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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on the Rights of the Child Closes Ninety-Eighth Session after Adopting Concluding Observations on Reports of Ecuador, Eritrea, the Gambia, Honduras, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Slovakia

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Rights of the Child this afternoon concluded its ninety-eighth session after adopting concluding observations on the periodic reports under the Convention on the Rights of the Child of Ecuador, Eritrea, the Gambia, Honduras, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Slovakia.  The concluding observations will be made available on the session’s webpage on Thursday, 6 February.

    In closing remarks, Ann Marie Skelton, Committee Chairperson, said that the Committee had worked steadily to hold States to account where they were failing to uphold children’s rights.  The Committee had observed staggering levels of violence against children, including sexual violence, in several of the States reviewed.  Further, the Committee had also seen a normative pushback against gender equality, happening against a backdrop of high rates of teenage pregnancy, which the Committee also noted in many of the countries reviewed this session.

    Over the three weeks in which the session was held, Ms. Skelton noted, many children around the world had continued their daily struggle to survive.  Over this period, the war in Sudan had raged on, with children bearing the brunt of it.  At least 23 children were reported to have died in January.  Tensions had also increased in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and there had been a surge in children who were separated from or not accompanied by their parents.

    Ms. Skelton thanked the Committee’s many partners for their cooperation during the session, including United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, national human rights institutions, children, Committee members, members of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Secretariat and other persons who had contributed to the session.

    Francisco Vera-Francisco, a young child rights advocate from Colombia, also addressed the Committee, saying that this was a crucial moment for children’s rights across the world.  In Colombia, the internal conflict continued to impact children’s wellbeing and rights, he said.  Several thousands of children had been displaced near the border with Venezuela. The same situation was seen around the world, with children’s rights violated in Sudan, Yemen and Gaza, where many thousands of children were killed.  The violence needed to stop now.  He concluded by calling on the Committee to continue fighting for children.

    During the meeting, five Committee Experts whose mandates are coming to an end – Mikiko Otani (Japan), Luis Ernesto Pedernera Reyna (Uruguay), Velina Todorova (Bulgaria), Ratou Jean Zara (Chad), and the Chair, Ann Marie Skelton (South Africa) – made statements of thanks and reflection on their tenure.

    The Committee adopted the report of its ninety-eighth session.

    Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, and webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.  Documents related to the Committee’s ninety-eighth session can be found here.

    The Committee will hold its ninety-ninth session from 5 to 23 May 2025, when it is scheduled to review the periodic reports under the Convention of Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Norway, Pakistan, Qatar and Romania, as well as the reports of Brazil and Pakistan under the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

    Statements

    ANN MARIE SKELTON, Committee Chairperson, said that the Committee had worked steadily to hold States to account where they were failing to uphold children’s rights.  The Committee had observed staggering levels of violence against children, including sexual violence, in several of the States reviewed.  There appeared to be widespread impunity regarding violence in the home and in communities and religious institutions.  In some States, children were in the grip of chaos caused by gang violence and organised crime.

    Over the last few years, Ms. Skelton said, the Committee had also seen a normative pushback against gender equality, which threatened to prevent adolescent girls from accessing reproductive health rights and services.  This was happening against a backdrop of high rates of teenage pregnancy, which the Committee also noted in many of the countries reviewed this session.

    Poverty stalked children’s lives in most of the States reviewed this session, and massive inequality left so many children behind.  Some States were also ambivalent about seeing children as independent rights holders.  Children were often not consulted and their views not considered in decisions that affected their lives.

    Over the last three weeks in which the session was held, Ms. Skelton noted, many children around the world had continued their daily struggle to survive. Over this period, the war in Sudan had raged on, with children bearing the brunt of it.  At least 23 children were reported to have died in January.  Tensions had also increased in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and there had been a surge in children who were separated from or not accompanied by their parents.

    On a more positive note, Ms. Skelton said, during the past three weeks, a ceasefire had been announced in Gaza.  Some detained teenagers had been released, and hostages were being released, which hopefully would include the two remaining child hostages.

    Ms. Skelton announced that one of the Committee’s decisions in a case concerning Finland had been voted as the top United Nations treaty body case of 2024 by the Hertie School Centre for Fundamental Rights.  The case concerned three Sami indigenous girls who challenged the permission for a mining exploration permit that threatened their way of life.  The Committee was happy to know that its decisions were attracting attention and having an impact on the lives of children.

    FRANCISCO VERA–FRANCISCO, child rights advocate from Colombia, said that this was a crucial moment for children’s rights across the world. In Colombia, the internal conflict continued to impact children’s wellbeing and rights, he said.  Several thousands of children had been displaced near the border with Venezuela. The same situation was seen around the world, with children’s rights violated in Sudan, Yemen and Gaza, where many thousands of children were killed.  The violence needed to stop now.

    War was the most regrettable act that human beings could engage in, Mr. Vera-Francisco said.  In war, young soldiers killed each other for the sake of old men.  He said that, for him, children were the present, and killing children amounted to killing the present.  Countries needed to not lose hope and continue fighting for children’s rights.

    Countries declared a war on children when they made environmental issues worse, he said. More than seven trillion United States dollars had been dedicated to subsidising fossil fuels last year. Almost 30 per cent of global finances had been used to finance military activities.  In the latest Conference of the Parties, developed countries decided to dedicate only 300 billion United States dollars to climate financing, even though developing States had asked for 1.2 trillion dollars.

    All children had the right to live in a peaceful world, Mr. Vera-Francisco stressed.  Countries needed to continue fighting for peace, children’s rights and their well-being. States made many inspiring statements, but these needed to be backed up with actions.  Countries needed to make peace with nature and life.  Mr. Vera-Francisco concluded by calling on the Committee to continue fighting for children.

    ANN MARIE SKELTON, Committee Chairperson, reported that, as of 22 May, there were 196 States parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, with the United States having not ratified; 173 States parties to the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict; 178 States parties to the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography; and only 52 States parties to the Optional Protocol on the communications procedure.  There had been no new ratifications/accessions since the beginning of this session.

    Ms. Skelton said that during the session, the Committee had conducted 90 hours of meetings.  In addition to reviewing the reports of seven States parties, the Committee adopted decisions on eight individual communications received under the Optional Protocol on a communications procedure, concerning the child justice system, separation of children from parents subject to criminal sentences, and access to health services for children with disabilities being returned to their country of origin.  The Committee found no violation of the Convention in two cases against Switzerland, and declared the communications inadmissible in a case against Belgium and a case against Ecuador.  The Committee also discontinued the consideration of four cases after they had become moot.  Finally, the Committee adopted its report on follow up to individual communications, deciding to close the follow up dialogue in nine additional cases.

    During the session, the Committee also discussed inquiries under article 13 of the Optional Protocol.  It was currently dealing with four inquiries.  It had published the report of its second inquiry against Paraguay on the killing of two 11-year-old girls by security forces, which concluded that there had been a grave violation of the right to life.  The Committee had also adopted its latest inquiry report, which it would send to the State party concerned for their observations.

    Further, during the session, the Committee had received briefings from the United Nations Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls, the United Nations Children’s Fund and Child Rights Connect.  Ms. Skelton thanked the Committee’s many partners for their cooperation during the session, including United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, national human rights institutions and children. 

    She announced that the Committee had continued its work on the next general comment, concerning children’s rights to access to justice and effective remedies.  A first round of consultations on the general comment had gathered more than 300 submissions from different parts of the world, including children’s groups.  Ms. Skelton called on interested parties to look out for the second draft of the general comment and provide feedback.

    Also, during the session, the Committee held its sixteenth informal meeting with States at the Palais des Nations.  Sixty States participated and seven took the floor for observations and questions.

    In closing, Ms. Skelton expressed thanks to Committee members, members of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Secretariat and other persons who had contributed to the session.

    Ms. Skelton then invited the outgoing Committee Experts to make statements.

    MIKIKO OTANI, Committee Expert, said that during her time as Chair of the Committee, the Committee issued 37 public statements on country-specific issues concerning children.  She had also worked to mainstream child rights in the wider United Nations system and had contributed to the Secretary-General’s guidance note on child rights mainstreaming. She had advocated for child participation in major conferences and had invited children to speak in the public openings of the Committee’s sessions.  The diversity of the Committee had tremendously deepened her knowledge of children’s rights.  She expressed hope that the Committee would continue to use its voice to advocate for child rights in every possible way.

    LUIS ERNESTO PEDERNERA REYNA, Committee Vice-Chair, said that over the last eight years, the Committee had launched four general comments, adopted more than 100 decisions on individual communications, reached out to other treaty bodies and special procedures mandate holders, and increased its workload without budget increases.  There had also been attacks against the Convention in the name of family values on behalf of conservative and religious groups.  The Committee’s work was more necessary than ever, and it was vital to ensure that there was no backsliding.  Mr. Pedernera Reyna said that he had learned much from fellow Committee Experts.  He expressed thanks to the governments that understood the Committee’s mandate and opened their doors to the Committee, to civil society, which had made the Committee’s work easier, and to the children and adolescents who had shared their stories with the Committee. 

    VELINA TODOROVA, Committee Expert, thanked the States parties that elected her to the Committee.  She said she was grateful to the Committee and its secretariat, non-governmental organization partners, and children.  Her eight years on the Committee had been a time of progress for children but also frustration with the slow process of implementation of the Convention, coupled with an increase in hate and polarisation in societies and a lack of protection for human rights.  She expressed hope that the Committee would continue to work to protect children’s rights.

    RATOU JEAN ZARA, Committee Expert, said that the work that the Committee had accomplished over her time on it had been very important.  She had learned much each day and shared each member’s common aim of upholding children’s rights.  She had warm memories of her time on the Committee that she would incorporate into her daily work in Chad.  She wished the Committee all the best in its important work in upholding children’s rights.

    ANN MARIE SKELTON, Committee Chairperson, said that chairing an 18-member group had been challenging at times.  Listening to different voices from different countries made the Committee able to engage with States around the world while holding true to the Convention.  Members came and went, but the Committee remained.

    Ms. Skelton expressed concern about backsliding in children’s rights.  The Committee needed to be tough in this regard. It had a collective heart that needed to be big enough to think about all the children in the world.  The Committee had kept its finger on the pulse, reviewing the situation of children in situations of war around the world, including those in Ukraine, Sudan and Israel.  It was important that even States parties in conflict had interacted with the Committee.

    Children needed to grow up in an environment of happiness, love, understanding and peace, Ms. Skelton said.  She said she was proud of the jurisprudence that the Committee had built up over her time on it.

    BRAGI GUDBRANDSSON, Committee Vice Chair, on behalf of the remaining Committee members, expressed admiration for the outgoing members’ wonderful contributions to protecting children’s rights.  They had held States parties to account, and contributed to the Committee’s jurisprudence and general comments.  Further, they had been leaders in developing and promoting children’s rights globally. Their departure from the Committee represented a great loss.  They had set high standards that the remaining Experts needed to work to meet. He called on them to continue sharing their wisdom with the Committee after they left.

    FRANCISCO VERA–FRANCISCO, child rights advocate from Colombia, also expressed thanks to the outgoing Experts on behalf of all children.  It was the responsibility of all to fight for children’s rights.  Everyone needed to stay focused to fight violence and hate, and keep fighting for children’s rights.

    __________

    CRC-25-010E

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

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Activities of Secretary-General in Switzerland, 20-24 January

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    On Monday, 20 January, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres departed New York for Switzerland. He arrived in Davos on Tuesday morning to attend the annual World Economic Forum.

    On Tuesday evening, the Secretary-General participated in a leadership dialogue on digital and emerging technologies where he promoted the recently adopted Global Digital Compact as a tool that provides a new framework to help ensure that technology benefits all of humanity — guided by strong guardrails that minimize risks, while amplifying the benefits.  He called on the private sector, the philanthropic community and Member States to work together, with their relative strengths, to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) serves its highest purpose:  advancing human progress, equality and dignity for all countries and all people.

    The Secretary-General finished the day by delivering remarks at a dinner organized by the Global Investors for Sustainable Development.

    Early on Wednesday morning, the Secretary-General delivered an address to the World Economic Forum.  He outlined how climate change and ungoverned AI are two profound threats that demand much more attention and intelligent collaboration than they are receiving as they threaten to upend life as we know it.

    He also used very pointed language at the parts of the private sector that are actively backtracking on climate goals.  You are short-sighted and on the wrong side of history, Guterres said.

    “To the corporate leaders who remain committed to climate action,” the Secretary-General went on to say, “your leadership is needed now, more than ever.  Do not back down.  Stay on the right side of history.”

    Regarding artificial intelligence, the Secretary-General underscored how, through the Global Digital Compact, the United Nations is working with Governments, industry, and civil society to ensure that AI becomes a tool of opportunity, inclusion and progress for all people.

    In remarks at a discussion afterwards with Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, the Secretary-General said that we have witnessed in recent days in Gaza an example of robust diplomacy that should be recognized.  (See Press Release SG/SM/22528.)

    The Secretary-General also participated in the annual off-the-record “IGWELL” lunch organized by the World Economic Forum, and he also continued with a number of bilateral meetings, including Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Prime Minister of the Kurdish Autonomous Province of Iraq, Masoud Barzani, and also the President of the Inter-American Development Bank, Ilan Goldfajn.

    The Secretary-General also participated in the annual off-the-record IGWELL lunch organized by the World Economic Forum.

    On Thursday and Friday, Mr. Guterres attended the annual retreat with his Special and Personal Representatives and Envoys before leaving Switzerland.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Emphasis on leadership, sustainability, youth engagement and digitalisation as International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidential candidates present plans for global sports

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

    LAUSANNE, Switzerland, January 31, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The seven candidates running to become the next President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are hoping that with their 15-minute presentations at the Olympic House on Thursday, 30 January, they have been able to convince the IOC membership of their capabilities to lead the biggest sports organisation in the world. 

    Although they were unable to read the room during the in-camera meeting, especially as their audience was barred from asking questions, the candidates appeared satisfied with their campaign pitches. 

    BEHIND CLOSED DOORS There will be no other opportunities for presentations before the election scheduled for 20 March in Greece. Speaking to the media after giving their presentations behind closed doors, some of the candidates believe the current election process requires a review. 

    Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan, who was the first to appear before the press, said: “If I’m President, I think I would have more flexibility in the rules… We are part of a global sports community and the world has the right to know who is running and what they stand for.” 

    Below are excerpts from the candidates’ interaction with the media at the Château de Vidy, the historical building next to Olympic House, where the presentations took place. 

    HRH PRINCE FEISAL AL HUSSEIN  

    PRESENTATION: It was an honor to deliver my speech to my fellow IOC members, where I laid out my vision for the future blueprint of the Olympic Movement centered on consensus leadership. My speech was structured around three strategic imperatives that are in my manifesto; inspiring imagination, ensuring integrity and developing inclusion. 

    EXPERIENCE DEALING WITH HEADS OF STATE, AN ADVANTAGE?: Absolutely, yes. I think I’ve learned from the experience of not just learning how to deal with people, but by consensus. At the end of the day, all leaders are human beings, and the ability to find a common ground upon which you can build an understanding is a key benefit from the experience that I’ve had just being who I am. 

    DEALING WITH THE IOC’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE: One of the things we have to face and we have to deal with literally focuses on the issue of integrity. When you see the global community, the youth in particular have lost their trust in global institutions, and the IOC is a global institution, so we need to regain both the trust and the sense of relevance with the youth of this world. They are our future movement. And I think this is one of the key areas I would focus on as IOC president. 

    CONFIDENCE IN WADA DESPITE WITHDRAWAL OF US FUNDING: It’s not for me to comment on the policies of the United States. We (the IOC) are an institution that helped establish WADA and I think it has been doing a terrific job in dealing with the issue of doping. We’ve seen such a large reduction of doping incidents in the Olympic Games, and I think this means that they have been effective, and we will continue to support that. 

    DEALING WITH BOXING AHEAD OF LA28: I would love to see boxing back on the programme. It is one of the oldest Olympic sports, and I just hope that we can find a global Federation that can take on that responsibility of organising boxing in LA. 

    RUSSIA’S RETURN TO THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT: There’s nothing I’d like more than to be able to have the whole world at the Olympic Games, I think that’s what our objective is. But I also recognise that there are certain limitations and concerns. Right now, to my understanding, the exclusion of Russian athletes is based on a violation of the Olympic Charter. As President of the IOC, my role and responsibility is to uphold the Olympic Charter. And as long as nobody is in violation, then there is no reason for sanctions. And I would very much like to find a mechanism where we can reintroduce Russia. The world is stronger when we are all together. And I think that is what the Olympic Games does.  

    MR DAVID LAPPARTIENT  

    PRESENTATION: I hope that I have convinced my colleagues that I can be a real leader for the IOC. 

    RUSSIA’S RETURN TO THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT: Russia shouldn’t be indefinitely suspended by the IOC. This is a country of sport, so our objective would be to have them come back into the fold. However, there are reasons why the IOC suspended the NOC of Russia… So it is obvious then that these subjects should be dealt with before decisions can be taken.  

    THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN AFRICA: The IOC is on the five continents. Sport is universal, and African athletes are exceptional, but Africa has until today, never hosted the Olympic Games, they of course, are going to have the Youth Olympic Games. I suggest that the Olympics should take place in Africa, not fixing a specific date. But the idea is, nonetheless, that during this coming mandate or two mandates, we would like Africa to host the Olympic Games, because Africa deserves the Olympic Games.  

    BIGGEST CHALLENGE: One of the challenges will be the instability of the world. It’s becoming more and more difficult, and sure we’ll have some crises to face in the future. This is why we need to source strong leadership. Climate change is also an issue. We also saw what happened in the winter time in Los Angeles, and it’s also the result of climate change. Another key challenge will be digitalization. The world is completely changing, disrupting. But what I also tried to explain this morning is how we can turn all these challenges into opportunities. We have opportunities to bring the world together. This is what we want. This is our vision. This is the ideal of the Olympic movement. We can also properly address the issue of climate change. This is what Paris has done. We also have the potential Olympic Esports Games, that’s also a way to interact with the younger generation. We can also reach a wider audience with digitalization.  

    MR JOHAN ELIASCH 

    TRACK RECORD: In a world of division and disruption, we need hope more than ever before. I’m standing because I believe that I have a proven track record and experience to deliver. I have successfully run large international corporations, led important commercial and political negotiations across business, sport, media and entertainment, foreign affairs, technology, and a lot of areas. I’ve been very active in climate action, preserving millions of acres of rainforest. In the last four years, I’ve led the transformation of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. We oversee more than half of the medal events in the Olympic Winter Games. So I think that’s a perfect and perfect trip for the presidency. I know what it takes to lead and drive change. This is not a popularity contest. 

    RUSSIA’S RETURN TO THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT: The individual, neutral athletes programme works very well. And I think it’s very important, because no athlete can choose where they were born. And the athletes must never be weaponized for political purposes. So I believe in this programme, and that we should make sure that also for Milano-Cortina, this is something that all the winter federations will adopt. 

    WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE: Of course, we have to put the athletes front and centre. And we need to make sure that they have the best experience before, during, and after the Games. We have a very fast-changing landscape when it comes to digital, and we have to stay ahead of the curve here. We have a responsibility and a very strong voice when it comes to sustainability and this is an area which is very close to my heart, so this will certainly be at the forefront of my agenda. We also need to make sure that we uphold the magic of the Olympic Games. There is a lot of competition from other events and other sports and we need to make sure that we’re the best. 

    ENGAGING SPONSORS: Well, sponsorship is much more than just sticking your name to something. It’s about partnership. And this area is also changing very fast. Activations, people expect more here. We need to make sure that we deliver, that these partnerships are value-added for our sponsors. We have an incredible brand. But in today’s day and age, we also have to make sure that these partnerships are as attractive as possible. 

    BALANCING FUTURE OLYMPICS IN AFRICA, INDIA OR THE MIDDLE EAST WITH SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENTS: Here, for instance, the proposed rotation scheme of the Winter Olympics is very important. We have infrastructure in place to deliver the events. We need to make sure that we find solutions with the IFs to make sure that the capacity of investment is kept up. So we don’t have to retrace what already exists in places where it’s not going to go. Now, with the Middle East, with Africa, with India, it is essential that we are very strong and committed to no carbon impact on anything that we do. 

    MR JUAN ANTONIO SAMARANCH  

    THE IOC: I understand our organization as two different parts. On one hand, we are an extraordinarily big, large and efficient NGO – we distribute most of the money we generate in our business through the International Federation, National Olympic Committees and the organizing committees to the base of the world’s sports pyramid. So this is an NGO. Second, we need a powerful business machine to generate the necessary revenues to feed the NGO. So I have thrown my hat in the ring because I have significant experience on both sides. I’ve more than 25 years of experience in critical roles throughout the Olympic movement, and I’ve more than 25 years of experience in critical roles with my own company in the finance industry. 

    EMPOWERING IOC MEMBERS We must empower the members and ensure governance led by members and not by a selected few. 

    CHANGES In the 12 years of President Bach, we had to deal with so many complications and so many threats and managed to get the organization to move and evolve at a rapid pace. But that rapid pace of change that we implemented is no way near what is coming. I think we have a very important base, a very solid base, from the past, but the recipes of yesterday will not make it in the future. 

    LEGACY OF HIS FATHER, HELP OR HINDRANCE: My father left office 25 years ago and, as his son, I appreciate his legacy very much. His example is always with me, but the recipes of today have nothing to do with a presidency that ended years ago. Bear in mind, he joined the Olympic Movement more than 60 years ago. 

    PRESENTATION: I felt very good in the room, because I have something interesting to say, something I am passionate about. And I was so happy to have the opportunity to share that with my fellow members. So, it’s for them to decide. But my presentation is clear. I have a very clear programme. My manifesto is very much action-based and it leaves very little room for future surprises. 

    BIDDING PROCESS FOR OLYMPIC GAMES HOSTS: I think that we need to produce not a more traditional, but a better, new model that is more aligned to the current times, that would include a final decision in a significant participation of all IOC members. 

    MEDIA: I told my fellow IOC members this, ‘let’s refocus our relationship with the media. They are not our enemies. They are our allies.’ You (the media) shape the opinion of the world on the Olympic Games. This I intend, if I become IOC President, to maintain and you can hold me accountable for that if I am there. 

    MRS KIRSTY COVENTRY 

    THE OLYMPIC DREAM: My journey started as a nine-year-old girl watching the 92 Barcelona Olympic Games and just setting myself a dream and then finally realizing that dream in Athens getting to stand on the podium and win my first Olympic medal. In Athens, I won three medals and finally in my last event got to win the gold even though Zimbabwe was in a difficult situation. But when I got home to Zimbabwe, it was a time of three or four days of peace, so I really got to see the power of sport. 

    TODAY’S NINE-YEAR-OLD: The nine-year-olds in today’s world are not watching a television screen, they’re holding a phone and that phone is going to be their starting point to connect with us through online streaming platforms, and it’s going to be our chance to engage with them and ensure that we’re inspiring them, and to take it even further, we’re going to be developing and promoting applications that are going to allow them to train anywhere and everywhere in the world. And this is the world that we live in today, and let’s embrace it and walk that road together. 

    SUPPORTING AFRICAN ATHLETES: We need to find more ways of directly impacting and getting revenue to athletes before they become Olympians. That is generally the toughest thing most athletes find. From my own journey it was easy to get sponsorship once I’d won a medal. But getting to that medal was tough. 

    BACKING FROM BACH?: I have known President Bach since I came into the IOC, and I think being a fellow athlete, we share a lot of commonalities, a lot of common ideas and philosophies. But in this race, he’s the President. He has a vote, but he doesn’t vote, he chooses not to vote, and I do very firmly believe that he is being very fair to all candidates.  

    BEING A MOTHER OF A SIX-MONTH OLD AND A CAREER WOMAN: First and foremost, I want to be the best candidate to win, not just because of my gender or from where I come from. And I believe I’ve got a lot of expertise to bring to this role, to leading the organisation. 

    IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD: When I was stepping into my ministerial role seven years ago, I was pregnant with my first baby girl and had to quickly learn how to navigate and be a woman with a career as well as a mom and a wife and everything else. And it can be done. I’m very lucky to come from Africa because culturally we know and we firmly believe that it takes a village to raise a child. 

    PROTECTING WOMEN ATHLETES: As a female athlete, you want to be able to walk onto a level playing field always. It’s our job as the IOC to ensure that we are going to create that environment, and that we are going to not just create a level playing field, but we’re going to create an environment that allows for every athlete to feel safe. Along the road. We’re going to learn lessons, and we’re going to get stronger and we’re going to make better rules and regulations.  

    LORD SEBASTIAN COE 

    PRESENTATION: I enjoyed this morning’s process. I hope I was able to communicate my love for the movement. It’s something that I genuinely feel I’ve been training for for the best part of my life, or at least since the age of 11, when my father bought me my first pair of running shoes. I hope I was able to convey that, but I’m also hoping that I was able to convey the core pillars of my manifesto, my commitments and my pledges. 

    SUSTAINING IOC REVENUE: The world has changed and we do have to change with it – I’ve been in the sports marketing world for 30 years. Primarily we do need to adopt an audience first approach, which is in essence, to give them what they want, when they want it, and where they want it. Above all, for National Olympic Committees of all shapes and sizes, of some of the smaller International Federations, to enjoy that with a barrier-free physical and digital experience. 

    BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR THE IOC: The biggest challenge faced by the International Olympic Committee is no different, and it is not unique from any National Olympic Committee, any sporting organization, any club, private or public. It is how do you continue to excite and engage with young people, and how do you utilize, optimize fully the use of cutting edge technology? And we talk a lot about technology, we actually run the risk of sounding a little bit analog, because I don’t think there’s anyone in this room that hasn’t recognized that the organizations they work in, they deliver services in, have gone through that digital transformation. But I do think that engaging, exciting and challenging tomorrow’s generation is going to be critical, because it’s that cohort that is ultimately going to be your future sponsors, your future thought leaders, your future governments, your future politicians. And we need to create amongst that group of people a lifelong bond for sport. So even if they don’t remain in sport as coaches, administrators, communicators, we at least have the opportunity for them to assume leadership roles wherever they are, and really fundamentally understand the nature of sport, and it is only that way that we will raise sport to the top of government agendas. Engaging with young people is the key to unlocking so many of the other interdependencies. 

    ELECTION RULES: I’ve been in politics for a long time. I’ve found it a fairly unproductive process to pick a fight with the returning officer in the process. The rules are the same for everybody. I do think we need to review them, and I’m sure that whoever succeeds in March will want to look at that amongst other things too. 

    MR MORINARI WATANABE 

    OLYMPIC GAMES IN FIVE CONTINENTS: I propose to stage the Olympic Games in five cities on five continents at the same time. It would allow the IOC to offer the best possible conditions for each sport, to reduce the financial burden on host cities, to offer greater potential for broadcast and commercial opportunities, sustainability with reduction of travel, and alleviate other hosting problems like governmental restrictions and war.  

    POTENTIAL OF SPORT: Paris 2024 was a historic success, thanks to all the athletes, thanks to the leadership of President Thomas Bach and thanks to the excellent work of the Paris Organizing Committee. However, I believe that we should not be satisfied and that we must build on the success of these Games. Because, in contrast to the spectacular Olympic Games, the situation of the NOCs is far from strong. As FIG President, I have visited 162 countries. I have seen with my own eyes the situation of our sport in each country. As a result I saw the reality. Economically, these countries are not wealthy. In many countries, their relations with the government are not good. The presence of sport in each country is not high enough. I used to be a gymnast myself. That’s why I believe sport has even greater potential. To unleash that potential I propose that the Games be held on all five continents at the same time. 

    WORLD SPORTS ORGANISATION: I also envision upgrading the IOC into a World Sports Organization, like the World Health Organization. If the IOC continues and expands its activities, it would remain independent of politics and uphold the barriers of democracy, transparency, and gender equality. As a World Sports Organization we must contribute to society. We must make a new business for sports. My vision is not focused on only the Olympic Games. We must see a wider view for sports. Sports can contribute to society. I believe the 21st century industrial revolution will be driven by sports and healthcare. So, which organization is best placed to lead this transformation globally? It is the IOC. 

    BICAMERALISM: I am proposing a two-chamber system; a House and a Senate because many IOC members have very good ideas, even non-IOC members. We must take these ideas and listen to these opinions to develop sports. We have to be open. There are many professionals, athletes, royalty, politicians, lawyers, bankers, and many others. If we work together, we can do anything. Let’s open the door to a new era. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Blockmate subsidiary Hivello commences token sale

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blockmate Ventures Inc (TSX.V: MATE) (OTCQB: MATEF) (FSE: 8MH1) (“Blockmate” or the “Company”) is pleased to confirm that its subsidiary, Hivello Holdings Ltd has commenced a public token sale event for its native token.

    The Hivello platform offers its users a passive income stream in exchange for their unutilized computing power to third party networks.

    Blockmate will not be directly issuing any tokens or receive any proceeds from the public token sale.

    The token will be issued by the Swiss-based HVLO Association, under licence from Hivello Holdings Ltd.

    Key details of the $HVLO token are outlined in the media release published by Hivello below.

    Hivello Announces Public Token Sale on DAOMaker, HyperGPT, & EclipsePad

    London & Amsterdam, January 28, 2025 – Hivello, the innovative DePIN mining platform, is thrilled to announce the public token sale of its native token, $HVLO, set to commence on January 31, 2025. The sale will be hosted on three prominent launchpads: DAOMaker, HyperGPT, and EclipsePad, offering participants equal opportunities to invest in the future of decentralized physical infrastructure networks.

    The $HVLO token sale is structured as a fair launch, ensuring that every participant receives the same terms. This approach underscores Hivello’s commitment to decentralization and fairness in the rapidly evolving Web3 landscape.

    Key Details of the $HVLO Token Sale:

    • Public Sale Start Date: January 31, 2025
    • Launchpads: DAOMaker, HyperGPT, EclipsePad
    • Token Unlock Schedule:
      • 25% of tokens will be unlocked at the Token Generation Event (TGE).
      • A one-month cliff will follow the initial unlock.
      • The remaining tokens will vest over a period of five months.
      • Team tokens will remain locked for nine months, ensuring alignment with the community’s long-term interests.

    Hivello’s unique approach to DePIN mining allows users to earn rewards by connecting unused computer resources to decentralized networks. The platform’s aspirational goal to integrate with every reputable DePIN positions it as a future leader in the DePIN ecosystem.

    “We are incredibly proud of the vibrant community that has grown around Hivello. Decentralization is not just a technological advancement; it’s a fundamental shift towards empowering humanity. With the upcoming token sale, our community now has the opportunity to take a stake in Hivello’s future, further aligning our shared vision of making DePIN mining so intuitive and accessible that onboarding the next 100 million users becomes a given,” said Domenic Carosa, Chairman and Co-founder of Hivello.

    Participants interested in the $HVLO token sale can find more information and the official launchpad links here: https://www.hivello.com/HVLO-token

    The token is being issued by HVLO Association (Switzerland) under licence from Hivello Holdings Ltd.

    (ENDS)

    About Blockmate Ventures Inc.
    Blockmate Ventures is a venture creator focussing on building fast growing technology businesses relating to cutting edge sectors such as blockchain, AI and renewable energy. Working with prospective founders, projects in incubation can benefit from the Blockmate ecosystem that offers tech, services, integrations and advice to accelerate the incubation of projects towards monetization. Recent projects include Hivello (download the free passive income app at www.hivello.com) and Sunified, digitising solar energy.

    The leadership team at Blockmate Ventures have successfully founded successful tech companies from the Dotcom era through to the social media era. Learn more about being a Blockmate at: www.blockmate.com.

    Blockmate welcomes investors to join the Company’s mailing list for the latest updates and industry research by subscribing at https://www.blockmate.com/subscribe.

    About Hivello
    Hivello is an aggregator of DePIN projects that allows any user to participate in a variety of DePIN networks with just a few clicks. This eliminates the technical hurdles that many users face when trying to join these networks, and allows users to generate an extra source of income by mobilizing their idle computers. We aim to create a simple app that allows users to contribute their computer resources with no technical knowledge required.

    For more information about Hivello and to stay updated on its developments, visit www.hivello.com

    ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Justin Rosenberg, CEO
    Blockmate Ventures Inc
    justin@blockmate.com
    (+1-580-262-6130)

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

    Forward-Looking Information
    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on the assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Blockmate disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dedicated team to serve businesses amongst DWP overhaul of employer support to Get Britain Working

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ministers are encouraging UK businesses to work with Jobcentres to fill the thousands of jobs currently vacant as the UK goes for growth, the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall set out today (30 January).

    • Following the Chancellor’s growth speech yesterday, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall visited fast growing UK retailer B&M – who successfully filled almost 3,000 vacancies using local jobcentres in 2024. 
    • The Work and Pensions Secretary has today set out overhaul the DWP’s approach to supporting employers to Get Britain Working again as part of Plan for Change.
    • Comes as just one in six businesses has ever used a Jobcentre to recruit with the latest data showing tens of thousands of vacancies in key sectors. 
    • New DWP team have built partnerships with 37 new industry leaders in just a few week as department transforms Jobcentres.

    It comes as the Work & Pensions Secretary visits B&M – a retailer that has had huge success using the Jobcentre network. As a fast growing UK retailer, B&M has filled almost 3,000 vacancies through the jobcentre network, with over 85% of new recruits coming directly through the DWP – benefiting jobseekers and the businesses’ growth. 

    The DWP has hit the ground running to reset engagement with employers through new teams to support employers, with dedicated account managers and a focus on growing the number of Jobcentre training programmes tailored to employer’s needs.

    As B&M has opened new stores across the country, it has teamed up with the local DWP team to run information sessions – offering interested candidates a guaranteed interview. 

    Over 73,000 jobs have been added to the labour market since the start of this Parliament according to the ONS, with new announcements in the Chancellor’s speech yesterday expected to add thousands more roles to the UK jobs market – including over 100,000 jobs in the local area around Heathrow. 

    However, new figures show only 1 in 6 employers surveyed reported using the JobCentre Plus network to hire for their business – highlighting the need for genuine reform. 

    That’s why as part of the Get Britain Working plan, the government will reform jobcentres by bringing it together with the National Careers Service to ensure people have better access to training and address local skills gaps and help train the workforce businesses need.

    The reforms to get Britain working and modernise the employment support offer are just one part of the Government’s Plan for Change, which will lay strong foundations to kickstart economic growth and break down barriers to opportunity across the country. 

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: 

    To get Britain growing again, we need to get Britain working again.  

    As the HR department for the Government’s growth mission, our job is to work with businesses to meet their recruitment needs.

    To help employers grow, hire new staff, and boost opportunity in every corner of the country, we are determined to change our approach

    As part of reforming Jobcentres we will overhaul our service to better meet employer’s needs – turning the DWP into a genuine public employment service. So businesses can fill jobs and people can build a better life for themselves and their families.

    A B&M spokesperson said:

    There is a wealth of talent and experience in Jobcentres across the UK. We encourage other businesses to get in touch with their local Jobcentre and discover the talent that’s available in their community.

    The new dedicated team set up to support businesses of all sizes across the country with their recruitment needs has already added 37 new employers to the department’s roster in recent weeks, with notable names including Home Bargains, KFC and Swissport. 

    In a letter to CEOs from 10 of the UK’s top businesses, DWP ministers said that at a time when recruitment can be a major cost, the DWP “provides a service to help businesses grow and support people into work.

    To help other businesses replicate B&M’s success, the department is transforming its service for employers by:

    1. Hosting summits with employers and stakeholder representatives across sectors crucial to growth – including construction, social care and clean energy in the next three months. 
    2. Boosting the number of training programmes in these sectors on offer at Jobcentres to upskill jobseekers and provide employers with the work ready staff they need.   
    3. Serving employers through a dedicated team with highly experienced experts to provide recruitment support, including designing tailored campaigns to tackle large numbers of vacancies. 
    4. Providing an account manager for employers to get more information about how the JCP can help them and provide recruitment support – following feedback from businesses that they wanted an establish a single contact. 
    5. Commissioning Sir Charlie Mayfield to lead an independent review into the role of employers in reducing health-related inactivity and promoting healthy and inclusive workplaces – which is already underway.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ICC announces new editorial board for Dispute Resolution Bulletin

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: ICC announces new editorial board for Dispute Resolution Bulletin

    The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has appointed new co-editors-in-chief and editorial board members of the ICC Dispute Resolution Bulletin. The Bulletin is ICC’s flagship, triannual journal focused on arbitration and other methods of dispute resolution. Editorial board members are highly-regarded dispute resolution practitioners from around the world, with diverse backgrounds. With their involvement, the Bulletin will remain one of the most essential go-to resources on dispute prevention and resolution.

    Since the first edition in 1990, the Bulletin has been at the forefront of providing up-to-date developments in international arbitration and commentaries on ICC dispute resolution and arbitral awards. The Bulletin offers legal updates, expert insights and studies, best practices and analysis of ICC awards. It also reports on ICC events and trainings, and features book reviews for dispute resolution practitioners.

    Claudia Salomon, President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, said:

    “In line with the ICC Court pledge to drive thought leadership, the new co-editors in chief and editorial board members will ensure that the Bulletin continues to generate innovative ideas, and build capacity, offering readers a greater understanding of the arbitration and ADR process.”

    Alexander G. Fessas, Director of ICC Dispute Resolution Services and Secretary General of the ICC Court, said:

    “As the leading institution in dispute resolution, ICC plays a critical role in promoting access to justice and the rule of law. The Bulletin serves as a vital platform for analysis and debate, fostering the safeguard of the legitimacy of arbitration and ADR, and maximising the potential of all in the legal and business communities. We are confident that, with the new editorial board, the Bulletin’s relevance and reach will continue to grow exponentially.”

    The Bulletin’s gender-balanced editorial board comprises 20 members based in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and the United States.

    The Bulletin is led by two co-editors-in-chief: Rafael Rincón, a partner at Rincón Castro Abogados in Colombia, and Sara Nadeau Seguin, a partner at Teynier Pic in France. Both were members of the board during the previous mandate. They succeed Julien Fouret and Yasmine Lahlou, who were appointed as members of the ICC Court in July 2024.

    The 2025-2027 ICC Bulletin editorial board members are:

    • Sara Nadeau Seguin, Co-Editor in Chief, Partner, Teynier Pic, France
    • Rafael Rincón, Co-Editor in Chief, Partner, Rincón Castro Abogados, Colombia
    • Aysha Abdulla Mutaywea, Partner, MENA Chambers, Bahrain
    • Marie-Isabelle Delleur, Counsel, Clifford Chance, Brazil
    • *Farouk El-Hosseny, Senior Associate, Three Crowns, United Kingdom
    • *Ahmed Habib, Senior Associate, DWF, Qatar
    • *Imad Khan, Partner, Winston & Strawn, United States of America (Houston)
    • Monserrat Manzano, Partner, Von Wobeser, Mexico
    • Alexandre Mazuranic, Partner, BMG Avocats, Switzerland
    • *Damien Nyer, Partner, White & Case, United States of America (New York)
    • *Olena Perepelynska, Partner and Head of International Arbitration, Integrites, Ukraine
    • *Sulabh Rewari, Partner, Keystone, India
    • *Michele Sabatini, Partner, Arblit, Italy
    • Mikaël Schinazi, Associate, Jones Day, France
    • Anna Secomb, Arbitrator, Singapore
    • *Leyou Tameru, Founder, I-Arb Africa, Ethiopia
    • Mireille Taok, International Arbitrator, Lawyer, and University Lecturer, United Arab Emirates
    • Monty Taylor, Barrister, Tenth Floor Chambers, Australia
    • Sylvia Tee, Partner, Ashurst, China
    • *Angeline Welsh, Barrister, Essex Chambers, United Kingdom

    * Member during the previous mandate, which is renewable once.

    The Bulletin is published three times a year with the next edition due in March 2025. The latest edition of the ICC Dispute Resolution Bulletin is freely available for download in the ICC Dispute Resolution Library.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: WISeKey WISe.Social Network: A New Era of Digital Identity Ownership and Data Privacy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeKey WISe.Social Network: A New Era of Digital Identity Ownership and Data Privacy

    WISe.Social provides a model for how social networks can align with privacy regulations while fostering a more ethical digital ecosystem.

    Geneva, January 31, 2025 –WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces that in an era where personal data has become the currency of the digital world, the Company is setting a new standard with WISe.Social, a proof-of-concept social media platform designed to restore user control over digital identity, data privacy, and consent. Unlike conventional platforms that monetize user information without transparent accountability, WISe.Social is built from the ground up with privacy, security, and user sovereignty as its core principles.

    At the heart of WISe.Social lies WISeKey’s advanced Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), enabling every user to own their digital identity through a cryptographic certificate issued by the platform. This certificate acts as a secure authentication method, allowing seamless login across various digital services while ensuring that personal identity remains under the sole control of the user. Should the user choose to revoke their certificate, all associated content is either deleted or made available for download, reinforcing the fundamental principle that personal data should belong to the individual, not the platform.

    By integrating blockchain technology, WISe.Social ensures full transparency in content moderation, safeguarding users against arbitrary censorship or manipulative algorithms. Every moderation decision is immutably recorded, creating a verifiable and accountable framework for digital discourse. The platform also eliminates the rampant spread of misinformation, fake accounts, and bots by requiring all profiles to be tied to a verifiable digital identity.

    WISe.Social goes beyond traditional security measures by incorporating post-quantum cryptography, protecting users against emerging cyber threats that could compromise sensitive information. This future-proof approach guarantees that personal data remains secure in an evolving technological landscape.

    As governments and regulatory bodies worldwide demand greater compliance with data protection laws such as GDPR, WISe.Social provides a model for how social networks can align with privacy regulations while fostering a more ethical digital ecosystem. The platform redefines consent by allowing users to control their data lifecycle, dictating how and when their information is used.

    WISeKey believes that the future of social media must be built on trust, accountability, and user empowerment. With WISe.Social, individuals reclaim ownership of their digital presence, ensuring that their personal data is protected, their identity remains private, and their consent is always respected. By challenging outdated norms and reshaping the way online platforms operate, WISeKey is leading the charge toward a more secure, transparent, and privacy-centric digital world.

    About WISeKey

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey 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 WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com     		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611 / lcati@equityny.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign tourists enjoy tour in Beijing during Spring Festival

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

    Foreign tourists enjoy tour in Beijing during Spring Festival

    Updated: January 31, 2025 21:54 Xinhua
    Italian tourists Piero (R) and Margherita pose for a selfie at Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 30, 2025. As the Chinese people are celebrating the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, they have been joined this year by an increased number of foreign tourists, who have come to experience Chinese culture following the implementation of a new visa-free transit policy. China continued easing its visa policies in 2024 to boost openness and people-to-people exchange, allowing more foreign travelers and businesspeople to visit the country visa-free. Its latest move was an extension of its visa-free transit policy, which has permitted eligible foreign travelers to stay in the country for 240 hours without a visa. Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year, was added by UNESCO into its list of intangible cultural heritage in December last year. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Spanish tourists are pictured at a Spring Festival temple fair in Ditan Park in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A family from Malaysia poses for photos with Gulou and Zhonglou, historic drum and bell towers, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Maxime (1st L) and Liza, tourists from Switzerland, show a piece of souvenir they purchased at a Spring Festival temple fair in Ditan Park in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tour guide Zhang Sai (C) introduces Chinese Spring Festival customs to foreign tourists at Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Sam (2nd R) and Zach, tourists from the United States, watch a performance of Sichuan opera “Bianlian,” also known as face-changing, at Jingshan Park in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to visit Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will visit Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil from 3 to 7 February 2025. As part of its Americas Strategy 2022–25, Switzerland aims to strengthen its political relations with the countries of the Americas in the areas of foreign policy, the economy, innovation and culture. The agenda for the trip includes the finalisation of the EFTA-Mercosur free trade agreement, Switzerland’s economic interests, and bilateral relations between Switzerland and these three Latin American countries.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Contribution of contrails to global warming – E-002574/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    While non-CO2 effects from aviation are short-lived pollutant, it is estimated that they warm the climate at least as much as long-lived CO2 from aviation.

    Based on the precautionary principle and in accordance with Article 14(5) of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Directive[1], the Commission implements a Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) mechanism of the non-CO2 aviation effects.

    Based on the adopted rules, aircraft operators should monitor the non-CO2 aviation effects as of 1 January 2025, enabling the calculation of a CO2 equivalent per flight.

    Airlines are required to report non-CO2 aviation effects annually. In 2025 and 2026, reporting may include all routes but is mandatory only for routes within the European Economic Area (EEA), and routes from EEA departing to Switzerland or to the United-Kingdom. From 2027 onwards, the MRV will extend to all flights departing from or arriving at EEA.

    The implementation of the MRV and Commission research initiatives enhance knowledge on non-CO2, informing effective avoidance strategies.

    Contrail avoidance by flight altitude adjustments is possible[2]. However, open questions need to be solved prior to an operational implementation of contrail avoidance in air traffic management.

    In addition to the European measures under the EU ETS, the Commission is ready to work with international partners, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation, to take further action on mitigating non-CO2 in the short-term .

    ReFuelEU Aviation and the uptake of SAF (e.g. Power-to-Liquid) could allow to reduce emissions that contribute to non-CO2 climate impact. The Commission explores ways to improve jet fuel composition in Europe, to reduce aromatics and sulphur levels .

    • [1] EU ETS Directive https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2003/87/oj
    • [2] For example: R Sausen et al, 2023, Can we successfully avoid persistent contrails by small altitude adjustments of flights in the real world?: https://elib.dlr.de/195244/1/avoiding%20contrails%20preprint%20230517.pdf

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 2025 Presidential Elections in Belarus: joint statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK and other members of the Informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus deliver a joint statement on elections in Belarus and the deteriorating human rights situation.

    I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States, who are members of the Informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus:  Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland,  Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and my own country, Germany.  

    The following participating States are also joining this statement: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Bosnia, Liechtenstein, Malta, San Marino, Switzerland and North Macedonia.    

    At Copenhagen in 1990, all OSCE participating States declared that “the will of the people, freely and fairly expressed through periodic and genuine elections, is the basis of the authority and legitimacy of all government”.  

    The presidential elections in Belarus on 26 January fell far short of this shared standard. Instead of reflecting multi-party democracy, accountability of government to the electorate or the free and fair expression of citizens’ will, this election outcome was pre-determined by the Belarusian government. The poll was carried out in a climate of fear and repression where opposition was silenced. Moreover, Belarusians were denied access to information from independent, pluralistic media.  

    Repression intensified in the pre-election period. While some political prisoners have been released, Belarus continues to detain many more. Over 1,250 people remain incarcerated. Many political prisoners face isolation, mistreatment and lack of medical treatment. The UN Committee against Torture reported that torture in these prisons is systemic, habitual, widespread and deliberate with a pattern of impunity for perpetrators. Last year, four political prisoners died behind bars.   

    The arrest and persecution of journalists and media professionals has also reached an all-time high; the Belarusian Association of Journalists notes that 42 media workers were imprisoned in the run up to election day.  

    We deplore Belarus’ involvement and complicity in Russia’s unprovoked, unjustifiable and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and condemn the serious, ongoing human rights violations committed by the Belarusian authorities. We reiterate our call for the Belarusian authorities to release all political prisoners, immediately and unconditionally, and to ensure their rehabilitation. 

    No election can be considered as free and fair or meeting international standards when it is held in a climate of ongoing repression, marked by continuous pressure on civil society, arbitrary detentions and widespread human rights violations, as well as restrictions of any genuine political participation and a lack of credible opposition candidates.   

    We recall that ODIHR made efforts in recent months to engage with the Belarusian authorities on election observation, in line with Belarus’ commitment at Copenhagen in 1990.     

    The Belarusian authorities’ late invitation – delivered only ten days before the presidential elections – prevented ODIHR’s access to key stages of the election process, making meaningful observation impossible. It stands as further proof that this electoral process lacked transparency and credibility.     

    Sadly, this approach to OSCE commitments is wholly consistent with earlier decisions by Belarus. As well as preventing meaningful observation of these elections, Belarus failed to invite OSCE observation of the February 2024 parliamentary elections. Nor has Belarus made progress on the recommendations of either the 2020 or 2023 Moscow Mechanism reports, or responded meaningfully to the questions raised in the 2024 Vienna Mechanism.  

    Indeed, since the fraudulent presidential election of 2020, Belarusian authorities have engaged in a brutal crackdown on opposition figures, human rights defenders, civil society representatives, journalists, and other citizens who dare voice any opposition or dissent. Human rights defenders report over 70,000 cases of repression since 2020. These range from interrogations, detentions or searches to legislative amendments, labelling and prosecuting some human rights defenders as so-called “extremists” and closing NGOs as well as forced exile and confiscation of property.   

    In the face of this utter disregard of OSCE principles and commitments by the Belarusian authorities, we underscore the right of Belarusians to determine their own future in a genuinely free and fair manner, and to be able to do so without fear, oppression and external interference. In this Council and beyond, we will continue to support the Belarusian people’s hope for a free, democratic and independent Belarus.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Quality, simplicity and transparency

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    I would like to start by thanking the organisers for the invitation to speak at this important symposium.

    A resilient banking system and financial stability more broadly are largely driven by:

    • Bank risk management and governance practices;
    • The quantity and quality of capital and liquidity buffers;
    • The effectiveness of bank supervision; and
    • The effectiveness of market discipline.

    Given time constraints, my brief statement will focus on the role of global capital and liquidity standards. That is not to underplay the critical importance of the other factors. In this regard, the Basel Committee has an ongoing work programme focused on strengthening supervisory effectiveness.1 It also remains the case that the most important source of banks’ financial and operational strength comes from their own risk management and governance arrangement.2 And the Committee will continue to strengthen Pillar 3 disclosures and promote market discipline to help stakeholders adequately assess banks’ risk profiles.

    Minimum international standards

    According to the BIS International Banking Statistics, banks’ foreign claims and other exposures totalled USD 45 trillion at the end of the second quarter of 2024.3 Given the significant global nature of banking, there is a need to have a global minimum level-playing field.

    To promote such a global level playing field, the Basel Committee sets minimum standards for internationally active banks. Consistent with this approach, many jurisdictions choose to apply more stringent requirements than the minimum Basel standards. In addition, most jurisdictions apply some level of proportionality – that is simpler rules are applied to non-internationally active banks.4 

    Globally consistent minimum regulatory standards seek to limit regulatory fragmentation, regulatory arbitrage and a “race to the bottom” which dilutes the resilience of banks. While weaker standards can promote growth in the short-run, they typically lead to excessive risk taking, and the build-up of excessive leverage, which ultimately reverses and results in a sharp contraction in credit, bank failures, broader financial instability and large losses in economic output. In short – a race to the bottom is in no one’s long-term interest – in particular banks.5 

    Minimum standards for capital and liquidity regulation play a critical role in ensuring the soundness of individual banks and overall financial stability. Rigorous regulatory standards also help to promote economic growth by ensuring lending is sustainable and can be maintained when shocks hit the system, or when individual banks incur losses.6 

    Given the importance of globally consistent minimum standards, implementation of the Basel III regulatory framework remains the key priority for the Basel Committee. While there have been some delays in implementation, most of the outstanding Basel III standards are now in force in around 70% of BCBS member jurisdictions.7 

    Calibration of international standards

    It is important to note that international capital and liquidity standards are not calibrated to produce zero bank failures. Despite the significant strengthening of bank capital and liquidity ratios since the Great Financial Crisis, banks remain highly leveraged firms. Capital and liquidity buffers can absorb most, but certainly not all shocks that a bank may face. And history has shown that the frequency and severity of such shocks have been far greater than what would be expected based on banks’ internal models.8 All this points to the importance of bank risk management and governance, effective supervisory oversight, and implementation of Basel III which significantly reduces model risk.

    On the issue on calibration of regulatory standards it is important to also keep in mind that claims of negative effects of higher capital and liquidity regulation on bank lending and economic growth have not materialised. Rather, since the GFC we have seen that more highly capitalised banks are not only more resilient, they are also more profitable and lend more through the cycle.9 

    The “Swiss Finish”

    I would like to conclude by making a general point about the so-called “Swiss Finish”. Having lived in Switzerland for nearly twenty years, I have come to understand this as, among other things, an approach that favours quality over quantity.

    I think the same principle should apply to how we think about regulatory rules. If given a choice I would favour quality over quantity. In my view it is better to favour high quality capital over lower quality capital (even if that means lower reported capital ratios). Additionally, I have a general preference for simplicity over complexity, and being transparent.

    These three principles shape my personal views on the policy issues we will discuss during the panel. So whether we are thinking about the treatment of capital within a banking group, the role of Additional Tier 1 regulatory instruments or other policy issues, I am generally going to favour:

    • quality over quantity;
    • simplicity over complexity; and where possible
    • being transparent.

    Thank you. I will stop there and look forward to the discussion.

    References

    Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (2021): “Proportionality in bank regulation and supervision”, July.

    — (2022a): “Evaluation of the impact and efficacy of the Basel III reforms”, December.

    — (2022b): “Evaluation of the impact and efficacy of the Basel III reforms – Annex”, December.

    — (2023): “Report on the 2023 banking turmoil”, October.

    — (2024): “Basel Committee reports member jurisdictions making progress in implementing Basel III”, press release, 2 October.

    Bank for International Statistics (2025): “Locational banking statistics”,  see Table B4: here Consolidated banking statistics publication table: BIS,CBS_B4,1.0.

    Behn, M, R Hasselmann and V Vig (2022): “The limits of model-based regulation”, Journal of Finance, vol 77(3), June.

    Caparusso, J, U Lewrick and N Tarashev (2023): “Profitability, valuation and resilience of global banks – a tight link” Bank for International Settlements Working Paper No 1144.

    Thedéen, E (2024): “Charting the course: prudential regulation and supervision for smooth sailing”.

    1 BCBS (2023).

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Swiss Partners AG: BaFin warns against swissprimefx.com website and indicates possibility of identity theft

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns against offers on the website swissprimefx.com. According to the findings of the supervisory authority, Swiss Partners AG, Vaduz, Liechtenstein, offers financial and investment services there without permission.

    BaFin would like to point out that the two companies, swisspartners AG and swisspartners Versicherung AG, which are registered with both the Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority and BaFin, have no connection with Swiss Partners AG or the swissprimefx.com website. This constitutes identity theft.

    Anyone offering financial and investment services in Germany requires the permission of BaFin. However, some companies offer such services without the necessary permission. You can find information on whether a particular company is authorized by BaFin in the company database.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on Section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (KWG), Section 10 (7) of the German Crypto Markets Supervision Act (KMAG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – KOF Economic Barometer: Slightly improved outlook

    Source: KOF Economic Institute

    The KOF Economic Barometer increases in January. After a decline in the previous month, it rises slightly to the above-average range. The outlook for the Swiss economy improves somewhat at the beginning of the year.

    The KOF Economic Barometer increases by two points in January to a level of 101.6 points (after revised 99.6 in December). The majority of the production-side indicator bundles included in the KOF Economic Barometer show positive developments. Particularly, the indicator bundles for manufacturing, other services, financial and insurance services, and hospitality contribute to the increase. The construction industry indicator bundle, however, weakens. The demand-side indicator bundles included in the KOF Economic Barometer are under pressure. Both, the indicator bundles for foreign demand as well as for private consumption indicate a downward tendency.

    In terms of the sub-indicators for different aspects of business activity within the producing industry (manufacturing and construction), the outlook for the sub-indicators for exports, for the assessment of production barriers, as well as for production activity is particularly favourable. The sub-indicators for order backlogs, for the competitive situation, and for the general business situation, however, experience a setback.

    The developments within the manufacturing industry are mixed. The paper and printing industry as well as the metal industry are particularly under pressure. This is cushioned in particular by the textile industry, machinery and equipment manufacturing, and the electrical industry which all indicate an improved outlook.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: “Stunning dedication”: first ocean sanctuary in Marshall Islands announced

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2025 — The Republic of the Marshall Islands has announced its first marine protected area in the Pacific Ocean, a “stunning dedication to ocean protection for Pacific heritage”, says Greenpeace.

    The country’s first national ocean sanctuary, which covers 48,0002 kilometres of ocean – bigger than Switzerland/more than 260 times the size of the Marshall Islands’ land mass – puts the Marshall Islands on the podium as a leader in ocean protection on the world stage.

    Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “Greenpeace congratulates the Republic of Marshall Islands on this stunning dedication to ocean protection for Pacific heritage.

    “The ocean is a living heritage, connecting the Pacific’s past, present and future. Protecting the ocean means protecting its treasures – the livelihoods, legacy, cultural heritage and future of Pacific people – for generations to come.

    “The Marshall Islands are unique and rich in life, but are threatened by colonialism, a heating ocean, and the devastating and ongoing impacts of nuclear testing by western nations. 

    “The Marshall Islands has a long history as champion for ocean protection, resisting the encroaching threat of deep sea mining by declaring support for a precautionary pause. We now need all nations to follow suit and stop deep sea mining before it starts.

    “The Pacific must be protected; a thriving ocean is a thriving people.” 

    The area around atolls Bikar and Bokak, as well as the nearby deep sea, will be fully protected from fishing, allowing a safe haven for marine life to recover and thrive.

    Marine sanctuaries are crucial to sustaining ocean health around the world. Greenpeace is urging governments worldwide to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty quickly to achieve the 30×30 target and start developing proposals for marine protected areas in the high seas.

    —ENDS—

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: 2030 Agenda implementation: FDFA assesses progress at federal and cantonal levels and in organisations

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Every four years, Switzerland presents to the other UN member states how it is progressing in implementing the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In its country report, which will be presented in mid-2026, it will also draw on information from the cantons, communes and organisations from the business community, the financial centre, academia and civil society. All relevant actors have until the end of May 2025 to submit details of their activities via the ‘SDGital2030’ digital platform.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Meeting between Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and the president of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

    On 30 January, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, vice president of the Federal Council and head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), welcomed the president of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, to Geneva for a working visit. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on economic and trade issues.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deforestation-free trade dialogue | UNECE

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

     

     

     

     

    On 13 November 2024, UNECE organized the Deforestation-free trade dialogue. We invited everyone from the wood, cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber and soy sectors as well as those involved in the leather, chocolate, tires and pulp and paper trade and industry to this discussion.

    The special focus of this dialogue was the European Union’s Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-free products (EUDR) and its implications.

    The event was part of the 82nd session of the UNECE Committee on Forests and the Forest Industry and was held in Geneva, Switzerland with simultaneous interpretation in English, Russian and French.

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE Expert Meeting on Statistical Data Editing 2024

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The focus of the meeting will be on cutting edge ideas, approaches, and tools in the area of statistical data editing. In addition to the traditional presentations, the agenda of the meeting anticipates interactive discussions related to particular topics within this field.

    The target audience of the expert meeting includes senior and middle-level methodologists, statisticians and researchers, working on editing and imputation of statistical data derived from surveys, censuses, administrative and external sources.

    Document Title Documents Presentations
    Information Notice 1  PDF  
    Information Notice 2 (logistical information) PDF  
    Preliminary timetable  PDF  

    Session 1: E&I quality

    		      
    Keynote Presentation: Current work on automatic multisource editing at Statistics Netherlands. Sander Scholtus (Statistics Netherlands) Abstract   Paper Presentation
    Leveraging AI for statistical editing: the case of the BIS AI Metadata Editor – Olivier Sirello (Bank for International Settlements) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Lightning Talk: Using hidden Markov and macro integration models for combining data from different sources – Sander Scholtus (Statistics Netherlands) Abstract – Presentation

    Session 2: E&I process

    		      
    National guidelines on data editing; the foundation for building a solution for the future – Aslaug Hurlen Foss (Statistics Norway) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Moving towards the standardized process of automatic statistical data editing using machine learning techniques – Ieva Burakauskaitė (State Data Agency, Statistics Lithuania) Abstract Paper Presentation
    The editing and imputation process of the 2021 household and nuclei types reconstruction in Italy – Rosa Maria Lipsi (Istat, Italy) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Keynote Presentation: Building the new Banff: an open-source data editing system based on GSDEM concepts – Darren Gray (Statistics Canada) Abstract – Presentation

    Session 3: Imputation

    		      
    Full conditional distributions for handling restrictions in the context of automated statistical data editing – Christian Aßmann (Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Application of the MissForest algorithm for imputing income variables in the Survey on Income and Living Conditions – Blandine Bianchi (Swiss Federal Statistical Office) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Assessment of Manual vs Automated Survey Editing and Imputation – Sean Rhodes (U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Enhancing Official Statistics through Artificial Intelligence: A Comparative Study of Imputation Techniques – Simona Cafieri (Istat, Italy) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Lightning Talk: Random forest imputation of nutritional information for statistics on food consumption in Norway – Magne Furuholmen Myhren (Statistics Norway) Abstract – Presentation

    Session 4: Selective editing and outlier detection

    		      
    Detecting Extreme Numerical Outliers in Trade Data: A Novel Method for Highly Asymmetric Distributions – Andrea Cerasa (European Commission, Joint Research Centre) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Selective editing for the production of new Services Producer Price Indices (SPPIs) from indirect data sources – Simona Rosati (Istat, Italy) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Outlier Identification and Adjustment for Time Series – Markus Fröhlich (Statistics Austria) Abstract Paper Presentation

    Session 5: International community building

    		      
    Organisational Aspects of Implementing ML Based Data Editing in Statistical Production – Steffen Moritz (Destatis) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Presentation on the various themes of AIML4OS: project overview – Alexander Kowarik (Statistics Austria) – – Presentation
    The European One-Stop-Shop for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Official Statistics (AIML4OS): WP8 Use Case focused on data editing – Steffen Moritz (Destatis, Germany) Abstract Paper Presentation
    The European One-Stop-Shop for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Official Statistics (AIML4OS): WP9 Use Case focused on imputation – David Salgado (Statistics Spain) Abstract Paper Presentation

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Seminar on measurement of wellbeing

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    08 – 09 July 2024

    Geneva Switzerland

    Agenda, logistics, and report

    62808 _ Report _ 392946 _ English _ 773 _ 417494 _ pdf

    Session 1: Conference of European Statisticians initiative on measuring wellbeing ‘here and now’

    Session 2: Country reports and case studies

    Session 3: Guidelines on measurement of wellbeing – presentation and discussion of draft chapters

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 45th session of the joint FAO/UNECE Working Party on Forest Statistics, Economics and Management

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The forty-fifth session of the joint FAO/UNECE Working Party on Forest Statistics, Economics and Management was held from 22 – 24 May 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland.

    Venues:

    • 22 May 2024: H-207, Building H, Palais des Nations, Geneva
    • 23-24 May 2024: Room III, Building C, Palais des Nations, Geneva

    Contact: Secretariat

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Workshop on Ethics in Modern Statistical Organisations

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    About the meeting

    The workshop will address questions of business and data ethics in the current evolving landscape of Official Statistics. With adoption of new technologies and methodologies, old policy and guidelines of National Statistical Offices are no longer cover all aspects of business operations, so progress in data ethics is now more important than ever. Business ethics is also gaining importance, as NSOs must act as moral agents upholding ethical behavior. Addressing both these questions is essential to maintain public trust and credibility in an evolving and data driven environment.

    The target audience of the includes senior and middle-level managers responsible for business, institutional and data ethics in their NSOs. As well as communication experts who handle ethical issues within their NSOs.

    Detailed information and examples of topics to be covered in the meeting, registration, contributions and other organizational aspects can be found in Information Notice #1.

    Document Title Documents Presentations
    ENG ENG
    Information Notice 1 PDF  
    Information Notice 2 (logistic information) PDF  
    Timetable PDF  
    Report PDF  
    Opening    
    Do statistical ethics apply equally to all – NSOs and other official statistics producers, whether regional/international or other national statistical authorities? Andreas Georgiou (Amherst College)   PDF
    Session 1: Ethics in institutional contexts
    Introducing Session 1: Ethics in Institutional Contexts. Fabrizio Rotundi (Istat, Italy)   PDF
    Democracy dies in darkness without Official Data. Luca Di Gennaro Splendore (University of Malta) PDF PDF
    Structure of ethical issues in new data ecosystems. Marianne Johnson, Timo Koskimäki, Markus Sovala (Statistics Finland) PDF PDF
    Revision of the Swiss Official Statistics Charter: opportunities and risks. Peter Laube (Swiss Ethics Council for Official Statistics), Marcus Baumann (Federal Statistical Office, Switzerland) PDF PDF
    UK Statistic Authority’s Centre for Applied Data Ethics (CADE) – the first three years. Nicola Shearman (Office of National Statistics, UK) PDF PDF
    Investigating Ethical Practices in NSOs – Surveys Results. Katia Ambrosino (Istat) PDF PDF
    Ethics Boot Camp Introduction. Angela Leonetti (Istat, Italy)   PDF
    Session 2: Ethics in daily work life    
    Rules of Professional Ethics in the State Statistics Bodies of the Republic of Belarus. Volha Pazharytskaya (National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus) PDF PDF
    Proposals to Promote Change from Compliance to Ethical Commitment in Istat. Angela Leonetti (Istat)   PDF
    Incorporating ethics in statistical organizations through GSBPM and GAMSO. InKyung Choi (UNECE)   PDF
    French official statistician and ethics: from law to practice. Mylène Chaleix, Olivier Lefebvre (Insee, France) PDF(en) / PDF (fr) PDF
    Ethics in staff and user satisfaction survey (Case of Albania). Vjollca Lasku (Instat, Albania)   PDF
    Session 3: Ethics for new data sources and technology    
    Reimagining how we deliver quality data and statistics: Stats NZ Journey. Emma MacDonald (New Zealand)   PDF
    The Role of Data Ethics to Maintain and Improve Public Trust: The Statistics Canada Experience. Martin Beaulieu (Statistics Canada)   PDF
    Towards a data ethics program for the Australian Bureau of Statistics: Considering privacy, ethics and trust for our innovative data uses. Joanne Hillermann (ABS, Australia)   PDF
    Statistics Netherlands ethics committee – purpose, composition and methods. Esther de Heij (Statistics Netherlands)   PDF
    Ethics of Technology. Milana Karaganis (Statistics Canada)   PDF
    The role of geo-information in ethics within modern statistical institutions. Mirela Deva (Instat, Albania)   PDF
    Session 4: Ethics and proactive communication    
    An ethical approach to the development of social acceptance and its application. John Byrne (Central Statistics Office, Ireland)   PDF
    An assessment of ethics and proactive communication practices in The Nigerian Statistical System. Kumafan Dzaan (Central Bank of Nigeria) PDF PDF
    Ethics and proactive communication: The Istat case. Giulia Peci and Michela Troia (Istat) PDF PDF
    Building trust culture in the office – examples of ethics-driven proactive internal communication at Statistics Poland. Anna Borowska and Olga Świerkot-Strużewska (Statistics Poland)   PDF
    Open discussion for the Reference Book on Ethics    
    Introduction to the Open Discussion for the Reference Book on Ethics. Fabrizio Rotundi (Istat, Italy)   PDF

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Twentieth session of the Joint Task force on Environmental Statistics and Indicators

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    16 October (9:30) – 17 October (17:30) 2023

    Palais des Nations, Geneva Switzerland

    Agenda and Information Note

    Agenda item 4 – Implementing the mandate and terms of reference

    Agenda item 5 – Ongoing developments with relevance for the work of the Joint Task Force

    Agenda item 6 – Review of the Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators

    Agenda item 7 – Ongoing and planned capacity development activities

    Agenda item 8 – Data needs, statistics and indicators to manage environment-related human health issues

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: From Davos to reality: $1B partnership begins with $220M Lumia Towers by SEN

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lumia Foundation and SEN Group have officially commenced construction and tokenization of the highly anticipated Lumia Towers by SEN, the first project under their landmark $1 billion real estate tokenization agreement. Valued at $220 million, the twin towers will redefine modern urban living by integrating luxurious residential spaces with Turkey’s first dedicated crypto hub.

    Located in Istanbul, Turkey, the Lumia Towers by SEN project symbolizes a powerful collaboration between Lumia Foundation, created by US-based visionaries Kal and Yanush Ali, and Turkey’s SEN Group, a leader in sustainable and earthquake-resistant real estate development.

    A vision introduced in Davos

    At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Lumia Foundation’s co-founder Yanush Ali, Chief Blockchain Architect Deniz Dalkilic, and Chief Product Officer Diego Grassano, presented the Lumia Towers by SEN project and the broader tokenization initiative. Their series of presentations, hosted by Webit, CVLabs, and Blue Hat Founders, emphasized how blockchain technology can revolutionize real estate markets and empower global investors.

    “This is our debut at Davos, and we’re honored to be here at the invitation of our partner Binance, who has been instrumental in supporting Lumia as the only full-cycle RWA blockchain,” said Yanush Ali, co-founder of Lumia Foundation. “Events like these define global industry trends, and asset tokenization is poised to become a major focus for 2025. That’s why we chose the World Economic Forum as the stage to announce our groundbreaking $220 million twin skyscraper project in Istanbul. This development isn’t just a milestone for us—it’s a statement. We’re tokenizing the entire project, creating Turkey’s first Crypto hub, and setting a new standard for innovation in real estate and blockchain technology.”

    Diego Grassano, reflecting on the project’s innovation, remarked:
    “With Lumia Towers, we are not just building structures; we are building opportunities. Tokenization allows anyone, anywhere, to become a part of something extraordinary.”

    Deniz Dalkilic highlighted the blockchain aspect:
    “Our mission is to create a seamless bridge between Real World Assets and DeFi ecosystems. Lumia Towers is just the beginning of what blockchain can achieve in transforming industries.”

    Empowering small investors
    By tokenizing real estate properties, Lumia Foundation aims to democratize access to high-value investments. Traditional real estate investments often require significant capital, making them inaccessible to smaller investors. However, with the Lumia Towers by SEN project, token ownership begins at just $1, enabling investors worldwide to participate.

    This innovation aligns with the growing trend of Real World Assets (RWA), a market projected to reach $10 trillion by 2030. Lumia Foundation’s efforts are further amplified by its collaboration with Binance, with the two organizations sponsoring Webit, a leading technology and innovation event.

    A milestone for blockchain and real estate
    The $1 billion framework agreement between Lumia and SEN Group is a testament to the potential of combining blockchain with real estate development. The construction of Lumia Towers by SEN is not just a step forward for the partnership but a significant contribution to Turkey’s economic growth and global leadership in blockchain innovation.

    “This partnership represents the perfect synergy of cutting-edge technology and real-world application,” said Kal Ali, co-founder of Lumia Foundation. “Turkey has enormous potential to set new standards in innovation, and we are proud to be a part of this transformative journey.”

    About Lumia Foundation
    Lumia Foundation is a next-generation blockchain platform focused on tokenizing Real World Assets and integrating them into the DeFi and Web3 ecosystems. Created by US-based visionaries Kal and Yanush Ali, Lumia combines innovative technology with a vision for financial inclusion.

    About SEN Group
    SEN Group is a Turkish real estate developer specializing in sustainable and earthquake-resistant housing. Known for its innovative construction techniques, the company is committed to advancing Turkey’s urban landscape with cutting-edge technologies

    Media Contact

    Lumia Foundation
    Furkan Karasaç
    Founder of SEN Grup
    hadiye.taskin@sengrup.com

    SEN Group
    Kal Ali
    Lumia Founder
    egor@lumia.org

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Lumia Foundation. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/82643737-1950-446d-90ea-e7fd9502c176

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/04512c52-dd57-4c95-864a-a0556b17f6fd

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b0fbd82-1287-4501-ad51-a4fb513c0fb4

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oxyle raises $16m to lead the fight against the “forever chemicals” contaminating our water

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Zurich, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — When Fajer Mushtaq turned on the tap as a child in Delhi, one question always loomed: was the water safe? Today, that same question haunts communities worldwide as PFAS — toxic “forever chemicals” used in everything from non-stick pans to firefighting foam — contaminate water supplies at an alarming rate. Today, Swiss startup Oxyle announced a $16m funding round to scale its breakthrough solution to destroy, not just relocate, PFAS from wastewater. This builds on its $3M pre-seed round in 2022, growing support for its mission. 

    The seed round was led by 360 Capital, with participation from Axeleo Capital and returning investors Founderful and SOSV. 

    Oxyle founders: Dr. Silvan Staufert and Dr. Fajer Musthaq (CREDIT: Daniel Kunz, daniekunzphoto, Adliswil, Switzerland)

    Industries have long struggled with PFAS treatment. Current methods like filtration and adsorption merely move PFAS from water to other waste streams, requiring expensive incineration or landfilling that risks these chemicals leaching back into the environment through air or soil – creating an endless cycle of contamination. While some technologies can destroy PFAS, their massive energy requirements make them financially impractical for most organizations to implement at scale.

    Oxyle’s breakthrough technology represents the world’s first economical and permanent solution to PFAS contamination. Unlike traditional methods that merely filter or concentrate these chemicals, Oxyle’s system destroys PFAS molecules, achieving over 99% elimination rates while consuming at least 15 times less energy than alternative destruction methods. The system’s three-stage process combines foam fractionation, catalytic destruction, and real-time monitoring powered by machine learning – all housed in a modular system that eliminates the need for secondary waste disposal through incineration or landfilling. Whereas traditional solutions require weeks-long lab analysis, Oxyle’s proprietary monitoring system provides instant feedback and continuous treatment optimization.

    Oxyle pilot unit on a customer site (CREDIT: Oxyle). 

    “Five years ago, Oxyle was two of us founders and one big idea: get rid of forever chemicals from our water. Today, that idea is proven, implemented, and ready to scale. This funding is a game-changer. It gives us what we need to take our technology to the industries and communities that need it most. To our investors, old and new, thank you for joining us on this mission to make clean water a reality for all.” commented Dr. Fajer Mushtaq, CEO & Co-Founder, Oxyle.

    The company was co-founded by Fajer Mushtaq and Silvan Staufert at ETH Zurich, where Mushtaq earned her PhD in Micro- and Nanosystems focused on water remediation – inspired by her experiences with water scarcity in Delhi – while Staufert completed his PhD in Mechanical and Process Engineering. Understanding that water treatment innovations couldn’t come soon enough, they developed a technology to degrade Forever Chemicals in minutes. They knew their breakthrough could change the world, but only if it moved from lab to reality.

    Oxyle Team (CREDIT Daniel Kunz, daniekunzphoto, Adliswil, Switzerland).

    In just four years, the duo have transformed Oxyle from innovation to implementation. The company has grown to a team of 26, completed over 20 customer projects, and secured prestigious recognition including the Swiss Technology Award, SEIF, and WEF’s Uplink Top Innovators. This round brings Oxyle’s total funding to $26m, including additional non-dilutive funding from grants and awards. With revenue-generating customer pilots under its belt and its first commercial installation operational, Oxyle is now securing multiple-year treatment contracts for 2025 and beyond.

    The technology’s effectiveness has been proven across multiple applications. In groundwater treatment, it reduces PFAS concentrations from 8,700 ng/l to below 14 ng/l. For soil wash water, it achieves 99.8% removal of 11 different PFAS species. It eliminated 98% of short-chain PFAS and reduced trifluoracetic acid (TFA) concentrations by 96% in trials with an industrial customer. Most significantly, in November 2024, Oxyle deployed its first full-scale system in Switzerland, treating 10 cubic meters of contaminated groundwater per hour at less than 1 kWh/m³.

    “We are proud to lead the investment in Oxyle, whose pioneering technology addresses the massive global challenge of PFAS pollution,” says Thomas Nivard, Partner at 360 Capital. “Unlike traditional methods that merely contain these harmful chemicals, Oxyle’s solution destroys them permanently, setting a new standard for tackling this urgent environmental crisis. This is a game changer. The team’s exceptional commercial and technical momentum has laid a strong foundation for establishing a true technology leader in the coming years.”

    The timing for Oxyle’s solution is critical. Rising waves of PFAS-related lawsuits and multi-billion-dollar settlements in the U.S. are pushing companies to adopt preventative solutions. Stricter regulations in both the EU and U.S. are increasing demand for advanced treatment technologies that can ensure compliance and minimize liability. New data from the Forever Lobbying Project shows the cost of inaction is staggering—cleaning up Europe’s soil and water from PFAS contamination could cost €100 billion per year, totaling €2 trillion over the next 20 years.

    Looking ahead, Oxyle aims to treat 100 million cubic meters of contaminated water in the next five years. The company plans to expand its solution across industries, from chemical and consumer goods manufacturing to semiconductor production and municipal water treatment – ultimately restoring and protecting our waters from Forever Chemicals, down to the very last drop.

    Ends 

    Notes to the editor
    Media images can be found here.

    About Oxyle
    Oxyle is the world’s first economical, sustainable, and permanent answer to PFAS contamination. Our breakthrough PFAS catalytic destruction technology empowers industrial and environmental remediation companies in their fight against PFAS. We don’t just filter or adsorb PFAS, we eliminate it entirely to below detection limits. With 15x lower average energy consumption than other destructive treatments, it is the most energy efficient, cost effective treatment on the market. Established in 2020, we’re on a mission to protect our water from PFAS – down to the last drop.

    About 360 Capital
    360 Capital is a leading European venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments across Deep Tech, Climate Tech, and Digital-First solutions. Since 1997, it has partnered with visionary entrepreneurs across Europe, supporting over 160 startups. With €500 million in assets under management, a portfolio of more than 60 active companies, and offices in Paris and Milan, 360 Capital is a prominent force in Europe’s venture ecosystem

    Founderful
    Founderful is Switzerland’s leading pre-seed fund, backing founder teams building tech companies with the potential to become global market leaders. Founderful has a track record of supporting exceptional founders in creating breakthrough companies and has the passionate conviction that the Swiss startup ecosystem is just starting to write its best success stories.

    SOSV
    SOSV is a multi-stage, deep tech venture investor committed  to “human and planetary health,” and invests beginning at a startup’s inception, the “First Check in Deep Tech®.”  Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, SOSV operates the deeply resourced startup development programs in New York City and San Francisco (IndieBio) and Newark, NJ (HAX) equipped with labs for bio-safety, chem, food, EE, analytics and mechatronics.  The SOSV ecosystem spans the globe, with 800+ startups operating in 40 countries.

    Axeleo Capital 
    Axeleo Capital (AXC) is an Emerging independent early-stage VC, trusted and backed by seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts across Europe, focusing on B2B software and Greentech startups. With €300 million in assets under management, 4 successful fund raises so far and 13 employees, the firm has made over 70 investments across the EU, and has achieved 18 successful exits within the past 36 months. AXC provides a unique framework for European early-stage startups. It offers a comprehensive range of support, including equity investments from seed to Series B stages, operational guidance and strategic assistance. The firm boasts an active ecosystem of more than 150 high-level partners, sector experts and mentors who have been instrumental in numerous success stories across Europe and the US. Axeleo Greentech Industry I aims to foster green innovation and sustainable development in Europe, with a focus on energy, chemicals, agriculture, and mobility sectors

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘All I wanted was to bid my daughter a final farewell’ – Gaza hostages, mainstream media and truth

    Palestinian politician, MP and activist Khalida Jarrar . . . AFTER being jailed by the Israeli military and released last Sunday as part of the ceasefire deal. Image: www.solidarity.co.nz

    COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle

    Watching footage of Palestinian parliamentarian and hostage Khalida Jarrar emerge from Israeli captivity was jarring — a far, muffled cry from the sense of happiness and relief most of us felt seeing the young female Israeli soldiers released by Hamas around the same time.

    What a study in contrast.

    Khalida was clearly emaciated, traumatised and had turned, in the same period of time, from a powerful dynamic woman into a fragile, elderly human being who moved with difficulty.

    What a difference it makes who holds you captive. It goes without saying I didn’t see this on any mainstream news outlet.

    In a previous period of imprisonment — for being a member of the PFLP, a proscribed organisation — the Israelis wouldn’t even allow Khalida Jarrar to attend the funeral of her own daughter.

    Instead she sent a message that was read at Suha’s funeral in 2021:

    I am in so much pain, my child, only because I miss you.
    I am in so much pain, my child, only because I miss you.

    From the depths of my agony, I reached out and
    embraced the sky of our homeland through the window
    of my prison cell in Damon Prison, Haifa.
    Worry not, my child.
    I stand tall, and steadfast, despite the shackles and the jailer.
    I am a mother in sorrow, from yearning to see you one last time.

    Suha, my precious.

    They have stripped me from bidding you a final goodbye kiss.
    I bid you farewell with a flower.
    Your absence is searingly painful, excruciatingly painful.
    But I remain steadfast and strong,
    Like the mountains of beloved Palestine.

    No mainstream coverage
    I searched online and found no mainstream outlet had covered Khalida’s release amid the flood of stories about the Israeli hostages. A search to see if Australian or New Zealand MPs had called for the release of their fellow legislator netted zero results.

    To them, she is no doubt a non-person. Yet, Khalida Jarrar is a leading political activist and one of dozens of legislators imprisoned by the Israelis. She endured. She remained steadfast.

    “The entire system of political imprisonment is based on suppressing Palestinian organising,” said Charlotte Kates, coordinator of Samidoun, the Palestinian Prisoner Support Network.

    The four female Israeli “Offence” Force (IDF) soldiers, according to all the many images and reports, were fit, happy and well-fed after their 15 months in Hamas captivity.

    The four female IDF soldiers, according to all the many images and reports, were fit, happy and well-fed after their 15 months in Hamas captivity. Images: Al Jazeera/www.solidarity.co.nz

    In contrast Palestinian prisoners typically had lost 16kg by the time they were freed. The Israelis with all the food and resources in the world made a policy — an actual policy — of mistreating prisoners, reducing food to a minimum, often beating them, finding perverse ways to humiliate them and on many occasions sexually assaulting men, women, boys and girls who had been dragged into their custody without charge.

    Many, an unknown number, died at their hands.

    Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, called months ago for legislation to allow the execution of Palestinian prisoners “with a shot in the head” and said he would provide minimal food to them until the law was enacted. I couldn’t find a single Western leader who called for him to be arrested.

    Israeli human rights report
    These crimes are filling compendia being compiled by the United Nations, the ICC and multiple organisations worldwide. You can read some of it here in an Israeli human rights report, “Welcome to Hell, the Israeli prison system as a network of torture camps”.

    Our media has a lot to answer for — for what was done to the thousands of Palestinian hostages because of its starring role in silencing Palestinian voices and hiding from view the realities of the Israeli prison system. Thousands were never charged with any crime — other than being Palestinian.

    Entire congregations in mosques, groups of people in refugee centres, were indiscriminately swept up and tossed into Israeli concentration camps.

    Were future historians to look back on these times and only have the mainstream media to go by, they would have lots of wonderful photos of the Israeli hostages, know them by name, see family hugs, biographical details, and listen to interviews with friends and relatives. In contrast, the Palestinians would turn towards History and we would see blank faces, erased of personality, all the detail of their stories rubbed out.

    That’s why it is imperative to find better sources of news and information, like Middle East Eye, Palestine Chronicle, Electronic Intifada and Pearls & Irritations, that can enrich our understanding of our times and the experience of the victims of Western genocidal violence.

    In his excellent article “The Other Hostages”, human rights lawyer Jonathan Kuttab says: “From the Palestinian perspective: there are about 13,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israeli jails who are just as worthy of our concern and also merit our sympathy, and whose families will rejoice at their long-awaited release.”

    Turning a blind eye to Israeli mistreatment of prisoners — and the mainstream media bias in favour of all things Israeli — goes back decades. But let’s look at the months since October 7th.

    No fact-checking
    All the mainstream media and servile politicians raced to report without fact-checking the lies the Israelis and Americans, including President Biden, told about beheaded babies and mass rapes. Few had the decency to walk back the calumnies even after official retractions and international investigations disproved them.

    In October 2023 I wrote one of my first stories post-October 7th on this very topic.

    Within a month of October 7, eight BBC journalists wrote to Al Jazeera saying “the corporation is failing to humanise Palestinians . . .  investing greater effort in humanising Israeli victims compared with Palestinians, and omitting key historical context in coverage.”

    CNN staff told British colleagues last year that their network’s pro-Israel slant amounts to “journalistic malpractice”.

    Hats off to Novara Media, one of the larger alternative news and analysis platforms for its exposure of bias. What they found was that Palestinians are “killed” whereas Israelis are “massacred” or “slaughtered”.

    Checking over 1000 articles by the UK’s supposedly progressive, left-leaning outlets — The Guardian, The Independent, Daily Mirror – Novara found that “all three publications favoured Israeli lives, narratives and voices.”

    Taking a list of emotive words they cross-checked and found that 77 percent were about violence against Israelis and only 23 percent about Palestinians. Well over 95 percent of victims of violence are Palestinians, 100 percent of land thefts are by Israelis. Facts matter.

    Journalism ‘used’ for racist war crimes
     This is journalism being used in the service of racist war crimes, used to normalise the mistreatment of prisoners and other Palestinian untermenschen.

    In the case of The Independent, it ran 70 stories on Israeli hostages (who at peak numbered about 250) and just one story on a Palestinian hostage (they number over 10,000).

    British journalist Owen Jones deserves a medal for reports like: “BBC in Civil War over Gaza.” The report details the efforts of journalists within the organisation to deliver more balanced coverage but the extent to which those efforts are thwarted by powerful pro-Israel operatives within the corporation who ensure “systematic pro-Israel propaganda at the corporation.”

    Palestinian lawmaker Khalida Jarrar (centre) with her daughter Suha. This story appeared in Electronic Intifada. Its author Ali Abunimah was arrested in Switzerland this week to prevent him giving a speech. Image: www.solidarity.co.nz

    “This unprecedented slaughter could not have happened without powerful cheerleaders,” Jones said in a recent piece about media co-conspirators with Israel in the genocide. “Hold them to account.”

    Damn right. I pray to whatever gods may be that justice will one day be served on all those who by their actions or by their “journalism” allowed these crimes to be committed.

    I’ll give the last word to Khalida Jarrar as I wish her a full and speedy recovery:

    “All I wanted was to bid my daughter a final farewell – with a kiss on her forehead and to tell her I love her as much as I love Palestine.”

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ionic wind technology: Empa spin-off awarded – Energy-efficient cooling thanks to ionic wind

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Thanks to a new type of airflow booster for ionic wind, completely new fields of application are opening up for the start-up Ionic Wind Technologies. In future, the patented technology is to be used primarily for cooling data centers and high-performance electronics. The Empa spin-off has already won several awards.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Share of new electric vehicles falls in 2024

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Home Affairs

    After years of at times strong growth, the all-electric vehicle share of new registrations fell slightly in 2024. For passenger cars this figure fell to 19.0% (down from 20.7% in 2023) and for goods vehicles to 8.6% (2023: 12.2%). Overall, the number of new motor vehicle registrations in 2024 was 2.9% lower than in the previous year. The total number of vehicles nevertheless increased by 0.9% to 6.5 million. These findings are from the official Road Vehicle Statistics published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: STMicroelectronics Supervisory Board to propose new member at 2025 AGM

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PR No: C3310C 

    STMicroelectronics Supervisory Board to propose new member at 2025 AGM

    Geneva – January 30, 2025 – STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, announces that its Supervisory Board has agreed to propose for shareholders’ approval at the Company’s 2025 Annual General Meeting the appointment of Werner Lieberherr to the Supervisory Board of ST, in replacement of Janet Davidson whose mandate will expire at the end of the 2025 AGM.

    Werner Lieberherr has successfully led global companies in energy, aviation and automotive in the United States, Asia, Europe and Switzerland, most recently at Landis+Gyr AG, an integrated energy management solutions provider, as Chief Executive Officer.

    About STMicroelectronics
    At ST, we are over 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of the Internet of Things and connectivity. We are committed to achieving our goal to become carbon neutral on scope 1 and 2 and partially scope 3 by 2027. Further information can be found at www.st.com.

    INVESTOR RELATIONS
    Jérôme Ramel
    EVP Corporate Development & Integrated External Communication
    Tel: +41 22 929 59 20
    jerome.ramel@st.com

    MEDIA RELATIONS
    Alexis Breton
    Group VP Corporate External Communications
    Tel: +33 6 59 16 79 08
    alexis.breton@st.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: 2024: Mixed picture despite record exports

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Finance

    While foreign trade was still negative in both directions in the previous year, exports reached a new high of +3.2% in 2024. However, this record was achieved almost exclusively thanks to the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sector. On the import side, on the other hand, last year’s decline continued at –1.6%, albeit at a slightly slower pace. The opposing trend between imports and exports resulted in a new record trade surplus of CHF 60.6 billion

    MIL OSI Europe News –