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Category: Sport

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Nike’s Q4 advertising strategy focuses on innovation, dedication, and inspiration to strengthen brand, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Nike’s Q4 advertising strategy focuses on innovation, dedication, and inspiration to strengthen brand, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    NIKE Inc’s (Nike) YouTube advertising campaigns spanning from October to December (Q4) of 2024 demonstrates a multifaceted approach to brand building, combining motivational storytelling, innovative product showcases, and cultural celebrations to engage a wide range of consumer segments. These campaigns, which feature themes of athletic dedication and playful nostalgic collaborations, emphasize Nike’s expertise in athletic apparel and footwear. By blending authentic, gritty visuals with compelling narratives, Nike strengthens its position in sports while highlighting its commitment to innovation, according to the Global Ads Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Sagar Kishor, Ads Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Nike’s advertising analysis highlights its strategic focus on creating campaigns that resonate deeply with both athletes and everyday consumers. By alternating between powerful messages of perseverance and showcasing cutting-edge product technology such as 3D-printing technology in Nike Air Max 1000, the company positions itself as both a source of inspiration and a provider of superior athletic gear. The brand’s strategic use of collaborations and endorsements further amplifies its reach, connecting with diverse communities through shared values of ambition, innovation, and cultural relevance.”

    Below are the key focus areas of Nike’s advertisements, revealed by GlobalData’s Global Ads Platform:

    Innovation and Technology: Nike showcases its commitment to cutting-edge design and technology in advertisements like the “Nike Air Max 1000: Behind the Design.” This ad provides a behind-the-scenes look at the 3D-printing technology used in the shoe’s creation, emphasizing the brand’s focus on pushing the boundaries of footwear innovation and providing superior comfort and responsiveness.

    Dedication and Perseverance: The “Winning Isn’t Comfortable” ad showcases everyday individuals pushing their limits, while the “It Only Takes Everything” ad featuring Rafael Nadal highlights the intense dedication of a top athlete, reinforcing Nike’s association with grit and determination. These campaigns inspire viewers by illustrating the sacrifices and efforts behind extraordinary achievements.

    Motivation and Inspiration: Nike’s campaigns inspire resilience and ambition, encouraging viewers to overcome challenges and push their limits. By emphasizing hard work, preparation, and perseverance, Nike reinforces its connection to self-belief, determination, and the pursuit of excellence in every aspect of life.

    Cultural Relevance and Nostalgia: Nike’s “Wu-Tang Forever | Dunk High” ad taps into cultural nostalgia by celebrating iconic hip-hop influences, specifically engaging Wu-Tang fans. Through playful imagery and exclusive appeal, it resonates with sneaker enthusiasts and music lovers, blending heritage with modern hype.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Tourism, culture help cement China-Tanzania ties: officials

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

    DAR ES SALAAM, Nov. 5 — Senior officials from the Chinese and Tanzanian governments have identified tourism and culture as two factors that helped cement ties between the two countries.

    A closing ceremony of the 2024 China-Tanzania Tourism and Culture Year and celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries was held in the port city of Dar es Salaam Monday night.

    Speaking at the event, the officials observed that tourism and culture not only helped stimulate economic development but also promoted people-to-people exchanges and understanding between the two countries.

    Lu Yingchuan, vice minister of culture and tourism in China, said cooperation between the two countries has reached new heights as more Chinese tourists visit Tanzania.

    “From exchanges of art performances, tourism promotions, food tasting, to the creation of artworks and personnel training, an array of diverse and colorful activities triggered a fresh surge of cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation between our two countries,” Lu noted.

    Chen Mingjian, the Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, said China and Tanzania have a long history of rich culture and harmonious coexistence in a peaceful atmosphere.

    “At the same time, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Tanzania keeps on growing, with more than 54,000 of them visiting Tanzania between January and September this year,” she told the gathering that featured cultural performances from China and Tanzania.

    Pindi Chana, Tanzania’s minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, said China-Tanzania relations have continued to develop, with fruitful results in practical cooperation and rich cultural exchanges.

    “The development of tourism can not only drive growth and create jobs, but also promote consumption and stabilize confidence,” she told the gathering co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania, and Tanzania’s ministries of Natural Resources and Tourism, Culture, Arts and Sports, and Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

    The event was preceded by the “Nihao! China” China Tourism Promotion Conference, which was attended by tourism stakeholders from China and Tanzania. At this conference, they explained their experiences in the industry.

    The event also saw the relaunch of the film Amazing Tanzania, which was first launched in China in May 2024.

    The film starring Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s Zanzibari President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, and Chinese actor Jin Dong has served as a catalyst to attract more tourists from China to visit the East African nation, according to the African country’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Hassan Abbasi.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New brigade focused on community safety

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    CFA’s South East Region recently created a Headquarters Fire Brigade with the sole purpose to deliver community safety programs and initiatives.

    The new brigade is known as the South East Region Community Safety Headquarters Brigade. Late last year, 37 people from both existing brigades and the wider community attended a public meeting and unanimously voted in favour of forming a new fire brigade.

    “Fire prevention and community preparedness are some of the most important tools we have to reduce the number and impact of emergencies faced by our communities,” South East Region Deputy Chief Officer Trevor Owen said.

    “While our operational response activities are at the core of what CFA does, this vision is achieved not only through responding to fires but importantly through working with our communities.

    “We were really keen to do some fresh thinking about how our services could be delivered and what future brigade structures might look like.

    “Many volunteers have expressed a strong desire to be involved in community engagement and fire safety activities, and not just in their own brigade area,” Trevor explained. “The new brigade will deliver engagement activities across the region.

    “The brigade also offers an opportunity for volunteers who no longer wish to respond to emergencies to stay actively engaged in CFA and make a meaningful contribution to community.

    “We’re not trying to take away from what our brigades are already doing, but complement the existing delivery and fill the gaps where brigades are unable to do so.”

    The brigade supports the work of the region’s 223 community-based fire brigades to educate and engage a highly diverse range of communities spread from Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs to remote Far East Gippsland. Members will work with local brigades to deliver preparedness activities and programs to the community including:

    • bushfire and residential education sessions
    • attending community events, including shows, markets and field days either with a stand/booth or with one of the mobile education units
    • installing smoke alarms in homes of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities
    • delivering important messaging during emergency events including planned burning
    • providing surge capacity to brigades engaging with holiday makers in high bushfire risk areas
    • supporting incident management activities during complex and longer duration campaign fires when additional community liaison and engagement capability is needed.

    One of the brigade’s first activities was attending the Hawthorn versus Richmond AFL Emergency Services match at the MCG in August (pictured above with members of District 8 HQ brigade). Members of the brigade set up mobile education units outside the MCG to provide fire safety information to the football fans.

    The brigade is supported by the region’s Community Safety team.

    “The team will work closely with members of the new brigade to deliver the right training and mentoring to deliver engagement activities across the region,” South East’s Manager Community Safety Jude Kennedy said.

    The brigade met in August to elect its inaugural brigade management team, with Paul Webster (pictured second from left) elected as the captain.

    The brigade is seeking new members with a passion for engaging with the community. If you are an existing member of a brigade, you can join this new brigade while remaining a member of your local brigade. Members outside South East Region can also join, and people who live outside a CFA area, including those from Metropolitan Melbourne, are also welcome.

    People who are not currently CFA members are also welcome to join.

    For more information or if you are interested in joining, email the captain at sercommunitysafety.capt@members.cfa.vic.gov.au.

    Submitted by Andy Oldroyd

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yoga and fitrock: the “Sports Weekend” project classes will help you cope with stress

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Stress has a negative impact on health: it leads to increased blood pressure, decreased immune defense, and cardiovascular diseases. On Stress Awareness Day, which is celebrated on the first Wednesday of November, residents were told how to make the body more stress-resistant.

    One of the most effective means is to lead a healthy lifestyle. It is worth giving up bad habits, eating a balanced diet, and also doing physical exercise.

    The training sessions of the “Sports Weekend” project of the capital will help relieve nervous tension and restore mental balance. Department of SportsMuscovites can regularly attend free classes in classical and hot yoga, fitness boxing and fitrock in unusual places in the city under the guidance of professional trainers.

    For example, yoga can help you restore strength, health, and balance—immerse yourself in an atmosphere of peace of mind. Such exercises can tone muscles, strengthen joints, relieve back and neck pain, improve posture, and cope with stress.

    During hot yoga training, joints and muscles warm up faster and become more mobile. First comes a warm-up with pumping jumps, and then relaxation with deep breathing in a hot room at a temperature of 36 degrees and humidity of 40 percent. Even beginners will master the technique.

    Fitness boxing is a group exercise that consists of a combination of punches and kicks on a punching bag at a fast pace. The training takes place to energetic music, allowing you to increase your endurance, build muscle and develop self-defense skills.

    Fitrock combines strength and functional exercises, elements of classical aerobics, and dance moves. Drumstick training is performed to rock hits of all time. Scientific studies have proven that drumming reduces stress, strengthens the immune system, lowers blood pressure, and helps with social-emotional disorders.

    You can sign up for a class you like, find out detailed information about the conditions and locations of training, and also see the schedule on the project website “Sports Weekend”.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/146165073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Knights of Sport: How the Burevestnik Fencing School Prepares Olympians

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    These guys have been wearing armor since the age of eight — impenetrable clothing, they can calculate moves in seconds, gallantly attack and defend themselves: they are fencers. This art has long since moved from combat to sports. It is a matter of honor for modern knights to become the first, to win in capital, Russian and international competitions. This is taught at the Sports School of the Olympic Reserve (SShOR) “Youth of Moscow” in fencing “Petrel”She turned 75 at the beginning of November.

    mos.ru correspondents visited a training session at the school and learned how to enroll, why the young fencers’ suits are connected to an electrical device, and also the differences between a foil, an epee, and a sabre.

    “Order” of Fencers

    The Youth of Moscow Fencing School Burevestnik is located at the Iskra stadium near the Botanichesky Sad metro station. The light-grey building is hidden behind a fence, a football field and trees, like a medieval castle.

    “The fencing department opened in 1949 at the Burevestnik stadium on Samarsky Lane in the Meshchansky district. The first and only fencing coach was frontline soldier Lev Matsukevich. Fencing was then considered a little-known sport in the USSR, but the director’s enthusiasm was enough to interest schoolchildren. One of his students was Mark Rakita, who later became a two-time Olympic champion. In the 1960s, Burevestnik was headed by senior coach, Honored Coach of the USSR Vladimir Ganson, who managed to create a team of like-minded people. In 1967, the school received the status of Olympic reserve, and our students repeatedly confirmed it with their victories. In 1977, construction of the Olympic sports complex began on the site of Burevestnik. Since then – and this is almost half a century – the Iskra stadium has been our home,” says Anna Ilyaskina, master of sports in fencing, honored coach of Russia, director of the sports school of the Olympic reserve “Youth of Moscow” in fencing “Burevestnik”.

    The display case at the entrance to the building displays sports trophies: cups, mostly gold. There are also Olympic awards: at the 2008 Games in Beijing, Burevestnik alumnus Victoria Nikishina won gold in the foil team, and in 2012 in London, foil fencer Aida Shanaeva won silver in the team tournament. “Our senior coach Andrei Alshan does not recognize simple participation in competitions and any places other than first. In reality, there are many more cups, there is not enough room for them all!” the mos.ru interviewee smiles.

    Guys of different ages run past us, smart, with their backs straight and their heads held high. They greet each other politely. Fencing also requires good manners. During the holidays, you can finally train in the morning, and not just in the evening after school. Some of the guys come here and stay, dedicating their lives to fencing. It is not just a hobby, but an honor, pride, the meaning of life, the desire to win all the competitions in the world.

    “Today, about 60 percent of students are girls. Usually, people start coming to us at the age of eight. We only accept those who have passed the entrance exams. In addition, in order to stay, you have to pass the control and transfer standards every year, and starting from the third year of study, you have to annually fulfill or confirm your sports category,” the director explains.

     

    To enter the initial training group, you need to pass sports standards: running a distance of 30 meters, bending forward from a standing position on a gymnastic bench, long jump, bending and unbending arms in a support position lying on the floor. Those who managed to pass this entrance test come to classes three times a week, from the second or third year of study – four to five times. One training session lasts an hour and a half, and at the stage of higher sports skills – four.

    Cords, guard and one and a half feet

    In the gym, a girl of about 12 is doing a concentrated warm-up before training: she does push-ups, bends over, touching her left and right toes with an outstretched hand. At the same time, she believes that there should be a certain number of exercises, and that attentiveness, discipline, and punctuality are the necessary qualities of a fencer.

    “The competition season has started, the guys are preparing for tournaments, including the Moscow Cup in fencing and qualifying competitions,” explains Anna Ilyaskina.

    The clanking of metal can be heard. The future participants of the competition are crossing weapons on the tracks. They are wearing non-slip sneakers, white breeches, golf socks, jackets and masks made of a small impenetrable metal mesh that covers the entire face, including the chin. “The clothes, although soft, cannot be pierced. They are made of a special fabric – Kevlar,” our interlocutor explains. This material resembles chain mail, but is very thin and weightless.

    A cord runs under the fencers’ clothing. One end with a plug sticks out of the sleeve: the weapon is connected to it. The other end, from under the hem of the jacket, is connected to a cord that leads to a reel, and from the reel to a small device. As soon as a participant strikes an opponent, the device transmits a signal to the board – and a light comes on there.

    “Why are the suits white? Because until the late 1950s there was no electrical device to record the injection. The tip of the weapon was dipped in special paint and this way they tracked the injection sites, which were clearly visible on light fabric,” says the school principal.

    The location of the wires under the suits depends on the type of weapon the fencer uses: each has its own striking surface. So, with a rapier you need to stab precisely into the electric jacket, which looks like a vest, with a sword – all over the body, and with a sabre – chop in the area from the waist to the crown.

    “This is not the only difference between the types of weapons. For example, a rapier has four edges, the blade is 90 centimeters long. It must be held in a bent arm, the elbow at the level of the protruding femur. In a rapier and a saber, there is tactical correctness: first the attacker pricks, then the defender. The judge decides who was right. The existing rules of the competition cannot be violated, otherwise the prick will not be counted,” says Marianna Dzakhova, a master of sports in rapier fencing.

    The epee is the heaviest: it weighs 750 grams. Those who take it out on the track can stab each other at the same time, hiding their hand behind the guard – a small hemispherical shield above the handle. And the sabre is the lightest and the only type of weapon that not only stabs, but also chops with the entire surface of the blade. To wield it, you need a quick reaction. A second – and you are defeated.

    What fencing has in common is the position of the feet. “You need to stand heel to heel and spread your toes. Then spread your feet one and a half feet apart and bend your knees. It is important to always remember this distance during movements, otherwise you will lose your balance and be vulnerable,” adds Marianna Dzakhova.

    Olympic scope

    There are 17 coaches working at Burevestnik. Nine of them are former pupils of the school.

    “I received a higher education in sports and wanted to work here. But there were no vacancies at that time, so I got a job as an instructor-methodologist at the Olympic Reserve Sports School “Youth of Moscow” in luge. Only seven years later, when I was already the deputy director, the opportunity arose to return to my native school as a coach. Both my uncles are masters of sports in sabre and graduates of “Burevestnik”, they were the ones who brought me here as a girl,” says master of sports in epee coach Anna Salykova.

    There are also graduates who do not work as coaches, but, having received the title of Master of Sports and even World Champion, still attend Burevestnik. Fencing is for life.

    “I came to Burevestnik when I was 11, now I am 23. There is no opportunity to participate in the Olympics yet, but I am not giving up. The goal of probably all fencers is to win gold at the Olympic Games. And age is not an obstacle in this sport. For example, one world champion from Italy continues to participate and win competitions, although she is 40 years old,” says Darya Drozd, a master of sabre, bronze medalist of the world championship, winner of the European championship and member of the Moscow and Russian teams.

    In anticipation of Olympic victories, master of sports in epee fencing Alexander Sobolev, multiple winner of the Russian championship and member of the capital and national teams, comes to the school for training. The young man, who is now 21, entered Burevestnik at the age of nine and practically never leaves the gym. “In the evening, I have to leave for competitions, and he is here. In the morning, fresh off the train, he runs to school and grabs his epee. Although athletes rest before and after competitions,” laughs Anna Ilyaskina.

    Another young man, 23-year-old Magamed Khalimbekov, a master of sports in sabre, silver medalist of the world championship and winner of the European championship, national champion, moved to Moscow from Dagestan. “Wrestling is popular here, and my family was involved in this sport. And a fencer needs a sharp mind, quick reactions, strong legs. At first, I didn’t have anything like that,” he admits.

    School pupil Victoria Yusova, an international master of sports in foil, bronze medalist of the world championship and member of the Russian national team, could have left fencing forever: at the international competition in Doha, she tore her Achilles tendon and underwent two operations. But the girl continued training and won silver at the Russian Fencing Cup and bronze twice at the Russian Championship as part of the Moscow team. Victoria Yusova also helps wheelchair Paralympians hone their skills. “There are no victories without defeats,” the athlete notes.

     

    Sports for mature minds

    However, according to Anna Ilyaskina, it is not necessary to dedicate your life only to fencing. Many manage to combine sports and higher education at a non-core university. For example, Ivan Tsypin, a master of sports in sabre and bronze medalist of the Russian championship, multiple winner of Russian championships, is a second-year student at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation. “My father always said: “There can be several priorities, the main thing is to set them correctly,” the young man smiles.

    Mikhail Kovalenko, a master of sports in sabre, winner of the Moscow and Russian championships, entered the economics department of the MISiS University of Science and Technology. “Sometimes I have to skip lectures for the sake of training, but the institute is understanding. Sport does not interfere with my studies, on the contrary, it helps. After all, an athlete is a person with a metal rod inside,” the young man notes.

    By the way, Mikhail Kovalenko joined Burevestnik at the age of 13, broke his arm several times and missed important competitions. But nothing stopped him.

    “In fact, fencing is a sport for mature minds. You need to think analytically, calculate moves, and not react to a hot head. The more mature you are, the better and more reliable it will be,” sums up senior sabre trainer Andrey Alshan, six-time world champion, Olympic silver medalist, and Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

    Sobyanin spoke about the reconstruction of the legendary Olympic sports complexSwimming, Boxing or Golf: Which Sport to Choose for Your ChildMoscow Mayor: Sports have become a natural part of the capital’s urban spaceFrom personal training to large projects: how Moscow is developing infrastructure for an active and healthy lifestyle

    You can enroll your child in the Youth of Moscow Sports School for Fencing “Burevestnik”, as well as in another sports school or section on the portal mos.ru.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/146220073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ21: Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund
    LCQ21: Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund
    *****************************************

         ​Following is a question by the Hon Mrs Regina Ip and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (November 6): Question:     To promote the development of Hong Kong as the East‑meets‑West centre for international cultural exchange, and to drive the city into an international cultural metropolis and a destination for tourists worldwide, the Government set up the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund (Mega ACE Fund) in April last year to attract and support large-scale arts and cultural events to be held in Hong Kong by providing funding support to the organizers of such events. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:(1) of the following information since the establishment of the Mega ACE Fund (set out by year): (i) the number of grants and the amount of funding granted, (ii) the remaining balance of the funding, (iii) the number of applications received, and (iv) the number of events funded, the amount of funding received and the actual costs incurred for each event;(2) whether the Government has assessed the economic benefits brought to Hong Kong (including the number of inbound tourists attracted to Hong Kong, the amount of spending induced and the economic value generated) by the mega events funded by the Mega ACE Fund that were already held; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that, and whether it will conduct such assessment;(3) given that in its progress report submitted to this Council in April this year on the motion on “Promoting the in-depth integration of culture, sports and tourism to revitalize the tourism industry”, the Government indicated that it would set corresponding key performance indicators for each of the funded mega events and activities, of the progress of such work;(4) given that the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism indicated in 2022 that the Government’s initial plan was to allocate about $60 ‍million from the Arts and Sport Development Fund to fund around four events through the Mega ACE Fund each year, and as shown in the information provided by the Government in its reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year of 2024-2025, the respective number of events funded by the Government through the Mega ACE Fund in 2023 and 2024 has both exceeded four, of the reasons for the number of events funded in each of these two years exceeding the expected number, and whether the amount of the funding for each year has exceeded $60 million; if so, of the mechanism through which the Government reports to this Council in this regard; and(5) as there are views that the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee (Mega ACE Committee), currently responsible for vetting and approving the Mega ACE Fund applications, may draw reference from the composition of the committees for vetting and approving other funding applications in the past and include civil servants as members, whether the Government will consider appointing civil servants as ex-officio members of the Mega ACE Committee, so as to enhance the coordination of the events funded by the Mega ACE Fund; if so, of the implementation timetable; if not, the reasons for that?Reply:President,     Our reply to the question raised by the Hon Mrs Regina Ip is as follows:(1) and (4) The 2022 Policy Address announced the setting up of the Mega Arts and Cultural Events (ACE) Fund to provide incentives for organisers of large-scale arts and cultural events so as to attract and support international and mega arts and cultural events to be staged in Hong Kong, with a view to further developing Hong Kong into an arts and cultural hub.      The Government officially set up the Mega ACE Fund in April 2023. At the early planning stage, our initial plan was to allocate about $60 million from the arts portion of the Arts and Sports Development Fund to fund at least four events each year, which was budgetary in nature. The Government was pleased to note that many large-scale events have applied for the Mega ACE Fund since its launch, and the Fund has supported a number of mega events to be held in Hong Kong after the pandemic, which is in line with the Government’s objective of setting up the Mega ACE Fund.      In 2022, 2023 and 2024, we received two, 25 and 44 applications respectively. As of October 2024, 17 applications have been approved.     Details of the 17 approved projects are as follows: 

    Title of Event(according to the chronological order of the event)
    Approved Funding Amount (HK$)

    Art Basel Hong Kong 2023
    15,000,000

    Art Central 2023
    2,531,632

    “Madame Song: Pioneering Art and Fashion in China”
    8,000,000＊

    Freespace Jazz Fest 2023
    8,000,000

    INK ASIA 2023
    13,672,155.7

    “Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London”
    15,000,000＊

    Chubby Hearts Hong Kong
    7,785,000＊

    A Path to Glory – Jin Yong’s Centennial Memorial • The World of Wuxia
    15,000,000＊

    ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024
    15,000,000

    Art Basel Hong Kong 2024
    15,000,000＊

    Art Central 2024
    11,000,000

    Voyage with Van Gogh
    11,800,000＊

    Chinese Kungfu x Dance Carnival
    14,686,070＊

    ART021 Hong Kong Contemporary Art Fair
    15,000,000＊

    Puccini’s Turandot
    700,000＊

    Hypefest Hong Kong 2024
    15,000,000＊

    A pop culture event(Details of the event will be announced in due course to tie in with the promotional plans of the organiser.)
    15,000,000＊

    ＊Actual grant amount to be finalised upon the submission of audited report by the grantee after the event.     The purpose of requesting the organisers of the approved projects to submit audited account report upon completion of their projects is to ensure that the grant provided by the Mega ACE Fund is fully and properly applied to the approved budget items.  As far as we understand, these projects may also incur costs that are covered by other sources of income, which the organisers are not required to report these items in their reports to us. Therefore, we do not maintain the information on the overall actual cost incurred for each project.(2) and (3) The Mega ACE Fund was established when the community was recovering from the pandemic. The number and variety of activities were crucial for the construction of a vibrant ecosystem of large-scale arts and cultural events, thus the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) has been actively introducing arts and cultural events with different orientations and genres through the Mega ACE Fund. At present, we will request the organiser of each approved project to set suitable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) accordingly. The KPIs concerned will form part of the funding agreement, so that the effectiveness of the project will be monitored. According to the requirements of the Mega ACE Fund, grantees must follow the provisions of the funding agreement to carry out the proposals and fulfill the related obligations. They must also submit an event report after the completion of the event and will only receive the remaining grant amount upon the acceptance of the report.     Regarding the approved projects stated in our reply to parts (1) and (4) above, 15 projects were completed, attracting an attendance of over 4.76 million in total. The response has been positive and exceeded the targets, bringing a positive impact on the arts and cultural ecology of Hong Kong. For instance, ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024 attracted over 32 000 participants, among them 55 per cent were tourists, whereas Art Basel Hong Kong 2024 brought together 242 galleries from across 40 countries and territories, which attracted around 80 400 participants, of which half of them were visitors. Having said that, as different activities have different target audiences, it is inevitable that some activities will perform better in attracting tourists, and we should not adopt a broad-brush approach in assessing the effectiveness of the activities.      Apart from some quantifiable indicators such as the number of participants, these projects supported by the Mega ACE fund also bring unquantifiable values to the arts and cultural landscape of Hong Kong. A series of events covering a wide range of arts genres make arts more accessible to the public and tourists, encourage them to appreciate arts and arouse their interest, gradually creating a rich artistic atmosphere within the community. In addition, these projects are in line with the Government’s direction of promoting the development of arts and culture industries in Hong Kong, including fostering international cultural exchange with the Mainland and overseas countries, offering platforms for young and emerging artists to showcase their work, and contributing to the development of the industries, etc. For example, Art Central 2024 provided a platform for local young artists to create large-scale art installation, while the sculpture exhibition “A Path to Glory – Jin Yong’s Centennial Memorial • The World of Wuxia” will tour in the Mainland and overseas, exporting Hong Kong’s local characteristics and Chinese culture. In the long run, the Mega ACE Fund plays an important role in promoting the diversified development of Hong Kong’s arts and culture ecosystem.      The positioning of the Mega ACE Fund is mainly to support the development of Hong Kong’s arts, culture and creative industries. As the Mega ACE Fund has been fully operated for around a year and a half, we have not yet specifically assessed the economic benefits brought by the Mega ACE events for the time being. Taking into consideration the latest developments in Hong Kong’s arts and culture sector and ecology, the CSTB has reviewed the operation and funding mode of the Mega ACE Fund based on the experience gained after setting up the Fund and consulted the Mega ACE Committee and relevant stakeholders.(5) The Mega ACE Committee is an advisory body of the Government, responsible for advising the Government on the strategies to attract mega arts and cultural events to be held in Hong Kong as well as the operation of the Mega ACE Fund, and assessing applications under the fund for the Government’s approval. The Committee comprises leaders from the arts and cultural and other sectors. The CSTB provides secretariat service for the Committee, including communication with the applicants and grantees. In the course of processing the applications, the secretariat will also seek comments from relevant government bureaux or departments for the Committee’s reference.      The Mega ACE Committee is responsible for assessing the applications and making recommendations to the CSTB while the Government will take into account the recommendations of the Committee and consider the applications from different perspectives before making a final decision. The current mechanism leverages on the advice from leaders and the role of Government officials in the vetting process.           Having said that, when arranging the appointment for the next term of the Committee, the CSTB will actively consider the recommendation for appointing ex-officio member so as to enhance the coordination work of mega arts and cultural events.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, November 6, 2024Issued at HKT 12:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ20: Provision of sports and recreation facilities

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Lee Chun-keung and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (November 6):
     
    Question:
     
         It is learnt that while the brilliant results of the national team and the Hong Kong, China delegation in the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympic Games are heartening and have roused an instant craze for sports in Hong Kong, the shortage of sports venues in Hong Kong has all along been subjected to criticism. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) in respect of the Five-Year Plan for Sports and Recreation Facilities (Five-Year Plan) and the 10-year Development Blueprint for Sports and Recreation Facilities (10-year Blueprint) put forth in the 2017 Policy Address and the 2022 Policy Address respectively, of the Government’s concrete plans to expedite the construction progress of the uncompleted projects therein;
     
    (2) apart from the projects covered by the Five-Year Plan and the 10-‍year Blueprint, of the Government’s other plans to increase the provision of district sports facilities; and
     
    (3) whether it will consider converting some vacant markets into multi-‍purpose government buildings for the provision of facilities such as sports complexes; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:

    President,
     
         My consolidated reply to the questions raised by the Hon Lee Chun-keung is as follows:

    (1) The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) strive to secure resources for implementing various projects for sports and recreation facilities as announced in the Five-Year Plan for Sports and Recreation Facilities (Five-Year Plan) and 10-Year Development Blueprint for Sports and Recreation Facilities (10-Year Blueprint). The projects are planned in accordance with public works procedures, including conducting technical feasibility studies (TFS), undertaking design, consulting District Councils and relevant stakeholders, tendering and seeking funding approval.
     
         Out of the 26 projects under the Five-Year Plan, 21 projects have obtained funding approval. Among which, 13 projects have been opened or partially opened for public use and eight projects have their pre-construction activities/construction works commenced. Four projects are in the early stage of planning and one project has been incorporated in a redevelopment project in the district concerned. The 10-Year Blueprint involves 31 projects. For the 16 projects for implementation under Phase 1, two projects have obtained funding approval with related works in progress, 11 projects have completed the TFS and are pending funding application. The remaining three projects are in the planning stage prior to the TFS. As for the 15 projects recommended for conducting the TFS, one has been completed and is pending funding application. The Government will advance the progress of various projects subject to allocation of financial resources.

    (2) The Government endeavours to provide quality and diversified sports and recreation facilities to the public for meeting their needs. Other than the Five-Year Plan and the 10-Year Blueprint, the Government will continue to plan for new sports facilities and improve existing facilities, taking into account various factors including the current provision of sports facilities across Hong Kong and at the district level, policy objectives of sports development, utilisation of existing facilities, demographic changes, views of the District Councils and relevant stakeholders, site availability, technical feasibility and allocation of financial resources. The LCSD also collaborates with other policy bureaux (such as the Harbour Office and the Invigorating Island South Office under the Development Bureau) and government departments (such as the Civil Engineering and Development Department) to jointly plan and implement sports and recreation facilities under other works projects (such as Public Open Space at East Coast Park Precinct at North Point) to cater for public needs.

    (3) The Government is planning to convert some floors of the Kwun Chung Municipal Services Building into an Urban Sports Centre with a view to providing venues suitable for activities such as sport climbing, breakdancing, and skateboarding. Upon completion of the TFS of the project, the Architectural Services Department has commenced the design preparatory work since July this year. In addition to the plan for the conversion of some floors of the Kwun Chung Municipal Services Building, the Government will also review other existing facilities of relatively low utilisation (such as vacant markets) and explore the possibility of using those sites to provide appropriate sports facilities for promoting sports.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin made a decision on prize payments to Moscow Paralympic athletes

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Moscow athletes – winners and medalists of the XVII Summer Paralympic Games 2024 in Paris (France), as well as their coaches will receive incentive payments from the city. This was reported in on your telegram channel Sergei Sobyanin reported.

    “The winners and medalists of the XVII Summer Paralympic Games in Paris will receive prizes from the city. 15 Moscow athletes participated in the Games in neutral status. Five of them won medals,” the Mayor of Moscow wrote.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin 

    The XVII Summer Paralympic Games were held in Paris from August 28 to September 8, 2024. They were attended by 15 Moscow athletes, they competed in a neutral status. They won five medals in disciplines for athletes with musculoskeletal disorders: two gold, one silver and two bronze.

    The champions of the games were Maria Pavlova (swimming) and Khetag Khinchagov (athletics). The silver medal was won by Zoya Shchurova (swimming). The bronze medalists were Irina Vertinskaya (athletics) and Georgy Margiev (athletics).

    Swimmer Maria Pavlova, who won the Paralympic gold medal in the 100m breaststroke for athletes with musculoskeletal disabilities, set a world record in this discipline – one minute 26.09 seconds. The previous world record belonged to her: on June 8, 2024, she showed a result of one minute 26.86 seconds.

    The champions of the games will receive an incentive cash payment of four million rubles, the silver medalist – 2.5 million rubles, and the bronze medalists – 1.7 million rubles.

    Prize money will also be paid to the four coaches who took part in training the athletes. They will receive half of the amount awarded to the athletes.

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11995050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Black balls on Sydney beaches are likely ‘fatbergs’ showing traces of human faeces, methamphetamine and PFAS: new analysis

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jon Beves, Associate Professor of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney

    Jon Beves, CC BY

    The mysterious black balls that washed up on Sydney’s beaches in mid-October were likely lumps of “fatberg” containing traces of human faeces, methamphetamine and PFAS, according to a new detailed analysis of their composition.

    Initial reports suggested the ominous lumps were probably tar balls from an oil spill. However, analysis with a barrage of scientific tests has revealed a more complicated picture.

    The mysterious black balls

    On October 16, the first reports emerged from Coogee Beach in Sydney’s east. Lifeguards reported numerous black spheres on the sand that appeared at first glance to be tar-like.

    Similar sightings were soon reported at nearby Bondi, Bronte, Tamarama and Maroubra beaches, prompting immediate closures and cleanup efforts. Authorities initially feared these could be toxic “tar balls”, leading to health advisories and public warnings.

    Preliminary testing by Randwick Council was consistent with tar balls made up of oil and debris.

    Oil – or something more disgusting?

    We set out to find out exactly what the black balls were made of and where they came from. We ran a wide range of tests and analyses with colleagues from UNSW in collaboration with the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre and the the environmental forensics arm of the federal Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water (DCCEEW). We also collaborated with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), and Randwick Council.

    Initial testing, based primarily on results from a technique called solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, suggested the material resembled unrefined oil. However, further testing indicated a different, more disgusting, composition.

    A cross section of one of the balls, showing its sandy coating and surface, some fibres, and the core.
    Jake Ireland, CC BY

    Analysing the elements involved revealed the black goop was mostly carbon. Radiocarbon dating then showed only about 30% of the carbon had a fossil origin, suggesting fossil fuels were not the major component of the balls.

    We also identified significant levels of calcium, and much smaller amounts of various metals. Spectroscopic tests showed signatures in the black balls matching fats, oils and greasy molecules often found in soap scum, cooking oil and food sources. This pointed to human waste.

    PFAS, drugs and signs of faeces

    The next step was to see if we could dissolve the substance in organic solvents. Only about one-third to one-half of the mass dissolved this way.

    We were able to take a closer look at the dissolved part using a technique called mass spectrometry, which identifies molecules by their weight and electric charge. This revealed molecules found in vehicle-grade fuels as well as organic molecules such as fatty acids and glycerides.

    We also identified industrial perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS or “forever chemicals”), steroidal compounds such as norgestrel, antihypertensive medications such as losartan, pesticides, and veterinary drugs. This is consistent with contamination from sewage and industrial runoff.

    The crushed up interior of one ball, ready for testing.
    Jon Beves, CC BY

    There were also signs of human faecal waste, including a cholesterol byproduct called epicoprostanol and residues of recreational drugs including tetrahydrocannabinol (also known as THC, a compound found in the cannabis plant) and methamphetamine. This is consistent with contributions from domestic waste.

    Analysing the part of the mass that we couldn’t dissolve proved more challenging. Here we tried solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and a method called Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which uses infrared light to detect chemicals. The results suggested the presence of fats, but they were not definitive.

    Were the blobs lumps of fatberg?

    So what does all this mean? The high levels of fats, oils, greasy molecules and calcium, along with the low solubility, are consistent with a “fatberg”: a congealed mass of fats, oils and greasy molecules that can accumulate in sewage.

    The detection of markers of human fecal matter, medication and recreational drugs suggest the origin may be sewage or other urban effluent. However, while the composition of these black balls suggests they may be similar to fatbergs, we cannot definitively confirm their exact origin.

    The black ball incident does highlight the broader issue of pollution along Sydney’s coastline.

    Recent reports indicate about 28% of monitored swimming sites in New South Wales are prone to pollution. Many receive poor water quality ratings, especially after rain. Beaches such as Gymea Bay, Coogee Beach, Malabar Beach, and Frenchmans Bay have been identified as areas of concern, with advisories against swimming due to contamination from human faecal matter.

    Urban waste pollution

    Analysing and understanding urban waste pollution is not an easy task. It requires a multi-disciplinary approach.

    To unravel the complex composition of the blobs, we used carbon-14 dating, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and microscopy techniques.

    Even after all we did, we cannot yet draw definitive conclusions regarding the primary source of the blobs. This uncertainty reflects the broader challenges faced by scientists and environmental agencies in tracking and addressing pollution in coastal areas.

    This incident underscores the importance of thorough scientific analysis in understanding environmental issues. By continuing to investigate the sources and composition of such pollutants, we can learn more about how urban waste management affects the health of our coasts.

    This research was led by UNSW researchers, including Associate Professor Jon Beves, Dr Tim Barrows, Dr Martin Bucknall, Professor William Alexander Donald, Dr Albert Fahrenbach, Dr Sarah Hancock, Dr Christopher Hansen, Ms Lisa Hua, Dr Martina Lessio, Dr Chris Marjo, Associate Professor Vinh Nguyen, Dr Martin Peeks, Dr Aditya Rawal, Dr Chowdhury Sarowar, Professor Timothy Schmidt, Dr Jake Violi and Dr Helen Wang.

    Jon Beves receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. He is affiliated with The Greens.

    William Alexander Donald receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the US National Institutes of Health, iCare Dust Diseases Care, Coal Services NSW Health and Safety Trust, as well as industry-funded research contracts.

    – ref. Black balls on Sydney beaches are likely ‘fatbergs’ showing traces of human faeces, methamphetamine and PFAS: new analysis – https://theconversation.com/black-balls-on-sydney-beaches-are-likely-fatbergs-showing-traces-of-human-faeces-methamphetamine-and-pfas-new-analysis-242681

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Challenge accepted! Polytechnic hosted a festival for schoolchildren

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    During the autumn school holidays, the annual festival for schoolchildren of grades 9–11, “Polytechnic Challenge,” was held at the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The festival is a team competition where children solve research and scientific problems of various types, apply the knowledge they have gained in practice, and learn to think creatively.

    This year, the Polytechnic Challenge was held in six areas. New this year was the Physical Battles. Schoolchildren had to not only find a solution to a physical problem, but also justify it and defend their point of view against their opponent. In two days, the teams also had to solve difficult tasks from the festival organizers. Thus, the participants in the engineering competitions had to assemble a device that could detect objects using a laser.

    The case championship teams worked on solving the problem of detecting and preventing forest fires. The traditional game “What? Where? When?” brought together the largest number of teams willing to demonstrate their knowledge, logic and ingenuity. The teams that took part in the 3D case needed the skills to work in special programs in order to design a crane structure and print the resulting model on a 3D printer. At the hackathon, high school students helped a large company avoid the consequences of a data breach and created their own application based on the provided database.

    The winners were teams from the SPbPU Natural Science Lyceum, Gymnasium No. 406, Engineering and Technology School No. 777, Anichkov Lyceum, Begunitskaya Secondary School, and the Academy of Digital Technologies. The best participants received prizes from the university, as well as additional points to their Unified State Exam results, which can be used when applying to the Polytechnic University.

    We like programming using Arduino, and the “Polytechnic Challenge” is a great opportunity for us to test and show our skills. Despite the difficulties during the creation of the device, we managed to find a solution that allowed us to win. Each time the tasks are more interesting, so next time we will take part in the festival again, — shared their impressions the students of the Natural Sciences Lyceum, winners of the festival in the “Engineering Competitions” category.

    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: Revenue as of September 30, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • €742.8 million in revenue over 9 months, down 3.5%, reflecting the group’s strategic orientations
      • Implementation of a strategy to prioritize margins over revenue growth
      • Continuing diversification into activities related to the energy transition, with strong growth of +28%
      • Accelerating growth in Germany, the group’s future third pillar, at +28%.
    • Third quarter: €225.4 million in revenue, down 10.1%, reflecting the continuation of 2nd quarter trends
      • Impact of selectivity measures implemented in Q2 in French and Spanish telecom sectors in France and Spain .
      • Temporarily reduced fiber activity in Belgium as negotiations continue between telco service providers looking to pool their investments
      • Sustained strong growth in Germany: +33%.
      • Strong growth in Energy activity, despite unfavorable seasonal effects in Q3: +26 %
    • 2024 full-year outlook confirmed   
      9 months Q3
    In millions of euros (unaudited data) 2024 2023 % change 2024 2023 % change
    Group 742.8 769.7         -3.5% 225.4 250.7         -10.1%
    Benelux 278.9 269.6         3.5% 82.1 89.6         -8.3%
    France 270.2 297.8         -9.3% 81.7 98.4         -16.9%
    Other Countries 193.8 202.4         -4.3% 61.6 62.7         -1.8%

    Gianbeppi Fortis, Chief Executive Officer of Solutions30, stated: “The evolution of Solutions30’s revenue since the beginning of the year reflects the strategic orientations we shared at our Capital Markets Day last September. We are prioritizing margins over revenue growth, with an increased selectivity in our mature markets. At the same time, we are continuing our expansion in Germany, which is set to become a profitable growth pillar for Solutions30, as well as our diversification into energy transition-related services, buoyed by favorable structural trends. The decrease in revenue in the third quarter was a continuation of trends seen in the second quarter, with the deepening impact of measures to reduce our exposure to certain insufficiently profitable contracts in France and Spain and a temporary slowdown in the fiber business in Belgium. In the current contrasted market environment, we are confident that our strategic choices are fully relevant.”

    Consolidated revenue

    In the first nine months of 2024, Solutions30’s consolidated revenue amounted to €742.8 million, down 3.5% from €769.7 million in the same period of 2023. This includes an organic contraction of -4.2%, a +0.3% impact from acquisitions, and a +0.4% favorable currency effect.

    This decrease reflects the group’s strategic orientations, as presented at the Capital Markets Day held on September 26, 2024. Namely, the prioritization of margins over revenue growth with the measures taken in Q2 to reduce exposure to certain telecoms contracts, notably in France and Spain, which no longer met the Group’s profitability requirements. Solutions30’s growth drivers, however, maintained strong momentum: Germany, which is proving to be its best-performing market in terms of growth, and energy-related services, which continue to develop successfully, confirming the relevance of the strategic diversification undertaken.

    Third-quarter consolidated revenue totaled €225.4 million, compared with €250.7 million in Q3 2023, representing a decline of -10.1% (-10.5% organically). This sharper decline than in Q2 (-4.5%) mainly reflects (i) the deepening impact of selectivity measures implemented in Q2 in the telecoms sector in France and Spain, and (ii) ongoing negotiations between Belgian telecom service providers, begun in Q2, with a view to pooling their fiber deployment investments.

    Benelux

    Revenue in Benelux for the first nine months of the year totaled €278.9 million, representing 38% of total revenue, up 3.5% (+3.4% organic growth). Following a year of exceptional growth (+77.2% in the first nine months of 2023), which set a particularly high comparison basis, business in the Benelux countries remains slowed down by ongoing negotiations between Belgian telecoms service providers to streamline the rollout of fiber nationwide. Although the Belgian market’s potential remains high, these negotiations are causing delays for Solutions30’s business. In Q4, these effects will be amplified due to the merger of two of the Group’s customers, Proximus and Fiberklaar, impacting the pace of the connection market.

    In the third quarter of 2024, Benelux revenue totaled €82.1 million, down 8.3% (-8.6% organic). Connectivity activity posted revenue of €61.3 million, down -15.3%. This decline reflects the full impact of delays in fiber roll-out in Belgium from the 2nd quarter onwards, due to the above-mentioned negotiations, as well as, to a lower extent, the impact of the Belgian communal and provincial elections, which was limited by efficient planning.

    The development of Energy activity continues, with growth accelerating to +23% in the third quarter of 2024 and revenue reaching €15.8 million. In September 2024, Solutions30 announced its acquisition of Xperal, a Netherlands-based photovoltaic project specialist (see press release dated September 23, 2024). This acquisition significantly enhances the group’s offering in the sector, providing an integrated range of energy services in the Benelux countries that cover smart meters, electric vehicle charging stations, low-voltage electricity grids, photovoltaic installation, and energy storage solutions. The acquisition of Xperal is fully in line with the Group’s strategy to become a leading energy services player in all the regions where it operates.

    Technology activity posted revenue of €5.0 million in the third quarter of 2024, up +16.1%.         

    France

    In France, revenue for the first nine months of the year was €270.2 million, or 36% of total revenue, down
    -9.3%. This change includes an organic contraction of -9.9% and a +0.6% positive impact from the acquisition of Elec-ENR, consolidated since July 2023.

    In the third quarter of 2024, revenue amounted to €81.7 million, a purely organic decline of -16.9%, driven by the sharp -35.3% decrease in Connectivity revenue to €45.8 million. This reflects the deepening impact of the selective measures implemented in the 2nd quarter, which led the Group to significantly reduce its exposure to certain contracts that no longer met its profitability standards. It also reflects a slowdown in the fiber roll-out market, which is set to continue in the quarters ahead.

    Revenue from Energy activity continued to grow strongly, rising by +42.5% in the third quarter to €18,6 million. Solutions30 continues to successfully diversify in this sector, which is buoyed by favorable structural trends, and is gradually establishing itself as a leading player. Growth, however, was less strong than in the second quarter (+56%), due to the seasonal nature of these services, which usually experience lower activity during the summer period, before tending to rebound in the fourth quarter.

    Technology activity’s revenue was €17.3 million, rising sharply by +19.8% and reflecting a temporary increase in business linked to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Drawing on its expertise in these fields, Solutions30 was on call at all Olympic sites to provide technical assistance for IT and payment systems.

    Other countries

    In other countries, the Group generated €193.8 million in revenue over the first nine months of the year, or 26% of total revenue, down -4.3%. This includes an organic decline of -5.8% and a positive currency effect of +1.5%, reflecting the appreciation of the zloty and the pound sterling against the euro during this period. In the third quarter of 2024, revenue was €61.6 million, down -1.8% (-3.0% organic) but with highly contrasting situations from one country to another.

    In Germany, Solutions30 is benefiting from exceptional market momentum, with revenue increasing +33.2% in the third quarter of 2024 to €21.8 million. Coaxial network activity remains strong, while fiber activities continue to ramp up. Solutions30 is now firmly established as a trusted partner for the six national telecom service providers.

    In Poland, growth remained solid at +24.2%, with revenue reaching €14.5 million in the third quarter.

    In Italy, revenue amounted to €12.8 million in the third quarter. Normal activity has resumed with more favorable economic conditions, after the Group voluntarily limited its call-outs with its main fiber customer from the second half of 2023. Solutions30 returned to slight growth of +0.8% in the third quarter, and will benefit from a favorable base effect in the fourth quarter.

    In Spain, revenue fell by -43.5% to €7.3 million, reflecting the full impact of measures taken in the second quarter to reduce the Group’s exposure to the mature fiber market. The Connectivity business is currently being restructured, while the Group refocuses its development on Energy and Technology. In the third quarter, it won a strategic contract with Atlante to install an initial set of 50 electric vehicle charging stations (see press release from September 30, 2024).

    Lastly, in the United Kingdom, revenue fell by -42.5% to €5.2 million, reflecting the continued refocusing of Connectivity activities on the fiber market. Solutions30 is also focusing on developing its Energy business, as demonstrated by the multi-year contract signed with Connected Kerb to develop its electric vehicle charging infrastructure network (see press release from September 24, 2024).

    2024 full-year outlook confirmed

    For the full year 2024, Solutions30 expects slightly lower revenue compared to 2023, along with improvement in the Group’s adjusted EBITDA margin, leading to an overall increase in adjusted EBITDA.

    2026 Roadmap

    At the Capital Markets Day held on September 26, 2024, Solutions30 shared its 2026 roadmap, with concrete action plans and objectives tailored to each of its markets.

    In the Benelux, the group is confident it will be able to capitalize on its leading market position and return to a profitable growth trajectory as early as 2025, whatever the outcome of the current negotiations with service providers. It is targeting an adjusted EBITDA margin above 10% by 2026.

    In France, Energy activity revenue is set to triple compared with 2023, reaching €150 million by 2026. In Connectivity activity, the Group is working to stabilize its business while applying strict contract selectivity. It is also positioning itself to seize future opportunities such as the forthcoming dismantling of the copper network. Adjusted EBITDA margin, benefiting from the global transformation plan launched in 2022, should exceed 10% by 2026.

    In Germany, Solutions30 is aiming for a first milestone in 2026, with revenue of between €150 and €200 million, and an adjusted EBITDA margin well above 10%. The country should then continue to grow faster than the rest of the Group, becoming one of its biggest contributors.

    In the rest of Europe, Solutions30 has adopted a differentiated approach, with the aim of maintaining profitable growth in Poland, continuing to improve performance in the United Kingdom, and restoring margins in Italy and Spain by 2026, or else envisaging strategic actions for its activities in these two countries.

    Webcast for investors and analysts
    Date: Monday, November 4, 2024
    6:30 PM (CET) – 5:30 PM (GMT)

    Speakers
    Gianbeppi Fortis, Chief Executive Officer
    Jonathan Crauwels, Chief Financial Officer
    Amaury Boilot, Group General Secretary

    Connection details
    Webcast in English: https://channel.royalcast.com/solutions30-en/#!/solutions30-en/20241104_1

    Upcoming events

    Gilbert Dupont Forum Valeurs Familiales  (Paris) – November 5, 2024

    CIC Forum (Virtual Day)  – November 21, 2024

    2024 Q4 Revenue  – January 29, 2025

    About Solutions30 SE

    Solutions30 provides consumers and businesses with access to the key technological advancements that are shaping our everyday lives, especially those driving the digital transformation and energy transition. With its network of more than 16,000 technicians, Solutions30 has completed over 65 million call-outs since its inception and led over 500 renewable energy projects with a combined maximum output surpassing 1600 MWp. Every day, Solutions30 is doing its part to build a more connected and sustainable world. Solutions30 has become an industry leader in Europe with operations in 10 countries: France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Poland.
    The capital of Solutions30 SE consists of 107,127,984 shares, equal to the number of theoretical votes that can be exercised. Solutions30 SE is listed on the Euronext Paris exchange (ISIN FR0013379484- code S30).
    Indices: CAC Mid & Small | CAC Small | CAC Technology | Euro Stoxx Total Market Technology | Euronext Tech Growth.
    Visit our website for more information: www.solutions30.com.

    Contact

    Individual Shareholders:
    shareholders@solutions30.com – Tel: +33 (0)1 86 86 00 63

    Analysts/investors:
    investor.relations@solutions30.com

    Press – Image 7:
    Charlotte Le Barbier – Tel: +33 6 78 37 27 60 – clebarbier@image7.fr

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Launches Female-Centric Pitching Competition during DevCon 24′ with Access Up to $100K Funding Opportunities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has launched “Pitch n Slay,” a special initiative under its Blockchain4Her program organized to provide exposure for female entrepreneurs in the blockchain space. Building on Bitget’s larger $10 million Blockchain4Her project, the program extends targeted support to promising women-led startups by offering them a chance to secure up to $100,000 in funding by Foresight Ventures. This funding is accompanied by valuable mentorship from experienced professionals in the blockchain industry.

    The “Pitch n Slay” program, created in partnership with organizations such as World of Women, Women in Web3, and Bitget Wallet, is structured to offer a pathway for women entrepreneurs to receive the capital, guidance, and exposure necessary to scale their projects. Additional partnerships with Foresight Ventures and Morph highlight Bitget’s emphasis on uniting resources and mentorship from leaders within the blockchain ecosystem.

    Throughout the program, selected participants will undergo a rigorous mentorship and development journey. After an initial pitching round, finalists will receive support in market strategy, scaling, and technology, led by industry experts including Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, Taya A, CEO of World of Women, Min Xue, Partner of Foresight Ventures, Tess Hau, Founder of Tess Ventures, and other prominent Web3 leaders. Hosted on 15th November, in Bangkok, Thailand the “Pitch n Slay” program finalists will present their refined projects to a panel of investors and judges. Out of the shortlisted women-run startups top 3 winners will get grants to further their startup journey. The first winner takes home $5000, the second place will be rewarded with $3000 and the third will get $2000 subsequently. All three will be qualified for further pitching to Foresight Ventures, if the deal goes through each can receive funding up to $100K in pre-seed.

    Bitget’s constant focus on supporting women in Web3 is part of its strategy of creating accessible pathways for funding and growth for women entrepreneurs led by the company’s CEO, Gracy Chen “Bitget is a proudly gender-inclusive organization, with over 45% of our management roles held by women. Through Blockchain4Her, it’s our honor to support women founders with opportunities for exposure, mentorship, and funding. We’ll continue to expand this platform, creating pathways for growth and amplifying women-led startups in Web3,” said Chen.

    The Pitch n’ Slay initiative directly addresses the underrepresentation of female entrepreneurs in blockchain, providing both the financial and professional support essential for success in a competitive landscape.

    Applications are open for eligible women-led startups. For more details, visit the application page here

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience volatility. Investments should only be made with funds that can be afforded to lose. The value of investments may be impacted, and there is a possibility of not achieving financial goals or recovering the principal investment. Independent financial advice should be sought, and personal financial experience and standing should be carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any losses incurred. This information is not intended as financial advice.

    Contact

    PR team

    media@bitget.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget lists BitSmiley (SMILE) on Innovation, BTC Ecosystem and DeFi Zone for Spot Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has listed BitSmiley (SMILE) in the Innovation, BTC Ecosystem, and DeFi Zone, with trading set to commence on 6 November 2024. This listing aligns with Bitget’s ongoing mission to broaden market accessibility to pioneering blockchain projects, offering users exposure to emerging DeFi protocols on the Bitcoin network. With this development, Bitget is expanding its range of supported assets in a space traditionally dominated by Ethereum-based tokens.

    BitSmiley represents a unique integration of lending and stablecoin functionality built directly on the Bitcoin blockchain, a first in the realm of decentralized finance. The platform’s proprietary technology, Fintegra, provides a seamless ecosystem that leverages the security and resilience of Bitcoin while introducing users to a new form of decentralized lending. The BitSmiley protocol addresses scalability and liquidity, allowing users to participate in DeFi with reduced friction. The listing of BitSmiley at Bitget provides enhanced opportunities for traders interested in Bitcoin-based financial products that blend stability with lending capabilities.

    Following this listing, deposits for BitSmiley have already been activated, providing users time to prepare for trading, which will officially launch at 10:00 (UTC) on 6 November. Withdrawals will be enabled on 7 November at 11:00 (UTC), facilitating seamless movement of assets. This early access and preparation phase allows Bitget’s users to familiarize themselves with the platform’s trading dynamics and further engage with decentralized finance innovations.

    The BitSmiley initiative contributes to reshaping financial inclusion and decentralization on Bitcoin. With its focus on a robust financial infrastructure, BitSmiley’s unique stablecoin-lending framework seeks to expand the functionality and versatility of Bitcoin as an asset class. Through its listing on Bitget, users can explore new avenues for portfolio diversification within the security of a Bitcoin-based ecosystem, reflecting a growing market appetite for diversified DeFi options beyond Ethereum.

    As Bitget continues to explore and support pioneering assets across blockchain networks, the addition of BitSmiley emphasizes its commitment to building an inclusive, cross-chain ecosystem where users can engage with the forefront of decentralized financial technology.

    Bitget continues to expand its offerings, positioning itself as a leading platform for cryptocurrency trading. The exchange has established a reputation for innovative solutions that empower users to explore crypto within a secure CeDeFi ecosystem. With an extensive selection of over 800 cryptocurrency pairs and a commitment to broaden its offerings to more than 900 trading pairs, Bitget connects users to various ecosystems, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, and TON. The addition of SMILE into Bitget’s portfolio marks a significant step toward expanding its ecosystem, allowing users to access new tools and opportunities in the evolving DeFi landscape.

    For more information on SMILE tokens listing on Bitget, please visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/60e6db26-e892-426a-978e-f3c7dfe3ec95

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Expands GameFi Offerings with Legend of Arcadia (ARCA) Listing and Airdrop Events

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company has listed Legend of Arcadia (ARCA) in its Innovation and GameFi Zone, offering users an opportunity to participate in ARCA-related activities and share a pool of 2,375,000 ARCA tokens. As a unique addition to the gaming ecosystem, Legend of Arcadia brings an engaging blend of casual gameplay with blockchain-driven rewards, attracting both traditional gamers and Web3 enthusiasts alike. The listing marks a significant expansion in Bitget’s GameFi offerings, inviting users to explore new avenues in the evolving digital economy.

    ARCA token’s deposits, withdrawals and trading are currently open. This listing introduces a new asset to Bitget’s platform and provides an interactive way for users to earn ARCA through a series of airdrop activities. By locking ETH on PoolX, participants can secure a portion of 1,500,000 ARCA tokens. The allocation formula ensures a fair distribution based on each participant’s locked ETH proportion within the pool, fostering a competitive yet equitable system for acquiring tokens.

    Another airdrop opportunity awaits through the CandyBomb promotion, where users can gain access to 875,000 ARCA tokens by engaging in ARCA spot and futures trading. This initiative incentivizes both new spot and futures users, with 437,500 ARCA tokens reserved for each trading category. Participation is streamlined through the CandyBomb page, where users simply need to join the activity to start accumulating rewards based on their net deposits and trading volumes, enhancing user engagement with the ARCA ecosystem.
    Legend of Arcadia offers a captivating gameplay experience by merging traditional gaming elements with blockchain-based incentives, presenting a novel approach to the gaming sector. Set in a multi-chain universe, Legend of Arcadia is both free-to-play and play-to-earn, allowing players to immerse themselves in a strategic, card-based environment where they can earn rewards through staking, battling, and mining. The game introduces users to the whimsical world of “toy heroes,” collectible NFT characters that are central to the gameplay. With eight classes and six factions of these toy-like characters, players can build diverse teams, compete strategically, and earn in-game assets, creating a dynamic ecosystem that merges the entertainment of gaming with the financial opportunities of Web3.

    As Bitget continues to broaden its GameFi portfolio, the listing of ARCA shows the platform’s dedication to fostering accessible, rewarding digital experiences for its global user base. With an extensive selection of over 800 cryptocurrency pairs and a commitment to broaden its offerings to more than 900 trading pairs, Bitget connects users to various ecosystems, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, and TON. The addition of ARCA into Bitget’s portfolio marks a significant step toward expanding its ecosystem, allowing users to access new opportunities in the evolving DeFi landscape.

    For more information on ARCA tokens listing on Bitget, please visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/929aede6-1e17-4464-99b7-d407fcf59b31

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Emergency Management – World Tsunami Awareness Day: Long or strong, get gone – but where to?

    Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

    New Zealanders know the catchphrase “If an earthquake is Long or Strong, Get Gone” – but do you know where to “get gone” to?

    Today is World Tsunami Awareness Day, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)’s Chief Science Advisor Professor Tom Wilson is urging people across Aotearoa New Zealand to take a few minutes to check their tsunami zone and plan their evacuation route.

    NEMA’s annual emergency preparedness survey shows awareness of the need to self-evacuate in a long or strong earthquake near the coast has risen from 75% to 86%.

    “It’s really encouraging to see high awareness of our Long or Strong, Get Gone advice,” Dr Wilson says.

    “However, many people may not know if they’re in an evacuation zone, and where they should evacuate to.

    “The National Tsunami Evacuation Zone Map lets you look up the address of anywhere you live, work or play, and it will tell you straight away if you’re in a tsunami evacuation zone.

    “Give it a go now, and practice your route. It’s a nifty tool that could save your life.

    “All of New Zealand’s coastline is at risk of tsunami, and we have a lot of coastline. In a local-source tsunami – like one caused by an earthquake on the Hikurangi fault along the North Island’s East Coast – immediate self-evacuation is key to survival.”

    Professor Wilson says research into the 5 March 2021 tsunami sequence shows that people often wait for an official warning before evacuating, when they should leave straight away.

    “Awareness may be high, but the science tells us that people aren’t always doing the right thing in the heat of the moment.  The more we plan and practice now, the easier it will be when we have a real tsunami event.

    “To mark World Tsunami Awareness Day, take a few moments with your whānau today – and find out what to do if a tsunami strikes.”

    Dr Wilson says 2024 marks twenty years since the Boxing Day Tsunami, which claimed 230,000 lives across India, Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka on 26 December 2004.

    “The Boxing Day tsunami is a tragic reminder of the devasting power of tsunamis, and a reminder that we need to learn and plan.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Address by Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi on Seventh General Assembly of ISA

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 NOV 2024 6:32PM by PIB Delhi

    Hon’ble Ministers, Vice Presidents of the ISA Assembly

    Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Honorary Consuls, Director General, Other Excellencies and Esteemed Delegates

    It is a pleasure to stand before you today at the 7th General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance. Today, we are at a crucial point in our mission to reshape the global energy future.

    Today we also celebrate the Power of the Sun. It is amazing to reflect on how harnessing solar energy has been a vital part of cultures globally for centuries.

    In ancient Egypt, the sun god Ra was worshipped, symbolising life and energy. In the early 13th century in South America, the sun god, Inti was considered the ancestor of the Inca people.

    Whether it be the Aztec civilisation, or the African traditions, Sun is personified and worshipped through dances and offerings.

    Just like the Olympics, the Pythian Games were also part of ancient Greece. In Greek mythology, Apollo was the god of sun and light. He was worshipped through various festivals, including the Pythian Games.

    Similarly, in India, the sun has held a sacred place in our culture, with the worship of Surya, deeply embedded in our traditions. To this day, we continue to pay our respect to the Sun God, through festivals like Makar Sankrant, or by reciting Gayatri Mantra or by practising Surya Namaskar every morning.

    Our ancestors utilised solar energy in various forms, from solar heating techniques to architecture designed to capture sunlight effectively. Throughout India, you will find temples dedicated to Surya God anywhere and everywhere you go.

    As we move forward, let us draw inspiration from these rich traditions and continue to promote solar energy, embracing its potential to transform lives and protect our planet. Together, we can harness the sun’s energy, furthering the wisdom of our ancestors while paving the way for a sustainable future.

    Solar energy, once just a vision, is now a powerful reality, leading the world toward a cleaner and more sustainable path. The progress we have made together is undeniable, and the true potential of solar energy is unfolding, showing us just how transformative it can be.

    In 2024, the global solar sector is set to reach approximately 2 terawatt  of installed solar photovoltaic capacity. This marks an extraordinary leap from just a decade ago when solar was still considered a small segment within global energy markets. In 2023, solar energy contributed 5.5% of the global power, with its role in the energy mix expanding rapidly.

    This rapid growth is fuelled by record-breaking investments. Global solar investments have grown from $144 billion in 2018 to $393 billion in 2023 and are expected to reach $500 billion by the end of 2024.

    These investments are not only adding new capacity but are also driving down the cost of energy from solar worldwide. Today solar power has become the most affordable source of electricity in many regions, even surpassing coal and gas.

    This cost-effectiveness is fuelling a global surge in solar ambitions, with several countries emerging as frontrunners in the field. Countries like the United States with more than 130 GW of installed solar capacity, and regions like the European Union (Germany and Spain collectively contribute over 250 GW of solar capacity) are also making good progress.

    It gives me immense pride that India is also swiftly advancing its renewable energy capabilities. India’s journey is one of bold vision and relentless progress.

    Under India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has set ambitious renewable energy targets, and achieved remarkable milestones along the way. Last month, India reached an impressive 90 GW of installed solar capacity, moving steadily forward towards its broader goal of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

    India is also setting its sights on new horizons, with a target to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, supported by 125 GW of renewable energy capacity. We have approved 50 solar parks with a total capacity of nearly 37.5 GW and identified potential offshore wind energy sites to reach our 30 GW goal by 2030.

    India’s Union Budget for 2024-25 reflects this commitment, with a 110% increase in funding for solar power projects and targeted support for initiatives like the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. This, along with exemptions on critical mineral imports, underscores our resolve to lead in solar innovation.

    India has one of the best schemes globally for Solar rooftop installation. We are empowering communities to generate their own renewable energy.

    In fact, the PM-KUSUM scheme is already transforming rural landscapes, enabling farmers to irrigate with solar power and sell surplus energy, advancing both livelihoods and sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, our Production Linked Incentive scheme is strengthening India’s solar manufacturing sector, fostering a self-reliant supply chain.

    With these initiatives, India is not just contributing to a global energy transition but is setting a benchmark for sustainable growth. I am proud to say that we are making a tangible impact on the ground. This commitment to progress aligns seamlessly with the goals of the International Solar Alliance.

    As a coalition of 120 Member and Signatory countries, ISA has been at the forefront of mobilising resources and facilitating the deployment of solar projects worldwide, particularly in Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.

    I am also pleased to share that ISA has successfully completed 21 out of 27 demonstration projects. This showcases our collective ability to make significant strides in solar energy deployment and support sustainable development across the globe.

    I congratulate ISA and dedicate to the world 11 demonstration projects and the 7 STAR C centres launched today. It will help us expand the strong network of institutional capacities within ISA member states.

    One of our innovative flagship initiatives in 2024 has been the launch of the Solar Data Portal. This platform delivers real-time data on solar resources, project performance, and investment opportunities across countries. It is providing transparent and actionable insights, thereby transforming how governments, investors, and developers engage with solar projects.

    Another flagship initiative of ISA is the establishment of the Global Solar Facility. This facility aims to unlock commercial capital for solar projects in underserved regions, especially in Africa. With a pilot project already underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and commitments of $39 million from India, ISA, Bloomberg, and CIFF, we are on track to operationalise this initiative by COP29.

    In addition to this, the SolarX Startup Challenge has successfully identified and supported innovative, scalable solutions for the solar sector. In September, we announced 30 winners from the Asia and Pacific edition, and preparations are underway to host the 3rd Edition of the challenge for the Latin America and the Caribbean region.

    Besides these initiatives, ISA continues to expand knowledge-sharing. Our monthly ISA Knowledge Series and the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre, launched at the G20 Ministerial, are advancing solar energy research and development.

    Our efforts have been brought to life through global events organised by ISA, like the International Solar Festival and CEO Caucus. At the upcoming COP29, we will host a pavilion called the Solar Hub where we shall be organising numerous high-level sessions to encourage global participation.

    The ISA is guided by the Towards 1000 strategy which aims to mobilise $1,000 billion of investments in solar energy solutions by 2030. This is our strategy to:

    • Deliver energy access to 1,000 million people
    • Installation of 1,000 GW of solar energy capacity
    • Mitigate emissions to the tune of 1,000 MT of carbon dioxide every year.

    Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen, the path ahead is clear, and the time for action is now. As we look to the future, I urge all of us – governments, international organisations, private sectors, and civil society – to continue working hand in hand to accelerate the solar revolution.

    Our nations come in all shapes and sizes, much like the diverse fingers of a hand. Yet, when we join together, we form a fist that represents strength and unity. ISA is your partner, and together, we have the power to shape a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

    As President of the International Solar Alliance, I take immense pride in the progress we have made together. The achievements of 2024 have set the stage for even greater advancements in the years to come. With your continued support, I am confident that ISA will continue to lead the world in making solar energy the foundation of our clean energy future.

    With these words, I thank you, and look forward to the fruitful discussions ahead as we embark on this next chapter of our shared solar journey.

    Thank you.

    ******

    Navin Sreejith

    (Release ID: 2070668) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Bluey set to steal hearts this Farmers Santa Parade, supported by the city centre’s newest elves

    Source: Auckland Council

    Two symbolic characters at the centre of Auckland’s historic Farmers Santa Parade are turning out for the 91st time, delighting families who will fill the footpaths on Sunday 24 November (rain day 1 December).

    The parade may have become bigger and brighter in 91 years, but the philosophy introduced by Farmers founder Robert Laidlaw in 1933 remains the same – a gift of fantasy and fanfare for the children of Auckland.

    The star of the show is always Santa himself, but Queen Street has also been a constant presence throughout 91 years in the life of this legendary parade, believed to be one of the most enduring in the southern hemisphere.

    Santa and his reindeer.

    Queen Street has evolved over the decades. Once it was a four-lane street with narrow footpaths on either side. Now it is a two-lane, plant-filled boulevard hosting a more intimate festive parade.

    But the character expected to rival even the longest-serving players is favourite television pup Bluey, who is joining Auckland’s Farmers Santa Parade for the first time. Fans will see the much-adored Bluey in person on her own float in the parade. Bluey and Bingo will later bring their live interactive experience to Santa’s Party at the close of the parade.

    Bluey and Bingo on stage.

    Deputy Mayor of Auckland, Desley Simpson, will also participate in the parade.

    “Every year, the Farmers Santa Parade brings the centre of Auckland to life, filling our city with joy, wonder, and community spirit. It’s a time for families, friends and whānau to come together and welcome the magic of the season.

    “This parade is more than an event; it’s a beautiful reminder of the unity and vibrancy that define our Auckland community,” Councillor Simpson says.

    A new entrant in the parade this year will be the city centre’s newest elves – a team of community wardens who cast a watchful eye over city centre streets and spaces every day and night. The wardens are from the Auckland Council Community Safety Team, New Zealand Police, Māori wardens, Community Patrols NZ and Auckland Transport.

    They will decorate their uniforms with Christmas tinsel for the occasion and walk with their families, accompanying Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson who graces the parade every year waving to the crowds from a vintage car.

    After representing New Zealand at the 2024 Olympics, gold medal winning high jumper Hamish Kerr will open the parade as this year’s official grand marshal, leading the vibrant and colourful procession of festive floats.

    One float will be constructed entirely of LEGO®, another inspired by K-pop in the shape of a giant pink guitar, and crowds will also witness a Kiwiana caravan float that encapsulates the essence of a Kiwi summer.

    Additional funds have been made available this year from Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate, helping bring the delight of the Farmers Santa Parade to the city centre.

    Key moments to plan for:

    The Farmers Santa Parade attracts around 150,000 spectators, 4,000 participants and over 200 items of Christmas magic over a 1.6km route.

    Learn more about the 2024 parade here.

    Transport options will be available additionally here. 

    [embedded content]

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Brings Early Access to Zircuit (ZRC) with Pre-Market Launch Ahead of Spot Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the listing of Zircuit (ZRC) on its pre-market trading platform, providing early access to this new token before it enters spot trading. Users can now engage in ZRC/USDT trades on Bitget’s platform, giving traders an exclusive opportunity to interact with ZRC ahead of its full listing.

    Bitget’s pre-market trading platform allows users to engage in over-the-counter transactions of new tokens before their official listing. This feature offers a peer-to-peer marketplace where buyers and sellers can negotiate prices, facilitating advanced liquidity and strategic investment opportunities. Participants can secure coins at favorable prices, allowing for optimized investments without the immediate need for sellers to possess the coins.

    Zircuit, a fully EVM-compatible protocol, leverages zero-knowledge rollup technology to provide a highly efficient, scalable environment for transactions. This new addition aligns with Bitget’s focus on integrating advanced blockchain solutions, enhancing user experience, and expanding digital asset availability. With a total supply of 10 billion tokens, ZRC represents Bitget’s commitment to broadening its offerings and introducing technologies that support secure and effective blockchain interactions.

    Through Bitget’s pre-market trading platform, users can explore trades and set prices before an asset’s public listing. This OTC (over-the-counter) setup enables buyers and sellers to agree on terms and reserve liquidity in advance, offering flexibility and access to price discovery prior to market entry. Unlike typical spot trading, pre-market trades on Bitget allow sellers to complete transactions even if they do not initially hold the required coins, as long as they acquire them before the final delivery time. This unique structure is designed to empower both parties to achieve optimal trading results.

    The pre-market launch of Zircuit highlights Bitget’s continuous efforts to provide flexible, user-centric solutions in the evolving digital asset landscape. This initiative reaffirms Bitget’s drive to offer innovative trading opportunities that accommodate diverse user needs and enhance accessibility within the crypto sector.

    Bitget has established itself as one of the leading crypto spot trading platforms, offering a diverse selection of over 800 coins and more than 900 trading pairs across various ecosystems, including Ethereum, Solana, Base, and recently, TON. The pre-market platform, launched in April 2024, has facilitated early access to over 150 high-profile projects such as EigenLayer (EIGEN), Zerolend (ZERO), Notcoin (NOT), and ZkSync (ZKSYNC), providing a unique opportunity for investors to engage with emerging tokens at an early stage. The addition of ZRC to this lineup further enhances Bitget’s commitment to offering users access to promising Web3 projects.

    For more information on Zircuit tokens on Pre-market, please visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more. 

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0d74c17b-7ff1-480e-860e-8637bed3ed20

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $6.4 million for local community infrastructure projects

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: $6.4 million for local community infrastructure projects

    Published: 5 November 2024

    Released by: Minister for Gaming and Racing

    Communities from Inverell to Albury and Bathurst to the Northern Beaches will benefit from $6.4 million funding under the NSW Government’s latest round of Infrastructure Grants.

    A women and children’s refuge, musical society, marine rescue organisation and Aboriginal youth gym are among 46 recipients to share a total of $12.75 million this financial year.

    Infrastructure Grants are funded by ClubGRANTS Category 3, which directs profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community projects, while clubs receive a tax concession in return.

    The grants support local community projects across four categories: sport and recreation, disaster readiness, community infrastructure, and arts and culture.

    Key projects supported in this latest funding round include:

    • $200,000 to Tumbarumba Equine Club near the Snowy Mountains for roofing, power, lighting, water troughs and an additional disaster evacuation stock holding area for large animals
    • $270,100 to Ngarabal Aboriginal Corporation in Inverell to upgrade a gym facility to provide year-round boxing, martial arts and self defence programs for youth at risk
    • $51,600 to Wagga Wagga Art Gallery for new exhibition spaces, a print workshop, expanded storage and improved environmental and safety equipment
    • $55,300 to Western Suburbs Lawn Tennis Association in Ashfield to install new lighting to two synthetic tennis courts
    • $70,000 to Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society for an upgrade of digital microphones
    • $187,600 to Marine Rescue Cottage Point on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to replace engines and electronics on two rescue vessels
    • $50,000 to Margaret House Refuge in Young for refurbishment of a cottage that provides a safe and welcoming environment for women and children fleeing domestic violence and/or experiencing homelessness.

    See the complete list of Infrastructure Grants Program recipients.

    Applications for the next round of Infrastructure Grants are open until Monday 25 November. For more information visit Clubgrants Category 3 fund.

    The NSW Government’s review into the effectiveness of ClubGRANTS is ongoing amid continuing work across government to improve integrity and public trust in grants. This is the first formal review into the scheme since 2013.

    Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

    “I’m pleased to see this round of Infrastructure Grants go to many worthy groups who work hard for their communities across the state.

    “I am impressed by the many and varied ways organisations are working to benefit their communities. 

    “Infrastructure Grants improve local facilities that bring people together, help them prepare for and recover from disasters, and promote participation in sport, recreation and the arts.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese book reading classroom opens at university in Mongolia

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Chinese Book Reading Classroom at the Mongolian University of Life Sciences was inaugurated in Ulan Bator on Monday.

    “All of our teachers and students are delighted that the Chinese Book Reading Classroom has opened at our school. We hope this classroom will help us learn more about China,” said Gonchigdorj Enkhbayar, vice director of the university, at the launch ceremony.

    Xue Ming, deputy editor-in-chief of the Inner Mongolia People’s Publishing House, spoke at the opening ceremony about the Inner Mongolia Publishing Group’s commitment to strengthening cultural exchanges under the framework of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation with neighboring countries.

    He said that the Chinese Book Reading Classroom will undoubtedly yield positive results in fostering cultural exchanges and mutual learning between the two countries. Additionally, it will provide new impetus and contribute to mutual assistance, friendly relations, and win-win cooperation.

    The Chinese publishing group donated more than 800 Chinese books across over 400 categories, including traditional culture, science, agriculture, medicine, literature, and dictionaries, to the reading classroom.

    Chinese Book Reading Classrooms have been gradually established in major universities in Mongolia since 2019, aimed at showcasing and introducing Chinese culture to Mongolian readers. Currently, there are six such classrooms.

    The opening of the reading classroom at the Mongolian University of Life Sciences is part of a series of activities titled “Feel China,” co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth of Mongolia, and the Information Office of the People’s Government of China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hehe Culture ambassadors honored for promoting cultural exchange

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The 2024 Global Forum on Hehe Culture was held in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, on Saturday. 

    Essam Sharaf (C), former Egyptian prime minister and Orchid Awards recipient, Erik Solheim (R), former U.N. under-secretary-general, and Piet Steel (L), honorary chairman of the Europe-Asia Center and a member of the Board of Directors of Special Olympics, are honored ambassadors of Hehe Culture during a forum in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, on Nov. 2, 2024. [Photo/China.org.cn]
    To honor the contributions of those in promoting Chinese cultural values and facilitating cultural exchange, the forum’s organizing committee named three distinguished global figures as ambassadors of Hehe Culture. They were Essam Sharaf, former Egyptian prime minister and Orchid Awards recipient, Erik Solheim, former U.N. under-secretary-general, and Piet Steel, honorary chairman of the Europe-Asia Center and a member of the Board of Directors of the Special Olympics .
    Launched at the 2023 Global Forum on Hehe Culture, the Cultural Ambassadors of Hehe Culture program is a joint initiative by China International Communications Group, the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Zhejiang Provincial Committee, the CPC Taizhou Municipal Committee, and the Taizhou municipal government, as part of their efforts to implement the Global Civilization Initiative. Every year, the program honors individuals who champion Chinese traditional culture, foster cultural exchange, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Feel China’ cultural days open in Mongolia

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A series of cultural events promoting northern China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region officially kicked off in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, on Monday.

    The “Feel China” cultural days, co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth of Mongolia, and the Information Office of the People’s Government of Inner Mongolia, aim to deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Mongolia, enhance their longstanding friendship, and celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

    The opening ceremony was attended by Jiang Xinhui, director of the Information Office of the People’s Government of Inner Mongolia, Zhang Muxing, acting ambassador and minister counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia, Adiyasuren Davaajargal, state secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth of Mongolia, as well as other officials and representatives from both countries.

    Davaajargal said he hopes that the series of events will further enhance cultural relations between China and Mongolia and promote cross-border tourism.

    Jiang said that, as a neighboring region, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has leveraged its geographical proximity and cultural affinity to serve as a crucial bridge for cooperation between China and Mongolia across various fields, including economic and trade exchanges, cultural collaborations, medical and health care, and ecological conservation.

    “With our joint efforts, the ‘Feel China’ event has been successfully held in Mongolia for many consecutive years. We have consistently adhered to our mission of promoting people-to-people exchanges and strengthening friendship, allowing Mongolian friends to better understand China and Inner Mongolia,” he said.

    The five-day series of events includes Shaolin martial arts performances, the inauguration of a Chinese book reading classroom at a Mongolian university, free health check-ups, and screenings of Chinese movies on Mongolian television and in cinemas, among other activities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: BW Energy Limited: First day of trading of bonds

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BW Energy Limited – First day of trading of bonds

    Reference is made to the stock exchange announcement by BW Energy Limited (the “Company”) on 31 October 2024 regarding the approval and publication of the Company’s prospectus in connection with the listing of a new senior unsecured bond issue with an initial issue amount of USD 100 million with ISIN NO0013259663 on the Oslo Stock Exchange.

    As of today, the bonds start trading on Euronext Oslo Børs under the ticker code “BWE01”.

    For further information, please contact:

    Brice Morlot, CFO BW Energy, +33.7.81.11.41.16

    ir@bwenergy.com

    About BW Energy:

    BW Energy is a growth E&P company with a differentiated strategy targeting proven offshore oil and gas reservoirs through low risk phased developments. The Company has access to existing production facilities to reduce time to first oil and cashflow with lower investments than traditional offshore developments. The Company’s assets are 73.5% of the producing Dussafu Marine licence offshore Gabon, 100% interest in the Golfinho and Camarupim fields, a 76.5% interest in the BM-ES-23 block in, a 95% interest in the Maromba field in Brazil and a 95% interest in the Kudu field in Namibia, all operated by BW Energy. Total net 2P+2C reserves and resources were 580 million barrels of oil equivalents at the start of 2024.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets Czech national baseball team  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai meets Czech national baseball team  
    2024-11-01

    On the afternoon of November 1, President Lai Ching-te met with the national baseball team of the Czech Republic. In remarks, President Lai thanked the Czech Republic for supporting Taiwan, and noted that the Czech national baseball team had come to Taiwan to take part in two exhibition games, not only for the sake of learning from one another, but also to further cultivate friendship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic. He also stated that the Czech Republic is an important democratic ally of Taiwan in Europe. He stated that the opening of the Czech Centre Taipei this past June shows that our two countries continue to enhance our partnership, and expressed confidence that even greater advances will be achieved in culture and many other fields moving forward.
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    The World Baseball Softball Confederation Premier12 tournament is scheduled to start on November 10, with Group B opening round games to be played in Taiwan. I would like to thank Chinese Professional Baseball League Commissioner Tsai Chi-chang (蔡其昌) for inviting the Czech national baseball team to play two exhibition games in Taiwan, not only for the sake of learning from one another, but also to further cultivate friendship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.
    As a long-time baseball fan, I am very pleased to meet with the Czech national baseball team here at the Presidential Office. Many team members are actually part-timers whose principal occupations are in such fields as firefighting, teaching, medicine, financial analysis, and real estate brokerage, to name just a few. Everyone’s passion for the sport has earned the team a ranking of number 15 in the world and placed them among the top three in Europe. Indeed, in last year’s World Baseball Classic (WBC), the team scored a come-from-behind win over China to take the Czech Republic’s first-ever victory in the WBC tournament. It was an admirable win and an exciting game, and Taiwanese fans were thrilled.
    The Czech Republic is an important democratic ally of Taiwan in Europe. Representative of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office David Steinke is here, so I would like to give special thanks to the Czech Republic for supporting Taiwan. Three years ago, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Czech Republic generously donated 30,000 vaccine doses to Taiwan, and when Hualien was hit by a severe earthquake earlier this year, the Czech Republic donated US$150,000 to support reconstruction efforts. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to express our deepest appreciation.
    The opening of the Czech Centre Taipei this past June signifies that our two countries continue to enhance our partnership, and I am confident that even greater advances will be achieved in culture and many other fields moving forward.
    Today is the Czech national baseball team’s second day in Taiwan, so I want to wish everyone a happy and fruitful visit, and I look forward to both teams playing their best in the exhibition games scheduled for tomorrow and the day after.
    Also in attendance was Czech Baseball Association President Petr Ditrich.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: Empowering Women with Disabilities: Key Actions for Inclusive Sports in the Pacific

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Inclusive sports can empower women with disabilities, and foster accessibility, social integration, and gender equality in the Pacific. Recent Paralympic milestones and policy examples illustrate the ongoing need for supportive infrastructures and greater representation to create equitable opportunities in sports.

    The importance of sport for women with disabilities cannot be overstated. It provides a platform for empowerment, fostering physical and mental well-being, and breaking societal barriers related to gender and disability. Participation in sports helps build confidence, resilience, and a sense of community.

    The Paralympic Games have been instrumental in setting standards for inclusion, showcasing the incredible talents and achievements of athletes with disabilities on a global stage. By promoting gender equality and providing equal opportunities, the Paralympics inspire change and highlight the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in sports.

    This year’s Paralympic Games in Paris marked a historic milestone with a record 1,983 women, or 45% of participants, across 549 medal events in 22 sports, making it the most gender-inclusive Paralympics ever. It was also a historic moment for the Pacific region, as it sent its largest contingent of athletes to the Paralympic Games.

    Thirteen athletes, comprising seven women and six men, represented six countries to compete in para-athletics and para-taekwondo: Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu. According to the Oceania Paralympic Committee, the Pacific athletes “not only represent their nations but also the aspirations of the entire Pacific region.”

    Among the remarkable athletes was Tongan discus thrower Meleane Vasitai Leaaepeni Falemaka, known as Vasi, who competed in the Paralympic Games for the first time. She is making her mark on the global stage as Tonga’s sole representative in the Paralympic Games where she competed in the women’s F37 discus throw event. Prior to the Paralympics, Vasi achieved her personal best throw at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix April 2024 held in Marrakech, Morocco.

    Women with disabilities outnumber men with disabilities in most Pacific countries, largely due to longer life expectancy and the increased likelihood of acquiring disabilities in old age. Persons with disabilities are overrepresented among the poorest of the poor across the region and face economic and social exclusion, violence, and accessibility challenges.

    Despite this, women with disabilities often do not get to make decisions that affect them. Evidence from 19 countries shows that only 2.3% of women with disabilities held a position as a legislator, senior official, or manager.  Only four out of 18 countries in the region had a “woman with disability” in parliament.

    Sports provide a powerful platform for empowering women with disabilities, fostering inclusion, and challenging societal barriers.

    The following actions are needed to increase the inclusion of women with disabilities in sports:

    Enhance policy and financing for gender and disability inclusive sport. Governments must enact robust legislation to eliminate accessibility barriers in multiple areas such as transport, housing, services, education, and sport. For example, Brazil passed the “Inclusion of People with Disabilities Act” before the Rio 2016 Paralympics that aimed to enhance the lives of the nearly 50 million people with impairments in Brazil. This Act increased the amount allocated to para-sports from the gross revenues of the federal lotteries, from around $26 million to $49 million per year.

    Promote accessibility and inclusivity of sport. The Paralympics have made strides in accommodating athletes with disabilities through modified rules and regular reassessments by classifiers. Classification varies across sports, for example, swimming has up to 10 eligible impairment types, and classifications depend on how much an impairment affects performance.

    In wheelchair basketball, players are rated from 1.0 to 4.5 based on their disability level with a maximum point total allowed per team to ensure competitive balance. This approach enhances fairness and integrity in competitions, creating a more equitable environment for all Paralympic athletes.

    Include women with disabilities in stakeholder consultations. This can be done through partnerships with local organizations and women’s groups where women with disabilities take on leadership and decision-making roles. Mapping stakeholders supporting people with disabilities is crucial in creating awareness among all stakeholders and policymakers in sport on the needs of women athletes with disabilities.

    Ensuring that sports facilities are accessible and safe for women with disabilities. Sports facilities must be designed within the lens of gender and disability. This not only promotes physical health but also enhances social integration and economic opportunities for people with disabilities.

    Governments and development partners’ financial commitments to accessibility improvements are essential. For instance, prior to the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China invested over $150 million to make 14,000 facilities accessible across the country. Similarly, for the Rio 2016 Games, nearly $1 million was allocated to enhance access to major tourist attractions and sports arenas.

    Promoting media representation to change perceptions. Media coverage can significantly change societal perceptions. For example, UK’s Channel 4 won various awards for its coverage of the London 2012 Paralympics, which included presenters with disabilities.

    The channel spent $1.2 million searching for, recruiting, training and developing the skills of media professionals to ensure that half of the on-screen talent during the Games consisted of persons with disabilities. The channel’s “Meet the Superhumans” commercial combined powerful imagery of athletes with their extraordinary stories creating a compelling narrative that resonated widely and likely changed attitudes towards Paralympic sports.

    Encouraging women with disabilities to take up sports. Sport enables women with disabilities to develop social skills and independence. Families and carers can help foster the love for sport by initiating play and developing interest, which can also serve as a shared activity. Sport can also be a transformative tool for women to demonstrate their abilities, which can help reduce the longstanding negative perceptions and gender stereotypes associated with women with disabilities.

    By addressing these issues, we can create an environment where athletes like Vasi can thrive, inspiring future generations and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society in the Pacific.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Festive week: National Unity Day at the State University of Management

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The beginning of November in our country has been celebrated in an atmosphere of national unity for many centuries. The famous events of 1612 in Tsarist Russia were remembered on the day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, in the USSR the anniversary of the Great October Revolution was celebrated during these days, and since 2004 the new Russia has returned to celebrating the end of the Time of Troubles and the restoration of firm state power.

    Today this holiday is extremely relevant. The state and the people are uniting again in the face of external threats, moving together to achieve technological sovereignty and leadership, defending their own traditional values and showing other countries an example of a fair social order.

    The State University of Management congratulates all Russians on National Unity Day and wishes to live in harmony and mutual understanding, support each other regardless of nationality and religion, remember not only the glorious pages of our country’s history, but also the dark times that strengthened us and brought us to a new stage of development.

    This year, the State University of Management celebrates National Unity Day the entire work week after the holiday. As part of the Friendship Without Borders project, we will host the following events: — November 5 — Interethnic Sports Games in the Sports Complex (starts at 10:30); — November 6 — the Improvisation show in the atrium of the Information Technology Center (starts at 14:00); — November 7 — a discussion called Our Values in the Information Technology Center (room 211, starts at 15:00); — November 8 — Interuniversity Interethnic Game Guess the Melody in the atrium of the Information Technology Center (starts at 14:00).

    Students from Moscow universities are invited to participate in the events. Up-to-date information on registration for the events is posted on the project’s Telegram channel: https://t.me/drujbaguu.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 11/4/2024

    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 China: Mainland college students invited to visit Taiwan

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation announced Monday that it plans to invite 40 faculty members and students from seven mainland universities to visit the island, following a successful visit of mainland college students in 2023.
    The visit is scheduled to take place from Nov. 27 for nine days and eight nights, said Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the foundation, at a press conference, adding that the foundation will submit applications to relevant authorities and hopes for swift approval to facilitate the visit.
    The mainland students and teachers will be from Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhejiang University, Fujian Normal University and Beijing Sport University. The students will include Olympic champions, table tennis gold medalist Ma Long from Beijing Sport University, and shooting gold medalist Yang Qian from Tsinghua University, Hsiao said.
    They will visit six universities in Taiwan, including Taiwan University, Tsing Hua University in Hsinchu, Chengchi University, Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Chinese Culture University in Taiwan, and Chang Gung University, as well as the Taipei Municipal Zhongshan Girls High School, he said.
    The itinerary will also include visits to scenic spots such as Sun Moon Lake so that mainland students will have an in-depth understanding of Taiwan’s history and natural beauty. Additionally, the foundation will arrange baseball experience activities, allowing mainland students to engage firsthand with Taiwan’s popular baseball culture.
    This is the second such visit planned by the foundation. In 2023, faculty members and students from five mainland universities were warmly received across Taiwan, positively impacting cross-Strait relations.
    In 2023 and 2024, Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang, also led youth groups from Taiwan on visits to the mainland.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Amherd to travel to Budapest for fifth European Political Community Summit

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

    The fifth European Political Community (EPC) Summit will take place in Budapest on Thursday, 7 November. President Amherd will represent Switzerland at the meeting, which will be attended by representatives from around 45 European states, the institutions of the European Union (EU) and other organisations.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Asia+ Festival’s concerts by Kinan Azmeh fuses Arabic music with classical and jazz elements (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         This year’s Asia+ Festival has invited Kinan Azmeh, a core member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble and an award-winning clarinettist and composer, to perform in Hong Kong for the first time in November. He will be joined by percussionist John Hadfield and five emerging local musicians in a pair of concerts that showcase a broad range of music. The events are presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
     
         Born in Syria and now based in the United States, Azmeh is widely acclaimed for his genre-crossing repertoire that blends Arabic music with Western classical and jazz influences. His work has been hailed by The New York Times as “intensely soulful”, describing him as a “virtuoso”. In 2017, Silk Road Ensemble’s “Sing Me Home”, which he contributed to, won the Grammy Award for Best World Music Album. Within the album is his composition “Wedding”, in which he also appeared as a clarinettist.
     
         Azmeh has performed in many major venues around the world, such as the Bastille Opera House in Paris, Berliner Philharmonie in Berlin and the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In the upcoming Hong Kong concerts, he will perform four compositions of different styles, which will express emotions that are universally shared. “The Fence, the Rooftop and the Distant Sea” portrays the composer’s longing for his hometown, while “Ibn Arabi Postlude” exalts love and freedom, which he deems as sacred as religion. Another piece, “In the Element”, depicts Azmeh’s state of bliss as he becomes one with the natural environment he is familiar with. Lastly, “Suite for Improvisor and Orchestra” is his contemplation of the intriguing correlations between the composed and the improvised.
     
         Besides sharing the stage with Hadfield are the five local musicians, namely violinists Nina Wong and Sammi Chan, violist Martin Kuo, cellist Kelvin Lee, and double bassist Evette Chiu. Part of this programme was performed to critical acclaim for Azmeh’s collaboration with the London Philharmonic Orchestra in London Southbank Centre last year.
     
         “Concert by Kinan Azmeh” is one of the celebratory programmes of the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. It will be staged at 8pm on November 22 and 23 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Studio Theatre. Each performance will be followed by a meet-the-artist session. Tickets priced at $260 and $400 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288; or use the mobile ticketing app “URBTIX”. Besides the concert, a composition and improvisation workshop, with tickets priced at $200, will be held on November 20 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Administration Building’s Podium Workshop. Azmeh will also coach Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts students in a clarinet masterclass on November 21 at the Academy’s Recital Hall. Members of the audience are welcome to view the class for free. For more details, please visit asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/concert-by-kinan-azmeh.
     
         The second Asia+ Festival is running from September to November, highlighting the arts and cultures of nearly 30 Asian and Belt and Road countries and regions. Apart from stage programmes, there are also thematic exhibitions, an outdoor carnival, film screenings, outreach activities and more, numbering over 100 in total. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en.         

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dons player delivers refurbished football boots to Northfield Academy

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Aberdeen Football Club player Angus MacDonald and Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) visited pupils at Northfield Academy to deliver refurbished football boots on Thursday 31 October. The visit was a part of a CIF initiative called Re-Kicks that aims to provide ‘free kicks’ to budding young players in Aberdeen helping them to feel pitch ready.

    A call for old football boots was shared at the end of last season with a range of sizes being generously donated to the cause which were then sent to CIF to repair. The boots are cleaned and regenerated into match-ready pairs and sent back to organisations that are included in the initiative. Thanks to CIF, Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust received 50 pairs of boots to send out to partner schools.

    During his visit to the academy, Angus MacDonald got a chance to see the project in full swing with the Northfield pupils playing a football match. Following the football match, the pupils then had an opportunity to ask the centre-back about his footballing career. The questions ranged from childhood stories to experiencing the atmosphere at Aberdeen FC’s home, Pittodrie Stadium.

    Councillor Martin Greig, the Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “Research has shown that young people feel more confident when they are wearing the right kit, and the refurbished football boots will enable more young people at Northfield Academy to enjoy football. Who knows, it might even lead a pupil going on to become a future international footballer, like former Northfield Academy pupils Martin Boyle and Rachael Boyle (nee Small).”

    AFCCT is grateful for the opportunity from CIF to give the gift of football to partner schools with this Re-Kicks project. A huge thank you to CIF for their continued support on this initiative.

    To find out more information, contact AFCCT at: info@afcct.org 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –