NewzIntel.com

Category: Sport

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Increased grass verge maintenance schedule to begin following budget approval

    Source: City of Oxford

    An updated roadside grass verge maintenance schedule will start next week, following budget approval from Oxford City Council last month. 

    Oxford City Council manages the majority of grass highways in Oxford, as part of a service on behalf of – and paid for – by Oxfordshire County Council. Grass verges in Oxford are then mown by ODS on behalf of the Councils. 

    In 2023, Oxfordshire County Council introduced a new verge maintenance policy, which resulted in grass verges in Oxford being cut once a year.  

    Now, following significant public feedback and budget approval in February 2025, Oxford City Council will be funding two additional cuts for the majority of verges across the city, alongside the single cut paid for by Oxfordshire County Council. 

    Roadside grass verges – cut three times a year 

    Roadside grass verges across Oxford will now be cut at least three times a year, with the first cut to take place no later than the end of April/early May. This year (2025), the first scheduled cut is expected to start the week of 24 March.  

    The exact timing of all three cuts will be subject to weather conditions and rainfall throughout the spring and summer – which can influence how fast grass grows. This approach will allow the Council to respond flexibly, rather than following a set schedule. 

    Grass cuttings will be left on verges after they have been cut.  

    The Council will also continue to continue to mow grass verges near junctions where visibility is required all year round. Residents can report their concerns about grass verges impacting visibility, on FixMyStreet.    

    Biodiversity verges – cut once a year 

    The exception to this will be nine dedicated biodiversity grass verges around the city. These nine biodiversity verges have been identified as biodiverse habitats, following an ecological assessment.  

    These biodiversity grass verges will only be mown once a year in September and the cuttings removed. This ‘cut and collect’ helps to suppress grass growth and create the ground conditions favoured by wildflowers, helping to support biodiversity.  

    The locations of these verges are: 

    • Abberbury Road Roundabout  
    • Abingdon Road (bottom of): Verges adjacent to Redbridge Paddock  
    • Church Cowley Road: The bank along the outside of Rose Hill Cemetery  
    • Eastern Bypass Central Reservation
    • Grenoble Road: Verges along the open field side of this road, from the roundabout junction with Guelder Road down to the roundabout junction with Watlington Road 
    • Green Road: The verges along the Risinghurst side of the Green Road adjacent to the Eastern Bypass up to the Risinghurst Turn
    • Marston Ferry Road: The verges along the western side of the road, from the junction with Cherwell Drive up to the River Cherwell  
    • Oxford Road, New Marston: The central reservation from the junction with Rippington Drive to the junction with Cherwell Drive  
    • Sunderland Avenue: The verges along both sides of this road 

    Communal gardens and parks

    Grass in parks/green spaces, and communal gardens are cut on a separate schedule to grass verges.

    Grass in parks and green spaces are cut eight times a year, along with additional litter picking at peak times. Football and playing pitches in parks are maintained as short grass for sports matches during the football season from August until the end of May. 

    Communal gardens in Council homes will be cut fortnightly between March and October – subject to weather conditions. 

    Supporting biodiversity 

    In addition to dedicated biodiversity verges, the Council has several initiatives to support biodiversity across Oxford, including:  

    • Dead wood habitats in parks and green spaces
    • Long grass in selected areas/on the edges of parks and nature areas 
    • Annual tree planting across the city
    • Supporting community orchard planting 

    You can read more about the Council’s grass cutting schedule and approach on the grass verges webpage. 

    “This new grass verge approach follows significant public feedback from residents across Oxford, while also taking into consideration the need for different habitats for biodiversity. As always we will be continuing to maintain verges near junctions, and any concerns can be reported to us on FixMyStreet.” 

    Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy Oxford 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Green MSP wins top award for free-to-air football campaign

    Source: Scottish Greens

    21 Mar 2025 Sport

    Scotland men’s national side games are now on free-to-air television after years of campaigns by Gillian Mackay MSP.

    More in Sport

    Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay has received a prestigious award from Scottish Football fans for her campaign to get the Scotland men’s team on free-to-view TV. Today Ms Mackay received the Scottish Football Supporter’s Association chairman’s award alongside former SNP MP Gavin Newlands.

    Last night’s Scotland win was the first match to be aired on free-to-view television after years of campaigning by the Scottish Greens and fan organisations to make football accessible for all.

    The SFSA annual award winners were announced on BBC’s Off the Ball last month just ahead of the decision being made to bring the men’s games back onto terrestrial television for fans across Scotland.

    Ms Mackay said:

    “Watching Scotland win last night was great, and so is the fact that households all over the country were able to do so on free-to-view television.

    “I’m absolutely honoured to be receiving this award. It is really lovely that the work and campaign is being recognised by the fans.

    “Without the years of campaigning from fan organisations we wouldn’t be here in the first place, and I am grateful to have played a part in pushing forward to get Men’s football over the line and on to free-to-air television, just like the Women’s side have had for some time now.

    “Football is for the fans, and financial or geographical barriers shouldn’t be a reason to stop people enjoying and supporting Scotland’s national side. 

    “My hope is that last night’s match aired on television will feel like a big win for Scotland fans everywhere and serve as inspiration for the future generation to fall in love with football.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lucinda excited to share her love of fishing at North West Angling Fair

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Lucinda excited to share her love of fishing at North West Angling Fair

    21 March 2025

    One of the UK’s best known casting instructors will be on the banks of the River Mourne at the end of this month to share her knowledge and passion for fishing at the 2025 North West Angling Fair.
    Lucinda Ewin has been introducing people to the sport and helping experienced anglers to refine their craft for over 10 years.
    After initially taking angling up as a hobby she fell in love with it and quickly decided she wanted to share its benefits and the techniques she had honed with others.
    “I didn’t plan for fishing to become a career,” she says. “Being a female in the sport I was encouraged to become a coach to encourage other females into it.
    “As I progressed in it I decided I wanted to improve my casting so I decided to do an instructors course and after I qualified I was able to share my knowledge with others.
    “Fishing is not a sport to make money for me, it’s more just for enjoyment and the mental health benefits it brings.”
    This year’s North West Angling Fair on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th March will see thousands of people flock to the River Mourne and Melvin Sports Complex in Strabane to connect with some of the UK and Ireland’s leading fly dressers, casters and angling specialists.
    The public will also have the opportunity to source angling merchandise from a wide range of fishing tackle producers, fly tying brands and fishing outfitters in the Melvin’s Main Hall.
    Lucinda will host Double Handed Casting Clinics on the River Mourne and the adjacent Melvin playing pitches where people can try out her techniques for themselves.
    “I came to the Fair last year and was overwhelmed at the welcome and it was great to meet the Irish Ladies Fly Fishing team as well,” she continued.
    “It loved talking to the locals about their river and how much it means to them, I get that feeling so much and I was actually learning from them.
    “Clinics are a great opportunity to look at your casting and just make a few tweaks to make life easier for you when on the river.
    “I love working with people’s casting, it’s amazing the smallest bit of fine tuning can make a huge difference to someone’s casting stroke.
    “The fishing community is really great and if fly fishing isn’t your thing, try fly tying – another therapeutic thing to get involved in.”  
    The Angling Fair is aimed at every level of the learning spectrum, from those who have never tried the sport before to the competitive anglers who have fished at elite level and everyone in between.
    Lucinda is a strong advocate of the proven health benefits associated with angling and welcomes people of all abilities to her tutorials.
    “I absolutely love seeing people coming into the sport, helping people to catch their first fish is quite special,” she added.
    “If you have thought about flyfishing and would like to try it come and see me ladies, children, gents I work with all abilities.
    “You will be surprised how easy you can pick this up.”
    The North West Angling Fair is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from the Loughs Agency and takes place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday March 29th and 10am to 5pm on Sunday March 30th.
    Lucinda Ewin’s demonstrations are part of a comprehensive line-up for the Fair, to see the full programme visit www.derrystrabane.com/anglingfair and follow Northwestangling on facebook for updates.
    For more on Lucinda’s demonstrations visit her website at www.lucindaewinfishing.co.uk or follow her on social media at Lucinda Ewin Fishing. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India to Host the Central Asian Youth Delegation from 22nd – 28th March 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 2:41PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, is set to host the third Central Asian Youth Delegation to India from 22nd to 28th March 2025, under the International Youth Exchange Programme (IYEP). This initiative aims to promote youth collaboration, cultural exchange and strengthen diplomatic ties between India and the Central Asian nations – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

    This program follows the vision set forth during the India-Central Asia Summit held in January 2022, where the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India proposed an annual youth exchange initiative to enhance mutual understanding among young leaders from the region. The 100-member delegation will engage in diverse activities, exploring India’s historical, educational, and cultural landmarks while interacting with local youth leaders and key stakeholders.

    Key Highlights of the Visit:

    • Cultural and Heritage Immersion: Visits to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and Goa’s heritage sites to experience India’s architectural and historical legacy.
    • Academic and Economic Engagement: Interaction with students and faculty at IIT Delhi and visits to Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI)/ Goa Institute of Management to explore India’s advancements in technology, research, and entrepreneurship.
    • Youth Networking & Volunteerism: Engagement with MY Bharat volunteers to discuss youth empowerment, leadership, and innovation.
    • High-Level Diplomatic Interactions: Call-on with the Hon’ble External Affairs Minister, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, and Hon’ble Governor of Goa is scheduled to be organised, emphasizing the importance of youth diplomacy.
    • Cultural Exchange & Gala Dinner: A roundtable and gala dinner will be organized in the honour of the delegation wherein the delegates will exchange their best practices to engage with youth in their nations.

    The visit will serve as a catalyst for future collaborations, promoting cross-cultural understanding, leadership development, and international cooperation in key sectors. This youth exchange program reinforces India’s commitment to regional peace, friendship, and economic partnerships with Central Asia, ensuring that the bonds of goodwill continue to flourish.

    *****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2113608) Visitor Counter : 68

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by CE at Inauguration Ceremony of International Alliance of Academicians and International Academicians Hong Kong Forum (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Speech by CE at Inauguration Ceremony of International Alliance of Academicians and International Academicians Hong Kong Forum (English only) 
    Professor Nancy Ip (Chair of IAA), Professor Pierre-Louis Lions (Co-Chair of IAA), Professor George Smoot (Co-Chair of IAA), Professor Xiang Zhang (Co-Chair of IAA), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         Good morning. I am very pleased to join you today for the inauguration ceremony of the International Alliance of Academicians and the International Academicians Hong Kong Forum.
     
         It gives me great pleasure and pride, to congratulate the Alliance on its establishment, to know that this is a Hong Kong-based international organisation, uniting more than 100 renowned academics from all over the world. And you’ve taken on the essential mission of enhancing global co-operation among scientists and academics, working toward the sustainable development of innovation and technology.
     
         The Alliance is a testament to the power of collective wisdom, a commitment to the open exchange of ideas, and a celebration of humanity’s boundless innovation. 
     
         Hong Kong is committed to becoming an international I&T (innovation and technology) centre, as well as a global hub for high-end talent. So it is both welcome, and fitting, that Hong Kong serves as the Alliance’s home.
     
         In an era endlessly defined, and redefined, by technological advancement, evolving global dynamics and unprecedented challenges, the role of scholars and scientists has never been more critical. 
     
         Knowledge knows no borders, our shared challenges require shared solutions.
     
         The Government is committed to cultivating a dynamic environment, one that champions innovation and technology, in every sector and industry, every institution and corner of our community.
     
         We will soon launch a Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme, worth 3 billion Hong Kong dollars, or nearly 400 million US dollars. It will help fund ground-breaking basic research driven by world-class researchers and academics.
     
         Given the central role that AI (artificial intelligence) will play in research and industry transformation, we will also establish the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute. It will promote upstream research and development, as well as the transformation of mid-streamand downstream AI outcomes, and explore application scenarios. 
     
         These initiatives expand our far-reaching I&T development, led by two InnoHK research clusters – one focused on healthcare technologies, the other on AI and robotics. Together, they have attracted more than 2 500 scientists and researchers, from Hong Kong and all over the world. 
     
         We are now setting up a third InnoHK research cluster. It will focus on sustainable development, energy and advanced manufacturing and materials. It’s now open for admission proposals, and I welcome prominent international universities and institutions to join us on the exciting journey of innovation.
     
         With the support of our country, we are determined to draw together the diverse expertise of Hong Kong’s international pool of talent, and the innovation and manufacturing prowess of the Mainland.
     
         The Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, situated in the Loop – an area that straddles our boundary with Shenzhen – will create the infrastructure for our synergised development with other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. I am pleased to tell you all that we will be celebrating the completion of the first three buildings in the Hong Kong Park later today.
     
         With the Hong Kong Park and a wide range of I&T infrastructure as our hardware, and the “soft power” presented by your Alliance and other key players in our I&T ecosystem, Hong Kong is committed, and well-equipped, to promoting international co-operation, and the boundless opportunities it can create for us all.
     
         My congratulations, once again, on the inauguration of the International Alliance of Academicians. I know you will enjoy the International Academicians Hong Kong Forum, beginning later today.
     
         And I welcome you to make time for Hong Kong, a rising East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Catch one of the many exhibitions in our West Kowloon Cultural District. Next week, the world-renowned Art Basel returns to Hong Kong, showcasing over 240 galleries from some 40 countries and regions.
     
         And there will be plenty of art in rugby, on show, beginning next Friday, at Kai Tak Sports Park, the brand-new, state-of-the-art home of the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens. All these, during Hong Kong Super March – a month-long series of eclectic events filled with creativity, culture and excitement. Just like this forum.
     
         Enjoy your time in Hong Kong! Thank you.
    Issued at HKT 9:58

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft planted almost 11 million trees in 2024

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In 2024, employees of Rosneft and its subsidiaries planted over 10.7 million tree seedlings of various species, which is almost 30% more than the year before. The total area of forest plantations is comparable to the territory of more than 4.5 thousand football fields.

    Over the past four years, the Company’s enterprises have planted a total of approximately 37 million tree seedlings and saplings, making a significant contribution to the conservation of nature and biological diversity in the Russian Federation.

    March 21 marks the International Day of Forests, which was established by the UN General Assembly to draw attention to the issues of rational use of these natural resources and their importance for our planet.

    Preservation of the environment for future generations is an integral part of the corporate culture and social policy of the Company. Rosneft implements a number of large-scale environmental programs and is a leader in minimizing the impact on the environment and improving the environmental friendliness of production. The Company’s approaches to afforestation and reforestation are presented in the public position “Preserve the Planet for the Benefit of Current and Future Generations: Sustainable Forest Management”.

    In 2024, more than 30 subsidiaries planted seedlings in various regions of the country, including: in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra, Yamalo-Nenets and Nenets Autonomous Okrugs, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Krasnoyarsk and Stavropol Krais, Tyumen, Saratov, Samara, Sakhalin Oblasts, as well as in Bashkiria and the city of Moscow. The work was carried out both as part of reforestation work and voluntary campaigns – “Green Spring”, “Forest Planting Day”, “Save the Forest” and the International Campaign “Garden of Memory”, dedicated to the memory of those killed in the Great Patriotic War.

    The largest contribution to forest restoration in 2024 was made by RN-Yuganskneftegaz, RN-Purneftegaz, East Siberian Oil and Gas Company, Bashneft, RN-Vankor and Samotlorneftegaz.

    Employees of RN-Yuganskneftegaz, Rosneft’s largest oil-producing asset, planted more than 4.8 million coniferous seedlings during the 2024 growing season. This is 41% more than last year. The green area was about 1,300 hectares.

    Over the past three years, the RN-Purneftegaz company has planted more than 1.2 million pine seedlings on an area of 340 hectares in Yamal.

    The East Siberian Oil and Gas Company has completed reforestation work in the Achinsk and Karatuz forestries of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The oil workers planted 940 thousand forest seedlings on an area of 300 hectares. The forestry territories grew by 820 thousand Siberian spruce seedlings, 70 thousand Siberian cedar pine seedlings and almost 50 thousand Scots pine seedlings.

    In 2024, Bashneft planted 748 thousand trees on an area of over 200 hectares. This is 45% more than the same indicator last year. The plantings took place in the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. Employees of the Company’s enterprises and their family members participate in various environmental campaigns: Green Spring, Forest Planting Day, Save the Forest, hold clean-up days and clean up the coastal zones of rivers, reservoirs and springs, support the Green Office project, and help botanical gardens and zoos.

    RN-Vankor planted about 400 thousand pine seedlings on an area of 182 hectares in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. During the growing season, the seedlings were transported to forestries in special containers that protect future trees from damage and root drying. Pine was chosen for reforestation as one of the forest-forming species – these trees are among the most resistant to winds and adverse conditions, and their root system strengthens the soil. Pines grow quickly and are capable of creating significant forest areas in a short time, which become a habitat for many species of animals and birds, which is of great importance for restoring the natural balance of the taiga.

    In 2024, Samotlorneftegaz employees planted more than 390 thousand pine seedlings on more than 107 hectares. Large-scale work to restore coniferous forests began in 2008. Over 17 years, the district’s forest fund has increased by 2 million trees, which is more than 700 hectares.

    The group’s companies not only plant trees, but also help equip forestry with modern equipment. Thus, in 2024, Samotlorneftegaz transferred domestically produced snow and swamp-going vehicles to forestry in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra. The self-propelled equipment is adapted to work in harsh climatic conditions and will be used for fire patrols, reforestation work, and year-round sanitary control of the forest fund. With the financial support of the enterprise, the material and technical equipment of the aviation and ground forest protection base, which is engaged in the protection and reproduction of the district’s forests, has been improved.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Council approves Switzerland’s participation in the NSPA PATRIOT Support Partnership

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

    To strengthen security and increase the availability of spare parts for ground-based air defence, the Federal Council has approved Switzerland’s participation in the NATO Support and Procurement Agency Patriot Support Partnership (NSPA PATRIOT SP). The partnership also includes maintenance, ammunition monitoring, technical, procurement, training and transportation support.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Basketball Africa league Announces Collaboration with Wave Senegal and Wave Cote d’Ivoire

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    DAKAR, Senegal, March 21, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://BAL.NBA.com/) and Wave, Africa’s fastest-growing mobile money platform, have joined forces to elevate the fan experience and make basketball more accessible in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire.  The collaboration will introduce a series of engaging initiatives designed to bring communities closer to the game in conjunction with the 2025 BAL season.   

    Leading up to the BAL’s Sahara Conference group phase that will take place from Saturday, April 26 – Sunday, May 4, at the Dakar Arena in Senegal, the BAL and Wave will host a 5-on-5 streetball basketball tournament in Dakar for eight teams of male players.  The tournament will tip off on Saturday, March 22 and culminate with a championship game in early May.  The eight teams will be comprised of four teams selected by the Senegalese Basketball Federation and four open spots.  Registration for the open spots is open now here (https://apo-opa.co/4hrTNru), after which a selection committee will review the applications and determine the four participating teams.  

    In addition to promoting local competition, Wave is dedicated to enhancing the BAL experience by making it more accessible and rewarding for fans.  Wave users will have the opportunity to earn exclusive rewards, gifts, and other exciting perks through the Wave App rewards program, allowing more people to engage with the excitement of the BAL.  Wave users can take advantage of exclusive offers on tickets for the BAL games in Dakar, which are available for purchase now at BAL.NBA.com and Bal-teewtickets.com. 

    The marketing partnership extends beyond Senegal and will also bring impactful initiatives to Côte d’Ivoire.  In September 2025, Wave and the BAL will unveil a newly refurbished basketball court in Abidjan, offering young athletes a modern and inspiring space to develop their skills.  In addition to the unveiling, the BAL and Wave will organize a training camp at the court for local youth.  Additionally, one lucky Wave user from Côte d’Ivoire will win an all-expenses-paid trip to South Africa to attend the 2025 BAL Finals in Pretoria on June 14, where ​​they will have the opportunity to experience the culmination of the BAL season. 

    “Our collaboration with Wave is part of our commitment to make the BAL and basketball more accessible across the continent,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall.  “We look forward to working together to provide more opportunities for youth, players and fans in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire to engage with the game and our league.” 

    Echoing this sentiment, Wave Senegal General Director El Hadji Malick Guèye highlighted the synergy between basketball and financial inclusion, stating, “This marketing partnership with the BAL aligns perfectly with Wave’s ambition to expand access to essential services, both in finance and culture.  As we revolutionized digital payments in the transport sector, we believe that supporting basketball can be a powerful driver of change.  By making the BAL more accessible and launching community-driven initiatives, we reinforce our commitment to a cashless, inclusive, and connected Africa.” 

    Katier Bamba, Wave Côte d’Ivoire General Director, emphasized the collaboration’s local significance: “Basketball is a growing passion in Côte d’Ivoire, and we are thrilled to work with the BAL to provide opportunities that will leave a lasting impact on the community.  The court refurbishment in Abidjan will not only give young athletes a professional-grade space to develop their skills but also serve as a hub for local engagement and youth empowerment.  Our commitment to financial inclusion extends beyond digital payments; it’s about creating experiences and opportunities that uplift entire communities.” 

    The Sahara Conference group phase will feature home team ASC Ville de Dakar (Senegal), defending BAL champion Petro de Luanda (Angola), first-time BAL participant Kriol Star (Cape Verde) and 2022 BAL champion US Monastir (Tunisia).   

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How will the history-making new Olympics boss shape sports worldwide, and in Australia?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard Baka, Honorary Professor, School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Canada; Adjunct Fellow, Olympic Scholar and Co-Director of the Olympic and Paralympic Research Centre, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University

    In a surprisingly emphatic result, 41-year-old Kirsty Coventry, Zimbabwe’s Sport Minister, was selected as the new president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its 144th session in Greece.

    Coventry is the first woman, the first African, and the youngest person ever to take on the role.

    So how did she rise to this position, and what should sports in Australia and globally expect?

    Unpacking the votes

    Coventry comes well-credentialed as a five-time Olympic swimmer, representing Zimbabwe from 2000 to 2016 and winning seven medals, two of them gold.

    An IOC member since 2013, Coventry was initially an athlete-elected member.

    She has taken on various IOC roles, including most recently on the Coordination Committee for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

    Although Coventry was one of the three favourites, along with Sebastian Coe from the United Kingdom and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr from Spain (son of the previous IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch), she won the vote in a landslide on the first ballot, securing 49 votes of the 97.

    Having obtained the required 50% majority, no further rounds were held.

    So begins a new dawn for the IOC’s now extremely powerful inaugural woman leader, who will face several challenges.

    How did she win?

    Foremost, Coventry had longstanding president Thomas Bach’s informal endorsement and support.

    Bach no doubt had a huge sway over the voting members, many of whom were elected to the IOC during his 12-year reign.

    Bach’s appointment as Honorary President for Life from June this year means he will still have a powerful role and be able to mentor and influence Coventry.

    A lack of transparent voting for the position means we cannot know who voted for whom. Some will presume the new president garnered the majority of votes from women and African delegates, but such an observation can only be speculative.

    With women comprising 43% of IOC members, it is a reasonable assumption this cohort provided a strong support base.

    Several candidates proposed quite significant (and in some cases radical) changes, suggesting a vote for Coventry was a nod to keeping the status quo.

    Or was it just time to break the hold of male presidents?

    The 2024 Paris Olympics were the first games with equal 50-50 men-women participation. The IOC membership has also changed over the past few decades, with growing representation of women. As a result, its long-held reputation as an “old boys’ club” is slowly shifting.

    Coventry triumphed despite previous doubts about her domestic political ties, and a limited change agenda that seemed to be mainly a legacy choice for Bach.

    In this context, Bach might continue to exert his influence.

    Global challenges for the new president

    As Olympic Agenda 2020+5 draws to its end, the new president will have the opportunity to set a future-focused strategy.

    There are plenty of areas she will need to consider in taking the reins. Here are our top ten:

    1. Safeguarding athletes. The provision of safe spaces for sport is an area of global concern as the incidents of athlete harm are brought to light.

    2. Environmental, sustainability and global warming issues, such as lack of snow for the winter games, venue rationale, spending on mega events, and lack of bidders for future games.

    3. The impact of AI and digital transformation on all aspects of sport, from athlete performance and officiating to governance and management.

    4. Bidding processes for future host cities.

    5. Transgender athletes and diversity, equity and inclusion considerations.

    6. The (Australian-initiated) proposal for the pharmaceutical free-for-all Enhanced Games.

    7. Sponsorship changes – longtime sponsors Toyota and Panasonic have dropped out but others have come in, with some from China.

    8. Relations with Russia and the United States

    9. Athlete advocacy – perhaps giving the athletes more of the financial windfall the Olympics generate.

    10. Addition of new sports and culling or dropping existing less popular ones.



    Read more:
    Cricket? Lacrosse? Netball? The new sports that might make it to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games

    What about Australia?

    Coventry comes from an impressive swimming background, and this could work to Australia’s advantage.

    Although she will step down from her role on the Coordination Committee for the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics to handle other pressing presidential duties, she will no doubt retain a close link to the third Australian Olympic host city.

    The Australian Olympic Commission was quick to congratulate her on her ascension to the IOC presidency.

    Coventry knows AOC President Ian Chesterman, a fellow IOC member, so we can expect a close, friendly working relationship between them.

    With the Brisbane games only seven years away, the new IOC president will certainly have a strong vested interest in Australia and aspects of the Olympic and Paralympic movement in this part of the world.

    Tracy Taylor is on the Olympic Studies Centre Grant Award committee.

    Richard Baka and Rob Hess 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.

    – ref. How will the history-making new Olympics boss shape sports worldwide, and in Australia? – https://theconversation.com/how-will-the-history-making-new-olympics-boss-shape-sports-worldwide-and-in-australia-252623

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Awards – Workplace wellbeing champions from across Aotearoa are celebrated at the 2025 Southern Cross Health Insurance Wayfinder Awards

    Source: Southern Cross Health Insurance Wayfinder Awards

     

    The winners of the 2025 Southern Cross Health Insurance Wayfinder Awards were announced Thursday, March 20, at a ceremony in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland.

     

    Taking home gold across the six categories in recognition of achievements by individuals and organisations, were Waikato-Tainui, ASB, ORIX New Zealand, Netsafe, Jen Southan (ORIX NZ) and Dominic Quin (Foodstuffs). 

     

    The Southern Cross Health Insurance Wayfinder Awards encourage businesses to innovate in workplace wellbeing, driving employee engagement and business success, and to celebrate those who have made wellbeing central to their strategy and part of their organisation’s culture.

     

    Nick Astwick, CEO Southern Cross Health Insurance says, “Our 2024 Healthy Futures report confirmed that 89% of people agree they, and the businesses they work for, would flourish if employers made workplace health and wellbeing a priority. The Wayfinder Awards acknowledge those organisations which have made the concerted decision to put their people’s wellbeing front and centre and are therefore reaping the benefits of their innovation and commitment.

     

    “To hear their stories and see the increased productivity, reduced turnover and high levels of engagement, particularly against a tough operating environment, was truly inspiring for me and the panel of expert judges who helped determine our winners for 2025.”

     

    Three of the awards – Small Business, Medium Business and Large Business – celebrate companies which have woven workplace wellbeing into their core strategy.

     

    Netsafe won gold in the Small Business Award category. Dr Ellen Joan Ford said, “One of the things that really stood out was where businesses offered flexibility as part of their wellbeing initiatives. I am a firm believer in flexibility and think this is the way of the future – we should be focusing on outputs not hours. (Netsafe) has Super impressive employee engagement scores and I love their ‘Flexible First’ work policy.

     

    The gold Medium Business Award went to ORIX NZ, with judge Rob Holmes from PaperKite saying, “ORIX balances fiscal priorities with holistic wellbeing, and has created a workplace where employees feel valued and can thrive.”

     

    ASB was awarded gold for the Large Business Award, with Dr Quinlan noting, “ASB is leading the way for other large organisations in New Zealand, setting new standards for employee care and benefits. Aligning benefits with their people promise, they have listened and designed the benefits that meet their people’s needs. It’s a carefully considered approach that employees are already appreciating.”

     

    Waikato-Tainui is the recipient of the gold New Horizon award which focuses on innovation in workplace wellbeing. The iwi is committed to addressing the unique health challenges faced by kaumaatua, who are disproportionately affected by health issues and struggle to access healthcare.

     

    Judge Melanie Beirne (Ngāi Tahu) said, “This initiative (from Waikato-Tainui) taps into the powerful influence and potential of iwi, creating a direct pathway to connect with hard-to-reach, under-served communities. By removing cost barriers, it opens up access to health, well-being, and financial stability. Its innovative approach is not just transforming lives of kaumaatua — it’s setting a new way of working and standard that has the potential to inspire other iwi to follow suit. If adopted, the ripple effect of this change has the potential to uplift communities across Aotearoa.”

     

    The first of the individual awards was won by Jen Southan of ORIX NZ. The Star Wayfarer Award recognises someone who has made a tangible difference and impact to wellbeing within the workplace. Rob Holmes said, “Jen’s relentless passion for wellbeing has inspired transformative change at ORIX, creating an inclusive culture where employees feel supported and valued.”

     

    The True North Award acknowledges a people-leader who has made an outstanding contribution to the wellbeing of their team. Recipient Dominic (Dom) Quin of Foodstuffs was acknowledged as exceptional by his team and the judges, in fact Dr Denise Quinlan said, “can we clone this leader?”.

     

    Nick Astwick concurred, saying “Dom deeply believes “anyone can be a leader” and he coaches and inspires his team to engage in courageous conversations. He shifted the team from an outcomes-led business to a human led business with stunning results. A truly high performing leader.”

     

    Reflecting on the Southern Cross Health Insurance Wayfinder Awards, Astwick was struck by one key theme which stood out for most successful entries.

     

    “The health and wellbeing needs of people change with age, stage, and personal situations. One of the innovations this year was a focus on personalising health and wellbeing programmes to ensure they are relevant for all.

     

    “Our purpose at Southern Cross Health Insurance is to empower our members to live well for longer. More than half of our members are with us through group schemes offered by organisations which understand that good health is good for business. It is so heartening, even as many businesses, even ours, have faced so many economic headwinds that leading New Zealand companies of all shapes and sizes are investing in their people’s wellbeing and taking people’s circumstances into account,” said Astwick.

     

    He added, “We’d like to acknowledge all the entries we received from across New Zealand and whakamihi/congratulate our gold, silver, and bronze winners. You are leading the way for business in Aotearoa.” 

     

    The strong line-up of health industry and business leaders who joined Nick Astwick, on the Wayfinder Awards judging panel, included:

     

    • Dr Denise Quinlan, MAPP, PhD – Director of the NZ Institute of Wellbeing & Resilience 
    • Dr Ellen Joan Ford, MBA, PhD – Award winning Leader, Military Veteran,
      International Speaker and Facilitator
    • Melanie Beirne (Ngāi Tahu) – Gallup certified coach, Entrepreneur, Leader, Facilitator, and Māmā of two
    • Rob Holmes, Discovery Director, PaperKite and an inaugural winner of the 2023 Wayfinder True North Award

     

    The 2025 Southern Cross Health Insurance Wayfinder Awards winners are:

     

    Star Wayfarer Award

    Gold – Jen Southan, ORIX NZ

    Silver – Tracey Chaplin, Ceres New Zealand LLC

    Bronze – Corrina McIndoe, Spectrum Consulting Limited and Caley Staveley, Outerdawn

     

    True North Award*

    Gold – Dominic Quin, Foodstuffs NZ

    Silver – Lorraine Bryant, Spectrum Consulting Ltd

     

    Small Business Award

    Gold – Netsafe NZ

    Silver – Ceres New Zealand LLC

    Bronze – Content & Co NZ Ltd

     

    Medium Business Award

    Gold – ORIX NZ

    Silver – SBS Bank

    Bronze – StraitNZ

     

    Large Business Award

    Gold – ASB

    Silver – Foodstuffs North Island / NZ

    Bronze – Douglas

     

    New Horizon Award

    Gold – Waikato-Tainui

    Silver – Te Wānanga o Aotearoa – Tau Ora

    Bronze – Eliot Sinclair

     

    For more information on the 2025 Southern Cross Health Insurance Wayfinder Awards: https://www.southerncross.co.nz/society/business/wayfinder-awards

     

    For a copy of the Healthy Futures Report: https://www.southerncross.co.nz/society/business/healthy-futures

     

    *Bronze was not awarded for this category in 2025

     

    About Southern Cross Health Insurance

    Southern Cross Health Insurance has been supporting New Zealanders on their health journeys since 1961. Today, we provide cover for nearly one in five New Zealanders every year.

    As a Friendly Society, Southern Cross Health Insurance operates solely for the benefit of members, rather than shareholders or overseas owners.

     

    We pay more claims than any other New Zealand health insurer and are proud of our industry-leading rate of return[1]. In FY24 we returned $1.498 billion in claims from $1.605 billion received in premiums, representing more than 93 per cent of premiums returned to members by way of claims.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with James Glenday, News Breakfast, ABC

    Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

    James Glenday:

    Let’s get more on the supermarket report. And we are joined now by the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, who is at Parliament House in Canberra. G’day, Treasurer. Good morning.

    Jim Chalmers:

    Morning, James.

    Glenday:

    Now, this report says Coles and Woolworths are among the most profitable supermarkets in the world. Are they gouging us?

    Chalmers:

    That’s not the conclusion of the ACCC, but the ACCC does say that there’s a lot of market dominance.

    What we need here and what we’re delivering here as a government is more scrutiny, more information and more competition.

    The report’s really welcome because what it shows is that there are things that we can do and there are things that we are doing to crack down on the supermarkets.

    We’re all about a fair go for families at the checkout and for farmers at the farm gate. This will help us put in place the right protections for people.

    The government is already acting on a number of recommendations of this report. We made the Food and Grocery Code mandatory. We’ve funded the ACCC and empowered them to crack down on dodgy practices in the supermarkets. We’re reforming the unit pricing code, which is all about that sneaky shrinkflation that drives people crazy. We’re working with the states and territories on planning and zoning to make it easier for new competitors to come in and compete with Coles and Woolies.

    All of these are the things that we’re doing. The ACCC has been really helpful in this report and before that, and they will be subsequently in helping to inform that agenda.

    Glenday:

    Your government’s had this report for about a month. Is there a reason you can’t commit to more of the 20 recommendations?

    Chalmers:

    We’re committing to all of the recommendations in principle, and as I just said, we’re implementing a bunch of them already.

    Whether it’s unit pricing, competition, planning and zoning, the Food and Grocery Code, empowering and funding the ACCC, we’re also funding the supplier groups to empower them, to strengthen their arm in their negotiations with the big supermarkets – this is all about cracking down on the supermarkets.

    We know that people are still under a pressure and a lot of that pressure is felt at the checkout. And so we are doing what we can to keep the supermarkets in check at the checkout. And this ACCC report will help us go about it.

    Glenday:

    Just on the suppliers. I think it’s just under $3 million going to be allocated over 3 years in Tuesday’s Budget. Do you think the industry will be satisfied with that? Because some have said that they need a lot more to ensure that they can negotiate fair terms for their produce.

    Chalmers:

    Respectfully, industry groups always say that they would like more. I understand that. That’s a story as old as time, James. But what we’re doing here is we are funding those groups to train up and tool up to be able to engage more effectively in those negotiations. It’s a really important step, but it’s also not the only step that we’re taking. An extra $30 million we gave the ACCC to empower them and all of the other policy steps that we’re taking.

    We are cracking down on the supermarkets because we know that there is market dominance. We know that people are under pressure. That’s why the Budget’s going to be about the cost of living. It’s also why we accept, in principle, all of these recommendations of the ACCC’s work.

    Glenday:

    The Nationals and the Greens have been pushing for a breakup of the big supermarkets to increase competition. That’s not a recommendation of this report. Is it an idea you might revisit, though, say, in another term if competition doesn’t improve in the sector?

    Chalmers:

    The risks of that outweigh the benefits. You’ve got to be really careful that when the Nationals come up with a press release about this that it’s not counterproductive. There’s real risks that it is.

    The ACCC has handed down a 441 page report, and not on any of those pages does it support divestiture powers which are being proposed by our political opponents.

    Glenday:

    Sorry to jump in there. I mean, why would the risk outweigh the benefits? Can you spell that out for us?

    Chalmers:

    For example, if you make one of the big chains sell in a community, there’s a risk that it’s just snapped up by the other big player in the supermarket sector, and that would be counterproductive. Or if it chases supermarket options out of town in regional communities. It’s got hairs all over it, frankly. That’s why it’s not recommended on any one of the 441 pages of this report.

    The other thing, which the ACCC chair has said before, is that what we’re doing when it comes to mergers and acquisitions reform – big change, big competition policy change that myself and Andrew Leigh have brought in – that actually gets in before some of these issues, which would require divestiture. And so, we’re doing a whole bunch of things that are more effective than what our opponents are proposing. And that’s why the ACCC is not recommending what they are.

    Glenday:

    I just want to get you on 2 other quick issues before we let you go. There’s a lot of debate in your home state of Queensland about Olympic venues. Will there be funding in Tuesday’s Budget for maybe a new stadium?

    Chalmers:

    Our funding’s for the Brisbane Arena. We’re funding that enthusiastically. Two and a half billion dollars already in the Budget for Brisbane Arena and then almost another billion for smaller venues, legacy venues around southeast Queensland. We’re very proud to be making that commitment because the Olympics are going to be amazing.

    We’ve come to the table with billions of dollars in investment – our investments for Brisbane Arena, $2.5 billion, plus smaller venues, almost a billion.

    Glenday:

    You’ve got a Budget next week and I know that after a long day crunching the numbers, you like to exercise while listening to the rapper Ice Cube. We’ve spoken about this before. We had Ice Cube on the show a few weeks ago.

    Chalmers:

    I can’t believe you had Cube on the program. Unbelievable.

    Glenday:

    We did. He was here. He was a bit sceptical of us, but that’s okay. So, I wanted to ask you what lyrics best sum up your fourth Budget? ‘It was a good day’ or ‘check yourself, before you wreck yourself’?

    Chalmers:

    I was anticipating a question from you about Cube today, James, but I wasn’t anticipating that question. You’ve got to be, as you know, you’re also an aficionado, you’ve got to be very, very careful with the lyrics from –

    Glenday:

    You do.

    Chalmers:

    Cube tracks. You got to be very careful.

    Hopefully it will be a good day and hopefully it will be a good day next Tuesday.

    We’re putting the finishing touches on the Budget today. We’ll send it off to the printers on the weekend and it will reflect the progress that Australians are making together. But it will also recognise that Australians are under pressure still. There’s a lot of global economic uncertainty.

    So, the big focus will be the cost of living but also making our economy more resilient in the face of all that global economic uncertainty. And once we get it done and dusted, I’d be happy to come on the show on another occasion and talk about the acceptable parts of Ice Cube’s lyrics.

    Glenday:

    Jim, I read all your interviews. I just didn’t want before people write in to say we’re losing the plot. I just didn’t want another ‘all will be revealed on Budget night’ answer. We do appreciate you being a good sport and thank you for joining News Breakfast.

    Chalmers:

    Thanks so much, James.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong movie “Last Song For You” screened at Osaka Asian Film Festival (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong movie “Last Song For You” screened at Osaka Asian Film Festival  
    The gala screening, attended by some 300 film fans from Japan, was sponsored by the Cultural, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Film Development Fund, with the support from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo).
     
    Speaking before the screening, the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Miss Winsome Au, said that the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office was proud to support the “Hong Kong Gala Screening” together with the film talents coming all the way from Hong Kong to participate in the OAFF this year.
     
    “Showcasing Hong Kong’s cultural diversity and creative excellence is our top priority. By promoting Hong Kong films to overseas audiences, we hope to share our love for cinema and our city as a colourful and vibrant metropolis rich in arts and culture from the East and West,” she said.
     
    She added that the Film Development Fund has already approved over $1.3 billion to support more than 120 film projects, involving 110 new directors and producers.
     
    Miss Au was joined by director Jill Leung of “Last Song For You”, as well as other Hong Kong film talents participating in the film festival. After the screening of “Last Song For You”, Leung also took part in a sharing session with the audience.
    Issued at HKT 23:02

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Declares 2nd Khelo India Para Games Open

    Source: Government of India

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Declares 2nd Khelo India Para Games Open

    When one is determined, is heading in the right direction, and is working hard, the result is always positive – Dr. Mandaviya

    Through Khelo India Para Games, our athletes are getting the best opportunity and they are paving the pathway to success – Dr. Mandaviya

    Five Paralympians Participate in Unique Torch Rally in Presence of Union Ministers Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Dr. Virendra Kumar

    Posted On: 20 MAR 2025 6:50PM by PIB Delhi

     Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya declared the 2nd Khelo India Para Games 2025 open at KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Stadium complex in New Delhi today. More than 1300 para athletes will take part in six sports disciplines in this eight-day long championship.

    Six Paralympians – Simran Sharma (athletics), Praveen Kumar (badminton), Nitesh Kumar (badminton), Nitya Sre (badminton) and Preeti Pal (athletics) joined Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment,  Sri Kento Jini, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and President of the Paralympic Committee of India and former Paralympian Sri Devendra Jhajharia, in a unique torch rally to formally flag off the Khelo India Para Games 2025.

    Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said he was excited to see the response to every Khelo India event that has now become the “umbrella” for all athletes aspiring to win laurels for the country. “I am immensely proud and elated by the contributions made by Khelo India to Indian sports. Be it Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India School Games, Khelo India Winter Games or Khelo India Para Games, our athletes are making the country proud through their talent everywhere,” said Dr Mandaviya.

    Dr Mandaviya further said, “When one is determined, is heading in the right direction, and is working hard, the result is always positive. The success at Paris Paralympics 2024, where we won a total of 29 medals proved that our athletes have the potential to make the country proud on the global stage. Through Khelo India Para Games, our athletes are getting the best opportunity and they are paving the pathway to success. This is exactly what our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi had envisaged”.

    Dr. Kumar too lauded the Khelo India initiative and mentioned, “Khelo India Para Games 2025 is a world-class platform for Indian athletes to compete among each other and portray their talent publicly. At the same time, it also provides a chance to the para athletes to not just prove themselves but also inspire others through their challenging journey”.

    The opening ceremony featured athletes, coaches and support staff from all over the country. Secretary (Sports), Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi and senior officials of the Sports Authority of India were also present at the opening ceremony.

    For more on KIPG 2025, click: Welcome | KIPG 2025

    ABOUT KHELO INDIA PARA GAMES

    Khelo India Para Games is part of the Khelo India mission to provide a platform for talented athletes to showcase their sporting and competitive skills. The 1st edition of Khelo India Para Games, held in December 2023, was organized to enable para-athletes to showcase their talent at the national level. The Games were played in seven sports disciplines across three venues in New Delhi. The second edition of KIPG, to be held at three venues in the capital between March 20-27, 2025, will be held in six disciplines – para-athletics, para archery, para powerlifting, para badminton, para table tennis and para shooting.

    *****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2113356) Visitor Counter : 39

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Protecting maternity in professional sport and eliminating discrimination on grounds of pregnancy – E-000227/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is fully committed to gender equality and women’s rights, including supporting female athletes, in line with the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025[1].

    The Commission’s High-Level Group on gender equality in sport[2] in its recommendations published in 2022 called upon ensuring legal frameworks, equal opportunities and conditions, and securing social benefits for female athletes.

    The recommendations specify that their rights under national labour laws should be fully applied, and sport organisations should develop maternity policies.

    Moreover, EU legislation protects against discrimination on grounds of sex in conditions for access to employment and to self-employment.[3]

    It also protects against discrimination in employment and working conditions, including dismissals.[4] It prohibits the reduction of rights of women, when returning to their jobs after maternity leave.[5]

    In addition, an employee who is pregnant, has given birth or has adopted a child, has the right to maternity leave for a period of at least 14 weeks before and/or after the birth or adoption.[6]

    In line with Directive (EU) 2019/1158,[7] the Commission has been analysing the transposition and implementation of the rights to family-related leave in Member States, including the rights granted to self-employed persons as of 2027.[8]

    The 2019 Council Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed[9] encourages Member States to extend access to adequate social protection to all workers and the self-employed, including those in non-traditional contracts and sectors such as professional sports.

    This covers a broad range of social security branches, including maternity and paternity benefits.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/just/items/682425/en
    • [2] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/684ab3af-9f57-11ec-83e1-01aa75ed71a1
    • [3] Article 14 of Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (recast), OJ L 204, 26.7.2006, p. 23-36.
    • [4] See footnote 3.
    • [5] Article 15 of Directive 2006/54/EC.
    • [6] Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (tenth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC).
    • [7] Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU, OJ L 188, 12.7.2019, p. 79-93.
    • [8] Article 18 of Directive (EU) 2019/1158.
    • [9] Council Recommendation (EU) 2019/118, OJ C 387, 15.11.2019.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former University of Michigan Football Quarterbacks Coach and Co-Offensive Coordinator Indicted on Charges of Unauthorized Access to Computers and Aggravated Identity Theft

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – Former University of Michigan Co-Offensive Coordinator Matthew Weiss—age 42, of Ann Arbor—was charged today in a 24-count indictment alleging 14 counts of unauthorized access to computers and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft, Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced.

    Beck was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Detroit Field Office (Michigan)

    According to the indictment, between approximately 2015 and January 2023, Weiss gained unauthorized access to student athlete databases of more than 100 colleges and universities that were maintained by a third-party vendor. After gaining access to these databases, Weiss downloaded the personally identifiable information and medical data of more than 150,000 athletes.   Using the information that he obtained from the student athlete databases and his own internet research, Weiss was able to obtain access to the social media, email, and/or cloud storage accounts of more than 2,000 target athletes.   Weiss also illegally obtained access to the social media, email, and/or cloud storage accounts of more than 1,300 additional students and/or alumni from universities across the country.

    Once Weiss obtained access to these accounts, he downloaded personal, intimate digital photographs and videos that were never intended to be shared beyond intimate partners.

    “Our office will move aggressively to prosecute computer hacking to protect the private accounts of our citizens,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck. “We stand ready with our law enforcement partners to bring those who illegally invade the privacy of others to justice.” 

    “Today’s indictment of Matthew Weiss underscores the commitment and meticulous investigative efforts of our law enforcement professionals,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI Detroit Cyber Task Force, in close collaboration with the University of Michigan Police Department, worked relentlessly on this case to safeguard and protect our community.”

    If convicted, Weiss faces a maximum of five years imprisonment on each count of unauthorized access to computers and two years on each count of aggravated identity theft. Conviction on a count of aggravated identity theft triggers a two-year mandatory minimum sentence, to be served consecutive to the sentence imposed for the underlying offense.

    An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  It will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Wyse and Patrick Corbett. The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Turkey: a favourable international climate is spurring Erdoğan’s crackdown on democracy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Massimo D’Angelo, Research Associate in the Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs, Loughborough University

    The Turkish judiciary has finally succeeded in sidelining Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, at the fourth attempt. On the morning of March 19, the 53-year-old posted a video on social media announcing that police had arrived at his home to arrest him on charges of corruption, aiding a terrorist organisation and organised crime.

    “Hundreds of police are at my door”, he said in a voice message. “This immoral and tyrannical approach will undoubtedly be overturned by the will and resilience of our people”.

    Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has consistently excelled at positioning himself on the international stage, adeptly seizing opportunities left by others and turning them to his advantage. He has demonstrated this once again by orchestrating the arrest of İmamoğlu, his main political rival.

    With global events bolstering his leverage over the west, Erdoğan is well placed to act with impunity, knowing that his strategic importance will likely shield him from serious repercussions.

    The judiciary’s first attempt to remove İmamoğlu through legal means came in 2019, shortly after he won the Istanbul mayoral election by a narrow margin (around 13,000 votes). Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development party (AKP) contested the results, citing irregularities.

    Under intense pressure from the government, the Supreme Electoral Council annulled the vote and ordered a rerun. İmamoğlu not only retained, but significantly increased his lead. He secured victory over the AKP’s candidate, Binali Yıldırım, by more than 800,000 votes.

    Then, in 2022, İmamoğlu was sentenced to two years in prison for having called two public officials “fools” three years earlier. Ultimately, he was not arrested. But the sentence severely undermined his presidential ambitions, prompting him to forgo running for the presidency the following year.

    The third attempt occurred just days ago, when the government revoked the validity of İmamoğlu’s academic degree on bureaucratic grounds. Turkey’s political future looks to be entering a new and more precarious phase.

    İmamoğlu was born in Akçaabat, a district of Trabzon province on north-east Turkey’s Black Sea coast. He graduated in economics at Istanbul University and worked as a construction entrepreneur before entering politics.

    He is married with three children and, like Erdoğan, is passionate about football. In his youth, he was both a footballer and the managing director of his hometown’s football club, Trabzonspor.

    In 2024, İmamoğlu was reelected as mayor of Istanbul. Over the past six years, he has become a highly prominent political figure and, given the city’s size and his broad popularity, he has often been regarded as a natural candidate for the Turkish presidency.

    Many expected him to run as the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election. But the party chose its leader, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, instead.

    This decision was partly driven by internal power struggles between the party’s old guard and newer leadership. However, the insult lawsuit against İmamoğlu alarmed many within the CHP, who feared that a potential arrest during the campaign would plunge the contest into chaos.

    Kılıçdaroğlu is less popular than İmamoğlu, and is from an older generation of opposition politicians who have repeatedly failed to challenge Erdoğan effectively. He ultimately lost to Erdoğan in the second round of voting.

    Despite state-led media campaigns to discredit İmamoğlu, his popularity has continued to rise. As a leading CHP figure, he was the frontrunner in the party’s primaries scheduled for March 23, ahead of the 2028 presidential elections. The arrest of İmamoğlu is widely seen as Erdoğan’s latest attempt to obstruct his candidacy.

    A pattern of political suppression

    Along with İmamoğlu, Turkish authorities have detained 87 people as part of an investigation into alleged terrorism and organised crime in Istanbul.

    Prosecutors accuse İmamoğlu of leading a criminal organisation, engaging in bribery, extortion and bid rigging. The inquiry also links him to financial misconduct and alleged ties with the Kurdistan Workers’ party (PKK), which the Turkish state categorises as a terrorist organisation.

    This is not the first time prominent political leaders in Turkey have been arrested on such charges. İmamoğlu’s case closely mirrors that of Selahattin Demirtaş, a Kurdish politician and former co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic party (HDP), who has been imprisoned since November 2016.

    Demirtaş, who was arrested during Erdoğan’s crackdown on political opposition after an attempted coup in 2016, was charged with “terrorist propaganda” and “undermining state unity”. In elections the previous year, his presidential campaign had gained widespread support, allowing the HDP to surpass Turkey’s 10% electoral threshold for entering parliament for the first time.

    Despite international calls for his release, including rulings from the European Court of Human Rights, Demirtaş remains incarcerated. In 2024, he was sentenced to a total of 42 years. Much like İmamoğlu today, his continued detention is widely regarded as politically motivated.

    In their influential work, How Democracies Die, Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt argue that the willingness to curtail civil liberties, such as controlling the media and suppressing dissent, is typical of populist leaders determined to tighten their grip on power.

    This latest crackdown is yet another episode in the continued erosion of democratic space in Turkey. However, Erdoğan currently operates in an unusually favourable global climate, with multiple strategic negotiations placing him centre stage.

    Although he has not hesitated to sideline rivals in the past, this environment has shifted further in his favour. The US president, Donald Trump, has rarely opposed such actions or condemned the suppression of political rights in other countries. On several occasions, Trump has even demonstrated his willingness to subject the US justice system and his opponents to his own will.

    The EU, distracted by internal conflicts and the Russian threat, also appears keen to keep Turkey onside. Turkey has Nato’s second-largest army and a Black Sea coastline, and is seeking to assume a key role in Europe’s security following Washington’s pivot away from the region. Across the Middle East, democracy often serves more as a bargaining chip than a genuine priority.

    Erdoğan has recently launched a “new Kurdish process”, aimed at reconciling with the PKK. This makes İmamoğlu’s arrest all the more surprising. The move may be intended to distance Kurdish voters from the CHP.

    Some citizens have attempted to protest the arrest despite a government ban on public gatherings. It remains to be seen how resilient the Turkish people will prove. Ultimately, Erdoğan’s success depends on the opposition’s ability to unite against him.

    Massimo D’Angelo 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.

    – ref. Turkey: a favourable international climate is spurring Erdoğan’s crackdown on democracy – https://theconversation.com/turkey-a-favourable-international-climate-is-spurring-erdogans-crackdown-on-democracy-252694

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada Invests $2.7 million in London to Enhance Climate Resilience and Community Spaces

    Source: Government of Canada News

    London, Ontario, March 20, 2025 — Today, MP Peter Fragiskatos, Rodger J. Moran, Co-Executive Director Finance & Administration at ReForest London, and Tom Partalas, Optimist Club of London, announced $2.7 million in funding through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings fund.

    Up to $2.1 million will be invested in Reforest London for the Perth Centre for Community Forestry in London will support the transformation of a 1940s Veterans facility into an energy-efficient, solar-powered, climate resilient centre.

    This facility will offer community forestry programs focused on combating climate change, particularly extreme heat, through tree planting and other nature-based solutions. The centre will provide a variety of free programs, events, and services to the public.

    London Optimist Sports Centre will receive an investment of $600,000 towards green improvements. This will retrofit windows and minimize energy loss, and update outdated mechanical systems and HVAC equipment to optimize performance and reduce environmental impact. The project will provide a more eco-friendly facility, benefiting the London community and its over 600,000 annual visitors by improving comfort and lowering operational costs.

    The federal government recognizes the importance of community spaces and remains committed to strengthening and revitalizing Canadian communities, ensuring we remain connected through common interest and shared spaces.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free sporting fun at Community Stadium this weekend

    Source: City of York

    York will kick off a summer of rugby with a range of fun, free activities on Sunday (23 March) at the York Community Stadium.

    Over the summer months, six of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 matches will take place in York. The opening game of the tournament will take place between England and USA on Friday 22 August at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. To celebrate hosting the games in York, this weekend the stadium will be holding a series of fun, free activities to help people get involved in rugby.

    Ahead of the sold out England vs Italy Women’s Six Nations game on Sunday in York, the York Community Stadium will be hosting a wide range of activities from 12.00-2.00pm, with both match goers and non-match goers alike welcome to try their hand at rugby and join the fun.

    There’ll be something for everyone no matter what your age or ability. Why not tackle walking rugby or T1 Rugby, a fun fitness session with a rugby twist, children’s kick run and pass activities or get inspired by rugby skills demonstrations from local rugby clubs.

    Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture at City of York Council, said: 

    Even if you’ve never thrown a rugby ball in your life, the activities this weekend will be a fantastic opportunity for anyone, of any age, to find out more about rugby: come and meet local clubs and learn how to get involved, enjoy the social side of the sport – and get fitter!

    “We are thrilled to be hosting the Women’s Six Nations game this weekend and supporting the Women’s Rugby World Cup later this summer, showcasing the incredible talent and skill of these world-class athletes. This event marks the start of our season of sport, showcasing York’s fantastic Community Stadium and the city’s love of sport, from grassroots through to professional and international level competition”.    

    The activities are being organised by City of York Council, the RFU, White Rose Rugby, York RUFC Women, York RI Women, North Yorkshire Sport, University of York Women’s Rugby and the Rugby Activator from the University of York.

    The event is open to anyone interested. To take part, simply turn up at the York Leisure Centre, Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross Dr, Huntington, York YO32 9AF between 12:00pm and 2:00pm on Sunday 23 March at the 3G pitches, with no need to book.

    Anyone interested in watching any of the Women’s Rugby World Cup games can find more information and buy tickets online.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: All-action launch reveal plans for Armed Forces Day

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A high-speed commando race across the sound marked the official launch of Plymouth Armed Forces Day – 100 days before we celebrate on Plymouth Hoe.

    The adrenalin fuelled launch saw an all-action military exercise, as part of a Royal Marines recruitment drive to inspire the next generation of Commandos. The event included a high-speed on-water display, bringing eight Royal Marines from the recruiting team of the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, across Plymouth Sound National Marine Park in their new Commando Raiding Craft, flying the Armed Forces and sponsor’s flag.

    After landing on the Hoe foreshore, the Royal Marines climbed the 70ft walls of The Royal Citadel to the battlements, before the Armed Forces flag was presented to the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Tina Tuohy. The flag was proudly flown from the battlements of the Citadel. The Marines departed by abseiling the Citadel walls and returning to their craft.

    Today’s launch revealed the epic programme of displays, parades, demonstrations and entertainment that is planned for Armed Forces Day, in association with defence company Babcock International Group (Babcock), which owns and operates the Devonport Royal Dockyard. It’s a cracking way to remember to put a date in the diary for Saturday 28 June!

    The launch party watched this thrilling exercise from battlements of The Royal Citadel. This included: WO2 Battery Sergeant Major Jim Feasey from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Deputy Lord Mayor and Consort, Managing Director of Babcock‘s Devonport facility John Gane, representatives from Plymouth City Council and each Military Service, including Veterans, Cadets and Military Kids Club Heroes.

    Plymouth Armed Forces Day is a celebration and a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. It is expected that over 45,000 people will flock to Plymouth Hoe, to enjoy the free family-fun event.

    This year’s line-up will see audiences wowed by the all-day arena and stage programme, parades, hands-on displays and challenges, military vehicles and equipment, thrilling demonstrations and entertainment. 

    Cabinet Member for Events, Councillor Sally Haydon, said: “Armed Forces Day is not only a brilliant day out, filled with fun for the whole family, but an important opportunity to show our support for all members of the armed forces and thank them for their hard work and dedication.

    “Plymouth is incredibly proud of its military history and our Armed Forces based in the city. Thank you also to Babcock for their continued support, and all the other sponsors of this great event.”

    John Gane, Managing Director of Babcock’s Devonport facility, said: “We recognise the important role our Armed Forces play in keeping our country safe and we are proud to work alongside them, which is why we always look forward to celebrating this great event. As the main sponsors of Plymouth Armed Forces Day for more than a decade, we’re delighted to be able to support bringing our community together and showcase the many career opportunities available with us.”  

    Regimental Sergeant Major Stefan Spink from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, said: “We are delighted to host this year’s Plymouth Armed Forces Day launch at The Royal Citadel on The Hoe and support the Royal Marines recruitment drive. Armed Forces Day brings communities together – strengthening the connection between the military and the local people, we look forward to playing our part on the 28 June.”

    Plymouth Armed Forces Day will open at 10am, with the Parade of Standards at 11am – open to all veterans – which will see Veterans and Cadets parade across the Hoe Promenade, led by the City of Plymouth Pipe Band, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.

    There will be plenty of action-packed activities and displays to experience throughout the day, including the Royal Navy Dive Tank. Visitors can chat to service personnel, with representatives from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and British Army in attendance. Members of the Fire Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, RNLI and Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Plymouth will also be there on the day, all with lots of hands-on equipment to try.

    The Veteran’s Village will be full of charities and organisations that offer support and advice for both serving personnel and veterans.

    Foster for Plymouth, sponsors of the pre-school entertainment, will be providing lots of free fun activities suitable for young children including glitter tattoos and appearances from some very popular characters in the afternoon. Find them in the marquee on the Hoe promenade where you can also speak to the team to learn more about fostering in Plymouth. 

    The event offers a multitude of entertainment and thrills, with Cadet displays, Junior Field Gun tournaments, demonstrations from REORG Jiu Jitsu members and Team Endeavours Punishers Wheelchair Rugby, plus live music from the City of Plymouth Pipe Band, Military Wives Choir, Rock Choir and much more.

    The entertainment continues into the evening with a free outdoor music concert from 5.30pm to 10.30pm, sponsored by C&G Catering, featuring the jive jump band Company B, Not the Cowboys and Oasis tribute – Be Here Now. The evening will finish with a dazzling, energy-packed performance from Good Times, which will have the crowds dancing to the raw funk, soul and disco dynamics of Nile Rodgers’ music.

    For all the latest information about Plymouth Armed Forces Day, visit: plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk. For further information about Babcock International, visit: babcockinternational.com

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Switzerland welcomes the international military sporting elite: Military World Winter Games 2025

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

    From 23 to 30 March Switzerland will be the global stage for the 5th Military World Winter Games under the aegis of the International Military Sports Council (CISM). Top-class Swiss and international military athletes will compete against each other in ten different disciplines. The competitions, which are being held under the motto ‘Military Champions for Peace’ hashtag #Lucerne2025, will take place at six venues, with Lucerne forming the organisational heart as host city.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Federal government announces $6.3 million for infrastructure to support more housing in Lantz

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Lantz, Nova Scotia, March 20, 2025 — Today, the Honourable Kody Blois, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development, and Eleanor Roulston, Warden of the Municipality of East Hants, announced a federal investment of over $6.3 million to improve and expand wastewater and stormwater infrastructure in Lantz, through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF).

    This funding will aim to improve wastewater capacity in Lantz by rebuilding the Poplar Drive Wastewater Lift Station, installing a new wastewater force main, adding backup generators to the Poplar Drive and Sportsplex Lift Stations, and upgrading stormwater infrastructure on Brookside Avenue. Once completed, this project will support local growth by redistributing wastewater catchment areas to increase capacity and strengthen resilience against extreme weather that could cause flooding and system issues.

    This investment, delivered through the CHIF, plays a crucial role in strengthening essential infrastructure and getting more homes built faster. This funding will also enable the development of approximately 128 dwelling units, contributing to future community growth.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kabaddi World Cup comes to Coventry for the first time

    Source: City of Coventry

    Coventry welcomed the world’s best kabaddi players and thousands of passionate fans as the sport’s biggest tournament was held in the UK for the first time.

    Coventry Building Society Arena in partnership with Coventry City Council hosted more than 1,000 fans and 150 athletes for a full-day of exciting and fast-paced action in the Kabaddi World Cup on Wednesday, March 19.

    The tournament is taking place across the West Midlands from March 17 to 23. It’s the first time the championships have been hosted outside Asia.

    It is the latest in a line of international sporting events to be held in the city and at its premier venue for live sport, Coventry Building Society Arena.

    Five group matches were played in Coventry, including three men’s matches, highlighted by host nation England’s clash against the USA.

    England’s men ran out comfortable winners against the US to make it three wins from three in Group A while India cruised past Hong Kong to leave themselves in a healthy position in Group B.

    The day also saw two women’s games held with England edging past Hong Kong in Group E and India thrashing Poland by 104 points to 15 in a one-sided Group D affair.

    The tournament was held in the Commonwealth Convention Centre at Coventry Building Society Arena, with the halls transformed into an elite arena for kabbadi.

    Across the day, the venue hosted a range of cultural and arts activities for young people to enjoy, including a dance workshop and t-shirt design session.

    A free schools festival took place at Coventry Building Society Arena the day before action got underway in the world cup, with the event including a tournament for teams from 14 Coventry schools, cultural activities and performances from local groups.

    The activity was supported by Sky Blues in the Community and United by 2022.

    Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport at Coventry City Council, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the Kabaddi World Cup at Coventry Building Society Arena – it’s such a vibrant and exciting event that’s dominated the West Midlands over recent days.

    “Coventry is known for hosting major sporting events, and this is yet another example of how we continue to attract global competitions that showcase our city on the international stage.

    “Events like this not only provide fantastic entertainment and boost the local economy, but they give us the opportunity to engage with the community through sport by hosting workshops and tournaments with our partners in the city.”

    Paul Michael, Managing Director at Coventry Building Society Arena, said it was a great opportunity to welcome new audiences to the venue and to again provide the backdrop for elite international sport.

    “We were incredibly proud to be a host venue for the Kabaddi World Cup and it truly demonstrated how as a city we are able to engage local communities in events,” he said.

    “Hosting this event was about much more than just international sport, it was about celebrating diversity and bringing communities together. The community day and match day demonstrated this, with hundreds of young people coming out across the two days to enjoy the sport of kabaddi.

    “We opened up a number of spaces to accommodate the thousands of people joining us across the two days, with our Convention Centre hosting the action itself and areas on the upper levels of the venue transforming into spaces for community activities.

    “The Kabaddi World Cup highlighted yet again why Coventry is a great destination for international sport events, not only in hosting the sport itself but ensuring that it has a lasting legacy in the community.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in London

    Source: Government of Canada News

    London, Ontario, March 20, 2025 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Member of Parliament for London North Centre; Rodger J. Moran, MBA Co-Executive Director Finance & Administration at ReForest London and Tom Partalas President at London Optimist Sports Centre also known as the BMO Centre London.

    Date:
    Thursday, March 20, 2025

    Time:
    1:30 p.m. EDT

    Location:
    Reforest London (Canada Life Cottonwood Room)
    944 Western Counties Road
    London, Ontario N6C 5J1

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Atlantic sturgeon were fished almost to extinction − ancient DNA reveals how Chesapeake Bay population changed over centuries

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Natalia Przelomska, Research Associate in Archaeogenomics, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution

    Sturgeon can be several hundred pounds each. cezars/E+ via Getty Images

    Sturgeons are one of the oldest groups of fishes. Sporting an armor of five rows of bony, modified scales called dermal scutes and a sharklike tail fin, this group of several-hundred-pound beasts has survived for approximately 160 million years. Because their physical appearance has changed very little over time, supported by a slow rate of evolution, sturgeon have been called living fossils.

    Despite their survival through several geological time periods, many present-day sturgeon species are at threat of extinction, with 17 of 27 species listed as “critically endangered.”

    Conservation practitioners such as the Virginia Commonwealth University monitoring team are working hard to support recovery of Atlantic sturgeon in the Chesapeake Bay area. But it’s not clear what baseline population level people should strive toward restoring. How do today’s sturgeon populations compare with those of the past?

    VCU monitoring team releases an adult Atlantic sturgeon back into the estuary.
    Matt Balazik

    We are a molecular anthropologist and a biodiversity scientist who focus on species that people rely on for subsistence. We study the evolution, population health and resilience of these species over time to better understand humans’ interaction with their environments and the sustainability of food systems.

    For our recent sturgeon project, we joined forces with fisheries conservation biologist Matt Balazik, who conducts on-the-ground monitoring of Atlantic sturgeon, and Torben Rick, a specialist in North American coastal zooarchaeology. Together, we wanted to look into the past and see how much sturgeon populations have changed, focusing on the James River in Virginia. A more nuanced understanding of the past could help conservationists better plan for the future.

    Sturgeon loomed large for millennia

    In North America, sturgeon have played important subsistence and cultural roles in Native communities, which marked the seasons by the fishes’ behavioral patterns. Large summertime aggregations of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the Great Lakes area inspired one folk name for the August full moon – the sturgeon moon. Woodland Era pottery remnants at archaeological sites from as long as 2,000 years ago show that the fall and springtime runs of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) upstream were celebrated with feasting.

    Archaeologists uncover bony scutes – modified scales that resemble armor for the living fish – in places where people relied on sturgeon for subsistence.
    Logan Kistler and Natalia Przelomska

    Archaeological finds of sturgeon remains support that early colonial settlers in North America, notably those who established Jamestown in the Chesapeake Bay area in 1607, also prized these fish. When Captain John Smith was leading Jamestown, he wrote “there was more sturgeon here than could be devoured by dog or man.” The fish may have helped the survival of this fortress-colony that was both stricken with drought and fostering turbulent relationships with the Native inhabitants.

    This abundance is in stark contrast to today, when sightings of migrating fish are sparse. Exploitation during the past 300 years was the key driver of Atlantic sturgeon decline. Demand for caviar drove the relentless fishing pressure throughout the 19th century. The Chesapeake was the second-most exploited sturgeon fishery on the Eastern Seaboard up until the early 20th century, when the fish became scarce.

    Conservation biologists capture the massive fish for monitoring purposes, which includes clipping a tiny part of the fin for DNA analysis.
    Matt Balazik

    At that point, local protection regulations were established, but only in 1998 was a moratorium on harvesting these fish declared. Meanwhile, abundance of Atlantic sturgeon remained very low, which can be explained in part by their lifespan. Short-lived fish such as herring and shad can recover population numbers much faster than Atlantic sturgeon, which live for up to 60 years and take a long time to reach reproductive age – up to around 12 years for males and as many as 28 years for females.

    To help manage and restore an endangered species, conservation biologists tend to split the population into groups based on ranges. The Chesapeake Bay is one of five “distinct population segments” the U.S. Endangered Species Act listing in 2012 created for Atlantic sturgeon.

    Since then, conservationists have pioneered genetic studies on Atlantic sturgeon, demonstrating through the power of DNA that natal river – where an individual fish is born – and season of spawning are both important for distinguishing subpopulations within each regional group. Scientists have also described genetic diversity in Atlantic sturgeon; more genetic variety suggests they have more capacity to adapt when facing new, potentially challenging conditions.

    The study focused on Atlantic sturgeon from the Chesapeake Bay region, past and present. The four archaeological sites included are highlighted.
    Przelomska NAS et al., Proc. R. Soc. B 291: 20241145, CC BY

    Sturgeon DNA, then and now

    Archaeological remains are a direct source of data on genetic diversity in the past. We can analyze the genetic makeup of sturgeons that lived hundreds of years ago, before intense overfishing depleted their numbers. Then we can compare that baseline with today’s genetic diversity.

    The James River was a great case study for testing out this approach, which we call an archaeogenomics time series. Having obtained information on the archaeology of the Chesapeake region from our collaborator Leslie Reeder-Myers, we sampled remains of sturgeon – their scutes and spines – at a precolonial-era site where people lived from about 200 C.E. to about 900 C.E. We also sampled from important colonial sites Jamestown (1607-1610) and Williamsburg (1720-1775). And we complemented that data from the past with tiny clips from the fins of present-day, live fish that Balazik and his team sampled during monitoring surveys.

    Scientists separate Atlantic sturgeon scute fragments from larger collections of zooarchaeological remains, to then work on the scutes in a lab dedicated to studying ancient DNA.
    Torben Rick and Natalia Przelomska

    DNA tends to get physically broken up and biochemically damaged with age. So we relied on special protocols in a lab dedicated to studying ancient DNA to minimize the risk of contamination and enhance our chances of successfully collecting genetic material from these sturgeon.

    Atlantic sturgeon have 122 chromosomes of nuclear DNA – over five times as many as people do. We focused on a few genetic regions, just enough to get an idea of the James River population groupings and how genetically distinct they are from one another.

    We were not surprised to see that fall-spawning and spring-spawning groups were genetically distinct. What stood out, though, was how starkly different they were, which is something that can happen when a population’s numbers drop to near-extinction levels.

    We also looked at the fishes’ mitochondrial DNA, a compact molecule that is easier to obtain ancient DNA from compared with the nuclear chromosomes. With our collaborator Audrey Lin, we used the mitochondrial DNA to confirm our hypothesis that the fish from archaeological sites were more genetically diverse than present-day Atlantic sturgeon.

    Strikingly, we discovered that mitochondrial DNA did not always group the fish by season or even by their natal river. This was unexpected, because Atlantic sturgeon tend to return to their natal rivers for breeding. Our interpretation of this genetic finding is that over very long timescales – many thousands of years – changes in the global climate and in local ecosystems would have driven a given sturgeon population to migrate into a new river system, and possibly at a later stage back to its original one. This notion is supported by other recent documentation of fish occasionally migrating over long distances and mixing with new groups.

    Our study used archaeology, history and ecology together to describe the decline of Atlantic sturgeon. Based on the diminished genetic diversity we measured, we estimate that the Atlantic sturgeon populations we studied are about a fifth of what they were before colonial settlement. Less genetic variability means these smaller populations have less potential to adapt to changing conditions. Our findings will help conservationists plan into the future for the continued recovery of these living fossils.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Atlantic sturgeon were fished almost to extinction − ancient DNA reveals how Chesapeake Bay population changed over centuries – https://theconversation.com/atlantic-sturgeon-were-fished-almost-to-extinction-ancient-dna-reveals-how-chesapeake-bay-population-changed-over-centuries-241104

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s PBS means consumers pay less for expensive medicines. Here’s how this system works

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bonny Parkinson, Associate Professor, Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University

    The United States pharmaceutical lobby has complained to US President Donald Trump that Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is damaging their profits and has urged Trump to put tariffs on pharmaceutical imports from Australia.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the scheme, saying Australia’s pharmaceutical subsidy scheme was “not up for negotiation”. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said he would also protect the PBS, which was the “envy of the world”.

    But what exactly is the PBS, and why does it matter?

    How did the PBS start?

    In the early 1900s, Australians had to pay for medicines out-of-pocket. Some could get free or cheap medicines at public hospitals or through Friendly Society Dispensaries, but otherwise access was restricted to those who could afford to pay.

    At the time, few effective medicines were available. But the development of insulin and penicillin in the 1920s made access to medicines much more important.

    The Constitution gave the federal government limited powers in the provision of health and welfare, which were largely the responsibility of the states. After World War II, the federal government wanted to expand these powers but it encountered several constitutional roadblocks.

    A rare successful referendum in 1946 changed that, enabling the National Health Act 1953 to pass. This established the PBS as we know it today.

    How does the PBS work in practice?

    The PBS covers the cost of medicines prescribed by doctors. Most are dispensed at community pharmacies (such as treatments for heart disease, the pill and antibiotics), but some more expensive ones are available at public hospitals or specialist treatment centres (such as chemotherapies and IVF medicines).

    In 2023–24 there were 930 different medicines and 5,164 brands listed on the PBS, costing the government $17.7 billion.

    The government negotiates the price of each medicine with the pharmaceutical company. Pharmacies then buy these medicines from wholesalers or companies.

    When a patient fills a prescription at a pharmacy, they pay a co-payment. The government pays the difference between the agreed price and the co-payment to the pharmacy – costs that may amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

    There are two co-payments: one for concession card holders ($7.70) and one for the general consumer ($31.60). When a patient hits the annual spending limit (safety net threshold), the co-payment falls to $0 for concession patients and $7.70 for the general consumer.

    Overall, patients contribute 8.4% to the total cost of the PBS, while the government pays the rest.

    How are medicine prices set?

    The PBS is split into two categories:

    – F1: new, patent-protected medicines with no competition

    – F2: medicines with multiple brands, including generics.

    F1 medicines

    To be listed on the PBS, a new medicine goes through the following process:

    1. It’s evaluated for safety, efficacy and quality.

    2. A panel of experts (including doctors, pharmacists, epidemiologists, health economists, health consumer advocates and a pharmaceutical industry representative) recommends which medicines should be listed on the PBS, based on effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness and the total cost on the budget of the medicine versus alternative treatments.

    3. If the panel recommends a medicine, the price and details of the listing may be further negotiated with the government. (If the panel rejects a medicine, companies may revise their application and re-submit.)

    4. Finally, the health minister, and subsequently the Cabinet, formally approves or rejects the panel’s recommendation. If approved, the medicine is listed on the PBS.

    F2 medicines

    Generic medicine companies may apply to list another brand on the PBS after a medicine loses patent protection. When this happens, the medicine moves from F1 to F2. Immediately, it incurs a mandatory price discount.

    Generic medicine companies may offer pharmacists discounts on the PBS list price (for example, ten for the price of nine). Pharmacists then encourage patients to switch to the cheaper medicine.

    Companies must disclose these discounts to the government, resulting in further price reductions.

    Is the PBS system unique?

    Australia is not special. Many countries use similar assessments to determine whether governments should subsidise new medicines, including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom, Canada’s Drug Agency, and Pharmac in New Zealand.

    Small differences exist, including whether the list of medicines is a positive (and they’re subsidised) or negative (meaning they’re not subsidised), whether the lists are established at the central level (such as the PBS in Australia) or local level (such as by province in Canada) or a mixture, and how co-payments are set.

    Generic medicine companies in Australia may offer pharmacists discounts on their products.
    National Cancer Institute/Unsplash

    The biggest outlier is the US. Similar to its health system, the medicines system is a complex and decentralised mix of public and private organisations, including government agencies, independent organisations, health-care providers and payers such as health insurers.

    What are the benefits of the PBS?

    The PBS ensures all Australian patients have access to highly effective medicines. This contributes to a high life expectancy, while keeping health-care costs low relative to other developed countries.

    This has been achieved by keeping prices down for both F1 and F2 medicines. By doing so, it creates room in the government budget to fund other new medicines.

    Without the PBS, either taxes or co-payments would have to increase, or fewer medicines funded.

    Other benefits include having a level playing field for all medicines, while maintaining flexibility to fund highly effective medicines for patients with unmet needs.

    What are the drawbacks of the PBS system?

    No system is without its drawbacks and risks. The PBS’s drawbacks include:

    • limited patient involvement in the process
    • the high frequency of re-submissions and delays to PBS listing
    • companies being unwilling to submit off-patent medicines for PBS listing due to high costs and low rewards
    • the ongoing lack of high-quality clinical evidence about medicines to treat rare diseases and certain patient populations, such as children.

    Another issue is medicine shortages. When PBS-listed brands aren’t available due to supply chain issues, other non-PBS listed brands may be available at full cost to the patient. Increased medicine costs can discourage patients from filling necessary prescriptions, which can have longer-term impacts on health and health expenditure.

    Finally, companies have argued Australia’s small market size plus low PBS prices can make it financially unviable to bring new medicines to Australia.

    The PBS is a crucial part of Australia’s health system, making essential medicines affordable, while keeping costs down. Like any system, it has its challenges and there is ongoing debate about whether and how the system should change.



    Read more:
    Will the US trade war push up the price of medicines in Australia? Will there be drug shortages?

    Bonny Parkinson receives funding from the Australian government to conduct evaluations of medicines to be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. She also supervises students funded by PhD scholarships (received by the student, not Bonny Parkinson), including the Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship and Macquarie University Australian Pharmaceutical Scholarship, with support from six pharmaceutical companies: Amgen Australia, Janssen Australia, MSD Australia, Pfizer Australia, Roche Australia, and Abbvie Australia.

    – ref. Australia’s PBS means consumers pay less for expensive medicines. Here’s how this system works – https://theconversation.com/australias-pbs-means-consumers-pay-less-for-expensive-medicines-heres-how-this-system-works-252736

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 3.19.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 19, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Emily Warren, of Orinda, has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Innovative Mobility Solutions at the California State Transportation Agency. Warren has been an Advisory Venture Parter at Fontinalis Partners, LLC since 2019. She was Head of Public Policy at EverCharge from 2023 to 2024. Warren was Head of Public Policy at Embark Trucks from 2022 to 2023. Warren was Senior Manager of Public Policy at Amazon from 2021 to 2022. She was Senior Policy Advisor at NelsonNygaard Consulting Associates from 2020 to 2021. Warren was Senior Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Lime from 2018 to 2019. She held several roles at Lyft from 2012 to 2019, including Senior Director of Transportation Policy, Director of Transportation Policy, Director of Community Relations, Director of Community Engagement, and Community Manager. Warren was a Municipal Financial Consultant at Public Financial Management from 2011 to 2012. She was Assistant Director of External Affairs for the University of Pennsylvania from 2009 to 2010. Warren is a member of the National Center of Sustainable Transportation Leadership Council and the University of California, Los Angeles Institute of Transportation Studies Advisory Board. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree in Public Finance from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Critical Gender Studies from the University of California, San Diego. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $176,004. Warren is a Democrat.

    Eva Spiegel, of Davis, has been appointed Deputy Director of Communications at the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Spiegel was Senior Communications Specialist at Kearns & West from 2021 to 2025. She was Founder and Principal of Spiegel Communications from 2019 to 2021. Spiegel was Director of Communications for the League of California Cities from 2007 to 2019. She was Director of Broadcast Operations and Special Projects at the American Communications Foundation from 1995 to 2006. Spiegel earned a Master of Arts degree in Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts from California State University, San Francisco, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science for the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $150,000. Spiegel is a Democrat.

    Suzy Shuster, of Beverly Hills, has been appointed to the California Film Commission. Shuster has been Co-Host and Executive Producer of Women’s Sports Now on RokuChannel since 2025, Co-Host of the What the Football Podcast since 2023, and Guest Host on The Rich Eisen Show since 2014. Shuster was a Host/Reporter for University of Southern California Trojans Pregame Show on ESPN 710 from 2003 to 2009. Shuster was a reporter for ABC Sports from 2003 to 2006. She was a Reporter for the NBA on TNT from 2004 to 2006. Shuster was a Reporter/Host of Fox Sports Net and Fox Sports West from 2000 to 2002. She was a Producer for Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel from 1988 to 1999. Shuster was a Producer for ESPN’s SportsCenter from 1997 to 1999. She is a member of the Board of Hillel at Columbia. Shuster earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Art History from Columbia University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Shuster is a Democrat.

    Thomas “Tom” Huntington, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the State Park and Recreation Commission. Huntington has been a Consultant in Non-Profit Organization and Foundation Management since 2013. He was the Western Regional Development Director for the Environmental Defense Fund from 1985 to 2013. Huntington was a River Protection Campaign Coordinator and the Executive Director for the Friends of the River Foundation from 1977 to 1984. He was the Regional Manager and River Guide at OARS Inc. Adventure Travel from 1974 to 1984. Huntington earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Teaching from the University of Oregon. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Huntington is a Democrat.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Mar 19, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 2025, as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONCalifornia is proud to join states around the…

    Mar 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: In the first two months of 2025, California National Guard’s Counter Drug Task Force has seized 1,045 pounds of illicit fentanyl with a street valuation of $6.8 million. SACRAMENTO – Continuing an enhanced focus in 2025 to combat the…

    Mar 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: 51 projects — including 46 independent features — will generate nearly $580 million in economic activity and employ over 6,490 cast and crew thanks to California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program. HOLLYWOOD — Governor Newsom today…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Keynote speech by SCST at Hong Kong Tourism Overview 2025 (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is the keynote speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at Hong Kong Tourism Overview 2025 today (March 20): 

    Dr YK Pang (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Pang Yiu-kai), Dr Peter Lam (Chairman-Designate of the Hong Kong Tourism Board), distinguished guests, friends from the travel industry, ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Good morning. It is with enormous pleasure and a lot of emotion that I join you all at today’s Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Tourism Overview. I was a regular attendee from 2011 to 2016, but this is my very first time joining this important event as the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism. Really happy to see so many old friends of the tourism industry in the audience, and for new friends in this room, a very warm “hello” to all of you.   
     
    Strong rebound of tourism performance
     
    Tourism has been a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s economy all along. It may not be a major source of foreign investment, but travel and related sectors gallantly provide employment for some 150 000 people of our workforce. In 2024, we welcomed close to 45 million visitors, marking a more than 30 per cent increase year on year. Among them, Mainland and non-Mainland visitors exceeded 34 million and 10 million respectively, with year-on-year increases at 27 per cent and 44 per cent respectively, injecting momentum into the local economy, and showcasing the collaborative efforts of the Government and the industry. As we entered 2025, we continue to see handsome growth, and achieved in January alone the highest monthly record of 4.74 million visitor arrivals since the pandemic.
     
    And for these remarkable achievements, I would like to take the opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Dr YK Pang for leading the Hong Kong Tourism Board with dedication and passion over the past six extraordinary years, particularly through the difficult times during the pandemic. As the Chairman, you have guided the Board with exemplary leadership in successfully overcoming various challenges and then driving the recovery of Hong Kong tourism. Thank you for your invaluable contributions to the Board and to Hong Kong’s tourism development. 
     
    To sustain the momentum of the recovery, it is essential for all of us in the Government and the industry to recognise that the global tourism landscape has indeed changed substantially after the pandemic, and is continually evolving. With the advancement in digital technology and changing traveller preferences, we must embrace innovation, adapt our traditional offerings and craft new ones to maintain our competitive edge.
     
    Tourism Blueprint 2.0
     
    With this in mind, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau promulgated on December 30, 2024, the Tourism Blueprint 2.0, setting out the vision and mission for the development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry for the five-year period from 2025 to 2030. 
    I am sure most of you have already read the Blueprint 2.0, maybe serval times, so I am not going to bore you with the details yet again. But I think it is useful for me to elaborate the three key messages, which form the bases of the Blueprint 2.0, to you in person, which will shape the direction of the tourism industry in the coming years.
     
    Opportunities to capitalise – Mainland’s support measures
     
    The first message is Hong Kong’s uniqueness as an international tourist city with the advantage of being backed by the motherland, the Mainland of China. This is our core strength and fundamental asset, and it is getting even more important at this day and age as we are under the cloud of geopolitical tension. It is paramount that we make the most out of the wide range of supportive measures that the Central People’s Government has so generously endowed Hong Kong, through the rolling out of the resumption and expansion of multiple-entry permits for Shenzhen residents and the gifting of two precious giant pandas “An An” and “Ke Ke”, to name just a few. These measures have injected fresh impetus into our travel, retail, catering and hospitality industries. The entire tourism industry must strategically utilise these initiatives to maximise the benefits for Hong Kong as a whole.
     
    Traditional and new tourism offerings
     
    This naturally brings me to my second message. Hong Kong boasts significant traditional tourism advantages, including world-class tourist attractions, like the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary later this year; Ocean Park, especially with “An An”, “Ke Ke” and the two cute panda cubs “家姐”,”細佬”; our diverse cuisine, from corner delis “chaa chaan teng” to Michelin-star restaurants; efficient urban management and transportation systems. One thing that we in Hong Kong take for granted and tourists from abroad may not be aware, Hong Kong is in fact one of the safest cities in the world for business and leisure travel. It is essential that we continue to fortify these traditional assets and optimise and strengthen our infrastructure. But it is also crystal clear that amidst fierce competition from nearby cities, there is no room for complacency at all, and we surely cannot just rely on our traditional tourism mode and attractions anymore. 
     
    In the Blueprint 2.0, we promote the four “+ tourism” directions, covering culture, sports, ecology and mega events, in which Hong Kong possesses world-class resources that have yet to be fully presented to global visitors. This is where you, my friends in the travel and tourism trade, must and can all work together and rack your brains to develop innovative and interesting tourism products that speak to the desire of new-generation travellers’ aspiration for in-depth exploration of Hong Kong’s rich, diversified, and unique characteristics. Island tourism, for example, is one of the areas that we are actively working on. Hong Kong’s countryside and outlying islands are our hidden gems. Within an hour, we can travel after attending a formal business meeting in the bustling city centre to our countryside and explore the amazing wonders of nature, just like I did just this past Sunday when I hiked for five hours from Shek Pik Reservoir to Tai O in Lantau in the day, and then dressed up to the nines for a wedding banquet in the evening. We should develop more island tourism and eco-tourism itineraries for our global visitors who now have an increase in preference in this area. Our stunning Victoria Harbour is also one of the most beautiful and must-go photo points among the world’s top visit places. We must make better use of our harbour and the surrounding water body by developing more innovative products like yacht tourism to attract tourists. Horse racing is another world-class tourist attraction that Hong Kong excels and has lots of potential, and I’m glad that CTS (China Travel Service) has recently signed an MOU with the Hong Kong Jockey Club to promote horse-racing tourism, and I believe more will come in this direction. And these days I cannot attend any public speaking engagement without mentioning the Kai Tak Sports Park, our new and proud landmark with a 50 000-sized stadium, with which we are now in a position to bring truly mega sports and entertainment events befitting Hong Kong’s role as an international metropolis. It is only by infusing the city with fresh energy through new tourism offerings can we enhance the ambiance of our vibrant city and attract visitors from around the globe. On this, I look forward to the support and efforts from all of you in unleashing our creativity and developing products that will captivate the hearts of visitors. 
     
    Everyone is tourism ambassador
     
    My third message, which I have been repeating at every opportunity since appointment as the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, is that everyone in the community has a role to play in the development of tourism in Hong Kong, in particular in welcoming our visitors from around the world. This is surely most important for all of us present today, who is always the first point of contact with our tourists. Positive and warm hospitality is the key to prosperous tourism development. Hospitality is not just about providing accommodation and dining services but also about offering attentive and caring services, making visitors feel like home and willing to consume, if I am honest. Therefore, we advocate the concept of “Everyone is a tourism ambassador”, and I would encourage everyone in the tourism trade, as well as members of the public, to welcome every visitor with a warm and friendly smile. Every sunny smile by a member of the public will add to the happy vibe that we could bring to our community, and will more likely bring about quality service provided by hospitality professions. We launched the Hospitality Campaign in 2024 with various government departments, the tourism and related sectors, the education sector and district representatives, encouraging the trade and the entire community to go an extra mile in promoting the spirit of hospitality. We will continue to encourage quality services to welcome every visitor. One of our development strategies in the Blueprint 2.0 is to expand and diversify our visitor source markets. These include the Muslims, silver-haired, family, study-tour, and youth visitors. In order to attract these different segments of visitors, in addition to providing attractive tourism offerings, we must understand their needs and show our respect to make them feel welcomed and valued. This is hospitality and I am confident that our tourism industry will excel in it, giving the warmest welcome to our visitors. 
     
    Conclusion
     
    My dear friends, we have come a long way recovering from the pandemic, and it is now time for us to work together to bring Hong Kong tourism to new heights. Hong Kong is a city full of energy and endless adventures. The Government, along with the tourism industry, the business sector and the community, and indeed everyone in Hong Kong, need to act together to shape Hong Kong’s attractive tourism brand vividly. I always call myself a tourism veteran, and you have my assurance that I am all ears when you have a new idea to tell me, and I shall be in action when I know that there are things that my bureau could do to facilitate your business. Equally, I hope I have your assurance that you are walking with me to rejuvenate our travel and tourism industries, and that I can count on your diligence and creativity on this journey. I also look forward to working closely once again with the new Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam, to bring Hong Kong tourism to the new and next level of excellence.
     
    Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rosanna Law mourns Jimmy Lo

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law has expressed sorrow over the passing of lyricist Jimmy Lo and extended her deepest condolences to his family.

    A prominent figure in Hong Kong’s music scene, Mr Lo wrote lyrics for over 3,000 songs, touching the lives of many in the city and leaving a lasting impression on its collective memory.

    Revered as the “Maestro of Lyrics”, Mr Lo’s classics include Dynasty, Every time it changes and Fatherland.

    The Government commented that Mr Lo’s songs are masterpieces of poetic craftsmanship and profound emotion. It said that he skillfully interweaved lyrics and mood, conveying a multitude of emotions to listeners, and that his works continue to resonate with audiences and stand the test of time.

    Paying tribute, Miss Law said: “With his superb writing skills, Mr Lo’s lyrics were imbued with profound emotion and philosophy. His works were sometimes meticulous and sometimes grand, touching the hearts of countless listeners.

    “He dedicated his life to creating classic songs for Hong Kong’s music industry, leaving behind a precious collective memory for us all. His passing is a tremendous loss to Hong Kong’s cultural community.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ‘I want my daughter to have the same opportunities as my sons – that’s not unreasonable,’ – Cryst…

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    David Beckham shot to fame in the 1990s playing football for Manchester United and England and boosted the game’s profile in the USA playing for LA Galaxy. Off the pitch he was at the centre of Cool Britiannia-era glamour, marrying Posh Spice pop star-turned-fashion designer Victoria.

    He’s a global brand, and he has used that fame and influence, among other things, as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations children’s fund, UNICEF, where his 7 Fund – named after the number he wore on the pitch – works in schools around the world to combat bullying, violence, child marriage and missed education.

    Beckham, who turns 50 this year, was at the Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos to receive a Crystal Award, which the Forum bestows on people in arts and entertainment who have gone beyond the day job to help improve the state of the world.

    At a time when overseas development is under pressure like never before, and with a rise in online misogyny, we spoke to David Beckham about his work with UNICEF and his role as a father.

    Catch up on all the action from the Annual Meeting 2025 at wef.ch/wef25 (http://wef.ch/wef25) and across social media using the hashtag #WEF25.

    Related podcasts:

    What just happened in Davos, and how is the world different now? https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/davos-2025-what-just-happened/ Global Risks Report: the big issues facing the world at Davos 2025 https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/global-risks-report-2025/ The 90-year-old using sports to change the lives of refugees https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/refugees-unhcr-sport-claude-marshall/

    Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts (http://wef.ch/podcasts) : 

    YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts) – https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts

    Radio Davos (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1504682164) : https://pod.link/1504682164

    Meet the Leader (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1534915560) : https://pod.link/1534915560

    Agenda Dialogues (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/agenda-dialogues) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1574956552) : https://pod.link/1574956552

    Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club (https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub) : https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_8-9D633OY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Visit by Foreign Minister, His Excellency Sugiono and high-level Indonesian business delegation to Australia

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Indonesian Foreign Minister His Excellency Sugiono, met today in Sydney to discuss cooperation on shared priorities under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This is Minister Sugiono’s first official visit to Australia since his appointment in October 2024.

    The Ministers highlighted the profound strategic trust and strong friendship that characterises the relationship between Indonesia and Australia.

    Australia and Indonesia are working to strengthen economic prosperity for both countries, advancing shared development priorities, enhancing the links between our people, and deepening longstanding cooperation on defence and regional security.

    The Ministers agreed to update the Plan of Action for the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2025–2029) ahead of the next Annual Leaders’ meeting. This plan will set key priorities for forward cooperation.

    A high-level Indonesian business delegation is also visiting Sydney this week. This builds on momentum from Australia’s largest ever investor mission to Indonesia last month, an initiative under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

    Indonesia’s strong economic growth represents an enormous opportunity for Australian businesses and investors. There is a great appetite amongst Indonesian consumers for Australian education, healthcare and consumer goods. At the same time, Indonesian investment into Australia has increased.

    Minister Sugiono will attend this evening’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between the Australian and Indonesian men’s soccer teams, alongside Indonesian Minister for Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo.

    Quotes attributable to Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

    “This visit to Australia by Minister Sugiono, Minister Dito Ariotedjo and a high-level Indonesian business delegation demonstrates the breadth of our bilateral relationship across political and strategic cooperation; economic partnership; and the strong links between our people.

    “Deepening our economic engagement with Indonesia is of enormous value to both our countries, and is a key part of Australia’s broader effort to diversify our economy, especially through growing markets in Southeast Asia.”

    Quotes attributable to Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs Sugiono:

    “This visit signifies the strong partnership between our two countries which is built on shared values, mutual respect for sovereignty, and our unwavering commitment to take an active part in fostering peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and at the global stage.

    “We will continue to highlight our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through mutually beneficial cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, critical minerals, electric vehicle and battery products, agriculture and food security, education, research, defense and security, and people-to-people contact.”

    Media note: Imagery will be available via the DFAT Multimedia Library

    MIL OSI News –