NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • Sensex ends lower in volatile session

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The stock markets started the week on a weak note as tensions escalated in the Middle East, after the United States bombed three nuclear facilities in Iran, showing clear support for Israel in the ongoing conflict.

    The development made investors cautious, leading to a fall in benchmark indices on Monday. The Sensex dropped 511.38 points, or 0.62 per cent, to close at 81,896.79. During the intra-day, it moved between a high of 82,169.67 and a low of 81,476.76.

    Similarly, the Nifty also ended in the red. It fell 140.50 points, or 0.56 per cent, to settle at 24,971.90. The index had touched an intra-high of 25,057 and a low of 24,824.85 during the session.

    Interestingly, broader markets performed better than the frontline indices. The Nifty Midcap100 closed with a gain of 0.36 per cent, while the Smallcap100 rose 0.70 per cent.

    Out of the 30 stocks in the Sensex, HCL Tech, Infosys, Larsen and Toubro, Mahindra and Mahindra, Hindustan Unilever, and ITC were the biggest losers, falling between 2.28 per cent and 1.21 per cent.

    On the other hand, Trent, Bharat Electronics, Bajaj Finance, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Bajaj Finserv were the top gainers, rising between 3.39 per cent and 0.58 per cent.

    The performance of sectoral indices was mixed as Bank Nifty, Auto, FMCG, and Realty ended in the red while metal, consumer durables, pharma, and media sectors managed to close with gains.

    However, the biggest loser was the Nifty IT index, which declined by 1.48 per cent as stocks like Coforge and Persistent Systems pulled the sector down.

    “Last Friday, markets buildup in anticipation of easing Middle East tensions, following the US announcement of a two-week window to deliberate its involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict,” Vinod Nair of Geojit Investments Limited said.

    “However, the unexpected US airstrike on Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend disrupted those expectations, triggering a sharp rise in crude oil prices and leading to consolidation in the domestic equity market,” he added.

    The market’s fear gauge, India VIX, which indicates volatility, rose by 2.74 per cent to 14.05 points.

    The Nifty recovered significantly after a gap-down opening amid weak geopolitical sentiment. A pullback in crude oil prices helped the Indian market pare some of its morning losses, although it still ended on a negative note.

    Meanwhile, the rupee traded weak by 0.11 at 86.75 as the dollar index appreciated toward the 99 mark. “Technically, the rupee remains weak below 86, with the next support seen near 87,” said Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Health and Social Care Secretary speech at RCOG World Congress

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Health and Social Care Secretary speech at RCOG World Congress

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting spoke at RCOG World Congress, announcing a national investigation into maternity and neonatal services.

    Well thank you, Ranee for your welcome, and thanks to the College for giving me this opportunity to address you today, and a warm welcome to those of you who’ve travelled from across the world to be here.

    The National Health Service began with a literal birth, Aneira Thomas, named after my predecessor, and Aneurin Bevan was born at one minute past midnight on the 5th of July, 1948.

    Since then, tens of millions of babies have been delivered by the NHS. Bringing new life into the world is a wonderful thing, and it’s great to be in a room full of the people who spend their professional lives supporting it. You know better than most that this is also a moment of risk and jeopardy for women and their babies, and that that risk is considerably higher than it should be because of the state of the crisis in our maternity and neonatal services here in the UK.

    Within the past 15 years, we’ve seen appalling scandals that blew the lid on issues ranging from care, safety, culture and oversight. Morecambe Bay, Shrewsbury and Telford, East. Kent, Nottingham. The last government responded with initiatives like Better Births in 2016 and the Maternity Transformation Programme. But despite improvements on some metrics, inequalities in maternal and neonatal outcomes have become more visible, not less.

    The rate of maternal deaths has been consistently rising. Babies of black ethnicity are still more than twice as likely to be stillborn than babies of white ethnicity, and black women are still 2 to 3 times more likely to die during pregnancy or shortly after birth than white women. Tragically, that gap is closing slightly, but partly because more white women are dying in childbirth. In September, the Care Quality Commission’s National Review of Maternity Services in England found that almost half of all trusts were rated as requiring improvement on safety. Another 18% were rated as inadequate.

    There is a widespread lack of staff and in some places a lack of potentially life-saving equipment, and some services don’t even record incidents that have resulted in serious harm. Taxpayers who are footing the bill for our failure to get a grip with everything else I’ve just said, it’s no wonder clinical negligence payouts have reached an all-time high £2.8 billion last year, with maternity accounting for 41% of all the money paid out.

    These are the facts. But behind these alarming statistics are people and the lives that have been taken from them. I spent a lot of time with victims of NHS maternity and neonatal scandals and failures during the last year. Listening. Listening to them share with a total stranger the most personal, painful accounts of their experiences and the trauma that occurs when we fail them. When I say we, I don’t just mean the maternity units that failed them. I mean NHS leaders and managers that put protecting their reputations over protecting patients. Or when we put legal advice that says do not admit liability over doing what is right by families. I mean the regulators who failed to hold them to account. And I mean politicians, including me, because the first step in putting this right is being honest about our own mistakes and failures.

    And the truth is, we’re not making progress fast enough on the biggest patient safety challenge facing our country. And I know what that means. Because of the many hours I’ve spent with families left completely traumatised by our failure to get it right every time. When I visit the Nottingham families they arranged themselves around the horseshoe table in date order, with those whose experience goes furthest back, sat to my left and the most recent sat to my right. The most recent was just last year, and I honestly dread the prospect of going to another meeting with another family arriving at that end of the table with another story to tell. This time, one that has happened on my watch.

    Across all of the meetings I’ve had every story is unique, but there are common themes. Some are there because their children died, some because their children suffered injuries that have left them with lifelong complications and disability. Others are women who suffered terrible life changing injuries during childbirth, or fathers left traumatised and unsupported with severe mental health challenges. I’ve seen photographs of their children. I’ve seen the ashes of their children in the tiniest little boxes, and I’ve also seen more courage than I could ever imagine mustering if I had to walk a day in their shoes. Carrying the weight of their trauma. All of them have had to fight for truth and justice. They describe being ignored, gaslit, lied to, manipulated, and damaged further by the inability for a Trust to simply be honest with them that something has gone wrong. They talk to me about the trauma that they experience compounded time and time again. When a hospital Trust or regulator simply turns their back on them, when all they’re searching for is answers.

    It’s their bravery that has brought me to the place that I am today. I want to say publicly how sorry I am sorry for what the NHS has put them through. Sorry for the way they’ve been treated since by the state. And sorry that we haven’t put this right yet. Because these families are owed more than an apology. They’re owed change, they’re owed real accountability, and they’re owed the truth. So today I’m setting out a different approach to the one that’s failed before. We’re going to do it with, rather than to these families. And we’re going to put the voices and experiences of mums, dads and children at the heart of our approach to improving quality, safety and accountability. Maternity safety will become the litmus test for all safety in the NHS. I’m taking personal responsibility for it as Secretary of State and as the staff leading maternity and neonatal services. I need your help because we’re a team and I can’t do this without you. I know the majority of births in England are safe, and I urge all women to engage with their maternity service and raise any concerns they may have about themselves or their baby.

    But for too long, those cases where things do go wrong have been swept under the carpet, and this cannot continue. I know I’m talking to an audience that will embrace this challenge. You will come to work every day to care for people. You are tired, tireless and dedicated in your work. I suspect you’re tired too, with the pressures you’re under. You go to work to do the right thing, and every day there are healthy babies being delivered safely, with moms receiving great care. But we also know that staff are being put in an impossible position far too often. It’s the moral dilemma I’ve heard from midwives, obstetricians and neonatologists across the country. They feel conflicted because they don’t feel their maternity ward or neonatal unit is delivering a safe service every time, and they don’t want to work in an unsafe environment. So they consider leaving. But they also tell me that if they walk away, they’d be letting it down even further.

    This is not a choice any member of staff should have to face. And I’m aware that there’s a risk that we further demoralize a workforce that’s already been on its knees and felt battered working in an NHS in crisis. I also worry about the risk of causing unnecessary fear or anxiety among mums going into labour, and the dads and loved ones holding their hands through the experience is a dilemma I wrestle with all the time. But I won’t do any of us any favours if we’re not honest about the scale of the challenge, so that we can provide a response able to meet it.

    Over the last year, I’ve been wrestling with how we tackle the problems in maternity and neonatal units. And I’ve come to the realization that while there is action we can take now, we have to acknowledge that this has become systemic. It’s not just a few bad units up and down the country. Maternity units are failing. Hospitals are failing. Trusts are failing. Regulators are failing. There’s too much obfuscation, too much passing the buck and giving lip service too much shrugging at a cultural problem that we fail to address. Because of that, we have enormously wide race and class inequalities in maternity care. Women, especially black, Asian, and working class women, are not listened to or given the chance to be advocates for their own health. We have an implicit message from the system that tells women not to have a miscarriage at the weekend. We have women who are classed as having a normal birth, still leaving, traumatised and scarred. And most concerning of all, we have the normalization of deaths of women and babies. We must stop and stop now with the mindset that these things just happen. Our inability to deal with this goes wider than maternity, in fact wider than our health service.

    It goes to the very core of how Britain responds to state failure. I should give a little context for my own outlook. I don’t have a conventional background for someone whose title is Right Honourable. I was born not far from here, actually, at the Mile End Hospital to teenage parents. I experienced poverty growing up and beside a loving family. The reason I’m stood here today is a member of the British Cabinet is because the state got it right, in my case, council housing. A great state education. A welfare state that clothed and fed me.

    [political content removed]

    But I also saw the way the state often treats people from backgrounds like mine. The way the DSS, the social security staff talk to my mum like she was dirt at the bottom of their shoes. The fights my grandmother used to have with Tower Hamlets Council when she ran the local tenants union. So I came into office with a healthy degree of cynicism and skepticism about the state. That doesn’t often come naturally to those of us with left wing politics who fundamentally believe in an active state.

    I’ll be honest with you, as I’ve listened to these family’s experiences of the state and NHS failure, that cynicism has boiled over into hot tears and real anger about what they’ve been put through and what they’re still living with. From the Horizon Post Office scandal to the infected blood scandal, the degradation of responsibility and trust in our institutions is compounding a cynicism and malaise at the ability of British politics, or even democracy, to deliver for people. This is a dangerous place for a country to be. If we do not admit the scale of the failure in maternity services, we’re condemning ourselves to etching that mistrust deeper. If we cannot admit openly that we as institutions and as a state have got this wrong, we will never be able to fix it or rebuild that trust. Too many children have died because of state failure, and I will not allow this to continue under my watch.

    [political content removed].

    So to face up to this, we have to change two fundamental things. First, we must ensure real accountability when things go wrong and give justice to those who’ve been wronged. Second, we must drive real improvements in maternity and neonatal care, which will require clear direction, a change of culture, and for all of us to mobilise as a team to get this right.

    Today I’m announcing a rapid national investigation of maternity and neonatal services, co-produced to include the families who have suffered the worst injustices of maternity care, modelled on the Darzi investigation into the state of the NHS. This will be an evidence-based investigation setting out what’s going wrong and priorities for action. It will look in detail at up to ten maternity units that are giving us greatest cause for concern. And it will report directly to me by Christmas.

    Crucially, the investigation team and terms of reference will be co-produced with the victims of maternity scandals. The investigation will also pull together the recommendations from the other reviews that have taken place to assess progress and provide clarity and direction for the future, so that everyone in the system knows what they’re working to.

    I’m currently discussing with Leeds families the best way to grip the challenges brought to light in that trust by their campaigning reports in the media and the latest CQC report, and I’ll be ordering an investigation into nine specific cases identified by families in Sussex who are owed a thorough account of what happened in those cases.

    I’m also establishing a National Maternity and Neonatal Task Force, which I will chair, bringing together experts, staff, campaigners and representatives of families to help me drive improvement across the NHS.

    We will call on international colleagues so that we understand what works and how to learn from the best and take to the rest, and the Royal College will have a really important role to play in that. I will also continue to meet families throughout the year, to give them a chance to hold me to account and provide them with a direct route to feedback.

    To me, the taskforce will answer some of the most pressing issues the families have put at the top of the list, namely, how can we ensure that women and their partners are always listened to when they raise concerns about their pregnancy or labour? What else should we be doing to save babies and women from dying or being severely harmed? How do we get better at spotting when things go wrong in units, and how do we tackle this before it grows?

    We’ll also bring in a package of measures to start taking action now, increasing accountability across the board and bringing in the cultural change we need to see within the next month. The NHS chief executive, Jim Mackey, and Chief Nursing Officer Duncan Burton will meet the trusts of greatest concern including Leeds, Gloucester, Mid and South Essex and Sussex to hold them to account for improvement working with the NHS leadership. I will set strong and consistent expectations for Trust Chairs, Chief Executives and Boards with overhauled oversight and performance framework and a new performance dashboard. We’ll roll out the new MOSS digital system to flag potential safety concerns and trust much earlier, and support rapid action and roll out a national maternity and neonatal inequalities data dashboard.

    Our ten year plan and upcoming Dash review will look to tackle this safety crisis at its root with an overhaul of the wider patient safety landscape. We will work to declutter this crowded landscape so that the patient experience works for patients again. I brought Mike Richards back to the CQC as chair to turn around that failing organisation, and I will work closely with him to make sure that the Commission is working effectively on behalf of patients and the public.

    Together, these measures will create real accountability, cut through the noise to prevent patterns spiralling and work towards tangible improvements for women and babies. I’m also going to do this with you, as well as the Royal College of Midwives and the other colleges and professional bodies. The Royal College has a reach across the globe and there are maternity professionals from many, many countries here today. These challenges and maternity care are not just in our country. I want to learn from the best systems internationally, and then to showcase how we are taking on the challenge of tackling inequalities across pregnancy and birth head on. Strong clinical leadership really matters. I can’t do this without you. I’m committed to doing this with you, not to you.

    So I know some of what I’ve said today will have been tough to hear, especially for people who give up their time early on a Monday morning to be here because you care about delivering safe and high quality care, and you take pride in your profession. Together, we’ll make sure that women and their partners feel heard and listened to, to make every birth a safe birth, to make high quality the hallmark of maternity services in this country, and to banish avoidable maternity and baby deaths to the history books. So I’m looking forward to working with you in that endeavour.

    Thank you very much.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Digital platforms have become a key form of ensuring economic and cultural sovereignty”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    © Mikhail Varushchev / Roscongress Foundation

    HSE Academic Director Yaroslav Kuzminov spoke at the SPIEF-2025 session “In Search of New Sources of Growth: Is a Different Model of Global Financial and Trade Architecture Possible?” The discussion was built around processes in the global economy related to the strengthening of multipolarity and the increasing role of new centers of global growth — states of the Global South and East. The participants discussed the potential and possibilities of a new model of international interaction.

    The global economy is often viewed as a dual system consisting of two large blocs, currently led by the United States and China. However, the world is much more complex, noted Yaroslav Kuzminov.

    “The collective West is trying to preserve itself as a single market system with single institutions, offering them to the rest of the world, but its foundation – free trade and unconditional protection of private property – is now being subjected to crushing blows from national and bloc protectionism. On the other hand, China, with all its economic and technological power, cannot act as the leader of the second world, it cannot gather around itself, as the United States did in its time or the Soviet Union did, other countries, because it is not free,” he said.

    The HSE academic director explained that American and Soviet leadership was based on two pillars: basic defense spending and economic preferences for allies. Now, countries are creating their own economies that are resilient to external influences. This implies the development of domestic production and the diversification of export markets. But this is not enough for sustainable economic growth, especially in the context of the global technological revolutions that are currently taking place.

    “The future is very uncertain, it is very difficult to make forecasts. If earlier the source of uncertainty was only future technologies, today it is geopolitical ruptures and geopolitical unions,” noted Yaroslav Kuzminov.

    In his opinion, the key argument for future technological power and future economic power is R

    “The problem of the center and the periphery arises, and this problem can only be solved by an extremely politically complex pooling of resources, pooling the efforts of different countries, which requires a degree of trust and a level of awareness of the common interest that, in my opinion, is simply impossible to achieve now. In these conditions, almost all technological innovations are developed within national frameworks, and this is where the problem of the “golden nail” arises. The “golden nail” is the problem of a deficit in the scale of the market. We can offer any breakthrough things, but if our market is limited to hundreds of millions of people and we compete with companies that have a market of billions of people, we will still have a “golden nail”. Therefore, it is necessary to single out those companies, those technological areas that correspond to the scale of the politically accessible market, and in other cases talk about localizing transnational companies in their sales markets, setting requirements for these companies to operate in national markets. I would call this the internal rooting of transnational companies ready to work with national jurisdictions,” says Yaroslav Kuzminov.

    At the same time, he noted that completely new solutions are not in the sphere of technology, the market is growing not only due to them. First of all, this is logistics: logistics chains have changed, two political zones of rupture have formed between the EU and Russia and in the Middle East. In these conditions, opportunities arise for countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and India, which act as trade hubs.

    The most important elements of global changes are also related to the human capital of the golden billion countries, the HSE scientific director said. If in the countries of the collective West the share of the middle class is decreasing due to the share of families requiring state support, including migrants, then in the countries of Asia and the South it has grown to a third of the population, in Russia it is also about 35%.

    The middle class is people who can and want to choose, and who have the income and education to do so. The growth of the middle class leads to the formation of political and cultural innovations that act as economic drivers to the same extent as technological solutions. Middle class consumption acts as an economic driver along with heavy technological innovations.

    The second engine is the digital economy, which has received a new lease of life thanks to economically significant digital platforms. “Digital platforms have become a key form of ensuring economic and cultural sovereignty, and countries that underestimate their role will lose strategically,” Yaroslav Kuzminov summed up. The US, China, and Russia have their own platforms and digital ecosystems, he emphasized.

    The Global South is more diverse than the Soviet and Western systems of the past, it includes many regions with different levels of development and has not yet formed structurally, believes Andrey Kostin, President and Chairman of the Management Board of VTB Bank. Despite the fact that today the BRICS countries produce no less than the G7 countries, the entire financial infrastructure is controlled by Western countries and has ceased to be effective due to the fact that the balance of power has changed.

    “Due to the fact that the South is complex in itself, the internal relations are very difficult, we are still moving slowly. We need to create our own alternative center of the Global South and use settlements in national currencies. Sooner or later we will have to come to some denominator, we will have to create our own financial market infrastructure, because the current financial system meets exclusively the interests of the West. There are calculations that the BRICS countries lose about 30 billion a year on settlements through the dollar system. Perhaps the countries would survive this, but the political pressure that is exerted with the help of the dollar is, of course, unacceptable,” he said.

    Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexey Overchuk noted the importance of developing integration in the post-Soviet space. “We strive first and foremost to try to create conditions for reducing the costs of our producers of goods and services here, at home, inside. We started with measures to protect our own market and create a single customs circuit in order to control the market inside, develop relevant technical regulations, standards and reduce barriers as much as possible. And we have largely achieved this: trade within the CIS is developing much faster than trade with countries of the outside world,” he emphasized.

    At the same time, work is actively underway to develop international transport corridors to the markets of the Global South and to conclude agreements on free trade zones in order to provide the most comfortable environment for the promotion of Russian goods.

    The founder of En Group, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the P.A. Stolypin Institute for Growth Economics Oleg Deripaska believes that the task of doubling the Russian economy over the next 12 years is quite realistic. To do this, it is necessary, among other things, to create competitive production in aviation and transport power engineering. He called on businesses not to wait for the end of geopolitical tensions, but to actively develop now, in the current conditions.

    Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov noted that BRICS financiers are currently working in three main areas: the creation of cross-border payment, inter-depository, insurance and reinsurance infrastructure.

    The issue of the need to create a BRICS depository infrastructure was raised by Russia during its presidency of the association. However, this issue is not easily resolved. “We see that many countries are wary of investments, of settlements with our country, but I want to say that the question of how profitable it is, how profitable it is, is always at issue here. The desire to earn money solves any problem,” he explained.

    Anton Siluanov also spoke in favor of joint recognition of rating agencies within the BRICS framework. The head of the Ministry of Finance noted that partners from China are already very actively applying their rating assessments to business, including in Russia.

    In addition, the session was attended by the Minister of Foreign Trade of Qatar Ahmad bin Mohammed Al Sayed, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank Benedict Okey Oramah and President of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank Serhat Koksal.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African finance ministers shouldn’t be making bond deals: how to hand over the job to experts

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Misheck Mutize, Post Doctoral Researcher, Graduate School of Business (GSB), University of Cape Town

    Eurobonds, debts owed in a foreign currency, have become a quick and attractive way for African countries to borrow money. They are behind a sharp rise in commercial borrowing as a percentage of total external debt: it has nearly doubled from 27% in 2011 to 52% in 2020. This has increased the debt vulnerability of most African countries.

    Recent developments, however, show that most of the bonds have not been structured properly. As a result, African countries are paying way over the odds relative to their sovereign risks.

    Based on my bond price modelling expertise, it is my view that there are two major drivers of the mispricing of African government bonds. They are interlinked.

    Firstly, a lack of expertise in debt management offices, whose job it is to negotiate the terms of any debt deals and to oversee their execution. This is a topic I explored in a recent article.

    Read more: African countries are bad at issuing bonds, so debt costs more than it should: what needs to change

    The second factor, which I address here, is that in many African countries, finance ministers have assumed primary responsibility for Eurobond issuance. They engage directly with investment bankers, legal advisors and credit rating agencies.

    In my view they shouldn’t.

    Finance ministers should stay away from debt negotiations because they are political appointees. They operate under incentives tied to electoral cycles, not fiscal sustainability. Their short tenures and desire to fund visible projects often conflict with the long-term nature of sovereign debt obligations.

    They don’t have the necessary expertise to handle the technical complexity required to get the best possible deal, either.

    Simply calling for ministers to step aside would ignore the institutional realities in most African countries. In particular, debt management offices have severe capacity constraints.

    Nevertheless, as global financial conditions tighten and African countries seek to refinance maturing Eurobonds or issue new instruments, the risks of politicised borrowing must be minimised. Ministers should spend their energies on ensuring their debt management offices are well staffed with top quality teams. They should then leave it up to these technical staff to prepare and arrange the financing.

    This would leave room for ministers to manage any disagreements between technical staff and the banks when necessary. And to close the final deal.

    Ministers versus the experts

    Eurobond issuance involves advanced financial engineering – pricing models, investor engagement, covenant structuring and legal compliance across jurisdictions. It takes a deep understanding of capital markets.

    When debt management offices are operating at their best, they are filled with people who have this knowledge. They have a combination of financial market and public policy skills, including debt portfolio management, risk analysis and debt transaction processing.

    In discussions with debt managers at the African Sovereign Debt Conference it’s become clear to me that debt managers are sidelined in the international bond issuance negotiations. They are also sidelined in the execution process, except for administrative support.

    What happens instead is that finance ministers are usually key contacts of the investment bankers. By approaching a minister directly, investment bankers get to close their mandates faster.

    But this minimises due diligence and bypasses internal safeguards. Ministers may not pay attention to complex legal clauses under foreign jurisdictions, details of investor negotiations and fee structures. They may accept unfavourable terms, ignore sustainability assessments and obscure fiscal vulnerabilities in pursuit of political wins and quick disbursements.

    For example, in 2018, Ghana’s then finance minister was internationally lauded for financial stewardship. Ghana was the first African issuer of a longest tenure and a zero-coupon bond. A year later, the country defaulted, suggesting the bond terms weren’t great for the country. The minister nevertheless received several awards as the best and most prudent in Africa.

    There is also the issue of conflicts of interest. When the same actor – in this case the finance minister – proposes, negotiates and approves a debt instrument, the system lacks accountability.

    In many African countries, parliaments, audit institutions and civil society have limited understanding about the technical details of bond agreements. Ministers can easily sideline procurement rules and transparency mechanisms, resulting in non-competitive contracts and opaque fees paid to underwriters and advisors.

    Investment bankers prefer this arrangement as it works in their favour.

    Reforms that are needed

    Before finance ministers can hand over control, debt management offices must be equipped. This requires targeted reforms, including:

    • Capacity building through strategic partnerships: African debt management offices should work with international issuing syndicates and development partners to gain first-hand exposure to structuring, pricing and marketing global bonds.

    • Human capital reforms: Governments must attract and retain highly skilled debt managers by offering competitive pay, professional development opportunities and protection from political interference.

    • Debt management offices must be staffed by dedicated quantitative analysts. They must also be equipped to use real-time market intelligence systems and formal investor relations programmes.

    • Gradual delegation: Authority can be shifted, starting with less complex debt instruments.

    The role of the finance minister must evolve. Ministers should provide strategic leadership: approving borrowing strategies, ensuring alignment with macroeconomic goals, and engaging parliament and the public.

    Their function should shift from operational to institutional oversight and accountability.

    Structural reforms must embed the capacity, autonomy and transparency required for debt management offices to lead effectively.

    In South Africa, for example, the assets and liabilities management division of the National Treasury department manages government’s annual funding programme.

    Professionalising the debt issuance process is not just about avoiding technical mistakes. It’s also about creating resilient institutions that can withstand political turnover. That fosters credibility and long-term access to capital.

    Ministers should remain accountable to the public, and debt management offices must do their work based on technical merit.

    – African finance ministers shouldn’t be making bond deals: how to hand over the job to experts
    – https://theconversation.com/african-finance-ministers-shouldnt-be-making-bond-deals-how-to-hand-over-the-job-to-experts-259017

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah to chair 25th meeting of Central Zonal Council in Varanasi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah will chair the 25th meeting of the Central Zonal Council on Tuesday, June 24, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The meeting, organized by the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, will bring together key policymakers from the central and state governments.

    Chief Ministers of the member states—Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh—along with two senior ministers from each state, will participate in the meeting. The Chief Secretaries and other senior officials of these states, as well as representatives from central ministries, will also be in attendance.

    The Central Zonal Council is one of the five Zonal Councils established under Sections 15 to 22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. These councils were created to foster cooperation and coordination between states and the Centre. The Union Home Minister serves as the chairperson of all five councils, while the Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, or Administrators of the member states and Union Territories act as members. Each year, the Chief Minister of one member state is appointed vice-chairperson on a rotational basis, and two ministers are nominated by the Governor of each member state.

    To streamline discussions, each Zonal Council has a permanent committee at the level of Chief Secretaries. State-proposed issues are first examined by this committee before being brought to the full council meeting for further deliberation.

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Zonal Councils have evolved from purely advisory bodies into key forums for dialogue and cooperation. The Prime Minister has consistently emphasized the importance of both cooperative and competitive federalism in driving the all-round development of the nation. These councils have thus become effective platforms for discussing and resolving inter-state and Centre-state issues.

    In the past eleven years, 61 meetings of the various Zonal Councils and their permanent committees have been held, reflecting growing cooperation among state governments and central departments.

    The councils have also addressed matters of national importance, such as ensuring the swift investigation and resolution of sexual offense cases against women and children, including the implementation of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC). Other key issues include expanding access to banking services in every village, the rollout of the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), and regional priorities like improving nutrition, health, education, electricity access, urban planning, and strengthening the cooperative sector.

  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah to chair 25th meeting of Central Zonal Council in Varanasi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah will chair the 25th meeting of the Central Zonal Council on Tuesday, June 24, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The meeting, organized by the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, will bring together key policymakers from the central and state governments.

    Chief Ministers of the member states—Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh—along with two senior ministers from each state, will participate in the meeting. The Chief Secretaries and other senior officials of these states, as well as representatives from central ministries, will also be in attendance.

    The Central Zonal Council is one of the five Zonal Councils established under Sections 15 to 22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. These councils were created to foster cooperation and coordination between states and the Centre. The Union Home Minister serves as the chairperson of all five councils, while the Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, or Administrators of the member states and Union Territories act as members. Each year, the Chief Minister of one member state is appointed vice-chairperson on a rotational basis, and two ministers are nominated by the Governor of each member state.

    To streamline discussions, each Zonal Council has a permanent committee at the level of Chief Secretaries. State-proposed issues are first examined by this committee before being brought to the full council meeting for further deliberation.

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Zonal Councils have evolved from purely advisory bodies into key forums for dialogue and cooperation. The Prime Minister has consistently emphasized the importance of both cooperative and competitive federalism in driving the all-round development of the nation. These councils have thus become effective platforms for discussing and resolving inter-state and Centre-state issues.

    In the past eleven years, 61 meetings of the various Zonal Councils and their permanent committees have been held, reflecting growing cooperation among state governments and central departments.

    The councils have also addressed matters of national importance, such as ensuring the swift investigation and resolution of sexual offense cases against women and children, including the implementation of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC). Other key issues include expanding access to banking services in every village, the rollout of the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), and regional priorities like improving nutrition, health, education, electricity access, urban planning, and strengthening the cooperative sector.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £380 million boost for creative industries to help drive innovation, regional growth and investment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    £380 million boost for creative industries to help drive innovation, regional growth and investment

    Thousands of creative professionals and businesses across the UK are set to benefit from a new £380 million investment package as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan.

    • £380 million in targeted funding to support innovation, access to finance, R&D, skills and regional growth across the UK as part of Creative Industries Sector Plan

    • Sector Plan set to nearly double business investment in creative industries to £31 billion by 2035 with 2,000 new film and TV apprenticeships to be delivered

    • Comes as part of Industrial Strategy which sets out government’s ten-year plan to make the UK the best place to do business and unlock growth as part of the Plan for Change

    • New Creative Content Exchange will be a marketplace to sell, buy, license and enable permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets

    From grassroots music venues to world-class film studios, thousands of creative professionals and businesses across the UK are set to benefit from a new £380 million investment package.

    The investment underpins the Creative Industries Sector Plan, which sets out a clear direction on how the Government aims to build a sector that drives regional growth, is financially resilient and is globally competitive.

    Published alongside the Government’s Industrial Strategy today (23 June), the plan outlines a bold vision to nearly double business investment in the sector by 2035 – from £17 billion to £31 billion – cementing the UK’s position as a global creative superpower.

    The £380 million package is part of the wider plan to deliver targeted investment to create thousands of new jobs and opportunities in sub-sectors like film and TV, music, performing and visual arts, video games and advertising, while generating economic growth in six regions outside London over the next three years.

    The wider plan also includes a significant increase in support available from the British Business Bank (BBB), as part of its £4 billion Industrial Strategy Growth Capital, which will help creative businesses grow and create jobs.

    The Sector Plan aims to make the UK the best place globally to invest in creativity and drive innovation and tech adoption by 2035, with targeted support for:

    • A £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund for six regions outside London, empowering local Mayors to support creative businesses in their communities with access to finance, mentoring and networking opportunities to help them connect with investors and skills programmes. 
    • At least £50 million for a new wave of Creative Industries Clusters across the UK to accelerate research and development, doubling investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in clusters to £100 million. Clusters bring together universities, businesses, local and regional policymakers, and private funders to drive research, innovation and growth in the creative industries.
    • £25 million for five new innovative UKRI CoSTAR R&D labs and two showcase spaces, which will develop cutting-edge technologies like those used in Abba Voyage and award-winning theatre productions such as last year’s Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray.

    Building on the Government’s commitment to ensure a robust copyright regime and support UK IP, the plan includes the establishment of a Creative Content Exchange. It will act as a trusted marketplace for selling, buying, licensing and enabling permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets, opening up new revenue streams for content owners.

    The industry plan responds directly to what the sector has said it needs – better access to finance, stronger skills pipelines, and support for innovation – and lays out a roadmap to deliver it.

    This includes upskilling the next generation of creative talent through a £10 million investment in the National Film and Television School (NFTS) which will help to train 2,000 new trainees and apprentices over the next decade – backed by industry giants such as the Walt Disney Company, the Dana and Albert R. Broccoli Foundation, and Sky.

    The investment will also go towards a new £9 million creative careers service, which will help raise awareness of opportunities and provide pathways into the sector for young people. 

    The UK’s leading creative industries, recognised across the world, are a major driver of economic growth as part of the Plan for Change – driving in £124 billion a year to our economy and employing 2.4 million people across the UK. Over the last decade the sector has increased its output more than one and a half times faster than the rest of the economy.                  

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

    Our creative industries are powerful economic drivers in this country. By placing them at the heart of our Industrial Strategy this Sector Plan, backed by £380 million of investment, will boost regional growth, stimulate private investment, and create thousands more high-quality jobs.

    This Sector Plan will help nearly double business investment to £31 billion by 2035, supporting our mission to raise living standards everywhere as part of our Plan for Change, ensuring the UK remains the world’s creative powerhouse.

     Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    The UK’s creative industries are world-leading and have a huge cultural impact globally, which is why we’re championing them at home and abroad as a key growth sector in our Modern Industrial Strategy.

    We’ve seen the power of investment, with this Government welcoming around £100 billion into the UK since taking office, and our Strategy will not only ensure that the UK is the best country to invest and do business in, but deliver economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets.

    Sir Peter Bazalgette, Co-Chair, Creative Industries Council, said: 

    This ambitious plan for growth represents a coming of age for the creative sector. Crucially the plans for R&D funding and Access to Finance for SMEs are exciting step changes.

    Baroness Shriti Vadera, co-chair of the Creative Industries Council, said: 

    This strategy recognises that the UK Creative Industries are one of the most innovative sectors in the UK economy and have a strong comparative advantage internationally. The work now begins to cement their role as a driver of growth and a global creative super power.

    The investment also includes tailored packages for high-growth sub-sectors through:

    • A £75 million Screen Growth Package supporting UK content development and international investment, and showcasing the best of UK and international film. This includes an enlarged UK Global Screen Fund and scaled-up BFI Film Academy to support 16–25 year olds from underrepresented backgrounds to enter the film industry.
    • A Music Growth Package worth up to £30 million, helping emerging artists break through at home and abroad. Measures will create new touring, performance, mentoring and export opportunities for emerging talent, while also delivering a significant uplift in funding for the grassroots sector to support small venues and help them to platform more high-potential artists.
    • A £30 million Video Games Growth Package, backing the next generation of start-up games studios and developers. This will drive inward investment in the sector through expansion of the UK Games Fund (UKGF) as well as new support for the London Games Festival.

    The Sector Plan also includes support for emerging fashion designers through the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN programme, to help them showcase their work at London Fashion Week and secure business mentoring.

    The Creative Industries Sector Plan maps out in detail how the Government will support the sector to grow even further over the next decade through a focus on boosting regional growth, innovation, access to finance, skills and exports.

    It will also see the Department for Business and Trade ramp up the number of creative trade missions and markets it targets, such as in the Asia-Pacific. Funding will be increased for major creative trade shows such as SXSW and Cannes Lions.

    The Sector Plan was developed in partnership with the Creative Industries Taskforce, Creative Industries Council, businesses, devolved governments, and regional stakeholders. It builds on the recent £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund supporting cultural venues across the nation.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    • The full Creative Industries Sector Plan can be found here.
    • The British Business Bank (BBB) is a state-owned economic development bank established by the UK Government. Its aim is to increase the supply of credit to small and medium-sized businesses and provide business advice services.
    • The BBB has significantly increased its support for the creative industries as part of its £4 billion Industrial Strategy Growth Capital, including through support with debt and equity finance. 
    • The new £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund will be devolved to six Mayoral Strategic Authorities: West Midlands, West of England, West Yorkshire, the North East, Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester. 
    • CoSTAR labs and the Creative Industries Clusters are delivered by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council.
    • The new Music Growth Package worth up to £30 million follows the Government advocating for an industry-led levy on stadium and arena tickets to support grassroots music. 
    • The establishment of a Creative Content Exchange will act as a trusted marketplace for selling, buying, licensing and enabling permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets. This new marketplace will open up new revenue streams and allow content owners to commercialise and financialise their assets while providing data users with ease of access.
    • The Sector Plan follows the Government’s recent announcement of more than £270 million that will be invested in arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings as part of the Arts Everywhere Fund, to help organisations in need of support to stay up and running, carry out vital infrastructure work and improve their financial resilience.

    Further quotes

    Caroline Norbury, Chief Executive, Creative UK, said:

    The Sector Plan signals that the creative industries are central to the UK’s growth story. From freelancers to scale-ups, this is a step towards the joined-up support our sector needs – and Creative UK stands ready to work with government and industry partners to turn ambition into action. 

    As we move into delivery mode, it’s essential that all parts of the sector – from cultural organisations to creative tech firms – are empowered to grow, invest and contribute fully to the UK’s economic future.

    Ben Roberts, Chief Executive, BFI, said:

    We welcome the Government’s decision to put the creative industries at the centre of its growth strategy. The UK’s screen sector is already a global leader, generating billions for the economy and pioneering new ideas. 

    With a firm focus on developing the sector across the UK, this investment can unlock fresh opportunities – from growing the sector’s talent pool and strengthening creative clusters nationwide, to opening new international markets for UK screen businesses and advancing creative technology innovation, including the CoSTAR work which the BFI is proud to be a partner on.

    UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said:

    UK Music welcomes the Government’s creative industries sector plan and the important status that it gives to music. The plan rightly recognises our world-beating £7.6 billion music sector as an essential high growth driving part of the creative industries.

    It is hugely welcome that funding packages and programmes are being made available to turbocharge the music industry and we are incredibly excited at the opportunity to be working with the Government to deliver on this.

    Barbara Broccoli, EON Productions, said:

    I’m thrilled the Government is joining forces with the National Film and Television School as part of its Industrial Strategy. The NFTS is a world-class institution that has trained some of the most talented members of our industry and I’m especially pleased this investment will focus on much needed support for persons with disabilities.

    Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, Sky Studios and Chief Content Officer, Sky, said:

    Sky is proud to support the National Film and Television School’s expansion plans and growth ambitions, as part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy. As one of the world’s leading institutions for film, television and games, the NFTS plays a vital role in developing the UK’s creative talent. Our investment underscores our commitment to skills development and sector growth, and we’re excited to see future generations benefit from the school’s outstanding work.

    Jon Wardle, Director, National Film and Television School, said:

    The real world impact of the Sector Plan in action will be felt through the NFTS’s expanded ability to train world-class, diverse talent and fuel growth in a sector where the UK is a global leader. In a challenging climate for the creative industries, the support from the government isn’t just welcome, it’s strategic.  This investment in the NFTS reinforces a commitment to skills, innovation, and the long-term future of the creative economy.

    Wayne Garvie, President International Production, Sony Pictures Television, said:

    The NFTS is an unparalleled training ground for British creativity and it’s wonderful that the Government both recognises the importance of the film and television sector in its Industrial Strategy and the role the NFTS plays in developing the next generation of great British creative talent.

    Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said:

    Ambition, excellence and innovation are the golden threads that run through the work of our artists, musicians, dancers, actors, writers, directors and producers. It’s what we’re famous for here at home and on the international stage. This new plan highlights the breadth and brilliance of our nation’s creative professionals and cultural organisations. It provides a roadmap for supercharging the growth of our sector and for nurturing the next generation of British talent, creating jobs across the country and delighting audiences here and around the globe.

    Andrew Georgiou, President & Managing Director for Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, said:

    We welcome this announcement confirming the government’s commitment to invest £375 million to turbocharge the UK’s creative industries. Their mission to drive growth across the country, unlocking new jobs and enabling talent to thrive in every nation and region, strongly resonates with Warner Bros. Discovery. 

    We have a proud UK heritage – present for over 90 years, with a significant employee base which extends North to South across 5 cities. The UK is our biggest base outside of the US and, in our view, one of the best places in the world to do business. We remain committed to the UK and our ambition to grow and strengthen our sector and welcome the government’s announcement to do this. We look forward to a continued and productive relationship between Government and the industry.” 

    Alison Lomax, Managing Director for YouTube UK & Ireland, said: 

    We welcome the Creative Industries Sector Plan’s commitment to a robust framework for creatives across the UK. It’s particularly encouraging to see the government acknowledge the digital creator economy’s vital role in driving growth for our creative industries. By embracing new distribution models that boost our cultural exports, this vision will solidify the UK’s position as a global cultural superpower.

    Nick Poole OBE, Chief Executive, Ukie, said:

    On behalf of the UK’s world-leading video game and interactive entertainment sector, we welcome the measures set out today by the Government to supercharge our Creative Industries as part of the Industrial Strategy. Today’s announcement is both a validation of the huge cultural and economic impact of video games and an opportunity to show the world we are open for business.” 

    Stephen Woodford, CEO, Advertising Association, said:

    Our industry welcomes the recognition of advertising as a priority sector for growth in the Creative Industries Sector Plan – we are a world leader in creativity as proven by our successful performance once again at Cannes Lions this year. 

    This strategy is a platform for growth for the next decade across our regions and nations. We welcome the incentives to attract new talent to join our industry, and we commit to working together to strengthen work that helps businesses innovate, compete in the UK and internationally, and create jobs.

    Professor Christopher Smith, UKRI Creative Industries Champion, and Executive Chair of the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council, said:

    The creative industries are a powerful engine for growth in the UK economy but they are also vital for scientific advance. This Spending Review commits UKRI to a coherent and concerted strategic investment, from the UK’s national capability for the creative industries, CoSTAR, to the Creative Industries Clusters Programme and beyond.

    The deep synergies between creative content and the most cutting-edge science in universities and R&D intensive businesses across the UK place creative industries at the heart of UKRI’s commitment to excellent science for a growing economy.

    Professor Hasan Bakhshi MBE, Director of the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and Professor of Economics of the Creative Industries at Newcastle University, said:

    Today’s new Sector Plan for the creative industries sets out the Government’s priorities for the next 10 years, and the Creative PEC – thanks to our funder, the AHRC – stands ready to provide policymakers and industry with the data and evidence they need to enact it. 

    The commitment to increase public investment in creative industries R&D is especially important, alongside the prioritisation of the sector by the British Business Bank. Also welcome is HMRC’s clarification that arts activities that directly contribute to scientific advance by resolving scientific or technological uncertainties fall within the definition of R&D for R&D tax reliefs. Together these measures should have a catalytic effect in driving more private finance into the sector.

    Mel Sullivan, Chief Executive, Framestore, said:

    The UK is home to highly skilled and exceptionally creative artists, technologists, and thinkers who push the boundaries of what’s possible. The Creative Industries Sector Plan is a powerful show of support to those working in visual effects, film, TV, advertising, and immersive experiences. It will release unlocked potential and open doors to a new wave of talent across the country, giving them the confidence to build their skills, ideas, and innovations here, cementing the UK’s position as a global leader for years to come.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to the R&D elements of the Industrial Strategy

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on R&D elements of the Industrial Strategy, published by the Department for Business and Trade. 

    Prof Siddharthan Chandran, Director of the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: 

    “Today’s Industrial Strategy is an important milestone in delivering an internationally competitive package that realises the UK’s potential as a global leader in research and innovation. 

    “The plan rightly demonstrates a strong commitment to long-term investment that will make the most of UK innovations, driving growth across the country. It is right that we forge ahead and double down on our backing for R&D by creating the most attractive environment for innovative research. At the UK Dementia Research Institute, we know that a globally competitive system which supports academic-industry partnerships and spinouts is the way to build a culture of translating research into health and wealth impact. This is about building capacity, recruiting and retaining talent, attracting investment, and accelerating delivery for people living with dementia. 

    “We look forward to seeing this built on in the upcoming Life Sciences Sector Plan and 10 Year Health Plan. By harnessing the UK’s scientific excellence and NHS research capability we can deliver growth for the economy and build toward a future of healthy brain ageing for all.”

    Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:

    “We are delighted to see the announcement of new skills packages for tech, engineering and defence, recognising that the Industrial Strategy’s objectives simply cannot be delivered without a significant boost to investment in our engineering and tech talent base. These packages provide a much-needed opportunity for government to take a holistic view of the rapidly changing skills landscape, and to work with partners across industry and professional bodies to make sure the UK tackles its longstanding skills and diversity deficits in these crucial areas. Today is International Women in Engineering Day – a reminder that we still have much to do to deliver equitable participation in these high-value jobs, and better outcomes for people from all parts of the UK.

    “The Royal Academy of Engineering looks forward to supporting government in taking forward these recommendations, including through our new Skills Centre. We also welcome the publication of the Technology Adoption Review and hope that this will result in meaningful action to increase the capacity of the UK’s industrial base and public sector to deploy existing technologies at the scale and pace demanded in today’s tech-driven world.”

    ‘The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy’ was published by the Department for Business and Trade at 9am UK time on Monday 23rd June 2025.

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-strategy

     

    Declared interests

    The nature of this story means everyone quoted above could be perceived to have a stake in it. As such, our policy is not to ask for interests to be declared – instead, they are implicit in each person’s affiliation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China to attend Summer Davos 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the 16th annual meeting of emerging world leaders of the World Economic Forum (WEF), also known as “Summer Davos”, in north China’s Tianjin from June 24 to 25, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Monday.

    Li Qiang will attend the opening ceremony of the meeting and deliver a special speech there, as well as meet with foreign guests and talk with representatives of foreign business circles, the Chinese diplomat added.

    According to him, the event will be attended by the President of Ecuador Daniel Noboa, the Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev, the Prime Minister of Senegal Ousmane Sonko and the Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Trinh.

    More than 1,700 representatives from political, business, academic and media circles from over 90 countries and regions will also attend the meeting, Guo Jiakun concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Call for nominations of board members of SAIDS

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton Mckenzie, has called for nominations for independent, suitably qualified persons with knowledge of anti-doping in sport for appointment as board members of the South African Institute for Drug-free Sport (SAIDS).

    Nominees should be in possession of a relevant degree or equivalent qualifications and more than five years of professional experience in any of the following fields: law, sports medicine, sport management, sport science or law enforcement.

    Nominees should also demonstrate knowledge of corporate governance and familiarity with the King IV and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA); understand policy implementation; familiarity with anti-doping issues and trends; strong ethical values and principles and professional respect and recognition by peers in their occupational field.

    The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has encouraged applications from women, youth, and persons with disabilities in line with the government’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.

    “The term of office for the Board is for a period of five years, commencing from the date of appointment in 2025 until 2030. The remuneration will be made in accordance with Treasury guidelines for public entities,” the department said on Monday.

    Anyone wishing to nominate persons to serve as members of South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport should submit the following:

    • A letter containing full names, address and telephone numbers of the nominee, giving reasons for nomination;
    • Recently updated Curriculum Vitae of the nominee, including three contactable references;
    • A brief statement signed by the nominee explaining his/her suitability for appointment.
    • Copies of qualifications and ID document.

    Nominations are to reach the Acting Director-General of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture by closing date of 6 July 2025 via e-mail to: BoardNominations.SAIDS@dsac.gov.za.

    No nomination will be considered unless all the above are included. Correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates.

    If you have not been contacted withing three months of the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

    Enquiries can be directed to Mr Kgaogelo Phasha on 066 301 4653 or via email at Kgaogelop@dsac.gov.za.

    Further information can be obtained from the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport’s website www.drugfreesport.org.za. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Powering Britain’s Future

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Powering Britain’s Future

    Electricity costs for businesses – including potentially hundreds in Scotland – to be slashed as Industrial Strategy launched to unlock investment and new jobs

    More than 7,000 British businesses are set to see their electricity bills slashed by up to 25% from 2027, as the Government unveils its bold new Industrial Strategy today [Monday 23 June].

    The modern Industrial Strategy sets out a ten-year plan to boost investment, create good skilled jobs and make Britain the best place to do business by tackling two of the biggest barriers facing UK industry – high electricity prices and long waits for grid connections.

    British manufacturers currently pay some of the highest electricity prices in the developed world while businesses looking to expand or modernise have faced delays when it comes to connecting to the grid.

    For too long these challenges have held back growth and made it harder for British firms to compete. Today’s announcement marks a decisive shift — with government stepping in to support industry and unlock the UK’s economic potential.

    From 2027, the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt hour for over 7,000 electricity-intensive businesses in manufacturing sectors like automotive, aerospace and chemicals. Hundreds of Scottish businesses could be in line to benefit.

    These firms, which support over 300,000 skilled jobs, will be exempt from paying levies such as the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market — helping level the playing field and make them more internationally competitive. Eligibility and further details on the exemptions will be determined following consultation, which will be launched shortly.

    The government is also increasing support for the most energy-intensive firms — like steel, chemicals, and glass — by covering more of the electricity network charges they normally have to pay through the British Industry Supercharger. These businesses currently get a 60% discount on those charges, but from 2026, that will increase to 90%. This means their electricity bills will go down, helping them stay competitive, protect jobs, and invest in the future.

    This will help around 500 eligible businesses in sectors such as steel, ceramics and glass reduce their costs and protect jobs in industries that are the backbone of our economy and will be delivered at no additional cost to the taxpayer. The support for steel manufacturing is crucial as it’s a critical enabling industry for Scotland’s world leading defence and renewable energy sectors.

    These reforms complement the government’s long-term mission for clean power, which is the only way to bring down bills for good by ending the UK’s dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets.

    To ensure businesses can grow and hire without delay, the government will also deliver a new Connections Accelerator Service to streamline grid access for major investment projects — including prioritising those that create high-quality jobs and deliver significant economic benefits.

    We will work closely with the energy sector, local authorities, Scottish and Welsh Governments, trade unions, and industry to design this service, which we expect to begin operating at the end of 2025. New powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently before parliament, could also allow the Government to reserve grid capacity for strategically important projects, cutting waiting times and unlocking growth in key sectors.

    The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create 1.1 million good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on this government’s Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.

    In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change.

    This is how we power Britain’s future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.

    Scottish Secretary Ian Murray today visited a new industrial development in East Lothian, on the site of a former coal-fired power station. The redevelopment site is partly funded by an £11 million UK Government investment, and includes the construction of a new interconnecter to take power from the Inchcape offshore wind farm to the National Grid. 

    Also joint Department for Business and Trade/HM Treasury Minister for Investment, Baroness Poppy Gustafsson, will meet senior figures from Dundee’s life sciences and tech, gaming, and creative sectors later. 

    Speaking ahead of his visit Mr Murray said:

    Scotland is rightly at the heart of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy with our businesses and expertise integral to further creating jobs and economic growth through the eight sectors identified.

    Advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative Industries, defence, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences and professional and business services, Scotland excels at them all. But we have the potential to go much further. And by slashing electricity costs for Scottish businesses, increasing business investment and cutting red tape the UK Government is helping turbocharge the economy, create jobs and put more money in the pockets of working Scots as part of our Plan for Change.

    We have a proud industrial heritage and with this new comprehensive 10 year strategy Scotland and the wider UK has an exciting future.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    The UK has some of the most innovative businesses in the world and our Plan for Change has provided them with the stability they need to grow and for more to be created.

    Today’s Industrial Strategy builds on that progress with a ten-year plan to slash barriers to investment. It’ll see billions of pounds for investment and cutting-edge tech, ease energy costs, and upskill the nation. It will ensure the industries that make Britain great can thrive. It will boost our economy and create jobs that put more money in people’s pockets.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    We’ve said from day one Britain is back in business under this government, and the £100 billion of investment we’ve secured in the past year shows our Plan for Change is already delivering for working people.

    Our Modern Industrial Strategy will ensure the UK is the best country to invest and do business, delivering economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets and pays for our NHS, schools and military.

    Not only does this Strategy prioritise investment to attract billions for new business sites, cutting-edge research, and better transport links, it will also make our industrial electricity prices more competitive.

    Tackling energy costs and fixing skills has been the single biggest ask of us from businesses and the greatest challenge they’ve faced – this government has listened, and now we’re taking the bold action needed. Government and business working hand in hand to make working people better off is what this Government promised and what we will deliver.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    For too long high electricity costs have held back British businesses, as a result of our reliance on gas sold on volatile international markets.

    As part of our modern industrial strategy we’re unlocking the potential of British industry by slashing industrial electricity prices in key sectors.

    We’re also doubling down on our clean power strengths with increased investment in growth industries from offshore wind to nuclear. This will deliver on our clean power mission and Plan for Change to bring down bills for households and businesses for good.

    The Supercharger and British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will be funded through reforms to the energy system. The government is reducing costs within the system to free up funding without raising household bills or taxes and intends to also use additional funds from the strengthening of UK carbon pricing, including as a result of linking with the EU carbon market.

    We have set out an intention to link emissions trading systems, as part of our new agreement with the European Union to support British businesses. Without an agreement to do this, British industry would have to pay the EU’s carbon tax.

    We intend to link our carbon pricing system with the EU’s, we will ensure that money stays in the UK—which allows us to support British companies and British jobs through these schemes.

    Building on the Spending Review and the recently announced 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, the Industrial Strategy is the latest step forward in our plans to deliver national renewal. It will include targeted support for the areas of the country and economy that have the greatest potential to grow, while introducing reforms that will make it easier for all businesses to get ahead.

    The Strategy’s bold plan of action includes:

    • Slash electricity costs by up to 25% from 2027 for electricity-intensive manufacturers in our growth sectors and foundational industries in their supply chain, bringing costs more closely in line with other major economies in Europe.

    • Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs by increasing British Business Bank financial capacity to £25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital. This includes an additional £4bn for Industrial Strategy Sectors, crowding in billions more in private capital. By investing largely through venture funds, the BBB will back the UK’s most high-growth potential companies.

    • Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators. 

    • Supporting 5,500 more SMEs to adopt new technology through the Made Smarter programme while centralising government support in one place through the Business Growth Service.

    • Boosting R&D spending to £22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8, with more than £2bn for AI over the Spending Review, and £2.8bn for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years. This will leverage in billions more from private investors. Regulatory changes will further clear the path for fast-growing industries and innovative products such as biotechnology, AI, and autonomous vehicles.

    • Attracting elite global talent to our key sectors, via visa and migration reforms and the new Global Talent Taskforce.

    • Deepening economic and industrial collaboration with our partners, building on our Industrial Strategy Partnership with Japan and recent deals with the US, India, and the EU.

    • Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness.

    • Supporting the UK’s city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator, at six locations to be chosen across the UK, enhanced regional support from the Office for Investment, National Wealth Fund, and British Business Bank, and more, including  with the Scottish Government to support the Edinburgh-Glasgow Central Belt.

    • Strengthening existing “Industrial Strategy Zones” – in Scotland these are the Forth Green Freeport, Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, Glasgow City Region and the North East Scotland Investment Zones – with an enhanced offer of streamlined planning, better-targeted investment promotion, support for accessing concessionary finance and coordinated support on skills.

    • Delivering AI Growth Zones to attract investment in AI infrastructure in strategic locations across the UK, including Scotland, with support for planning, access to energy, and partnerships with the private sector.

    • Growing high-potential innovation ecosystems through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, with at least £30m for Scotland, building on UK-wide public R&D investment and Innovate UK’s joint action plans with devolved governments.

    • Identifying and securing the right financing for investment projects in Scotland with the National Wealth Fund, working with the Scottish National Investment Bank.  

    • Using a British Business Bank Cluster Champion in Glasgow City Region, with deep expertise and local knowledge, to coordinate investment-readiness programmes, strengthen financial networks, and connect high-potential firms to investors.

    The plan focuses on 8 sectors where the UK is already strong and there’s potential for faster growth: Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services, Life Sciences, and Professional and Business Services. Each growth sector has a bespoke 10-year plan that will attract investment, enable growth and create high-quality, well-paid jobs.

    Dame Clare Barclay DBE, Chair of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council and President of Enterprise & Industry EMEA at Microsoft said:

    I welcome today’s Industrial Strategy, which sets out a clear plan to back the UK’s growth driving sectors. It is particularly positive to see the strong focus on skills in areas such as engineering, technology and defence. Commitments such as £187 million for the TechFirst programme will ensure the UK has the skills it needs to support our growth industries and seize transformative opportunities like AI.

    Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive, CBI said:

    Today’s Industrial Strategy announcement is a significant leap forward in the partnership between government and business that sets us on the path to our shared goal of raising living standards across the country.  

    It sends an unambiguous, positive signal about the nation’s global calling card as well as the direction of travel for the wider economy for the next decade and beyond.

    The CBI has long been advocating for a comprehensive industrial strategy, based on the UK’s USP – the sectors and markets where we can compete to win on the global stage.

    More competitive energy prices, fast-tracked planning decisions and backing innovation will provide a bedrock for growth. But the global race to attract investment will require a laser-like and unwavering focus on the UK’s overall competitiveness. 

    Today marks the beginning of delivering this strategy in close partnership, at pace, and with a shared purpose. 

    Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO at Make UK said:

    British industry has been in desperate need for a government who understands our sector and had the strategic vision for a plan for growth. Today’s Industrial Strategy is a giant and much needed step forward taken by the Secretary of State who has seen the potential and provided the keys to help unlock it.

    Make UK has led the campaign for a new industrial strategy for many years, highlighting the three major challenges that were diminishing our competitiveness, hampering growth and frustrating productivity gains: a skills crisis, crippling energy costs and, an inability to access capital for new British innovators.

    The strategy announced today sets out plans to address all three of these structural failings. Clearly there is much to do as we move towards implementation but, this will send a message across the Country and around the world that Britain is back in business.

    Tufan Erginbilgic, Rolls-Royce CEO, said:

    The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy commitment to support our world-leading aerospace and nuclear industries shows long-term strategic foresight. Rolls-Royce’s highly differentiated technologies in gas turbines and nuclear capabilities- including SMRs and AMRs- are uniquely placed to deliver economic growth, skilled jobs and attract investment into the UK.

    Mike Hawes OBE, SMMT Chief Executive said:

    The publication of an Industrial Strategy – one with automotive at its heart – is the policy framework the sector has long-sought and Government has now addressed. Such a strategy – long-term, aligned to a trade strategy and supported by all of Government – is the basis on which the UK automotive sector can regain its global competitiveness. Making the UK the best place to invest now depends on implementation, and implementation at pace, because investment decisions are being made now against a backdrop of fierce competition and geopolitical uncertainty. The number one priority must be addressing the UK’s high cost of energy, enabling the sector to invest in the technologies, the products and the people that will give the UK its competitive edge. 

    Five sector plans have been published today:

    • Advanced Manufacturing – Backing our Advanced Manufacturing sector with up to £4.3 billion in funding, including up to £2.8 billion in R&D over the next five years, with the aim of anchoring supply chains in the UK – from increasing vehicle production to 1.35 million, to leading the next generation of technologies for zero emission flight. Glasgow is a global force in advanced manufacturing –  home to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District and globally competitive universities, the city region has strengths across defence, space and quantum. Edinburgh houses the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University and the Roslin Institute, which is a leading Agri-Tech research centre. 

    • Clean Energy Industries – Doubling investment in Clean Energy Industries by 2035, with Aberdeen-headquartered Great British Energy helping to build the clean power revolution in Britain with a further £700 million in clean energy supply chains, taking the total funding for the Great British Energy Supply Chain fund to £1 billion. We are supporting Scottish clean energy industries with £200 million development funding to advance the Acorn Carbon Capture and Storage project, capitalising on expertise in the oil and gas sector around Aberdeen. Up to £185 million has been allocated to Scotland through the Clean Industry Bonus, unlocking up to £3.5 billion private sector investment in ports and high-tech components needed to build floating and fixed offshore wind farms. Aberdeen is a global energy capital boasting new investment in hydrogen, with its pioneering Energy Transition Zone repositioning the North East as a globally integrated energy cluster.  A new regional skills pilot for Aberdeen will also help ensure a strong local skills base to deliver these opportunities.

    • Creative Industries – Maximizing the value of our Creative Industries through a £380 million boost for film and TV, video games, advertising and marketing, music and visual and performing arts will improve access to finance for scale-ups and increase R&D, skills and exports. It includes a £30 million Games Growth Package to back the next generation of UK video games studios – a sector in which Scotland is world leading. Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee are centres for creative industries. The Edinburgh Festivals incubate creative talent, whilst Edinburgh Futures Institute drives innovation.

    • Digital and Technologies – Making the UK the European leader for creating and scaling Digital and Technology businesses, with more than £2 billion to drive the AI Action Plan, including a new Sovereign AI Programme, £187 million for training one million young people in tech skills and targeting R&D investment at frontier technologies such as quantum technologies in Scotland. Scotland is home to two of the UK’s five new Quantum Hubs, with involvement in all five. Ten of the top 30 global semiconductor companies have operations in Scotland. Scotland is also home to cutting edge AI research network and R&D infrastructure – Edinburgh Genome Biofoundry and Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre. An up to £750m investment in the UK’s largest supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh sets a marker for our ambition for further growth in digital & technologies.

    • Professional and Business Services – Ensuring our Professional and Business Services becomes the world’s most trusted adviser to global industry, revolutionising the sector across the world through adoption of UK-grown AI and working to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements overseas. Scotland’s financial services sector, second only to London, features a cutting-edge Fintech scene. Over 25% of Glasgow’s top tech firms are in financial & business services, attracting major firms such as Azets and RSM. This is anchored by a highly capable workforce, supported by a world-class skills ecosystem and universities.
       

    The Industrial Strategy will be published on GOV.UK later today.

    The Defence, Financial Services and Life Sciences sector plans will be published shortly.

    The 7,000 businesses are an indicative estimate of how many businesses could be in scope of the scheme. The full scope and eligibility of the scheme will be determined following consultation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: [MCR2030 Webinar] Using MCR2030 Dashboard to Strengthen Engagement with Cities

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Date: 22 July 2025 (Tuesday)
    Time: 09:00 Brasilia | 14:00 Geneva | 15:00 Nairobi | 19:00 Bangkok | 21:00 Incheon
    Duration: 60 minutes
    Event Language: English with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish and Portuguese

    Description

    The Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) initiative is a global partnership that supports cities in strengthening disaster and climate resilience. A key tool available for its cities and partners is the MCR2030 dashboard, an online platform designed to help cities assess their resilience, share insights, and monitor progress along the resilience roadmap. The dashboard also facilitates city’s access to useful tools and resources provided by MCR2030 service providers which further support cities in achieving their resilience goals in line with broader global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework, the Paris Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

    To better understand how MCR2030 participating entities have benefited from using the dashboard in connecting with cities, a survey was conducted in April 2025 by the MCR2030 Global Secretariat. The survey explored how frequently the dashboard is used, its perceived usefulness, and the barriers or challenges that may have hindered its usage. The survey findings showed that while the dashboard is widely recognized, many entities revealed limited understanding of the available functions of the dashboard and how it can be utilized to support connection with cities.

    In response to this, a one-hour webinar is planned with an aim to strengthen participating entities’ understanding and use of the MCR2030 dashboard. The session will provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the dashboard key features with live demonstration on how to use specific functions available to participating entities. It will also feature practical use cases by MCR2030 participating entities in strengthening city engagement.

    By the end of the session, attendees are expected to gain greater confidence in navigating the dashboard and enhance its usage to maximize potential engagement with cities and support local resilience efforts.
     

    Targeted Audience:

    Participation in this webinar is by invitation only, with current MCR2030 participating entities as the primary audience. 

    For any other interested parties, please contact [email protected]

    Organizers:

    • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Global Education and Training Institute (UNDRR GETI)
    • Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030)
       

    About the organizers

    UNDRR Global Education and Training Institute (UNDRR GETI)

    UNDRR GETI was established in 2010 to develop a new cadre of professionals in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation to build disaster resilient societies. GETI has a global mandate to provide capacity building support to mainstream disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation into sustainable development; convene and support inter-city learning to strengthen resilience (Making Cities Resilient); and to provide capacity building and best practice sharing support to national training institutions working on resilience issues. Based in Incheon, the Republic of Korea, UNDRR GETI is also the global secretariat of the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030). 

    For more information: https://www.undrr.org/about-undrr-where-we-work/incheon

    Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030)

    The Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) is a unique cross-stakeholder initiative for improving local resilience through advocacy, sharing knowledge and experiences, establishing mutually reinforcing city-to-city learning networks, injecting technical expertise, connecting multiple layers of government and building partnerships.  Through delivering a clear 3-stage roadmap to urban resilience, providing tools, access to knowledge, monitoring and reporting tools. MCR2030 will support cities on their journey to reduce risk and build resilience. MCR2030 aims to ensure cities become inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable by 2030, contributing directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG11) “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”, and other global frameworks including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement and the New Urban Agenda.  

    For more information: https://mcr2030.undrr.org

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Right Committee Opens One Hundred and Forty-Fourth Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Human Right Committee this morning opened its one hundred and forty-fourth session, during which it will examine the reports of Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain and Viet Nam on their implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

    In her opening remarks, Sara Hamood, Chief of the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section within the Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, said this session was taking place in extremely challenging times for human rights globally. 

    Quoting the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ opening remarks at the current Human Rights Council session, she expressed concern about “spiralling conflicts”, “social tensions”, “widespread discrimination” and “attacks on the international institutions that underpin our rights, including the International Criminal Court”, as well as about funding cuts affecting the Office of the High Commissioner, the human rights mechanisms, and civil society partners.  The High Commissioner appealed for the strongest possible defence of international law and human rights, emphasising that human rights provided stability and security in troubled times and that they were guardrails on power, especially when it was unleashed in its most brutal forms.

    On 17 June, the High Commissioner presented to the Council his annual report (A/HRC/59/20), in which he stressed that the “global consensus around international norms and institutions continues to face serious threats”.  He stated that “in this troubled and turbulent context, a global coalition is needed to demonstrate an unequivocal commitment, anchored in human rights, to international order and the rule of law.”

    Last week, the Council also held interactive dialogues with Special Procedures.  The Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association presented her report on the “impact of the 2023-2025 ‘super election’ cycle on the rights of peaceful assembly and association” (A/HRC59/44).  The Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression presented her report on “freedom of expression and elections in the digital age” (A/HRC/59/50). 

    Ms. Hamood said this year marked the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the first international human rights treaty adopted by the General Assembly on 21 December 1965. This year’s commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was dedicated to this important anniversary.  There needed to be a renewed commitment to the Convention, stronger implementation, and inclusive dialogue to advance racial justice.  A series of global events were being held to mark the occasion, including commemorations in New York and Geneva.  As part of this initiative, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination would host a commemorative event on 4 December.

    While recent years had seen growing momentum for racial justice, a rollback on racial justice commitments was now being seen in some contexts, Ms. Hamood said.  Despite significant progress, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination’s promise remained unfulfilled for many.  Racism and white supremacy continued to poison communities, politics, media and online platforms.  Racism was manifested in many ways, including through violations of civil and political rights.  The Human Rights Committee needed to continue its important contribution to the fight against racism; the work of the anti-racism mechanisms would prove helpful in this regard.

    Addressing the financial crisis in the human rights system, Ms. Hamood said that for treaty bodies with three annual sessions, including the Human Rights Committee, the Office of the High Commissioner would not be able to secure the funding to hold their third sessions this year.  The Office received only 73 per cent of its approved regular budget in 2025, a further decrease from the 87 per cent of its approved regular budget received in 2024.  As most of these funds were needed to cover contractual liabilities, particularly staff costs, the amount available for meetings and activities was simply inadequate. Next year also risked seeing a continuation of this trend.

    The liquidity situation was a system-wide crisis.  The United Nations Office at Geneva’s Conference Services had also faced dramatic cuts, leading it to adopt cash conservative measures that would impact the conference support provided to the human rights treaty bodies, particularly in terms of documentation, meeting time and interpretation.  It was called on to reduce official meetings and documentation by 10 per cent.

    Ms. Hamood said reductions of the allotments would impact the treaty bodies’ ability to hold dialogues with States parties and to take decisions on individual communications, resulting in further delays and backlogs.  Another area where cuts were being made was in treaty body capacity building activities, which provided valuable support for States to report to and interact with the treaty bodies.  All this caused real damage to the predictability of the reporting cycle, which was critically important to enable States, civil society organizations and right holders to engage effectively with the treaty bodies.  Ms. Hamood expressed regret that, given the overall reduction in funds and availability of support services, business as usual was no longer possible.

    She reported that the thirty-seventh annual meeting of the Chairs of the human rights treaty bodies took place in Geneva from 2 to 6 June 2025.  An overarching theme addressed in considerable depth was the United Nations liquidity crisis and how it was impacting the effective discharge of the mandates of the treaty bodies.  The Chairs also discussed how to create synergies between human rights mechanisms as well as regional mechanisms, the progress made on the alignment of their working methods and practices, and the implementation of the guidelines on the independence and impartiality of members of the human rights treaty bodies.

    Ms. Hamood said the Committee had a busy agenda ahead of it, including seven State party reviews, the consideration and adoption of 10 lists of issues prior to reporting, as well as several individual communications under the Optional Protocol.  It would also hold briefings with various stakeholders, each of which was a vital opportunity to stem the local but also global assault on human rights and their defenders.  She closed by wishing the Committee a successful and productive session.

    Changrok Soh, Committee Chair, said the Committee was particularly interested in the commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Convention against Racial Discrimination.  Racial discrimination was an issue often dealt with by the Committee, as it often manifested itself in violations of civil and political rights.  The Committee would continue to scrutinise the state of racial discrimination under its mandated activities.  The Committee took inspiration from Ms. Hamood’s statement, as next year would mark the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Covenant, Mr. Soh noted.

    The Committee then adopted its agenda and programme of work for the session.

    Hélène Tigroudja, Committee Vice Chair and Chair of the working group on communications, presented the report on the group’s activities for the one hundred and fortieth session. She said that the format of the group’s work had been adjusted, with three days dedicated to discussions on communications prior to the session.  These were not enough to assess all the communications before the Committee. However, the working group had done tremendous work in a spirit of solidarity.

    Ms. Tigroudja said that, of the 21 documents submitted for consideration, it discussed 18 and adopted 16. The Committee had continued to append in a single document communications submitted against the same State party and concerning the same claims.  This enabled the group to review a total of 26 communications, covering, inter alia, participation in public affairs, the right to self-determination, freedom of expression in political and electoral processes, political representation of indigenous peoples, racial discrimination, arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment in detention, and non-refoulement.  The communications examined were submitted between 2015 and 2023 and concerned 13 States parties covering different continents and regions.

    Following its discussions, and pending the finalisation of its work this week, the working group submitted to the plenary 10 communications with a finding of inadmissibility and six communications with a finding of violation of the rights of the Covenant, Ms. Tigroudja reported.  Five communications were still to be examined this week.  She thanked all those who had worked hard to facilitate the holding of the condensed working group, including the petitions unit, which prepared draft decisions.

    Preparation of draft decisions in advance of plenary meetings was an absolute necessity, and one of the fundamental tasks entrusted to the Committee by States through the Optional Protocol, Ms. Tigroudja said.  Individual communications were an important part of the Committee’s raison d’être. A session without draft decisions previously discussed, reviewed and finalised in working groups and in person would lead to a decrease in the quality and effectiveness of the Committee’s work, and moreover a denial of justice for victims seeking to denounce violations of their rights, she concluded.

    A Committee Expert thanked the working group for its work, and expressed concern about the financial situation, which impeded the holding of pre-sessional working groups, and had caused the cancellation of the third session of the Committee.  She thanked all Committee members for their efforts to maintain the Committee’s work in these difficult circumstances.

    The working group’s report was adopted.

    The Human Rights Committee’s one hundred and forty-fourth session is being held from 23 June to 17 July 2025.  All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 24 June, to begin its consideration of the third periodic report of Kazakhstan (CCPR/C/KAZ/3).

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

    CCPR25.009E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister welcomes launch of Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Minister welcomes launch of Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre 

    The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has hailed the newly launched Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre as a powerful tool for environmental education.

    The world-class facility merges science, culture, and conservation to celebrate South Africa’s rich prehistoric heritage.

    Visitors at the centre can explore the earth’s ancient history while being inspired to protect its future, the Minister said at the centre’s launch on Sunday.

    It is located at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State province.

    “This centre is not just a building. It’s a living window into our prehistoric past, and a powerful tool for education, inclusion and inspiration. For decades, the sandstone rock formations of this region have attracted palaeontologists from around the world. But one discovery, right here in this park, changed everything.

    “From that moment, the vision began to grow. And today, that vision stands before us in the form of a world-class facility that will open a window to the past while speaking powerfully to the present,” the Minister said.

    Inside the centre, visitors will journey through time, exploring South Africa’s rich fossil record, learning about earth’s evolutionary history, and understanding the fragile balance of biodiversity that must be protected.

    “And in uniquely local touch, the exhibition ends with the legend of Kgodumodumo, the Basotho monster believed by cattle herders to have left giant footprints across the land. It’s a beautiful reminder that science and folklore both hold space in our shared understanding of the world.

    “This project reflects the department’s deep commitment to environmental education and community-rooted conservation. It will serve as a source of pride for surrounding communities, a space o learning for schools and researchers, and a place of wonder for future generations,” the Minister explained.

    The Department of Tourism launched the centre in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. Speaking at Sunday’s launch, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said that government is diversifying the country’s tourism attractions in order to grow tourism.

    READ | Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre set to grow tourism

    The two departments recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the centre to boost tourism in the Free State.

    The centre will offer visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of scientific knowledge (paleontological, archaeological and geological) with a broader appreciation of cultural heritage through interactive exhibitions.

    The centre is managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks), and it is envisaged that the facility will increase the bed occupancy and more activities for visitors to the park.
    -SAnews.gov.za

    nosihle

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister reaffirms SA’s position of former Zambian President’s burial

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Minister reaffirms SA’s position of former Zambian President’s burial

    While a state funeral would be an appropriate tribute to the legacy of the late former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, South Africa has acknowledged the legal obligation to respect the wishes expressed by the former President’s immediate family for him to be laid to rest in South Africa. 

    “In reaffirming the South African government’s position, Minister [Ronald] Lamola emphasised that a state burial in Zambia represents the most fitting tribute to honour Former President Lungu’s distinguished legacy and service to the Zambian nation,” the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement on Monday.   

    However, at the same time, the Minister acknowledged the legal obligation to respect the wishes expressed by the late former President’s immediate family for him to be laid to rest in South Africa. 

    Last week, the family of the late former President announced that he would be buried in a private ceremony in South Africa, following a dispute with the Zambian government regarding plans for a state funeral. 

    Former President Lungu passed away on 5 June 2025, in a local hospital in South Africa, after undergoing medical treatment. 

    READ | Condolences following the passing of former President of Zambia 

    In the meantime, Minister Lamola has stressed government’s commitment to addressing this sensitive matter with dignity, grace, and mutual respect, which are essential in honouring the memory of a respected statesman and the enduring bonds between South Africa and Zambia.

    The Minister spoke on Sunday, wrapping up a high-level diplomatic mission to Lusaka as the Presidential Special Envoy.
    Lamola was welcomed by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, to whom he conveyed President Ramaphosa’s heartfelt condolences on behalf of the South African government and its citizens.

    The Minister expressed solidarity with the Zambian government and people on the untimely passing of former President Lungu, assuring them of South Africa’s steadfast support during this period of national mourning.

    “The Minister extended prayers and sympathies to all affected by this loss and reiterated South Africa’s steadfast friendship with Zambia,” said the Ministry. – SAnews.gov.za

    Gabisile

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SANParks announces free entry to Kgodumodumo Centre

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    SANParks announces free entry to Kgodumodumo Centre

    Entry into the newly launched Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre in the Free State will be free to the public until 30 September 2025.

    In a statement, the South African National Parks (SANParks) said Sunday’s launch of the centre at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, marked a “significant date in the calendar of South Africa’s cultural heritage.”

    “The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre is a unique interactive facility that offers visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of world-class scientific knowledge in the paleontological, archaeological and geological disciplines.

    “In recognition of this significant development, South African National Parks announced that starting today [Sunday, 22 June 2025] until 30 September 2025 there will be free entry to the centre for all visitors,” said SANParks.

    As a result of this announcement, schools, tertiary students, communities adjacent to Golden Gate Highlands National Park and Thabo Mafutsenyane District Municipality residents will be amongst South Africans who stands to benefit from the offering.

    To qualify for entry visitors are required to present a valid identification document.

    The Department of Tourism launched the centre in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Speaking at Sunday’s launch, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said that government is diversifying the country’s tourism attractions in order to grow tourism.

    READ | Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre set to grow tourism

    Meanwhile, DFFE Minister, Dr Dion George, has hailed the Centre as a powerful tool for environmental education.

    The world-class facility merges science, culture, and conservation to celebrate South Africa’s rich prehistoric heritage.

    READ | Minister welcomes launch of Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre

    Visitors at the centre can explore the earth’s ancient history while being inspired to protect its future.

    The centre is managed by SANParks, and it is envisaged that the facility will increase the bed occupancy and more activities for visitors to the park. 

    The centre is set to be a key driver of local economic development, job creation and tourism growth in the eastern Free State. – SAnews.gov.za

    Edwin

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President concludes working visit to Russia

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Deputy President concludes working visit to Russia

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile has returned to South Africa after successfully concluding a working visit to Russia, which included engagements in Moscow and St. Petersburg, said the Presidency on Monday.

    His activities were focused on strengthening the bilateral trade and economic relations between South Africa and Russia.
    Deputy President Mashatile arrived in Moscow on Tuesday, 17 June 2025. 

    He was welcomed by Russia’s Deputy Head of State Protocol Andrei Milyaev, Deputy Director of the African Department Andrei Stotlarov, and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes. 

    The visit began in earnest with the Deputy President laying wreaths at the Mausoleum of Moses Kotane and J.B. Marks, located in the Novodevichy Cemetery, a United Nations Heritage Site in Moscow.

    Kotane and Marks were anti-apartheid activists who played pivotal roles in the South African Communist Party and the African National Congress. 

    Initially buried for years in Moscow, their remains were subsequently returned by the South African Government and reburied in the North West in 2015.

    In Moscow, Deputy President Mashatile met with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at the Russian House of the Government. 
    They discussed opportunities for enhancing bilateral political and economic cooperation between South Africa and Russia.
    The dialogue focused on various areas for further collaboration, including trade and investment, minerals and energy, agriculture, health, and education.

    Deputy President Mashatile travelled to St. Petersburg State University, where he delivered a public lecture on the theme “South Africa’s G20 Presidency in a Rapidly Changing Geopolitical Environment.” 

    The audience for the lecture included faculty professors, students, members of the academic community, as well as media representatives and members of the diplomatic corps.

    READ | Deputy President calls for solidarity as global landscape changes

    In St. Petersburg, the Deputy President visited President Vladimir Putin at the Constantine Palace, where they held bilateral meetings with the Russian delegation, which included Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

    The Deputy President expressed gratitude, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the citizens, for Russia’s support in the anti-apartheid struggle and its contributions to socio-economic emancipation beyond the achievement of freedom and democracy.

    “I have been tasked by the President to work tirelessly towards the translation of the strong foundation of our strategic relations into higher trade and economic ties for the mutual benefit of our countries and our people,” said the Deputy President.

    He delivered remarks during the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF’25), following President Putin’s address. 

    READ | SA supports the inclusion of more voices at SPIEF 

    In addition, the Deputy President spoke at the South African Trade and Investment Seminar at SPIEF’25, which was attended by business and government leaders from both Russia and South Africa.

    “We are pleased to note that through regular Parliamentary exchanges and engagements, we have been able to address common challenges, explore new opportunities for collaboration, and deepen our friendship,” he said.

    The Deputy President also met with the Chairman of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin. 

    The Deputy President expressed his appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between the State Duma and South Africa throughout the years. 

    He emphasised the significance of parliamentary diplomacy as a means to enhance government initiatives, promote dialogue, and facilitate progress in trade and other sectors.

    He concluded his trip with a guided tour and site visit to the Port of St. Petersburg, where he met with the port’s leadership and workers.
    This site visit followed discussions by officials from Russia and South Africa during the 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). 

    During these talks, the two countries finalised their cooperation in the maritime sector and agreed to collaborate with participants from the logistics industry and port authorities of both nations to ensure the mutually beneficial use of port infrastructure.

    Deputy President Mashatile also had the opportunity to sit down with two major Russian television news networks, Russia Today and Sputnik Africa, where he reflected on some important insights from his working visit. 

    Key takeaways included a strong emphasis on enhancing economic cooperation in various sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy, mining, and collaboration in science and technology. – SAnews.gov.za

    Gabisile

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK The woolsack: seat of the Lord Speaker

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Introduced in the 14th century, the woolsack is thought to have been designed to reflect the economic importance of the wool trade in England. Today, it’s filled with wool from Britain and across the Commonwealth. Discover the history and significance of the seat of the Lord Speaker with Curator of the Historic Furniture and Decorative Arts Collection, Eloise.

    Watch the full film on the House of Lords YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7PSkYx-5KM&feature=youtu.be

    Find out more about the role and work of the Lord Speaker https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/lord-speaker/

    The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It plays a crucial role in examining bills, questioning government action and investigating public policy. Find out more https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/

    If you’re interested in seeing it for yourself, why not book a tour of the Palace of Westminster? https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • X: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/houseoflords.parliament.uk
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Z92t9xDcGw0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: LGBTQIA+ Legal Guidebook launched in Philippines for Pride Month

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    LGBTQIA+ Legal Guidebook launched in Philippines for Pride Month

    The British Embassy Manila launched the LGBTQIA+ Legal Guidebook, reaffirming support for equality and human rights for the LGBTQIA+ community.

    Ambassador Laure Beaufils (centre) is presented with a reproduction of Justin Nuyda’s Search Mindscape: Pride during the British Embassy’s Pride Reception. From right: Rhadem Musawah, Mujer LGBT; Emmanuele Parra, TrustLaw; Ambassador Laure Beaufils; Ayni Nuda; and Toni Gee, Mujer LGBT

    British Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, hosted a Pride Reception reaffirming the UK’s commitment to advance human rights and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community.

    The event saw the launch of the Comprehensive LGBTQIA+ Legal Guidebook, which aims to equip LGBTQIA+ organisations, activists and advocates with knowledge and tools against unfair treatment and discrimination. The Guidebook was developed by Mujer LGBTQIA+ Organisation, in collaboration with TrustLaw, Thomson Reuters Foundation and SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan.

    The British Embassy supported the publication of the Guidebook, recognising its value as a practical resource designed to empower members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

    Rhadem Musawah from Mujer LGBT+ Organisation stated:

    This book is a product of almost two years of research, consultation and deep reflection. It includes key laws like the Anti-Terror Law, Safe Spaces Act and Anti-Discrimination Ordinances. More importantly, it provides clear, step-by-step guidance on what to do, where to go and who to call. It is practical, accessible and rooted in the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ groups on the ground. This is not just a legal tool—it is a lifeline. A product of struggle and survival.

    The reception also included a panel discussion with members from the LGBTQIA+ community who shared insights on the challenges they face. They discussed available tools and strategies to protect and support the LGBTQIA+ community and highlighted how the UK and other countries can help maintain progress on equal rights.

    Ambassador Beaufils reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support and commitment to championing LGBTQIA+. She stated:

    In a time when we are witnessing a roll back on rights across the world, it is crucial that we all work together in upholding the human rights, dignity and freedom of the LGBTQIA+ community.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Good Distribution Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain published

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Good Distribution Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain published

    The VMD has published the Good Distribution Practice (GDP) for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain, providing updated guidance for wholesale dealers.

    The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has published the Good Distribution Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain, providing updated guidance for wholesale dealers to ensure the safe and effective distribution of veterinary medicines.

    This new guidance outlines the minimum standards that wholesale dealers must meet to comply with their legal obligations under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR). It is designed to support the integrity of the supply chain and ensure that veterinary medicinal products are consistently stored, transported, and handled under suitable conditions.

    Key areas covered in the guidance include:

    • Quality management systems to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
    • Personnel responsibilities and training requirements.
    • Premises and equipment standards for storage and distribution.
    • Documentation and record-keeping to ensure traceability.
    • Handling of complaints, returns, and recalls to protect animal and public health.

    The GDP guidance is applicable to all holders of a Wholesale Dealer’s Authorisation (WDA) for veterinary medicinal products in Great Britain. It aligns with international best practices and reflects the VMD’s commitment to maintaining high standards in the veterinary medicines supply chain.

    Wholesale dealers are encouraged to review the guidance in full and ensure their operations are compliant. The VMD will use this guidance as a reference during inspections and compliance assessments.

    Access the Guidance

    The full Good Distribution Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain document is available to download from Good Distribution Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain.

    For further information or queries, please contact the VMD Inspections Team at inspections@vmd.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: USA: MAHMOUD KHALIL RELEASED 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    In response to a U.S. District Court Judge ordering Mahmoud Khalil to be released on bail, Amnesty International’s Americas Regional Director Ana Piquer said: 

    “After more than three months of unjust detention, Mahmoud Khalil has finally been granted his freedom to return home, embrace his wife, and hold his child.  His detention was not only unnecessary, but emblematic of a broader effort by the Trump administration to suppress solidarity with Palestinian people and weaponize the immigration system. Mahmoud was targeted for exercising his human rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. All of these rights must be respected in the United States and around the world, without exception. 

    After more than three months of unjust detention, Mahmoud Khalil has finally been granted his freedom to return home, embrace his wife, and hold his child.  His detention was not only unnecessary, but emblematic of a broader effort by the Trump administration to suppress solidarity with Palestinian people and weaponize the immigration system.

    Ana Piquer, Amnesty International’s Americas Regional Director.

    We remain deeply concerned by the escalating use of detention, intimidation, deportation, and disregard to right of due process, to silence protest and chill public debate in the United States. This is not just about one student, it is about the growing pattern of authoritarian practices by the Trump administration that undermine human rights. We urge the U.S. government to end the political targeting of students and other individuals based on their beliefs and to respect freedom of speech. Mahmoud’s detention is a stark reminder of the human rights that are at stake in the country, and we will continue to monitor his case.” 

    We urge the U.S. government to end the political targeting of students and other individuals based on their beliefs and to respect freedom of speech. Mahmoud’s detention is a stark reminder of the human rights that are at stake in the country, and we will continue to monitor his case.” 

    Ana Piquer, Amnesty International’s Americas Regional Director.

    Contact: [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • President Murmu attends National Students’ Convocation of ICMAI in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Droupadi Murmu, on Monday, graced the National Students’ Convocation of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) in New Delhi, where she underlined the importance of cost and management accountants in shaping India’s economic and sustainable future.

    In her address, the President said that accountants have traditionally enjoyed high regard in society owing to their intrinsic link to accountability. “Throughout our history, accountants have enjoyed high esteem in our society. The reason for that is that accounting and accountability are deeply connected. We value accountability; therefore, we attach special significance to accounting,” she said.

    Founded in 1944, the ICMAI has been a pivotal institution in the evolution of India’s post-Independence economy, she said, adding that its work often goes unrecognised in the public sphere but remains vital behind the scenes.

    “The ICMAI was founded in 1944 for the regulation and development of the profession of cost and management accountants in the country. That makes it a witness to the saga of India’s economic transformation after Independence. Not only a witness, in fact, it has been a very crucial player in making the Indian economy one of the strongest in the world today,” she added.

    President Murmu said that cost and management accountants today serve not only in factories, but also in corporate boardrooms. Their expertise, she noted, contributes directly to policymaking and the development of cost-efficient systems for both government and private institutions.

    Highlighting the growing responsibilities of the profession, the President observed that sustainability has become an unavoidable imperative in contemporary corporate life. “The world is facing the crisis of climate change. Sustainability is no longer a slogan; it has become a necessity. That time is over when corporate organisations worked solely with the profit motive. Now they have to keep the environmental costs in mind. And this is where CMAs, with their skills, can bring about a great change in the future of the planet,” she said.

    Addressing the graduating students, President Murmu urged them to view their careers through the lens of national service and development. “As cost accountants, you are uniquely positioned to contribute to India’s transformation into a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” she said.

  • MIL-OSI Security: New INTERPOL report warns of sharp rise in cybercrime in Africa

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    Two-thirds of African member countries said cyber-related offences accounted for a medium-to-high share of all crimes

    • Cybercrime accounts for more than 30 per cent of all reported crime in Western and Eastern Africa.
    • Online scams, ransomware, business email compromise and digital sextortion are the most reported cyberthreats.
    • 90 per cent of African countries report needing ‘significant improvement’ in law enforcement or prosecution capacity.

    LYON, France: A growing share of reported crimes in Africa is cyber-related, according to INTERPOL’s 2025 Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report.

    Two-thirds of the Organization’s African member countries surveyed said that cyber-related crimes accounted for a medium-to-high share of all crimes, rising to 30 per cent in Western and Eastern Africa.

    Online scams, particularly through phishing, were the most frequently reported cybercrimes in Africa, while ransomware, business email compromise (BEC) and digital sextortion also remain widespread.

    Neal Jetton, INTERPOL Cybercrime Director, said:

    “This fourth edition of the INTERPOL African Cyberthreat Assessment provides a vital snapshot of the current situation, informed by operational intelligence, extensive law enforcement engagement and strategic private-sector collaboration. It paints a clear picture of a threat landscape in flux, with emerging dangers like AI-driven fraud that demand urgent attention. No single agency or country can face these challenges alone.”

    Ambassador Jalel Chelba, Acting Executive Director of AFRIPOL, said:

    “Cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue; it has become a fundamental pillar of stability, peace, and sustainable development in Africa. It directly concerns the digital sovereignty of states, the resilience of our institutions, citizen trust and the proper functioning of our economies.”

    Africa’s top cyberthreats

    In the past year, suspected scam notifications rose by up to 3,000 per cent in some African countries, according to data from Kaspersky – one of several private sector partners that works with INTERPOL’s cybercrime directorate.

    Ransomware detections in Africa also rose in 2024, with South Africa and Egypt suffering the highest number, at 17,849 and 12,281 detections respectively according to data from Trend Micro, followed by other highly digitized economies such as Nigeria (3,459) and Kenya (3,030).

    Incidents included attacks on critical infrastructure, such as a breach at Kenya’s Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and on government databases, such as hacks of Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

    BEC-related incidents also rose significantly, with 11 African nations accounting for the majority of BEC activity originating on the continent. In West Africa, BEC fraud has driven highly organized, multi-million-dollar criminal enterprises, such as transnational syndicate Black Axe.

    Sixty per cent of African member countries reported an increase in reports of digital sextortion, where threat actors use sexually explicit images to blackmail their targets. The images can be authentic – shared voluntarily or obtained through coercion or deception – or they can be generated by artificial intelligence.

    Law enforcement challenges

    Cybercrime continues to outpace the legal systems designed to stop it, according to African law enforcement. Seventy-five per cent of countries surveyed said their legal frameworks and prosecution capacity needed improvement.

    At the same time, countries also reported struggling to enforce the existing laws on cybercrime, with 95 per cent of respondents reported inadequate training, resource constraints and a lack of access to specialized tools.

    Despite rising caseloads, most African member countries surveyed still lack essential IT infrastructure to combat cybercrime. Just 30 per cent of countries reported having an incident reporting system, 29 per cent a digital evidence repository and 19 per cent a cyberthreat intelligence database.

    While cybercrime routinely crosses national borders, 86 per cent of African member countries surveyed said their international cooperation capacity needs improvement due to slow, formal processes, a lack of operational networks, and limited access to platforms and foreign-hosted data.

    Cybercrime investigations increasingly rely on cooperation from private sector partners, yet 89 per cent of African countries said their cooperation with the private sector needed ‘significant’ or ‘some’ improvement due to unclear channels for engagement, low institutional readiness and other barriers.

    Strengthening cyber resilience

    Nevertheless, the INTERPOL report also details positive steps that many African member countries have made to strengthen their cyber resilience.

    Several African countries advanced their legal frameworks, harmonizing cybersecurity laws with international standards. Many countries also enhanced their cybercrime response capabilities, investing in specialized units and digital forensics infrastructure.

    This increased operational capacity was demonstrated in two high-impact international cybercrime operations coordinated by INTERPOL – Operation Serengeti and Operation Red Card – which collectively led to more than 1,000 arrests and the dismantling of hundreds of thousands of malicious networks.

    To further improve Africa’s cybercrime response capabilities, the INTERPOL report proposes six strategic recommendations, including improving regional and international cooperation, expanding prevention and public awareness, and leveraging emerging technologies.

    INTERPOL’s Africa Cyberthreat Assessment is part of the Organization’s African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC) initiative, which is aimed at strengthening the capability of African law enforcement to prevent, detect, investigate and disrupt cybercrime. The AFJOC initiative is supported by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

    In addition to information gathered from INTERPOL member countries in Africa, the Assessment benefits from data contributed by private sector partners Bi.Zone, Group-IB, Kaspersky and Trend Micro.

    Download the INTERPOL’s 2025 Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report via the link below.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: ‘Everyone Hates Elon’ and Greenpeace unfold giant banner on Piazza San Marco ahead of Bezos’ wedding 

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Venice, Italy – Activists from the UK action group Everyone hates Elon and Greenpeace Italy unfolded a giant 20x20m banner reading “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax” on Piazza San Marco, as Jeff Bezos is due to celebrate his reportedly multi-million wedding in the lagoon city this week.

    A spokesperson from Everyone Hates Elon said: “As governments talk about hard choices and struggle to fund public services, Jeff Bezos can afford to shut down half a city for days on end just to get married. Just weeks ago he spent millions on an 11 minute space trip. If there was ever a sign billionaires like Bezos should pay wealth taxes, it’s this.” 

    Clara Thompson, Greenpeace campaigner, said: “While Venice is sinking under the weight of the climate crisis, billionaires are partying like there is no tomorrow on their mega yachts. This isn’t just about one person — it’s about changing the rules so no billionaire can dodge responsibility, anywhere. The real issue is a broken system that lets billionaires skip out on their fair share of taxes while everyone else is left to foot the bill. That’s why we need fair, inclusive tax rules, and they must be written at the UN.”

    A tax on the super-rich would help to fund the necessary transition to a green and just future, fund affordable housing, cheaper public transport or home insulation. Greenpeace’s ship, the Arctic Sunrise, was anchored at the port of Venice last week-end to promote this transition and expose the damage the fossil fuel industry causes to the people and the planet.

    ENDS

    Photos and Videos can be downloaded via Greenpeace Media Library.

    Contacts: 

    Clara Thompson, EU Lead Campaigner People over Greed project, part of the Global Fair Share campaign, based at Greenpeace Germany, +49 1758530226, [email protected]

    Christine Gebeneter, EU Communication Lead, People over Greed project, part of the Global Fair Share campaign, based at Greenpeace Central-and Eastern Europe, +43 664 8403807, [email protected]

    Greenpeace International Press Desk: +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • Recycled plastics pose risks to hormone systems and metabolism: study

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A new international study has raised concerns about the health risks posed by recycled plastic, revealing that a single pellet of recycled polyethylene plastic can contain more than 80 different chemicals. The research highlights the potential for these chemicals to leach into water and interfere with hormone systems and metabolic functions.
     
    Conducted by researchers from the University of Gothenburg and Leipzig, the study was published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials. It underscores that while recycling is often promoted as a solution to the global plastic pollution crisis, it can also inadvertently introduce toxic substances into the environment and consumer products.
     
    In the experiment, researchers obtained recycled polyethylene plastic pellets from various parts of the world and soaked them in water for 48 hours. Zebrafish larvae were then exposed to the water for five days. The results showed notable changes in gene expression related to lipid metabolism, adipogenesis (the formation of fat cells), and endocrine regulation in the fish.
     
    “These short leaching times and exposure times are yet another indicator of the risks that chemicals in plastics pose to living organisms,” said lead author Azora Konig Kardgar, a researcher in ecotoxicology at the University of Gothenburg. “The impacts that we measured show that these exposures have the potential to change the physiology and health of the fish.”
     
    The findings echo previous research suggesting that exposure to toxic plastic chemicals may also affect human health, contributing to reproductive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, diabetes, and even certain cancers.
     
    Professor Bethanie Carney Almroth, principal investigator of the study, noted: “This is the main obstacle with the idea of recycling plastic. We never have full knowledge of what chemicals will end up in an item made of recycled plastic. And there is also a significant risk of chemical mixing events occurring, which render the recycled plastic toxic.”
     
    The study comes ahead of a crucial meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee under the United Nations Environment Program. Nations will gather in Geneva this August to finalize negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty aimed at curbing plastic pollution and addressing the associated health risks.
     
    -ians

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Judiciary rolls out integrated Court Case Management System for civil appeal cases in High Court

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

         The Judiciary today (June 23) announced that starting from June 30, the integrated Court Case Management System (iCMS) will be extended to the High Court, beginning with civil appeal cases.

         To prepare for the rollout of the iCMS in the High Court, the Judiciary has been proactively reaching out to law firms handling a relatively high volume of civil appeal cases in the past year to offer dedicated technical support, with a view to facilitating their early migration to the iCMS during the initial period. The Judiciary also welcomes any law firms to approach it early for assistance in this regard.

         The iCMS is an integral part of the Judiciary’s Information Technology Strategy Plan. It aims to facilitate the handling of court-related documents and payments electronically across various court levels. Major electronic services under the iCMS include sending case-specific court documents to the courts, receiving such documents from the courts, inspecting or searching filed documents and other case-related information held by the courts, searching cause books, and making payments for court services.

         The iCMS is being progressively implemented across various court levels. It currently covers personal injury actions, tax claim proceedings, civil action proceedings and employees’ compensation cases in the District Court, summons cases in the Magistrates’ Courts, as well as bulk claims in the Small Claims Tribunal. 

         For the High Court, the iCMS will initially be rolled out to civil appeal cases in the Court of Appeal on June 30, and will then incrementally cover 10 additional case types, including commercial actions, intellectual property cases, construction and arbitration proceedings, personal injuries actions, civil actions, probate actions, miscellaneous proceedings of the Court of Appeal, Magistracy appeals, miscellaneous proceedings (criminal) and intended actions. 

         The Judiciary aims to mandate the use of the iCMS for all legally represented litigants for case types where the electronic mode has been made available, starting in 2026. 

         Some new enhancement features will be introduced in the iCMS in the High Court:

         (a) “Generate Originating Document”
         This requires all iCMS users to create standard originating documents through e-fillable forms (instead of uploading scanned image of such documents) to facilitate the capturing of structured data.
     
         (b) “Judiciary Cloud”
         This seeks to progressively provide organisation users of the iCMS (starting from 20GB of storage space per organisation) with a temporary storage area to support the submission of documents exceeding the file size limit of 50MB when performing electronic filing.
     
         (c) “Deposit Account”
         This is an additional electronic payment option that allows organisation users to make non-interest-bearing prepayments for settling subsequent payments for transactions without the hassle of paying for each individual transaction. The Deposit Account will be available for use upon payment of an initial deposit of at least $3,000, which should be maintained (through top-ups where necessary) as the minimum account balance in the Deposit Account for each organisation.

         Details will be available on the dedicated webpage on e-Courts at the Judiciary website.
     
         Upon the rollout of the iCMS in the High Court, any party choosing to file or submit a document in paper format for an iCMS-enabled case type must also provide an electronic copy of the document to facilitate the creation and maintenance of a complete set of e-filing records for e-inspection. Litigants-in-persons (LiPs) can use the self-service kiosks located at the Resource Centre for Unrepresented Litigants in the High Court Building to scan and upload their documents to the iCMS. Non-LiPs, including law firms, are required to prepare the electronic copy of their documents on their own (outside the court building) and then use the kiosks solely for uploading the scanned documents to the iCMS. Parties may refer to guidance leaflets on using the self-service kiosks to upload documents. For law firms, this is the final transitional arrangement before the mandatory use of the iCMS.
          
         Case parties, particularly law firms, are strongly advised to register and start using the iCMS to avoid the hassle of paper filing and to enjoy the convenience of digital filing and payment anytime, anywhere. To encourage migration to the iCMS, a 20 per cent concession is offered to iCMS users for three years on fee items of the High Court that are primarily or directly related to electronic handling of court documents.
     
         Eligible users need to register for a user account to access the full range of services under the iCMS. Eligible users include parties of ongoing or new e-proceedings and their legal representatives (if any), the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Law Society of Hong Kong, law firms, government departments, law enforcement agencies and statutory bodies. Registration is free of charge.
     
         Unregistered members of the public may also use certain types of iCMS services, mainly related to searching for electronic documents that are open to public inspection.
          
         Regarding technical requirements, the iCMS can be accessed using personal computers or mobile devices with an Internet connection, commonly used operating systems and browsers.
     
         The iCMS operates around the clock, except during system maintenance. Any e-filing and e-payment received under the iCMS after the registry and the accounts office are normally closed to the public (i.e. after 5.30pm on a working day) will be deemed to be received at the start of the normal opening hours of the registry and the accounts office on the following working day.
     
         For more details about the iCMS, including its enhancement features and technical requirements, please visit the dedicated webpage on e-Courts of the Judiciary website at www.judiciary.hk/en/e_courts/index.html upon the rollout of the iCMS in the High Court on June 30.
     
         For enquiries, please call the general enquiry hotline at 2477 1002 or the technical helpline at 2886 6474, email to enquiry@judiciary.hk or visit the Help Centre at 5/F, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chinese Culture Festival 2025’s “Encountering Chinese Culture” Carnival held today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Chinese Culture Festival 2025’s “Encountering Chinese Culture” Carnival held today

    The Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2025, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), will hold the “Encountering Chinese Culture” Carnival on June 22 (Sunday) at Sha Tin Town Hall and New Town Plaza. Through stage performances rich in Chinese cultural characteristics, “Vibrant ICH” performances, booth activities and more, the Carnival will bring fine traditional Chinese culture and intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items into the community for public enjoyment and raise people’s awareness of and interest in Chinese culture as well as ICH. Members of the public are invited to join for free. “Vibrant ICH” performances and booth activities are also programmes of Hong Kong ICH Month 2025.

    The Carnival will kick off with a fire dragon dance by the Pok Fu Lam Village Fire Dragon Association at 2pm at the Entrance Arena at L1, Phase 1 of New Town Plaza, followed by a number of performances by outstanding arts groups and ICH practitioners from the Mainland and Hong Kong. Audience members can preview highlighted excerpts from some of this year’s CCF programmes, including the Museum Series: “The Sounds from Cultural Relics”, the “Ancient Styles ‧ Modern Chants” Classical Literature × Contemporary Dance and the “Taisheng and Huayin Lao Qiang: Big Uncle, Second Uncle are All His Uncles” Concert with collaboration from the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association.

    Coinciding with the Hong Kong ICH Month organised by the LCSD’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Office (ICHO) is held in June, a series of “Vibrant ICH” song and dance performances as well as a puppetry show will be presented in the Carnival at the Entrance Arena of New Town Plaza. The Gannan Art and Creative Institute of Jiangxi Province will present multiple ICH performances, including Xingguo folk songs, a Gannan tea-plucking opera as well as Hakka folk songs and dances. Hong Kong puppeteer Wong Fai will perform the puppet show “Journey to the West – Flaming Mountain”, while two members of the Sai Kung Hakka Folk Song Group will present local Hakka songs.

    The Carnival specially features multiple “Vibrant ICH” interactive experiential booth activities at the Exhibition Gallery and Foyer of Sha Tin Town Hall as well as the West Wing at L1, Phase 1 of New Town Plaza, showcasing various ICH-related craftsmanship, including Chinese brush making, Hong Kong cheongsam making, puppetry, fishing net plaiting, movable-type printing, patterned band weaving and gold leaf decoration. Members of the public can watch demonstrations and participate in workshops to explore the essence of ICH.

    The “Mobile ICH” vehicle from the ICHO and a “Library-on-Wheels” from the Hong Kong Public Libraries will arrive at the Plaza of Sha Tin Town Hall on that day. The “Mobile ICH” will introduce Hong Kong’s ICH items through on-board exhibitions and interactive devices, while the “Library-on-Wheels” will offer a selection of Chinese culture-themed collections for the public to borrow on-site. Story ambassadors will host engaging storytelling sessions at the West Wing at L1, Phase 1 of New Town Plaza to promote reading. The Carnival will also hold “ICH Story-telling” sessions at the Foyer of Sha Tin Town Hall, using illustrated books on ICH to help participants of all ages learn about ICH items in Hong Kong.

    A trainee’s ensemble from the Music Office of the LCSD will perform on pipa, erhu and dizi at the Entrance Arena of New Town Plaza. The ensemble will also stage Chinese instrumental performances at the Foyer of Sha Tin Town Hall.

    In addition, the “Mystery of Chinese Writing” Roving Exhibition will be held on the same day at the Exhibition Gallery of Sha Tin Town Hall. The exhibition will use simple writings and images of artefacts to showcase the development and cultural connotations of Chinese characters. The Ganzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Media and Tourism will also set up Jiangxi ICH booths and a photo exhibition at the Plaza and Exhibition Gallery of Sha Tin Town Hall, introducing the “Genesis and Spirit – Treasures of Nature · Extraordinary Hakka: Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition of Jiangxi” currently being held in Hong Kong Central Library along with other aspects of Jiangxi culture.

    For the venue and time of each carnival activity, please visit www.ccf.gov.hk/en/programme/encountering-chinese-culture/.

    The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) and organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office under the LCSD, aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public’s national identity and cultural confidence. It also aims to attract top-notch artists and arts groups from the Mainland and other parts of the world for exchanges in Chinese arts and culture. The CCF 2025 is held from June to September. Through over 280 performing arts programmes in various forms and related extension activities, the festival provides members of the public and visitors with more opportunities to enjoy distinctive programmes that showcase fine traditional Chinese culture, thereby facilitating patriotic education and contributing to the inheritance, transformation and development of traditional Chinese culture in Hong Kong. For details, please visit www.ccf.gov.hk.

    Hong Kong ICH Month 2025 is presented by the CSTB and organised by the ICHO of the LCSD with ICH June as the strategic partner. Delightful programmes include 80 ICH performances, 60 interactive experiential booths and 20 “ICH Highlight Tours”, covering over 100 ICH items and bringing together over 50 ICH practitioners, including representative bearers of the national ICH. For details, please visit www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/hk_ich_month_2025.html.

    Ends/Tuesday, June 17, 2025
    Issued at HKT 14:30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA signs US$1.5 billion loan with World Bank

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Monday, June 23, 2025

    The South African government and the World Bank have signed a US$1.5 billion Development Policy Loan Agreement that will assist in unlocking key infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly in the energy and freight transport sectors.

    In a statement on Monday, the National Treasury explained that the loan is aimed at supporting critical structural reforms to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of the country’s infrastructure services.

    The loan support is anchored on three key pillars of structural reform: improving energy security, enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of freight transport services, and supporting South Africa’s transition toward a low carbon economy. 

    These reforms are critical enablers of inclusive growth and job creation.

    “This partnership marks a significant step towards addressing South Africa’s pressing economic challenges of low growth and high unemployment. 

    “The financing forms part of the government’s broader efforts to implement structural reforms that strengthen public institutions, crowd in private investment, and improve service delivery across priority sectors of the economy,” National Treasury said.

    The financing terms of the loan are in line with National Treasury’s financing strategy. 

    Specifically, the loan offers both favourable interest rates and flexible repayment terms, contributing to minimising increase in debt service costs.

    The financing terms of the World Bank loan are as follows:

    • Nominal value: US$1.5 billion,
    • Maturity: 16 years with a 3 year-grace period,
    • Interest rate: 6-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 1.49%.

    “The National Treasury wishes to express its appreciation to the World Bank for its continued partnership and support in advancing South Africa’s development objectives. This agreement reinforces the strong and constructive collaboration between the World Bank and the government of South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: A toolkit for financial wellbeing, one rand, one habit, one goal at a time

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    By Thamsanqa Cele

    As Youth Month draws to a close for 2025, let us continue to keep in our minds, hearts and behaviours the courage the young people of the 1976 Soweto uprising, where they protested apartheid’s oppressive education policies, sparking a movement for
    equality. 

    Today, South Africa’s youth, 34.3% of the 60.6 million population, face significant economic challenges, including an over 60% unemployment rate. Rising living costs further strain budgets, making financial wellbeing critical. In honouring the 107 heroes, who were brave young people then, the young people of today face different kinds of challenges. Among them, financial well-being. Put differently, their own personal economic freedom. It is not an easy and straightforward world. Especially when considering the macro-economic environment. That said, it remains a personal journey that does not need to be tackled alone. We present a few of the many tools that young people may want to consider as they fight their way to financial well-being.

    The economic landscape

    South Africa’s youth face daunting economic hurdles. The unemployment rate for those aged 15–24 reached 62.4% in Q1 2025, while 40.4% of those aged 25–34 remain jobless. According to StatsSA, approximately 3.8 million young people are not in
    education, employment, or training (NEET), fostering a sense of hopelessness. Millions of young people are currently dependent on the lifeline of the Social Relief of Distress R370 grant. The high cost of living, driven by inflation, makes essentials like food,
    transport, and housing increasingly unaffordable. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, financial stress affects ~60% of South Africans, contributing to anxiety and depression.

    Despite these lived challenges across the board, opportunities exist. Government initiatives like the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and Youth Employment Services (YES) program provides funding, training, and work experience. By combining these resources with sound financial habits, the youth stand a better chance of achieving financial well-being, managing money to meet needs, handling emergencies, achieving goals, and improving their lives. This fosters economic stability and enhances mental health, reducing stress and boosting happiness.

    Why money management matters

    Financial stress is often the root of broader challenges. A large-scale study found that greater financial worries, especially among unemployed and low-income individuals, significantly increase psychological distress. Money is tightly linked with mental and
    even physical health. Financial strain can cause anxiety, poor sleep, and strained relationships, but learning to manage money may reverse these ills. Think of financial wellness as preventive healthcare. Like nutrition or exercise, sound financial habits help guard against crisis. As behavioural finance and mental health experts note, emergency savings build control and agency, two essential buffers for mental well-being. There are many helpful tools to engage in a journey to financial well-being. Some of these are:

    Tool #1: Start Budgeting – Know Where Every Rand Goes 

    A simple budget rule is: Essentials (50%), Life (30%), Savings (20%). The 50/30/20 rule is proven to improve emotional wellness by instilling spending control. It is a simple approach: allocate 50% of income to necessities (rent, food, transport), 30% to wants (entertainment, dining out), and 20% to savings or debt repayment. The 20% for savings and debts must be treated as a holy grail of securing a bright financial future, especially if it is skewed towards Savings.

    Tool #2: Build an Emergency Fund – Your First Safety Net 

    Saving, even small amounts, is crucial for financial security. An emergency fund covering 3 – 6 months of expenses (e.g. R15 000–R30 000 for R5 000 monthly costs) protects against unexpected costs like medical bills or job loss. Start with R100 monthly; over time this builds a significant buffer. With competitive interest rates, Postbank’s Smart Save account helps savings grow. Our customers use this account as a stash away from their main accounts in other banks. Because if you can see it, you will be tempted to use it. Multiple global studies have shown that an emergency fund reduces financial stress, lowers anxiety and reduces the risk of depression.

    Tool #3: Embrace Psychological Resilience Through Discipline

    Financial resilience builds mental resilience. Psychology research defines resilience as adapting successfully under stress when you feel in control. Ability and optimism follow. Money habits support coping in crisis, improve mood, and encourage growth.
    Holistic benefits include:
    * Reduced anxiety and stress
    * Better sleep, which improves physical health
    * Better relationships and social connections
    * Increased ability to seize new opportunities (jobs, entrepreneurship)
    * Mental clarity to focus on education, personal development, and productivity at
    work

    Tool #4: Side Hustles and Entrepreneurship

    Relying on one income source is risky in South Africa’s economy. Additional income streams provide security and accelerate financial goals. Some of the possible side hustles:
    * Freelancing: use what you are good at or that you understand better to freelance
    in areas like writing, designing, teaching, dancing, djaying, babysitting, etc.
    * Selling products: Create and sell handmade goods.
    * Small business: With NYDA support, you can start a low-cost venture like a car wash
    or food stall. The agency offers grants up to R50 000 and training.
    * YES placements, PYEI learnerships, SETA internships, and NYDA entrepreneurship
    support offer stipends, work experience, and business training.
    * Self-employment through grants and youth schemes – e.g. creative sector
    assistance, can seed small enterprises.

    Self-empower by taking advantage of the government-provided WiFi hotspots so you can use data at low costs, if not for free. South Africa’s public WiFi hotspot network, driven by SA Connect, a government program under the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, provincial initiatives, and NGOs like Project Isizwe and Think WiFi, is opening doors for youth across the country. These hotspots are more than data points – they are gateways to education, jobs, civic engagement, and digital inclusion. By embracing these opportunities, young South Africans can transform their futures— accessing knowledge, growing skills, and connecting to their communities.

    Tool #5: Self-Control – Curbing your enthusiasm

    Many fall prey to the impulse to use spending as therapy. Yes, it may be for some who can afford to. Many others, already living beyond their means, tend to fall even deeper into the trap due to impulse-buying, falling foul of peer pressure and a show-
    off mentality. Before you buy it, ask yourself, does it have to be bought now? Can it be saved up for? Can it wait a little longer?

    A final call: Youth Month as a financial rebirth 

    Youth Month 2025 should mark a shift in the narrative:
    * From scrambling to survive, to building resilience through structured money habits.
    * From job-seeking alone to leveraging free government opportunities and saving
    on the payoff.
    * From worrying in silence to growing confidence, emotional control, and direction.

    Postbank is the national savings bank, ready to support every young South African who earns, learns, or aspires—with practical tools and accessible accounts. Postbank is trusted by millions of customers who have saved billions of rands with us. We are here
    to support young people with products that suit their needs. Products like the Smart Saver Account – accessible, competitive and needing as little as you can afford to save When youth learn to manage money, with buffers, budgets, and purpose, they don’t
    just survive, they thrive.

    Let this Youth Month ignite a movement, fuelled by practical habits, economic inclusion, and holistic well-being. We invite every young person to begin with building a savings buffer and continue toward a life of stability and possibilities. Partnering with the youth can help us enable their destiny, one rand, one habit, one goal at a time.

    *Thamsanqa Cele is the Chief Commercial Executive at PostBank

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: National maternity investigation launched to drive improvements

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    National maternity investigation launched to drive improvements

    The rapid national investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal services will provide truth to families suffering harm and urgently improve care and safety.

    • It follows series of meetings between Secretary of State and bereaved families, with parents at heart of improving standards. 
    • It comes alongside package of immediate actions to boost accountability and safety as part of government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future

    A rapid national investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal services has been ordered by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting to provide truth and accountability for impacted families and drive urgent improvements to care and safety, addressing systemic problems dating back over 15 years.

    This government inherited a situation where issues in maternity and neonatal care had been ongoing for some time and a series of independent reviews into local trusts had found similar failings in compassionate care – including the failure to listen to women, concerns over safety, and issues with leadership and culture.

    The investigation will urgently look at worst-performing services in the country, but also across the entire maternity system, bringing together the findings of past reviews into one clear national set of actions to ensure every woman and baby receives safe, high-quality and compassionate care. 

    Crucially, it will be co-produced with clinicians, experts and parents all feeding in, following a series of private meetings last week between the Secretary of State and families who have been harmed or bereaved by failures in their care. It will begin its work this summer and report back by December 2025. 

    The investigation comes alongside a package of immediate actions to improve care, including greater intervention by the Secretary of State and NHS chief executive to hold failing trusts to account – a key step in delivering the government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future through the Plan for Change.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 

    For the past year, I have been meeting bereaved families from across the country who have lost babies or suffered serious harm during what should have been the most joyful time in their lives.  

    What they have experienced is devastating – deeply painful stories of trauma, loss, and a lack of basic compassion – caused by failures in NHS maternity care that should never have happened. Their bravery in speaking out has made it clear: we must act – and we must act now. 

    I know nobody wants better for women and babies than the thousands of NHS midwives, obstetricians, maternity and neonatal staff, and that the vast majority of births are safe and without incident, but it’s clear something is going wrong.

    That’s why I’ve ordered a rapid national investigation to make sure these families get the truth and the accountability they deserve, and ensure no parent or baby is ever let down again.  I want staff to come with us on this, to improve things for everyone.

    We‘re also taking immediate steps to hold failing services to account and give staff the tools they need to deliver the kind, safe, respectful care every family deserves. 

    Maternity care should be the litmus test by which this government is judged on patient safety, and I will do everything in my power to ensure no family has to suffer like this again.

    The investigation will consist of two parts. The first will urgently investigate up to 10 of the most concerning maternity and neonatal units, including Sussex, to give affected families answers as quickly as possible. 

    The second will undertake a system-wide look at maternity and neonatal care, bringing together lessons from past inquiries to create one clear, national set of actions to improve care across every NHS maternity service.

    The government is also today establishing a National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care – and to be made up of a panel of esteemed experts and bereaved families.

    Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive at NHS England, said:

    Despite the hard work of staff, too many women are experiencing unacceptable maternity care and families continue to be let down by the NHS when they need us most.

    This rapid national investigation must mark a line in the sand for maternity care – setting out one set of clear actions for NHS leaders to ensure high quality care for all.

    Transparency will be key to understanding variation and fixing poor care – by shining a spotlight on the areas of greatest failure we can hold failing trusts to account. Each year, over half a million babies are born under our care and maternity safety rightly impacts public trust in the NHS – so we must act immediately to improve outcomes for the benefit of mothers, babies, families and staff.

    Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for NHS England, said:

    Through this rapid investigation and the immediate actions announced today, we are determined to transform services so that every family receives safe, personalised and dignified care at one of the most significant and vulnerable times in their lives.

    We know we have significant issues to address concerning safety and culture within maternity and neonatal services, and Black and Asian women and those in deprived areas still face worse outcomes, so we must redouble our efforts to improve care for all.

    The overwhelming majority of births in England are safe, and I’d urge all women to engage with their maternity service and raise any concerns they may have about themselves or their baby. Every birth matters and we will work to ensure all families trust their local NHS and feel supported through their maternity journey.

    This will address several issues facing maternity care in England. One area of focus will be addressing the devastating inequalities that women from Black, Asian and deprived backgrounds face. It will also look at a lack of compassionate care and concerns over safety.

    Speaking at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) World Conference today, the Secretary of State will outline a series of measures to immediately improve care.

    This includes: 

    • The NHS CEO and Chief Nursing Officer will meet with trust leaders in the areas of greatest concern, over the next month to drive forward urgent improvement, outline consistent expectations in changing culture and practice, and hold leaders to account for failing.
    • A new digital system will be rolled out to all maternity services by November to flag potential safety concerns in trusts and support rapid, national action. 
    • An anti-discrimination programme to tackle inequalities in care for Black, Asian, and other underserved communities. 

    Dr Clea Harmer, Chief Executive, Sands:  

    Sands believes listening to and learning from the experiences of bereaved parents is vital to improving maternity and neonatal care. We are pleased that the independent safety taskforce will include parent representatives.

    We particularly welcome the inclusion of an anti-discrimination programme to help tackle inequalities in care for Black, Asian, and other underserved communities. Sands, along with other organisations, friends and allies, have long campaigned for this.

    We look forward to working with the Secretary of State on this much-needed and long-overdue, programme and to ensuring that concrete steps are taken towards real accountability and lasting systemic change.

    Vicki Robinson, Miscarriage Association Chief Executive, said:

    We welcome today’s announcement by the Secretary of State of a major investigation into NHS maternity services. While the scope of this inquiry is broad, we’re reassured to know it will include the voices and experiences of our community – those affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and molar pregnancy. With black women 43% more likely to experience miscarriage, it is especially welcome that these inequalities will be a key focus.

    At the Miscarriage Association, we are currently conducting a UK-wide survey which aims to improve care and support during and after miscarriage. We hope the findings will provide valuable insight for this NHS investigation, to help inform and improve pre-natal care across the board. 

    We hope this investigation leads to meaningful learning, and to better, more compassionate care for anyone experiencing pregnancy loss in the future.

    Shauna Leven, Chief Executive Officer, The Twins Trust said:

    Twins Trust welcomes the national maternity investigation. Families expecting twins, triplets or more face significantly greater risks and are sadly more likely to experience baby loss. Too often, maternity services aren’t equipped to meet the specific needs of multiple pregnancies.

    Our Maternity Engagement Project, which audits NHS units against NICE guidelines, has reduced stillbirths and neonatal deaths, proving that tailored care saves lives.

    We urge the government to ensure families with multiples are heard. More investment is needed in staff training and resources so that maternity units can meet clinical care standards and deliver safe, compassionate care for all.

    Angela McConville, Chief Executive, NCT (National Childbirth Trust) said:

    This investigation has been won by the determination of bereaved families who have bravely spoken out about the devastating failures in NHS maternity care. 

    The immediate investment package is a vital start to tackling deep-rooted inequalities, training frontline staff, and improving the UK’s worst performing services. 

    The national investigation must now move at pace to set out a clear, actionable plan for every NHS maternity and neonatal unit.

    We’ve seen first hand the power of co-creating solutions with women and parents – real change can happen if the government listens, learns, and builds a well-resourced, safe, and equitable maternity system that works for all.

    Paul Rees MBE, Interim Chief Executive and Registrar, The Nursing and Midwifery Council, said:

    Every woman, baby and family has the right to expect safe and effective maternity care, wherever they are.

    We welcome this rapid investigation and look forward to working with the independent taskforce and the Department of Health and Social Care to drive forward urgent improvements, and tackle the scourge of health inequalities.

    Notes:

    Sands is available to support anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss, for as long as they need this. Find out more about bereavement support for parents and families, and support for healthcare and other professionals at sands.org.uk/support

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –