Carlos Alcaraz battled from the brink of a first Grand Slam final loss to outlast Jannik Sinner in a French Open title clash for the ages on Sunday and keep his crown, cementing his status as the Prince of Clay in Roland Garros’ post-Rafa Nadal era.
In a scintillating showdown between the torch-bearers of a new generation, the 22-year-old saved three match points in the fourth set to win 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(10-2) and continue his dominance over Sinner with his fifth straight victory and end the Italian’s 20-match winning run at the majors.
Alcaraz showed his steely determination to win the epic in five hours and 29 minutes – the longest final at Roland Garros – and soaked up the roaring ovation from a thoroughly entertained Parisian crowd long used to 14-times champion Nadal’s reign.
“I’m just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament,” Alcaraz told Sinner after collecting the Musketeers’ Cup.
“I’m sure you’re going to be champion not once, but many times. It’s a privilege to share the court with you in every tournament, making history with you.”
Victory made him only the second man since tennis turned professional in 1968 to win all of his first five Grand Slam singles finals after Swiss great Roger Federer but Alcaraz was more enthralled with an achievement he shared with fellow Spaniard and 22-times major champion Nadal.
“The coincidence of winning my fifth Grand Slam at the same age as Nadal, that’s destiny,” Alcaraz told reporters.
“It’s a stat I’m going to keep forever … It’s a huge honour. Hopefully it’s not going to stop like this.”
Alcaraz and Sinner, who have lifted seven out of the last eight Grand Slams to stamp their authority in the men’s game, were locked in a fierce battle full of dramatic momentum shifts in the first major final between two men born in the 2000s.
Sunday’s five-hour-plus fiesta was the second-longest Grand Slam final in the Open Era and marked only the third time since 1968 that a player saved a match point en route to victory in a Grand Slam final.
Alcaraz matched Argentine Gaston Gaudio’s 2004 French Open feat and Serbian Novak Djokovic’s Wimbledon comeback in 2019.
Playing his first Grand Slam after serving a three-month ban after a doping case, top seed Sinner held serve in a tense five-deuce opening game lasting 12 minutes.
However, the 23-year-old was broken in the fifth game when he fired a forehand wide, before hitting back from 2-3 and going on to snatch an intense opening set following an unforced error by Alcaraz.
ON THE ROPES
Relentless pressure from the baseline allowed Sinner to go a break up early in the second set and the top seed began to apply the squeeze on Alcaraz, who was on the ropes trailing 1-4 on a sunbathed Court Philippe Chatrier.
An aggressive Alcaraz came out fighting and drew loud cheers when he drew level after 10 games and then forced a tiebreak but Sinner edged ahead with a blistering forehand winner and doubled his lead after the clock ticked past two hours.
Alcaraz, who had never come back from two sets down before, battled hard in the hope of avoiding heartbreak in a major final and pulled a set back before saving three match points at 3-5 down in the fourth, later restoring parity following the tiebreak.
He traded breaks in a high-quality decider but prevailed in the super tiebreak to become the third man to capture back-to-back Roland Garros titles this century after Nadal and Gustavo Kuerten.
“He was born to play these kind of moments,” said Alcaraz’s coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
“Every time we were in these situations, even when he was younger in the challengers … he always went for it.”
Sinner was left to digest how he let slip a golden chance to win claycourt’s blue riband event following hardcourt triumphs at the U.S. Open and Australian Open.
Alcaraz fell to the red dirt before Sinner went over to his side of the court to congratulate him and the Spaniard then ran to the heaving stands to hug his team and celebrate.
“CARLOS II, PRINCE OF CLAY,” the French Open posted on X.
Sinner had a contemplative look, sitting on his bench as his rival rejoiced, and was gracious in defeat when he congratulated him during the trophy ceremony.
“We tried our best today, we gave everything … an amazing tournament even though it’s very difficult now,” Sinner said.
“It’s a big privilege for me to play here … I won’t sleep very well tonight but it’s okay.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A French couple Tristan and Anouk Masselin visit Yuyuan Garden area in east China’s Shanghai, Feb. 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Driven by burgeoning inbound tourism and robust growth in the knowledge-intensive service sector, China’s trade in services registered swift expansion in the first four months of the year, underscoring the country’s efforts in fostering new growth drivers amid rising trade barriers, analysts said.
Although uncertainties still cloud tariff negotiations with the United States, China is committed to opening its door even wider and enhancing its global competitiveness to respond to intensifying protectionism, they added.
From January to April, China’s trade in services continued to grow at a relatively fast pace, with the total import and export value reaching 2.63 trillion yuan ($366 billion), a year-on-year increase of 8.2 percent, the Ministry of Commerce said in a news release on Friday.
China’s trade in knowledge-intensive services recorded a steady increase during this period, with total imports and exports reaching over 1 trillion yuan, up 5.5 percent year-on-year, the ministry said.
The export of travel services, in particular, grew 79.9 percent year-on-year during the first four months, recording the fastest growth among all subsectors, it added.
Expanding openness
The surge in the travel service sector is largely attributed to China’s unilateral visa exemption for citizens of 43 countries and its 144-hour visa-free transit policy for citizens from 54 countries. These measures have fostered a more convenient climate for foreign tourists coming to China, according to experts.
“China’s willingness to invite the world in demonstrates the nation’s commitment to expanding openness even when certain countries practice unilateralism,” said Chen Jianwei, a researcher at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.
In addition, the country recently upgraded its instant tax refund system for foreign visitors, which, coupled with its improved payment services, makes China an appealing destination for both travel and shopping.
While the US is attempting to reshape global supply chains through tariffs, China is taking a totally different approach, Chen said.
China has reduced the minimum purchase threshold for tax refunds to 200 yuan from 500 yuan as part of the nation’s broader efforts to strengthen the clout of its consumer market and, thereby, cement its position in global supply chains, he said.
“This will compel other countries and global companies to carefully weigh the costs of decoupling from China against the dividends of engaging with the Chinese market,” he added.
Meng Pu, chairman of Qualcomm China, said: “Amid China’s fast-growing trade in services, we not only see greater efficiency and innovative applications brought by technology, but also the tremendous potential for win-win cooperation. Technology can only unleash its maximum value within an open and collaborative ecosystem.”
Top negotiators from Beijing and Washington are scheduled to hold the first meeting of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism during Vice-Premier He Lifeng’s visit to the United Kingdom from Sunday to Friday.
The meeting will come after the two countries held economic and trade talks in May in Geneva, Switzerland, during which they agreed on a 90-day pause on triple-digit tariffs to allow further negotiations.
Zhao Jinping, vice-president of the China Association of Trade in Services, said that with the uncertain prospects of US tariffs on China’s trade in goods, it is crucial for China to tap into its trade in services as a means of buffering potential headwinds.
Looking ahead, China will push for the high-standard opening-up of its services trade by actively aligning with international high-standard economic and trade rules, and go ahead with the implementation of the negative list for cross-border trade in services, he added.
All-day comfort: Redesigned chassis is purpose-built to fit the hands like a real gamepad
Seamless software experience: New Xbox® software offers the best of Xbox and Windows PC gaming in one handheld
Efficiency and performance: Two new processors offer incredible AAA and indie gaming experiences
LOS ANGELES, June 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) is proud to announce an all-new series of Ally handhelds built from the ground up with improved ergonomics and a seamless player-first user experience.
Developed in partnership with the incredible team at Xbox, the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X offer best-in-class ergonomics and a full-screen Xbox experience that marries the best of Xbox and PC gaming in one cohesive package.
“We wanted to take our handheld to the next level, but we could not do it alone.” said Shawn Yen, Head of the Consumer product team at ASUS. “This revolutionary partnership with Microsoft allowed us to forge a brand new device with ROG muscle and the soul of Xbox.”
The ROG Xbox Ally sports an AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor with incredible power efficiency, while the ROG Xbox Ally X offers the new AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor for next-level gaming performance. Both launch holiday 2025 in select markets, with additional markets to follow.
All-day comfort
The ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X feature a completely redesigned chassis. Gaming on handheld is a very personal experience, and comfort in the hand is a key pillar of a well-designed device. With years of feedback on the original Ally and Ally X, the ROG Xbox Ally series offers a more comfortable grip than ever, inspired by Xbox. With a redesigned palm rest and texturing patterns to keep gamers locked on target, the ROG Xbox Ally series truly raises the bar for comfort with a handheld gaming device.
The ROG Xbox Ally X also features impulse triggers, improving the haptics in supported games. These triggers allow for more nuance and immersion and are a feature that Xbox gamers have come to expect with their controllers. These devices are the most comfortable and immersive handhelds ever built by ROG.
Seamless software experience
While the ROG Armoury Crate Special Edition software made the original Ally easy to use, ROG and Xbox aimed to make handheld gaming even more seamless on Windows 11. “We wanted to create an authentic Xbox experience in a handheld form factor,” explained Roanne Sones, CVP at Xbox. “With ROG, we made it happen on the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X.”
As soon as players power on the device, they enter the full screen Xbox experience. Powered by Windows 11 underneath, this software has been optimized for the ROG Xbox Ally, reducing system overhead and offering easy joystick and button navigation. Quick access to settings and customizable widgets are available via Game Bar with a single press of the Xbox button. But with the full freedom of Windows 11 running under the hood, games and mods from other sources are still easily accessible. The ROG Xbox Ally series offers the power of Xbox, the craftsmanship of ROG, and the versatility of Windows, all in one cohesive device.
Efficiency and performance
The ROG Xbox Ally X features the new top-of-stack AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor, giving it plenty of horsepower even in AAA games. Combined with software optimizations from the new Xbox experience, the ROG Xbox Ally X stands ready to provide gamers with next-gen handheld performance.
“Battery life is paramount on handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X,” said Jack Huynh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of AMD. “The Ryzen Z2 series improves efficiency over the previous generation while still offering excellent performance in modern games.”
The ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance with its AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor. At the same time, its ultra-efficient design at low wattages and its 60Wh battery produce improved battery life. Meanwhile, the ROG Xbox Ally X takes performance to greater heights, offering more room for graphical fidelity at higher framerates with the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor.
Both chips are primed to take full advantage of AMD’s latest software suite for graphics and performance improvements, including AMD FidelityFX™ Super Resolution (FSR), Radeon Super Resolution (RSR), and AMD Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) frame generation, the latter of which can offer better framerates for improved smoothness.
In a nod to the future, the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme-equipped ROG Xbox Ally X features an NPU. With these next-generation chips, the ROG Xbox Ally X will be ready to power the latest AI features as they are introduced.
At launch this holiday, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will be available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with availability to follow for other markets where ROG Ally series products are sold today.
Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort, complete with impulse triggers for enhanced control
ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R impulse triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU
1x USB4® with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt™ 4 compatible
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C® with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0
1x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode)
1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
Battery
80Wh
Dimensions
290.8 (W) x 121.5 (D) x 50.7 (H) mm
Weight
715 grams
Included
ROG Xbox Ally X
65W charger
Stand
ROG Xbox Ally (2025)
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Comfort & input
Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort
ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R Hall Effect analog triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU
Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, system components, laptops, desktops, monitors, smartphones, audio equipment, routers, peripherals and accessories. ROG participates in and sponsors major international gaming events. ROG gear has been used to set hundreds of overclocking records and it continues to be the preferred choice of gamers and enthusiasts around the world. To become one of those who dare, learn more about ROG at http://rog.asus.com.
Geneva, Switzerland, 6 June 2025 – Recent analysis by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reveals significant gaps remain in early warning coverage globally, with many government alerts lacking clear instructions or multilingual accessibility. Risk communication serves as the bridge between detecting threats and taking protective action-when messages fail to resonate with audiences in a way that leads to action, even the most advanced early warning systems may not be effective.
“Countries must look beyond technology alone. We must strengthen the weakest links in the early warning chain – between systems and people, between warning and response, and between authority and trust” said Kamal Kishore.
This call to strengthen communication systems was echoed throughout the Global Platform sessions.
Risk Communication Gains Prominence
Recognition of communication’s essential role was evident throughout this year’s Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, which featured an increased focus on risk communication across multiple sessions and events. The conference included its first dedicated thematic session centered on risk communication, signaling the international community’s growing understanding that effective communication is fundamental to disaster risk reduction.
A key focus emerged around strengthening the Early Warnings for All initiative, which aims to ensure no one is left vulnerable during disasters. Sessions like, “Bridging the Gap: Critical Media’s Role in Strengthening Alerts and Enhancing Disaster Preparedness,” highlighted a stark reality: when disasters strike, people often rely on local radio, television, or community messaging groups like WhatsApp for information, rather than formal government alert systems alone. This recognition drove discussions about media’s role not merely as a projector of warnings, but as a trusted intermediary between experts and the public.
Sessions explored how to develop clear, accessible, and inclusive communication frameworks that address accessibility gaps and ensure technical systems reach last-mile communities. The focus on media partnerships reflects the urgent need to strengthen coordination between media, governments, and disaster risk reduction agencies for more effective messaging, while investing in inclusive communication approaches including sign language, Braille, and audio alerts.
“Media has an absolutely critical role in this whole process,” said Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. “This is not just a technical problem which scientists do. This is something which has to be conveyed to the general public in an easily understandable, usable, actionable way and that is something that media does much better than any scientist could do.”
Innovation on the Ignite Stage
Throughout the Global Platform, the Ignite Stage showcased cutting-edge approaches to risk communication that exemplified the shift toward more engaging, accessible, and community-centered messaging. These brief but impactful presentations demonstrated how creativity and technology can transform how disaster risk information reaches and resonates with diverse audiences.
Presentations included virtual reality classrooms for disaster and climate education, offering immersive learning experiences that help students understand hazards in ways traditional textbooks cannot. Creative risk communication initiatives honored the legacy of Pablo Suarez, a pioneer in using games and creativity for disaster preparedness, while sessions on “serious fun” explored how to communicate risks through engaging formats.
These presentations reinforced that effective risk communication must move beyond technical messaging to content and formats that capture attention, engage emotions, and inspire action.
Shifting Communication Approaches
Panelists at the first dedicated thematic session on risk communication at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. Souce: Antoine Tardy/UNDRR
“You can’t logic people into preparedness. You have to move them. We’re losing people’s attention and in a disaster, attention is everything. So let’s get creative let’s use formats people already love,” said Barrise Griffin, Youth Delegate and DRR expert from the Bahamas.
A fundamental finding emerged: while new technologies offer greater opportunities for communities to connect and self-organize, the most vulnerable groups-young persons, persons with disabilities, migrants, displaced persons, and indigenous communities-are often forgotten in risk communication efforts.
Session panelists emphasized the need to move beyond one-way messaging toward genuine dialogue where communities become partners rather than passive recipients. Speakers showcased innovative approaches that prioritize human connection alongside technological advancement, from survivor storytelling projects that build awareness through lived experience to platforms that translate technical forecasts into local languages and cultural contexts.
Creating Trust Through Community Partnership
Youth advocates meet with Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. Source: Antoine Tardy/UNDRR
The various sessions revealed trust and localisation as fundamental infrastructure for effective risk communication-without them, even the most advanced warning systems can fail to motivate protective action. Trust must be built through consistent engagement with communities, using local messengers and voices that people can relate to and believe.
This insight connects directly to the challenge of misinformation and disinformation, which was identified as growing threats amplified by social media. Building resilience against misinformation and disinformation requires establishing trusted communication pathways before disasters strike, creating relationships that can withstand the information overload that often accompanies emergencies.
Rather than viewing populations as passive recipients of warnings, these sessions emphasized the need to position communities as active partners with valuable knowledge, experiences, and capabilities. When people feel heard and involved in risk conversations, they develop greater agency to assess their situations and take protective action.
Effective risk communication must go beyond translation to cultural adaptation, incorporating local culture, languages, music, and trusted community voices. This ensures that risk information not only reaches communities but resonates with their lived experiences and decision-making processes. Several examples demonstrated this principle in action: platforms that contextualize weather forecasts into local languages, child-centered preparedness programs that build lasting cultures of safety, and community-based approaches that integrate traditional knowledge with modern early warning systems.
The emphasis on localisation extends to involving communities in designing the systems themselves, particularly ensuring that persons with disabilities help create accessible early warning approaches that address their specific needs and experiences.
“Trust is the most powerful infrastructure in disaster preparedness because building the trust takes time, consistency and humility but without it even the best systems can fail,” said Dr. Nairwita Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Professor and Winner of WIN DRR Award 2024 from Haringhata Mahavidyalaya, India, during the thematic session on risk communication and education.
Building Resilient Communication Systems
As the Global Platform comes to an end, the focus on risk communication signals recognition of communication as critical infrastructure for disaster resilience. The discussions demonstrate that effective early warning requires not just detecting hazards and issuing alerts, but building the social foundation that enables communities to receive, understand, and act on risk information.
The path forward requires sustained investment in inclusive communication approaches that prioritize trust-building, community engagement, and accessible design. It demands moving beyond traditional top-down warning systems to embrace dialogue-based approaches that respect local knowledge while leveraging technological innovation responsibly.
When hazards threaten, everyone deserves clear, actionable information delivered through trusted channels in ways that resonate with them and empower their response. The Global Platform’s elevation of risk communication marks a crucial step toward making that vision reality.
Geneva, Switzerland, 6 June 2025 – The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 placed inclusion at the center of building resilient communities, with an intentional focus on ensuring that disaster risk reduction strategies address the needs of women, persons with disabilities, and other most at-risk groups. Throughout the five-day gathering, delegates, practitioners, and community leaders demonstrated that resilience can only be achieved when no one is left behind.
The platform’s second key theme, “Prioritizing gender equality, accessibility and inclusion to leave no one behind,” resonated across preparatory days, formal sessions, learning labs, and side events, reinforcing that while disasters affect everyone, they disproportionately impact certain groups including women, persons with disabilities, and older persons, and when these groups are empowered to lead risk reduction efforts we all benefit.
Breaking Barriers and Building Commitment
The RISK Award Ceremony 2025 highlighted how inclusion drives innovation in disaster risk reduction. ChildFund International won the €100,000 award for empowering indigenous children and youths in Bolivia’s Chiquitano Nation to lead emergency preparedness by combining ancestral knowledge with modern technology.
“The Risk Award is an honour to ChildFund in Bolivia, its partners but, most importantly, to the Chuiquitano People, who will bridge their ancestral indigenous wisdom with new technologies to empower children to get on the frontline of Disaster Risk Reduction,” said Ms. Ximena Loza, Country Director for Bolivia.
The Global Platform’s Gender Pledge Wall became a powerful symbol of commitment, with 165 pledges from participants, including 34 from Governments, including the making concrete pledges to advance gender equality in their disaster risk reduction work. The pledges ranged from policy commitments to grassroots initiatives, creating a commitment of action spanning all levels of society.
“I strongly believe our solutions must be gender-responsive. If we listen, engage, and invest in what works for women, we can build solutions that work for everyone,” emphasized Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The Inclusion Hub served as a central gathering space fostering dialogue between persons with disabilities, women leaders, and policymakers. With 147 persons with disabilities registered for the Global Platformand nearly 500 participants expressing interest in disability inclusion in disaster risk reduction, the event demonstrated significant engagement from the disability community and allies affiliated with the disability stakeholder group.
Inclusion Hub sessions covered critical areas including inclusive disaster risk governance for effective risk management, gender-responsive and socially inclusive understanding of disaster risk, risk-informed development approaches, and financing gender-responsive and socially inclusive resilience building. These discussions demonstrated the platform’s commitment to not just talking about inclusion but creating it in practice.
Integrating Inclusion Throughout the Platform
Inclusion was integrated throughout the Global Platform, from technical sessions on early warning systems to informal discussions on community preparedness. This represented a fundamental shift in how the disaster risk reduction community approaches resilience building, moving beyond treating inclusion as a separate topic to integrating it into every conversation.
Whether discussing early warning systems, risk communication, or preparedness planning, speakers consistently emphasized that effective solutions must be designed with and for the most marginalized. The platform revealed how inclusion manifests differently across various disaster risk reduction challenges. In early warning systems, it means ensuring alerts reach everyone through accessible formats and trusted community channels. In risk assessment, it requires disaggregated data that captures how different groups experience hazards. In preparedness planning, it demands meaningful participation from women, persons with disabilities, older persons, and indigenous communities as leaders and decision-makers, not merely as beneficiaries.
A key message is that communities who have been excluded from DRR governance possess critical knowledge and capabilities that benefit us all. Indigenous forecasting methods, women’s community networks, and disability advocates’ understanding of accessibility barriers emerged as essential resources for building resilient societies. Sessions highlighted successful examples where traditional wisdom enhanced modern early warning systems and where community-led initiatives achieved stronger outcomes.
The conversations also confronted persistent gaps honestly. Despite years of commitments, persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in accessing disaster services, women remain underrepresented in disaster risk reduction leadership, and intersectional vulnerabilities-such as those faced by adolescent girls with disabilities-often remain invisible to planners and responders.
A Special Session on Progress Implementing The Gender Action Plan to Support Implementation of the Sendai Framework (Sendai GAP) highlighted progress that has been made over the past year since the Sendai GAP was launched. Success stories highlighted the impact that gender-responsive disaster risk reduction has had across diverse stakeholders, from disaggregated data informing budget allocations in Burundi, to how the Sendai GAP implementation tools have supported Kiribati; how women leadership has expanded across Mali, to how the transgender community in Pakistan has worked with provincial government to ensure inclusive disaster risk reduction is inclusive of all.
Looking Ahead
As the Global Platform concluded, the message was clear: inclusion is not an add-on to disaster risk reduction-it is fundamental to its success. The path forward requires strengthening data collection to better understand how disasters affect different groups while scaling successful models like community-based early warning systems that integrate traditional knowledge and ensure accessibility for all.
Equally important is investing in leadership development for women, persons with disabilities, and most at-risk communities to take central roles in disaster risk reduction planning and implementation. This shift demands embedding inclusion requirements into national and local disaster risk reduction strategies with dedicated resources and accountability mechanisms, while leveraging innovation to develop accessible early warning systems and preparedness resources that serve everyone effectively.
The Global Platform 2025 demonstrated that when inclusion guides disaster risk reduction efforts, communities become stronger and more resilient. As climate change continues to intensify disaster risks, the imperative to leave no one behind has never been more urgent-or more achievable.
The outcomes from Global Platform 2025 will inform the midterm review of the Sendai Framework implementation, ensuring that inclusion remains central to global disaster risk reduction efforts through 2030 and beyond.
Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun attended the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, over the past few days.
At the conference, he met participants and officials from around the world, and took the opportunity to brief them on developments in Hong Kong’s labour market and economy.
Mr Sun yesterday attended the ILC’s plenary session, during which he listened to a speech delivered by Vice Minister of Human Resources & Social Security Wu Xiuzhang, on a report by the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) titled “Jobs, Rights and Growth: Reinforcing the Connection”.
He also attended committee meetings and held bilateral meetings with senior ILO officials and leading figures from other international organisations to discuss issues including the application of international labour standards, social security, occupational health and safety, labour relations, and the platform economy.
He also engaged with them in presenting the latest situation in Hong Kong and held constructive exchanges on deepening collaboration.
In addition, Mr Sun and the delegation exchanged views with senior Mainland officials including Mr Wu and Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland Chen Xu.
Mr Sun spoke to government, employer and employee representatives from the People’s Republic of China delegation about matters including enhancing labour rights protection and strengthening the regulation of trade unions to safeguard national security. Mr Sun thanked the central government for its unfailing support to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.
Mr Sun was due to depart for Munich, Germany, today to meet local entrepreneurs and talent there.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Buildings are shrouded in smoke from wildfire in Toronto, Canada, on June 6, 2025. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)
Smoke from wildfires burning in northern Ontario and the Prairies of Canada caused poor air quality and reduced visibility in major cities including Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal on Friday.
Environment Canada issued special air quality statements for these areas on Friday, warning that people most likely to suffer health effects from air pollution should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
Environment Canada’s David Phillips said on CTV News that as wildfires ramp up across the country, air quality is deteriorating.
“What we’ve seen this week, of course, in Ontario is a lot of that smoke from fires has come south,” Phillips said.
“Only a few see the flames but millions smell the smoke,” he said.
According to data from Swiss air quality tracker IQAir, Toronto’s air quality was ranked the second worst in the world Friday afternoon.
June 6, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
Joint donor statement condemning attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers in Sudan by the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the attack on a humanitarian convoy of 15 trucks from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Al Koma, North Darfur, on the night of 2 June, which resulted in the death of five members of the convoy and injuring several others. Four of the 15 trucks in the convoy were destroyed in the attack and five more sustained partial damage. These trucks were carrying about 100 metric tons of essential nutrition, health, education, and WASH supplies, intended to support children and families in El Fasher town.
“The deliberate targeting of humanitarian personnel is a violation of international law. Civilians and humanitarian workers must not be targeted by parties to the armed conflict. We urge all parties to allow civilians to safely exit areas with ongoing hostilities, and to guarantee immediate, unconditional, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to deliver assistance to those in urgent need throughout Sudan.
“We repeat our call to the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces and their militias to immediately cease hostilities and uphold their obligations towards international humanitarian law, which includes the obligation to protect civilians and civilian objects – as also reiterated in the UN Security Council resolution 2730 (2024). Once again, we stress the civilian character of humanitarian agencies, the neutral and impartial nature of their life-saving operations, and the “need for them to operate across all of Sudan, regardless of area of control.
“This attack represents yet another deadly and unacceptable attack on civilians and humanitarian workers since the beginning of this armed conflict two years ago, in blatant disregard of international humanitarian law. We remind the parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and their assets.
“Last April, the international community strongly condemned the attacks on Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps which resulted in the killing of hundreds of civilians and at least 12 aid workers. Just last week, a hospital was targeted in El Obeid, North Kordofan. On several occasions, UN and NGOs offices throughout the country have been directly hit, including WFP’s office in El Fasher only last week. These are just some of the many attacks over the past two years targeting civilians, aid workers and facilities, hospitals, and critical civilian infrastructure, which constitute direct violations of international humanitarian law.
“We deplore all loss of civilian life resulting from acts of war throughout this conflict. The continuous attacks on humanitarian aid workers cannot be normalised. These serious and continued violations of international humanitarian law committed by the warring parties are unacceptable and must cease immediately.
“We support the UN Secretary General’s call for an immediate and independent investigation into this attack and accountability of the perpetrators.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed and those who have been injured while working to deliver humanitarian assistance under extremely dangerous conditions.”
Joint statement on attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers in Sudan
Joint statement from the UK and 29 other donor countries on attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers in Sudan.
Joint donor statement condemning attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers in Sudan by the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the attack on a humanitarian convoy of 15 trucks from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Al Koma, North Darfur, on the night of 2 June, which resulted in the death of five members of the convoy and injuring several others. Four of the 15 trucks in the convoy were destroyed in the attack and five more sustained partial damage. These trucks were carrying about 100 metric tons of essential nutrition, health, education, and WASH supplies, intended to support children and families in El Fasher town.
The deliberate targeting of humanitarian personnel is a violation of international law. Civilians and humanitarian workers must not be targeted by parties to the armed conflict. We urge all parties to allow civilians to safely exit areas with ongoing hostilities, and to guarantee immediate, unconditional, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to deliver assistance to those in urgent need throughout Sudan.
We repeat our call to the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces and their militias to immediately cease hostilities and uphold their obligations towards international humanitarian law, which includes the obligation to protect civilians and civilian objects – as also reiterated in the UN Security Council resolution 2730 (2024). Once again, we stress the civilian character of humanitarian agencies, the neutral and impartial nature of their life-saving operations, and the need for them to operate across all of Sudan, regardless of area of control.
This attack represents yet another deadly and unacceptable attack on civilians and humanitarian workers since the beginning of this armed conflict two years ago, in blatant disregard of international humanitarian law. We remind the parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and their assets.
Last April, the international community strongly condemned the attacks on Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps which resulted in the killing of hundreds of civilians and at least 12 aid workers. Just last week, a hospital was targeted in El Obeid, North Kordofan. On several occasions, UN and NGOs offices throughout the country have been directly hit, including WFP’s office in El Fasher only last week. These are just some of the many attacks over the past two years targeting civilians, aid workers and facilities, hospitals, and critical civilian infrastructure, which constitute direct violations of international humanitarian law.
We deplore all loss of civilian life resulting from acts of war throughout this conflict. The continuous attacks on humanitarian aid workers cannot be normalised. These serious and continued violations of international humanitarian law committed by the warring parties are unacceptable and must cease immediately.
We support the UN Secretary General’s call for an immediate and independent investigation into this attack and accountability of the perpetrators.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed and those who have been injured while working to deliver humanitarian assistance under extremely dangerous conditions.”
The decision paves the way for broader digital asset adoption in the UK
London, 6 June 2025 – 21Shares, one of the world’s leading issuers of cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs) and the first to list crypto ETNs on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), welcomes the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) announcement today proposing to lift the ban on offering crypto exchange-traded notes (cETNs) to UK retail investors.
The proposal aims to support innovation and competitiveness in the UK’s digital asset sector while ensuring robust investor protection. Crypto ETNs are already widely accessible to retail investors in other major jurisdictions across Europe, and this change would bring the UK into alignment with global best practice.
“This is a landmark moment for the UK digital asset market,” said Russell Barlow, CEO of 21Shares. “We fully support the FCA’s move to provide regulated access to crypto ETNs for retail investors. Retail investors in the UK deserve cost effective, efficient and regulated access to the digital asset economy. This consultation represents real progress towards that goal and affirms the FCA’s commitment to balancing innovation with investor protection as well as the UK’s position as a leading global financial centre.”
In 2024, 21Shares listed the first physically-backed crypto ETNs on the London Stock Exchange, providing professional investors in the UK with regulated access to digital assets. Today’s announcement, which marks a reversal of the FCA’s initial 2021 ban on retail access to crypto derivatives and ETNs, paves the way for retail investors to participate via the same trusted, transparent instruments.
21Shares looks forward to engaging constructively with the FCA and market stakeholders throughout the consultation process. The firm stands ready to support the expansion of regulated crypto access to retail investors with its comprehensive suite of physically backed ETPs, which includes exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Notes to editors
About 21Shares
21Shares is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange traded product providers and offers the largest suite of crypto ETPs in the market. The company was founded to make cryptocurrency more accessible to investors, and to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. 21Shares listed the world’s first physically-backed crypto ETP in 2018, building a seven-year track record of creating crypto exchange-traded funds that are listed on some of the biggest, most liquid securities exchanges globally. Backed by a specialized research team, proprietary technology, and deep capital markets expertise, 21Shares delivers innovative, simple and cost-efficient investment solutions.
21Shares is a member of 21.co, a global leader in decentralized finance. For more information, please visit www.21Shares.com
This document is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of 21Shares AG in any jurisdiction. Neither this document nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever or for any other purpose in any jurisdiction. Nothing in this document should be considered investment advice.
This document and the information contained herein are not for distribution in or into (directly or indirectly) the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful.
This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. The securities of 21Shares AG to which these materials relate have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will not be a public offering of securities in the United States. Neither the US Securities and Exchange Commission nor any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States has approved or disapproved of an investment in the securities or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this presentation. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.
Within the United Kingdom, this document is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (i) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”); or (iii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Order, including existing members and creditors of the Company or (iv) any other persons to whom this document can be lawfully distributed in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.
Exclusively for potential investors in any EEA Member State that has implemented the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) is made available on the Issuer’s website underwww.21Shares.com.
The approval of the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) should not be understood as an endorsement by the SFSA of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market. Eligible potential investors should read the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) and the relevant Final Terms before making an investment decision in order to understand the potential risks associated with the decision to invest in the securities. You are about to purchase a product that is not simple and may be difficult to understand.
This document constitutes advertisement within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and the Swiss Financial Services Act (the “FinSA”) and not a prospectus. The 2024 Base Prospectus of 21Shares AG has been deposited pursuant to article 54(2) FinSA with BX Swiss AG in its function as Swiss prospectus review body within the meaning of article 52 FinSA. The 2024 Base Prospectus and the key information document for any products may be obtained at 21Shares AG’s website (https://21shares.com/ir/prospectusorhttps://21shares.com/ir/kids).
This report is provided by Earth Negotiations Bulletin/International Institute for Sustainable Development. View the original reporthere.
Finance is critical to implementation of the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), but investments have not kept pace with rising demands, and aid budgets are shrinking worldwide. In many sessions through the day, delegates focused attention on financing a wide range of needs, including school safety, measures to deal with extreme heat, and nature-based solutions (NbS).
High-level dialogue
What will it take to scale DRR financing solutions at the national and local level?
Journalist Mayowa Adegoke moderated the session.
Stine Renate Håheim, State Secretary to Minister of International Development, Norway, emphasized DRR financing as a high priority, saying, “it is better to prevent than repair afterwards.” She noted that one in three people globally-most in cities or highly vulnerable areas-are not covered by Early Warning Systems (EWS).
Hans Sy, CEO, SM Prime Holdings, explained his company’s investment in resilient building construction, such as building on concrete pillars to allow free flow of floodwaters. He stressed that risk-informed decisions based on science and technology “makes good business sense.”
Fatima Yasmin, Asian Development Bank (ADB), said the Bank regards DRR as a critical priority investment, particularly through supporting policy making, planning, advising on innovative investments, and incentivizing preparedness. On scaling DRR investments, she said financing should be fast, flexible and forward-looking.
Rob Wesseling, CEO, Co-operators Group, said no path to net zero emissions is possible without investment in both prevention and recovery. He encouraged governments to utilize the risk information gathered by insurance companies over decades to assist with decision making.
On mobilizing private sector investment, Velenkosini Fiki Hlabisa, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, South Africa, stressed that every cent invested in resilience and preparedness saves lives and livelihoods.
View of the panel during the Multi-Stakeholder Plenary. Source: IISD/ENB | Anastasia Rodopoulou.
Ministerial roundtable
Inclusive comprehensive school safety-strengthening resilience for children and youth in all hazards
The event, which convened 36 ministries, was co-chaired by Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head, UNDRR, and Paul Steffen, Deputy Director, Federal Office for the Environment, Switzerland.
In opening remarks, Kishore encouraged delegates to endorse the Comprehensive School Safety Framework 2017 (CSSF), noting only 80 countries have done so, and for countries to make schools heat-resilient.
On school safety policies, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Mongolia, Pakistan, and Saint Lucia recognized the CSSF. Portugal highlighted its DRR working group on children and youth. Brunei Darussalam, Kenya, and Portugal recognized the fundamental rights of children to safe school environments. Colombia highlighted its Law on Teaching for Sustainability, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management. Republic of Korea described its 2020 Child Safety Management Act.
Many countries identified education programming as fundamental to reducing risk and developing children as agents of change in their homes and communities. Malaysia, Uganda, Russia, Algeria and others described homegrown examples of such programmes, for example, student leadership groups and First Aid skills training.
Leaders from around the globe express their shared commitment to making schools safer and more resilient to disasters. Source: IISD/ENB | Anastasia Rodopoulou.
Several countries, including Greece, Kenya and Cuba, recognized the importance of social support to children experiencing disaster and loss, and the ensuing mental and emotional health impacts. The Holy See flagged the need for spiritual care of those “who have seen whole lives swept away.”
Most countries discussed sustainable and resilient school infrastructure, including standards for new or retrofitted buildings. Belgium, Republic of Moldova, and Singapore highlighted energy efficiency and climate resilience. On heat stress in schools, Singapore flagged cooling strategies and energy-efficient fans. Tunisia described its sustainable school network that integrates climate change, disaster risk, and biodiversity objectives. Spain said new schools need to be “climate shelters.” Bangladesh noted the construction of more than 5,000 cyclone-resistant schools.
Multistakeholder plenary
Investments in reducing risk and building resilience to accelerate investments in sustainable development
Kishore introduced the session, which was co-chaired by Paul Steffen, Federal Office for the Environment, Switzerland, and Paola Albrito, UNDRR. Kishore noted less than 1% of national budgets is allocated to DRR.
Countries presented their national commitments, such as Australia’s Disaster-Ready Fund, which is providing up to AUD 1 billion (USD 648 million) over five years for locally-identified needs, and Switzerland’s DRR commitment of more than CHF 2 billion (USD 2.5 billion) annually. Many expressed appreciation for international support, including for Moldova’s local adaptation plans in 38 communities, and Samoa’s community-based disaster risk management activities. Peru highlighted its introduction of budget flexibility for regional and local authorities, enabling rapid response to imminent hazards.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) reported that only 3% of all development assistance is allocated to agricultural DRR measures, even while these deliver significant returns in ensuring food security. Swiss Re highlighted the role of insurance in informing risk and mitigation measures, noting the availaility of parametric insurance, for example, against extreme heat events and flooding. The Resilience Action Fund showcased the work of the International Finance Corporation in developing the Building Resilience Index as a world-first metric for assessing the safety and risk of buildings for insurers and construction developers. The Latin America and the Caribbean Development Bank (CAF), India, and the UK welcomed innovative initiatives, such as a new center on extreme events, establishment of risk pools, and the use of AI to identify flood threats.
Delegates affirmed regional solidarity, demonstrated in Tunisia’s hosting of the Africa-Arab Platform for DRR in 2023, and Iran’s hosting of three regional organizations, including a Regional Center for Urban Water Management. Albania welcomed its responsibilities under the EU Civil Protection Code for cooperation among EU countries and other partners, which, he noted, enables access to advanced DRR solutions.
The International Organization for Migration highlighted its 2024 launch of Climate Mobility Innovation Labs for the Africa and Asia regions to develop solutions to climate-related mobility.
Steffen urged all present to accelerate investment in DRR, and to engage the private sector as key partners.
Moderator, Juli Trtanj, Co-Chair, Gobal Heat Health Information Network, opened the session. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), called heat a “silent killer” because it is the least managed of all climate hazards. She said 50% of countries have heat warning systems in place but only 26 have dedicated Heat Health EWS. She identified three priorities: integrating heat risk into climate and DRR governance, heat EWS, and implementation using risk information and data.
In his keynote, Pramod Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, India, said heat threatened public health, economic stability, and the ecological resilience of cities and communities. He underscored UNDRR’s Common Framework on Extreme Heat Risk Governance and drew attention to India’s national guidelines on heat wave management, which decentralized more than 250 heat action plans in 23 states. He called for scaling hospital and primary health care preparedness and resilience and noted India is adopting a long-term heat wave mitigation strategy, including roof-cooling technologies, passive cooling centers, revival of traditional water bodies, and improved thermal comfort and livability of informal settlements.
In a panel discussion, Benoît Faraco, Ambassador, Climate Negotiations for Decarbonized Energies and for the Prevention of Climate Risks, France, urged being modest since we are still discovering impacts and avoiding maladaptation. Ousmane Ndiaye, Director General, African Center for Meteorological Application for Development, stressed the links between heat waves, energy crises, and health care demand. Rosa Galvez, Senator, Canada, spoke about lived experience saying, “We cannot adapt forever – we must work on the causes.” Jagan Chapagain, Secretary-General, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), said extreme heat is a humanitarian crisis. On involving the financial sector, Mia Seppo, Assistant Director General, International Labour Organization, discussed climate risk insurance, just transition principles, and access to essential services. Mishra advised that industry protect labor from heat risk.
Source: IISD/ENB | Anastasia Rodopoulou.
Special session
Comprehensive approaches to reduce loss and damage-bridging climate action and DRR
Fatou Jeng, Former Climate Advisor to the UN Secretary-General and Member of the Early Warnings for All Advisory Panel, moderated the session.
Ralph Regenvanu, Minister for Climate Change, Adaptation, Meteorology and Geo Hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management, Vanuatu, appreciated the support from the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) and the Santiago Network, which combined forces to launch the inaugural integrated loss and damage and DRR initiative in Vanuatu.
Kishore noted that, while many DRR practices are now in place, these need to be updated to deal with climate system changes and the associated risks, uncertainty, and volatility.
Benoît Faraco, argued that the distinction between loss and damage, and DRR, is theoretical, and remains irrelevant to people on the ground who want response, prevention, action, and solidarity to alleviate their situation.
Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, Executive Director, FRLD, emphasized the need to look at how interventions can be most impactful, stressing that solutions must be country-led, and recognize Indigenous groups and civil society participants. He expressed awareness that the FRLD must be “nimble, accessible, flexible and built on partnerships, always ensuring no one is left behind.”
Carolina Fuentes Castellanos, Director, Santiago Network Secretariat, elaborated on how the network is supporting countries to accelerate loss and damage, using Vanuatu’s experience to demonstrate how the Network can accelerate fund distribution and support with bold and transformative support.
Jagan Chapagain, Secretary-General, IFRC, cautioned that the terms loss and damage represent different meanings to communities, but the bottom line is to ensure the funds really reach the local level.
Thematic Sessions
Catalyzing governance solutions for disaster and climate-related displacement
Irwin Loy, The New Humanitarian, moderated this session.
John Mussington, activist and displaced person, Antigua & Barbuda, described his work of founding the community network, Stronger Caribbean Together, with others displaced by “disaster capitalism”, as storm-damaged sites are cleared for tourism development.
Sakiasi Ditoka, Minister of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Fiji, highlighted the 2023 Pacific Regional Mobility Framework and Fiji’s own planned relocation guidelines.
Zahra Abdi Mohamed, Director-General, National Center for Rural Development and Durable Solutions, Somalia, described Somalia’s National Transformation Plan that prioritizes anticipatory action and climate-smart livelihoods, responding to the needs of long-term displaced communities.
Fatimah Zannah Mustapha, community representative, Nigeria, called for centering the voices of local women in decision making by removing barriers, “whether digital, linguistic, or cultural.” Claudinne Ogaldes Cruz, Executive Secretary, National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED), Guatemala, noted that many Guatemalan households are women-led and have the knowledge to inform decision making.
Robert Piper, former UN Secretary-General’s Advisor on Solutions to Internal Displacement, said line ministries responsible for decisions on land use and building codes-“those who are responsible for dealing with the failure to prevent”-must become deeply involved in the governance of disaster displacement.
Leveraging Values of Nature for Resilience: Moderated by Cecilia Aipira, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the session addressed the role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in DRR.
In his keynote, Mohammed-Yahya Lafdal, General Director, National Environment and Coastline Observatory, Mauritania, highlighted the increase in tree cover through reforestation and restoration, taking into account Indigenous knowledge and solutions, and the development of barrier systems for water distribution and management in desert areas. He emphasized how addressing land degradation and rehabilitation has been Mauritania’s best solution for increasing resilience.
Rodrigo Hernández Escobar, Representative of the Latin American and Caribbean Indigenous Knowledge & DRR Network, highlighted political will and respect for Indigenous cosmovision and territories as key elements for leveraging traditional knowledge into programmes supporting NbS. Isaac Luwaga Mugumbule, Head of Landscaping, Kampala Capital City Authority, Uganda, stated that NbS are context-specific and require community involvement to be sustained.
Professor Satoru Nishikawa, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), stressed the need for scientific numerical quantification, analysis, and testing on the strengths and durability of NbS. Swenja Surminski, London School of Economics, noting that NbS “are not silver bullets,” stressed the need to work with nature, drawing attention to NbS co-benefits. Oliver Schelske, Swiss Re Institute, noting the absence of standardized values for nature, emphasized that even if “not everything is insurable,” investing in nature makes sense from an insurance perspective, as it reduces risks to the asset being insured.
On the prerequisites for NbS to be viable, speakers mentioned common sense, co-benefit considerations, identifying the number of protected lives, and conducting independent auditing.
Thematic Sessions as visual summaries capturing key messages and insights. Source: IISD/ENB | Anastasia Rodopoulou.
Side event
Inclusive comprehensive school safety—Strengthening resilience for children and youth in all hazards
This side event, organized and facilitated by the Global Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the Education Sector (GADRRRES), showcased school safety and resilience programmes from Central Asia, the Pacific region and the Caribbean.
Anja Nielsen, Co-Chair, GADRRRES, gave an overview of CSSF, noting the all-hazards, all-risks approach that includes environmental, climate change, and biological health risks, technical threats, and other everyday risks. She elaborated on the global school safety survey, representing 350 million school-aged children, and highlighted, among other concerns, that significant infrastructure investment is needed to better protect children and teachers from natural hazards, with most suffering from funding constraints.
Education administrators from Saint Lucia, Tonga, and Kyrgyzstan described CSSF activities and outcomes from their regions, and emphasized: involving the children actively in school safety is a game changer; collaboration is the essence of resilience, requiring whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches; and building capacity at all levels, particularly teachers, for comprehensive school safety is key.
IISD’s summary
The summary report of the meeting will be available on Monday, 9 June 2025, here.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
OSCE Secretary General’s presentation of the 2026 Programme Outline: UK statement
Ambassador Holland thanks Secretary General Sinirlioğlu for his presentation of the 2026 Programme Outline and reiterates the UK’s strong support for agreement of a 2025 and 2026 Unified Budget.
Thank you, Secretary General, for your presentation this afternoon. Let me also thank the Fund Managers and teams responsible for developing the 2026 Programme Outline, which clearly sets out both the challenges facing the OSCE and the continued importance of this organisation’s work.
The United Kingdom is fully aware that the wider context for the OSCE’s work in 2026 will remain extremely challenging. A foremost priority of the organisation must be to continue to support Ukraine and to address the impacts of Russia’s war of aggression, which has violated the fundamental principles of both the OSCE and the United Nations. When Russia finally agrees to stop the fighting, we must be ready to pivot and contribute to Ukraine’s sustainable recovery and a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and across the region.
In this context the UK appreciates that agreeing a Unified Budget for 2026 will not be an easy task. We deeply regret that participating States have been unable to agree a budget for this organisation since 2021, and we recognise that an extended period without a Unified Budget or Post Table has impacted the organisation’s ability to respond flexibly to emerging requirements. We sincerely appreciate the efforts of all OSCE staff and structures in delivering against their mandates under the most difficult of circumstances. It is vital that we – as participating States – engage constructively to find solutions to ensure the OSCE is adequately resourced and able to function effectively.
Secretary General, we will provide further comments on the detail of the Programme Outline during the PrepComm sessions and through future discussions on the 2026 Unified Budget Proposal. But I would like to reiterate the UK’s fundamental position that we support all parts of this organisation being adequately funded, and we are ready to engage constructively with proposals which would put the OSCE on a more sustainable financial footing which takes account of global financial realities. As set out in the Programme Outline summary, it is important that the organisation’s core activity can be delivered through the Unified Budget to ensure sustainability and predictability.
Mr Chair, I would like to reiterate that the UK will remain strongly committed to supporting a positive outcome on OSCE finances. I encourage all colleagues to see the bigger picture at a difficult time for the organisation. I wish Switzerland well in developing the incoming Chair’s perception paper, and thank Finland for guiding participating States through the process this year. We strongly encourage all participating States to work constructively towards the agreement of both a 2025 and 2026 Unified Budget.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released the following statement today announcing her overseas trade mission to the Paris Air Show and Switzerland from June 14 to 19:
“After the success of my first visit to the Paris Air Show in 2023 and Farnborough Airshow in 2024, during which we secured investments from aerospace and defense giants like Dassault Falcon Jet and RTX, I am excited that I will be representing Arkansas again this year. I will begin in Normandy, paying tribute to our fallen soldiers shortly after the 81st anniversary of D-Day, before continuing onto the Paris Air Show to meet with major aerospace and defense companies, and then concluding the trip in Switzerland to discuss investing in Arkansas with several large corporations. International trade missions are a great way to pitch Arkansas to companies that might not otherwise have our state on their radar and have a proven track record of bringing in jobs and investment.”
The Governor’s trip will include appearances on a panel at the Air Show hosted by the Aerospace Industries Association and a fireside chat hosted by the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce. She will also pay tribute to Arkansans including U.S. Army Private Rodger D. Andrews, who is memorialized at the Normandy American Cemetery’s Wall of the Missing and whose remains were only recently identified and who will be laid to rest in Arkansas on June 9.
During the Governor’s previous trip to the Paris Air Show, her discussions helped facilitate Dassault Falcon Jet’s $100 million, 800 job expansion in Little Rock and RTX’s new, $33 million manufacturing facility in East Camden, which was later expanded to a $63 million investment. The Governor’s trip to the Farnborough Airshow last summer helped secure Taber Extrusions’ $60 million, 70 job expansion in Russellville.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ULAN BATOR, June 5 (Xinhua) — The 10th Ulan Bator Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security opened here on Thursday.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkhin Battsetseg stressed her country’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, stability and cooperation in Northeast Asia. “We believe that by strengthening mutual trust and sustained dialogue, we can jointly build a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region,” she said.
The Ulaanbaatar Dialogue serves as a platform for discussion and exchange of views among various stakeholders, B. Battsetseg said, noting that it offers a neutral and inclusive space for preventive diplomacy, as well as confidence-building measures and the exchange of regional perspectives and local knowledge.
The dialogue brought together more than 200 participants from 40 countries and territories, including China, Canada, France, Japan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Uzbekistan, the United States and the United Kingdom. Representatives of the UN and the EU are also present.
Participants discuss regional security issues and the development of multilateral cooperation in Northeast Asia from different perspectives, covering the areas of energy and climate change.
Atos to deliver key IT services and applications for UEFA Nations League Finals™2025
Paris, France – 5 June, 2025 – Atos, the Official Information Technology Partner of UEFA National Team Football, will deliver key IT services and applications support for the UEFA Nations League Finals™(UNLF) 2025, taking place from June 4 to June 8, 2025, in Germany. Atos’ expertise will once again support hundreds of millions of fans worldwide to share the electrifying experience of one of the highest profile football tournaments.
To provide the best experience for all stakeholders, from the European football family to fans and media, Atos will be responsible for managing core IT planning and operations systems all requiring the highest level of reliability, efficiency and security. These solutions include:
Event Management systems including accreditation, access control solutions, competitions solutions, radio communication and service desk services.
Diffusion system like the football service platform, the mobile app, the website including some embedded gaming functionalities such as match predictor and quiz about competitions.
End-to-end cybersecurity services, from compliance and threat intelligence to on-the-ground and hybrid-cloud security.
Since the inception of their partnership in 2022, Atos have assisted UEFA on a day-to-day basis to manage, improve, and optimize its complex technology landscape and in facing new technology challenges. In a new data consumption era, large sport associations need to keep pace with the expectations of their audiences, especially the youth fan base, who are craving for more personalization, technology and data, engagement and real-time information. To meet these challenges, Atos and UEFA have been striving to continuously introduce innovations driving immersive fan experiences with secure, real-time data and deliver best-in class, AI-powered IT solutions.
Atos, helped make the UEFA EURO 2024™ a tremendous success, supporting over 200 applications, over 6 million app download, almost 1.3 billion email and app push notifications, and a cumulated live audience of over 5 billion. Atos and UEFA also introduced innovative applications like the Football Service Platform, providing data and statistics such as results, line-ups, live match events, players status and ranking of all UEFA teams, transforming all stakeholders’ experience.
The entire Atos team, from the IT Command Center of UEFA in Nyon (Switzerland) to the delivery centers in Madrid and Barcelona (Spain), as well as Egypt, Poland, Romania and France are committed on daily basis to making sure UEFA is well-prepared to deliver exceptional experiences to fans around the world.
“We are excited to feel the competition pressure building up as we enter the last stages of UEFA Nations League preparation. Our team is working tirelessly to make sure we once again deliver a secure, flawless and innovative service to UEFA and provide all football fans with an unforgettable tournament experience.” said Nacho Moros, Head of Atos Major Events.
“Since the beginning of our partnership with Atos in 2022, we have been making advances in the quality of services we are introducing and providing to all the Football stakeholders. We are confident that the 2025 edition of the Nations League will once again leverage the most advanced technologies to provide all football fans an amazing experience”,stated Hosni Ajala, Chief of ICT at UEFA.
Atos has been serving its partners and customers through a dedicated in-house sports and major events division (“Major Events”) for over 3 decades, giving it an unmatched experience and the flexibility to serve its customers regardless of their exposure, size and scale. From global events to local competitions, Atos consistently strives to deliver technology excellence to its entire customer base.
Atos has been involved with the Olympic Movement since 1992 and the Paralympic Movement since 2002 and is the Official Digital Technology Partner of the European Olympic Committees, as well as the official Digital partner for Special Olympics International. The company is also the Official Information Technology Partner of UEFA National Team Football. Most recently, Atos has been instrumental in delivering successful leading-edge IT services for iconic events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 or inspiring events such as Invictus Games Vancouver 2025 or the Special Olympics Torino Winter Games 2025.
To learn more about Atos solutions for sporting events and major events, visit AtosMajor event.
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About Atos Group
Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 72,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion, operating in 68 countries under two brands — Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.
The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.
Samsung Electronics announced today that the Sleep Apnea feature1 on the Galaxy Watch series — available through the Samsung Health Monitor app2 — is expanding to 34 European markets,3 as well as Australia and Singapore, bringing the global total to 70 markets.4
This growth follows the feature’s receipt of CE (Conformité Européenne or European Conformity) marking for the European Economic Area. The CE marking affirms that Samsung meets the European Union’s health, safety and environmental protection standards, reinforcing its leadership in sleep technology. Additionally, the feature was recently approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration and Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority.
The milestone builds on Samsung’s groundbreaking De Novo authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — the first of its kind for a wearable device to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.5 The Sleep Apnea feature was also approved by Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Brazil’s health regulatory agency ANVISA and Health Canada.
Recognizing the critical role of sleep in overall health, Samsung is committed to helping users improve sleep quality by understanding their sleep patterns, providing personalized sleep coaching and optimizing their sleep environments. With the Sleep Apnea feature, more users can now detect symptoms6 earlier — helping to prevent health issues associated with this common yet often undiagnosed condition.
The Sleep Apnea feature reflects Samsung’s ongoing commitment to providing users with meaningful insights to support healthy sleep habits. By expanding access to this FDA-authorized feature globally, Samsung is empowering users worldwide to take proactive steps toward better sleep health.
1 The Sleep Apnea feature is an over-the-counter (OTC), software-only mobile medical application operating on compatible Galaxy Watch series models and Galaxy smartphones. It is intended to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in the form of significant breathing disruptions in adult users age 22 and older over a two-night monitoring period. The feature is designed for on-demand use and is not intended for individuals previously diagnosed with sleep apnea. Users should not rely on this feature as a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare provider. The data provided by this device is also not intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders.
2 Availability may vary by market, carrier, model or paired smartphone. The feature is available on Galaxy Watch4 series and later models running Wear OS 5.0 or later and must be paired with a Galaxy smartphone running Android 12.0 or later. Due to regulatory restrictions in obtaining approval and registration as a Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), the feature only works on supported Galaxy Watch series models and Galaxy smartphones purchased in markets where the service is currently available. Service may be restricted when users travel to unsupported markets.
3 Availability may vary depending on country-specific registration in some European markets.
4 Supported markets include Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norfolk Island, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Réunion, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen.
5 Considered a common yet serious medical condition, sleep apnea causes someone to stop breathing while asleep, which can result in disruptions in oxygen supply, lower sleep quality, and other health complications such as hypertension, cardiac disorder, stroke or cognitive disorder.
6 The Sleep Apnea feature utilizes the BioActive Sensor to measure blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) during sleep. It analyzes changes in SpO₂ levels related to apnea and hypopnea patterns and estimates the Apnea-Hypopnea Index to inform users of potential symptoms.
RICHEMONT PUBLISHESFY25 ANNUAL REPORT AND NON-FINANCIAL REPORT
Richemont has today published its combined Annual Report and Accounts with the Business review, the Compensation Report and the Corporate Governance Report, along with its Non-Financial Report, for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The Annual Report and Accounts, which includes the Chairman’s review to shareholders, the annual consolidated and statutory financial statements, and the corresponding audit reports was already published on 16 May 2025.
The Non-Financial Report 2025, prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards (2021), provides Richemont’s disclosures on non-financial matters. The report complies with the reporting disclosure required by Articles 964a-c of the Swiss Code of Obligations, including the Swiss Ordinance on Climate Disclosures. Selected disclosures and indicators have been independently assured (limited assurance) by PricewaterhouseCoopers SA (PwC).
In South Africa, the Annual Report and Non-Financial Report may be obtained directly from the Depository Agent at the following address: Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited, Rosebank Towers, 15 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa.
About Richemont
At Richemont, we craft the future. Our unique portfolio includes prestigious Maisons distinguished by their craftsmanship and creativity. Richemont’s ambition is to nurture its Maisons and businesses and enable them to grow and prosper in a responsible, sustainable manner over the long term.
Richemont operates in three business areas: Jewellery Maisons with Buccellati, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Vhernier; Specialist Watchmakers with A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin; and Other, primarily Fashion & Accessories Maisons with Alaïa, Chloé, Delvaux, dunhill, G/FORE, Gianvito Rossi, Montblanc, Peter Millar, Purdey, Serapian as well as Watchfinder & Co. Find out more at https://www.richemont.com/.
Richemont A shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, Richemont’s primary listing, and are included in the Swiss Market Index (‘SMI’) of leading stocks. Richemont A shares are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Richemont’s secondary listing.
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND, HONG KONG, JAPAN, SINGAPORE, SOUTH AFRICA, SOUTH KOREA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL OR WOULD REQUIRE REGISTRATION OR ANY OTHER MEASURES. PLEASE REFER TO IMPORTANT INFORMATION AT THE END OF THE PRESS RELEASE.
Today, June 5, 2025, is the last day of trading in unit rights issued in connection with Terranet AB’s (“Terranet” or the “Company”) rights issue of units which the Board of Directors resolved on April 16, 2025, and was approved by the annual general meeting on May 23, 2025 (the “Rights Issue”). Unit rights that are not sold or used for subscription will expire worthless.
Summary of the Rights Issue:
The Rights Issue comprises a maximum of 13,880,714 units. One unit in the Rights Issue consists of twelve (12) B-shares and three (3) warrants of series TO9 B. The warrants are issued free of charge.
The subscription price per unit in the Rights Issue is SEK 1.08 per unit, corresponding to SEK 0.09 per B-share. Upon full subscription, the Rights Issue will provide Terranet with approximately SEK 15 million before deduction of issue costs.
The right to subscribe for units in the Rights Issue shall, with preferential rights, be granted to shareholders in proportion to the number of shares they already own, where one (1) existing share entitles the holder to one (1) unit right, and eighty-six (86) unit rights entitle the holder to subscribe for one (1) unit.
The last day of trading in Terranet’s B-shares including the right to receive unit rights in the Rights Issue was April 25, 2025. The B-shares will be traded excluding the right to receive unit rights from April 28, 2025.
The subscription period for the Rights Issue runs from May 27, 2025, up to and including June 11, 2025.
The Rights Issue is covered by subscription commitments of approximately SEK 35.2 thousand, corresponding to 0.2 percent of the Rights Issue, and underwriting commitments of approximately SEK 15 million, corresponding to approximately 99.8 percent of the Rights Issue. Thus, the Rights Issue is covered to 100 percent by subscription commitments and underwriting commitments.
Preliminary timetable for the Rights Issue
May 27, 2025 – June 5, 2025
Trading in unit rights
May 27, 2025 – June 11, 2025
Subscripition period
May 27, 2025 – June 30, 2025
Trading in paid subscribed units (BTU)
June 13, 2025
Preliminary date for publication of the outcome in the Rights Issue
Advisers Mangold Fondkommission AB is the financial advisor to Terranet in connection with the Rights Issue. Eversheds Sutherland Advokatbyrå AB is the legal advisor to the Company in connection with the Rights Issue.
Terranet’s goal is to save lives in urban traffic. The company develops innovative technical solutions for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Vehicles (AV). Terranet’s anti-collision system BlincVision laser scans and detects road objects up to ten times faster than any other ADAS technology available today. The company is headquartered in Lund, with offices in Gothenburg and Stuttgart. Since 2017, Terranet has been listed on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (Nasdaq: TERRNT-B).
Certified Adviser to Terranet is Mangold Fondkommission AB.
Important information The release, announcement or distribution of this press release may, in certain jurisdictions, be subject to restrictions. The recipients of this press release in jurisdictions where this press release has been published or distributed shall inform themselves of and follow such restrictions. The recipient of this press release is responsible for using this press release, and the information contained herein, in accordance with applicable rules in each jurisdiction. This press release does not constitute an offer, or a solicitation of any offer, to buy or subscribe for any securities in Terranet in any jurisdiction, neither from Terranet nor anyone else.
This press release does not constitute or form part of an offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States. The securities referred to herein may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold within the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There is no intention to register any securities referred to herein in the United States or to make a public offering of the securities in the United States. The information in this press release may not be announced, published, copied, reproduced or distributed, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, within or into Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, Singapore, South Africa, the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such announcement, publication or distribution of the information would not comply with applicable laws and regulations or where such actions are subject to legal restrictions or would require additional registration or other measures than what is required under Swedish law. Actions taken in violation of this instruction may constitute a crime against applicable securities laws and regulations.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The first-ever Olympism365 Summit, organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), was held on Wednesday, calling for global collaboration to build a better world through sport.
Around 300 attendees from across the world gathered in Lausanne, where IOC President Thomas Bach outlined the mission in his opening speech – to put sport at the service of society.
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach speaks during the first-ever Olympism365 Summit in Lausanne, Switzerland, June 4, 2025. (Christophe Moratal/IOC/Handout via Xinhua)
“The purpose of this Olympism365 Summit is not only to reflect on how far we have come, but, more importantly, to chart the course for the future. What we have built together over the past years is only the beginning. Now is the time to take these efforts – and the goals of the Olympic Agenda – to new heights,” Bach said.
According to the IOC, the objectives of the Olympism365 strategy are to “ensure more people, from more diverse backgrounds, benefit from participating in community sports programs and accessing Olympism ‘365 days a year’,” with over 550 initiatives currently being delivered across 175 countries and regions by the IOC, National Olympic Committees and various implementing partners.
The morning session, titled “Building a Better World Through Sport,” featured discussions on topics such as sport, education, employment, health, equality, inclusion and community development.
An IOC Youth Summit is scheduled for Thursday, concluding the Olympism365 Summit with a presentation of Summit Outcomes.
Bach said: “The IOC is fully committed to strengthening the role of sport as an important enabler of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are addressing 11 of the SDGs at the same time: peace, health, social inclusion, gender equality, sustainability and more.”
We, Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, stand united as One ASEAN on the occasion of the eighth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 (GPDRR 2025), in Geneva, Switzerland.
We reaffirm our strong commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030, including through the Asia-Pacific Action Plan 2021-2024. In line with the theme of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2025 “Every Day Counts: Act for Resilience Today,” we are committed to accelerating efforts in building a disaster-resilient ASEAN Community by advancing the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) and AADMER Work Programme 2021-2025, which is aligned with the SFDRR. As we are developing the AADMER Work Programme 2026-2030, we remain committed to ensuring its continued alignment with the SFDRR.
Download the full statement here.
The post Joint Statement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2025 appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Matthew England, Scientia Professor and Deputy Director of the ARC Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science, UNSW Sydney
Westend61/Getty Images
In June 2023, a record-breaking marine heatwave swept across the North Atlantic Ocean, smashing previous temperature records.
It wasn’t just Europe that was impacted. The coral reefs of the Caribbean were bleaching under severe heat stress. And hurricanes, fuelled by ocean heat, intensified into disasters. For example, Hurricane Idalia hit Florida in August 2023 – causing 12 deaths and an estimated US$3.6 billion in damages.
This so-called “cold blob” or “warming hole” has been linked to the weakening of what’s known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation – a system of ocean currents that conveys warm water from the equator towards the poles.
During July 2023 we met as a team to analyse this cold blob – how deep it reaches and how robust it is as a measure of the strength of the Atlantic overturning circulation – when it became clear there was a strong reversal of the historical cooling trend. The cold blob had warmed to 2°C above average.
But was that a sign the overturning circulation had been reinvigorated? Or was something else going on?
A layered story
It soon became clear the anomalous warm temperatures southeast of Greenland were part of an unprecedented marine heatwave that had developed across much of the North Atlantic Ocean. By July, basin-averaged warming in the North Atlantic reached 1.4°C above normal, almost double the previous record set in 2010.
To uncover what was behind these record breaking temperatures, we combined estimates of the atmospheric conditions that prevailed during the heatwave, such as winds and cloud cover, with ocean observations and model simulations.
We were especially interested in understanding what was happening in the mixed upper layer of water of the ocean, which is strongly affected by the atmosphere.
Distinct from the deeper layer of cold water, the ocean’s surface mixed layer warms as it’s exposed to more sunlight during spring and summer. But the rate at which this warming happens depends on its thickness. If it’s thick, it will warm more gradually; if it’s thin, rapid warming can ensue.
During summer the thickness of this surface mixed layer is largely set by winds. Winds churn up the surface ocean and the stronger they are the deeper the mixing penetrates, so strong winds create a think upper layer and weak winds generate a shallower layer.
Our new research indicates that the primary driver of the marine heatwave was record-breaking weak winds across much of the basin. The winds were at their weakest measured levels during June and July, possibly linked to a developing El Niño in the east Pacific Ocean.
This led to by far the shallowest upper layer on record. Data from the Argo Program – a global array of nearly 4,000 robotic floats that measure the temperature and salinity in the upper 2,000 metres of the ocean – showed in some areas this layer was only ten metres deep, compared to the usual 20 to 40 metres deep.
This caused the sun to heat the thin surface layer far more rapidly than usual.
In addition to these short term changes in 2023, previous research has shown long-term warming associated with anthropogenic climate change is reducing the ability of winds to mix the upper ocean, causing it to gradually thin.
We also identified a possible secondary driver of more localised warming during the 2023 marine heatwave: above-average solar radiation hitting the ocean. This could be linked in part with the introduction of new international rules in 2020 to reduce sulfate emissions from ships.
The aim of these rules was to reduce air pollution from ship’s exhaust systems. But sulfate aerosols also reflect solar radiation and can lead to cloud formation. The resultant clearer skies can then lead to more ocean warming.
Early warning signs
The extreme 2023 heatwave provides a preview of the future. Marine heatwaves are expected to worsen as Earth continues to warm due to greenhouse gas emissions, with devastating impacts on marine ecosystems such as coral reefs and fisheries. This also means more intense hurricanes – and more intense land-based heatwaves.
To better understand, forecast and plan for the impacts of marine heatwaves, long-term ocean and atmospheric data and models, including those provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States, are crucial. In fact, without these data and models, our new study would not have been possible.
Despite this, NOAA faces an uncertain future. A proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year released by the White House last month could mean devastating funding cuts of more than US$1.5 billion – mostly targeting climate-based research and data collection.
This would be a disaster for monitoring our oceans and climate system, right at a time when change is severe, unprecedented, and proving very costly.
Matthew England receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Alex Sen Gupta receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Andrew Kiss receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Zhi Li receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew England, Scientia Professor and Deputy Director of the ARC Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science, UNSW Sydney
Westend61/Getty Images
In June 2023, a record-breaking marine heatwave swept across the North Atlantic Ocean, smashing previous temperature records.
It wasn’t just Europe that was impacted. The coral reefs of the Caribbean were bleaching under severe heat stress. And hurricanes, fuelled by ocean heat, intensified into disasters. For example, Hurricane Idalia hit Florida in August 2023 – causing 12 deaths and an estimated US$3.6 billion in damages.
This so-called “cold blob” or “warming hole” has been linked to the weakening of what’s known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation – a system of ocean currents that conveys warm water from the equator towards the poles.
During July 2023 we met as a team to analyse this cold blob – how deep it reaches and how robust it is as a measure of the strength of the Atlantic overturning circulation – when it became clear there was a strong reversal of the historical cooling trend. The cold blob had warmed to 2°C above average.
But was that a sign the overturning circulation had been reinvigorated? Or was something else going on?
A layered story
It soon became clear the anomalous warm temperatures southeast of Greenland were part of an unprecedented marine heatwave that had developed across much of the North Atlantic Ocean. By July, basin-averaged warming in the North Atlantic reached 1.4°C above normal, almost double the previous record set in 2010.
To uncover what was behind these record breaking temperatures, we combined estimates of the atmospheric conditions that prevailed during the heatwave, such as winds and cloud cover, with ocean observations and model simulations.
We were especially interested in understanding what was happening in the mixed upper layer of water of the ocean, which is strongly affected by the atmosphere.
Distinct from the deeper layer of cold water, the ocean’s surface mixed layer warms as it’s exposed to more sunlight during spring and summer. But the rate at which this warming happens depends on its thickness. If it’s thick, it will warm more gradually; if it’s thin, rapid warming can ensue.
During summer the thickness of this surface mixed layer is largely set by winds. Winds churn up the surface ocean and the stronger they are the deeper the mixing penetrates, so strong winds create a think upper layer and weak winds generate a shallower layer.
Our new research indicates that the primary driver of the marine heatwave was record-breaking weak winds across much of the basin. The winds were at their weakest measured levels during June and July, possibly linked to a developing El Niño in the east Pacific Ocean.
This led to by far the shallowest upper layer on record. Data from the Argo Program – a global array of nearly 4,000 robotic floats that measure the temperature and salinity in the upper 2,000 metres of the ocean – showed in some areas this layer was only ten metres deep, compared to the usual 20 to 40 metres deep.
This caused the sun to heat the thin surface layer far more rapidly than usual.
In addition to these short term changes in 2023, previous research has shown long-term warming associated with anthropogenic climate change is reducing the ability of winds to mix the upper ocean, causing it to gradually thin.
We also identified a possible secondary driver of more localised warming during the 2023 marine heatwave: above-average solar radiation hitting the ocean. This could be linked in part with the introduction of new international rules in 2020 to reduce sulfate emissions from ships.
The aim of these rules was to reduce air pollution from ship’s exhaust systems. But sulfate aerosols also reflect solar radiation and can lead to cloud formation. The resultant clearer skies can then lead to more ocean warming.
Early warning signs
The extreme 2023 heatwave provides a preview of the future. Marine heatwaves are expected to worsen as Earth continues to warm due to greenhouse gas emissions, with devastating impacts on marine ecosystems such as coral reefs and fisheries. This also means more intense hurricanes – and more intense land-based heatwaves.
To better understand, forecast and plan for the impacts of marine heatwaves, long-term ocean and atmospheric data and models, including those provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States, are crucial. In fact, without these data and models, our new study would not have been possible.
Despite this, NOAA faces an uncertain future. A proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year released by the White House last month could mean devastating funding cuts of more than US$1.5 billion – mostly targeting climate-based research and data collection.
This would be a disaster for monitoring our oceans and climate system, right at a time when change is severe, unprecedented, and proving very costly.
Matthew England receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Alex Sen Gupta receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Andrew Kiss receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Zhi Li receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
STEINHAUSEN, Switzerland, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) (“Transocean”) today announced that a two-well option was exercised for the Transocean Spitsbergen in Norway. The program is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026 in direct continuation of the rig’s current program and contribute approximately $100 million in backlog, excluding additional services.
About Transocean
Transocean is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. The company specializes in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services and operates the highest specification floating offshore drilling fleet in the world.
Transocean owns or has partial ownership interests in and operates a fleet of 32 mobile offshore drilling units, consisting of 24 ultra-deepwater floaters and eight harsh environment floaters.
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements described herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements could contain words such as “possible,” “intend,” “will,” “if,” “expect,” or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are beyond our control, and many cases, cannot be predicted. As a result, actual results could differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, estimated duration of customer contracts, contract dayrate amounts, future contract commencement dates and locations, planned shipyard projects and other out-of-service time, sales of drilling units, the cost and timing of mobilizations and reactivations, operating hazards and delays, risks associated with international operations, actions by customers and other third parties, the fluctuation of current and future prices of oil and gas, the global and regional supply and demand for oil and gas, the intention to scrap certain drilling rigs, the effects of the spread of and mitigation efforts by governments, businesses and individuals related to contagious illnesses, and other factors, including those and other risks discussed in the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and in the company’s other filings with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the SEC’s website at: www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. We expressly disclaim any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or beliefs with regard to the statement or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. All non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations to the most comparative GAAP measure are displayed in quantitative schedules on the company’s website at: www.deepwater.com.
This press release, or referenced documents, do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and do not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”) or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of Transocean and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of Transocean.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
ACCRA, Ghana, June 4, 2025/APO Group/ —
Ghana is formalizing its artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector to align with global standards, promote sustainability and boost economic integration. Despite ASGM contributing over 35% to the country’s total gold output, much of the country’s artisanal mining activity remains informal. Speakers during a Mining in Motion 2025 panel outlined steps to address this challenge and accelerate the global integration of Ghana’s ASGM sector
The session – titled Integrating ASGM into Global Supply Chains, sponsored by Emirates Gold- examined policy gaps, market barriers and innovative solutions to enhance the credibility and competitiveness of ASGM gold on the international stage. In recent months, Ghana has been making strides to foster a conducive environment for ASGM producers.
According to Neil Harby, Chief Technical Officer, London Bullion Market Association, “Recently introduced guidelines have improved Ghana’s capacity to produce small-scale gold, but the risk-reward ratio still lacks.”
As such, the Ghana Gold Board, established this year, has been created to oversee, regulate and manage all gold and precious mineral-related activities in Ghana. The Board aims to enhance regulation, maximize foreign exchange earnings, build gold reserves and promote value addition for national economic transformation.
“If you look at Ghana’s reserves, they’ve been very static. So, we’ve sat down and looked at how we can leverage gold resources in the country. If we can convert a domestic asset but go through the processes to convert it to a foreign asset, then we can begin to build upon our gold reserves,” stated Dr. Steve Opata, Head of Risk, Foreign Reserves Management at the Bank of Ghana.
Meanwhile, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has supported Ghana’s efforts to formalize its artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector by addressing illicit financial flows and promoting responsible sourcing through tools like the Due Diligence Guidance and ASM Hub. Collaborating with the Ghanian government, the OECD helps develop policies to regulate ASM, which plays a vital economic role but faces challenges including environmental harm and links to illicit activity.
“You have to be sure that you have some understanding of the mapping of the supply chain. You need the management systems to help you understand the circumstances of production around those mine sites. We want to allow commercial relationships between small-scale and artisanal miners and international producers,” stated Louis Maréchal, Sector Lead: Minerals and Extractives, OECD.
As a key player in the global precious minerals industry, Emirates Bullion Market offers significant expertise in gold refining and infrastructure development. In recent years, the UAE has become increasingly instrumental in Ghana’s gold sector. In 2024, the country emerged as one of the top export destinations for Ghana’s gold, accounting – alongside Switzerland – for 36.5% of total exports.
“Sustainability is conducive to operating with local miners. We want to know how their operations support the communities they come from. We only promote sustainable mining while safeguarding investor interest,” stated Sudheesh Nambiath, Manager, Dubai Multi Commodities Center, Emirates Bullion Market.
Meanwhile, Rand Refinery supports Ghana’s gold upstream sector by offering smelting, refining and metal recovery services. The company holds exclusive rights to refine Goldplat’s Ghana output, with a mutual agreement on processing by-products.
“Working as a team with in-country producers, ASM producers and large-scale miners, the intention is to unlock productivity at a commercial scale,” stated Jason McPherson, Head of Sourcing and Business Development, Rand Refinery.
With the launch of the Ghana Gold Board and strategic upgrades to its mining code, Ghana is aligning its ASGM sector with global standards. The country is positioning itself as a leading destination for sustainable gold sourcing, investment and innovation – proving that responsible mining can drive both local empowerment and global integration.
Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of International Organization Affairs McCoy Pitt is currently in Geneva, Switzerland, where he is traveling from April 7-11 to meet with counterparts and participate in the consultative-level meeting of the Geneva Group on UN governance and management. While in Geneva, he will hold additional meetings with leadership of several UN agencies.
From April 14-15, Senior Bureau Official Pitt will travel to Rome, Italy, to meet with officials from the Rome-based UN agencies and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He will also engage in discussions with officials from the Holy See to discuss a number of shared priorities.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
ACCRA, Ghana, June 4, 2025/APO Group/ —
Industry leaders at the Mining in Motion 2025 summit spotlighted Ghana’s ongoing efforts to formalize its artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector.
Participants on an India Gold Metaverse-sponsored session – titled Case Studies in ASGM Formalization: Learning from Successes and Addressing Challenges – emphasized that formalization has the potential to catalyze sustainability, build stronger communities and drive long-term economic growth.
“We need regulatory and legislative changes that support small-scale miners and ensure that revenue from their contributions translates into real economic, social and communal growth,” stated Martin Ayisi, CEO of the Minerals Commission of Ghana.
Ayisi called for bold regulatory and financial interventions in the sector, stressing the urgent need for investment in geological investigations and sustainable technologies to prevent encroachment on protected areas and improve sector-wide outcomes.
From an regional perspective, Cisse Vakaba, Advisor to the President on Mining, Ivory Coast, emphasized the foundational role of geology in building a viable ASGM sector. He stressed that state support must go beyond issuing permits to include geological surveys, professional training, community engagement and digital tools for traceability.
“I really think that the basis for small mines is the geological aspect. This is the aspect where we have to work, to see the areas where they can exploit,” Vakaba stated, adding, “The State must provide support. It’s not enough to issue a title, a permit. We need to support prospecting and geological research.”
Meanwhile, Melissa Correa Vélez, Program Manager, Swiss Better Gold, highlighted the human-centered approach necessary to make formalization efforts successful. Velez – through Swiss Better Gold’s Boots on the Ground initiative – advocates for programs, including technical support and community-oriented training, that extend beyond legal structures to genuinely improve livelihoods and environmental stewardship.
“If you want to work with artisanal miners, work with them. Keep the miners interested in being responsible. If the miners lose interest because of the challenges, they will become illegal,” Velez stated.
For his part, Kwaku Afrifa Nsiah-Asare, Lawyer and Entrepreneur, Typhoon Greenfield Development, emphasized that government support will be a requisite for ASGM formalization in Ghana, speaking candidly on social and financial challenges in the sector.
“By doing everything properly, the Minerals Commission of Ghana has been extremely supportive and made it worthwhile for us to do business. It’s about partnerships and leadership in government,” Nsiah-Asare stated.
Bringing a tech-forward perspective, Lamon Rutten, Managing Director and CEO of India Gold Metaverse, spoke to the transformative potential of digital innovation in the ASGM value chain.
“Blockchain technologies and AI can help improve artisanal and small-scale mining operations. Tools like geo-tracking, radio-frequency identification-equipped machinery and internet-of-things devices allow us to trace ore sources. If you really want to develop small-scale mining, work with local banks. Let them understand the sector and they will help drive sustainable growth,” Rutten said.
During the presentation, the panelists agreed that projects including the Ghana Land Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project – a joint initiative with the World Bank – are setting a precedent. By offering financial and technical support, simplifying license through District Mining Committees, and organizing miners into Community Mining Schemes, Ghana is building an ASGM sector that is increasingly legal, sustainable and community driven.
Organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative – led by Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of Ghana’s Ashanti Kingdom – in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, World Bank, and the World Gold Council, with the support of Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the summit offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry leaders.
Thousands of people were evacuated from central Cologne in western Germany on Wednesday following the discovery of three wartime bombs, in what the city authority called the largest such operation since the end of World War Two.
An evacuation zone with a radius of 1,000 metres (1,100 yards) was cleared from 8 a.m. (0600 GMT), impacting around 20,500 residents along with many workers and hotel guests in the city’s old town and Deutz district.
Three American bombs, each with impact fuses, were found during construction work on Monday in Deutz, a bustling area on the bank of the River Rhine.
Bomb disposal experts plan to disarm the ordnance later on Wednesday.
Unexploded bombs are often found in Germany, where many major cities sustained heavy damage during the war.
The evacuation area includes one hospital, two retirement homes, nine schools, and many hotels and museums.
“Everyone involved hopes that the defusing can be completed in the course of Wednesday. This is only possible if all those affected leave their homes or workplaces early and stay outside the evacuation area from the outset on that day,” the city authority said in a statement.
The measures caused major transport disruptions in the city of over a million people, with Germany’s national rail operator warning that many trains would be diverted or cancelled.
A stretch of the Rhine will be blocked off before the bomb disposal operation begins.
The Rhine, which runs from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea via Cologne, is one of Europe’s key waterways for the transportation of commodities such as grain and coal.
Private television station RTL, whose main office is located in the evacuation zone, interrupted its morning news programme.
“We have to leave,” the news anchor said, grabbing his bag as the lights were turned off
TORONTO, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Polymath Research Inc., based in Toronto is a fintech company pioneering the infrastructure for compliant tokenization of real-world assets on the blockchain. Today it was announced that Vince Kadar, CEO, will present live at the Blockchain and Digital Assets Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on June 5th, 2025
DATE: June 5th TIME: 10am EST LINK:REGISTER HERE Available for 1×1 meetings: June 5, 6, 9, 10
This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.
It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.
Amalgamation Agreement relating to Reverse Takeover (RTO)
On May 13th, AnalytixInsight Inc. (TSXV: ALY) (OTC Pink: ATIXF) announced an amended and restated amalgamation agreement (original amalgamation agreement was dated March 3rd, 2025) relating to the upcoming Reverse Takeover (RTO) transaction. This transaction involves a three-cornered amalgamation where Polymath and a wholly-owned subsidiary of AnalytixInsight will merge to form a new entity, resulting in Polymath becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of AnalytixInsight. Following the RTO, AnalytixInsight plans to change its name to “Polymath Network Inc.” and consolidate its shares on a 25:1 basis. The exchange ratio for Polymath shareholders has been adjusted from 4.292 to 6.25427 AnalytixInsight shares per Polymath share, reflecting Polymath’s increased valuation after acquiring assets from Polymesh Association, including the Polymesh blockchain and POLYX tokens. The transaction’s completion is contingent upon shareholder and regulatory approvals, as well as the successful closing of a concurrent financing round aiming to raise at least $18.75 million through the issuance of subscription receipts. The annual general and special meeting of AnalytixInsight shareholders to approve the transaction has been rescheduled to August 25, 2025.
Acquisition of Polymesh Assets by Polymath
On May 13, 2025, pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, Polymath, indirectly through Polymesh Labs, agreed to acquire certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Polymesh Switzerland, including POLYX tokens held by Polymesh Switzerland (the “Polymesh Labs Acquisition“). Polymesh Switzerland is a not for profit association formed under the laws of Switzerland and is an Arm’s Length Party (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSXV). The Polymesh Labs Acquisition is subject to certain conditions, and is expected to close prior to the Transaction.
The Polymesh Labs Acquisition will enable Polymesh Labs’ principal business to include the oversight of the Polymesh blockchain, including POLYX tokens associated with the Polymesh blockchain, and the development of TokenStudio, the Polymesh wallet, other software application, and further investment in developing the Polymesh ecosystem. The Polymesh blockchain is a Layer-1 public-permissioned blockchain using Polkadot’s modular tool substrate framework that is designed for tokenizing real-world assets. It builds on the ERC1400 standard and layers in additional capabilities around governance, identity, compliance and confidentiality. POLYX tokens are the native tokens of the Polymesh blockchain and are used as a utility tokens to provide holders access to the Polymesh blockchain. POLYX tokens are only created when block rewards are minted to reward those that participate in the proof-of-stake consensus mechanisms that validates transactions and produces new blocks on the blockchain. These participants are referred to as “validators” and “nominators”, collectively referred to as “stakers”.
About Polymath Research Inc.
Polymath’s principal business is the creation of its flagship white label SaaS technology solution, referred to as Polymath’s Capital Platform, which includes the Polymath dApps and enables customers to create platforms to tokenize real-world assets. Polymath’s Capital Platform technology solution is available for license by third parties. Under this licensing arrangement, Polymath may provide technology services to its customers for the setup, maintenance, and support of their use of Polymath’s Capital Platform technology solution. In each case, Polymath works with, or will work with, the customer to tailor the technology to the particular requirements of the customer and the assets to be tokenized. Polymath as a technology services provider is not registered with any Canadian or foreign securities regulatory authority and its services do not include acting as a broker or the promotion or marketing of securities.
Polymath also generates revenue by staking proprietary POLYX token that is held in its treasury. Staking is not a service offered to third parties, but it is a revenue stream that monetizes treasury assets. Crypto staking is an important aspect of the nominated proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, which defines which blocks get written to the blockchain, as well as the blockchain network’s roles, rules, and incentives. Polymath stakes 100% of the POLYX tokens held in its treasury, with 50% of the staking rebonded on the Polymesh blockchain and the other 50% converted to fiat and bitcoin reserves.
About Virtual Investor Conferences® Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.
Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
On the afternoon of May 28, 2025, an avalanche of rock and ice from the Birch Glacier (Birchgletscher) in southwestern Switzerland roared into the valley below. Debris buried most of the village of Blatten and dammed the Lonza, causing the river to flood. The event occurred after rock from a crumbling mountain peak built up on the glacier, which likely contributed to its ultimate collapse. The OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 9 captured this image (right) of avalanche debris in the Lonza river valley on May 29, 2025, the day after the landslide. For comparison, the left image, acquired with the OLI on Landsat 8, shows the same area approximately one year before the slide, on June 19, 2024. The path of the debris flow descends the southern side of the valley from a peak called Kleiner Nesthorn toward Blatten. The event was so powerful that debris continued as much as 240 meters (790 feet) up the opposite valley wall. Rock and ice from the avalanche extended 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) down the valley, damming the river behind it and flooding part of the village. Scientists have been monitoring the Birch Glacier since it released several damaging avalanches in the 1990s. While the steeper upper portions of the glacier have thinned in the past decade, the ice near the glacier’s end has thickened by up to 15 meters (50 feet), likely because it had been covered and insulated by rock. Many glaciers in the Alps, including some of the range’s largest, are melting and thinning. Instability on the rocky slopes above the glacier became apparent in mid-May, prompting people to evacuate Blatten by May 19. Observers noted frequent rockfalls from Kleiner Nesthorn and a noticeable buildup of debris on the lower part of Birch Glacier. By May 27, the day before the catastrophic event, the glacier had sped up significantly, moving downhill at an estimated 10 meters (33 feet) per day, according to an ETH Zürich report. Scientists are still investigating what factors contributed to the event. However, some think that the added pressure from fresh rockfall on the glacier caused melting at its base. An increase in meltwater can cause glaciers to lose friction with the ground and slide more easily. Areas of permafrost at higher elevations may have also played a role. If permafrost melts, more water can reach rock layers and destabilize slopes, but scientists note they cannot yet link permafrost with the rockfall in this event. A glacial collapse of this magnitude is unusual for the Swiss Alps, researchers say, and it is relatively rare for massive slides to come from gently sloping glaciers. But similar rock-ice avalanches in Tibet, the Caucasus, and other mountainous regions in the past 25 years have garnered more scientific scrutiny because of their threats to communities. NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Lindsey Doermann.
The human cost of disasters includes lost livelihoods, homes, and cultural ties to landscapes. Where livelihoods are already fragile and being eroded, a disaster-induced displacement of even a few days can damage economic opportunities for years to come. So, the human dimension of recovery remains central to discussions as delegates convened for a second day in several preparatory events for the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR), namely: the World Resilient Recovery Conference, the Third Stakeholder Forum on DRR, and the Global Early Warning for All Multistakeholder Forum (EW4All).
The GPDRR official programme was launched with a high-level roundtable event at lunchtime and a formal opening ceremony in the afternoon, followed by an official reception.
Official programme
Opening
Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and head of UNDRR, opened the event highlighting the exceptional urgency and importance of delivering on the Sendai Framework. He underscored how communities were coming together and the need to learn from their initiatives, imagination, and resourcefulness, and called for commitment from all actors.
Recalling the recent loss of a Swiss village to a glacier landslide, Amina J. Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, commented that “early warning saves lives but cannot save glaciers from disappearing.” She stressed that disasters and their cascading effects annually cost up to USD 3.2 trillion and noted that record-breaking disasters make entire regions uninsurable. She called for risk-informed development across all sectors; scaled-up public and private investments in resilience; and national financial frameworks that align with adaptation needs.
Ignazio Cassis, Minister, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland, observed that, “Risk today is everywhere. Fires are where wetlands were centuries ago.” Noting that the GPDRR2025 is the last Global Platform before the 2030 deadline, he urged that countries deliver on the Sendai Framework, apply science and artificial intelligence, and adopt risk mitigation metrics to mobilize and foster resources.
Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General.
After a musical performance on the Hang Drum and a choreographed presentation by Sendai4Youth, Patricia Danzi, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, opened the Eighth Session of the GPDRR.
Enhancing national DRR governance by 2030—A dialogue among national platforms for DRR
In opening remarks to this high-level event, Kishore observed that the risk landscape platform is becoming increasingly complex. He recommended strengthening national DRR platforms and embedding risk reduction into national policies and frameworks; ensuring sustainable and predictable finance with policies matching sustainable long-term plans; and having a common risk assessment framework to support national entities with proper data and analytics.
Speaking on behalf of the host country, Franziska Schmid, Swiss National Platform for Natural Hazards (PLANAT), described the work of PLANAT and highlighted challenges, including overlapping reporting mechanisms and strategies among national government entities focused on resilience. She stressed the importance of addressing duplication, developing appropriate tools, such as hazard maps and building permits, and ensuring crisis management provisions are actually functional.
Discussions then followed in a roundtable format, moderated by Paola Albrito, UNDRR. Albrito invited delegates to: describe the demonstrated impact of their National Platforms for DRR, share lessons learned, identify remaining gaps in DRR governance, and highlight ways and opportunities to boost Sendai Framework implementation by 2030.
View of the room during the Dialogue Among National Platforms for DRR.
In their interventions, many called for collaboration among regional and country partners. Speakers included the Deputy Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tajikistan, as well as many ministers and high-level government representatives. They highlighted lessons and challenges, including: enhancing preparedness through strengthening and modernizing approaches; improving planning and promoting concrete analyses from real-life situations at the grassroots; and mobilizing adequate financing and developing technical expertise to adequately prepare communities.
The Stakeholder Forum continued its deliberations throughout the day, concluding in the afternoon with reflections by supporters and participants of the Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism.
Spotlight session—Early warning for all
Moderator Rebecca Murphy, Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), invited the UNDRR Stakeholder Forum and the Multi-Stakeholder EW4All communities to combine efforts in crafting action points for the 2025 Global Platform on DRR.
In the keynote, Gavin White, Risk-informed Early Action Partnership (REAP), summarized common themes in Early Warning, noting that: preparing for disasters is about inclusiveness, honest communication and trusting the person who is providing the guidance; and early warning systems (EWS) can act as a bridge overcoming the silo approaches among different DRR stakeholders. Panelists suggested that: while no system can predict with 100% certainty what shape hazards will take, it is crucial to build trust and understand local contexts; response planners should establish appropriate actions to follow early warnings; emergency systems must be tailored to communities’ experiences so that people can distinguish between different disasters and respond uniquely to each threat; both elderly and youth can inform EWS and response planning; and conflict zones require unique solutions that consider the fragility and power dynamics within communities.
Bridging the gap: Critical media’s role in strengthening alerts and enhancing disaster preparedness
Giacomo Mazzone, Media Saving Lives, moderated the session. Matthieu Rawolle, EBU Media Intelligence Service, shared examples of how terrestrial radio networks remained uninterrupted and accessible during disasters, and are used to inform the public and facilitate emergency response, especially when mobile phone and internet services are interrupted. He concluded that radio is an essential communication medium in times of crisis and requires investment.
Raditya Jati, Deputy Minister of System and Strategy, National Disaster Management Authority, Indonesia, emphasized the need for media to go beyond reporting on casualties and housing collapse, and to incorporate education for people to prepare for disasters.
Event rooms remained full throughout the day.
Noting that UNDRR is the first UN agency that recognized media’s role in crises, Natalia Ilieva, Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, described the Media Saving Lives collaboration between the World Broadcasting Unions and UNDRR that focuses on shifting media perspectives from reactive to proactive reporting, showing the real causes for disasters and instructing people on how to avoid harm. Grégoire Ndjaka, African Broadcasting Union, highlighted the reach of radio in Africa extending to places without electricity supply. Orengiye Fyneface, African Broadcasting Union, discussed trust challenges with journalism as a disaster information source in Africa, pointing to bureaucratic hurdles that prevent journalists from reaching scientists.
Shaping a sustainable tomorrow: Aligning the Sendai Midterm Review with the Pact for the Future
Abraham Bugre, University of Regina, moderated this session. In her opening remarks, Toni-Shae Freckleton, UNDRR, called for transitioning from short-term responses to long-term prevention. She stated that the Pact for the Future embeds DRR and resilience building.
Juan Carlos Uribe Vega, United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) highlighted gaps in understanding localization and the importance of local-level governance. Jekulin Lipi Saikia, GNDR, called for a focus on listening to and working with communities, improving financial access, and increasing citizen science. Amber Fletcher, University of Regina, emphasized the role of community-driven actions, citizen science, and community engagement in reaching the diverse range of local voices. In the ensuing discussion, attendees identified communication disconnection, lack of funding, and localization among the persistent gaps between global networks and local realities.
Closing session
Tanjir Hossain, UNDRR Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism (SEM), moderated the closing session. Jamie Cummings, SEM, recalled her own experience of disaster when Hurricane Helene struck her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina. Describing how volunteers had operated a traditional Appalachian mule brigade to transport life-saving medications to mountain communities after roads were destroyed, she reflected that, “communities who know the land most, hold the solutions.” Martin Schuldes, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), stressed that “the substance and spirit” of the conference must translate into concrete action.
Jilhane El Gaouzi, African Union Commission, urged all concerned to “be realistic and speed up implementation,” given that only five years remain until the Sendai Framework deadline.
View of the panel during the Closing Session of the Stakeholder Forum.
World Resilient Recovery Conference
At the opening of this one-day event, Mutale Nalumongo, Vice-President, Zambia, highlighted Zambia’s promotion of climate-resilient agriculture through promotion of drought-tolerant crop varieties, access to weather-based insurance and investment in EWS, including advisories to farmers. Following further opening remarks by speakers, two plenaries and several thematic sessions took place during the day.
Plenary 1—Taking stock of current recovery practices
Carolina Fuentes Castellanos, Director, Santiago Network Secretariat, moderated the session.
Sujit Mohanty, UNDRR, noted the high costs of reconstruction and the difficulties of countries that are perpetually in a state of recovery from one disaster after another, pointing to the need to address institutional fragmentation.
Renato Umali Solidum, Jr., Department of Science and Technology, Philippines, advocated for greater cohesion between DRR and climate action as being “two sides of the same coin.” He called for transparent grant-based governance to reach at-risk commuities and address both slow-onset and sudden disasters.
Leon Lundy, Minister of State Office, The Bahamas, highlighted the launch of The Bahamas’ National Disaster Risk Management Authority. He drew attention to the 2022 Act mandating public body disaster plans, including continuity plans, restoration timelines, and staff redeployment protocols to ensure essential services can be maintained or rapidly restored after a disaster.
Krishna Swaroop Vatsa, National Disaster Management Authority, India, highlighted allocation of 30% of the Authority’s funds for recovery and reconstruction, which are released through an assessment-based process.
Fuentes Castellanos offered countries the Secretariat’s support for structuring technical assistance requests.
Plenary 2—From commitment to action: Leadership for resilient recovery
Shivangi Chavda, GNDR, moderated the session.
Guangzhe Chen, World Bank, described the World Bank’s recent transition to supporting infrastructure resilience efforts. He invited countries to access the Bank’s preparedness and response toolkit to strengthen their disaster reduction policies, citing recent examples from Malawi, Albania, and Madagascar.
On financial instruments, panelists explored ways to distribute more rapid financial support, including through multi-dimensional approaches.
On displacement following disasters, Rania Sharshr, International Organization for Migration (IOM), emphasized that one of the greatest needs of governments is access to reliable and accurate data on how displaced people have been impacted, and guidance on how to integrate these people into existing communities.
The session concluded with the presentation of the Resilient Recovery Framework by Abhilash Panda, UNDRR.
Thematic sessions
Further sessions took place through the day. Besides the three sessions reported here, delegates took part in other Stakeholder Forum sessions on governance mechanisms, unlocking financial potential, housing reconstruction, and multi-hazard EWS.
Restoring livelihood: Solutions for disaster-induced displacement and resilient recovery
Mona Folkesson, UN Development Coordination Office (DCO), moderated the session.
Emad Adly, Arab Network for Environment and Development, highlighted water scarcity as a key issue for the region and local-level coordination as a key challenge. Alexandra Bilak, Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), cited experience from the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake in Nepal to show how livelihood erosion influences the severity of displacement.
Ibrahim Osman Farah, Vice President, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia, described livelihood restoration during return and resettlement of internally displaced persons, through ensuring cultural access to land, water, schools, and income-generating opportunities as long-term resilience-based approaches.
Tasneem Siddiqui, University of Dhaka, recounted how students were a driving force for the university’s Refugee and Migration Research Unit, which now has formed Adaptation Committees in many local areas and supports implementation of national policies on livelihood diversification and skills training. She urged treating displacement not as a humanitarian issue, but as a human rights one.
Aslam Perwaiz, Executive Director, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, emphasized skill development with local communities and SMEs to create livelihood options for displaced communities.
Driving resilience: The critical role of private sector’s operational readiness for resilient recovery
Moderator, Cedrick Moriggi, Corporate Chief Resilience Officer Network, emphasized connecting the corporate world with the UNDRR world. Ommid Saberi, International Finance Corporation, recommended investing in the “economics of families,” or small businesses, saying even small government incentives can mobilize large funds from the private sector. Dorothee Baumann-Pauly, University of Geneva, said human rights are the enablers for resilience. Jonathan Rake, Swiss Re Solutions, highlighted the need for the private sector to engage locally and to develop and combine social programmes with parametric solutions. Chris Ulatt, Octopus, said upfront investment to boost resilience is the right move, but observed that few investors will remain for the duration of an investment. Kerry Hinds, Department of Emergency Management, Barbados, described an audit tool to ascertain risks and priorities for public-private partnerships, noting the tool helps standardize and trigger business continuity protocols for disaster risk management.
Turning experience into action: learning from large-scale disasters
Dilanthi Amaratunga, Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System, moderated the session.
Banak Joshua Dei Wal, South Sudan’s DRR Focal Point, highlighted the need to work together and identify risks for Sendai Framework implementation to be effective.
Saini Yang, Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR), emphasized that China’s National Flood Prevention System has proven effective, with more than an 80% decrease in flood mortality rates over the last 20 years.
Guy Gryspeert, Honeywell, defined resilience as the capability of preventing a crisis by having awareness and planning in place.
Ali Hamza Pehlivan, Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), Türkiye, highlighted the usefulness of their National Disaster Response Plan during the 2023 earthquake. Makiko Ohashi, Cabinet Office of Japan, noted the utility of planning on the assumption that a mega-disaster may occur at any time and of reviewing DDR plans in the aftermath of disasters.
Participants engage in discussions between sessions throughout the day.
Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) Multistakeholder Forum
After thematic sessions during the day, EW4All concluded its discussions. Gavin White, Risk-Informed Early Action Partnership, moderated the closing session. Panelists highlighted the importance of focusing on preparedness and developing trust, the need to shift perspectives toward a systemic approach to EWS, and the need to increase private funding.
In closing remarks, Andrea Hermenejildo, Deputy Secretary General for Risk Management, Ecuador, stressed EWS is not only a technical issue, but also involves social justice. Paola Albrito, Director, UNDRR, emphasized that EW4All is both needed and achievable. Noting the central role of local communities, she underlined that resilience is built with communities.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General, International Telecommunication Union, underlined that scaling-up EWS requires partnerships and breaking silos across economic sectors, UN agencies and industries.
Jagan Chapagain, Secretary-General, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), stressed that inclusive action and investment in EW4All is essential.
Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), stated that having EWS in just 108 countries is neither sufficient nor acceptable, and called for closing this “justice gap” by providing EWS worldwide and accelerating the transformation needed to protect every person on Earth.
