Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI: Thnks Announces Winners of the 2024 Thnks Gratitude in Business Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thnks, the first on-demand gratitude expression platform for enterprises, SMBs, and individual contributors, today announced Troy Stevenson, Account Manager at Pegasus Logistics Group as the individual winner and Pegasus Logistics Group as the company winner for the 2024 Thnks Gratitude in Business Awards sponsored by First Horizon.

    As the gratitude in business pioneer, Thnks has transformed small gestures of appreciation into enduring business connections, fostering loyalty, and driving revenue growth. Through the Thnks Gratitude in Business Awards, Thnks celebrates individuals and organizations who are growing their businesses with gratitude.

    “Troy and the entire team at Pegasus Logistics Group inspire a ripple effect of gratitude that transforms how we do business and strengthens our communities,” said Brendan Kamm, Thnks Co-Founder and CEO. “The response to this year’s Thnks Gratitude in Business Award has been truly remarkable. We’ve seen an inspiring array of stories demonstrating how gratitude is being leveraged as a powerful tool for business growth and relationship building.”

    Pegasus Logistics Group, the first company honored by the Gratitude in Business Awards, is being recognized for their exceptional dedication to fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition to drive growth. The company’s innovative initiatives, including their Culture Team’s CREW program and “People on Point” rewards system, demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering a culture of gratitude and empowerment. As the individual winner, Stevenson’s commitment to building trust-based relationships and consistently showing appreciation embodies the transformative power of gratitude in the workplace.

    “We are truly honored to receive this recognition from Thnks and First Horizon,” said Ken Beam, Founder and CEO of Pegasus Logistics Group. “Gratitude is at the heart of our culture, and this win is a testament to the dedication and commitment of individuals like Troy Stevenson and all our team members. We believe that gratitude is the foundation for building strong relationships with our team members, clients, partners, and the community. It’s wonderful to see both Troy’s efforts and the collective spirit of Pegasus Logistics recognized. We’re excited to continue fostering an environment where appreciation drives success and strengthens our connections.”

    Stevenson will be awarded $10,000 in Thnks credits to enhance further the gratitude program at Pegasus Logistics, a $500 credit from a selection of Thnks retailers, and a $2,500 donation will be made in his name to The Grace Foundation, which assists individuals and families in crisis and guidance toward self-sufficiency. The team at Pegasus Logistics will receive $10,000 in Thnks credits for their gratitude program.

    “At First Horizon we’re proud to support the Thnks Gratitude in Business Awards,” said Lucas Doppler, SVP at First Horizon. “We share Thnks’ vision of celebrating those who elevate their workplace, enhance customer experiences, and enrich their communities – by leading with gratitude. “

    To learn more about the Thnks Gratitude in Business Awards sponsored by First Horizon, visit thnks.com.

    ABOUT THNKS
    Established in 2016, Thnks believes making people feel appreciated – not just part of a transaction – is a business-building strategy. Utilized by over 10,000 teams and 120 Fortune 500 companies, Thnks is an on-demand gratitude expression platform for enterprises, SMBs, and individual contributors that converts small acts of gratitude into lasting business relationships that drive loyalty and revenue. The Thnks platform incorporates technology, program analytics and compliance/budget adherence to empower customers with a more economical, intentional, and authentic way to make people feel appreciated. To date, millions of Thnks have been sent – proving small acts of gratitude generate outsized business impact.

    ABOUT FIRST HORIZON
    First Horizon Corp. (NYSE: FHN), with $82.2 billion in assets as of June 30, 2024, is a leading regional financial services company, dedicated to helping our clients, communities, and associates unlock their full potential with capital and counsel. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, the banking subsidiary First Horizon Bank operates in 12 states across the southern U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries offer commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking services. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation’s best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank. More information is available at www.FirstHorizon.com.

    ABOUT PEGASUS LOGISTICS GROUP
    Pegasus Logistics Group is a global leader in transportation and logistics, specializing in both international and domestic shipments of consequence. With a client-centric approach and a flexible global network of partners, we deliver a highly managed transportation model that adapts to the unique challenges of each business. Our stakeholder-focused approach ensures that our solutions benefit not just our clients but also our team members, partners, and communities. At Pegasus Logistics Group, we believe that true partnership is defined by flexibility, collaboration, and a commitment to improving business processes as we grow together.

    FOR MORE INFORMATION, PRESS ONLY:
    Kaileigh Higgins
    thnks@inkhouse.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2d0bcf29-0a44-40ba-92d5-2b6dadd89c15

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE Trees in Cities Challenge surpasses goal with over 18 million trees planted 

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The UNECE Trees in Cities Challenge, a global effort to enhance urban greening, reduce extreme heat events and improve air quality, has reached a significant milestone. Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has facilitated the planting of 18.5 million trees in cities worldwide, more than double its initial target. This significant accomplishment represents a collective effort by partners to improve our planet’s well-being.  

    The Trees in Cities Challenge aims to address the pressing challenges of climate change and urban pollution by encouraging the planting and care of trees in urban environments. Trees play a vital role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, and enhancing community well-being and biodiversity. The Challenge has garnered widespread support from cities, governments, and civil society organizations around the world.  

    The participation of over 80 cities in the UNECE Trees in Cities Challenge demonstrates their strong commitment to environmental stewardship and a greener future. It has inspired numerous local and regional tree-planting campaigns and initiatives.  

    The planting of over 18 million trees under the UNECE Trees in Cities Challenge is a significant achievement contributing to global efforts to combat climate change highlighting also the importance of local action for sustainable development on a large scale. 

    The Trees in Cities Challenge has evolved into a worldwide initiative leading to the development of dedicated support programmes and new focus areas at UNECE. These include an Urban Expert Network with over 1,000 participants, a dedicated UN Petite Forest program, urban-to-national policy action work (resulting in the San Marino Urban Forestry Action Plan), urban food trees and forests, and more recently, the Coalition for Trees in Dry Cities.  

    The success of this UNECE initiative is a direct result of its strong partnerships with cities. This focus on sustainable local action for national and global impact reaffirms the organization’s commitment to environmental sustainability as it plans for future initiatives. 

    Find out more about UNECE’s green cities initiatives and resources:  

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ERO Boston arrests Dominican national convicted of child sexual abuse material crime in Massachusetts

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON — Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston apprehended a 25-year-old, unlawfully present Dominican noncitizen convicted of possessing child sexual abuse material in Massachusetts. Officers with ERO Boston arrested Enrique Alberto Ortiz-Brito Sept. 12 in Dorchester.

    “Enrique Alberto Ortiz-Brito was convicted for possessing sick and disturbing sexual material,” said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons. “He posed a significant threat to the children of our Massachusetts community that we could not tolerate. ERO Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing egregious noncitizen offenders.”

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection lawfully admitted Ortiz into the United States Dec. 16, 2016, in Boston. However, Ortiz violated the terms of his lawful admission.

    ERO lodged an immigration detainer with the Boston Police Department against Ortiz Aug. 31, 2017, following his arrest for possession of child sexual abuse material. Later that day, the Dorchester District Court released Ortiz from custody on a GPS monitoring system pending the outcome of his criminal case.

    The Suffolk County Superior Court convicted Ortiz of possession of child pornography. The court sentenced him to a split sentence with a term of one year with 30 days to serve (deemed served) in the house of correction followed by three years of probation with numerous conditions, including sex offender registration.

    Officers from ERO Boston arrested Ortiz Sept. 12 in Dorchester and served him with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge. He remains in ERO custody.

    Detainers are critical public safety tools because they focus enforcement resources on removable noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity. Detainers increase the safety of all parties involved — ERO personnel, law enforcement officials, removable noncitizens and the public — by allowing an arrest to be made in a secure and controlled custodial setting as opposed to at-large within the community. Because detainers result in the direct transfer of a noncitizen from state or local custody to ERO custody, they also minimize the potential that an individual will reoffend. Additionally, detainers conserve scarce government resources by allowing ERO to take criminal noncitizens into custody directly rather than expending resources locating these individuals at-large.

    ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Four Key Moments: Hearing on Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the cost of chronic diseases overwhelming family budgets and federal health care spending, Americans need better tools to manage their health, according to witnesses testifying before a Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing. Nearly 90 percent of the $4.1 trillion spent on health care in America each year is attributable to chronic disease. Addressing obesity, a risk factor for several chronic diseases, could save taxpayers up to $500 billion annually, and improve the nation’s physical and fiscal health. Witnesses pointed to the success of programs in various parts of Medicare – including innovative Medicare Advantage coverage options and value-based care delivery options – in improving patient health. The Health Subcommittee hearing follows the Ways and Means Committee voting earlier this year to provide innovative medical treatments to help more Americans manage chronic disease. In June, the Ways and Means Committee advanced bipartisan legislation requiring Medicare to cover certain anti-obesity medications, multi-cancer early detection tests, innovative medical devices and pilot a medically-tailored meal program. This week, the House of Representatives unanimously approved H.R. 3800, the Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act which passed out of the Ways and Means Committee as well and provides private health insurers with the flexibility to cover preventive medication and treatments.

    New Report: Obesity Costs Taxpayers an Additional $9.1 Trillion

    Obesity is a risk factor for several chronic diseases, including but not limited to, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Republicans on the Joint Economic Committee, led by Ways and Means Committee member Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-01), recently issued a report calculating that obesity and its associated health expenses will cost the federal government an additional $9.1 trillion over the next 10 years. Diabetes, a chronic disease, already accounts for a sizable portion of Medicare spending. These costs to taxpayers highlight the need to prevent and effectively manage chronic diseases.

    Rep. Schweikert: “I’m the senior Republican on the Joint Economic Committee…We did the math on obesity in America. We calculate that over the next 10 years, obesity in America may add an additional $9.1 trillion additional health care costs…A bunch of the people on the Left and the Right came to me and said, I can’t believe you were willing to say it, but it’s true. You have a country where we are about to have the fifth year in a row where prime age males are dying younger. The Milken Institute says 47 percent of all U.S. health care is tied to obesity, and in many ways, we also have data that in four years, more than half of America will actually be up against that number. Diabetes now is 33 percent of all U.S. health care spending, 31 percent within Medicare.”

    “Once you get the test, how do we act on that?” Connecting Innovative Screening to Treatment

    Expanding coverage and access to innovative testing for chronic diseases – like multi-cancer early detection screenings – is a major first step in addressing the prevalence of chronic disease by allowing patients and providers to begin treatments even earlier than ever before. However, in response to a question from Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), former Senator and physician Bill Frist highlighted how more can be done to bridge the gap between when a test result is received and care is provided – particularly for patients in rural communities.

    Rep. Fitzpatrick: “I also want to highlight the importance of prevention services – specifically for cancer. Currently there are more than 1.7 million people who receive a cancer diagnosis every single year. Our committee has advanced legislation to increase Medicare access to multi-cancer early detection screenings. Many of us are on the Cancer Caucus which I co-chair. We’ve also introduced numerous pieces of legislation. Dr. Peters and Senator Frist – in your experiences, what other investments, aside from early screenings, should be made to prevent further cancer diagnoses, and get our arms around this terrible killer in America.”

    Former Senator Bill Frist, M.D.: “Once you get the test, how do we act on that? In terms of the companies that I work with in the field, there’s a huge gap between if you have a positive result or a negative result, what happens? How do you get to that facility, to that critical access hospital, to the local hospital, to the hospital two or three hours away. And that’s where an opportunity, that gap exists for things like telemedicine, patient navigation.”

    “We Mop Up the Floor While the Sink Overflows”: America Ignores the Root Causes of Chronic Diseases

    A common focus of the hearing was how food could be better utilized as preventive medicine to address America’s chronic disease epidemic and its associated cost to individuals, families, and taxpayers. Witnesses discussed the importance of preventive medicine in addressing chronic diseases versus the prevailing approach of simply managing them after Americans have already become ill. As one witness told Health Subcommittee Chairman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), the status quo approach is similar to “mop[ping] up the floor while the sink overflows.”

    Rep. Buchanan: “Dr. Hyman…we’re spending over a trillion dollars. We’re spending more money than we’ve ever spent, but we’re going in the wrong direction in terms of health care. When you look at 42 percent…obesity of adults, 20 percent with children. That’s wrong. That’s sad. We can do a lot better. What are your thoughts on it?”

    Dr. Mark Hyman, Institute for Functional Health: “The science and the data are clear that we can solve this chronic disease epidemic by focusing on its root causes. I practice root cause medicine…What is the root cause? In America, we mop up the floor while the sink overflows. How do we turn off the faucet, so we deal with the root cause of the problem, which is the food that’s driving the chronic disease epidemic. I think there are a lot of levers that the government can pull…I think a deep understanding of food as medicine is very important.”

    More Innovative Medicare Programs Can Be Part of Solving Chronic Diseases

    Medicare Advantage has various programs and payment models specifically designed to prevent and treat chronic diseases. Recent data shows that nearly four million seniors are enrolled in plans that offer food and produce benefits. Additionally, Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) offer specialized care for individuals with severe or debilitating chronic disease (C-SNPs). One study on SNPs found that C-SNP enrollees with diabetes were 38 percent less likely to be admitted to a hospital and 22 percent more likely to have a primary care visit. Primary care providers treating patients upstream is key to chronic disease management. A Medicare Advantage provider detailed to Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-03) specific innovative coverage options targeted to seniors with chronic conditions.

    Rep. Smith: “Dr. Rinaldo, based on your experience with Medicare Advantage, how would you say plan design can better incentivize patients to build stronger relationships with their primary care providers?”Dr. Francesca Rinaldo, Chief Clinical Innovation Officer, SCAN Health Plan:“In our benefit design, we often eliminate or reduce costs for preventive care services like primary care visits, especially those that are related to chronic condition management. For example, we have our chronic condition ‘special needs’ plans related to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and end-stage renal disease. Specifically, for our diabetic members, we provide services and benefits that include no-cost insulin and low-cost other drugs, no-cost diabetic supplies and no-cost diabetic self-management training. For our cardiovascular disease members in our ‘Heart First’ plan, we provide $0 cardiologist visits as well as low-cost cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, and we provide no-cost primary care visits for these patients as well.”

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Clark, Massachusetts Leaders Secure $472 Million in Federal Funding to Replace Draw One Bridge, Renovate North Station T Stop

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Katherine Clark (5th District of Massachusetts)

    Largest federal award MBTA has won to date

    Funding will increase ridership, streamline operations, and improve resiliency along Amtrak’s Downeaster route and regional rail lines

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5), Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), along with Representatives Stephen Lynch (MA-8), Ayanna Pressley (MA-7), Lori Trahan (MA-3), Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng announced a grant of $472 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to fully replace the North Station Draw One Bridge and renovate Platform F at North Station. The grant is the largest federal award the MBTA has won to date.

    The nearly half a billion dollar grant will provide critical support for one of MBTA’s top priority projects and a vital transportation asset to MBTA’s north-side operations. It will also support more than 14,500 jobs, make the bridge more climate resilient by bringing it above projected sea-level rise, and lower emissions. In April 2024, Senator Warren led a letter of support for the MBTA’s funding request to the Department of Transportation.

    Specifically, the new funding for MBTA’s North Station Renovation and the Draw One Bridge Replacement Project will support the full replacement of the existing drawbridge, the extension and activation of a platform with two tracks at North Station, and the replacement of track, signals, and switches to modernize and improve station infrastructure.

    “This bridge is a critical connection point for the communities north of Boston. This federal investment will improve the quality of life for commuters, reduce traffic for everyone, and bring opportunity to the Commonwealth. We will have a faster, more modern, and more user-friendly public transportation system, and that’s exactly the direction we need to move in,” said Democratic Whip Clark.

    “This $472 million investment is a game-changer for the thousands of passengers who pass through North Station every day — and will build a safer, more reliable public transit system for the Commonwealth. Massachusetts leaders worked together to secure the largest ever federal award for the T, and I won’t stop fighting to bring home even more investment to improve transit across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Warren.

    “With $472 million to replace the North Station drawbridge, we’re drawing up a new future for rail transit north of Boston. I’m grateful to the Biden-Harris administration, Governor Healey, General Manager Eng, Senator Warren, and our whole federal delegation for securing this funding. Together, we are delivering critical federal dollars to the T and building a modern, safe, and reliable public transit system for all,” said Senator Markey.

    “We know that improving our transportation infrastructure is critical for improving quality of life and making sure Massachusetts remains the best place to live, work, raise a family and build a future,” said Governor Healey. “That’s why our administration is competing so aggressively to win federal funding that can be put toward our roads, bridges and public transportation. Congratulations to General Manager Eng and the MBTA team for this award that will improve train service for millions of riders. We’re grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation for their continued investment in Massachusetts’ transportation infrastructure.” 

    The Draw One railbridge carries the MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak trains, serving approximately 11,250,000 passengers per year. It is particularly critical for Amtrak’s Downeaster, an intercity passenger rail service that travels from Maine and New Hampshire into Boston, which is projected to have some of the highest ridership in New England. Draw One is also a vital connection for all of MBTA’s north-side regional rail lines, including Fitchburg, Lowell, Haverhill, and Newburyport/Rockport. The new federal investment will improve service reliability and operations, reduce congestion along a known bottleneck, and increase capacity across the bridge. Additionally, the funding will allow for upgraded signaling and expanded track capabilities, further improving traffic flow.

    “I am pleased to join my colleagues in government to announce the State of Massachusetts was awarded over $472 million in federal funding that will help improve MBTA and Amtrak services,” said Congressman Lynch. “This funding is the result of our hard work and partnership with the Biden-Harris administration to ensure we invest into our nation’s transportation and infrastructure. People all over the Commonwealth rely on public transportation every day, and this DOT grant is critical to make the necessary repairs and replacements that will make train service more safe and reliable.”

    “Transit justice is a racial and economic justice issue, and a matter of public safety – and this massive federal investment helps make the Commonwealth more connected and our transportation system safer and more reliable for commuters,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I’m glad that families in the Massachusetts 7th who depend on the commuter rail will be better able to access jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services in other parts of the state, and we won’t stop fighting to build the more just, equitable, and accessible transit system our communities deserve. I thank my delegation colleagues and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their partnership, and the Biden-Harris Administration for continuing to invest in Massachusetts.”

    “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver unprecedented federal investments to make our transit systems safer and more efficient,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This massive award is proof that, thanks to the strong partnership between our federal delegation and the Healey-Driscoll administration, Massachusetts continues to punch above our weight when competing for federal funding.”

    “North Station Draw One is a connection point between Boston and Cambridge, and the many cities and towns north who rely on this train bridge to visit and work in our city. Thanks to the leadership of the MA federal delegation and the Healey-Driscoll administration in securing this funding, the Greater Boston area will see benefits from updated infrastructure and more reliable transportation. This funding for a bridge replacement represents our region’s commitment to our local economy and green transit,” said Mayor Wu.

    “I’m proud of the MBTA team that worked diligently to put this project in a strong position to win this highly competitive federal award. I thank the USDOT Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Deputy Secretary of Transportation Polly Trottenberg, and our partners at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool, FTA Region 1 Administrator Pete Butler, and their entire team, for this incredible award allowing us to deliver the North Station Draw 1 project, freeing up state capital dollars for other essential needs,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Eng. “This award continues to demonstrate our aggressive approach to pursuing all funding opportunities under the lead of the Healey-Driscoll Administration as we pursue every available federal grant. Our Grants and North Station Drawbridge teams deserve all the credit for their exceptional work to secure this funding which allows us to ensure the efficient and reliable movement of all North Station train lines while greatly improving our ability to provide more frequent, regional rail-style service across the entire northside corridor to serve future generations to come.”

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool maps out masterplan to remix “Music City” status

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has announced radical plans to “remix the music sector” by embracing AI and VR to future-proof music tourism, recording and education.

    Liverpool City Council has mapped out an ambitious programme of four ground-breaking, interlinked projects which would revolutionise the industry and have a multi-million-pound economic impact for decades to come.

    The proposals are expected to be funded by private sector sources with Government support, with media giant Universal expressing their commitment to the concept.

    The four projects are:

    • The Music Futures Lab – this bespoke facility will bring together music businesses and musicians from across the creative and digital sectors to reimagine the way we all create, consume and experience music in the future. This new R&D lab would be the first of its kind in the UK, taking advantage of the opportunities AI and VR brings, and would build on – and future-proof – the incredible creative and digital sector which the city already boasts.
    • MusicFutures Cluster – a mix of academic and private sector bodies creating the talent and training pipeline to make the most of the facilities which the music lab will offer. A Creative Cluster has already been established to kickstart this R&D in bringing together the music and creative industries.
    • Immersive Liverpool – this fully immersive audio and visual visitor attraction will reimagine the way that audiences experience the music they love. A world first, this attraction will offer a rotating set of experience ‘residencies’ with the biggest music artists. Liverpool City Council is undergoing a site selection process and is in partnership with industry leaders to help develop the scheme.
    • Recording and Rehearsal space – this space would become a new rehearsal home for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and a leading national facility for emerging and established artists. This would be the only UK studio of its kind and capacity outside London – “the Abbey Road of the North” – and as well as boosting the city’s ability to offer recording facilities for musicians, TV, film and gaming, it would also provide first-class training, performance and rehearsal spaces all year-round for young people across the region.

    Mayor Rotheram revealed the ambitious plans at a Creative UK event as part of the Labour Party conference in the city.

    The draft business cases, funded by monies received from the DCMS, are to be presented to Government in the coming weeks with detailed plans expected to be announced in 2025 – 10 years after Liverpool was appointed a UNESCO City of Music.

    Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Music is the heartbeat of Liverpool and for generations it has defined the city’s global appeal. The time has come to translate that heritage into an offer that shapes our future.

    “We have ambitious plans to remix what it means to be a music city. These projects will help define and shape the next generation of talent and businesses and will increase the impact music can have on our communities and individuals from all walks of life.

    “Our ‘Music 2030’ vision harnesses ambitious thinking and focused investment to turn music into a driver of social, economic and environmental advancement, with the sector becoming the backbone for new high-paying jobs, re-energising the music tourism sector and becoming a vanguard sector for positive environmental change.

    “We have entered into a development relationship with Mercury Studios and Universal Music Group to help create the future of immersive music entertainment right here in Liverpool. The expertise and innovation of Mercury Studios will empower our own homegrown talent. This city is known for our incredible music heritage. Together, we will lean on that heritage to become the birthplace for a new form of music entertainment and create a digital future.

    “I’m delighted with the progress made to date and super excited for what is to come. I look forward to further conversations with our partners and the Government on how we can develop and deliver these projects.”

    Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, said: “The Liverpool City Region has always had music running through its veins—it’s part of who we are.

    “We’re launching bold, groundbreaking projects that will remix the way music is made and experienced—right here in the heart of the UK.

    “With cutting-edge technology like AI and VR, we’re creating opportunities for the next generation, making sure that Liverpool isn’t just a city with a rich musical history, but a global leader in the music of the future.

    “This isn’t just business—it’s about giving young people the chance to thrive and putting our region back on the world stage.

    “We’re setting the standard for what a music city should be in the 21st century.”

    Culture Liverpool Director Claire McColgan said: “Liverpool is reimagining the role music plays in the regeneration of a city. By bringing musicians and the creative and digital industries closer together and building the facilities to make the most of our enviable talent pool, we believe this approach can be a driving force in positioning Liverpool as a music city remixed.

    “These projects are at a really exciting stage, and we are now starting to get a sense of their scope and potential impact which could redefine what music means to Liverpool and to the rest of the country. We’re looking at a 10 year-plan to supercharge not just our visitor economy but the way that young people get access to the best music education in the world.

    “It will give talented creative graduates a further reason to set up their business here. It’s taking music seriously as a catalyst for regeneration, both in terms of buildings and people.”

    Michael Eakin, Chief Executive of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, said: “This centre, as part of Liverpool’s overall investment in – and development of – the music sector will be transformative for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and for young talent in the city. It will be a major regeneration driver in its location. It will provide economic growth for the city as part of the growing film, television and creative industries sector.

    “It will help secure the long-term sustainability of one of the country’s most important and forward-looking orchestras and music organisations. And it will make Liverpool uniquely strong in delivering true creative education opportunities in music for children and young people across our communities.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 4th Forum of Mayors to convene global Cities Summit of the Future

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Cities are on the front lines of addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to migration as well as natural disasters and socioeconomic inequalities.  

    City leaders from across the globe will convene for the 4th Forum of Mayors (Geneva, 30 September – 1 October) to discuss the implications for local governments of the Pact for the Future, which will be agreed upon by UN Member States at the United Nations Summit of the Future (New York, 22-23 September). 

    At the Forum of Mayors, cities will collaboratively draft an Outcome Statement on the Future of Cities.  

    This statement will emphasize the vital role of cities and local actors in driving a sustainable and brighter future for all. It will then be transmitted to the Secretary General of the United Nations as a contribution to strengthening the engagement of local and regional governments in UN intergovernmental bodies and processes. 

    As a unique platform within the United Nations system, the Forum of Mayors connects local and national authorities within a normative intergovernmental framework, contributing to a more networked and inclusive multilateralism.  

    The Forum will be chaired by Ms. Danela Arsovska, Mayor of Skopje (North Macedonia), with Vice-Chairpersons Mr. Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga (Portugal), Ms. Susan Aitken, City Leader of Glasgow Council (United Kingdom) and Mr. Sami Kanaan, Deputy Mayor of Geneva (Switzerland). The keynote address will be delivered by renowned architect Lord Norman Foster. 

    Leaders from a diverse range of cities across the pan-European region and North America will participate, including mayors and deputy mayors from Tirana (Albania), Gyumri (Armenia), Vienna (Austria), Ganja (Azerbaijan), Quebec (Canada), Osijek (Croatia), Nicosia (Cyprus), Ostrava (Czech Republic),  Tallinn  (Estonia), Turku (Finland), Strasbourg Eurometropolis (France), Heidelberg (Germany), Athens (Greece), Debrecen (Hungary), Bat Yam (Israel),  Valmiera (Latvia),  Balzan (Malta), Podgorica (Montenegro), Utrecht (Netherlands),  Łódź (Poland), Mafra (Portugal), Bucharest (Romania),  Novo Mesto (Slovenia), Dushanbe (Tajikistan), Konya (Türkiye), Ashgabat (Turkmenistan), Mykolaiv (Ukraine), London (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), New Orleans (United States of America). Additional Mayors are expected to confirm their participation. 

    Additionally, through collaboration with other Regional Economic Commissions (ESCWA, ECLAC, ECA, ESCAP) and the Global Cities Hub, and in recognition of the global connections between urban areas and the opportunities they present for learning, partnerships, and exchange, the Forum will also unite Mayors from the UNECE region with their counterparts from cities such as Buenos Aires (Argentina), Ifangni (Benin), San Jose (Costa Rica), Pichincha (Ecuador), Irbid (Jordan), Klang (Malaysia), Turbat Kech (Pakistan), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Lusaka (Zambia), Rabat (Morocco). 

    The Forum will also feature a rich programme of side events, tackling key issues such as the underrepresentation of women in local government leadership, urban peace dialogues, cities’ solutions to the triple planetary crisis, and cities’ experiences with Voluntary Local Reviews of SDGs progress. 

    More information on the Forum is available at https://forumofmayors.unece.org/

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Youth-Led solutions for sustainable resource management

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Critical raw materials (CRMs) such as copper, lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential for the energy transition, but their extraction often causes deforestation, water pollution, and social disruption, especially in vulnerable communities.   

    To help shift current CRM governance from short-term extraction-focused strategies to policies that prioritize sustainability and intergenerational justice, UNECE’s Resource Management Young Members Group (RMYMG) has developed recommendations for intergenerational justice in CRM Management 

    At the heart of the report “Advancing Intergenerational Justice in Critical Raw Materials Management: Assessing the Potential of Demand-side Measures”  is the principle of intergenerational justice, which emphasizes that resource management today must not compromise the well-being of future generations.  

    The report proposes a shift towards “demand-side solutions”, reducing resource consumption through lifestyle and societal changes rather than just increasing CRM extraction. This approach addresses the root causes of unsustainable consumption while ensuring that future generations inherit a planet with healthier ecosystems and a fair access to resources. 

    Youth-Driven Solutions for a Just Transition 

    Key proposals include: 

    1. Reducing Resource Consumption: By promoting public transport, energy-efficient buildings, and shared resources, societies can cut down on materials demand and mitigate environmental harm. 
    2. Inclusive Governance: The report calls for participatory decision-making frameworks that involve youth, Indigenous communities, and marginalized groups in resource management, ensuring that all voices are heard. 
    3. Strengthening Accountability: The RMYMG advocates for stronger governance frameworks, including binding due diligence laws, to hold governments and corporations accountable for the social and environmental impacts of CRM extraction. 
    4. Shifting Societal Behaviors: Promoting changes in cultural norms to move away from overconsumption, the RMYMG emphasizes that demand-side solutions can create more sustainable economies that prioritize well-being over material growth. 

    The RMYMG, which collaborates with organizations like Generation Climate Europe and ReGeneration 2030, will present its findings to the Committee on Sustainable Energy next week.   

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Amid renewed attacks, international architecture competition launched to help Kharkiv re-imagine iconic city centre 

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Kharkiv, the second most populous city in Ukraine, is among the urban areas most affected by the war and has been the target of intense shelling over the last weeks. Despite these hugely challenging circumstances, Kharkiv is looking ahead and planning for its future. 

    As part of the new concept Masterplan for Kharkiv developed under the UN4UkrainianCities initiative led by UNECE, the Norman Foster Foundation, in collaboration with Kharkiv City Council, Arup, and a group of local and international professionals, is launching an international competition to reimagine the heart of the city and create a new landmark. 

    Through the UN4UkrainianCities initiative, UNECE has been supporting the city of Kharkiv and the government of Ukraine since the start of the war against Ukraine to build back better and to address housing challenges.     

    The competition invites innovative design solutions for two key components: the iconic Regional Administration Building, which was heavily damaged in March 2022, and the public realm of the adjacent Freedom Square.  

    Freedom Square has long served as a central venue for public gatherings and cultural events in Kharkiv. However, despite its historical importance, the square’s current design and huge scale – approximately 115,000 square metres – have resulted in a lack of human-centric interaction, rendering it underutilized in the daily life of the city. The challenge now lies in transforming this space into a hub of activity that resonates with the people of Kharkiv. 

    The proposals should take a holistic approach that envisions a vibrant, prosperous future while enhancing Kharkiv’s historical significance and urban identity. 

    Participants will be tasked with developing concept-level design proposals. After the winners are announced 13 December 2024, the selected proposals will have the opportunity to be further refined into detailed designs for construction.  

    The competition presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the revitalization of Kharkiv’s city centre, harmonizing respect for its rich heritage with a vision for the future. 

    This builds on the strong interest in designing solutions to Kharkiv’s damaged modular housing through a separate competition launched as part of the UN4UkrainianCities initiative in May 2024, which has received over 450 submissions. 

    The UN4UkrainianCities initiative has supported the development and operationalization of the vision master plans for the cities of Kharkiv and Mykolaiv following the establishment of dedicated interagency Task Forces and partnerships with international architects, in cooperation with local and national architects and stakeholders, since 2022. 

    Details on the competition are available at Norman Foster Foundation Kharkiv Freedom Square Revival International architecture competition (architecturecompetitions.com)

    Photo credit: Kharkiv City Council

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derailment of a freight train at Audenshaw

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Investigation into the derailment of a freight train at Audenshaw, Manchester, 6 September 2024.

    Derailed wagons on the bridge.

    At around 11:25 on 6 September 2024, a freight train travelling between Peak Forest and Salford derailed as it passed over a bridge in Audenshaw, Manchester.

    The train involved was made up of 2 class 66 locomotives and 24 wagons, which were loaded with aggregate. The 2 locomotives and the leading 10 wagons passed safely over the bridge, but the next 9 wagons derailed, with the last of the derailed wagons coming to a stand on the bridge itself.

    No injuries were caused by the accident. However, the derailment caused substantial damage to railway infrastructure and damaged some of the wagons involved.

    Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the accident. It will also consider:

    • the condition of the infrastructure at the time of the derailment
    • the status and condition of the wagons involved
    • any underlying management factors.

    Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

    We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.

    You can subscribe to automated emails notifying you when we publish our reports.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 57: UK Statement on Belarus

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with group of Independent Experts on Belarus. Delivered at the 57th Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    We are deeply concerned by brutal and systematic human rights violations in Belarus.  We condemn ongoing arbitrary arrests and widespread repression.

    To mark the fourth anniversary of deeply flawed presidential elections in Belarus, we announced new sanctions on four commanding officers of penal colonies in response to ongoing human rights violations. 

    In addition, we announced £2.5 million support to Belarusian human rights defenders and civil society.

    To the representatives of Belarus: while we welcome the recent release of some political prisoners, we urge you to immediately release the over 1,300 political prisoners who remain detained without reason. 

    Many face isolation, mistreatment, and a lack of medical care.

    Six political prisoners are reported to have died since 2021.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: On the Eve of Open Banking Regulations, Collaborative Industry Group is Stepping Up

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va., Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) readies to issue new “Open Banking” regulations next month, the financial services industry has been busy getting ready. The Financial Data Exchange (FDX)—an industry standards body focused on Open Banking—announced today significant changes as it prepares to play a bigger role in the industry.

    The FDX Board has approved plans to grow its staff and today is announcing Kevin Feltes as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 2024. FDX also finalized an application to the CFPB for formal recognition as a standards setting body, a role that will lend additional weight to the standards FDX issues. These changes add to organizational reforms FDX has been implementing this year to help it become even more balanced and inclusive of diverse stakeholders. Today, FDX’s members include consumer advocacy groups, banks, fintechs, data aggregators, and other stakeholders.

    FDX Board Co-Chairs Steve Smith from Mastercard and Franklin Garrigues from TD Bank said jointly, “Today’s announcement includes some of the most meaningful changes at FDX since the organization was founded. These moves are the culmination of more than a year of work to ready FDX for the significant role it seeks to play alongside regulations in the U.S. and Canada.”

    New “Open Banking” regulations are expected from the CFPB next month and from the Department of Finance in Canada next year. These rules will impact over 100 million consumers and will require thousands of businesses to change how they share or collect consumer-permissioned data. Unlike in other countries, though, the CFPB is taking a novel approach to technical standards. Where other governments have given a larger role to regulatory bodies to define the technical details of how data sharing works, the CFPB has invited industry-led bodies to step up and take a bigger role. The financial industry is coming together at FDX to meet the call.

    Kevin Feltes Appointed FDX CEO

    FDX has appointed Kevin Feltes as its new Chief Executive Officer effective November 2024. Feltes, an industry veteran with extensive experience in Open Finance, will lead FDX in its mission to unify the financial industry around a common standard for secure and convenient access to permissioned consumer and business financial data. Feltes joins FDX from JPMorganChase where he recently served as the Head of Partnerships and Strategy for the Connected Banking group and as an FDX Board member.

    “I am thrilled to lead this organization in its next phase of growth,” said Feltes. “FDX has achieved great success already in building consensus standards and a strong community of diverse organizations. I look forward to working with members to expand FDX’s impact and create win-win solutions that make it easier for firms to reduce costs, comply with regulations, and delight and protect their customers.”

    Feltes has worked closely with data aggregators, fintechs, banks, regulators, and consumer groups to promote safer consumer data sharing and has been deeply involved in planning for the upcoming data sharing regulations.

    “Kevin’s work on the FDX Board has been critical to advancing open banking in the U.S. and Canada,” said FDX Board Member and Head of Policy for Plaid, John Pitts. “As FDX’s first CEO, Kevin will help drive the organization’s growth and progress toward ensuring that the financial services industry gives consumers the full benefit of control over their financial data.”

    Don Cardinal, FDX’s Managing Director, will continue with the organization and work with Feltes to serve FDX’s membership of over 200 firms. 

    FDX Finalizes Application for Formal Recognition by the CFPB

    FDX also finalized an application to the CFPB for official recognition as a standard-setting body (in accordance with the CFPB’s Required Rulemaking on Personal Financial Data Rights; Industry Standard-Setting). FDX’s application will describe how FDX’s governance, structure and ecosystem representation reflect the attributes the CFPB will require of a standard-setting body, including openness, balance, due process, appeals, consensus, and transparency.

    “As the leading technical standards body for sharing permissioned financial data in North America, FDX shares the CFPB’s goal for a fair, open, and inclusive technical standards body and we are excited to submit this application,” added Smith and Garrigues.

    FDX’s application as a standard-setting body will be to define an industry standard “data format.” Today, FDX’s full API specification covers numerous technical components, account types, and data elements, some of which extend beyond what has been proposed for the CFPB’s 1033 rulemaking. FDX and its diverse membership have made significant progress transitioning from credential-based “screen scraping” to the FDX API, with over 94 million consumer accounts now using the FDX API in North America.

    About FDX
    Financial Data Exchange (FDX) is a non-profit organization operating in the US and Canada that is dedicated to unifying the financial industry around a common, interoperable, royalty-free standard for secure and convenient consumer and business access to their financial data. FDX empowers users through its commitment to the development, growth, and industry-wide adoption of the FDX API, according to the principles of control, access, transparency, traceability, and security. Membership is open to all interested parties in the financial data sharing ecosystem. For more information and to join, visit financialdataexchange.org

    Contact:
    Porche Matthews
    Marketing Manager
    pmatthews@financialdataexchange.org

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Record numbers join the NDA group graduate programme

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Over 100 graduates join the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority group today as applications open for 2025.

    NDA group graduate programme

    As applications open for 2025, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group also welcomed its largest ever cohort of graduates today, with more than 100 new recruits ready to support delivery of one of the world’s most important environmental programmes.

    This week over 100 recently graduated professionals start their new roles supporting the NDA group’s mission to decommission nuclear sites, manage the UK’s radioactive waste and transport materials globally.

    It’s the largest intake to join the programme since its launch two years ago, providing experience throughout the NDA group as part of a two-year scheme. It sees recruits moving between functions and operating companies to complete a series of secondments, building knowledge and experience, as well as growing networks.

    Jacq Longrigg, NDA Group People Development Director, said:

    Our mission is so long-term that it stretches into the next century and our work is growing, as we take on responsibility for decommissioning more of the UK’s nuclear sites.

    Around 6,000 people applied to join us this year and we increased the number of opportunities, up from 60 in 2023, to reflect the scale of our work.

    We’re so proud to welcome over 100 graduates and look forward to seeing their careers develop as they contribute to our nationally important mission.

    Last year the cohort was the most diverse yet and the NDA group continue to build on this progress with an even higher proportion of graduates this year identifying as an ethnic minority and reporting being a person with a disability. This year 20% of graduates are also from disadvantaged backgrounds.

    NDA group graduate programme 2024 cohort

    This year’s intake has started as recruitment opens for the 2025 graduate programme with a target of recruiting 120 graduates across a range of technical and business functions, based at locations across the UK.

    From engineering and procurement, to IT and digital, environmental protection, or finance and risk, the programme provides one of the most diverse range of opportunities available. You can apply here: Our graduate roles – The NDA group.

    Izzy Thomas-Horton recently completed the graduate programme after securing a job with the NDA as a Junior Sustainability Advisor. She said:

    I was attracted to the NDA group because of the scale of the mission and the opportunity to contribute to such an important mission.

    During my two years on the programme, I’ve worked across multiple disciplines and got the chance to work in central government at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

    I’m grateful for the focus there has been on my development, from having a mentor to completing training courses – I would highly recommend this experience. Whatever your degree subject or career aspirations, it’s likely there is a role for you.

    Candidates gain experience in the NDA and its subsidiary companies including Sellafield, Nuclear Restoration Services, Nuclear Waste Services or Nuclear Transport Solutions. NDA graduates benefit from:

    • A starting salary of £30,000 and 25-days annual leave, plus bank holidays, as well as six discretionary days leave for study and relocation.
    • A comprehensive package of benefits including pension, professional institute membership and additional support with travel, relocation, training and development
    • A commitment to personal and professional development, including a dedicated mentor and access to a team of experts.

    In addition to the NDA group graduate programme, applications are also being welcomed for the highly-acclaimed Nuclear Graduates programme which sees the NDA partner with other leading employers in the nuclear sector.

    Both schemes are open for applications until the end of November 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a recruitment and assessment event at Manchester Central in February 2025.

    Both the NDA group graduate programme and Nuclear Graduates schemes are powered by NDA subsidiary Energus.

    To find out more, visit Graduates – The NDA group or  Nuclear Graduates.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN Special Envoy for Road Safety to launch the UN global road safety campaign in Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, is visiting Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from 16 to 17 July 2024. During the visit, he will meet with key government officials, representatives of the international community, private, and public sectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to promote road safety initiatives and advocate for enhanced measures. This aligns with the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, aiming to halve road fatalities by 2030. This silent pandemic represents a significant social and economic burden, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    “In addition to the human tragedy, road crashes trap countries into a vicious circle of poverty. According to the World Bank (WB 2016), the cost of road crashes represents 10% of the GDP on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Another reason to rethink mobility and to invest in road safety. Given their social and economic cost, road crashes are jeopardizing the entire sustainable development agenda,” stressed the Special Envoy Todt.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023, Bosnia and Herzegovina has seen a concerning rise in road fatalities, with a mortality rate of 14 per 100,000 people, which is double the EU average.

    “Improving enforcement of traffic laws, enhancement of road infrastructure, and fostering behavioral change are crucial for reducing these alarming statistics and ensuring safer roads for everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Special Envoy Todt’s visit will be instrumental in raising awareness and mobilizing support for enhanced road safety measure, which will benefit the society as a whole, particularly the overburden healthcare system, families, and victims affected by these tragedies,” stated Ingrid Macdonald, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    During the visit, the Special Envoy will launch the UN Global Road Safety Campaign, which aims to raise awareness of life-saving road safety measures. Launched globally in cooperation with JCDecaux Global under the motto #MakeASafetyStatement, it will run through 2025 in over 80 countries in the world, featuring safety statements from 14 global celebrities.                                            

    Support for the campaign has been given by 14 world-renowned personalities, including footballer Didier Drogba, Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc, Oscar-winning actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Michelle Yeoh, tennis player Novak Djokovic, musician Kylie Minogue, motorcycle racer Marc Marquez, supermodel Naomi Campbell, actor Patrick Dempsey, musician and inspirational leader Youssou N’Dour, actress Julie Gayet, actor Michael Fassbender, football icon Ousmane Dembélé, two-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon, and Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher.                                                                                           

    Media representatives are cordially invited to cover the launch of the campaign at the press conference by Special Envoy Todt, Mayor of Sarajevo Benjamina Karić, and United Nations Resident Coordinator Ingrid Macdonald, on Wednesday, 17 July 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the City Hall in Sarajevo. On the same day, starting at 8:30 p.m., a digital projection of the campaign will be displayed on the Eternal Flame building, in the presence of Special Envoy Todt, Mayor Karić, and United Nations Resident Coordinator Macdonald. With this event, Sarajevo will join Brussels, New York, and other capitals in the world in promoting this important campaign.

    Note to Editors

    The UN has invested heavily in road safety globally. Following the “Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020”, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in August 2020 for “Improving Road Safety”, which reaffirmed its commitment to halve global road deaths and injuries and provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all by 2030. In July 2022, the road safety community met in New York for the first-ever high-level meeting on improving global road safety at the United Nations General Assembly, unanimously adopting a text entitled: “Political declaration of the high-level meeting level on improving global road safety”.

    About the Special Envoy

    The former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, appointed in 2015 Jean Todt as his Special Envoy for Road Safety. He was reconfirmed in this role by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in 2017 and in 2021. In 2018, together with 14 UN organizations, the Special Envoy launched the UN Road Safety Fund (UNRSF). The Special Envoy contributes, among other things, to mobilize sustained political commitment to make road safety a priority; to advocate and raise awareness of UN legal instruments on road safety; to share established good practices in this area; to striving to generate adequate funding through strategic partnerships between the public, private and non-governmental sectors. Special Envoy brochure and Twitter account.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SLC’s biggest payment date of 24/25

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    SLC pays £0.9 billion in first term Maintenance Loan payments to students today.

    The Student Loans Company (SLC) has paid £0.9 billion in first term Maintenance Loan payments into students’ bank accounts across the UK today (Monday 23rd September).

    SLC enables more than 1.5 million students each year to invest in their futures by providing financial support to access further and higher education. And today marks the biggest payment date at the start of the 24/25 academic year, as students start or return to university. Similarly timed payments of £927 million were made in September 2022 and £798 million in September 2023, and tuition Fee Loan payments are paid directly to higher education providers later in the autumn.

    Payments are released to students when their university or college confirms that they have registered/enrolled. Once SLC has this information, it will send a text message to students a few days before the expected payment date to let them know that their Maintenance Loan is on the way. SLC is encouraging students to log-in to their online account to track their application and payment progress.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint Statement from Troika Capitals on South Sudan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Statement by the Governments of Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States on the announcement by South Sudan’s leaders of an extension of the country’s transitional period.

    The Governments of Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States note with deep concern the announcement by South Sudan’s leaders of an extension of the country’s transitional period by two years.

    This announcement demonstrates the persistent and collective failure of South Sudan’s leaders to create the conditions necessary to hold credible and peaceful elections in accordance with an established, publicly agreed-upon timeline.  Responsibility for this failure is shared by all parties in the transitional government.  As South Sudan’s leaders vie for power and fail to organise credible and peaceful elections, the people of South Sudan suffer the consequences. Millions face acute food insecurity year after year.

    We acknowledge that elections cannot be credibly held as scheduled in December. This is because of South Sudanese leadership failures and lack of political will. Nevertheless, we cannot in good conscience endorse the extension of a status quo that prioritises the privileges of the elite over the welfare of the South Sudanese people.

    We call on the transitional government to act with urgency to demonstrably create the conditions necessary for credible and peaceful elections. This includes expanded political and civic space to enable citizens to express their views without fear or repercussions, politically neutral security forces, funded and operationalized electoral institutions, and leaders’ public commitment to dialogue and the rejection of violence as a tool for political competition.

    We urge South Sudan’s leaders to work toward sustainable peace, in particular through the Tumaini Initiative in Nairobi and broad-based leadership-level dialogue in Juba. It is also essential that the voices of women and youth are heard.

    The Troika remains committed to the people of South Sudan in their journey towards a democratic future free from conflict.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Statement by the Prime Minister on the occasion of the International Day of Peace

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Prime Minister of Canada – in French

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of Peace:

    “Today, in thisInternational Day of Peace, we reflect on the progress we have made and what we need to do to build a more inclusive, peaceful and secure world for all. In a context where geopolitical crises are proving increasingly complex, the principles set out in theUniversal Declaration of Human Rights and theSustainable Development Goals United Nations are more relevant than ever – and Canada is working to promote them.

    “Thanks to ourFeminist International Aid Policy, we actively support inclusive peacekeeping initiatives around the world. Our efforts include promoting gender equality through the Women and Peace and Security Agenda, as well as the full participation of women in United Nations peacekeeping operations through theInitiative Elsie: We are also working to increase the protection of civilians throughVancouver Principles, which focus on preventing the recruitment and use of child soldiers by armed forces and armed groups.

    “This week, as the United Nations General Assembly opens in New York, let us reaffirm our determination to work together to achieve a better, safer and more peaceful world.”

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day of Peace

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of Peace:

    “Today, on the International Day of Peace, we reflect on the progress made and move forward on the work yet to be done to achieve a more inclusive, peaceful, and secure world for everyone. As geopolitical crises become increasingly complex, the principles outlined in the United Nations (UN) Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Sustainable Development Goals are more relevant than ever – and Canada is stepping up to strengthen them.

    “Through our Feminist International Assistance Policy, we are actively supporting inclusive peacekeeping efforts around the world. This includes ongoing efforts to advance gender equality in peace and security through the Women and Peace and Security Agenda and support the meaningful participation of women in UN peacekeeping operations through the Elsie Initiative. We are also strengthening the protection of civilians through the Vancouver Principles, which prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers by armed forces and armed groups.

    “This week, as the UN General Assembly begins in New York City, let’s recommit ourselves to working together to build a better, safer, and more peaceful world.”

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Investments in active transportation infrastructure in Lower Sackville

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Press release

    Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, September 21, 2024 — The Lower Sackville area has access to a new trail thanks to an investment of more than $680,000 from the federal, provincial and municipal governments and not-for-profit organizations.

    This was announced today by Parliamentary Secretary Darrell Samson, MPP Steve Craig, Mayor Mike Savage, Brenden Blotnicky of the Trans Canada Trail and Matthew Spicer of the Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association.

    The investment added 1.5 km to the Beech Hill Trail, which is now a 2.9 km gravel trail located in Sackville Lakes Provincial Park. This trail will provide important connections to other regional and provincial trail networks, increasing connectivity in the area. The trail, designed for pedestrians and cyclists, extends from First Lake Drive to Cobequid Road.

    Quotes

    “This trail is a great complement to Sackville Lakes Provincial Park, which offers hiking and cycling trails in a forested setting for those living in nearby urban areas. The federal government is investing in active transportation networks across Canada to make it easier, safer and more convenient for Canadians to navigate their communities without their cars, reducing greenhouse gases and increasing opportunities for movement in our daily lives.”

    Darrell Samson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Member of Parliament for Sackville–Preston–Chezzetcook, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “By providing greener, cleaner ways to get around, Nova Scotia continues to play a leading role in the fight against climate change. With the funding announced today, people of all ages and abilities will have safer, more accessible and greener ways to get around the community.”

    The Honourable Steve Craig, MLA for Sackville–Cobequid on behalf of the Honourable Allan MacMaster, Nova Scotia Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

    “This investment in the Beech Hill Trail Extension will allow more people to connect with nature and stay active, providing better access to valuable trail networks.”

    Mike Savage, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality

    “What a great asset to the community! The Beech Hill Trail has just been completed in Sackville Lakes Provincial Park. The final 1.5 km of this 2.9 km crushed rock trail has just been completed. Hundreds of users have already used this trail that connects the Windsor Junction area to the community of Sackville. We were thrilled to celebrate the official opening of the trail on September 21. The Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association has managed Sackville Lakes Provincial Park in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewable Energy since the park was designated in 2013. Our trail development work in this natural area began in 2001 and we received a great deal of support in building the Beech Hill Trail. Funding includes funding from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, ACOA, the Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, the Halifax Regional Municipality Active Transportation Program, the Trans Canada Trail and private sponsors. We also benefited from infrastructure advice and support from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewable Energy. And of course, none of this would have been possible without the hundreds of volunteer hours of our association members. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the opening of our brand new active transportation trail.”

    Matthew Spicer, Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association

    Quick Facts

    The federal government is investing up to $237,642 in this phase of the project through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF). The provincial government provided $94,000, while the Halifax Regional Municipality contributed $205,000. The Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association provided $136,701 and the Trans Canada Trail provided $15,000.

    Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods through human activity. This includes walking, cycling, and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, electric scooters, e-bikes, inline skates, snowshoeing, cross-country skis, and more.

    To support Canada’s first National Active Transportation Strategy, the Active Transportation Fund is providing $400 million over five years, starting in 2021, to make active transportation travel easier, safer, more convenient and more enjoyable.

    Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy is the first pan-Canadian strategic approach to promoting active transportation and its benefits. The strategy aims to make data- and evidence-based investments to expand and build new active transportation networks, and to support healthier, more active, more equitable and more sustainable travel.

    Investing in active transportation infrastructure provides many tangible benefits, creating good middle-class jobs, strengthening the economy, promoting healthier lifestyles, ensuring everyone has access to the same services and opportunities, reducing air and noise pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    The new Canada Public Transit Fund (CCTF) will provide an average of $3 billion per year in permanent funding to address local transit needs by strengthening integrated planning, improving access to transit and active transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable and inclusive communities.

    The FTCC serves the needs of communities of all sizes, from large metropolitan areas to mid-sized and smaller communities, including rural, remote, northern and Indigenous communities.

    We are currently accepting expressions of interest for Metropolitan Area Agreements and Core Funding. Visit the website Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada website to find out more.

    The funding announced today builds on work the federal government is doing under the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies.

    Related links

    Contact persons

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Micaal AhmedCommunications ManagerOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities343-598-3920micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

    Media RelationsHousing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada613-960-9251Toll free: 1-877-250-7154Email:media-medias@infc.gc.caFollow us onTwitter,Facebook,InstagramAndLinkedInWebsite:Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    Susan Mader-Zinck Communications Advisor Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage 902-499-1343Susan.mader-zinck@novascotia.ca

    John WedderburnHalifax Regional Municipalityjohn.wedderburn@halifax.ca

    Melissa BolandSackville Lakes Park and Trails Association902-717-0640melissasperry9@gmail.com

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in active transportation infrastructure in Lower Sackville

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, September 21, 2024 — The Lower Sackville area has access to a new section of trail after an investment of over $680,000 from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments and non-profit organizations.

    This was announced by Parliamentary Secretary Darrell Samson, MLA Steve Craig, Mayor Mike Savage, Brenden Blotnicky of the Trans Canada Trail, and Matthew Spicer of the Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association.

    The investment helped build an additional 1.5 km of the Beech Hill Trail, now a 2.9 km gravel trail located within the Sackville Lakes Provincial Park. The trail will support important linkages to other regional and provincial trail networks. The trail, designed for pedestrians and cyclists, stretches from First Lake Drive to Cobequid Road, creating a link from within the park to Cobequid Road.

    Quotes

    “This trail is a great addition to the Sackville Lakes Provincial Park, which provides walking and cycling trails in a forest setting for those living in close-by urban areas. The federal government is investing in active transportation networks across Canada to make it easier, safer, and more convenient for Canadians to navigate their communities without their cars, reducing greenhouse gases and increasing opportunities for movement in our everyday lives.”

    Darrell Samson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for Sackville–Preston–Chezzetcook, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “Providing greener and cleaner ways to get from place to place helps Nova Scotia continue to be a leader when it comes to responding to climate change. With the funding announced today, people of all ages and abilities — will have more safe, accessible and environmentally friendly ways to move around the community.”

    The Honourable Steve Craig, MLA for Sackville–Cobequid on behalf of the Honourable Allan MacMaster, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

    “This investment in the extension of the Beech Hill Trail will help more people connect to nature and stay active, providing greater access to valued trail systems.”

    His Worship Mike Savage, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality

    “What a great asset to the community! The Beech Hill Trail has just been completed in Sackville Lakes Provincial Park. It is 2.9 km of crusher-dust surfaced trail with the final 1.5 km piece just finished. Trail users by the hundreds have already taken advantage of this route which joins the Windsor Junction area to the Sackville community. We were excited to celebrate the official opening of the trail September 21. The Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association has been co-managing Sackville Lakes Provincial Park with the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables since the park was designated in 2013. Our trail development work in this natural area started in 2001. We have had lots of help building the Beech Hill Trail including funds from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada; ACOA; Nova Scotia Department of Community, Culture, Tourism and Heritage; Halifax Regional Municipality Active Transportation; Trans Canada Trail; and private sponsors. We have had guidance and infrastructure help from the NS Department of Natural Resources and Renewables. And of course it could not have happened without the hundreds of volunteer hours from members of our association. Thank you to all who came to celebrate the opening or our newest Active Transportation trail.”

    Matthew Spicer, Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association

    Quick facts

    • The federal government is investing up to $237,642 in this phase of the project through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF). The provincial government contributed $94,000, while the Halifax Regional Municipality contributed $205,000. The Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association contributed $136,701 and the Trans Canada Trail contributed $15,000. 

    • Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods powered by human activity. It includes walking, cycling and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more.

    • In support of Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy, the Active Transportation Fund is providing $400 million over five years, starting in 2021, to make travel by active transportation easier, safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable.

    • The National Active Transportation Strategy is the country’s first coast-to-coast-to-coast strategic approach for promoting active transportation and its benefits. The strategy’s aim is to make data-driven and evidence-based investments to build new and expanded active transportation networks, while supporting equitable, healthy, active, and sustainable travel options.

    • Investing in active transportation infrastructure provides many tangible benefits, such as creating good, middle-class jobs, strengthening the economy, promoting healthier lifestyles, ensuring everyone has access to the same services and opportunities, cutting air and noise pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    • The new Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) will provide an average of $3 billion a year of permanent funding to respond to local transit needs by enhancing integrated planning, improving access to public transit and active transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

    • The CPTF supports transit and active transportation investments in three streams: Metro Region Agreements, Baseline Funding, and Targeted Funding.

    • We are currently accepting Expression of Interest submissions for Metro-Region Agreements and Baseline Funding. Visit the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada website for more information.

    • The funding announced today builds on the federal government’s work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    For more information (media only), please contact:

    Micaal Ahmed
    Communications Manager
    Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    343-598-3920
    micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
    613-960-9251
    Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
    Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
    Follow us on TwitterFacebookInstagram and LinkedIn
    Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    Susan Mader-Zinck 
    Communications Advisor 
    Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage 
    902-499-1343 
    Susan.mader-zinck@novascotia.ca

    John Wedderburn
    Halifax Regional Municipality
    john.wedderburn@halifax.ca

    Melissa Boland
    Sackville Lakes Park and Trails Association
    902-717-0640
    melissasperry9@gmail.com

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at the opening of the Summit of the Future’s Action Days [bilingual as delivered, scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations

    Excellencies, Dear Friends, all protocol observed,

    Welcome to the Summit of the Future Action Days – which kicked-off yesterday with the youth-led afternoon. A day full of ideas, energy, hope and expectation – and a perfect reminder of why we are here.

    Today promises to be just as dynamic.

    Looking out, I see world leaders. I see mayors and legislators. I see civil society, the private sector, academics, artists, activists and young people. 

    You come from every corner of the world, every generation and every walk of life. 

    Friends, this is what effective, inclusive, networked multilateralism must look like.
     
    Four years ago, we began the process that brings us here today.

    Because we saw a world in trouble:

    Torn apart by conflict and inequalities;

    Threatened by climate chaos and unregulated technologies;

    With the Sustainable Development Goals in peril – with many countries now mired in disastrous debt and a cost-of-living crisis.

    We saw our multilateral institutions ailing – unable to respond to contemporary challenges, let alone those of tomorrow.

    We saw faith in multilateral solutions eroding.

    And we saw trust in each other dissipating just when we needed it most.

    So, we began a journey to reform.

    To renew the international system: so that it meets the moment, and is fit for the future.

    We need multilateralism that is more inclusive, more effective, and more networked – with stronger links between international institutions and with the people.
     
    That means greater representation of developing countries. And it means a stronger voice for all of you and what you represent.

    This ambition was rooted in some clear truths.

    The world belongs to us all. People want a say in the decisions that affect them.

    And while governments have primary responsibility that we do not deny, we will not solve today’s global problems without contributions from all of society:

    From civil society and young people, delivering change, promoting accountability, demanding better, standing up for truth and justice – and using new technologies to organize for a better world.

    From business and finance – critical to combatting the climate crisis and shaping our digital future for the benefit of all.
     
    And from scientists, innovators and academics, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge and developing solutions to the great challenges that we face – from hunger and disease, to online hate. 

    Dear friends,

    Over the past four years, the people in this room — and your colleagues around the world — participated in the most consultative process ever undertaken by the United Nations.

    We’ve seen:
    A total of 1.5 million people from every one of our Member States involved in discussions and consultations everywhere … 

    Hundreds of civil society groups inputting into the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations…

    And thousands of written contributions.

    Together you have pushed for vision and ambition. And I thank you for that.

    We have now three milestone texts that are on the table. 

    Which must open the door to changes our world in a way that it desperately needs.

    The Pact for the Future must lay the ground for reform:

    Reform of the outdated United Nations Security Council – to make it more effective but also more representative of what the world is today;

    Reform of our international financial institutions – so that they supercharge resources for sustainable development and for climate action;

    Reform of the rules governing outer space – currently a chaotic free-for-all; 

    And reform how we respond to complex global shocks and work together on peace and security.

    On the other hand, the Global Digital Compact must be a blueprint for closing digital divides, and the first universal agreement on Artificial Intelligence – laying the foundations for a global platform centered at the UN that can bring all actors together.

    The Declaration on Future Generations must commit leaders to take tomorrow into account as they make decisions today.

    And gender equality and human rights must weave through every aspect of those texts. Reflecting the fact that they are fundamental to every area of life.

    Excellences, chers amis,

    Les enjeux qui sont au cœur de ces textes – la justice, les droits, la paix et l’égalité – animent mon travail depuis des décennies et me poussent toujours à aller de l’avant.

    Je sais qu’il en va de même pour beaucoup d’entre vous.

    Je n’abandonnerai pas –– et je sais que vous non plus.

    L’adoption de ces textes ne marquera pas la fin du parcours – mais plutôt un nouveau départ.

    Il nous incombera ensuite de donner vie à ces textes.  De passer des mots à l’action. Et de les utiliser pour mettre l’humanité sur une meilleure voie.

    Votre engagement, votre détermination et votre pression continus seront essentiels.

    Ce travail commence avec ces Journées d’Action.

    Nous sommes impatients de connaître vos idées et vos solutions – sur ce que ces nouveaux cadres signifient pour vous et sur la manière dont, ensemble, vous pouvez contribuer à les mettre en œuvre. 

    On ne bâtira pas un multilatéralisme renouvelé du jour au lendemain – ni par les seuls gouvernements. 

    Il sera alimenté et porté par vous tous – et par les groupes que vous représentez.

    Nous nous sommes battus pour plus d’ambition.

    À présent, luttons pour plus d’action – ensemble.

    Au nom de l’Organisation des Nations Unies, merci de vous joindre à nous dans cette mission vitale.

    *****
    [all-English]

    Excellencies, Dear Friends, all protocol observed,

    Welcome to the Summit of the Future Action Days – which kicked-off yesterday with the youth-led afternoon. A day full of ideas, energy, hope and expectation – and a perfect reminder of why we are here.

    Today promises to be just as dynamic.

    Looking out, I see world leaders. I see mayors and legislators. I see civil society, the private sector, academics, artists, activists and young people. 

    You come from every corner of the world, every generation and every walk of life. 

    Friends, this is what effective, inclusive, networked multilateralism must look like.
     
    Four years ago, we began the process that brings us here today.

    Because we saw a world in trouble:

    Torn apart by conflict and inequalities;

    Threatened by climate chaos and unregulated technologies;

    With the Sustainable Development Goals in peril – with many countries now mired in disastrous debt and a cost-of-living crisis.

    We saw our multilateral institutions ailing – unable to respond to contemporary challenges, let alone those of tomorrow.

    We saw faith in multilateral solutions eroding.

    And we saw trust in each other dissipating just when we needed it most.

    So, we began a journey to reform.

    To renew the international system: so that it meets the moment, and is fit for the future.

    We need multilateralism that is more inclusive, more effective, and more networked – with stronger links between international institutions and with the people.
     
    That means greater representation of developing countries. And it means a stronger voice for all of you and what you represent.

    This ambition was rooted in some clear truths.

    The world belongs to us all. People want a say in the decisions that affect them.

    And while governments have primary responsibility that we do not deny, we will not solve today’s global problems without contributions from all of society:

    From civil society and young people, delivering change, promoting accountability, demanding better, standing up for truth and justice – and using new technologies to organize for a better world.

    From business and finance – critical to combatting the climate crisis and shaping our digital future for the benefit of all.
     
    And from scientists, innovators and academics, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge and developing solutions to the great challenges that we face – from hunger and disease, to online hate. 

    Dear friends,

    Over the past four years, the people in this room — and your colleagues around the world — participated in the most consultative process ever undertaken by the United Nations.

    We’ve seen:

    A total of 1.5 million people from every one of our Member States involved in discussions and consultations everywhere… 

    Hundreds of civil society groups inputting into the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations…

    And thousands of written contributions.

    Together you have pushed for vision and ambition. And I thank you for that.

    We have now three milestone texts that are on the table. 

    Which must open the door to changes our world in a way that it desperately needs.

    The Pact for the Future must lay the ground for reform:

    Reform of the outdated United Nations Security Council – to make it more effective but also more representative of what the world is today;

    Reform of our international financial institutions – so that they supercharge resources for sustainable development and for climate action;

    Reform of the rules governing outer space – currently a chaotic free-for-all; 

    And reform how we respond to complex global shocks and work together on peace and security.

    On the other hand, the Global Digital Compact must be a blueprint for closing digital divides, and the first universal agreement on Artificial Intelligence – laying the foundations for a global platform centered at the UN that can bring all actors together.

    The Declaration on Future Generations must commit leaders to take tomorrow into account as they make decisions today.

    And gender equality and human rights must weave through every aspect of those texts. Reflecting the fact that they are fundamental to every area of life.

    Excellencies, friends,

    The issues at the heart of these texts – justice, rights, peace and equality – have animated my work for decades – driving me forward.

    The same is true for many of you.

    I will not give up, and I know you won’t either.

    The adoption of these texts will not be the end of the journey.

    It will simply be the end of the beginning.

    Our next task is to breathe life into them. To put words into action.  And use them to set the world on a better course.

    Your continued engagement, commitment and pressure, will be vital.

    That work starts with these Action Days.

    We look forward to hearing your ideas and solutions – on what these new frameworks mean for you, and how, together, you can help to make them a reality. 

    A renewed multilateralism will not be built in a day – or by governments alone. 

    It will be fueled and carried forward by all of you and the groups you represent.

    We have fought for ambition.

    Now let’s fight for action – together.

    On behalf of the United Nations, thank you for joining us in this vital task.

    *****
    [all-French]

    Excellences, chers amis,

    Bienvenue aux Journées d’action du Sommet de l’avenir, qui ont démarré hier par l’après-midi placée sous le signe de la jeunesse. Hier fut une journée pleine d’idées, d’énergie, d’espoirs et d’attentes – qui nous a rappelé, on ne peut mieux, pourquoi nous sommes ici.

    La journée d’aujourd’hui promet d’être tout aussi dynamique.

    En vous observant, je vois des dirigeants du monde. Je vois des maires et des législateurs. Je vois représentés la société civile, le secteur privé, les milieux universitaires, le monde des arts, les militants et les jeunes.

    Vous venez de tous les coins du monde – toutes générations confondues – et de tous horizons.

    Chers amis, voilà à quoi ressemble un multilatéralisme en réseau, efficace et inclusif.

    Il y a quatre ans, nous avons lancé le processus qui nous rassemble aujourd’hui.

    Parce que nous avons vu un monde en difficulté :

    Déchiré par les conflits et les inégalités ;

    Menacé par le chaos climatique et la présence de technologies échappant à toute réglementation ;

    Les Objectifs de développement durable sont en péril – de nombreux pays se trouvant aujourd’hui embourbés dans une dette catastrophique et une crise du coût de la vie.

    Nous avons vu nos institutions multilatérales fragilisées, incapables de répondre aux défis d’aujourd’hui, et encore moins à ceux de demain.

    Nous avons vu s’éroder la confiance dans les solutions multilatérales.

    Et nous avons vu la foi en l’autre se dissiper, au moment où nous en avions le plus besoin.

    Voilà pourquoi nous avons entrepris de procéder à une réforme :

    De rénover le système international, pour qu’il soit en phase avec notre époque et soit paré pour l’avenir.

    Il nous faut un multilatéralisme plus inclusif, plus efficace et plus interconnecté, marqué par des liens plus étroits entre institutions internationales et avec les populations.

    Qui passe par une plus grande représentation des pays en développement. Et par une voix qui résonne davantage, pour chacun d’entre vous et qui vous représente.

    L’ambition qui nous animait s’appuyait sur quelques vérités évidentes :

    Que la planète appartient à toutes et tous. Et que les individus veulent avoir leur mot à dire dans les décisions qui les concernent.

    Bien que les gouvernements aient un rôle de premier plan à jouer que nous ne pouvons nier, nous ne résoudrons pas les problèmes du monde d’aujourd’hui sans la contribution de la société dans son ensemble :

    De la société civile et des jeunes : pour motiver le changement, encourager les comportements responsables, être plus exigeants, défendre la vérité et la justice – et utiliser les nouvelles technologies afin de préparer un monde meilleur.

    Des entreprises et du monde de la finance : qui sont essentiels pour lutter contre la crise climatique et façonner notre avenir numérique au profit de toutes et tous.
    Et des scientifiques, des innovateurs et des universitaires : pour repousser les limites de nos connaissances et élaborer des solutions aux grands défis face auxquels nous nous trouvons – qu’il s’agisse de la faim et des maladies ou des discours de haine en ligne.

    Chers amis,

    Au cours des quatre dernières années, vous ici présents – et vos collègues à travers le monde – avez participé aux consultations les plus exhaustives jamais entreprises par l’Organisation des Nations Unies.

    À cette occasion :

    Pas moins de 1,5 million de personnes représentant l’ensemble de nos États Membres ont pris part aux débats et aux consultations…

    Des centaines de groupes de la société civile ont contribué au Pacte pour l’avenir, au Pacte numérique mondial et à la Déclaration sur les générations futures…

    Et des milliers de contributions écrites ont été produites.

    Ensemble, vous avez repoussé les limites de la vision et de l’ambition. Et pour cela, je vous dis : merci !

    Nous avons maintenant trois textes importants sur la table.

    Voilà qui doit ouvrir la voie aux changements dont notre monde a désespérément besoin.

    Le Pacte pour l’avenir doit jeter les bases d’une réforme :

    Réforme du Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU, désormais dépassé, pour qu’il soit plus efficace, mais aussi plus représentatif du monde d’aujourd’hui ;

    Réforme de nos institutions financières internationales, pour qu’elles puissent renforcer les ressources destinées au développement durable et à l’action climatique ;

    Réforme des règles régissant l’espace extra-atmosphérique, qui est actuellement une foire d’empoigne générale ;

    Réforme des méthodes que nous employons pour parer aux chocs mondiaux complexes et pour œuvrer, ensemble, à la paix et à la sécurité.

    Par ailleurs, le Pacte numérique mondial doit constituer un cadre d’action pour la réduction des fractures numériques et le premier accord universel sur l’intelligence artificielle, qui jette les bases d’une plateforme mondiale centrée sur l’ONU et rassemblant tous les acteurs.

    La Déclaration sur les générations futures doit engager les dirigeants à considérer l’avenir lorsqu’ils prennent leurs décisions aujourd’hui.

    Enfin, l’égalité des genres et les droits humains doivent sous-tendre tous les aspects de ces textes, démontrant ainsi qu’ils sont fondamentaux dans tous les domaines de la vie.

    Excellences, chers amis,

    Les enjeux qui sont au cœur de ces textes – la justice, les droits, la paix et l’égalité – animent mon travail depuis des décennies et me poussent toujours à aller de l’avant.

    Je sais qu’il en va de même pour beaucoup d’entre vous.

    Je n’abandonnerai pas –– et je sais que vous non plus.

    L’adoption de ces textes ne marquera pas la fin du parcours – mais plutôt un nouveau départ.

    Il nous incombera ensuite de donner vie à ces textes. De passer des mots à l’action. Et de les utiliser pour mettre l’humanité sur une meilleure voie.

    Votre engagement, votre détermination et votre pression continus seront essentiels.

    Ce travail commence avec ces Journées d’Action.

    Nous sommes impatients de connaître vos idées et vos solutions – sur ce que ces nouveaux cadres signifient pour vous et sur la manière dont, ensemble, vous pouvez contribuer à les mettre en œuvre. 

    On ne bâtira pas un multilatéralisme renouvelé du jour au lendemain – ni par les seuls gouvernements. 

    Il sera alimenté et porté par vous tous – et par les groupes que vous représentez.

    Nous nous sommes battus pour plus d’ambition.

    À présent, luttons pour plus d’action – ensemble.

    Au nom de l’Organisation des Nations Unies, merci de vous joindre à nous dans cette mission vitale.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the opening of the Summit of the Future’s Action Days [bilingual as delivered, scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    xcellencies, Dear Friends, all protocol observed,

    Welcome to the Summit of the Future Action Days – which kicked-off yesterday with the youth-led afternoon. A day full of ideas, energy, hope and expectation – and a perfect reminder of why we are here.

    Today promises to be just as dynamic.

    Looking out, I see world leaders. I see mayors and legislators. I see civil society, the private sector, academics, artists, activists and young people. 

    You come from every corner of the world, every generation and every walk of life. 

    Friends, this is what effective, inclusive, networked multilateralism must look like.
     
    Four years ago, we began the process that brings us here today.

    Because we saw a world in trouble:

    Torn apart by conflict and inequalities;

    Threatened by climate chaos and unregulated technologies;

    With the Sustainable Development Goals in peril – with many countries now mired in disastrous debt and a cost-of-living crisis.

    We saw our multilateral institutions ailing – unable to respond to contemporary challenges, let alone those of tomorrow.

    We saw faith in multilateral solutions eroding.

    And we saw trust in each other dissipating just when we needed it most.

    So, we began a journey to reform.

    To renew the international system: so that it meets the moment, and is fit for the future.

    We need multilateralism that is more inclusive, more effective, and more networked – with stronger links between international institutions and with the people.
     
    That means greater representation of developing countries. And it means a stronger voice for all of you and what you represent.

    This ambition was rooted in some clear truths.

    The world belongs to us all. People want a say in the decisions that affect them.

    And while governments have primary responsibility that we do not deny, we will not solve today’s global problems without contributions from all of society:

    From civil society and young people, delivering change, promoting accountability, demanding better, standing up for truth and justice – and using new technologies to organize for a better world.

    From business and finance – critical to combatting the climate crisis and shaping our digital future for the benefit of all.
     
    And from scientists, innovators and academics, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge and developing solutions to the great challenges that we face – from hunger and disease, to online hate. 

    Dear friends,

    Over the past four years, the people in this room — and your colleagues around the world — participated in the most consultative process ever undertaken by the United Nations.

    We’ve seen:
    A total of 1.5 million people from every one of our Member States involved in discussions and consultations everywhere … 

    Hundreds of civil society groups inputting into the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations…

    And thousands of written contributions.

    Together you have pushed for vision and ambition. And I thank you for that.

    We have now three milestone texts that are on the table. 

    Which must open the door to changes our world in a way that it desperately needs.

    The Pact for the Future must lay the ground for reform:

    Reform of the outdated United Nations Security Council – to make it more effective but also more representative of what the world is today;

    Reform of our international financial institutions – so that they supercharge resources for sustainable development and for climate action;

    Reform of the rules governing outer space – currently a chaotic free-for-all; 

    And reform how we respond to complex global shocks and work together on peace and security.

    On the other hand, the Global Digital Compact must be a blueprint for closing digital divides, and the first universal agreement on Artificial Intelligence – laying the foundations for a global platform centered at the UN that can bring all actors together.

    The Declaration on Future Generations must commit leaders to take tomorrow into account as they make decisions today.

    And gender equality and human rights must weave through every aspect of those texts. Reflecting the fact that they are fundamental to every area of life.

    Excellences, chers amis,

    Les enjeux qui sont au cœur de ces textes – la justice, les droits, la paix et l’égalité – animent mon travail depuis des décennies et me poussent toujours à aller de l’avant.

    Je sais qu’il en va de même pour beaucoup d’entre vous.

    Je n’abandonnerai pas –– et je sais que vous non plus.

    L’adoption de ces textes ne marquera pas la fin du parcours – mais plutôt un nouveau départ.

    Il nous incombera ensuite de donner vie à ces textes.  De passer des mots à l’action. Et de les utiliser pour mettre l’humanité sur une meilleure voie.

    Votre engagement, votre détermination et votre pression continus seront essentiels.

    Ce travail commence avec ces Journées d’Action.

    Nous sommes impatients de connaître vos idées et vos solutions – sur ce que ces nouveaux cadres signifient pour vous et sur la manière dont, ensemble, vous pouvez contribuer à les mettre en œuvre. 

    On ne bâtira pas un multilatéralisme renouvelé du jour au lendemain – ni par les seuls gouvernements. 

    Il sera alimenté et porté par vous tous – et par les groupes que vous représentez.

    Nous nous sommes battus pour plus d’ambition.

    À présent, luttons pour plus d’action – ensemble.

    Au nom de l’Organisation des Nations Unies, merci de vous joindre à nous dans cette mission vitale.

    *****
    [all-English]

    Excellencies, Dear Friends, all protocol observed,

    Welcome to the Summit of the Future Action Days – which kicked-off yesterday with the youth-led afternoon. A day full of ideas, energy, hope and expectation – and a perfect reminder of why we are here.

    Today promises to be just as dynamic.

    Looking out, I see world leaders. I see mayors and legislators. I see civil society, the private sector, academics, artists, activists and young people. 

    You come from every corner of the world, every generation and every walk of life. 

    Friends, this is what effective, inclusive, networked multilateralism must look like.
     
    Four years ago, we began the process that brings us here today.

    Because we saw a world in trouble:

    Torn apart by conflict and inequalities;

    Threatened by climate chaos and unregulated technologies;

    With the Sustainable Development Goals in peril – with many countries now mired in disastrous debt and a cost-of-living crisis.

    We saw our multilateral institutions ailing – unable to respond to contemporary challenges, let alone those of tomorrow.

    We saw faith in multilateral solutions eroding.

    And we saw trust in each other dissipating just when we needed it most.

    So, we began a journey to reform.

    To renew the international system: so that it meets the moment, and is fit for the future.

    We need multilateralism that is more inclusive, more effective, and more networked – with stronger links between international institutions and with the people.
     
    That means greater representation of developing countries. And it means a stronger voice for all of you and what you represent.

    This ambition was rooted in some clear truths.

    The world belongs to us all. People want a say in the decisions that affect them.

    And while governments have primary responsibility that we do not deny, we will not solve today’s global problems without contributions from all of society:

    From civil society and young people, delivering change, promoting accountability, demanding better, standing up for truth and justice – and using new technologies to organize for a better world.

    From business and finance – critical to combatting the climate crisis and shaping our digital future for the benefit of all.
     
    And from scientists, innovators and academics, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge and developing solutions to the great challenges that we face – from hunger and disease, to online hate. 

    Dear friends,

    Over the past four years, the people in this room — and your colleagues around the world — participated in the most consultative process ever undertaken by the United Nations.

    We’ve seen:

    A total of 1.5 million people from every one of our Member States involved in discussions and consultations everywhere… 

    Hundreds of civil society groups inputting into the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations…

    And thousands of written contributions.

    Together you have pushed for vision and ambition. And I thank you for that.

    We have now three milestone texts that are on the table. 

    Which must open the door to changes our world in a way that it desperately needs.

    The Pact for the Future must lay the ground for reform:

    Reform of the outdated United Nations Security Council – to make it more effective but also more representative of what the world is today;

    Reform of our international financial institutions – so that they supercharge resources for sustainable development and for climate action;

    Reform of the rules governing outer space – currently a chaotic free-for-all; 

    And reform how we respond to complex global shocks and work together on peace and security.

    On the other hand, the Global Digital Compact must be a blueprint for closing digital divides, and the first universal agreement on Artificial Intelligence – laying the foundations for a global platform centered at the UN that can bring all actors together.

    The Declaration on Future Generations must commit leaders to take tomorrow into account as they make decisions today.

    And gender equality and human rights must weave through every aspect of those texts. Reflecting the fact that they are fundamental to every area of life.

    Excellencies, friends,

    The issues at the heart of these texts – justice, rights, peace and equality – have animated my work for decades – driving me forward.

    The same is true for many of you.

    I will not give up, and I know you won’t either.

    The adoption of these texts will not be the end of the journey.

    It will simply be the end of the beginning.

    Our next task is to breathe life into them. To put words into action.  And use them to set the world on a better course.

    Your continued engagement, commitment and pressure, will be vital.

    That work starts with these Action Days.

    We look forward to hearing your ideas and solutions – on what these new frameworks mean for you, and how, together, you can help to make them a reality. 

    A renewed multilateralism will not be built in a day – or by governments alone. 

    It will be fueled and carried forward by all of you and the groups you represent.

    We have fought for ambition.

    Now let’s fight for action – together.

    On behalf of the United Nations, thank you for joining us in this vital task.

    *****
    [all-French]

    Excellences, chers amis,

    Bienvenue aux Journées d’action du Sommet de l’avenir, qui ont démarré hier par l’après-midi placée sous le signe de la jeunesse. Hier fut une journée pleine d’idées, d’énergie, d’espoirs et d’attentes – qui nous a rappelé, on ne peut mieux, pourquoi nous sommes ici.

    La journée d’aujourd’hui promet d’être tout aussi dynamique.

    En vous observant, je vois des dirigeants du monde. Je vois des maires et des législateurs. Je vois représentés la société civile, le secteur privé, les milieux universitaires, le monde des arts, les militants et les jeunes.

    Vous venez de tous les coins du monde – toutes générations confondues – et de tous horizons.

    Chers amis, voilà à quoi ressemble un multilatéralisme en réseau, efficace et inclusif.

    Il y a quatre ans, nous avons lancé le processus qui nous rassemble aujourd’hui.

    Parce que nous avons vu un monde en difficulté :

    Déchiré par les conflits et les inégalités ;

    Menacé par le chaos climatique et la présence de technologies échappant à toute réglementation ;

    Les Objectifs de développement durable sont en péril – de nombreux pays se trouvant aujourd’hui embourbés dans une dette catastrophique et une crise du coût de la vie.

    Nous avons vu nos institutions multilatérales fragilisées, incapables de répondre aux défis d’aujourd’hui, et encore moins à ceux de demain.

    Nous avons vu s’éroder la confiance dans les solutions multilatérales.

    Et nous avons vu la foi en l’autre se dissiper, au moment où nous en avions le plus besoin.

    Voilà pourquoi nous avons entrepris de procéder à une réforme :

    De rénover le système international, pour qu’il soit en phase avec notre époque et soit paré pour l’avenir.

    Il nous faut un multilatéralisme plus inclusif, plus efficace et plus interconnecté, marqué par des liens plus étroits entre institutions internationales et avec les populations.

    Qui passe par une plus grande représentation des pays en développement. Et par une voix qui résonne davantage, pour chacun d’entre vous et qui vous représente.

    L’ambition qui nous animait s’appuyait sur quelques vérités évidentes :

    Que la planète appartient à toutes et tous. Et que les individus veulent avoir leur mot à dire dans les décisions qui les concernent.

    Bien que les gouvernements aient un rôle de premier plan à jouer que nous ne pouvons nier, nous ne résoudrons pas les problèmes du monde d’aujourd’hui sans la contribution de la société dans son ensemble :

    De la société civile et des jeunes : pour motiver le changement, encourager les comportements responsables, être plus exigeants, défendre la vérité et la justice – et utiliser les nouvelles technologies afin de préparer un monde meilleur.

    Des entreprises et du monde de la finance : qui sont essentiels pour lutter contre la crise climatique et façonner notre avenir numérique au profit de toutes et tous.
    Et des scientifiques, des innovateurs et des universitaires : pour repousser les limites de nos connaissances et élaborer des solutions aux grands défis face auxquels nous nous trouvons – qu’il s’agisse de la faim et des maladies ou des discours de haine en ligne.

    Chers amis,

    Au cours des quatre dernières années, vous ici présents – et vos collègues à travers le monde – avez participé aux consultations les plus exhaustives jamais entreprises par l’Organisation des Nations Unies.

    À cette occasion :

    Pas moins de 1,5 million de personnes représentant l’ensemble de nos États Membres ont pris part aux débats et aux consultations…

    Des centaines de groupes de la société civile ont contribué au Pacte pour l’avenir, au Pacte numérique mondial et à la Déclaration sur les générations futures…

    Et des milliers de contributions écrites ont été produites.

    Ensemble, vous avez repoussé les limites de la vision et de l’ambition. Et pour cela, je vous dis : merci !

    Nous avons maintenant trois textes importants sur la table.

    Voilà qui doit ouvrir la voie aux changements dont notre monde a désespérément besoin.

    Le Pacte pour l’avenir doit jeter les bases d’une réforme :

    Réforme du Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU, désormais dépassé, pour qu’il soit plus efficace, mais aussi plus représentatif du monde d’aujourd’hui ;

    Réforme de nos institutions financières internationales, pour qu’elles puissent renforcer les ressources destinées au développement durable et à l’action climatique ;

    Réforme des règles régissant l’espace extra-atmosphérique, qui est actuellement une foire d’empoigne générale ;

    Réforme des méthodes que nous employons pour parer aux chocs mondiaux complexes et pour œuvrer, ensemble, à la paix et à la sécurité.

    Par ailleurs, le Pacte numérique mondial doit constituer un cadre d’action pour la réduction des fractures numériques et le premier accord universel sur l’intelligence artificielle, qui jette les bases d’une plateforme mondiale centrée sur l’ONU et rassemblant tous les acteurs.

    La Déclaration sur les générations futures doit engager les dirigeants à considérer l’avenir lorsqu’ils prennent leurs décisions aujourd’hui.

    Enfin, l’égalité des genres et les droits humains doivent sous-tendre tous les aspects de ces textes, démontrant ainsi qu’ils sont fondamentaux dans tous les domaines de la vie.

    Excellences, chers amis,

    Les enjeux qui sont au cœur de ces textes – la justice, les droits, la paix et l’égalité – animent mon travail depuis des décennies et me poussent toujours à aller de l’avant.

    Je sais qu’il en va de même pour beaucoup d’entre vous.

    Je n’abandonnerai pas –– et je sais que vous non plus.

    L’adoption de ces textes ne marquera pas la fin du parcours – mais plutôt un nouveau départ.

    Il nous incombera ensuite de donner vie à ces textes. De passer des mots à l’action. Et de les utiliser pour mettre l’humanité sur une meilleure voie.

    Votre engagement, votre détermination et votre pression continus seront essentiels.

    Ce travail commence avec ces Journées d’Action.

    Nous sommes impatients de connaître vos idées et vos solutions – sur ce que ces nouveaux cadres signifient pour vous et sur la manière dont, ensemble, vous pouvez contribuer à les mettre en œuvre. 

    On ne bâtira pas un multilatéralisme renouvelé du jour au lendemain – ni par les seuls gouvernements. 

    Il sera alimenté et porté par vous tous – et par les groupes que vous représentez.

    Nous nous sommes battus pour plus d’ambition.

    À présent, luttons pour plus d’action – ensemble.

    Au nom de l’Organisation des Nations Unies, merci de vous joindre à nous dans cette mission vitale.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI USA: Special Advisor on International Disability Rights (SAIDR) Sara Minkara Traveled to Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to Promote Disability Rights in the C5+1 Framework

    Source: United States Department of State (4)

    Office of the Spokesperson

    From September 10-15, Special Advisor on International Disability Rights (SAIDR) Sara Minkara traveled to Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to meet with government officials, civil society, and the media to explore opportunities for further developing disability-inclusive policies and programming nationally and in the C5+1 framework.

    In Turkmenistan, SAIDR Minkara met with government officials and members of civil society on current initiatives to increase economic and social opportunities for persons with disabilities. In Uzbekistan, she met with government officials and civil society on expanding disability inclusion as it relates to inclusive education and the digital economy. She also met with First Daughter Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva on the importance of changing the narrative on how society views persons with disabilities.

    For further information, please follow the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor on X and Facebook at @StateDRL, or email DRL-Press@state.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Four devolution agreements signed off and others progressing

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Step forward in government’s drive to hand more power from Westminster to local people with skin in the game

    Four areas will receive more power from Westminster in the latest step in the government’s devolution revolution, which will deliver real change by boosting economic growth across the country. 

    The government has today (19) signed off on agreements for regional mayors in Greater Lincolnshire and in Hull & East Yorkshire, and to establish combined county authorities in both Devon & Torbay and Lancashire. 

    The agreements signed today will mean local leaders have the power to make decisions in areas such as transport, adult education, and housing, boosting economic growth and opportunity, which are at the heart of the government’s agenda. 

    Mayors will be elected in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull & East Yorkshire – the last part of Yorkshire to be covered by a devolution deal – in May 2025 and will have control over transport, housing, skills, and investment to shape the future of their area. 

    For Devon & Torbay and Lancashire, combined county authorities will be established in early 2025 handed the responsibility for adult education. Ministers are encouraging local leaders to deepen these devolution deals and take strides towards mayoral devolution as a gold standard. 

    Subject to parliamentary approval and local consent, the devolution agreements will mean local leaders can make decisions that benefit their communities and harness the unique opportunities of their areas.   

    Devolution is central to the government’s mission to economic growth, but only around half of the people in England currently benefit from these arrangements. The Deputy Prime Minister wants every area to have the opportunity to benefit from new powers. 

    At the heart of the government’s drive to shift powers away from Westminster is the flagship English Devolution Bill, which will be introduced to give new powers to mayors and combined authorities – and roll out Local Growth Plans designed to maximise opportunities for growth.  

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

    “This is only the first step of our major ambition to drive forward our devolution revolution, and ensure we empower more communities and strengthen the existing powers of our brilliant mayors.”

    The government is also minded to progress with the four non-mayoral ‘Level 2’ Single Local Authority devolution agreements with Cornwall Council, Buckinghamshire Council, Warwickshire County Council, and Surrey County Council, subject to further statutory tests being met. These agreements are an important step for places to see early benefits from devolution in the short-term. However, in making this downpayment in good faith, the government is encouraging these areas to continue working to explore the next steps towards deeper and wider devolution. 

    Today’s announcement comes after the Deputy Prime Minister’s letter inviting councils to share proposals for new devolution agreements over sensible geographies. The letter kickstarted the devolution revolution and the government expects more deals to be announced in the months to come.  

    The government strongly believes that the benefits of devolution are best achieved through the establishment of combined institutions with a directly elected leader. Mayors should have a unique role in an institution which allows them to focus fully on their devolved strategic responsibilities, working hand in glove with council leaders who will vitally also focus on the delivery of the essential services for which they are responsible. Conflating these two responsibilities into the same individual and institution, as is the case under the mayoral Single Local Authority model of devolution, would risk the optimal delivery of both and is not in line with the government’s approach to English devolution. 

    The government will therefore not proceed with the mayoral deals with Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council agreed with the previous government in December 2022 and instead intends to continue discussions over devolution in Norfolk & Suffolk. 

    The government will publish further detail on our approach to devolution in due course.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Top perpetrators of VAWG targeted under new National Strategy

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Top perpetrators of Violence Against Women and Girls to be targeted under new data-driven National Strategy

    Women and girls will be better protected under a new national strategy using advanced data analysis and algorithms to relentlessly target the most dangerous perpetrators of abuse.

    This initiative is part of an ambitious, unprecedented mission to reduce such violence by 50% within the next decade. It will see police forces use new data-driven tools to focus on the small number of offenders responsible for the highest levels of harm.

    Working closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), and the College of Policing, the Home Secretary will oversee the development of a new national approach to the use of these data-driven tools – which use computer programmes to bring together and analyse a range of police data to identify and pursue offenders involved in domestic abuse, sexual assault, harassment, and stalking.

    These tools, used alongside police officers’ expert judgment, will help law enforcement prioritise and pursue the most dangerous offenders, enabling a more effective allocation of police resources.

    The government is committed to providing both local and national capabilities to tackle these devastating crimes and ensure law enforcement agencies pursue the most prolific offenders.

    In addition, the technology will assist in building risk profiles for both perpetrators and victims, enabling law enforcement and partner agencies to implement robust management plans that disrupt offenders’ behaviour and enhance victim safety.

    This new approach will standardise the use of predictive technologies across police forces, ensuring those who pose the greatest threat are identified and managed through the criminal justice system or community-based, multi-agency interventions.

    The Home Office funded National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Taskforce will lead the charge in creating a framework for forces to follow. This framework will focus on identifying and managing the most dangerous offenders and drive forward a consistent national approach that allows those in operational policing to help meet the ambition to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada Highlights Significant Funding to Unlock More Critical Minerals Development in the Yukon

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, highlighted an important announcement of up to $40 million in funding, pending final due diligence from Natural Resources Canada, for critical minerals infrastructure developments in the Yukon. This funding would be provided through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF)

    September 20, 2024          Whitehorse, Yukon            Natural Resources Canada

    Investments in critical minerals infrastructure are essential to enable Canada to seize the generational opportunity of a low-carbon economy and capitalize on our rich mineral resources.  Canada is well positioned to be a global leader and first-class producer of a wide variety of critical minerals that are essential to power the clean economy, and, in turn, create good jobs and support economic opportunities across critical mineral value chains — from upstream exploration and extraction to downstream processing, manufacturing and recycling.

    Today, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, highlighted an important announcement of up to $40 million in funding, pending final due diligence from Natural Resources Canada, for critical minerals infrastructure developments in the Yukon. This funding would be provided through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF)

    The Government of Yukon is seeking to undertake pre-feasibility activities to advance a 765-kilometre, high-voltage transmission line network that would connect the Yukon electrical grid to the North American grid in B.C. This regional project has proposed energy infrastructure located in two priority regions for critical minerals development — Yukon’s Cassiar and Tanana regions, and B.C.’s Golden Triangle. The transmission line could support projects producing critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, molybdenum, nickel, platinum group metals, tungsten and zinc in the Yukon and northern B.C.

    The Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund is a key program under the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy to address infrastructure gaps and enable sustainable critical minerals production and connect resources to markets through various clean energy, electrification and transportation infrastructure projects. Future funding decisions for projects under the CMIF to further critical minerals infrastructure development are also expected in the coming months.

    This project is the result of close collaboration under the Yukon Regional Energy and Resource Tables and is key to facilitating critical minerals development in the Yukon.

    Critical minerals are essential components in products used for clean energy technologies such as electric vehicles, electrical transmission lines and batteries. The Yukon’s mining sectors provide many of the building blocks of clean technologies needed to fight climate change and build a clean economy. Across the country, clean energy solutions are providing enormous economic opportunity for Canada.

    • Canada has developed its own critical minerals strategy with the aim of advancing the development of these resources and related value chains to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy and support advanced technology and manufacturing.

    • The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy addresses five core objectives:

      o   supporting economic growth, competitiveness and job creation;

      o   promoting climate action and strong environmental management;

      o   enhancing global security and partnerships with allies;

      o   advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples; and

      o   fostering diverse and inclusive workforces and communities.

    • Canada’s whole-of-government approach to critical mineral development is collaborative, forward-looking, iterative, adaptive and long-term. The initiatives presented in the Strategy will be implemented and refined in collaboration with provincial, territorial, Indigenous, industry and other Canadian and international partners.

    • The CMIF is a key program under the Strategy to support enabling clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects necessary to increase Canada’s supply of responsibly sourced critical minerals.

    • The CMIF supports strategic priorities such as decarbonizing industrial mining operations, strengthening supply chains through transportation infrastructure and advancing economic reconciliation by supporting the participation of Indigenous Peoples in infrastructure and critical minerals projects.

    • In addition, the federal government is helping to develop Canada’s abundant critical minerals through NRCan’s Regional Energy and Resource Tables. These regional tables are joint partnerships with individual provinces and territories — in collaboration with Indigenous partners and with the input of key stakeholders — to identify and accelerate shared economic priorities for a low-carbon future in the energy and resource sectors.

    Cindy Caturao
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    613-795-5638
    cindy.caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Canada highlights significant funding to boost critical mineral development in Yukon

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French

    On behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, highlighted the important announcement, subject to final due diligence by Natural Resources Canada, of up to $40 million in funding for critical minerals infrastructure projects in Yukon. The funding would come from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF).

    September 20, 2024 Whitehorse, Yukon Natural Resources Canada

    Investments in critical minerals infrastructure are needed to ensure Canada can seize the unique opportunity presented by the shift to a low-carbon economy and capitalize on its rich mineral resources. The country is well positioned to be a global leader and leading producer of a wide range of critical minerals that are essential to fueling the clean economy, and in doing so, create good jobs and economic opportunities across the critical minerals value chain – from upstream exploration and extraction to downstream processing, manufacturing and recycling.

    Today, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, highlighted the important announcement, subject to final due diligence by Natural Resources Canada, of up to $40 million in funding for critical minerals infrastructure projects in Yukon. The funding would come from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF).

    The Yukon Government is seeking to undertake pre-feasibility studies to support a 765-kilometre high-voltage transmission line that would connect the Yukon electrical grid to the North American grid in British Columbia. It includes the development of energy infrastructure in two priority areas for critical mineral development: the Cassiar-Tanana region in Yukon and the Golden Triangle region in British Columbia. The transmission line would facilitate critical mineral production projects such as cobalt, copper, molybdenum, nickel, platinum group metals, tungsten and zinc in Yukon and northern British Columbia.

    The Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund is a key program under Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy that aims to address infrastructure gaps and ensure the sustainable production of critical minerals and the flow of resources to market through transportation, electrification and clean energy infrastructure projects. Further funding decisions on critical minerals infrastructure development projects under the CMIF are expected in the coming months.

    The result of close collaboration within the regional table on energy and resources Yukon, this project is essential to facilitate the development of critical minerals in the Yukon.

    Critical minerals are fundamental components of products used in clean energy technologies such as electric vehicles, power transmission lines and batteries. Yukon’s mining sectors provide many of the building blocks for the clean technologies needed to combat climate change and build a clean economy. Across the country, clean energy solutions represent enormous economic opportunities.

    Canada has developed its own critical minerals strategy with the aim of promoting the development of these resources and related value chains to contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy and support advanced manufacturing and technologies.

    The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy has five main objectives:

    o support economic growth, competitiveness and job creation;

    o promote climate action and rigorous environmental management;

    o strengthen global security and partnerships with allies;

    o advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples;

    o encourage a diverse and inclusive workforce and communities.

    Canada’s whole-of-government approach to critical minerals development is collaborative, forward-looking, iterative, adaptive and long-term. The initiatives outlined in the Strategy will be implemented and refined in collaboration with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, industry and other partners in Canada and internationally.

    The FIMC is a flagship program of the Strategy that supports transportation and clean energy infrastructure projects needed to increase Canada’s supply of critical minerals from responsible sources.

    The FIMC supports a variety of strategic priorities, including: decarbonizing mining industry operations, strengthening supply chains through the deployment of transportation infrastructure, and advancing economic reconciliation by supporting the participation of Indigenous peoples in critical infrastructure and mineral projects.

    The federal government also supports the development of Canada’s abundant critical mineral resources through Natural Resources Canada’s Regional Energy and Resource Tables. These regional tables are joint partnerships with each provincial and territorial government that, in collaboration with Indigenous partners and with input from key stakeholders, seek to identify and accelerate shared economic priorities for a low-carbon future in the energy and resource sectors.

    Cindy CaturaoPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources613-795-5638cindy.caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the local 2030 Coalition Side Event on the occasion of the UN Summit of the Future’s Action Days [as prepared for delivery]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    SHAPING LOCAL PATHWAYS FOR A MORE EQUITABLE, SUSTAINABLE, AND SECURE FUTURE FOR ALL – ‘LOCALIZING THE PACT FOR THE FUTURE’

    H.E Ms. Eva Granados Galiano, Secretary of State for International Cooperation of Spain
    .E Jader Fontenelle Barbalho Filho, Minister of Cities of Brazil,
    Ugur Ibrahim Altay, President of United Cities and Local Governments,
    Anaclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat,
    Excellencies,
    Colleagues,

    I extend my appreciation to the Governments of Spain and Brazil for their invaluable collaboration with UN-Habitat, the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments, and other members of the Local 2030 Steering Committee for organizing this event during the Summit of the Future Action Days.

    Coinciding with the International Day of Peace, we should recognize how local and regional governments often serve as defenders of peace and mediators of peace, protecting people in the context of conflict and providing invaluable support to people on the move.

    Excellencies, colleagues,

    It is no secret that we have a lot of work to do between now and 2030.

    With only 17% of the SDG targets on track to 2030, urgent and transformative action is imperative.

    It is also our commitment following the2023 SDG Summit, when we agreed on transformative and accelerated actions for the SDGs.

    And this is exactly the spirit that guided the creation of the Local2030 Coalition, brings together the UN systems with partners for SDG Localization.

    Under our Coalition, a combined set of actors are championing the SDGs at the local level.

    We are witnessing a diverse range of actors co-creating, incubating and investing in scalable solutions.

    With a projected increase in the global population of 2.4 billion people by 2050, and urban populations reaching 6.5 billion, our capacities to deliver require effective multi-level governance to help us manage the demand for public services, with the financing to ratchet the pace of acceleration.

    As we look ahead to pave the way for a better future, let me stress four points.

    First, work across your networks and with national governments and parliaments to anchor the potential for growth and inclusion around key and urgent transitions –from renewable energy, to green and blue economies, to sustainable food systems.

    Use the Local 2030 Coalition to unlock new opportunities for change.  Through the UN Joint SDG Fund, supported by the Government of Spain, 30 UN Country Teams are already integrating SDG transitions.

    Second, include local leadership, including local governments, and youth in decision-making processes and SDG implementation to drive impact, with measures for accountability.

    Yesterday’s youth Action Day provided tangible opportunities to advance our shared goals and they spoke extensively about that inclusion and what that meant

    Third, create frameworks for collaboration, innovation and investment, ensuring that we measure progress across social, environmental, and economic indicators.  

    The Local2030 Coalition Knowledge and Scientific Network is pioneering evidence-based strategies and capacity-building to support such learning.

    Fourth, advance the recommendations of the Secretary-General’s Advisory Group on Local and Regional governments. A new social contract that is people-centered must foster dialogue, intergenerational conversations and create the space for voices to be heard and acted upon.

    Excellencies,

    Colleagues, dear friends,

    At the Summit of the Future Action Days, youth and civil society activists challenged conventional thinking and spoke for change that leaves no one behind.

    Next year, the 2nd World Social Summit and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development will demonstrate the power of local transformations aligned to the SDGs.

    COP29 and COP30 will also offer invaluable opportunities to respond to the aspirations of local actors and communities on the frontline of socio-economic and ecological crises.

    The G20 Summit in Rio will also provide a platform this year to champion further reforms, as well as a connection to the urban agenda through the U20.

    The success of the 2030 Agenda will also depend on our collective actions.

    Together, we know we can achieve the SDGs; ensuring that all communities thrive in a future that is just, equitable and sustainable.   

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi and Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defence Force

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi and Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defence Force. The Secretary-General and the President discussed the situation in Malawi, including the elections scheduled for 2025, sustainable agriculture, food security, economic governance, and the lingering impact of Cyclone Freddy.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill  Biden at a Celebration for the Opening of “The People’s House: A White  House Experience”

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    The South Lawn
    Thank you, Fig. You inspire young people to get excited about their education, especially in STEM. We’re lucky to have you guiding the future of the White House Historical Association.
    And I’m glad to see so many Association board members with us. I know you all have had a packed schedule these past few days. Your commitment to this project warms my heart. Thank you.
    Earlier, we heard from the Suitland High School Choir. We appreciate you sharing your voices with us today.
    And thank you, Emma, JD, and Jonas, for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance!
    We’ve also had the Armed Forces Color Guard presenting the colors, and the President’s Own Marine Band playing the beautiful music we’ve heard this afternoon. Joe and I are so grateful to you and your families for your service to our nation.
    And it’s great to see so many kids on the South Lawn. The project we’re celebrating today is for you.    
    Welcome, everyone, to the White House!
    Doorway by doorway, moment by moment, every piece of the White House is cloaked in history—whether it’s in the Cabinet Room where President Kennedy deliberated over the Cuban Missile Crisis, or the East Room where President Theodore Roosevelt once held a wrestling match.
    Kids roller skated in the room where we host heads of state, and nearby, in the Red Room, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt held her own press conferences back when women were excluded from the President’s press briefings.
    Some guests at the White House have the chance to step inside these rooms—in fact, around 3,000 people come through these halls every day. But the reality is that many people never get that opportunity.
    Even fewer get to walk through the Rose Garden and the Oval Office. And almost no one gets to go behind the scenes to hear from the Chief Floral Designer or glimpse the upper floor of the residence.
    Until now.
    Starting Monday, an immersive learning center will be open to all.
    “The People’s House: A White House Experience” will bring new generations closer to the home behind me, sparking greater curiosity for civics education and our democracy.
    Teachers know the best way to learn is by involving all of the senses—and lingering in the little details that stand out to you.
    Right across the street, people will be able to interact and experience how our government works. 
    That makes this new space a powerful kind of classroom. Because when people learn more about our democracy, they will be more inspired to participate in it.
    At 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, in an exact replica of the Oval Office, you can feel the gravity of sitting behind the President’s Resolute desk. You can join the intense deliberations of a Cabinet meeting. And you can get swept away by the 360-degree enchantment of a State Dinner.
    Along the way, you’ll meet people who have lived and worked here across centuries—from Cabinet Secretaries advising the President in times of war, to the chefs, ushers, and florists who work together to arrange the most intricate details of American diplomacy.
    Students will imagine themselves as public servants through interactive technology, and teachers will have dedicated spaces to bring their lesson plans to life.
    Stewart, you’ve put your whole heart and soul into “The People’s House”—and frankly, I’m not sure when you found the time to sleep! Month after month, you guided this project with careful precision and breathtaking speed.
    I’ve been a part of the process from when it was just an idea, to the final touches—and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.
    So, let’s get started. In just a moment, a group of students will load onto a bus to experience this incredible, immersive space. 
    I know it will encourage them to embrace the wonder of White House history, and inspire them to shape our nation’s future.
    Thank you, and please enjoy the celebration!

    MIL OSI USA News