will be consulted on during the passage of the Bill to provide further assurance on the safe use of the powers.

This legislation delivers on the government’s manifesto commitment to safeguard taxpayers’ money and demonstrates the government’s commitment to not tolerate fraud, error or waste anywhere in public services, including the social security system.

Further details on the scope of the legislation will be set out when the Bill is introduced.

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Published 24 September 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nominations now open to thank Canterbury’s heroes

Source: City of Canterbury

Home  »  Latest News   »   Nominations now open to thank Canterbury’s heroes

It’s time to get your nominations in for the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Award, which will see unsung heroes from the Canterbury district celebrated for their selfless dedication to helping others.

There are no age limits and nominations are welcome from all walks of life.

Nominees must live in Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable or a village in the district, but you don’t have to live in the district to nominate.

The deadline to put someone forward is Friday 1 November.

Entries will be judged by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Jean Butcher, and a representative from each of the political groups at the city council. The awards will be presented at a ceremony early next year.

Cllr Butcher said: “It is always wonderful to read the award nominations and hear about all the incredible people we have in the district supporting communities and making a real difference.

“Being able to shed light on their brilliant work each year through this award is a huge honour.

“You could make someone’s day, month or even year by simply taking a few minutes to nominate them, so please do get in touch if you know someone who deserves thanks for what they do.”

You can nominate online, or hard copy forms are available by calling the Lord Mayor’s office on 01227 862080 or by emailing lordmayor@canterbury.gov.uk.

Published: 24 September 2024

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI Russia: High-Level Retreat in New Hampshire as part of Bretton Woods at 80 Initiative

Source: IMF – News in Russian

September 24, 2024

WASHINGTON – As part of the previously announced Bretton Woods at 80 Initiative, the IMF and the World Bank Group are hosting a high-level retreat at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, on September 26‒27, 2024.

This two-day Chatham House Rules event will bring together a small and diverse group of global thinkers—including individuals prominent in the fields of history, international relations, political science, finance, and business—at the location of the 1944 United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference (the “Bretton Woods Conference”).

The three External Advisors to the Bretton Woods at 80 Initiative, Patrick Achi, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, and Mark Malloch-Brown, will help guide the discussions.

Senior management and staff from both the Bank and the Fund will be in attendance, including President Ajay Banga and Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.

The purpose of the retreat is to facilitate a discussion on the shape of the world economy 20‒30 years from now, how multilateralism may evolve, and how the Bank and Fund can best continue to support stability and progress on a livable planet.

This retreat is part of an ongoing series of consultations with IMF and World Bank stakeholders that will continue to be led by the External Advisors at events and engagements over the coming months.

Contacts:

For the IMF: Pavis Devahasadin, media@imf.org

For the World Bank: David M. Theis, dtheis@worldbankgroup.org

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Pavis Devahasadin

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

@IMFSpokesperson

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/23/pr24341-high-level-retreat-in-new-hampshire-as-part-of-bretton-woods-at-80-initiative

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Youth Changemakers Initiative: Supporting Youth Action on Migration Worldwide
Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Geneva, 24 September – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched the Youth Changemakers Initiative, empowering ten young leaders globally, who will collaborate closely with IOM offices to advocate on critical issues such as climate mobility, human trafficking, gender equality, health, and countering xenophobia.

Driven by a passion for migration and a commitment to creating meaningful change, IOM’s Youth Changemakers will dedicate the next 11 months to positively impacting their communities. This initiative will provide them with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills, as well as leverage the support of a global network of like-minded peers.

“The IOM’s Youth Changemakers Initiative is supporting young leaders worldwide to become effective migration advocates and agents of change in their communities,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope.

Of the world’s 281 million migrants, 87 million of them – or about 31 percent – are under the age of 30. In their host communities, young changemakers bring innovative solutions to migration challenges and opportunities, playing a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The selection process for the Youth Changemakers involved two stages. Initially, five young leaders were chosen through a competitive global application process. They were later joined by five African Union (AU)-IOM Migration Youth Ambassadors, selected in 2023 by the IOM Special Liaison Office in Addis Ababa in partnership with the AU Women, Gender and Youth Directorate and the Office of the AU Chairperson’s Youth Envoy.

The IOM Youth Changemakers are (in alphabetical order):
1. Asha Jhanay Richards, from the United States of America and Jamaica
2. Damilola Adeniran, from Nigeria
3. Jürgen Adam Sanchez, from Mexico
4. Kornelius Sembiring, from Indonesia
5. Rose Kobusinge, from Uganda
6. Sarah Badr, from Egypt
7. Sérgio Murilo Magalhaes Godinho, from Brazil
8. Sheba George, from India
9. Valery Bobuin Jr., from Cameroon
10. Walter Kasempa, from Zambia
As a first step, each Youth Changemaker will create an individual action plan aimed at raising awareness about migration in ways that are both accessible and relevant to their communities. To support their efforts, IOM will facilitate their participation in key meetings and events, offer training sessions, and provide peer-learning opportunities.

Despite their significant contributions to sustainable development, young people remain underrepresented in public policymaking. The Youth Changemakers Initiative aims to enhance their participation in migration discussions and promote safe, orderly, dignified, and inclusive migration.

More information about this initiative is available on the official website.

For more information, please contact media@iom.int.

MIL OSI United Nations News –
September 29, 2024
MIL-OSI United Nations: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints supports WFP’s school meals programme in Haiti

Source: World Food Programme

NEW YORK CITY–Today, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a contribution of US$ 8 million from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints towards WFP’s home-grown school meals programme in Haiti. The announcement came at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2024 Annual Meeting taking place in New York City, where it was featured as a new CGI Commitment to Action.

The grant from the Church to World Food Program USA will support WFP’s ongoing work with local governments and partners in Haiti’s Artibonite and Centre departments to scale up school meals that use food from local smallholder farmers.

“Building on more than a decade of work together, the Church continues to serve as an essential collaborator, supporting WFP’s global operations during emergencies, while simultaneously stepping up to build community resilience,” said Barron Segar, World Food Program USA President and CEO. “In addition to supporting work on the ground in Haiti, we are grateful for the Church’s generosity in helping us serve thousands of people in other countries around the world this year, as we combat the world’s global hunger crisis.”

In Haiti, half of the population is struggling to find enough to eat — one of the highest proportions of acute food insecurity worldwide. Home-grown school meals serve as an opportunity to provide much-needed nutrition to children and to support their education, while sourcing food locally supports local economies and ensures sustainability of the programme. In the upcoming 2024/25 school year, WFP is planning to provide school meals to nearly 500,000 students, 70 percent of which will be made entirely with Haitian-grown ingredients purchased from local farmers.

“As followers of Jesus Christ, we strive to care for those in need as He would,” said Blaine R. Maxfield, Managing Director of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services. “These efforts in Haiti will help ensure that children have access to the nutrition they need to focus on their education, while at the same time strengthening communities by sourcing meals locally.”

As a longstanding collaborator of WFP, in 2024 alone, the Church has generously supported food assistance in multiple countries across the globe — from delivering emergency food in Ukraine and Nigeria, to feeding school children and ensuring mothers and their newborn children have access to the right nutrients in Chad, Ecuador, Cuba, Guinea, Honduras and Peru.

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About WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media.

About World Food Program USA

World Food Program USA, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, DC, proudly supports the mission of the United Nations World Food Programme by mobilizing American policymakers, businesses and individuals to advance the global movement to end hunger. Our leadership and support help to bolster an enduring American legacy of feeding families in need around the world. To learn more, please visit wfpusa.org.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI New Zealand: SUDAN: CHILDREN UNDER FIRE AS PARTS OF COUNTRY RECORD MOST VIOLENT MONTH SINCE FEBRUARY

Source: Save The Children

PORT SUDAN, 24 Sept 2024 – The conflict in Sudan has seen a major increase in intensity in recent weeks, with violence hitting a seven-month high in the country, with children on the frontline, said Save the Children.

Violent incidents include airstrikes, artillery shelling, use of explosives and remote violence in multiple regions with the majority of recent incidents reported in the state of Khartoum and North Darfur where more than 1.6 million people have been displaceds, including over 850,000 children, since the war started 17 months ago.

In Khartoum, at least 110 distinct artillery shelling incidents were recorded in August alone, the highest number of shelling recorded in the capital since January this year.

Save the Children analysed instances of violence recorded by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) between 6 January and 13 September [1] and found over 422 incidents of political violence reported in the past four weeks across the country – a 33% increase from incidents reported in the four weeks prior, and the most violence recorded in a single four-week period in the past seven months.

While this period was the most violent in the last seven months of war in Sudan, the scale of the conflict has remained high throughout the year with at least 300 violent incidents reported every month. Over two-thirds of violent events in the last four weeks were recorded in Khartoum and North Darfur [2].

Children and the facilities they rely on have been impacted by the violence with devastating outcomes. On August 8, an artillery shelling in Wd Al Bhakit area of Khartoum injured two children, with a childcare centre hit two days later in a neighbouring area. On August 27, an unspecified number of children were abducted for ransom from Um Marrahi Masaid, Al Jazirah state. Additional incidents of violence appear in the data showing the destruction of schools, children’s hospitals and malnutrition treatment centres.

Across North Darfur, ongoing fighting in the city of El Fasher is putting over 2.8 million civilians – including over 750,000 children – in and around the city in grave danger.

In Zamzam displacement camp, 15 km south of El Fasher and home to some 260,000 children, rates of malnutrition are spiralling out of control. At least 34% of the children are currently malnourished, including 10% who are severely malnourished.

This analysis comes as Sudan’s international non-governmental organization (INGO) forum – a group of INGOs working in Sudan including Save the Children— issues a statement to UN General Assembly (UNGA) calling on the international community to increase pressure on conflict parties to facilitate immediate humanitarian access through all possible cross border and cross-line routes; establish mechanisms to protect civilians and essential infrastructure from indiscriminate attacks; and increase funding and initiatives to support communities’ responding at scale to this crisis.

Over 10 million people have fled their homes since the conflict broke out in April 2023, making Sudan the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, affecting more than 5 million children, and over 2 million people, who have crossed into neighbouring countries. More than 20,171 people including children have been killed since the start of the conflict.

With more than 25.6 million people across the country in need of aid, the increase in fighting coupled with widespread flooding and disease outbreaks has escalated food scarcity. In Khartoum for instance over 80% of people forced from their homes and living in shelters are urgently in need assistance, according to a recent rapid assessment conducted by UN’s World Food Programme.

Mohamed Abdiladif, Interim Country Director for Save the Children in Sudan, said:

“We are horrified that regions which used to be the breadbasket of the country such as Darfur and Khartoum have been turned into battlefields, leaving millions of people now just one step away from famine.

“With famine now confirmed in North Darfur’s Zamzam camp and dire conditions reported across the country, we need urgent and unrestricted humanitarian access to save lives. The relentless conflict, displacement, and impeded aid delivery have driven the situation to catastrophic proportions, threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands across 13 states in Sudan. To curb further escalation and meet the pressing needs of those in conflict zones, it is essential that all parties lift restrictions and facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access.”

In Khartoum, Save the Children is supporting two health facilities with medicines and healthcare workers. We are also providing cash assistance to families so that they can buy food for their children. The aid agency is also implementing child protection, health and nutrition, and multi-purpose cash assistance projects in North Darfur both directly and through partners.

Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983 and is currently supporting children and their families across Sudan providing health, nutrition, education, child protection and food security and livelihoods support. Save the Children is also supporting refugees from Sudan in Egypt and South Sudan.

Notes:

1. Save the Children analysed data in 4-week periods working backwards to the first full week of data since the start of 2024 from the last weekly data refresh on ACLED on Friday 13 September (at the time Save the Children accessed the database on 19 September). The number of incidents of political violence in Sudan in the four weeks to 13 September was higher than in any period since the four weeks starting on 3 February, i.e. in around 7 months.

4- week period	Number of political violence incidents
17 August – 13 September
20 July – 16 August
22 June – 19 July
25 May – 21 June
27 April – 24 May
30 March – 26 April
2 March – 29 March
3 February – 1 March
6 January – 2 February

2. Khartoum and North Darfur account for 287 (68%) of the 422 political violence events recorded from 17 August to 13 September, and 2,043 (58%) of such events recorded since 1 January. Many violent events in 2024 have also taken place in Al Jazirah state- 625 since 1 January.

For further enquiries please contact: Delfhin Mugo in Nairobi, delfhin.mugo@savethechildren.org

Our media out of hours (BST) contact is media@savethechildren.org.uk / +44(0)7831 650409

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI New Zealand:

Source: Save The Children

In Khartoum, at least 110 distinct artillery shelling incidents were recorded in August alone, the highest number of shelling recorded in the capital since January this year.

Across North Darfur, ongoing fighting in the city of El Fasher is putting over 2.8 million civilians – including over 750,000 children – in and around the city in grave danger.

Mohamed Abdiladif, Interim Country Director for Save the Children in Sudan, said:

Notes:

4- week period	Number of political violence incidents
17 August – 13 September
20 July – 16 August
22 June – 19 July
25 May – 21 June
27 April – 24 May
30 March – 26 April
2 March – 29 March
3 February – 1 March
6 January – 2 February

For further enquiries please contact: Delfhin Mugo in Nairobi, delfhin.mugo@savethechildren.org

Our media out of hours (BST) contact is media@savethechildren.org.uk / +44(0)7831 650409

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

September 29, 2024

MIL-OSI USA: Adam G. Brief Appointed as Acting U.S. Trustee for Northern Illinois and Wisconsin

Source: US State of North Dakota

Adam G. Brief has been appointed by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland as the Acting U.S. Trustee for Northern Illinois and Wisconsin (Region 11) effective Sept. 28, the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees announced today. Brief replaces Patrick S. Layng, who is retiring after 36 years of dedicated service to the Justice Department, including the last 14 years as the U.S. Trustee in Region 11. Under 28 U.S.C. § 585(a), the Attorney General may fill U.S. Trustee vacancies by appointing an Acting U.S. Trustee.

Brief has served as the Assistant U.S. Trustee in charge of the Chicago field office since joining the U.S. Trustee Program in 2015 after 14 years in private practice. Brief’s effective coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois has contributed to several successful high-profile criminal prosecutions. In addition to being a frequent speaker at legal seminars and conferences, Brief teaches a lawyering skills course at the University of Illinois Chicago Law School. He received his bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Rutgers University Livingston College and his law degree from Seton Hall University. After law school, Brief was a term law clerk for Judge Stephen Stripp of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. For six years before joining the USTP, while still in private practice, he served as an investigator appointed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey to a district ethics committee.

The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders – debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 89 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust.

MIL OSI USA News –

September 29, 2024

Category: Politics

Electricity prices down 17.9%

Governor Bullock isn’t impressed

Why do we target 2-3% anyway?

Public Speaking and Lean Techniques

Tours of the history of social work in Russia

Master classes, board games and a project to help patients in children’s hospitals

Source: PSA

Powerful controllers, efficient filters and software for pharmaceuticals

Wireless communications, seismological equipment and protective coatings

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste

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Food must be delivered to people starved by blockade in Zamzam camp

Cholera is Sudan’s latest peril

Soaring medical needs and a failing humanitarian response mark 500 days of war in Sudan

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray (Edinburgh South)

Ex-Better Together chief Blair McDougall (East Renfrewshire)

Imogen Walker (Hamilton and Clyde Valley)

Johanna Baxter (Paisley and Renfrewshire South)

Kirsty McNeill (Midlothian)

Michael Shanks (Rutherglen)

Patricia Ferguson

Scottish Labour’s most senior MPs have sold out

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