Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chee Meng Tan, Assistant Professor of Business Economics, University of Nottingham
After the second world war, the US and its western allies created a set of international agreements and institutions to govern attitudes to mutual defence, economics and human rights. For decades this created stable alliances and predictable economic plans.
But, unlike his predecessors, Donald Trump believes that international organisations undermine US interests and sovereignty. He has withdrawn the US from the World Health Organization, and there is speculation he could reduce US commitment to the UN. US investment in Nato’s mutual defence pact remains under discussion.
But while Washington is busy sounding the retreat from the very world order it had a hand in building, Beijing is looking to increase its international role. Chinese leadership in international agencies affiliated with the UN has increased over the years, and so has its financial commitment to international institutions.
That’s not all. China is also a prominent member of trade coalitions such as the
15-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and the ten-member Brics group (led by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). These groups not only promote greater economic integration among its members, but may reduce members’ reliance on the US economy and the US dollar. Amid an increasingly volatile US, China’s presence as the second largest economy in the world in these trade groups would be useful.
Now with the whole world negotiating new US trade deals, most nations see their relationship with the US as unstable. China sees this as a golden opportunity to position itself as a global counterbalance to the US. One of its policies is to “deliver greater security, prosperity and respect for developing countries”, and this is particularly relevant in African nations, where US aid is being reduced rapidly.
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A US-Sino trade deal was reached in London on June 10 2025. US tariffs on Chinese goods now stand at 55%, while Chinese tariffs on US imports will remain at 10%. But how long this trade deal will last remains uncertain, when Trump has a tendency to change his mind.
There are few details of the US trade deal with China so far.
Just a month earlier, on May 12, Washington and Beijing concluded a major trade accord in Geneva aimed at diffusing massive trade tensions. Unfortunately, this deal only lasted for 18 days before Trump started accusing China of violating the agreement.
But Trump’s tendency to escalate trade tensions and then diffuse them is not just China’s problem. His allies are also a victim of his frequent wavering. This leaves nations around the world, whether traditional US partners or not, in a crisis of not knowing what the US’s next move will be, and whether their economy will suffer.
In February 2025, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada but temporarily called off the tariffs a month later. Then in early April 2025, Trump raised tariffs on 60 countries and trading blocs, including traditional US allies such as the EU (20%), Japan (24%), South Korea (25%) and Taiwan (32%). Hours later, Trump unexpectedly rescinded these tariffs, but that caused massive damage to the global economy.
If there is a time that the world needs a more predictable partner it would be now. But it isn’t a Trump-helmed US. A recent annual report on democracy and national attitudes indicates that for first time, respondents across 100 countries view China more favourably than they do the US. So, could China be the partner that the world seeks?
Unlike liberal democracies that derive their legitimacy through elections, a large part of Beijing’s legitimacy comes from its ability to deliver sustained economic prosperity to the Chinese people. But with a battered economy that was first triggered by a real estate crisis in 2021, this task of maintaining legitimacy has become more difficult.
Exporting its way of out the economic slump may have been on Beijing’s books, as this was one of China’s traditional methods for promoting economic growth. But Trump’s trade war has made this an increasingly difficult prospect, especially to the US which imports 14.8% of total Chinese exports.
As a result, fixing China’s economy has become a priority for the Chinese government, and it is because of this that Xi tours neighbouring Asean countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia to promote trade and strategic plans to maintain economic stability.
Obstacles for China
Despite everything that China is doing, its image remains a problem, for some. For instance, China has claimed sovereignty over the South China Sea and has built ports, military installations and airstrips on artificial islands across the region, despite territorial disputes with its neighbours including Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.
But there are other concerns about China. The country’s rapid advancements in military technology, for example, have the potential to destabilise security within the Indo Pacific, potentially allowing China to take control of strategically placed islands to use as bases for its navy. China is also becoming a dominant hacking threat, according to UK cyber expert Richard Horne, which is likely to cause problems for worldwide cybersecurity.
Polish prime minister Donald Tusk once remarked: “With a friend like Trump, who needs enemies?” Many other national leaders are likely to share Tusk’s sentiment today, and may see opportunities to extend trade deals with China as an alternative to a turbulent relationship with Trump.
Chee Meng Tan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Every night, millions of people stop breathing without knowing it. Not once, but sometimes hundreds of times. Their remedy? A mask, a hum and the steady whisper of pressurised air.
It’s not glamorous, but behind the awkward nighttime aesthetics of a Cpap (continuous positive airway pressure) machine lies a remarkable piece of engineering. It doesn’t just help you breathe; it reshapes the way your airway behaves.
So how exactly does Cpap manipulate the body’s anatomy to prevent sleep apnoea? The answer lies in an elegant understanding of pressure, posture and the floppy vulnerability of the human throat.
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the soft tissues of the upper airway – particularly the tongue, soft palate, uvula and pharyngeal walls – collapse during sleep, temporarily blocking airflow. But why does this happen?
The anatomy of the upper airway is uniquely precarious. Unlike the lower airway, which is supported by cartilage rings and rigid structures, the upper airway – specifically the pharynx – is a collapsible tube made up of muscle and mucosa.
It sits behind the tongue and soft palate and serves as a shared pathway for both breathing and swallowing. During wakefulness, muscle tone keeps this space open. But during sleep, especially in the deeper stages, muscle tone decreases.
In people with obstructive sleep apnoea, this reduction allows the soft tissues to sag inward, blocking airflow. Factors such as neck circumference, fat distribution and the shape of the skull and face can all increase this risk.
The result is a repetitive cycle of obstruction, oxygen deprivation and interrupted sleep. It’s a disorder rooted not in the lungs, but in the structure and behaviour of the upper airway. Enter Cpap.
Pneumatic splint
The machine doesn’t breathe for the individual; it acts more like a pneumatic splint. By delivering a constant stream of pressurised air through a mask, Cpap machines increase the pressure inside the upper airway just enough to keep the soft tissues from falling inward.
Picture the airway as a soft-sided tent: without support, it collapses inward. Cpap works like internal tent poles, quietly holding it open from within. Anatomically, this means the base of the tongue, the soft palate and the pharyngeal walls are gently pushed outward, preventing contact and collapse.
Over time, in some users, there may even be mild adaptations in tissue tone and airway behaviour during sleep, although Cpap isn’t a curative device.
The pressure settings are crucial and typically calibrated to each individual. Too low and the airway still collapses. Too high and the person may experience discomfort or aerophagia (swallowing air). But when correctly calibrated, Cpap doesn’t just reduce apnoea events, it can restore the natural stages of sleep, improve blood pressure and dramatically enhance quality of life.
Cpap’s effect isn’t limited to the upper airway; it also influences how the chest muscles work during breathing. By keeping the airway open, it makes it easier to breathe at night, so the breathing muscles – such as the diaphragm and the muscles between the ribs – don’t have to work as hard.
It also stops the repeated drops in oxygen that can trigger the body’s stress response, which is the main reason why untreated sleep apnoea increases the risk of heart problems.
There’s also evidence that long-term Cpap use can reduce swelling and inflammation in the upper airway. However, the benefits of Cpap depend a lot on people using it consistently. Unfortunately, the size and noise of the equipment can make it hard for some people to use it regularly. Despite this, it remains the gold standard treatment, especially for moderate-to-severe sleep apnoea.
For all its noise, Cpap is a quiet triumph of anatomical insight applied to engineering. Instead of surgery or drugs, it uses air – the same substance that betrays the sleeper with every collapse – to reclaim the airway and restore function. It is, in essence, a machine that manipulates the pliability of human anatomy to therapeutic advantage.
It may not be glamorous. But for many, Cpap is nothing short of life-changing – an anatomical nudge toward a safer, deeper and more restful night’s sleep.
Michelle Spear does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Glenn Fosbraey, Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Winchester
With her latest album Something Beautiful debuting at number four in the Billboard 200 and in contention to reach the top of the UK album charts, Miley Cyrus’s commercial appeal appears as strong as ever.
Negative reviews are, of course, not uncommon, and we need look no further than The New York Times’ 1969 review of Abbey Road to see that even the most celebrated and acclaimed artists aren’t immune to the critic’s poison pen. But, while some degree of criticism is inevitable for all artists, when it comes to discussing experimentation and musical identity, female and male artists seem to be treated differently.
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During her Billboard Music Awards woman of the year speech in 2016, Madonna commented that “there are no rules – if you’re a boy. If you’re a girl, you have to play the game.” In the same year Björk observed that female artists are criticised if they sing about anything other than their boyfriends. She might have been exaggerating a little, but Björk’s and Madonna’s points are clear: if you’re a woman in music, you should stay in your proverbial box.
The music video for Something Beautiful by Miley Cyrus.
For two of Cyrus’s male contemporaries, Justin Bieber and Harry Styles (both around one year her junior), it’s a very different story. While the Guardian also notes the absence of “hits” on Bieber’s 2020 album Changes, instead of presenting it as a negative as it did with Cyrus, it’s seen as a sign of maturity on a fitfully lovely album by a pop star who no longer wants chart domination.
Cyrus has been told by critics that she must choose between being an accessible pop star or an unconventional artist and “can’t have it both ways”.
Even if she did decide to plump for one camp or the other rather than ably straddling both, it’d still be debatable as to whether the ever-fickle critics would be satisfied.
When Cyrus and Rado did collaborate on Something Beautiful, however, they remained unimpressed. You just can’t please some people. Thankfully, Cyrus is either oblivious to such noise or chooses to ignore it, and recently teased that Something Beautiful is merely “the appetizer” for a “an extremely experimental” upcoming album.
In an era where formulaic pop music dominates the charts and AI-generated content threatens to make things even more generic, we should be encouraging the idiosyncrasies of our female artists, not labelling them as having identity problems when they are brave enough to be different.
In her woman of the year’ speech, Madonna also noted that, as a female artist, “to age is a sin: you will be criticised, you will be vilified, and you will definitely not be played on the radio”. Perhaps, then, Cyrus’s biggest offence isn’t her refusal to become a stereotype or her desire to experiment and make music that she likes. It’s daring to grow up.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Alana L. Riso, Ph.D. Student in Clinical Psychology, Binghamton University, State University of New York
Marriage and the ability to start a family are human rights. Ten years ago, on June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Obergefell v. Hodges case extended the right to marry to same-sex couples.
With 7.6% of Americans identifying as LGBTQ+, this decision continues to have an impact beyond legal benefits.
Marriage provides unique advantages – a reality we have come to know as psychology researcherswho focus on couples. The right to marry allowed same-sex couples the opportunity to experience these advantages.
Benefits of a healthy marriage
Although evidence largely comes from different-sex couples, psychology research documents the numerous benefits healthy marriage confers on well-being. Married people experience more positive emotions. They also have many physical health advantages, such as being more likely to survive cancer or major surgery. Children of married couples seem to benefit as well.
Not surprisingly, the benefits of being married do not extend to unhappy marriages. The effects of marriage on physical well-being, life satisfaction, depression and mental health more broadly depend on marital quality, and so do outcomes for children.
What’s so special about marriage?
What makes a happy marriage different from a happy cohabiting, stable relationship when it comes to well-being? Social scientists don’t know, but there are a few theories.
The one with the most empirical support involves a concept from physics called inertia. Applied in relationship science, inertia describes the idea that a relationship will remain the same or continue moving along the same trajectory unless some outside force acts upon it.
As relationships progress, they naturally gain momentum. Partners invest more into their relationship over time. They exchange gifts, meet each others’ friends, and start staying at each others’ homes. Eventually, a natural step in this progression is either cohabitation or marriage.
Marriage is a milestone, marking a new stage in life. Deciding to get married is a long-term commitment that often takes years of planning. Cohabitation, on the other hand, is easy to slide into due to the forward trajectory of a relationship. Cohabitors tend to stay together less as an intentional choice but for convenience.
The intentional lifelong commitment of marriage may explain why it offers more benefits than cohabitation.
As more same-sex couples have married, are they seeing the same marriage benefits that other-sex couples always had? Research on the topic is only just beginning. Still, there is some preliminary evidence that they are.
In a 2024 survey, respondents with same-sex spouses largely felt closer to their partner and more satisfied with life in general after getting married. Findings from one research study indicate that married same-sex couples see greater benefits to psychological well-being than do same-sex couples in registered domestic partnerships. Another study on same-sex relationships found that marriage was linked to greater happiness and fewer depression symptoms than cohabitation.
As for children of same-sex parents, they do just as well as those with other-sex parents. There’s not much data yet on the impact on kids of same-sex parents divorcing.
Do marriage benefits differ for same-sex couples?
The happiness of same- and other-sex relationships is largely determined by the same factors, but there are two key differences: gender composition of the couple and stress from discrimination.
In other-sex relationships, women tend to fall into subordinate positions. Same-sex couples are free from traditional male-female gender dynamics, allowing more of a balance of power. For instance, they have a more even division of household chores, and partners have a more equal say when resolving conflicts. Greater equality may improve the quality of same-sex relationships.
Societal disapproval may lead someone to internalize negative ideas about their own sexuality and relationship. In other words, buying into society’s message that one’s relationship is morally wrong harms their own mental health and consequently their relationship. Psychology researchers theorize that societal disapproval is a key factor standing in the way of same-sex couples experiencing the full benefits of marriage.
More societal acceptance post-Obergefell
As an increasing number of U.S. states, and eventually the federal government, legalized same-sex marriage, greater societal acceptance has followed. In 2025, 67% of LGBTQ+ adults agree that the country has become more accepting of same-sex couples due to the legalization of same-sex marriage.
This trend is not unique to the U.S. Around the world, countries where same-sex marriage is legal tend to have a higher percentage of the population say they favor same-sex marriage. Although the causal direction is opaque, evidence from multiple countries indicates that same-sex marriage bans reinforce nonacceptance of LGBTQ+ people, while legal recognition fosters societal approval. Acceptance lowers stress for same-sex couples, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of marriage.
Although societal acceptance in the United States has improved dramatically over the past couple of decades, it is important to note that 19% of Americans still strongly oppose same-sex marriage. Legalization was a major step, but it has by no means eliminated discrimination altogether.
Matthew D. Johnson was an unpaid consultant on an amicus brief in support of the petitioners in Obergefell v Hodges that was submitted by Owen C. Pell of White & Case LLP.
Alana L. Riso does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
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 18 (Xinhua) — The SCO Center for International Legal Training and Cooperation (China), based at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, held the Forum on Legal Support for SCO Economic and Trade Activities from Tuesday to Wednesday.
The event was held under the theme “Legal Innovations and International Cooperation – Building a New Era of Sustainable Development”. It was attended by more than 100 experts, scientists and industry representatives from international organizations, SCO countries, Chinese and foreign universities, research institutions and business circles.
The forum focused on creating an effective communication platform for deepening and promoting legal ideas in economic and trade activities, and was also aimed at forming a more open, mutually beneficial and sustainable platform for legal cooperation within the SCO.
The meeting discussed issues such as preventing legal risks in international investment and infrastructure construction within the Belt and Road Initiative, international trade, financial settlements and dispute resolution within the SCO.
Ge Weihua, Party Secretary of Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, said that in the context of growing uncertainty and complexity in economic and trade exchanges, there is an urgent need for more coordinated, higher-level legal support.
Since the establishment of the SCO/China International Legal Training and Cooperation Center, Shanghai University of Political Science and Law has always been committed to promoting in-depth exchanges and cooperation in the legal, economic and trade fields within the SCO framework. In the future, the university will continue to give full play to the advantages of the center to actively promote regional legal cooperation, he added.
The forum was organized by the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law and the SCO Center for International Legal Training and Cooperation /China/. -0-
NEW YORK, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Satellogic, Inc. (NASDAQ: SATL), a leader in satellite manufacturing and high-resolution Earth observation data, is pleased to announce that Uzma Berhad, and by extension Satellogic as Uzma’s Technology Partner, has been selected as the successful bidder to lead the Malaysian High-Resolution Earth Observation Satellite Project (MHREOSP) for the Government of Malaysia.
As a technology partner, Satellogic will design, develop, assemble, integrate and test a state-of-the-art high resolution satellite with active involvement of Malaysian personnel. This newest evolution of Satellogic’s proven platform, is built on the extensive heritage from over 50 NewSat satellites and features key upgrades, including superior National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scales (NIIRS) ratings, larger optics and enhanced sensor design, to deliver 50cm resolution across all spectral bands. Final integration and testing are planned to take place in Malaysia in collaboration with Uzma and local parties to support meaningful homegrown capacity development.
This collaboration builds on the successful deployment of UzmaSAT-1 and underscores Satellogic’s commitment to delivering agile space solutions to its customers around the world. “Satellogic brings proven satellite technology and a commitment to agile innovation that aligns with our goals and the nation’s space aspirations, supporting the Malaysia Space Exploration 2030 Action Plan,” said Dato’ Kamarul Redzuan Muhamed, Group CEO of Uzma Berhad. “With the Government’s guidance, Satellogic’s expertise, and our homegrown talents, we are enabling Malaysia to leap forward in its geospatial intelligence capabilities and supporting the long-term sustainability of our national infrastructure and environment by nurturing local talent through knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and exposure to satellite technology. We look forward to help grow the ecosystem further, guided by the Malaysian Government and its agencies, including Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), MYSA, the Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS), and Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT).”
The selection strengthens Satellogic’s expanding presence in Asia and reinforces its mission to democratize access to state-of-the-art space technology. “This partnership harnesses the power of commercial space to strengthen national sovereignty through proprietary space access,” said Emiliano Kargieman, CEO & Co-Founder of Satellogic. “We’re proud to support Malaysia’s forward-looking vision for space and to work alongside Uzma and GeospatialAI in delivering capabilities that will drive national resilience and innovation”
About Satellogic
Founded in 2010 by Emiliano Kargieman and Gerardo Richarte, Satellogic (NASDAQ: SATL) is the first vertically integrated geospatial company, driving real outcomes with planetary-scale insights. Satellogic is creating and continuously enhancing the first scalable, fully automated EO platform with the ability to remap the entire planet at both high-frequency and high-resolution, providing accessible and affordable solutions for customers.
Satellogic’s mission is to democratize access to geospatial data through its information platform of high resolution images to help solve the world’s most pressing problems including climate change, energy supply, and food security. Using its patented Earth imaging technology, Satellogic unlocks the power of EO to deliver high-quality, planetary insights at the lowest cost in the industry.
With more than a decade of experience in space, Satellogic has proven technology and a strong track record of delivering satellites to orbit and high-resolution data to customers at the right price point.
To learn more, please visit: http://www.satellogic.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intends”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “potential”, “predict”, “project”, “should”, “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on Satellogic’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Satellogic and include statements concerning Satellogic’s strategic realignment as a U.S. company, and the visibility and high growth opportunities it will provide in connection therewith. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Satellogic. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) our ability to generate revenue as expected, including due to challenges created by macroeconomic concerns, geopolitical uncertainty (e.g., trade relationships), financial market fluctuations and related factors, (ii) our ability to effectively market and sell our EO services and to convert contracted revenues and our pipeline of potential contracts into actual revenues, (iii) risks related to the secured convertible notes, (iv) the potential loss of one or more of our largest customers, (v) the considerable time and expense related to our sales efforts and the length and unpredictability of our sales cycle, (vi) risks and uncertainties associated with defense-related contracts, (vii) risk related to our pricing structure, (viii) our ability to scale production of our satellites as planned, (ix) unforeseen risks, challenges and uncertainties related to our expansion into new business lines, (x) our dependence on third parties, including SpaceX, to transport and launch our satellites into space, (xi) our reliance on third-party vendors and manufacturers to build and provide certain satellite components, products, or services and the inability of these vendors and manufacturers to meet our needs, (xii) our dependence on ground station and cloud-based computing infrastructure operated by third pirates for value-added services, and any errors, disruption, performance problems, or failure in their or our operational infrastructure, (xiii) risk related to certain minimum service requirements in our customer contracts, (xiv) market acceptance of our EO services and our dependence upon our ability to keep pace with the latest technological advances, including those related to artificial intelligence and machine learning, (xv) our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates or consummate acquisitions on acceptable terms, or our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, (xvi) competition for EO services, (xvii) challenges with international operations or unexpected changes to the regulatory environment in certain markets, (xviii) unknown defects or errors in our products, (xix) risk related to the capital-intensive nature of our business and our ability to raise adequate capital to finance our business strategies, (xx) uncertainties beyond our control related to the production, launch, commissioning, and/or operation of our satellites and related ground systems, software and analytic technologies, (xxi) the failure of the market for EO services to achieve the growth potential we expect, (xxii) risks related to our satellites and related equipment becoming impaired, (xxiii) risks related to the failure of our satellites to operate as intended, (xxiv) production and launch delays, launch failures, and damage or destruction to our satellites during launch, (xxv) the impact of natural disasters, unusual or prolonged unfavorable weather conditions, epidemic outbreaks, terrorist acts and geopolitical events (including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, in the Gaza Strip and the Red Sea region) on our business and satellite launch schedules and (xxvi) the anticipated benefits of the domestication may not materialize. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Satellogic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed or to be filed by Satellogic from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Satellogic assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Satellogic can give no assurance that it will achieve its expectations.
Contacts
Investor Relations:
Ryan Driver, VP of Strategy & Corporate Development
NEW YORK, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Satellogic, Inc. (NASDAQ: SATL), a leader in satellite manufacturing and high-resolution Earth observation data, is pleased to announce that Uzma Berhad, and by extension Satellogic as Uzma’s Technology Partner, has been selected as the successful bidder to lead the Malaysian High-Resolution Earth Observation Satellite Project (MHREOSP) for the Government of Malaysia.
As a technology partner, Satellogic will design, develop, assemble, integrate and test a state-of-the-art high resolution satellite with active involvement of Malaysian personnel. This newest evolution of Satellogic’s proven platform, is built on the extensive heritage from over 50 NewSat satellites and features key upgrades, including superior National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scales (NIIRS) ratings, larger optics and enhanced sensor design, to deliver 50cm resolution across all spectral bands. Final integration and testing are planned to take place in Malaysia in collaboration with Uzma and local parties to support meaningful homegrown capacity development.
This collaboration builds on the successful deployment of UzmaSAT-1 and underscores Satellogic’s commitment to delivering agile space solutions to its customers around the world. “Satellogic brings proven satellite technology and a commitment to agile innovation that aligns with our goals and the nation’s space aspirations, supporting the Malaysia Space Exploration 2030 Action Plan,” said Dato’ Kamarul Redzuan Muhamed, Group CEO of Uzma Berhad. “With the Government’s guidance, Satellogic’s expertise, and our homegrown talents, we are enabling Malaysia to leap forward in its geospatial intelligence capabilities and supporting the long-term sustainability of our national infrastructure and environment by nurturing local talent through knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and exposure to satellite technology. We look forward to help grow the ecosystem further, guided by the Malaysian Government and its agencies, including Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), MYSA, the Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS), and Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT).”
The selection strengthens Satellogic’s expanding presence in Asia and reinforces its mission to democratize access to state-of-the-art space technology. “This partnership harnesses the power of commercial space to strengthen national sovereignty through proprietary space access,” said Emiliano Kargieman, CEO & Co-Founder of Satellogic. “We’re proud to support Malaysia’s forward-looking vision for space and to work alongside Uzma and GeospatialAI in delivering capabilities that will drive national resilience and innovation”
About Satellogic
Founded in 2010 by Emiliano Kargieman and Gerardo Richarte, Satellogic (NASDAQ: SATL) is the first vertically integrated geospatial company, driving real outcomes with planetary-scale insights. Satellogic is creating and continuously enhancing the first scalable, fully automated EO platform with the ability to remap the entire planet at both high-frequency and high-resolution, providing accessible and affordable solutions for customers.
Satellogic’s mission is to democratize access to geospatial data through its information platform of high resolution images to help solve the world’s most pressing problems including climate change, energy supply, and food security. Using its patented Earth imaging technology, Satellogic unlocks the power of EO to deliver high-quality, planetary insights at the lowest cost in the industry.
With more than a decade of experience in space, Satellogic has proven technology and a strong track record of delivering satellites to orbit and high-resolution data to customers at the right price point.
To learn more, please visit: http://www.satellogic.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intends”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “potential”, “predict”, “project”, “should”, “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on Satellogic’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Satellogic and include statements concerning Satellogic’s strategic realignment as a U.S. company, and the visibility and high growth opportunities it will provide in connection therewith. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Satellogic. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) our ability to generate revenue as expected, including due to challenges created by macroeconomic concerns, geopolitical uncertainty (e.g., trade relationships), financial market fluctuations and related factors, (ii) our ability to effectively market and sell our EO services and to convert contracted revenues and our pipeline of potential contracts into actual revenues, (iii) risks related to the secured convertible notes, (iv) the potential loss of one or more of our largest customers, (v) the considerable time and expense related to our sales efforts and the length and unpredictability of our sales cycle, (vi) risks and uncertainties associated with defense-related contracts, (vii) risk related to our pricing structure, (viii) our ability to scale production of our satellites as planned, (ix) unforeseen risks, challenges and uncertainties related to our expansion into new business lines, (x) our dependence on third parties, including SpaceX, to transport and launch our satellites into space, (xi) our reliance on third-party vendors and manufacturers to build and provide certain satellite components, products, or services and the inability of these vendors and manufacturers to meet our needs, (xii) our dependence on ground station and cloud-based computing infrastructure operated by third pirates for value-added services, and any errors, disruption, performance problems, or failure in their or our operational infrastructure, (xiii) risk related to certain minimum service requirements in our customer contracts, (xiv) market acceptance of our EO services and our dependence upon our ability to keep pace with the latest technological advances, including those related to artificial intelligence and machine learning, (xv) our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates or consummate acquisitions on acceptable terms, or our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, (xvi) competition for EO services, (xvii) challenges with international operations or unexpected changes to the regulatory environment in certain markets, (xviii) unknown defects or errors in our products, (xix) risk related to the capital-intensive nature of our business and our ability to raise adequate capital to finance our business strategies, (xx) uncertainties beyond our control related to the production, launch, commissioning, and/or operation of our satellites and related ground systems, software and analytic technologies, (xxi) the failure of the market for EO services to achieve the growth potential we expect, (xxii) risks related to our satellites and related equipment becoming impaired, (xxiii) risks related to the failure of our satellites to operate as intended, (xxiv) production and launch delays, launch failures, and damage or destruction to our satellites during launch, (xxv) the impact of natural disasters, unusual or prolonged unfavorable weather conditions, epidemic outbreaks, terrorist acts and geopolitical events (including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, in the Gaza Strip and the Red Sea region) on our business and satellite launch schedules and (xxvi) the anticipated benefits of the domestication may not materialize. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Satellogic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed or to be filed by Satellogic from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Satellogic assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Satellogic can give no assurance that it will achieve its expectations.
Contacts
Investor Relations:
Ryan Driver, VP of Strategy & Corporate Development
Rain can dampen summer activities, but it’s also vital to the health of our landscapes – from replenishing groundwater to sustaining plants and crops.
Modern infrastructure and excess water from rain don’t always work perfectly in sync. Our homes, roads, parking lots, and buildings block water from soaking into the ground, leading to more flooding and erosion.
Mike Dietz ’94 (CLAS), ’01 MS, ’05 Ph.D., a senior extension educator and director of the Connecticut Institute of Water Resources, offers Connecticut residents some ideas to better handle Mother Nature’s wet presence.
Rain gardens offer a natural, beautiful solution, helping to manage stormwater while supporting cleaner water across Connecticut. UConn Extension is leading efforts to expand rain gardens statewide through resources including an app, a free online course, workshops, and hands-on support.
A rain garden is a shallow, landscaped area that captures and filters stormwater using plants, mulch, and ground covers. In residential neighborhoods, this reduces the amount of runoff that leaves the property in stormwater pipes, where it is sent untreated to local streams.
Because Connecticut is part of the Long Island Sound watershed, every rain garden also helps protect the Sound, restore local waterways, and strengthen ecosystems. These gardens filter pollutants from stormwater before it reaches rivers and the Sound, using nature’s own cleaning processes.
Dietz has spent years working with team members, developing rain garden resources for homeowners and communities.
“I like the hands-on aspect of Extension water programs where I can see tangible things happening,” Dietz says. “The research advances the science, but I find the greatest impact working with people to get practices implemented.”
Dietz remembers when UConn installed its first rain garden at the Towers dorms in 2004. Today, there are 30 rain gardens and 70 green infrastructure systems, including permeable pavements, across campus.
Last year, Dietz worked with students to install a rain garden near the UConn Dairy Bar. Amanda Stowe ’26 (CAHNR) and Grace Wright Goodison ’27 (CLAS, Neag) were part of that team that applied for and won a UConn Change grant for the project.
Mike Dietz, senior extension educator, with students planting a rain garden near the UConn Dairy Bar (Contributed photo)
“I researched land management at UConn, especially with all our rain and having to walk through a huge puddle every time I left my dorm,” Wright Goodison says. “Native plants are important for our soil.”
“This is important. People are concerned with flooding, and rain gardens help,” says Stowe.
Both students began the project during class and used the undergraduate Change Grant to install the new garden.
The site already had a catch basin, but they disconnected stormwater drains from part of a nearby building so the runoff now flows into the rain garden instead. Both students called it a great learning opportunity in water quality, pollinators, and native plants. A sign now helps Dairy Bar visitors learn about rain gardens and the specific plants growing there.
“The goal was to take rainwater from the building and parking lots and disconnect it from Roberts Brook, which is already impaired,” Dietz says. “The rain garden is functioning as designed. And for pollinators, it’s a huge benefit – this was a barren landscape for them otherwise.”
This summer, UConn Extension’s CLEAR program is partnering with towns across Connecticut to install more rain gardens as part of municipal stormwater efforts. Step-by-step training and resources are available for anyone interested in creating one. The Rain Garden Design, Installation, and Maintenance Course offers six hours of free online learning across seven modules. While geared toward landscapers, contractors, and municipal staff, homeowners can take the course too.
Likewise, UConn CLEAR’s Rain Garden app puts helpful tools at your fingertips, including video tutorials, a sizing calculator, soil drainage tips, and plant recommendations. It’s designed for residents but works just as well for businesses and municipalities.
“Rain gardens are about more than just water,” Dietz says. “They’re pollinator habitats too. And if you pick the right spot, the only real cost is your time, labor, and the plants. It’s not a lot of work to implement.”
Planting a rain garden is a small step that makes a big impact on Connecticut’s water and communities. Easy to install and low maintenance, rain gardens are an ideal way to replace puddles with pollinators and beauty.
This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Fostering Sustainable Landscapes at the Urban-Rural Interface.
Valour Expands Nordic Footprint with Four New Listings: Valour, a subsidiary of DeFi Technologies, has launched SEK-denominated ETPs for Mantra (OM), Tron (TRX), Stellar (XLM), and Tether Gold (XAUt) on Sweden’s Spotlight Stock Market, broadening investor access to diversified digital asset exposure.
Exposure to Emerging Protocols and Tokenized Gold: These new ETPs provide regulated access to a range of assets—from tokenized gold to real-world asset protocols—serving growing investor demand for both traditional and next-generation blockchain applications.
On Track Toward 100 ETPs by Year-End: With these additions, Valour now offers over 70 digital asset ETPs across leading European exchanges, reinforcing its leadership in the market and accelerating progress toward its goal of 100 ETPs by the end of 2025.
TORONTO, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DeFi Technologies Inc. (the “Company” or “DeFi Technologies”) (Nasdaq: DEFT) (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B), a financial technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralized finance (“DeFi”), is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Valour Inc., and Valour Digital Securities Limited (together, “Valour“), a leading issuer of exchange traded products (“ETPs“) has launched four new SEK-denominated ETPs on the Spotlight Stock Market in Sweden:
These new listings further broaden Valour’s presence in the Nordics and strengthen its mission to deliver secure, transparent, and regulated access to a diverse range of digital assets through traditional brokerage platforms.
About the Newly Listed ETPs
Valour Mantra (OM) ETP Mantra is a leading protocol focused on real-world asset tokenization and compliant DeFi infrastructure. As institutional interest in tokenized financial products grows, OM plays a critical role in bridging traditional finance with on-chain applications.
Valour Tron (TRX) ETP Tron is a high-performance, layer-1 blockchain known for its high throughput, low fees, and strong presence in DeFi and entertainment-focused applications. With billions of daily transactions and one of the largest stablecoin networks, Tron remains a top digital asset by market capitalization.
Valour Stellar (XLM) ETP Stellar is a blockchain optimized for global payments and remittances. Its consensus protocol and low-cost transactions make it ideal for cross-border financial infrastructure, particularly in emerging markets and institutional settlement use cases.
Valour Tether Gold (XAUt) ETP Tether Gold (XAUt) is a token backed by physical gold, offering the security of a hard asset with the accessibility of a digital token. The ETP provides investors with exposure to tokenized gold via a regulated, exchange-listed product, appealing to those seeking a hedge against inflation and fiat currency risk.
Each product can be purchased and sold through standard brokerage platforms, offering streamlined access for both retail and institutional investors. The management fee is 1.9% for OM, TRX, and XLM, while Tether Gold (XAUt) features a fee of 0.45%.
Executive Commentary
Johanna Belitz, Head of Nordics at Valour, commented: “The launch of these four new products reflects our continued commitment to Nordic investors. We’re seeing increased demand for diversified exposure—not only to large-cap crypto assets but also to gold-backed tokens and emerging protocols like Mantra. With the world’s first ETP on Tether Gold, we’re bridging traditional gold investment with the transparency and efficiency of blockchain. Our goal is to deliver that access in a simple, familiar, and fully regulated format.”
Elaine Buehler, Head of Products at Valour, added: “These new ETPs represent a major leap forward, not only offering access to leading digital assets like Tron and Stellar but also bridging real-world financial systems with next-gen blockchain protocols. What makes them extraordinary is their ability to unlock new markets—Mantra’s tokenized real-world asset focus is revolutionizing compliance in DeFi, while Tether Gold offers a digital-native solution for investors seeking the stability of gold as a hedge against inflation.”
With these new listings, Valour has now surpassed 70 digital asset ETPs—offering the most comprehensive lineup in Europe—and remains on pace to reach its goal of 100 ETPs by the end of 2025. These products are currently listed on major European exchanges including Spotlight (Sweden), Börse Frankfurt (Germany), and Euronext (Paris and Amsterdam), with continued expansion planned in additional global markets.
About DeFi Technologies DeFi Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: DEFT) (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B) is a financial technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralized finance (“DeFi”). As the first Nasdaq-listed digital asset manager of its kind, DeFi Technologies offers equity investors diversified exposure to the broader decentralized economy through its integrated and scalable business model. This includes Valour, which offers access to over sixty-five of the world’s most innovative digital assets via regulated ETPs; Stillman Digital, a digital asset prime brokerage focused on institutional-grade execution and custody; Reflexivity Research, which provides leading research into the digital asset space; Neuronomics, which develops quantitative trading strategies and infrastructure; and DeFi Alpha, the company’s internal arbitrage and trading business line. With deep expertise across capital markets and emerging technologies, DeFi Technologies is building the institutional gateway to the future of finance. Follow DeFi Technologies on LinkedIn and X/Twitter, and for more details, visit https://defi.tech/
DeFi Technologies Subsidiaries
About Valour Valour Inc. and Valour Digital Securities Limited (together, “Valour”) issues exchange traded products (“ETPs”) that enable retail and institutional investors to access digital assets in a simple and secure way via their traditional bank account. Valour is part of the asset management business line of DeFi Technologies. For more information about Valour, to subscribe, or to receive updates, visit valour.com.
About Reflexivity Research Reflexivity Research LLC is a leading research firm specializing in the creation of high-quality, in-depth research reports for the bitcoin and digital asset industry, empowering investors with valuable insights. For more information please visit https://www.reflexivityresearch.com/
About Stillman Digital Stillman Digital is a leading digital asset liquidity provider that offers limitless liquidity solutions for businesses, focusing on industry-leading trade execution, settlement, and technology. For more information, please visit https://www.stillmandigital.com
About Neuronomics AG Neuronomics AG is a Swiss asset management firm specializing in AI-powered quantitative trading strategies. By integrating artificial intelligence, computational neuroscience and quantitative finance, Neuronomics delivers cutting-edge solutions that drive superior risk-adjusted performance in financial markets. For more information please visit https://www.neuronomics.com/
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information: This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to the the listing of Valour Mantra (OM) ETP, Valour Tron (TRX) ETP, Valour Stellar (XLM) ETP and Valour Tether Gold (XAUt) ETP; the development of the Mantra protocol, Tron blockchain, Stellar blockchain and Tether Gold token; development of additional ETPs and the number of ETPs anticipated by end of 2025; investor confidence in Valour’s ETPs; investor interest and confidence in digital assets; the regulatory environment with respect to the growth and adoption of decentralized finance; the pursuit by the Company and its subsidiaries of business opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such opportunities. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but is not limited the acceptance of Valour ETPs by exchanges; growth and development of decentralised finance and cryptocurrency sector; rules and regulations with respect to decentralised finance and cryptocurrency; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
THE CBOE CANADA EXCHANGE DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE
For further information, please contact:
Olivier Roussy Newton Chief Executive Officer ir@defi.tech (323) 537-7681
Valour Expands Nordic Footprint with Four New Listings: Valour, a subsidiary of DeFi Technologies, has launched SEK-denominated ETPs for Mantra (OM), Tron (TRX), Stellar (XLM), and Tether Gold (XAUt) on Sweden’s Spotlight Stock Market, broadening investor access to diversified digital asset exposure.
Exposure to Emerging Protocols and Tokenized Gold: These new ETPs provide regulated access to a range of assets—from tokenized gold to real-world asset protocols—serving growing investor demand for both traditional and next-generation blockchain applications.
On Track Toward 100 ETPs by Year-End: With these additions, Valour now offers over 70 digital asset ETPs across leading European exchanges, reinforcing its leadership in the market and accelerating progress toward its goal of 100 ETPs by the end of 2025.
TORONTO, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DeFi Technologies Inc. (the “Company” or “DeFi Technologies”) (Nasdaq: DEFT) (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B), a financial technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralized finance (“DeFi”), is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Valour Inc., and Valour Digital Securities Limited (together, “Valour“), a leading issuer of exchange traded products (“ETPs“) has launched four new SEK-denominated ETPs on the Spotlight Stock Market in Sweden:
These new listings further broaden Valour’s presence in the Nordics and strengthen its mission to deliver secure, transparent, and regulated access to a diverse range of digital assets through traditional brokerage platforms.
About the Newly Listed ETPs
Valour Mantra (OM) ETP Mantra is a leading protocol focused on real-world asset tokenization and compliant DeFi infrastructure. As institutional interest in tokenized financial products grows, OM plays a critical role in bridging traditional finance with on-chain applications.
Valour Tron (TRX) ETP Tron is a high-performance, layer-1 blockchain known for its high throughput, low fees, and strong presence in DeFi and entertainment-focused applications. With billions of daily transactions and one of the largest stablecoin networks, Tron remains a top digital asset by market capitalization.
Valour Stellar (XLM) ETP Stellar is a blockchain optimized for global payments and remittances. Its consensus protocol and low-cost transactions make it ideal for cross-border financial infrastructure, particularly in emerging markets and institutional settlement use cases.
Valour Tether Gold (XAUt) ETP Tether Gold (XAUt) is a token backed by physical gold, offering the security of a hard asset with the accessibility of a digital token. The ETP provides investors with exposure to tokenized gold via a regulated, exchange-listed product, appealing to those seeking a hedge against inflation and fiat currency risk.
Each product can be purchased and sold through standard brokerage platforms, offering streamlined access for both retail and institutional investors. The management fee is 1.9% for OM, TRX, and XLM, while Tether Gold (XAUt) features a fee of 0.45%.
Executive Commentary
Johanna Belitz, Head of Nordics at Valour, commented: “The launch of these four new products reflects our continued commitment to Nordic investors. We’re seeing increased demand for diversified exposure—not only to large-cap crypto assets but also to gold-backed tokens and emerging protocols like Mantra. With the world’s first ETP on Tether Gold, we’re bridging traditional gold investment with the transparency and efficiency of blockchain. Our goal is to deliver that access in a simple, familiar, and fully regulated format.”
Elaine Buehler, Head of Products at Valour, added: “These new ETPs represent a major leap forward, not only offering access to leading digital assets like Tron and Stellar but also bridging real-world financial systems with next-gen blockchain protocols. What makes them extraordinary is their ability to unlock new markets—Mantra’s tokenized real-world asset focus is revolutionizing compliance in DeFi, while Tether Gold offers a digital-native solution for investors seeking the stability of gold as a hedge against inflation.”
With these new listings, Valour has now surpassed 70 digital asset ETPs—offering the most comprehensive lineup in Europe—and remains on pace to reach its goal of 100 ETPs by the end of 2025. These products are currently listed on major European exchanges including Spotlight (Sweden), Börse Frankfurt (Germany), and Euronext (Paris and Amsterdam), with continued expansion planned in additional global markets.
About DeFi Technologies DeFi Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: DEFT) (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B) is a financial technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralized finance (“DeFi”). As the first Nasdaq-listed digital asset manager of its kind, DeFi Technologies offers equity investors diversified exposure to the broader decentralized economy through its integrated and scalable business model. This includes Valour, which offers access to over sixty-five of the world’s most innovative digital assets via regulated ETPs; Stillman Digital, a digital asset prime brokerage focused on institutional-grade execution and custody; Reflexivity Research, which provides leading research into the digital asset space; Neuronomics, which develops quantitative trading strategies and infrastructure; and DeFi Alpha, the company’s internal arbitrage and trading business line. With deep expertise across capital markets and emerging technologies, DeFi Technologies is building the institutional gateway to the future of finance. Follow DeFi Technologies on LinkedIn and X/Twitter, and for more details, visit https://defi.tech/
DeFi Technologies Subsidiaries
About Valour Valour Inc. and Valour Digital Securities Limited (together, “Valour”) issues exchange traded products (“ETPs”) that enable retail and institutional investors to access digital assets in a simple and secure way via their traditional bank account. Valour is part of the asset management business line of DeFi Technologies. For more information about Valour, to subscribe, or to receive updates, visit valour.com.
About Reflexivity Research Reflexivity Research LLC is a leading research firm specializing in the creation of high-quality, in-depth research reports for the bitcoin and digital asset industry, empowering investors with valuable insights. For more information please visit https://www.reflexivityresearch.com/
About Stillman Digital Stillman Digital is a leading digital asset liquidity provider that offers limitless liquidity solutions for businesses, focusing on industry-leading trade execution, settlement, and technology. For more information, please visit https://www.stillmandigital.com
About Neuronomics AG Neuronomics AG is a Swiss asset management firm specializing in AI-powered quantitative trading strategies. By integrating artificial intelligence, computational neuroscience and quantitative finance, Neuronomics delivers cutting-edge solutions that drive superior risk-adjusted performance in financial markets. For more information please visit https://www.neuronomics.com/
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information: This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to the the listing of Valour Mantra (OM) ETP, Valour Tron (TRX) ETP, Valour Stellar (XLM) ETP and Valour Tether Gold (XAUt) ETP; the development of the Mantra protocol, Tron blockchain, Stellar blockchain and Tether Gold token; development of additional ETPs and the number of ETPs anticipated by end of 2025; investor confidence in Valour’s ETPs; investor interest and confidence in digital assets; the regulatory environment with respect to the growth and adoption of decentralized finance; the pursuit by the Company and its subsidiaries of business opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such opportunities. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but is not limited the acceptance of Valour ETPs by exchanges; growth and development of decentralised finance and cryptocurrency sector; rules and regulations with respect to decentralised finance and cryptocurrency; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
THE CBOE CANADA EXCHANGE DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE
For further information, please contact:
Olivier Roussy Newton Chief Executive Officer ir@defi.tech (323) 537-7681
Experienced Executive to Lead Commercial Expansion, Strategic Partnerships, and Revenue Acceleration Initiatives in North America
SINGAPORE and SAN DIEGO, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Helport AI Limited (NASDAQ: HPAI) (“Helport AI” or the “Company”), an AI technology company serving enterprise clients with intelligent customer communication software and services, today announced the appointment of Hiu-Yu “Vanessa” Chan as Chief Commercial Officer (“CCO”), effective June 16, 2025.
Ms. Chan joins Helport AI at a pivotal moment of global growth. She brings over 23 years of enterprise leadership experience across AI, SaaS, and strategic expansion, having held senior roles at Google Cloud, SAP, ServiceNow, and McKinsey. As CCO, she will lead commercial expansion, strategic partnerships, and revenue acceleration initiatives across the United States and North America. Ms. Chan is also expected to play a key role in shaping go-to-market strategy and customer success at scale. Ms. Chan holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. She will be based out of Helport AI’s San Diego headquarters. Most recently, Ms. Chan served as Head of Corporate Strategy for North Asia at ServiceNow, where she oversaw strategic growth across its Public Sector and Financial Services space and spearheaded an investment initiative for Singapore’s regulated cloud market. Previously, at Google Cloud, she led go-to-market operations for Greater China and Korea. Ms. Chan also held executive roles at SAP, managing strategic accounts and alliances while delivering revenue growth through strategic partnerships in the China market.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Vanessa to Helport AI,” said Guanghai Li, CEO of Helport AI. “Her track record speaks for itself—Vanessa combines strategic clarity with operational excellence and a deep understanding of global enterprise markets. I am personally excited to partner with her as we embark on our next stage of commercial growth.”
Ms. Chan added, “I am excited to join Helport AI at a time of global expansion and product momentum. I expect that the Company’s AI-driven software platform will transform how enterprises engage with their customers by addressing complex communication challenges, and I look forward to delivering value to those using our technology to transform their customer engagement model.”
With Ms. Chan’s appointment, Helport AI has strengthened its executive bench to support its continued international expansion, enterprise customer growth, and strategic capital partnerships.
About Helport AI
Helport AI (NASDAQ: HPAI) is a global technology company serving enterprise clients with intelligent customer communication software and services. Its flagship product, AI Assist, acts as a real-time co-pilot for customer contact teams, delivering smart guidance and tools designed to drive sales, improve customer engagement, and lower costs. The Company’s mission is to empower everyone to work as an expert—using AI to elevate, not replace, human capability. Learn more at https://www.helport.ai/.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking, including, but not limited to, Helport AI’s business strategies, expansion plans, and anticipated results. These statements involve risks and uncertainties based on current expectations and projections. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Helport AI undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although Helport AI believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and Helport AI cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in Helport AI’s registration statement and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Manila (Agenzia Fides) – ” “There has been and continues to be a heated debate in the country following the postponement, in the Senate, of the vote on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. Public opinion seems to be divided. As an ecclesial community, following these political developments, we can affirm that our compass remains the common good. And the spirit with which we observe and assess this situation is that of the “Oratio Imperata” that we recited in Manila before the elections,” Father Esteban Lo, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the Philippines, told Fides.In that moment before the elections, Cardinal José Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, invited the faithful “to be open to a constant conversion toward truth, justice, and peace.” Father Lo recalls several passages from the Oratio Imperata, in which one asks God: “Guide our nation in this time of crisis”; “Let the light of truth shine to guide us on the path to unity and peace”; “Let justice prevail and pave the way to healing and reconciliation.”Last February, the House of Representatives initiated impeachment proceedings against Sara Duterte on charges of embezzlement, bribery, and corruption with 215 of 306 votes. For the proceedings to proceed, the Senate must also vote on the matter.Following the May 12 elections and the new composition of the Senate, a special impeachment court was established in the Assembly to consider the case and potentially conduct the trial of Vice President Duterte. However, on June 10, senators voted to refer the complaints to the House of Representatives for legal and procedural reasons, sparking protests from activists and public discontent. The spokesperson for the Senate impeachment tribunal, attorney Regie Tongol, rejected accusations of “buying time” and explained the necessary steps: the formal organization of the tribunal, the adoption of procedural rules, the issuance of a mandate to the House to resolve jurisdictional issues, the formal summons of Duterte, and the receipt of his defense attorneys and receiving the formal summons from the defense attorneys. At this stage, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, through a message signed by its president, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, urged the Senate to act, recalling that this is “a constitutional duty, not a political choice.” According to the statement, the Church’s intervention does not respond to partisan interests, but is rooted in Catholic social teaching, “which upholds truth, justice, and the common good.” “The pursuit of truth is not a political option; it is a moral imperative. Let your conscience guide your actions. Let the truth take its course,” the statement reads.The Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, Socrates Villegas, also warned that delaying the impeachment process “not only constitutes a political, moral, and spiritual failure on the part of public officials, but also a grave sin of omission against the common good,” as it violates truth, justice, and the right of citizens to demand accountability.The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), the largest network of Catholic educational institutions in the country, has joined the call, urging the Senate not to delay the process, which it called “a constitutional, moral, and democratic imperative.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 18/6/2025)
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to foster exchanges The visit was arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which invited government officials from 10 countries across Africa and Asia. The aim was to enhance exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and countries around the world, as well as expand the “circle of friends” of Hong Kong.
The 10 countries concerned are Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Sri Lanka and Tunisia.
During their stay in Hong Kong, the delegation met with the Acting Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; and the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, to exchange views and obtain a better understanding of Hong Kong’s distinctive advantage of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle. The delegation also learned of Hong Kong’s important roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” serving as a bridge between the Mainland and the rest of the world.
They also met with the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan; and the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, as well as representatives of a number of relevant institutions. The delegation also visited the Hong Kong Science Park and West Kowloon Cultural District to learn about the city’s latest developments and opportunities in finance, trade, innovation and technology, and arts and culture.
The delegation departed for Shenzhen after their visit to Hong Kong to learn more about the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Issued at HKT 20:29
Bashneft (Rosneft subsidiary) continues its large-scale reforestation programme in the Republic of Bashkortostan. The company’s employees planted over 41,000 tree seedlings in the region in the spring of 2025.
Seedlings of various tree species adapted to the climatic conditions of the regions were planted as part of environmental campaigns. All work was carried out under regional forestry control.
The Asly-Kul Nature Park in the Davlekanovo District of Bashkiria is a specially protected natural area and an important recreational site. Bashkir oil workers planted 24,000 pine seedlings as part of the all-Russian patriotic campaign Memory Garden. The planting is part of a large-scale programme aimed at preventing waterlogging of Aslikul, the largest lake in Bashkortostan. The action makes a significant contribution to strengthening the ecosystem and preserving the unique natural system of the reservoir. Bashneft-Dobycha employees (Bashneft’s oil and gas production operator) have been systematically restoring the forest frame of Lake Aslikul since 2023. With the support of oil workers, over 100 thousand pine and larch seedlings have already been planted on the territory of the natural park, which in a few years will form four massive forest areas with a total area of 25 hectares.
The significance of Bashneft’s initiative is also confirmed by experts from the Biology Research Centre of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Scientists believe that the establishment of a coniferous forest in the north-western part of Lake Aslikul will help to stop the processes of waterlogging of the shores and preserve the lake for future generations.
In addition, employees of the Bashneft-Novoil plant cleaned the shores of the lake from household rubbish as part of the federal environmental project Water of Russia. The anthropogenic load on the coastal area is high, as the water body is very popular with tourists. Almost 22 kilometres of coastline were cleaned during the campaign.
Over the last 5 years, thanks to the initiatives of Bashkir oil workers, more than 5.2 million trees have been planted on over 1.5 thousand hectares. The young green expanses will soon transform into robust coniferous forests, facilitating the restoration and conservation of ecological balance of the areas.
Preservation of the environment for future generations is an integral part of the corporate culture of Rosneft. The Company implements large-scale environmental programmes aimed at minimising environmental impact, improving the eco-friendly production, and preserving and replenishing natural ecosystems.
For reference:
Basheft is one of the oldest oil and gas enterprises in the country engaged in oil extraction and processing. The company’s key assets are located in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Oil and gas exploration and production are also carried out in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area-Yugra, Nenets Autonomous Area, Orenburg Region and the Republic of Bashkortostan.
Department of Information and Advertising Rosneft May 26, 2025
Bashneft (Rosneft subsidiary) continues its large-scale reforestation programme in the Republic of Bashkortostan. The company’s employees planted over 41,000 tree seedlings in the region in the spring of 2025.
Seedlings of various tree species adapted to the climatic conditions of the regions were planted as part of environmental campaigns. All work was carried out under regional forestry control.
The Asly-Kul Nature Park in the Davlekanovo District of Bashkiria is a specially protected natural area and an important recreational site. Bashkir oil workers planted 24,000 pine seedlings as part of the all-Russian patriotic campaign Memory Garden. The planting is part of a large-scale programme aimed at preventing waterlogging of Aslikul, the largest lake in Bashkortostan. The action makes a significant contribution to strengthening the ecosystem and preserving the unique natural system of the reservoir. Bashneft-Dobycha employees (Bashneft’s oil and gas production operator) have been systematically restoring the forest frame of Lake Aslikul since 2023. With the support of oil workers, over 100 thousand pine and larch seedlings have already been planted on the territory of the natural park, which in a few years will form four massive forest areas with a total area of 25 hectares.
The significance of Bashneft’s initiative is also confirmed by experts from the Biology Research Centre of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Scientists believe that the establishment of a coniferous forest in the north-western part of Lake Aslikul will help to stop the processes of waterlogging of the shores and preserve the lake for future generations.
In addition, employees of the Bashneft-Novoil plant cleaned the shores of the lake from household rubbish as part of the federal environmental project Water of Russia. The anthropogenic load on the coastal area is high, as the water body is very popular with tourists. Almost 22 kilometres of coastline were cleaned during the campaign.
Over the last 5 years, thanks to the initiatives of Bashkir oil workers, more than 5.2 million trees have been planted on over 1.5 thousand hectares. The young green expanses will soon transform into robust coniferous forests, facilitating the restoration and conservation of ecological balance of the areas.
Preservation of the environment for future generations is an integral part of the corporate culture of Rosneft. The Company implements large-scale environmental programmes aimed at minimising environmental impact, improving the eco-friendly production, and preserving and replenishing natural ecosystems.
For reference:
Basheft is one of the oldest oil and gas enterprises in the country engaged in oil extraction and processing. The company’s key assets are located in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Oil and gas exploration and production are also carried out in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area-Yugra, Nenets Autonomous Area, Orenburg Region and the Republic of Bashkortostan.
Department of Information and Advertising Rosneft May 26, 2025
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The Moscow Oncology Forum 2025 has begun its work in the capital. It was opened by Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development. In her welcoming speech, she spoke about the city’s transition to an electronic format for pathomorphological diagnostics, the completion of the formation of an infrastructural framework for oncological care, and the introduction of robotic systems into the capital’s healthcare system.
“In five years, we have essentially created a high-tech oncology service from scratch: we have modernized the equipment, worked out standards for drug provision, formed client paths and carried out complete digitalization. Now all oncology hospitals have the most modern robotic systems – and not one in each. And all this is provided with the necessary financial resources. Four thousand operations have already been performed, and our annual capacity is more than five thousand operations per year. All our laboratories work exclusively digitally. But the most important thing is, of course, a new level of quality of medical care for our patients. I would like to separately note the team of Moscow oncologists, who are truly the vanguard of the capital’s healthcare. You are pioneers in almost all innovations and processes. I would like to thank each oncologist for your daily, difficult, but very noble work in the conditions of continuous changes,” said Anastasia Rakova.
She added that the unprecedented archive of digital medical data, including oncological data, formed in Moscow is an indisputable competitive advantage. In the context of the development of large generative models of artificial intelligence, this archive opens up a unique opportunity to create projects to identify precursors and patterns of disease development.
According to Anastasia Rakova, the Moscow oncology service today has every opportunity to reach a new level of care and use modern technologies, such as cell therapy, personalized vaccines, isotopes, and minimally invasive surgery. Among the first steps already being implemented in this direction, she noted the creation of a nuclear pharmacy, theranostics, and the successful use of yttrium to treat liver tumors. The deputy mayor expressed hope that successful cases of high-tech care will become a permanent practice available to every Muscovite. To this end, the capital will increase its work with federal centers, scientific organizations, and pharmaceutical companies.
The Deputy Mayor recalled the classic rule of medicine: it is easier to prevent a disease than to treat it, and the capital is actively moving in this direction. Thanks to the opening of endoscopic centers, it was possible to increase the detection rate of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancer at an early stage. The plans include opening several more such centers. At the same time, the capital is implementing proactive programs. For example, as part of a pilot project for the prevention of oncological diseases, a referral for a screening endoscopic examination of the GIT was opened automatically for those who have not undergone it for more than three years and fall into the risk group. More than 50 thousand people have already signed up for the checkup. After the opening ceremony, guests will be able to learn more about the latest achievements in the field of treatment and diagnosis of oncological diseases not only during the speakers’ speeches, but also by visiting an interactive exhibition. It presents 14 stands in different areas. For example, these are “Brain and Nervous System Tumors”, “Oncourology”, “Radiation and Radionuclide Therapy” and others.
Visitors to the interactive exhibition will be able to participate in master classes, intellectual games and quizzes, examine objects under a microscope, study video recordings of real operations, and also get a visual representation of the work of the operating room. The stands will show the latest equipment, models of tumors and unique clinical cases.
The largest oncology forum in Russia is taking place from June 18 to 20 at Gostiny Dvor. The event brings together participants from 20 countries. The most pressing aspects of cancer treatment are being discussed by domestic and foreign experts from Singapore, China, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, France, Turkey, the United States, Belgium, Italy and other countries. These are 144 of the best specialists, including academicians and corresponding members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, professors and doctors of science. Together, they will present almost 400 scientific reports on the latest developments in the field of providing medical care to patients with cancer.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
On June 18, the final stage of the annual city competition of professional skills “Moscow Masters” in the direction of “Nurse” was completed in the capital. 24 specialists took part in the final tests, having successfully passed the test of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
The award ceremony took place at Gostiny Dvor. The prizes — car keys — were presented to the three finalists by Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.
“I am pleased to sum up the results of the professional competition of Moscow masters in the nomination “Nursing” today. The nursing community of Moscow is multifaceted – 50 thousand nurses and male nurses work in the capital’s healthcare. Your profession is very important and necessary, and the requirements for it are growing from year to year. You accompany the patient, support him along the entire path to recovery – from the admissions department to discharge. This year the competition was very difficult. Both the number of participants and the number of tests increased. You had to go through interviews, tests, demonstrate your skills. All of today’s finalists are already winners. You have proven that you are sincerely devoted to your work, are professionals and are ready to do everything to make life easier for patients. Once again, I congratulate all the finalists! And I would like to move on to presenting awards to the three main winners. This year, the Mayor of Moscow decided that we will present our branded Moskvich cars as a reward. “And all the finalists will go on an internship to China,” Anastasia Rakova congratulated the winners.
The best result in the tests was shown by Alena Sokolova from the V.M. Buyanov City Clinical Hospital. Second place was taken by Yulia Nagaytseva, a nurse of a general practitioner (family doctor) of City Polyclinic No. 66, and third place went to Elvira Uldanova, a district nurse. She works at Children’s City Polyclinic No. 38.
The competition, which has been held in Moscow for the 28th year in a row, not only identifies the best specialists, but also reminds society of the importance of the profession, creating additional motivation for the further development of nursing in the capital.
Before the final, the contestants went through several stages: initially, more than 700 nurses and brothers selected from medical organizations took part in the competition. After computer testing, 80 people remained, who then demonstrated their practical skills. In the final, they solved situational problems, for example, providing assistance in case of respiratory failure due to a foreign body getting into the respiratory tract or preparing a patient for an electrocardiogram.
Based on the results of the tests, 24 finalists were determined – three participants in each of the eight nominations.
The winners of the nominations competed in an interactive game, answering questions about nursing, the history of medicine, anatomy, pharmacology and other areas. In particular, about the discovery of methods for treating the most common diseases that had a significant impact on the development of medical science.
The competition was organized by the Personnel Center of the capital Department of HealthThis year the event became the largest in 28 years of its holding.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –
The IAEA Board of Governors will convene its regular September meeting at the Agency’s headquarters starting at 10:30 CEST on Monday, 9 September, in Board Room C, Building C, 4th floor, in the Vienna International Centre (VIC).
Board discussions are expected to include, among others: nuclear and radiation safety; nuclear security; strengthening the Agency’s activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications; verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 (2015); application of safeguards in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement in the Syrian Arab Republic; NPT Safeguards Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran; nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine; transfer of the nuclear materials in the context of AUKUS and its safeguards in all aspects under the NPT; application of IAEA safeguards in the Middle East; and the restoration of sovereign equality of Member States in the IAEA.
The Board of Governors meeting is closed to the press.
Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi will open the meeting with an introductory statement which will be released to journalists after delivery and posted on the IAEA website. The IAEA will provide video footage here and will make photos available on Flickr.
Press Conference:
Director General Grossi is expected to hold a press conference at 13:00 CEST on Monday, 9 September, in the Press Room of the M building.
A live video stream of the press conference will be available. The IAEA will provide video footage here and will make photos available on Flickr.
Photo Opportunity:
There will be a photo opportunity with the IAEA Director General and the Chair of the Board, Ambassador Holger Federico Martinsen of Argentina, before the start of the Board meeting, on 9 September at 10:30 CEST in Board Room C, in the C building in the VIC.
Press Working Area:
The Press Room on the M-Building’s ground floor will be available as a press working area starting from 9:00 CEST on 9 September.
Accreditation:
All journalists interested in covering the meeting in person must register with the Press Office by 16:00 CEST on Thursday, 5 September. Please email press@iaea.org. We encourage those journalists who do not yet have permanent accreditation to request it at UNIS Vienna.
Please plan your arrival to allow sufficient time to pass through the VIC security check.
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –
The 68th Annual Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, #IAEAGC, will convene from 16 to 20 September at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) in Vienna, Austria. The opening session takes place on Monday, 16 September, at 10:00 CEST.
High-ranking officials and representatives from IAEA Member States will consider and make decisions on a range of issues pertaining to the work and the budget of the Agency.
The main conference events will take place in the M-Building of the VIC.
All plenary sessions of the General Conference will be livestreamed on the IAEA website (no login required) in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
The opening session of the GC will also be streamed live on the lAEA YouTube channel in high definition, and a download link will be made available afterwards.
The IAEA will host a briefing for media on the new projections. IAEA experts, including Henri Paillere, Head of Planning and Economic Studies at the IAEA, will provide the briefing on Monday, 16 September at 09:30 CEST in the Press Room.
Please note: All information presented during the briefing are under embargo until after the Director General’s opening statement on Monday, 16 September.
Please inform the IAEA Press Office if you plan to attend the briefing.
Scientific Forum
This year’s Scientific Forum, organized on the sidelines of the General Conference on 17 and 18 September, is entitled Atoms4Food – Better Agriculture for Better Life. It will focus on how nuclear science, technology and innovation can enhance sustainable agrifood systems, improve food security and address climate change.
The Scientific Forum will cover crop improvement, animal genetics and reproduction, crop and animal disease and pest management, food safety and nutrition, and sustainable management of natural resources, including soil and water. The two-day event will facilitate best practice exchanges, discuss sustainable adoption and scaling up of R&D results, and explore innovative financing and partnerships.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi will open the Scientific Forum with high-level speakers on Tuesday, 17 September, at 09:30 CEST.
The Forum will take place in Boardroom D of the C-Building. All sessions will be livestreamed.
Accreditation
All journalists – including those with permanent accreditation – are requested to inform the IAEA Press Office of their plans to attend the General Conference. Journalists without permanent accreditation must send copies of their passport and press ID to the IAEA Press Office by 14:00 CEST on Friday, 13 September.
We encourage those journalists who do not yet have permanent accreditation to request it at UNIS Vienna.
Access to the plenary sessions of the General Conference and the Scientific Forum for photographers and video camera operators must be requested in advance.
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –
Scientists and experts from around the world will meet at the IAEA Scientific Forum this week to discuss how nuclear science and technology innovations under the framework of Atoms4Food can contribute to enhancing sustainable agrifood systems, improving food security and addressing climate challenges.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi will open the forum on Tuesday alongside HE Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, Mr Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, President of the OPEC Fund, MrLiu Jing, Vice Chairman, China Atomic Energy Authority, China, HE MrSidi Tiémoko Touré, Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, Cote d’Ivoire, HE MsLeila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Kingdom of Morocco, HE MrFernando Mattos, Minister of Livestock, Uruguay, and Mr Giorgio Silli, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Italy. Director General Grossi will conclude the Forum on Wednesday alongside HE MrAnxious Jongwe Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development from Zimbabwe, HE MrAmadou Dicko, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Resources and Fisheries, Burkina Faso and other distinguished representatives from Member States and International Organizations.
The event under the title Atoms4Food – Better Agriculture for Better Life, takes place from Tuesday, 17 September, 9:30 CEST to Wednesday, 18 September 2024, 13:00 CEST in Board Room D on the 4th floor of the C-Building of the Vienna International Centre (VIC). Open to the media and streamed live, the event will showcase how nuclear science can drive agricultural advancements and support global efforts to combat food insecurity.
The forum will feature three technical sessions, where international experts will explore the critical role of nuclear science and technology in advancing sustainable agriculture, food production and nutrition. Speakers will discuss innovations using nuclear and isotopic techniques in agriculture and food production, the interconnectedness of agricultural practices with environmental conservation and socioeconomic equity, and the importance of partnering with stakeholders to scale up results and ensure sustainability. More details about the Scientific Forum can be found on the IAEA website and social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Weibo). Photos of the Forum will also be available on Flickr.
The detailed programme and full list of speakers can be found here. For those interested in interviewing speakers, please contact the IAEA Press Office, and we will assist with interview arrangements.
Accreditation
Journalists with permanent credentials to the VIC or journalists who have already obtained accreditation for the IAEA’s General Conference need no additional credentials. We encourage those journalists who do not yet have permanent accreditation to request it at UNIS Vienna.
Others should contact the IAEA Press Office for accreditation.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A systematic review published in the Journal for the American Heart Association looks at ocean microplastic pollution and the risk of cardiometabolic disease in US coastline counties.
Prof Oliver Jones, Professor of Chemistry, RMIT University, said:
“I fear this paper will lead to more “plastics cause scary disease X” headlines, but, to my mind, the evidence in this paper is quite weak.
“Firstly, the authors don’t claim that microplastics cause disease, but rather that they found an association between microplastic exposure and type 2 diabetes (T2D), coronary artery disease (CAD), and stroke. An association between two things does not necessarily mean that one caused the other; it is simply an observation. There is also a large amount of overlap in the datasets, even between the very low and very high exposure scenarios, and the authors clearly state in the paper that their “results do not imply causation”.
“Perhaps more importantly, the authors didn’t measure either microplastic exposure or the health factors they studied directly; both were estimates. Microplastic concentrations were estimated from ocean measurements, some of which were taken up to 230 miles offshore and thus may not accurately represent what coastal communities are exposed to. The rates of disease occurrence were estimated from county-level survey data, which does not provide data on individuals. Potential cofounders were limited to those listed in the survey data, meaning some potentially confounding factors could not be controlled for.
“The authors all appear to be medics, rather than chemists or environmental scientists. The paper makes a lot of incorrect generalisations about microplastics, for example, referring to “microplastic compounds like phthalates”. Phthalates are not microplastics, and not all phthalates are the same. They claim that bisphenol A and phthalates promote adverse health outcomes through their endocrine-disrupting properties, which is incorrect. The paper also refers to toxicity studies on polystyrene particles, neglecting the fact that polystyrene is far from the most common type of plastic in the environment.
“So, while the work raises interesting research questions, I do not think the evidence of harm is strong, and people living near the coast don’t need to panic”
Dr Ria Devereux, Environmental Research Fellow, the Sustainable Research Institute, the University of East London, said:
Does the press release accurately reflect the science?
“It is important to note that this research focuses solely on the United States, particularly its coastal counties, and specifically examines marine microplastics. It does not consider other types of microplastics, such as those found in marine sediment, beach sediment, atmospheric microplastics, or microplastics in soil. The title, “Living near an ocean polluted by microplastics may increase cardiometabolic disease risk,” could give the incorrect impression that these findings apply globally, which is not justified by this data.
“Both sizes of plastic particles come from the chemical breakdown (decomposition) of larger plastic waste, including food packaging (like single-use water bottles), synthetic fabrics and personal care products.” This statement is also slightly incorrect. Microplastics can also be found in the form primary microplastics (nurdles) which are made to be a particular size and are not the result of degradation. Plastics are also subjected to mechanical, biological degradation as well as chemical.
Is this good quality research? Are the conclusions backed up by solid data?
“It is very interesting research which does need further research to investigate some of the limitations of the study conducted. One major limitation that is not addressed is that microplastics contain chemicals which have been found to be harmful to human health. There is no mention in this study regarding data on water quality. For example, is there a higher abundance of chemicals found within plastics in the water surrounding these coastal communities which may be a contributing factor.
How does this work fit with the existing evidence?
“The production of plastic and its associated pollution are increasingly recognized for their potential implications on human health. Research conducted on wildlife has demonstrated severe consequences, including choking hazards and hormonal disruptions.
“Recent studies have identified plastics in various human tissues, including the placenta [1],breastmilk [2] and stool [3].
“In addition to the presence of microplastics in the human body, chemicals commonly used in plastic production have been found to pose health risks. Research indicates that exposure to these chemicals can lead to various health issues, including skin irritation, respiratory diseases, hormonal disruptions, and certain cancers [4].
Have the authors accounted for confounders? Are there important limitations to be aware of?
“The dataset from NOAA presents several limitations. It does not account for when the samples were collected—such as during storms—or the duration of the sampling periods. Additionally, there may be a lack of studies in many coastal counties. For instance, most samples from the Gulf of Mexico are concentrated around Tampa and the southern region of Florida, with only two data points near New Orleans. While the authors briefly mention this issue in relation to the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, they do not address it for the Gulf of Mexico. They note that “study design, spatial coverage, and oceanic transport dynamics” may contribute to differences observed in previous studies.
“The authors also acknowledge that theabsence of data on the types of microplastics—such as fragments and fibers—constitutes a limitation. However, this statement should also include the lack of information regarding polymer types and plastic sizes.
“Additionally, it would be relevant to consider how many people in these coastal areas consume seafood and whether it is locally sourced or imported.
“As for the timeframe investigated, How long must someone live near the coast for it potentially to impact their health?
“Regarding groundwater, the authors mention that only “35% of drinking water in the United States is supplied by groundwater.” Is the proportion of coastal residents who drink groundwater higher than that of individuals living in other parts of America?
“Perhaps the most critical issue that the authors have not fully addressed is that almost all plastic production plants in the United States, which are involved in petrochemical and petroleum manufacturing, are located either in coastal counties along the Gulf of Mexico or on the Atlantic Ocean side (according to the Plastics Inventory Map [5]). This study indicates that cases of heart disease and similar health issues are higher in these areas. Many chemicals used in plastic production, such as BPA and phthalates, have been previously linked to these health problems [6]
What are the implications in the real world? Is there any over-speculation?
“This study highlights the need for further investigation into the health impacts of plastics on human well-being throughout their entire lifecycle. While this research primarily focuses on marine microplastics, it is essential to recognize that microplastics are also present in soil, air, and water. Additionally, it is important to understand that the risks associated with plastic do not stop at ingestion or inhalation, the entire lifecycle of plastic poses threats to public health. This includes hazards linked to petroleum extraction, the use of chemicals in production, and the leaching of these substances into our environment during manufacturing and disposal.
“It is important to note that this study cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship between ocean microplastic levels (which were assessed only in water, not in sediment or fish) and the development of certain diseases due to its limitations in data and design. Further research is needed to determine whether microplastics and associated chemicals are present in higher concentrations near coastlines in soil, water, and air, as well as within the human body, to fully evaluate the potential health implications of living closer to the coast. Additionally, this study should be expanded to explore whether this trend is observed worldwide.
“Unfortunately, many individuals around the globe view plastic pollution solely as an environmental issue, overlooking its potential implications for human health. Studies like this one play a crucial role in raising awareness of these risks.
Extra commentary from Dr Ria Devereux on wider context
“The adverse effects of chemicals used in plastic production are particularly pronounced in the Gulf of Mexico, an area often referred to as “Cancer Alley.” This region experiences a higher-than-average incidence of cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases, which are concentrated in particular areas. The reason behind this is the concentration of petrochemical, petroleum and production plants involved in plastic production and an increase in the presence of chemicals used within the plastic production such as BPA and Phthalates [7,8].
“Although the Plastics Treaty acknowledges that human health is a critical factor in regulating plastic production and the associated chemicals, reports indicate that “chemicals of concern in plastic products” are at threat of being excluded from the current treaty text [9,10,11].
“In regards to America, we may find in the future that this types of disparity in human health and microplastics become worse due to Trumps “America first” narrative on top of increasing tariffs which will cause an increase in the plastics industry to align with the needs of the consumer and manufacturers. On top of this Trump has bought plastic straws back to America [12] and has started to dismantle key government institutions such as NOAA ( The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)[13] and the Environmental Protection Agency [14] which will push back Americas efforts to reduce plastic waste.”
‘Marine Microplastic Levels and the Prevalence of Cardiometabolic Diseases in US Coastline Counties’byMakwanaet al.will be published in Journal for the American Heart Association at 10:00UK time on Wednesday 18th June.
DOI:10.1161/JAHA.124.039891
Declared interests
Dr Ria Devereux None
Prof Oliver Jones “I am a Professor of Chemistry at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. I conduct research into environmental pollution and its effects on biological systems. I don’t have any conflicts of interest to declare.”
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
The Expert Institute for Social Research, together with the Ministry of Higher Education and Science of the Russian Federation and the Russian Academy of Sciences, have determined a list of research projects in the field of socio-political sciences that will receive support in the form of a state assignment.
The list of selected projects includes 29 out of more than 360 applications received. The total amount of support will be more than 60 million rubles.
Three projects of youth research teams of the State University of Management received support and will be implemented until the end of 2025:
“Development of the concept of the formation of a digital innovative environment in the context of solving a strategic problem – to achieve technological leadership of Russia.” Head – Candidate of Economics, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of World Economy and International Economic Relations of IEF GUU Ekaterina Karelina.
Based on the results of the project, it is expected to develop new mechanisms for the formation of an innovative environment, as well as methods for the formation of corporate strategies of Russian companies in conditions of strengthening international competition due to digital transformation. Based on the results of the project, the foundations will be developed to make changes to the legislation of the Russian Federation on foreign economic activity, including the country’s participation in international trade in digital products, cross-border online trade and import substitution in the technological sector.
“The historical and political features of Russian civilization as the basic basis of the formation of value sovereignty of Russian youth.” Head-Director of the Business Incubator Guu, graduate student Dmitry Rogov.
The result of the study will be the recommendations for the support and strengthening of the value sovereignty of the young generation for the executive authorities, which exercise measures of state youth policy to strengthen the traditional spiritual and moral values of the younger generations.
“Perception and assessment of the youth audience of representation of the value of patriotism on social networks.” Head is a junior researcher at the GUU scientific activity department Anna Sotnikova.
The purpose of the project is to study and analyze the perception and assessment of the youth audience of representation of the value of patriotism in social networks in the context of the realized state information policy aimed at strengthening the role of traditional Russian spiritual and moral and historical values in the mass consciousness. The result will be the formed system of the main factors of perception and the youth assessment of the value of patriotism on social networks, on the basis of which recommendations will be developed to represent the value of patriotism in social networks for specialized departments and organizations, as well as individual contents manufacturers.
A special feature of the project selection this year was the expansion of opportunities for young scientists to participate. Based on the results of the selection, support will be given to teams that are 100% composed of young scientists aged up to and including 39 years.
Experts assessed each submitted application for relevance, quality of planning and scientific novelty of the project. Also among the selection criteria was an assessment of the theoretical and methodological basis of the research and the practical applicability of its results.
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.
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –
When we met the last time, at ICONS 2020, many of us could not have imagined the momentous change we would experience between then and today, change that would affect billions of people, international peace and security, and nuclear security. A global pandemic was in the making and a war – in Ukraine – for first time soon would be fought among the facilities of one of Europe’s biggest nuclear power programmes.
Meanwhile, profound technological advances have been made. Assessing their impact on nuclear security is a crucial task. Artificial Intelligence, and unmanned vehicles pose both a threat to nuclear security and offer new tools with which to enhance it. In the nuclear field itself, Small Modular Reactors promise new opportunities for applications such as desalination and power brought to remote communities via barge, but also require us to consider new security elements.
The use of nuclear science and technology, often facilitated by the IAEA, has come on in leaps and bounds. Climate change and the drive for energy security are fuelling a desire for nuclear power. At this past Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP28, world leaders – those whose states use nuclear power and those whose do not – for the first time in nearly 30 years of COP meetings agreed nuclear power must be part of the transition to net zero. More than 20 countries have signed a pledge towards tripling nuclear power capacity and at the IAEA’s Nuclear Energy Summit in March heads of state agreed on the urgent need for conducive financial conditions.
Nuclear security is relevant throughout all the steps of the nuclear fuel cycle and is part of the social contract that underpins the existence and growth of nuclear power. Nuclear power programmes require national nuclear security threat assessments and “security by design”. Nurturing relevant research and a strong security culture are key, not only in countries with NPPs.
The use of life-saving and life-affirming applications of nuclear science and technology is growing, from cancer patients gaining access to radiotherapy to farmers benefiting from new crop varieties developed with the help of irradiation. IAEA initiative such as Rays of Hope: Cancer care for all; Nutec Plastics; Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC); and Atoms4Food are key vehicles facilitating wider access.
All these opportunities to use nuclear and radioactive material depend on a strong and adaptive global nuclear security regime. For countries new to using nuclear and radioactive material, this means building up legal infrastructure, practices and culture that bolster nuclear security. Nationally and across borders, collaboration and laser-focused vigilance are key to preventing groups with malicious intent from using nuclear and radioactive material to cause panic and harm.
The threats to nuclear and other radioactive material and associated facilities are real and varied. The international nuclear security threat landscape keeps evolving. Today, anyone can type a few words into a computer and generative AI can create images of nuclear Armageddon, meaning it is now possible to spread panic about radiation fallout without a nuclear device. Risk scenarios include theft of nuclear and other radioactive material for use in improvised devices and sabotage at nuclear installations or during transport of nuclear and radioactive material. The risk of cyber-attacks requires the implementation of computer security programmes by those who use nuclear power and those who don’t. Risks come from outsiders and from those within the fold who are disgruntled or have been corrupted.
Nuclear security is the national responsibility of individual states, but it also benefits enormously from close collaboration and the enabling role of the IAEA. ICONS, which started in 2013, has been the place for ministers, policymakers, senior officials, and experts to gather to assesses current priorities, prepare for new challenges, and engage in scenario-based policy discussions. ICONS 2024, presided over by the co-presidents, HE Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia and HE Sungat Yessimkhanov, Vice-Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, covers the themes of policy, law and regulation; technology and infrastructure for prevention, detection and response; capacity building; and cross-cutting areas, such as the interface between nuclear security and nuclear safety. ICONS is the most important high-level international meeting on nuclear security. At this time of heightened tensions, it is imperative that there remains a unity of purpose and that nuclear security does not become a political football.
This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security. The IAEA is at the forefront of adapting nuclear security to new challenges, including war. The seven indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security have broad international support. They have brought crucial clarity at a time of war and are testament to the adaptiveness of the IAEA and the security regime.
Those seven pillars are backed up by an enormous ongoing effort by the IAEA to support Ukraine, including through the continuous presence of IAEA experts at all of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, including Zaporizhzhya NPP on the front lines of the war. When there were allegations of nuclear security breaches, the IAEA was there to investigate with impartiality and science. We set the facts straight that no nuclear material had been diverted, cutting through the fog of war, and diffusing a tense situation.
Not all our efforts require quite as much courage as our experts have shown in Ukraine, nor do they make international headlines. But every day, the IAEA – the Secretariat and the Member States – work together fastidiously to underpin nuclear security, never resting, always learning.
Radioactive sources are extensively used in many domains, including medicine, industry, agriculture and research. An incident in one State can have far-reaching consequences for others, so security for one is security for all. That means supporting States with no, or less developed nuclear security infrastructure makes everyone safer. That support, which often comes via the IAEA, includes making lawmakers aware of their responsibilities.
Nuclear Security requires the implementation of appropriate and robust legislative regulatory frameworks. In 2022, the first Conference of the Parties to the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM) was held under the auspices of the IAEA. Reflecting the global importance of the legal framework and of nuclear security, parties managed to agree an outcome document and for the IAEA convene a subsequent conference. Since 2020, 14 new parties have joined the A/CPPNM bringing the total to 136. Five new Parties joined the CPPNM, bringing that total to 164. In addition to the A/CPPNM, political commitment to legally non-binding instruments, like the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and its supplementary guidance, is a strong indication of radiation safety and nuclear security culture.
But legal frameworks are just the beginning. They must be implemented. The IAEA plays a central role in assisting its Members States so they are able to do that. Last year we inaugurated the most visible symbol of our collaboration: the Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre (NSTDC). This first-of-its-kind space, made possible by 15 donors, is a cornerstone for capacity building amid the growing need for sophisticated hands-on nuclear security training using advanced, specialized equipment. The NSTDC is part of a wide range of services offered by the IAEA, including peer reviews, such as the International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS), of which there have now been more than 100, and Advisory Missions on Regulatory Infrastructure for Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security (RISS), a service we launched in 2022. Our Incident and Trafficking Database (ITDB) now has 145 members and has enabled the reporting of more than 600 incidents in which nuclear or radioactive material went out of regulatory control. Almost 8,000 people have benefited from our training in nuclear security, and we continue to work very hard to remove barriers that prevent talent from entering the field. In March 2021, we launched the Women in Nuclear Security Initiative (WINSI) to support the achievement of gender equality in nuclear security. Meanwhile, the IAEA’s Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowship Programme financially supports women pursuing a master’s degree in nuclear subjects and offers them internships, while our Lise Meitner offers women in the early and middle part of their career enriching opportunities within the field.
As the use of nuclear and other radioactive material around the world increases, more and more States are needing to increase their level of nuclear security. Nuclear security is as important as nuclear safety – we must put it on equal footing in terms of reliability of funding and the robustness of implementation.
At ICONS 2024 we are – as the name of the conference indicates – “shaping the future”, not only of nuclear security, but of the world our children will inherit. That is because nuclear security is about more than preventing nuclear terrorism. It is an enabler to providing, through nuclear science and technology, the clean energy; cutting-edge medicine; nutritious food and hope for a better tomorrow.
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –
Nobel’s spotlight on our perilous path and how we change course
I want to start by congratulating Nihon Hidankyō and the hibakusha for their Nobel Peace Prize.
As a young diplomat almost 40 years ago, I was fortunate to be part of a UN disarmament fellowship programme and to visit Hiroshima. There, fellows had an opportunity to meet the hibakusha and I had a conversation with an ailing victim. I have carried to every meeting, to every negotiation, and to every posting, the memory this woman’s silent testimony. When I asked her about that morning in 1945, she struggled to express the horror in words. She tried to articulate some words but stayed silent. Looking at me, right into my eyes. The look in her eyes has stayed with me ever since, like a powerful reminder, a secret mandate, to work so that her suffering is never repeated.
For decades after the Second World War, the international community has been dealing with this unique dilemma: we built robust norms and passed nonproliferation and disarmament treaties. Instead of dozens of countries armed with nuclear weapons, as was the concern in the 1960s, there are less than ten. Stockpiles of nuclear weapons have shrunk from tens of thousands to thousands.
But on its journey through the perils of the atomic age, the world has come to a crucial crossroads. Our deep psychological connection caused by collectively seeing the horror of the consequences of nuclear war seems to be evaporating, taking with it our joint resolve to do everything possible to prevent a repetition.
Like a giant spotlight, this year’s Nobel Peace Prize has lit up our path ahead. It has done it, by reminding us of the past, and of the consequences of ignoring the perils of nuclear weapons use.
Context of conflicts
To understand the important challenges we face, we must look at the global context, at what is happening around the world.
War has returned to Europe, and it directly involves a nuclear weapon state. The conflict in Ukraine is also an indirect confrontation between the world’s biggest nuclear weapon states, the first since the end of the Cold War. But nuclear exercises and open references to the use of nuclear weapons in the theatre of this war are increasing the risks and can not be ignored.
In the Middle East, the conflict of the past year has ignited smoldering tensions between Israel and Iran and led to the unprecedented step of direct exchanges and attacks between the two. Here there is also a nuclear weapons dimension. On one side, the assumed presence of nuclear weapons looms in the background. On the other, the very real potential of nuclear proliferation is raising the stakes.
We find ourselves in a harmful loop: the erosion of the restraints around nuclear weapons is making these conflicts more dangerous. Meanwhile, these conflicts are contributing to the erosion of the restraints. The vicious circle dynamic is in motion.
An unfortunate change of direction
Doctrines regarding the use of nuclear weapons are being revised or reinterpreted. The quantity and quality of nuclear weapon stockpiles are being increased.
And in some non-nuclear weapon states – states that are important in their region – leaders are asking “why not us?”. And they are asking this openly!
At the start of the nuclear arms race, J Robert Oppenheimer described the USSR and the US as “two scorpions in a bottle” each capable of killing the other, but only by risking their own life.
Oppenheimer’s blunt statement would later be developed and elaborated under the roof of deterrence and the more sophisticated concept of “Mutual Assured Destruction,” or MAD.
Today, independent of the vantage point of the observer, there is widespread concern that the risk of mutual destruction through nuclear war is higher than it has been for more than a generation.
Lessons from history
But it does not have to be this way. We can do better. History has shown that effective dialogue among superpowers has, more often than not, led to confidence and, as a result, also to arms limitation and even disarmament. At certain moments in history, world leaders took the right decisions, to tone down, or, to use today’s parlance, to de-escalate. Let’s see:
The end of the Cuban Missile Crisis happened thanks to the direct engagement of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev and US President John F Kennedy. Decades later, at the Geneva Summit of 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev and President Ronald Reagan agreed a crucial axiom: “Nuclear war cannot be won and should never be fought.” They met again the next year in Reykjavik and significant reductions in nuclear arsenals followed. Nuclear weapon reductions and the elimination of a whole category of weapon, through the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces, or INF, Treaty, were agreed. These steps towards rapprochement took leadership and courage. They often happened despite skepticism and voices against them.
Diplomacy and dialogue (and the duty of nuclear weapon states)
A return to diplomacy and dialogue is urgently needed, and this, not only in things nuclear. Shutting the other side out has never solved a problem and almost certainly aggravates it. Top leadership involvement is simply indispensable when nuclear weapons are involved. President Trump took the initiative and talked to Kim Jong Un. More of this is needed. Some have said these talks were ill prepared. I say, this is important. Nuclear weapon policy and limitations does not work bottom up. It is of course the other way around.
We must be proactive in building the trust and protections that lower the risk of close calls and of brinkmanship, especially during today’s tensions. Not taking active steps means we rely on luck – or the assumption that the other side will show restraint – to save us from nuclear war. The longer you rely on luck, the more likely it is to run out.
Conflict and tensions compel nations to arm themselves. Diplomacy and compromise create conditions in which they can disarm.
The road to a nuclear weapon-free world is long and winding. The disarmament landscape is complex, and it’s worth acknowledging that. This does not diminish the responsibility nuclear weapons states have to make progress. After all, they committed themselves to this goal back in 1968, through the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Steps can be taken to decrease the reliance on nuclear weapons, both in their production and the scenarios for their use.
Nuclear weapon states, through their actions at home and on the world stage, have a responsibility to avoid a scenario in which more countries seek nuclear weapons. Pushing ahead with increases in arsenals leads to despair, cynicism, and a growing skepticism about the value of past commitments. Disengagement and unilateralism fuel sentiments of vulnerability in other countries, and with that, the notion nuclear weapons could be the ultimate protection against outside threats.
Engagement among the five permanent members of the Security Council is indispensable. Such engagement can take many different shapes, starting with direct contact among themselves, bilaterally or as a group. This dialogue, which still exists, has been reduced to a very low level, virtually without real impact. Perhaps its revival could be assisted by an international organization, or facilitated with the support of a respected, impartial leader. Therefore, it’s essential that the United Nations, other international organizations, and their leaders work effectively to ensure their continued relevance amid the changing needs of their stakeholders.
Do not make things worse (by falling for the siren call of proliferation)
The IAEA has played its indispensable technical role during past attempts of nuclear proliferation, particularly in the Middle East. As the difficult experiences in Iraq, Libya and Syria remind us, the draw of nuclear weapons is real and so is the geopolitical and military response.
Today’s tensions are prompting even leaders of important counties that, so far, are in good standing with the NPT to ask: “Why shouldn’t we have a nuclear weapon too?”
To this, I would say, “Do not make things worse.” Acquiring a nuclear weapon will not increase national security, it will do the opposite. Other countries will follow. And this will contribute to the unravelling of a nonproliferation regime that has had its ups and downs – and it still has its limitations – but none-the-less it has served humanity extraordinarily well. The problem and challenge to the NPT regime may come from those nuclear armed but also those who, while not having nuclear weapons, may feel the NPT has failed as a catalyst to disarmament.
Weakening the non-proliferation treaty under the argument that progress on nuclear disarmament has been slow and more drastic approaches are required, would be totally misguided and may make us throw away existing international measures committing nuclear weapon states and non-nuclear weapon states in this field.
I come from a non-nuclear weapon state. I understand the frustration that some people feel about the “haves” and “have-nots” of nuclear weapons. But I have also seen the legacy of peace and prosperity left by leaders who resisted that siren call. In the 1980s, vision, resolve and dialogue meant Brazil and Argentina changed course and did not go down the path to nuclear arms. Today, Latin America is a nuclear weapon free zone.
Multilateral leaders: step up by stepping in
Many wonder whether there’s still a role for multilateralism in guiding us through this maze of conflicting interests. Yes, there is. During difficult times in the past, international organizations have had a big impact on peace and security. But it only happens when leaders of these organizations get off the side lines and use their mandate and their own good offices effectively.
We prove our relevance in extraordinary times.
Each organization has different tools, a different mandate, a different membership, and each of their leaders will determine how to act. I can speak for the IAEA. We have nuclear science at our core, and we are the world’s nuclear weapons watchdog. Let me give you an example:
For almost three years, Ukraine, the world and the IAEA have been confronted with a completely unprecedented situation – never before has a military conflict involved the seizure of a nuclear power plant and been fought among the facilities of a major nuclear power programme.
At the beginning of the war, Ukraine’s biggest nuclear power plant – the biggest nuclear power plant in Europe, with nearly 6 gigawatts of installed capacity – was taken by Russia. This established a hotspot in the middle of a combat zone. The chance of an incident – or accident – causing terrible radiological consequences became real.
Observing this from the outside was never, in my mind, an option. Staying on the sidelines and later reflecting on “lessons learned” may have been the more traditional – or expected – path for an international organization. But to me this would have been a dereliction of duty. So, we leaned into our core mission, crossed the front lines of war, and established a permanent presence of IAEA experts at all Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. That makes us the only international organization operating independently in occupied territory. We are informing the world of what’s going on and reducing the chance that a radiological incident enflames the conflict and causes even more devastation.
We did the same by going to Kursk when a Russian nuclear reactor was at risk of coming into the line of fire. I am in constant communication with both sides.
I have been meeting with President Zelenskyy, and President Putin regularly. Nuclear safety and security during this conflict must have the buy-in and continued involvement of both leaders. Talking to only one of them would not achieve this important goal. At the same time, I am keeping an open dialogue with leaders on all continents and briefing the UN Security Council. When it comes to nuclear safety in Ukraine it has been possible to build a level of agreement that is rare during the divisions of this conflict. Where there is agreement, there is hope for more agreement.
Ukraine is not our only hotspot.
In Iran, the IAEA’s job is to verify the exclusively peaceful nature of a growing nuclear programme. Iran has now enriched uranium to a level that is hard to justify. It has not yet answered the IAEA’s questions completely and it has made our work more difficult by taking away some of our cameras and blocking some of our most experienced safeguards inspectors from going into the country. This has caused concern and led to a pattern of mistrust and recriminations. In diplomacy, progress often requires prompting, catalyzing, and suggesting ways forward. This presents a role for an impartial, honest and effective broker. It is a role I, in my capacity as the IAEA’s Director General, have been playing. In fact, I returned from my latest visit to Tehran just a few weeks ago where I presented alternatives and ideas to reduce the growing tensions, and hopefully to retain Iran within the NPT and the non-proliferation norms.
The danger of playing it safe
When it comes to working on behalf of peace and security, playing it safe is dangerous.
Silence and indifference can be deadly.
Dag Hammerskjold, the second Secretary General of the United Nations, said: “It is when we all play safe that we create a world of utmost insecurity.”
A new path
This week, the Norwegian Nobel Committee looked beyond today’s conflicts. In its own way, it did not play it safe. Instead, it shined a light on the horrors of nuclear war and the people who have been warning us about them for many decades.
In doing that, the Nobel Committee, Nihon Hidankyō and the hibakusha have illuminated the danger of the path we are now on.
We have to make a new path.
First, the leaders of the nuclear weapon states must recognize the need for a responsible management of their nuclear arsenals. Experiences from the past confirm that even at times of crisis and conflict it has been possible to recognize the unique terminal power of these weapons and the responsibility that comes with it. What Kennedy, Khrushchev, Reagan, Gorbachev, or Trump did by reaching out to a nuclear-armed adversary, sets a precedent, a useful one. Such contacts, either bilateral or at the P5 level could possibly be facilitated by a competent broker. These are the first steps to bringing down the tone so that nuclear sabre rattling recedes and the commitments to the unequivocal undertakings to move towards a nuclear free world can be fulfilled.
Secondly, an iron-clad resolve to observe and strengthen the global non-proliferation regime needs to be adopted. Nuclear weapon and nuclear non-weapon states must work together to ensure the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We need to walk through perilous times by recognizing limitations and keeping our eyes on our common objectives.
Nuclear disarmament cannot be imposed on the nuclear armed.
Realism is not defeatism. Diplomacy is not weakness.
Difficult times call for enlightened leadership, at the national level, and at the international level as well.
Putting the international system back on track is within our reach. World leaders, including those at the top of the multilateral system, have a duty and an irrevocable responsibility to work towards this.
Personally, I am convinced. Perhaps, because the secret mandate I received that day in Hiroshima from a hibakusha burns in me, stronger than ever. Thank you.
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –
The IAEA’s Annual Report and the Technical Cooperation Report for 2024 were presented to the Board, showcasing the Agency’s work in science, international cooperation and innovation.
The 2025 Rays of Hope Forum will be held in Ethiopia at the end of June and provides an opportunity to take stock of what has been achieved over the past three years, as well as to foster collaboration and further mobilize resources. Rays of Hope aims to expand access to affordable cancer care where it is needed most; supporting countries in providing life-saving radiotherapy and building the capacities of radiation medicine professionals. More than 90 countries have requested support under the initiative.
The IAEA will continue to work with partners on Atoms4Food, its joint initiative with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to fight world hunger, Mr Grossi said. Part of the initiative, the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture supports the use of nuclear technologies to boost global food security and sustainable agricultural development.
Speaking about NUTEC Plastics, the IAEA initiative to combat plastic pollution, Mr Grossi said: “At this week’s UN Ocean Conference, we are showing what we are doing in very concrete terms to fight plastic pollution through new technology.”
The IAEA is harnessing the power of nuclear technologies involving radiation to improve recycling and create bio-based plastics, which offer a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastic products.
With support from the NUTEC Plastics initiative, 104 Member States now use nuclear technologies to monitor microplastics, while 52 are collaborating with the IAEA on upcycling efforts.
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –
The experiments detailed in the paper were carried out at Lawrence Livermore’s National Laboratory (LLNL). For the last six decades, this laboratory, home to the world’s most powerful laser, has worked to achieve the challenging goal of fusion ignition – producing more fusion energy than the amount of laser energy delivered to the target source. The lab’s ‘National Ignition Facility’ (NIF) uses a method called inertial confinement fusion, which involves smashing a fuel pellet with lasers, as opposed to magnetic confinement fusion, which uses powerful magnets to trap a cloud of atoms, called plasma, in a reactor.
“For over a year and a half after the initial experimental success, […] polar direct drive was the most efficient way to convert laser energy input into fusion output,” Yeamans said.
Heather Whitley, associate programme director for High Energy Density Science at LLNL, developed the initial design for a large diameter polar direct drive (PDD) capsule with Steve Craxton and Emma Garcia of the University of Rochester. She said: “The polar direct drive configuration provides excellent diagnostic access for other high temperature plasma physics experiments.”
Following the PDD experiment, in December 2022 NIF conducted the first controlled fusion experiment to produce a net energy gain with the indirect drive method, a major scientific breakthrough which attracted global attention.
Yeaman’s co-authors are Elijah Kemp, Zach Walters, Heather Whitley and Brent Blue from the Lawrence Livermore Nuclear Laboratory, and Steve Craxton, Patrick McKenty, Emma Garcia and Yujia Yang from the Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester.
The prize ceremony for the 2024 award and the upcoming 2025 award will take place in October during the IAEA Fusion Energy Conference in Chengdu China.
Find out more about the Nuclear Fusion journal, and how to prepare and submit an article here.
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –
Momentum for nuclear energy as a key driver toward net-zero is stronger than ever. Now is the time to turn last year’s historic consensus in Dubai into action, advancing nuclear solutions to ensure energy security, achieve climate targets and promote sustainable development.
This year’s COP has climate finance at the top of the agenda. Building on the back of the historic inclusion of nuclear in the COP28 Global Stocktake and the first ever Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels, Director General Grossi will attend COP29 with a call to increase climate finance for nuclear. At the Financing Low Carbon Technology, Including Nuclear Energy event on 13 November at 16:00, Director General Grossi, as well as the COP29 presidency, ministers, heads of international organizations, multilateral development banks and the private sector will discuss scaling up the financing necessary to expand all low carbon energy technologies, including nuclear power.
In recently published projections, the IAEA increased its forecast for nuclear power generation for the fourth consecutive year. In its high-case scenario, global nuclear capacity by 2050 could reach two and a half times today’s levels, with small modular reactors (SMRs) contributing a quarter of this expansion. The United States Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, John Podesta, and Director General Grossi will host an event on Accelerating Early Deployment of Small Modular Reactors at 12:45 on 13 November.
Throughout the two-week conference, which runs from 11 to 22 November, the IAEA will also promote the use of nuclear science and technologies for climate change adaptation and monitoring to achieve sustainable water management, protect coastal and marine ecosystems and provide food security.
Millions worldwide still face hunger, and transforming agrifood systems through science and technology is essential to address this challenge amid changing climate conditions. An event on the joint IAEA/FAO Atoms4Food initiative will take place at the China Pavilion on 12 November to present achievements in agriculture and food security in the context of national climate adaptation efforts.
The Atoms4Climate pavilion will be hosted by the IAEA in the Blue Zone at COP and will showcase nuclear power, science and technology solutions for climate change mitigation, adaptation and monitoring.
The IAEA will host and participate in more than 50 events focusing on four thematic areas: energy, food, the ocean and water.
See the IAEA COP29 page for the complete list of IAEA and partner events. Check the individual event pages for updates on livestreaming opportunities.
Nuclear security measures
For the third time, the IAEA is supporting the COP host country to implement nuclear security measures during the two-week conference. In October, the Agency trained more than 100 national first responders and staff from security enforcement bodies, including through hands-on equipment training conducted at the Baku Stadium, the venue for the COP. The Agency has also supplied over 100 radiation detection devices to support the nuclear security measures throughout COP, which is expected to draw around 40 000 participants. Similar assistance was provided by the IAEA at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, and COP28 in Dubai, UAE, as part of the IAEA’s two decades worth of support offered to countries, upon their request, for nuclear security at major public events.
IAEA media team contacts
IAEA experts in climate change mitigation, adaptation and monitoring will be available for interviews at COP29.
For interview requests and other media-related questions, please contact Fredrik Dahl, IAEA Spokesperson, at Fredrik.Dahl@iaea.org and copy press@iaea.org.
The IAEA video team will be present at COP29. B-roll footage is available here. For additional requests of B-roll of the Director General, the IAEA pavilion or specific events, please contact multimedia.contact-point@iaea.org and copy press@iaea.org.
Registration
To attend IAEA events in person, you must register for COP29. For media accreditation and all other details concerning the attendance of COP29, please refer to the UNFCCCC online registration page. The IAEA cannot assist with accreditation to COP29.
Media kit
The COP29 media kit provides information on the four key areas highlighted at the #Atoms4Climate pavilion — energy, food, the ocean and water — along with recent reports and further background information.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi will open the conference on Tuesday, 26 November, at 09:30 CET, alongside Co-chair of the Conference Kai Mykkänen, Minister of Climate and the Environment, Finland; Co-chair of the Conference Kwaku Afriyie, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ghana; Dongyu Qu, Director General, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); Ailan Li, Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage/Healthier Populations, World Health Organization (WHO); Shaimaa Al-Sheiby, Vice President for Public Sector and Strategy, the OPEC Fund for International Development; Demetrios Papathanasiou, Global Director, Energy and Extractives Global Practice, the World Bank; and Tom McCulley, Chief Executive Officer, Anglo American Crop Nutrients. This is the second Ministerial Conference of its kind.
A ministerial declaration is expected to be adopted on 26 November, recognizing the role of nuclear science and technology and the Technical Cooperation Programme in addressing global challenges, advancing the 2030 Agenda and fostering international collaboration for peaceful purposes, with a focus on capacity building and equitable access for all Member States.
The conference will take place in Boardroom B/M1, M Building, Vienna International Centre (VIC). The conference, including the ministerial segments, technical sessions and panels, is open to media and will be livestreamed. The provisional programme is available here.
Among 1400 participants, more than 50 high-level officials, including ministers, are expected to deliver national statements. The scientific and technical programme comprises panel discussions among ministers, scientists and experts on the latest developments in nuclear science, technology and applications. Member State’s representatives will also share experiences on how the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme has contributed to their national development.
Accreditation
All journalists interested in covering the meeting in person – including those with permanent accreditation – are requested to inform the IAEA Press Office of their plans. Journalists without permanent accreditation must send copies of their passport and press ID to the IAEA Press Office by 14:00 CET on Monday, 25 November.
We encourage those journalists who do not yet have permanent accreditation to request it at UNIS Vienna.
Please plan your arrival to allow sufficient time to pass through the VIC security check.
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 18 (Xinhua) — Chinese archaeology is developing dynamically. Not long ago, advanced Chinese archaeological technologies were used during excavations at the Munchaktepa ancient settlement in Uzbekistan, and the results confirmed the spread of Chinese civilization in this area in ancient times.
Uzbekistan was an important hub and trade transit point on the Great Silk Road. According to the Shanghai Observer multimedia platform, since 2012, archaeological research institutions of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CAS) together with the National Center for Archaeological Research of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan have been conducting systematic field excavations in the Fergana Valley of this country. It was confirmed that the ancient city of Munchaktepa was most likely the capital of the ancient state of Davan mentioned in historical chronicles. This discovery provided important material evidence of civilizational exchange on the Great Silk Road.
In 2024, excavations at the Munchaktepa site reached a new milestone. Collective burials were discovered at the site. In early 2025, with the support of the AONK, members of the Joint Laboratory of Scientific and Technical Archaeology under the Belt and Road Initiative went to the Munchaktepa site to conduct excavations.
Initially, the researchers, with the help of the Uzbek side, built a temporary mobile module, but it turned out that it did not fully meet the working conditions. In this situation, they actually dismantled and reassembled their laboratory from Beijing: they selected portable equipment and necessary materials and built a mobile laboratory on the excavation site.
“The collaboration model we developed for meticulous excavation and rapid on-site protection of relics is an advanced technology that has undergone countless practical tests in China. This time, it has been fully applied to an archaeological site in Central Asia,” said Han Huarui, a junior researcher at AOC.
“We used the technology of transporting objects in a protective box to completely encapsulate these fragile relics. This not only minimized damage to the objects during transportation, but also preserved the burial information for future research,” she said.
When working with metal objects, the researchers carried out cleaning. After extraction, by removing corrosion, the original state of many artifacts such as earrings, pendants, etc. was restored.
The most surprising discovery was the Wuzhu coin. After conservation treatment, the characters “Wu Zhu” became clearly visible on the coin. This is the most direct evidence of ancient trade and exchange between the East and the West.
Cross-border archaeological research has become a successful practice of applying interdisciplinary approaches in Chinese archaeology, as well as a successful demonstration of Chinese archaeological concepts and technologies in the international arena. -0-
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Dominic Lee and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, in the Legislative Council today (June 18):
Question:
It has been reported that the Dapeng Peninsula of Shenzhen, which is adjacent to Yan Chau Tong of Hong Kong, possesses rich ecological resources, and both Shenzhen and Hong Kong have expressed intentions in recent years to strengthen cooperation in eco-tourism and marine conservation. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the details of cooperation projects commenced and co-operation agreements reached between the SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government and the relevant government departments of Dapeng New District, Shenzhen in terms of, among others, eco-tourism, green economy, and marine conservation; whether it has compiled statistics on the specific data and effectiveness of such co-operation projects over the past five years;
(2) whether it has plans to promote cross-boundary eco-tourism from Kat O and Tung Ping Chau to the Dapeng Peninsula and devise related sea routes, including the construction of piers for “co-location arrangement” in such areas; if so, of the details and progress of the ongoing negotiations with Shenzhen authorities, including technical feasibility, estimated timetable, and related ancillary facilities; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) whether the Government has assessed the expected benefits of the aforementioned cross-boundary eco-tourism routes for Hong Kong’s tourism industry and local economy, as well as the potential risks involved in environmental conservation; if so, of the assessment results, and the policy directions determined in response to such results?
Reply:
President,
According to the Northern Metropolis (NM) Action Agenda announced in 2023, the Blue and Green Recreation, Tourism and Conservation Circle situated in the easternmost part of the NM comprises Robin’s Nest, Lin Ma Hang, Sha Tau Kok, Yan Chau Tong as well as coastal villages and the outlying islands. With abundant blue and green resources including country parks, marine parks and geopark as well as a number of traditional rural townships, this zone has the potential for recreation and tourism development.
As set out in the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) promotes in-depth integration of Hong Kong’s unique world-class resources with tourism, and crafts tourism products and projects with distinctive features and strong appeal, with “Ecology+Tourism” being one of the development strategies. On the premises of respecting the nature and protecting the environment, we will appropriately unveil Hong Kong’s precious ecological resources to visitors, and at the same time minimise the potential environmental impact due to too many visitors as far as practicable, thereby balancing the needs for conservation and tourism development.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) under the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) has designated places of high ecological value in Yan Chau Tong as country park, marine park and geopark, for conservation and eco-education and recreation purposes.
In taking forth the above work, the wish of some local communities for maintaining a quiet countryside environment should also be considered.
Having consulted the EEB, the Development Bureau, the Security Bureau and the Transport and Logistics Bureau, a consolidated reply in response to the questions raised by the Hon Dominic Lee is as follows:
(1) The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government has established mechanisms with the Shenzhen authorities for the cooperation in individual areas. On ecological conservation and environmental protection, following the establishment of the Robin’s Nest Country Park last year, the AFCD and the Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality signed the Cooperation Agreement last year on the establishment of the ecological corridor between Shenzhen Wutong Mountain and Hong Kong Robin’s Nest, including jointly removing invasive species, conducting ecological surveys, examining enhancement of animal corridors and enhancing publicity and education. The Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark also collaborated with the Shenzhen Dapeng Peninsula National Geological Natural Park to hold science lectures and exhibitions in both locations last year and this year, enabling citizens of both sides to have better understanding of the geological history, landforms, and geoparks of the two places.
On marine conservation, the Environmental Protection Department and the Ecology and Environment Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality have been improving sewage collection and treatment through the Mirs Bay and Deep Bay (Shenzhen Bay) Areas Environmental Management Special Panel. With the concerted efforts of both sides, the water quality of Mirs Bay has been kept at a good level, and it is conducive to the conservation of marine ecology, especially the hard corals in the northeast waters of Hong Kong.
The CSTB has been strengthening co-operation with the Shenzhen authorities in the tourism aspect under the principle of mutual benefits, including encouraging the trade to design eco-tourism products and itineraries on the premise of striking a balance between ecological conservation and tourism development. The travel trade of the Shenzhen and Hong Kong will also organise relevant familiarisation visits to help with the promotion work.
(2) and (3) Yan Chau Tong in the northeastern part of Hong Kong possesses unique geological landscape, rich ecology and village culture with long history. The AFCD has, in collaboration with stakeholders and the local community, established visitor centers, cultural trails, land tour routes, island-hopping itineraries, and maritime tour routes, providing tourists an in-depth green tour experience. In addition, the Countryside Conservation Office under the EEB is dedicated to revitalising villages, and held the Countryside Harvest Festival: Kuk Po ‘Sound, Sight, Taste Fusion’ Tour at Kuk Po in Sha Tau Kok from January to February 2025. The event blended local natural ecology, historical architecture and countryside culture, allowing the public to experience the unique charm of Hong Kong’s countryside.
Through the Working Group for Sha Tau Kok Co-operation Zone set up under the Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy under the Guangdong-Hong Kong and Hong Kong-Shenzhen co-operation mechanism, the CSTB collaborates with Shenzhen to promote the tourism development in Sha Tau Kok and nearby areas (including Kat O) under the overall principle of “low density, high quality” and through enriching its historical and cultural elements. The CSTB has also been encouraging the business sector to develop diversified tourism products. At present, Mainland visitors can conveniently enter Hong Kong through various boundary control points to join local tours, including eco-tourism itineraries in Hong Kong. Earlier on, in collaboration with the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, the CSTB actively engaged with the trade in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. For instance, the CSTB organised the Sha Tau Kok island-hopping familiarisation tour for the travel trade from Yantian District of Shenzhen in December last year, which included visits to Lai Chi Wo, Kat O and Ap Chau, etc, for designing Sha Tau Kok island-hopping tours after crossing the boundary from the Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point.
As regards the construction of piers for “co-location arrangement” for developing cross-boundary ferry routes between the eastern waters of Shenzhen and the NM area of Hong Kong as mentioned in part two of the question, it will indeed involve a number of complex considerations as mentioned in part three of the question, including the long-term market demand for the ferry routes concerned and the carrying capacity of the region; the infrastructure facilities that are required, the consequential change of planning as well as the economic and cost-effectiveness of the infrastructure investment; the security challenges that will have to be faced; and the potential impacts on the ecological environment, etc. which require long-term consideration by both sides of the governments.
