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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Leading African fund managers receive awards for supporting promising entrepreneurs and start-ups across the continent

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • First Circle Capital, SpeedInvest and Knife Capital achievements awarded for their work in African venture capital.
    • The Africa Venture Finance Programme at Oxford’s Saïd Business School hosted 41 prominent African and Africa-focused venture capital fund managers, with more than half of them being women.
    • The programme is funded by the EU, through Boost Africa, and by the AfricaGrow Technical Assistance Facility financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through KfW

    African venture capital (VC) fund managers First Circle Capital, SpeedInvest and Knife Capital have all received awards recognising their success in supporting promising entrepreneurs and start-ups across African countries. The awards were presented during the Africa Venture Finance Programme, a week-long, in-person course, organised for the third time at Oxford university’s Saïd Business School from 9 to 13 September 2024. The programme aims to support VC fund managers investing in early and growth-stage technology companies in Africa, with Boost Africa and AfricaGrow hosting 41 leading fund managers from 31 African VC funds.

    The ‘Most Promising Fund Manager’ award was given to the all-female team from First Circle Capital, who invest in and support early-stage fintech founders.

    The ‘Best Deal’ award went to SpeedInvest for their investment in Moove, a rapidly growing company providing vehicle financing and supply solutions.

    Lastly, the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ was presented to Keet van Zyl, founding partner of South Africa-based Knife Capital, in recognition of his contributions to the venture ecosystem and leadership.

    “We are proud of Boost Africa’s role in supporting a vibrant and resilient VC ecosystem in Africa and helping African entrepreneurs transform their ideas into successful businesses,” said EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. “The EIB is committed to financing new technology and ideas that will address the global challenges we all face.”

    The shortlisted candidates were peer-selected by fellow fund managers, and a panel of judges composed of limited partners determined the winners from the shortlisted candidates. Investors from funds including Partech, AfricInvest, TLcom, Norssken, Speedinvest came together to discuss innovative solutions for Africa’s unique challenges. The five-day event allowed participants to share expertise and facilitate discussions to drive rapid growth in Africa’s technology venture capital sector. Attendees from all over the continent took part, with more than half of them being women, reflecting increased gender inclusiveness within venture capital leadership.

    Several Oxford academics joined the group discussions covering a wide range of topics such as the growing need for innovative funding instruments and the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the continent’s future. Additionally, several prominent African investors attended the forum to share best practices and discuss the way forward. Participants engaged with representatives from different development finance institutions and international organisations. This included Andrea Clerici, Director for Corporate Finance & Global Activities at the European Investment Bank, and delegates from the European Commission and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States.

    “The opportunity to exchange confidential insights, discuss inherent challenges, and ultimately build deeper human bonds is essential for strengthening our collective ability to build our VC ecosystem together. No other conference or event has provided anywhere near as much value as this one.” – Nivesh Pather, Principal at Norrsken22.

    “It is important for me to always be learning. The trends in our part of the world are equal parts cyclical and rapidly evolving. We heard so many fresh perspectives and voices coupled with experience. I left Oxford with a renewed commitment to focus on the how.” –  Ory Okolloh, Partner at Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures.

    “This year’s Africa Venture Finance Programme proved once again the enormous potential of venture capital in Africa. A whole new generation of investors are taking the long view on building an entire new ecosystem. At Oxford Saïd Business School we are proud to be part of supporting this journey which will transform African economies, one startup at a time!” – Thomas Hellmann, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Saïd School of Business, Oxford University

    The Africa Venture Finance Programme is supported by the EU via the Boost Africa programme and by the AfricaGrow Technical Assistance Facility.

    Background information

    About Boost Africa

    Boost Africa is a joint initiative between the European Investment Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to enable and enhance entrepreneurship and innovation across Africa in a commercially viable way. It addresses a current gap in the African market by providing early-stage venture capital paired with skills development.

    Boost Africa focuses on financial intermediaries investing in innovative business models and start-ups developing digital solutions across various sectors including, inter alia, information and communication technologies (ICT), healthcare, climate mitigation and adaptation, education, financial services, and manufacturing sectors. There is a particular emphasis on financial intermediaries focusing on youth and women and on sectors where innovation can improve the quality of people’s lives, in particular for lower-income households.

    Boost Africa Technical Assistance Facility, part of the broader Boost Africa programme, provides bespoke support to strengthen the core professional and operational skills of partner fund managers and their investees to realise growth potential among innovative tech start-ups and high growth SMEs in Africa. The Facility is funded by the European Commission and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, through the 11th European Development Fund. The funding is managed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and implemented by Adam Smith Europe, part of the Adam Smith International Group.

    About AfricaGrow

    The AfricaGrow Fund of Funds is a blended finance vehicle managed by Allianz Global Investors and serves as a catalyst for private capital into Africa by providing a de-risked capital structure for institutional investors, fostering indirect investments into African Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups via local Private Equity and Venture Capital fund investments. Its LPs are DEG, KfW – on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Allianz insurance companies.

    As a legally independent entity, AfricaGrow is a central instrument of the Compact with Africa (CwA) initiative, which was launched in 2017 under the 50 German G20 presidency. The Technical Assistance Facility is funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW, while the fund is managed by Allianz Global Investors and advised by DEG Impact GmbH.

    About the EIB

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In NYC, Gillibrand Touts Lower Costs For 10 Prescription Drugs And Announces Additional Legislation To Cap Prescription Drug Costs At $2k Annually

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, at a press conference in NYC, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced historic Medicare savings and lower costs for 10 commonly used prescription drugs. These drugs are some of the most expensive and most frequently prescribed in the Medicare program and are used to treat conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The new prices will go into effect for people with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage beginning January 1, 2026. Gillibrand also announced the Capping Prescription Costs Act, which would extend the cap on annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs to people with private health insurance, with a cap of $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for families. 

    “No one should have to risk their health by skipping refills or rationing life-saving medication because they can’t afford the cost of their prescriptions. In 2022, the Biden-Harris administration delivered historic savings by passing the Inflation Reduction Act, which allowed Medicare to negotiate drug prices and capped the price of insulin at $35 a month for seniors. The $6 billion in predicted savings for the Medicare program following these drug price negotiations is proof that the Inflation Reduction Act is working for the American people,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Now, I’m fighting to get prices down on all drugs for all Americans. The Capping Prescription Costs Act imposes caps on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for people with private insurance: a maximum of $2,000 a year for an individual and $4,000 a year for a family. Democrats are fighting to expand Medicare benefits and reduce prescription drug prices because access to high-quality, affordable health care is a human right, not a privilege.”

    “Every New Yorker deserves access to affordable life-saving medications without the fear of financial ruin. Senator Gillibrand’s legislation would be a critical step to ensure no one has to choose between their health and their financial well-being. By capping out-of-pocket drug costs for individuals and families, we can bring real relief to those struggling with chronic conditions. We must recognize that healthcare is a human right,” said New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera.

    “The Inflation Reduction Act took vital steps to lower beneficiary and Medicare costs, including by establishing a $2,000 cap on annual out-of-pocket prescription drug spending. As a result, for the first time in Medicare’s history, all Part D enrollees will have certainty about their cost obligations and protection against limitless expenses. The Medicare Rights Center is pleased to support Senator Gillibrand’s Capping Prescription Costs Act, which would create similar safeguards for people with other types of coverage, ensuring they too can plan more and worry less. We applaud Senator Gillibrand and her co-sponsors for championing this legislation and look forward to working together to ensure all Americans can get the care they need, when they need it,” said Fred Riccardi, President, Medicare Rights Center.

    “With this policy New York’s elders, who largely live on fixed incomes, will be able to concentrate on their health rather than the anxiety of how they can or cannot afford their prescription drugs. On a larger scale, this policy is timely as New Yorkers 65 years of age and older, as a cohort, are approaching 20 percent of the population. Implementing this policy addresses the infrastructural shift not only in New York State, but in the entire country,” said María Alvarez, Executive Director, New York StateWide Senior Action Council.

    “As Chair of the NYC Council Health Committee, I applaud Senator Gillibrand’s leadership in lowering prescription drug costs and her commitment to making life-saving medications more affordable,” said Council Member Lynn Schulman. “This new legislation is a critical step toward ensuring that no New Yorker has to choose between their health and financial stability.”

    The Capping Prescription Costs Act builds on transformational drug pricing reforms included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which capped the price of insulin at $35 a month and out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 a year for Medicare Part D beneficiaries. The bill is cosponsored by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Fetterman (D-PA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Patty Murray (D-WA). Representative Kathy Manning (D-NC) leads companion legislation in the House. 

    For more information on the Biden-Harris administration agreements for new, lower prices for the first 10 drugs selected for Medicare price negotiations, please click here. Gillibrand was joined in NYC by New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera, President of the Medicare Rights Center Frederic Riccardi, and Executive Director of New York StateWide Senior Action Council María Alvarez.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: U.S. Climate Alliance launches Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative, aims to train 1 million new registered apprentices by 2035

    Source: Washington State News

    Gov. Jay Inslee, who co-founded the bipartisan U.S. Climate Alliance in 2017, joined his co-chairs and national climate advisor Ali Zaidi at Climate Week NYC to announce a new workforce initiative. This initiative complements programs already underway in Washington state to help more people train for jobs and careers in clean energy, climate resiliency and restoration.

    Full press release below. A livestream of the press event is available at USCA’s Climate Week NYC webpage.

    U.S. Climate Alliance launches Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative, aims to train 1 million new registered apprentices by 2035

    NEW YORK, NY — The U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 24 governors representing approximately 60 percent of the U.S. economy and 55 percent of the U.S. population, today launched the Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative to grow career pathways in climate and clean energy fields, strengthen workforce diversity, and jointly train 1 million new registered apprentices by 2035 across the Alliance’s states and territories.

    Today’s announcement was made at a Climate Week NYC event featuring Alliance co-chairs New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, founding member Washington Governor Jay Inslee, and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi.

    “In New York, we’re showing how climate action and economic growth go hand-in-hand,” said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. “As a co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance, I’m proud to be collaborating with states, industry leaders, labor unions, higher education and community organizations to create the jobs of the future required to build a clean, equitable, and resilient economy. A skilled and well-prepared workforce will drive innovation, create new businesses, and ensure a sustainable, resilient future for our country.”

    “We need a climate-ready workforce — from EV technicians and heat pump installers to solar panel manufacturers — to meet our carbon reduction goals,” said New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “The Executive Order I’m issuing today in conjunction with the Alliance’s new Workforce Initiative will help ensure that workers from all backgrounds have access to the skills and training needed for high-quality, climate-ready jobs across New Mexico.”

    “We’re aligning our ambitious climate policies with workforce development to have 1 million more workers poised to take these good-paying, union jobs that serve our communities and strengthen our economies,” said Washington Gov. Jay Gov. Inslee. “These are economy-wide jobs, not just in clean energy but building trades, land management, clean technology and more. Climate Alliance states have a track record of meeting our ambitious goals and that momentum continues today.”

    “Under President Biden and Vice President Harris’s leadership, we are bringing down the barriers to economic opportunity, lowering costs for American families, and catalyzing a renaissance of American-made manufacturing that is creating jobs across America. In fact, just last year, we added over 250,000 new American energy jobs — with clean energy jobs growing twice as fast as the rest of the sector,” said White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “Governors across America are at the forefront of our efforts to spur growth in union jobs, expand American energy production, and invest in the economic success of our communities. Today’s announcement will help capitalize on our momentum to create a climate-ready workforce that is rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, communities, and industrial strength.” 

    The Initiative’s launch comes as historic federal investments, combined with ambitious state climate action, have unleashed a significant expansion of good-paying and union jobs in climate-ready fields — with millions more anticipated in the coming years under the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This includes high-quality jobs not only in clean energy and clean technology sectors — such as wind, solar, electric vehicles, energy efficiency, and batteries — but also in fields associated with climate resilience and natural climate solutions.

    Under this Initiative, Alliance states and territories will collaborate to collectively support 1 million new workers in completing Registered Apprenticeship programs across the coalition by 2035. These programs, registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or federally approved State Apprenticeship Agencies, provide an especially valuable and proven career pathway, empowering workers to earn while they learn in key climate-ready occupations and industries.

    Alliance members will also advance a series of collective goals aimed at strengthening and expanding pathways into a wide variety of climate-ready professions critical to building a clean, equitable, and resilient net-zero future. The Initiative’s goals include boosting job quality and ensuring climate-ready employment pathways lead to good-paying, high-quality jobs; expanding opportunities for workers from underrepresented and underserved communities; and promoting the use of stackable and portable credentials in climate-ready fields to build transferable skills, support reskilling and upskilling, and strengthen workers’ economic mobility. A full list of the Initiative’s goals can be found here.

    Finally, to advance sector-specific strategies, Alliance members will work together through new multi-state cohorts focused on in-demand, climate-ready fields. These cohorts will provide a platform for states and territories to increase collaboration, share evidence-based practices, engage experts and stakeholders, and develop sectoral workforce solutions that can be scaled across the country. Cohorts to be launched in the Initiative’s first year will focus on careers in the following areas:

    • Clean Energy, Fuels, and Technologies: Led by Michigan and New Jersey, this cohort will focus on careers in the design, construction, and maintenance of a clean, affordable, and resilient power system; the manufacturing and deployment of zero-emission vehicles and technologies; and the development and distribution of alternative, low-carbon fuels.
    • Clean Buildings and Industry: Led by Maine and Massachusetts, this cohort will focus on careers in the engineering, design, construction, retrofitting, maintenance, and operation of buildings and industrial processes that are clean, energy-efficient, healthy, and resilient.
    • Resilient Communities and Lands: Led by Arizona and Vermont, this cohort will focus on careers in the development and maintenance of safe, livable, and resilient communities; preparedness for and response to climate impacts such as extreme heat, wildfires, severe storms, flooding, and drought; and the deployment of natural climate solutions and climate-smart stewardship of our lands and waters. 

    The Initiative will be led by Alliance states and territories with support from the Alliance’s Secretariat. In implementing the Initiative, Alliance members will customize efforts to meet their individual needs and challenges, while working together to achieve the collective goals. States and territories will also collaborate directly with their workforce development system partners, labor unions, higher education institutions, industry, and other key partners that bring substantial expertise and experience in this work.

    This Initiative builds on a number of federal-state collaborations between the Alliance’s members and the Biden-Harris Administration, including a White House convening with Alliance governors’ offices in May focused on creating good-paying jobs and mobilizing a diverse workforce in climate and clean energy.

    Additional information on the Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Rome, Gillibrand Announces Legislation To Address Epidemic Of Traumatic Brain Injuries In Service Members And Veterans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Following a disturbing report showing that service members are sustaining crippling traumatic brain injuries as a result of firing their own weapons, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2246 in Rome to announce legislation to address traumatic brain injuries among service members and veterans. 

    Service members who regularly fire heavy weapons are at increased risk of brain injury as a result of repeated exposure to explosions or blasts from their own weapons and explosives – otherwise known as blast overpressure. These brain injuries can cause depression, anxiety, cognitive problems, hallucinations, panic attacks, violent outbursts, suicidal tendencies, psychiatric disorders, dementia, and a variety of other serious health problems. At least a dozen Navy SEALs who have died by suicide over the past decade were later found to have suffered blast injuries, and many more service members have complained of health issues after blast exposure. Despite this, the Pentagon has struggled to properly investigate the impact of blast overpressure, effectively track the prevalence of blast overpressure-related injuries, or offer appropriate care to service members and veterans. Gillibrand is calling for more research and better treatment for those affected.

    Gillibrand was joined by VFW Post 2246 Post Commander Will Ginter; VFW Department of NY Legislative Chair Ann Marie Hogancamp; VFW Department of NY District 4 Commander Matthew VanEtten; and Mayor of Rome Jeff Lanigan.

    “After repeatedly being exposed to blasts from their own weapons during both training and combat, our service members are sustaining severe and crippling brain trauma,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This bill will require the DoD to investigate the prevalence and causes of these brain injuries; to track each service member’s exposure to blasts; and to help service members access care. This is a critical bill and I look forward to getting it passed in the NDAA.” 

    Specifically, the Blast Overpressure Safety Act would: 

    1. Mandate regular neurocognitive assessments over a service member’s career, including a baseline neurocognitive assessment before training. 
    2. Create blast overpressure exposure and TBI logs for all service members.
    3. Increase transparency regarding blast overpressure safety in the weapons acquisition process. DoD must consider the minimization of blast overpressure during the acquisition process, require contracting entities to provide blast overpressure safety data, and publish blast overpressure safety data for weapons systems and its plans to better protect service members from in-use weapons systems. 
    4. Improve data on concussive and subconcussive brain injuries service members sustain. This includes information on discharges related to and medical providers trained in these injuries, as well as efforts with allies and partners to better address these injuries. 
    5. Enhance efforts to mitigate exposure and help service members access care. This includes retaliation protections for those who seek care; modifying existing weapons system to reduce blast exposure; updating and making publicly available blast overpressure thresholds and creating a waiver system for exceeding these thresholds; training high-risk service members to help them recognize exposure symptoms and creating strategies to mitigate their risk; and expanding the types of technologies in the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative pilot blast monitoring program. 
    6. Support service member treatment by establishing a Special Operations Comprehensive Brain Health and Trauma program, making the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) a program of record and requiring DoD to provide child care services to those seeking treatment there, and mandating training for medical and training personnel on blast overpressure and exposure and TBI. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Announces 3,000 Illegal Guns Off Our Streets – A Direct Result Of Her Anti-Gun Trafficking Provision In The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    In Just Over Two Years, Gillibrand’s Statute Has Allowed Law Enforcement To Seize More Than 3K Guns Nationwide And 250 In New York

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a video press conference to announce a major new milestone in the seizure of illegal guns under the anti-gun trafficking statute in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was shaped by Gillibrand’s Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act. As of this month, the anti-gun trafficking statute has gotten more than 3,000 illegal guns off our streets, including 1,000 confirmed within the last 6 months alone.  

    The seized weapons included: 

    • 317 AR-15s and AR-style weapons;
    • 478 machine gun conversion devices, which can convert semi-automatic pistols and rifles into fully automatic weapons in under a minute;
    • 206 ghost guns, homemade firearms that are completely untraceable – and a favorite of criminals.

    The statute has also been used to charge 423 defendants in 33 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, and to secure at least 118 convictions nationwide. 

    “While we still have a lot of work to do to fight the scourge of gun violence, we’ve made incredible progress prosecuting criminals and getting dangerous and deadly weapons off our streets in the two years my anti-gun trafficking statute has been in effect,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I anticipate many more gun seizures, arrests, and convictions as a result of this statute in the years to come, and I will continue to work with my colleagues across the aisle to pass commonsense gun safety legislation.”

    Senator Gillibrand’s Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act formed the centerpiece of BSCA’s anti-gun trafficking provision. Gillibrand first introduced the bill in 2009 after meeting with the family of Nyasia Pryear-Yard, who tragically lost her life at 17 years old when she was shot by a perpetrator using an illegally trafficked gun. Gillibrand worked with Nyasia’s mother, Jennifer Pryear, to pass the bill into law, and they attended the bill signing together in 2022.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Report on press and media freedom in Italy – E-001455/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is committed to safeguarding pluralistic and independent media, essential for democracy and the rule of law, and to the functioning of the internal market for media.

    As part of its annual Rule of Law Report, the Commission assesses the situation on media freedom and pluralism in the Member States[1].

    The EU support for the action entitled ‘Defending media freedom and pluralism — Rapid response mechanism’ is up to EUR 3 100 000 for the 24-month period between 16 July 2023 and 15 July 2025[2].

    It is financed through the Creative Europe programme[3] and encompasses fact-finding, advocacy, monitoring, awareness raising and providing practical help to journalists under threat in Member States and candidate countries, without specific budget allocation per country.

    The action is carried out in an independent manner, without the Commission intervening in operational aspects, such as earmarking funds for the preparation of a particular report or selection of contributors to a particular report.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/upholding-rule-law/rule-law/annual-rule-law-cycle_en
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/org-details/999999999/project/101112154/program/43251814/details
    • [3] https://culture.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe
    Last updated: 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Improving digital infrastructure in rural areas – E-001489/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is committed to ensuring that everyone, everywhere in the EU has access to performing digital infrastructure and fast Internet connections. The Digital Decade Policy Programme (DDPP) sets ambitious targets like gigabit connectivity for all EU households and 5G coverage across all populated areas by 2030[1].

    The White Paper[2] presents the challenges and opportunities Europe faces in the rollout of future connectivity networks and proposed a series of scenarios to make the EU regulatory and investment frameworks fit to facilitate the achievement of EU digital objectives.

    According to the second annual report on the State of the Digital Decade[3], which monitors the implementation of the DDPP, very high-capacity networks (VHCN) coverage in the EU’s rural areas at the end of 2023 reached 56% of households, while 5G coverage made it to 74%. Reaching the targets may require at least a total investment of EUR 148 billion[4], including both private and public funding.

    The Commission supports the deployment of performing digital infrastructure through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital with a budget of EUR 1.7 billion. CEF Digital inter alia supports 5G infrastructure for rural communities in sectors like smart farming.

    In addition, the allocation to digital connectivity under the recovery and resilience facility (RRF) reaches almost EUR 14 billion[5]. In Austria, the RRF provides support for the deployment of performing digital infrastructure and fast Internet connections in rural areas through the Austrian federal state aid broadband scheme[6] approved by the Commission in March 2022.

    The Commission also supports the implementation of the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite ( IRIS2) programme[7] with a budget of EUR 2.4 billion, which will also ensure fast Internet connections in rural areas, as satellite broadband can bring broadband services with up to 250 Mbps download speeds.

    Finally, the EU is also leveraging connectivity investments through cohesion funds, e.g. by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (about EUR 2.3 billion[8]) and through InvestEU[9].

    • [1] The Digital Decade Decision sets out digital targets grouped into four cardinal points, which were first identified in the Digital Compass Communication (COM/2021/118 final) (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021DC0118 ) as key areas for the digital transformation of the EU: digital skills, digital infrastructures, the digitalisation of businesses and the digitalisation of public services.
    • [2] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/white-paper-how-master-europes-digital-infrastructure-needs
    • [3] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/second-report-state-digital-decade-calls-strengthened-collective-action-propel-eus-digital
    • [4] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/investment-and-funding-needs-digital-decade-connectivity-targets
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/recovery-and-resilience-scoreboard/assets/thematic_analysis/scoreboard_thematic_analysis_connectivity.pdf
    • [6]  ‘Broadband Austria 2030’ scheme is part of Austria’s strategy to address the needs of citizens and businesses in the context of digitalisation and focuses on rural areas first.
    • [7] https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-space/iris2-secure-connectivity_en
    • [8] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/available-budget_en
    • [9] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/broadband-public-and-private-funds-financing-broadband-deployments

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Second Maui Man Arrested in Connection with IED

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    HONOLULU – United States Attorney Clare E. Connors announced that Jess Kiesel Lee, age 43, of Kula, Maui, was arrested on September 18, 2024 pursuant to a criminal complaint for possessing explosives as a felon and damaging property by means of explosives. An initial appearance in federal court is set for September 23, 2024.

    The complaint and affidavit allege that on August 7, 2024, Maui Police Department (“MPD”) officers encountered multiple improvised explosive devices (“IEDs”) near Kaamana Street in Kula. One of the IEDs, which had been exploded before MPD arrived, contained a mixture of compounds consistent with the remnants of explosive powder. 

    If indicted and convicted of the charged offenses, the defendant would face up to ten years in prison on the felon in possession of explosives charge and a mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years in prison, but no more than and up to 20 years in prison, on the property damage charge. The charges and information contained in the federal complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until indicted and proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Lee is not charged for the IED located near Lono Avenue in Kahului on July 23, 2024 or the explosion damaging a car in Pukalani on August 8, 2024, both mentioned in the complaint filed on August 13, 2024 charging another man for the IED located on July 23, 2024.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and MPD conducted the investigation resulting in the complaint and arrest, and the investigation into this matter remains ongoing. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan D. Slack and Wayne A. Myers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement by Principals of the IASC on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – These atrocities must end

    Source: World Food Programme

    NEW YORK/GENEVA/ROME/WASHINGTON – As world leaders gather in New York for the 79th United Nations General Assembly, and as the threat of a wider regional escalation looms, we renew our demand for an end to the appalling human suffering and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

    We mourn the loss of innocent life everywhere, including those killed on October 7 and during the 11 months of conflict since then. 

    We urgently call for a sustained, immediate and unconditional ceasefire. This is the only way to end the suffering of civilians and save lives.

    All hostages and all those arbitrarily detained must be released immediately and unconditionally. 

    Humanitarians must have safe and unimpeded access to those in need.

    We cannot do our jobs in the face of overwhelming need and ongoing violence. More than 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza – the majority of them civilians, including women, children, older persons and at times entire families – have reportedly been killed, and more than 95,500 have been injured, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza. It is estimated that a quarter of the injured in Gaza, or around 22,500 people, will require lifelong specialized rehabilitation and assistive care including individuals with severe limb injuries, amputations, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and major burns.

    More than 2 million Palestinians are without protection, food, water, sanitation, shelter, health care, education, electricity and fuel – the basic necessities to survive. Families have been forcibly displaced, time and time again, from one unsafe place to the next, with no way out. 

    Women and girls’ dignity, safety, health and rights have been severely compromised. 

    The risk of famine persists with all 2.1 million residents still in urgent need of food and livelihood assistance as humanitarian access remains restricted.

    Healthcare has been decimated. More than 500 attacks on health care have been recorded in Gaza.

    Aid hubs have been forced to relocate and re-build many times over; convoys carrying life-saving aid have been shot at, delayed and denied access; and relief workers have been killed in unprecedented numbers. The number of aid workers killed in Gaza in the past year is the highest ever in a single crisis.

    Unnecessary and disproportionate force unleashed in the West Bank, combined with escalating settler violence, house demolitions, forced displacement and discriminatory movement restrictions, have caused increased fatalities and casualties.

    The war is also jeopardizing the future for all Palestinians and rendering eventual recovery far from reach.

    Meanwhile, close to 100 hostages remain in Gaza, while freed hostages have reported ill treatment, including sexual violence.

    The parties’ conduct over the last year makes a mockery of their claim to adhere to international humanitarian law and the minimum standards of humanity that it demands. 

    Civilians must be protected and their essential needs must be met. There must be accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

    Humanitarian and aid organizations have been doing their utmost to provide relief in Gaza and the West Bank, often at great personal risk, and with many aid workers paying the ultimate price. 

    Our capacity to deliver is indisputable if we are granted the access we need. The first round of the polio vaccination campaign, reaching more than 560,000 children under the age of 10, is but one example. The second round of vaccinations must be carried out safely and reach all children in Gaza.

    We urge world leaders, once again, to wield their influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, international human rights law and the rulings of the International Court of Justice – through diplomatic pressure and cooperation in ending impunity. 

    Let us be clear: The protection of civilians is a bedrock principle for the global community and in all countries’ interest. Allowing the abhorrent, downward spiral caused by this war in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to continue will have unimaginable, global consequences. 

    These atrocities must end.

    Signatories:

    • Ms. Joyce Msuya, Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
    • Ms. Sofia Sprechmann Sineiro, Secretary General, CARE International 
    • Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 
    • Ms. Amy E. Pope, Director General, International Organization for Migration (IOM) 
    • Mr. Tom Hart, President and Chief Executive Officer, InterAction
    • Ms. Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Corps
    • Mr. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) 
    • Ms. Paula Gaviria Betancur, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (SR on HR of IDPs)  
    • Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 
    • Ms. Janti Soeripto, President and Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children US 
    • Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director, United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) 
    • Mr. Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)  
    • Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 
    • Ms. Catherine Russell, Executive Director, UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF)  
    • Ms. Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director, UN Women 
    • Ms. Cindy McCain, Executive Director, World Food Programme (WFP)  
    • Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO)

    [1] The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) fully supports the statement and the call by Principals of the IASC, for a sustained, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Piero Cipollone: From dependency to autonomy: the role of a digital euro in the European payment landscape

    Source: European Central Bank

    Introductory statement by Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament

    Brussels, 23 September 2024

    It is a pleasure to be here today to meet the new members of this Committee and to update you on the status of the digital euro project. Let me also congratulate Madame Lalucq on her election as ECON Chair.

    The ECB appreciates the open and valuable exchanges we have had with the ECON Committee on the digital euro since the beginning of the project. I am fully committed to continuing these exchanges and look forward to our future discussions.

    Today I will focus on three key areas. First, Europe’s dependency on foreign players for retail payments. Second, the benefits of a digital euro for everyone, including consumers, merchants and banks. And third, the progress we have made on the digital euro project so far.

    Foreign dominance in the European payment landscape

    Fast-forward to the year 2030. Imagine you are at the football World Cup in Spain. You want to buy a drink, but you can only pay with Alipay. This scenario is not as far-fetched as it may seem: this summer, buying tickets for the European Football Championships in Germany was only possible with Chinese or American means of payment.

    Could you imagine this happening in the United States? Going to the finals of the American football league, for example, and having no American means of payment available? I certainly cannot.

    The Eurosystem will of course continue to ensure that people in Europe can pay with cash.[1] However, cash is becoming less and less popular as digital payments and online shopping grow.[2]

    For example, more and more people are buying their groceries online. But you can’t use cash to pay for these. More often than not, the only option is PayPal or an international card scheme like Visa or Mastercard.

    And more and more people are using digital wallets like PayPal or Apple Pay on their mobile phones. By 2027 these platforms are expected to handle 40% of e-commerce and 27% of in-store payments in Europe.[3]

    At the same time, the share of companies in the euro area not accepting cash has been increasing significantly.[4]

    These developments are contributing to the marginalisation of elderly and less tech-savvy people. They also make us dependent on non-European companies, which is risky.

    Imagine what would happen if you could not pay digitally. For example, two weeks ago significant parts of the European card payments market were shut down for almost an entire day.[5] Just like with electricity, gas or water, we don’t think about payments until they stop working. For energy, we had to learn this the hard way following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. For payments, we owe it to Europeans to do better.

    We need our own strong digital payments system.[6] We can achieve this by bringing central bank money into the digital era with the introduction of a digital euro: a digital form of cash, issued by the central bank and available to everyone in the euro area.[7]

    A digital euro would strengthen Europe’s financial sovereignty and resilience because it would be built with European technology and infrastructure. It would empower Europe to independently develop and manage digital payment solutions, supporting the further deepening of the Single Market.[8]

    But most importantly, the digital euro would offer tangible benefits to all stakeholders – consumers, merchants and banks.

    Benefits for European citizens

    We strongly support the Single Currency Package[9], which will ensure that cash remains widely accessible and accepted. At the same time, it will pave the way for a digital euro, which would take the advantages of cash into the digital world.

    Consumers could use a digital euro for all payments, everywhere in the euro area, also when shopping online. With a digital euro, making or receiving payments would be free of charge and as easy as using cash today. Consumers would need to use only one device and remember just one password. In addition, having a single means of payment for all circumstances would make it easier for users to have an overview of their expenditure.

    Importantly, a digital euro would seek to promote digital financial inclusion by ensuring that no one is left behind.[10] It would be accessible to everyone across the euro area, via a mobile app or a physical card, so everyone can choose the technology that they are most comfortable with, no matter how old or tech-savvy they are.

    Finally, a digital euro would offer the best possible privacy and data protection afforded by the current technology used in large payment systems.[11] From the outset, ensuring user privacy has been a central focus of the digital euro project.

    A digital euro would be available both online and offline.[12] With the offline functionality, users would enjoy cash-like privacy. The details of your offline payments would only be known to you and the recipient. For online payments, too, we would ensure that your personal data remain your own. The Eurosystem will not be able to identify you, nor directly link you to your payments.[13]

    New opportunities for merchants

    A digital euro would also bring new opportunities for European merchants.

    Right now, merchants in Europe are largely dependent on a handful of dominant online or card payment methods, often relying on non-European providers. International card schemes currently account for 64% of card transactions in the euro area.[14]

    This costs European merchants a lot of money. They collectively pay a significant amount each year to international card schemes like Visa or Mastercard. And the cost is mostly borne by smaller merchants, who incur charges three to four times higher than those of their larger competitors.[15]

    A digital euro would include safeguards for merchants by capping the fees they pay to banks for processing payments.[16] A digital euro would thus narrow the gap between what smaller and larger merchants are charged for digital payments.

    By providing a true alternative to existing payment solutions, a digital euro would also put all merchants, large and small, in a stronger position to negotiate better conditions with other providers. Finally, it could provide a safety net for merchants in case of network or power outages, thanks to its offline functionality.[17]

    Benefits for banks

    Banks would benefit too, particularly in our rapidly evolving payment landscape, in which new players – especially big tech companies from outside Europe – are increasingly entering the market. The banks would be remunerated for the services they offer, while the Eurosystem would cover the costs of the digital euro scheme and infrastructure.

    When you compare a digital euro with services like PayPal or Apple Pay, the benefits for banks become even clearer. For instance, banks do not earn anything if people top up their PayPal wallet via direct debit. And with Apple Pay, banks actually have to pay a fee just to let their cards be used in Apple Wallet.

    A digital euro would also open up a new source of revenue by allowing banks to provide value-added services to their customers.[18]

    We are working closely with the market to ensure that a digital euro leverages the existing standards as much as possible, which would keep costs down and support Europe’s competitive payment landscape.[19]

    Moreover, cards and applications currently available in only one or a handful of Member States could use these standards to reach customers across the euro area without the need to invest in new acceptance infrastructure. Therefore, a digital euro would mean that European payment service providers could offer their customers the convenience of using their product everywhere in the euro area – just like international card companies. It would also strengthen banks’ negotiating positions vis-à-vis these companies.

    Finally, banks and other payment service providers would be responsible for distributing a digital euro, thus serving as the sole point of contact for digital euro users. So a digital euro could help banks retain their customers in the face of growing payments competition.

    Project preparation phase at full speed

    Let me now give you a brief update on where we stand with the project.[20]

    We started the investigation phase back in 2021 and are now at the midpoint of the preparation phase, with roughly one more year to go.

    One of our key focus areas during this phase is to develop a methodology for determining the maximum amount of digital euro a person could hold at any time.[21] The holding limits are important to ensure financial stability and prevent large-scale transfers from bank deposits to digital euro, especially during crises.

    These limits would be high enough to avoid negatively affecting the digital euro user experience.[22]

    Experts from the ECB, the national central banks in the Eurosystem and national competent authorities, building on their unique know-how, have started to identify the factors that could influence the holding limit calibration, on the basis of three key areas defined in the draft Regulation: usability, monetary policy and financial stability.[23]

    While the exact holding limits would be defined closer to the potential launch and on the basis of a well-defined governance process enshrined in the draft Regulation,[the ECB’s Governing Council will decide whether to move to the next phase of the project. But the Governing Council will not take any decision about the issuance of a digital euro before the legislative act has been adopted.

    Conclusion

    To conclude, introducing a digital euro across the euro area would take time, but it is key for Europe’s future. Countries across the world are exploring retail central bank digital currencies. If we want to be standard-setters and keep our position among the frontrunners, we need to move swiftly.

    A digital euro is a common European project, which is why we are talking to all the relevant stakeholders and carefully listening to their views and concerns. I also remain committed to engaging regularly with the European Parliament.

    Introducing a digital euro that all banks and other providers make available to their customers and that all merchants accept, everywhere in the euro area, would take several years. Market participants need certainty to invest in the digital euro and this requires coordination between co-legislators and the central bank.

    I appreciate all the work that the ECON Committee has done on the digital euro so far. The legislative discussions are now in your hands. The ECB is of course ready to engage with the negotiating team and to provide continued technical support when needed.

    It is important that the legislative and technical work advance in parallel, swiftly and in close cooperation. Together, we can ensure that the digital euro strengthens Europe’s financial sovereignty and serves all its citizens.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces appointments to the Quebec judiciary

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French

    September 23, 2024– Ottawa (Ontario) – Department of Justice Canada

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointments under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

    Mathieu Piché-Messier, partner and national leader in commercial litigation at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in Montreal, is appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec for the district of Montreal. Justice Piché-Messier replaces Justice PH Bélanger (Montreal), who resigned effective May 24, 2024.

    Lysane Cree, an administrative judge at the Tribunal administratif de déontologie policière in Montreal, is appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec for the district of Montreal. Justice Cree replaces Justice M. Lachance (Montreal), who was appointed to the Court of Appeal effective June 17, 2024.

    Horia Bundaru, a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP in Montreal, is appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec for the district of Montreal. Justice Bundaru replaces Justice K. Kear-Jodoin (Montreal), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective July 16, 2024.

    Quote

    “I wish Judges Piché-Messier, Cree and Bundaru every success in their new roles. I am confident that they will serve the people of Quebec well as members of the Superior Court of Quebec.”

    – The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

    Biographies

    Judge Mathieu Piché-Messier was born and raised in Montreal. He received his Bachelor of Civil Law from the Faculty of Law of the University of Sherbrooke in 1997. He was admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1998.

    Since 2000, Justice Piché-Messier has practiced commercial litigation at Borden Ladner Gervais where, after being named partner in 2006, he held the position of Head of the Commercial Litigation Group in Montreal for seven years and was then appointed National Business Leader – Commercial Litigation. His practice focused on the areas of extraordinary remedies and commercial litigation in the areas of anti-fraud, high technology, industrial espionage, privacy and identity theft, international arbitration, aeronautics, defamation and intellectual property. A litigator, author and speaker, he was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2018, a Fellow of Litigation Counsels of America in 2021, and was named Advocatus Emeritus (Ad. E.) of the Barreau du Québec in 2022. He has also been recognized by his peers to appear in the editions of Chambers, The Best Lawyers and Benchmark Litigation as one of the 50 best litigators in Canada.

    Justice Piché-Messier has been a member of the boards of the Barreau du Québec, the Barreau de Montréal and the Canadian Bar, Québec Division. He has also been president of the Centre d’accès à l’Information juridique du Québec (CAIJ) and the Young Bar Association of Montreal. Involved in the Montreal community, he has sat on the boards of Cirque Éloize, Ballets Jazz de Montréal, Enfants-retour and Make-a-Wish.

    Judge Piché-Messier and his partner, Me Natacha Lavoie, are the happy parents of Vincent and Victoria.

    Justice Lysane Cree is originally from the Kanien’kéhaka (Mohawk) Nation and received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Northern Studies from McGill University in 1996, before earning a Bachelor of Civil Law and a Bachelor of Common Law from McGill University in 2000. She was called to the Quebec Bar in 2003, the New York State Bar in 2012 and the Ontario Bar in 2020.

    Justice Cree began her practice with Hutchins Legal Inc. and focused on Indigenous law issues and working with First Nations governments in several provinces and occasionally in New York State for sixteen years. While still in private practice, she began working part-time in the area of police ethics with the Police Ethics Committee (now the Tribunal), hearing cases involving Indigenous police services in the province of Quebec. She then worked as a decision-maker with the Discipline Committee of the Chambre de la sécurité financière from 2019 to 2021 before becoming a full-time administrative judge with the Tribunal administratif de déontologie policière. During this time, she was involved with the Council of Canadian Administrative Tribunals, serving as a member of the Tribunal’s Excellence Committee and the Truth and Reconciliation Committee.

    Judge Cree is an avid equestrian and enjoys spending time with her horses.

    Justice Horia Bundaru immigrated to Canada at the age of eleven with his parents and younger sister. He received a BCL/LL.B. from McGill University’s Faculty of Law in 2005 and was called to the Quebec Bar in 2006.

    Justice Bundaru spent his entire career at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, where he became a partner in 2016 and where, at the time of his appointment, he was a director of the Litigation Group in Montreal. A well-known litigator, his practice focused on commercial litigation, construction law and energy law. Since 2016, he has taught civil procedure and drafting at the École du Barreau.

    Justice Bundaru has chaired the Quebec Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, the Liaison Committee of the Montreal Bar with the Superior Court (Civil Division) and the Salon VISEZ DROIT. At the time of his appointment, he was chair of the Liaison Committee with the Court of Appeal and a member of the Conseil de la magistrature du Québec. He is listed in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Benchmark Litigation Canada as a “litigation star”, Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyers, The Legal 500 Canada and Best Lawyers in Canada. In 2022, he was inducted as a Fellow of the Canadian College of Construction Lawyers.

    Judge Bundaru is passionate about literature and is an avid cross-country skier and tennis player. With his partner Maya, also a lawyer, he has two daughters, Ariane and Éloïse.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 23/09/2024 Varsovia Help for flood victims and the tourism industry

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    During Monday’s meeting of the crisis team in Warsaw, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that members of the Council of Ministers are working intensively on statutory changes that are to help flood victims. The government will provide information on the actions taken during the next session of the Sejm. Donald Tusk also presented an optimal solution to provide temporary shelter for the victims – some of them will live in nearby hotels and holiday resorts. The next meeting of the crisis team with the participation of the Prime Minister will take place on Tuesday evening in Wrocław. Intensive práctica of the Council of Ministers El primer minister Donald Tusk took part in another meeting of the crisis team. This time, the meeting was held in the form of a video conference at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister. The head of government announced that on Tuesday, September 24, during the meeting of the team in Wrocław, he will provide important information. “Tomorrow evening in Wrocław, we will present statutory changes. On Wednesday late afternoon, we will be giving information in the Sejm on the flood situation,” announced the Prime Minister. Individual ministers are currently working on statutory changes that will facilitate the process of rebuilding areas destroyed by the flood. Donald Tusk also confirmed that he had signed a nomination for Minister Marcin Kierwiński, who will be a member of the Council of Ministers responsible for coordinating the reconstruction effort. Temporary shelters in local hotels and holiday resorts Flood victims who cannot return to their homes will be able to stay in nearby hotels and holiday resorts. “We must rationalize our actions wherever replacement housing is needed and where there are hotels available nearby,” explained Donald Tusk. The state will pay for the stay of people who need shelter. “We will find funds so that hotels and holiday resorts that have not been damaged can serve as temporary places of residence for all those who have lost their homes,” assured the Prime Minister. The advantage of this solution is that it will also provide support for the owners of resorts and hotels who have to deal with cancellations by tourists. The costs of paying for the stay of flood victims in these places should not be higher than those resulting from the installation of so-called container apartments. Appeal to provide only verified and reliable information False information is still being spread in the public sphere, the purpose of which is to introduce chaos and disinformation. The Prime Minister reminded that the provision of data regarding the victims of the element requires particular reliability. All media reports should be based on information confirmed by the police, which states that 7 people died as a result of the flood, and one person is considered missing. “Spreading panic is a truly grave sin and it is very damaging to the aid operation, building trust in the services and generally the atmosphere, which is already difficult there, where these tragedies occurred,” emphasized Donald Tusk. The head of government also asked to refrain from speculations concerning the work of Polish Waters and the maintenance of the reservoirs, which are not supported by reliable analysis. “We will examine every minute of the operation in detail. It will be in the interest of the Polish state and all of us to investigate whether something has failed somewhere. But we have to leave it to the experts,” appealed the Prime Minister. The process of checking whether all procedures have been followed and where any negligence has been committed will be transparent. Access to drinking water As part of the aid campaign, the services also organized the transport of drinking water to flood areas. “We must be 100% sure that this water is available everywhere,” emphasized Donald Tusk. El prime minister expressed the expectation that the services will inform in the most effective way possible what water can be drunk. We appeal to residents to listen carefully to the announcements of the sanitary and epidemiological services.

    MILES AXIS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Valery Falkov and Gennady Krasnikov discussed the future of microelectronics with young scientists at Sirius

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Valery Falkov and Gennady Krasnikov discussed the future of microelectronics with young scientists at Sirius

    September 23, 2024

    Valery Falkov and Gennady Krasnikov discussed the future of microelectronics with young scientists at Sirius

    September 23, 2024

    Valery Falkov and Gennady Krasnikov discussed the future of microelectronics with young scientists at Sirius

    September 23, 2024

    Valery Falkov and Gennady Krasnikov discussed the future of microelectronics with young scientists at Sirius

    September 23, 2024

    Valery Falkov and Gennady Krasnikov discussed the future of microelectronics with young scientists at Sirius

    September 23, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Valery Falkov and Gennady Krasnikov discussed the future of microelectronics with young scientists at Sirius

    A dialogue about the future of microelectronics in Russia took place between the head of the Ministry of Education and Science Valery Falkov, the president of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Krasnikov and participants of the 6th School of Young Scientists, which this year is working within the framework of the forum “Microelectronics-2024”.

    The School of Young Scientists is a unique project, the participants of which are aspiring and established microelectronics specialists from more than 80 universities and scientific organizations.

    One of the main topics of the conversation was the training of highly qualified personnel for the industry. The head of the Ministry of Education and Science noted that cooperation between universities and industrial partners plays an important role in solving this problem. This allows students to be involved in solving practical problems for the industry already at the training stage, offering them to work on equipment that is currently used in the real sector.

    This task can be solved by such measures as, for example, the creation of basic departments of universities at enterprises, the Advanced Engineering Schools project, the Priority 2030 program, the program for the creation of youth laboratories, of which 940 have already been created, 60 of which are in electronics.

    It is also necessary to increase the interest of young specialists in the microelectronics industry – so far, not all graduates of the relevant educational programs go to work in their profession. In addition to the systematic work of interested government bodies, it is important that each potential employer creates attractive working conditions for a young specialist.

    “Our task is to bring the industry as close as possible to universities, and for this purpose, a whole range of state support programs for universities and research organizations is in place. In turn, it is important for the employer to think about the quality characteristics of the workplace – the salary of a young specialist, his career growth, social package, mentoring in a new workplace – all this together makes the industry itself attractive,” the minister emphasized.

    At the meeting with young specialists, special attention was paid to popularizing the profession. President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Krasnikov emphasized that today there are enough events aimed at building communication between young scientists, including the Congress of Young Scientists, which will be held in November on the federal territory of Sirius. At the same time, scientific councils and other conferences with the participation of young specialists are held at the RAS site.

    As an example of a good support measure for young scientists, the meeting cited the Kamil Valiev scholarship, established last year. It is available to students and postgraduates who have achieved significant success in the electronics industry. The amount of the payment for students is 55 thousand rubles, and for postgraduates – 75 thousand rubles.

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

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

    http://government.ru/nevs/52781/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lebanon, Occupied Palestinian territory, Gaza & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (23 Sep 2024)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    -Lebanon
    -Lebanon/humanitarian
    -Occupied Palestinian territory
    -Gaza
    -Syria
    -Sudan
    -Ukraine
    -Summit of the Future
    -Afghanistan
    -Briefings
    -SDG Media Zone
    -Week by the numbers
    -Day of Sign Languages

    LEBANON
    The Secretary-General is indeed alarmed by the escalating situation along the Blue Line. He’s very concerned about the large number of civilian casualties being reported by the Lebanese authorities, as well as the thousands of displaced persons, amidst the most intense exchange of fire across the Blue Line since October of last year.
    He expresses grave concern for the safety of civilians both in southern Lebanon and in Northern Israel, as well as the UN staff in those areas.
    The Secretary-General notes the ongoing efforts by the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the UN Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon to reduce tensions and reiterates the urgent need for de-escalation and that all efforts be devoted to a diplomatic solution. Our Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeannine Hennis-Plasschaert, is currently in Israel where she is meeting with Israeli officials as we speak to discuss the latest situation.
    Meanwhile the Head of Mission and Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro, has been in contact with both Lebanese and Israeli parties, emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation. Efforts are ongoing to reduce tensions and halt the shelling.
    Their message from both the Special Coordinator and the Head of the UN Peacekeeping Force is the same, which is there is no military solution that will make either side safer. With the wellbeing of civilians on both sides of the Blue Line and the stability of the region at stake, space must be given for diplomatic efforts to succeed.
    All involved parties in this conflict must honour their responsibilities to protect civilians and ensure the safety and security of all UN personnel and assets.
    The Secretary-General urges all parties to recommit to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 and immediately return to a cessation of hostilities and to restore stability. We do expect a more official statement to be issued at some point.

    LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN
    On the humanitarian front, our Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon Imran Riza, met with Lebanese Government officials, including the Prime Minister, Najib Miqati, and the Minister of Environment, Nasser Yassin. Our humanitarian agencies and others also participated in those discussion.
    At these talks, the Lebanese Government announced the activation of an emergency operations centre and also that schools ought to be designated as shelters. The Ministry of Education in Lebanon had announced the closure of all public and private schools for tomorrow. Many people are being displaced from areas impacted by the airstrikes, with heavy traffic reported toward Beirut and Mount Lebanon regions.
    Also, on the Israeli side, during the weekend and following an uptick of hostilities, Israel’s Military Home Command announced that schools in northern Israel, which run from Sunday to Friday, have been closed until at least today until 6 p.m. local time.
    Humanitarian organizations urgently need $50 million to preposition basic needs – such as food and shelter supplies – for an immediate response for the next two to four weeks in southern Lebanon, Lebanon in general.
    Our colleagues at OCHA tell us that, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, more than 274 people have been killed and at least 700 injured, including women and children, following the continued airstrikes in southern Lebanon.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=23%20September%202024

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSEfoCRWQhE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nine Individuals Indicted in $28 Million Illegal Opioid Distribution Conspiracy Three Doctors and a Clinic Owner Among Those Indicted

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    An indictment was unsealed today charging nine individuals with conspiracy to illegally distribute prescription drugs, announced U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison.

    U.S. Attorney Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto, of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).
    Charged in the indictment are:
    Dr. Charles Wasson, 70, Orchard Lake, MI Dr. Maurice Potts, 65, Detroit, MI
    Dr. Bruce Kaplan, 83, Commerce Township, MI
    Sharlene Dawson (aka Sharlene Crawford), 55, Detroit, MI Desiree King, 41, Sterling Heights, MI
    Lanise Gortman, 53, Warren, MI Aaron Thomas, 42, Southfield, MI Valecia Logan, 33, Detroit, MI and Antoine Arnold, 38, Mt. Clemens, MI

    The indictment alleges that from June 2021 through September 2024, Sharlene Dawson (aka Sharlene Crawford), owner of P&A Aftercare, located in Southfield, Michigan, hired Drs. Charles Wasson, Maurice Potts, and Bruce Kaplan to issue controlled substance prescriptions for a cadre of “fake” patients, without medical necessity and outside the usual course of professional medical practice, in exchange for cash payments. According to the indictment, the “fake” patients were recruited by Lanise Gortman, Aaron Thomas, Valecia Logan, and Antoine Arnold. These recruiters would fill the prescription at area pharmacies and sell the controlled substances on the street. The indictment further alleges that Desiree King ran the front office at P&A Aftercare and worked closely with the recruiters to facilitate the issuance of the controlled substance prescriptions.
    The primary prescription controlled substances illegally prescribed by the doctors named in the indictment included Schedule II controlled substances Oxycodone, Oxycodone-Acetaminophen (Percocet), and Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen (Norco). While most of the unlawful controlled substance prescriptions were paid for in cash, both controlled and non-controlled

    “maintenance” medications were billed to health care benefit programs by pharmacies. It is also alleged that billings to the Medicare and Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary prescription drug medications and maintenance medications during this conspiracy exceeded
    $20 million.

    The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisandra Fernandez-Silber and Regina R. McCullough. The Eastern District of Michigan is one of the twelve districts included in the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit, a Department of Justice initiative to combat the opioid epidemic.

    An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Farmington Hills Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Stealing Cars From Silverdome

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    DETROIT – A Farmington Hills man was sentence to 8 years in prison for conspiring to steal Volkswagen and Audi vehicles from a lot in Pontiac yesterday, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison. The charges stem from an investigation initiated by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Unit.

    Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Sheriff Michael Bouchard of Oakland County.

    In April, after a 13-day trial, a jury convicted Romane Porter, 47, of conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles and transportation of stolen vehicles. The evidence presented during trial showed that for approximately six months in 2017, Porter and co-defendant Daniel Onorati conspired with each other and others to steal approximately 61 recalled Volkswagen and Audi cars that were parked at the site of the former Pontiac Silverdome.

    “This defendant orchestrated a large-scale conspiracy to brazenly steal recalled vehicles and sell them across state lines,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “This sentence reflects the seriousness with which we address fraud, and the work done to achieve the result in this case further demonstrates the strong collaboration and coordination between our local and federal law enforcement partners.”

    In addition to the 97-month sentence, U.S. District Judge Denise Page Hood ordered Porter to pay

    $683,080 in restitution and to serve three years of supervised release upon release from prison.

    “The sentencing of Romane Porter sends a stark reminder that those individuals who conspire to commit fraud and theft, will face the highest penalties under the law,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The joint investigative work of the FBI’s Detroit Fraud & Financial Crimes Task Force, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft unit, and the diligent prosecution from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Michigan, disrupted an elaborate theft scheme orchestrated by this bad actor. The FBI in Michigan will continue to investigate and arrest individuals who engage in criminal acts.”

    “I am grateful for the partnership between our Auto Theft Unit, the FBI, and the US Attorney’s Office who brought this organized auto theft activity to a close,” said Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard. “These individuals were bold in their behavior in stealing such a large volume of vehicles from a well-known location. These criminals deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

    The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Unit. The team was also assisted by the Special Investigations Section, Office of Investigative Services of the Michigan Department of State, as well as the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and the Kentucky State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Trevor Broad and Louis Meizlish

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: One of the Largest Methamphetamine Distributors in New England Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    Defendant believed to be responsible for distributing more than 660 pounds of methamphetamine over the course of six months

    BOSTON – The leader of a nationwide drug trafficking ring has been sentenced in federal court in Boston. During the investigation over 160 pounds of pure methamphetamine, as well as an AK-47, a Glock with no serial number, two loaded Smith & Wesson handguns and over 4,200 rounds of ammunition were seized. An illegal marijuana grow operation with hundreds of marijuana plants was also dismantled.

    Reshat Alkayisi, 63, a Turkish national residing in Covington, R.I., was sentenced on Sept. 17, 2024 by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 23 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In April 2024, Alkayisi pleaded guilty to five counts of a second superseding indictment, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; money laundering conspiracy; and two counts of money laundering. 

    “This defendant was one of the largest methamphetamine distributors in New England, whose massive drug operation fueled addiction and devastation across our communities. He is now going to pay a very heavy price for the havoc he wreaked across Massachusetts. This sentencing sends a powerful message to anyone engaged in pumping deadly narcotics onto our streets,” Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As demonstrated by this prosecution, the dedicated prosecutors and law enforcement partners will be relentless in our efforts to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking operations and ensure that individuals like Mr. Alkayisi are held accountable.”

    “Reshat Alkayisi was the leader of a nationwide drug trafficking organization that pushed massive amounts of methamphetamine onto New England streets, and profited from the pain and misery of others,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Thankfully, this 23-year sentence officially puts his 24/7 operation, protected in part by illegal firearms, including an AK-47, out of business. Operation Ice Cats is an example of how the FBI and our partners are hard at work dismantling dangerous trafficking operations as we work to make our communities safer.”

    “DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine off the streets of Massachusetts,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Belleau, Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “This substantial sentence not only holds Mr. Alkayisi accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in New England and throughout America. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

    In late 2020, Alkayisi was identified as a large-scale methamphetamine trafficker, who distributed multi-pound quantities to distributor customers throughout the New England area. Between October 2020 and April 2021, 12 controlled purchases of methamphetamine were made from the drug trafficking organization—two of which were delivered personally by Alkayisi and one that was negotiated with Alkayisi and delivered by a co-conspirator. 

    Intercepted communications revealed that Alkayisi supplied multiple distributor customers with supplier quantities of pure methamphetamine. Alkayisi also regularly bragged to these distributors about quality of his methamphetamine, saying, “You’re gonna get nice, big crystals,” and “Ur contacts should b happy with the size of product.” Alkayisi also operated a large-scale marijuana grow out of his Rhode Island residence, including while on probation for a state conviction for unlawful marijuana distribution.

    Alkayisi typically charged his distributor customers $5,000 to $6,000 per pound of methamphetamine and utilized multiple methods to conceal the nature of these proceeds. These included paying the bail of his distributors, structuring cash deposits to avoid reporting requirements, utilizing peer-to-peer transfers and purchasing vehicles with cash. Alkayisi also created and utilized a shell company to launder his proceeds and recruited and directed others, including his wife, to launder his drug proceeds for him.

    On June 1, 2021, four packages were seized containing a total of approximately 100 pounds of 100% pure methamphetamine that were picked up on behalf of Alkayisi from a UPS store in Rhode Island. Each of the boxes were addressed to Alkayisi’s shell company, which he used to launder his drug proceeds. 

    On June 25, 2021, another package was seized, destined for Alkayisi that contained approximately 30 pounds of 100% pure methamphetamine. In total, approximately 160 pounds of methamphetamine was seized throughout the investigation from controlled purchases, motor vehicle stops and package seizures.

    During a search of Alkayisi’s residence in Rhode Island, an AK-47 assault rifle, a Glock handgun with no serial number, over 4,200 rounds ammunition and over $23,000 cash were also seized. Additionally, numerous electronics, including a computer that contained a ledger documenting Alkayisi’s methamphetamine sales for January through June of 2021 was seized. Based on the ledger, as well as the seizures, Alkayisi was responsible for over 660 pounds of methamphetamine over the course of six months. Law enforcement also located his large unlawful marijuana grow operation with hundreds of marijuana plants in all stages of production for distribution. 

    Alkayisi is the seventh defendant to be sentenced in the case. All remaining defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Cohen and DEA Acting SAC Belleau made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine State Police; Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; and Concord, Hudson, Peabody, Reading, Watertown and Waltham Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea Porter and Katherine Ferguson of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Remarks by President  Biden and President Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates Before Bilateral  Meeting

    Source: The White House

    Oval Office

    12:30 P.M. EDT

    PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, Sheikh Mohamed, welcome back to Washington. 

    PRESIDENT BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN:  Thank you, sir.

    PRESIDENT BIDEN:  You’ve been a good friend.  Our countries have — our strategic partners have rooted in decades — literally decades of close cooperation and friendship.  And I welcome the chance to open a new chapter. 

    We — UAE is a nation of trailblazers, always looking — always looking to the future, always making big bets.  And that’s something our countries have in common and our people have in common.

    In fact, it’s a cornerstone of our growing cooperation in AI, in clean energy, in space, and investing in infrastructure to connect regions.  And for many years, our forces also stood shoulder to shoulder in the same most difficult places.

    Today, we honor that legacy and carry our relationship forward, as UAB — UAE is going to become a major defense partner of the United States, joining only one other country: India.

    We also will discuss our efforts to end the war in Gaza and a number of regional issues.  I’ve been briefed on the latest developments in Israel and Lebanon.  My team is in constant contact with their counterparts, and we’re working to de-escalate in a way that allows people to return to their home safely. 

    Mr. President, I want you to know that I remain committed to the UAE’s security.  And I look forward to our discussion; it’s going to cover a lot of areas. 

    So, again, welcome.

    PRESIDENT BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN:  Thank you, Mr. President.

    (As interpreted.)  Your Excellency, Mr. President, I am pleased to meet with you once again, and I would like to thank you for the warm reception.  And I look forward to continuously discussing our relationship between the two nations. 

    And I would like to reaffirm that the United Arab Emirates has a firm and unwavering commitment to work with the United States of America for the sake of deepening the strategic partnership between our two nations. 

    Once again, Your Excellency, Mr. President, I am pleased to meet you, and I would like to extend to you and the American people the best of wishes. 

    PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Thank you.

    Thank you, everyone.

    12:34 P.M. EDT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill  Biden at an Event to Launch Partnership for a Lead-Free  Future

    Source: The White House

    New York City, New York

    Thank you.

    It’s great to be with so many world leaders, your Excellencies from Malawi, the Dominican Republic, and Nepal.

    Director General of the World Health Organization and President Banga of the World Bank, I’m glad to see you both again. And I appreciate your support of this new coalition.

    I’m also grateful to Open Philanthropy, which has been at the forefront of the fight against lead poisoning in children for many years.

    To Cathy Russell and Administrator Power: thank you for inviting me to join you today.

    Cathy and I have known each other for decades. Beyond the causes we both care so deeply about—from expanding opportunities for women to protecting and lifting up children—I’m grateful for our friendship. You and the team at UNICEF take on some of the world’s toughest challenges and you make a difference in every life you touch. Thank you.

    And Samantha Power, Joe’s intrepid Administrator of USAID, I am inspired by all that you do. The only thing greater than your determination to tackle humanitarian challenges around the world is your optimism for creating a healthier, safer, brighter future for people everywhere.

    Several years ago, I traveled to Jordan.

    There, I met Ms. Maha, a principal of an all-girls’ school.

    More and more families were arriving to her community from Syria after fleeing violence. And Ms. Maha’s school was already at capacity.

    One day, a mother showed up, desperate to enroll her daughter.

    The mother had tried and been turned away at so many other schools.

    So, with tears in her eyes, she pleaded with Ms. Maha to find a place for her daughter.

    Ms. Maha loves her students. And she said, “I think love is giving as much as you can.”

    So she made a promise.

    Send your daughter to class with a chair, and she can enroll.

    In the days that followed, more and more young girls showed up—carrying any chair they could find—so they could go to school and learn.

    As educators, we don’t sit with problems.

    We solve them.

    I saw this in the classrooms I visited in rural Malawi.

    The teachers found inventive ways for their students to learn through songs, rhythm, and repetition.

    Even from my own experience, like four years ago, when the pandemic hit and schools in the United States went silent.

    Overnight, educators had to learn how to use Zoom and reimagine lesson plans so we could reach our students.

    Our world is full of complexities and conflicts.

    But for the problems we can solve we can’t hesitate.

    In Principal Maha’s words: We must give as much as we can.

    Every year, the United Nations General Assembly meets to recognize our shared challenges and to find ways to overcome them.

    Right now, around the world, parents give their children toys so they can learn and play.

    They prepare meals with everyday cookware to keep their family fed.

    All the while, dangerous amounts of lead seep into their lives.

    And the consequences are irreversible.

    These children will never reach the full potential they were born with because lead poisoning is so pervasive.

    But it’s a problem we can solve.

    I’m proud that this new partnership is committing more than $150 million, which will jumpstart efforts to end childhood lead exposure in developing countries.

    This funding is 10 times more than what’s been spent annually on this problem to date.

    And it has a coalition behind it: Partners—from governments to industry to advocates—who will phase out lead from everyday products, enforce safe standards, and create a lead-free future for every child.

    Through the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future, UNICEF and USAID believe we can end childhood lead poisoning by 2040.

    Education is my life’s work.

    And I often think of what leaders might learn from teachers, who know that the future isn’t some far off place.

    It’s right before them, in their students who are striving to learn and grow. 

    Teachers who don’t stop at problems, they push through.

    Teachers who love what they do. And love is giving as much as you can.

    Children will reach for the promise that resides within them—if we do our part, everything we can, to break down the barriers in their way.

    It’s going to take all of us, pulling up chairs and joining this coalition to end lead poisoning.

    That future is within our grasp.

    Let’s reach for it, together.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: U.S.-UAE Joint Leaders’ Statement Dynamic Strategic  Partners

    Source: The White House

    His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and President Joseph R. Biden Jr. met today at the White House during an official visit of His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to the United States.  The visit is the first-ever by a President of the United Arab Emirates to Washington and marks the leaders’ fourth bilateral meeting in the Biden-Harris Administration.  The leaders affirmed the enduring U.S.-UAE strategic and defense partnership, bolstered areas of deepening cooperation in advanced technology and investments, and discussed global and regional matters.  The leaders pledged to pursue new opportunities to strengthen their economic and defense partnership; promote peace and stability across the Middle East and wider region; and deliver global leadership on issues of shared importance.  The five decades of U.S.-UAE ties and friendship are rooted in a strong foundation of close collaboration that has underpinned our countries’ prosperity and security. 

    The leaders welcomed the significant progress between the United Arab Emirates and the United States during their tenure through cooperation in building trusted technology ecosystems, the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), the U.S.-UAE Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE) initiative, and the Economic Policy Dialogue (EPD), all of which serve to uplift economic and trade ties between the two countries. 

    On particular issues of discussion:

    Dynamic Strategic Partnership: Trade and Advanced Technology

    Our countries’ strong foundation of partnership is reflected in our close alignment on key economic objectives and in the excellence of our private sectors that generate more than $40 billion of bilateral trade annually and an access of $26 billion of U.S. exports to the UAE.  The Leaders charted an ambitious course for the United Arab Emirates and the United States to lead global efforts to develop and expand new fields central to the global economy, particularly in advanced technologies and the clean energy required to power Artificial Intelligence.

    They welcomed the partnership between Microsoft and UAE’s Group 42 (G42) through Microsoft’s $1.5 billion investment in April 2024.  This investment is accelerating joint AI development to bring advanced AI and digital infrastructure to countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.

    The leaders further welcomed Microsoft and G42’s ongoing digital transformation in Kenya, which will leverage 1GW of geothermal energy to power data-centers to enable the deployment of cloud infrastructure and AI services for the public sector and regulated industries as well as enterprises.  Further, the partnership will support the development of local Large Language Models and the establishment of an East African Innovation Lab.  Additionally, the partnership hopes to encourage international and local connectivity investments, and collaboration with the government of Kenya to enable digital transformation programs across East Africa.

    These initiatives mark the beginning of our partnership and investments in the responsible deployment of advanced technologies, clean energy, and frontier technologies that will be the engine that powers our interconnected world.

    To meet the promise of this transformational moment and harness the potential of leading-edge technologies to improve human welfare globally, President Biden and His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed the Common Principles for Cooperation on AI, endorsed today by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoon bin Zayed, and through which the United States and the United Arab Emirates aim to further strengthen cooperation, develop regulatory frameworks, promote the safe and trusted deployment of critical and emerging technologies, and enable enhanced support for joint private-public sector research and academic exchanges.  

    Building on our collaboration in the field of advanced technology, this partnership incorporates safeguards to protect the national security of both countries, enable trusted investments and entrepreneurship, and facilitate cross-border innovation, while creating jobs and facilitating the protection of advanced U.S. technologies and respect for international principles, best practices, and human rights.  Moving forward, the leaders decided to promote the expansion of relationships among scientific, academic, and research and development communities. 

    Strengthening Critical Infrastructure and Supply Chain Resiliencies

    The leaders reviewed progress on efforts to build a more interconnected, integrated world in committing to secure and resilient supply chains through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI). 

    His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Biden discussed progress on the landmark India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) launched at the 2023 G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi together with the leaders of India, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union.  The leaders reaffirmed that the corridor – connecting India to Europe by ship-to-rail connections through the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Europe through Greece – will generate economic growth, incentivize new investments, increase efficiencies and reduce costs, enhance economic unity, generate jobs, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enable the transformative integration of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. 

    They underscored that this transformative partnership has the potential to usher in a new era of international connectivity to facilitate global trade, expand reliable access to electricity, facilitate clean energy distribution, and strengthen telecommunication. The two leaders emphasized the importance of joint initiatives to promote a circular economy, reduce waste, facilitate recycling, and advance sustainable practices, underscoring their commitment to innovation for resource efficiency and environmentally responsible growth.

    The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to continue their efforts with international partners and the private sector to connect the continents to commercial hubs and facilitate the development and export of clean energy; support existing trade and manufacturing synergies; strengthen food security and supply chains; and link energy grids and tele-communication lines through undersea cables to expand access to electricity, enable innovation of advanced clean energy technology, and connect communities to secure and stable internet.

    The leaders additionally discussed the importance of ongoing efforts to cooperate on strategic investments in hard infrastructure and critical minerals-supply chains in Africa and emerging markets globally.  These investments aim to diversify sourcing of critical minerals that are essential components to clean energy and advanced technologies, including batteries, wind turbines, semiconductors, and electric vehicles.  President Biden recognized the United Arab Emirates’ leadership in strategic investments globally to ensure reliable access to critical infrastructure including, ports, mines, and logistics hubs through the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, Abu Dhabi Ports, and DP World. 

    Both leaders committed to remain in close touch on future investment opportunities and maintain cooperation on strategic investments.  

    The leaders additionally highlighted that the U.S.–UAE 123 Agreement, which provides a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation, is the “gold standard” for securing and propelling the next generation of technologies.

    Partnering to Protect our Planet Through the Clean Energy Transition

    The leaders underscored the importance of U.S.-UAE leadership at COP28, which galvanized world leaders to take action and address the climate crisis.  President Biden thanked His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for his extraordinary commitment that was central to the groundbreaking outcomes at COP28 in Dubai resulting in the UAE Consensus. 

    The two leaders recognized that this moment represents a unique opportunity to create sustainable and clean energy jobs, revitalize communities, improve quality of life, and power digital infrastructure with renewable energy across both countries and around the globe.  In this context, the two leaders affirmed their shared commitment to protecting our precious planet and securing a sustainable future for humanity through united leadership across various platforms, including the upcoming COP29 and beyond, which will serve to advance climate action and strengthen global partnerships.

    The two leaders expressed their determination to leverage visionary initiatives, including the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE), the Agricultural Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM4C), the First Movers Coalition, the Net Zero Producers Forum, the Global Methane Pledge, Carbon Management Challenge, the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC), the Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA), the Global Biofuels Alliance, and Global Flaring and Methane Reduction (GFMR) Trust Fund; and encourage commercial partnerships to decarbonize our energy systems, reduce emissions in pursuit of a net zero economy, and deliver prosperity to future generations. 

    President Biden and His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reaffirmed their strong commitment to collaborate on sustainability and climate resilience, emphasizing their commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative solutions. The two leaders underscored their joint efforts in advancing agri-tech and vertical farming innovations, key drivers in enhancing food security for future generations. They highlighted ongoing cooperation in humanitarian initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity in vulnerable regions, particularly through agricultural development and capacity building in climate affected areas. Recognizing the impact of climate change on public health, the leaders emphasized the need to integrate health resilience into comprehensive climate action strategies.

    President Biden also congratulated the United Arab Emirates on its many successes in its two Years of Sustainability (2023-2024), including the recent announcement on co-hosting the next UN Water Conference in 2026 with Senegal, noting the critical importance of accessible and affordable clean water to all; and its significance within various sectors in the clean energy transition, addressing climate change, and the sustainable development agenda.

    Partnership to Accelerate Clean Energy (PACE)

    Under the U.S.-UAE Partnership to Accelerate Clean Energy (PACE) initiative, the United States and the UAE are announcing several initiatives that will continue our efforts to ensure a swift and smooth transition towards clean energy. The United States and United Arab Emirates remain committed to investing together in Africa and working to end energy poverty across sub-Saharan Africa.  Today, the UAE-based Averi Finance and AMEA Power are both private sector partners under the U.S.-led Power Africa Initiative, joining an existing partnership with UAE-based company Phanes. As private sector partners, these firms will be offered tailored assistance from transaction advisors and technical experts and can benefit from services offered by participating U.S. government departments and agencies.

    To support the Power Africa initiative, Averi Finance intends to facilitate $5 billion in investments, build 3GW of power generation projects, construct over 3,000 kilometers of transmission or distribution lines, establish over 500,000 new home and business connections, and aim for a CO2 equivalent reduction or avoidance of 90 million tons.  AMEA Power and Power Africa have recently entered into a partnership to accelerate power projects.  AMEA Power is targeting 5GW of renewable energy capacity in Africa by 2030, and to realize this target, intends to mobilize $5 billion in capital. 

    Additionally, under PACE, ADNOC has announced a 35 percent stake in ExxonMobil’s proposed low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia production facility in Baytown, Texas.  This facility aims to produce up to approximately 900,000 tons of low-carbon ammonia per year, enabling the transition to cleaner fuels in hard-to-abate sectors.  Plynth Energy – a recently established Abu Dhabi government-owned early-stage fund focused on fusion technologies and supply chains – invested in the U.S. company Zap Energy, which plans to build scalable and commercially-viable fusion energy.  This investment will help fund the further development of Zap Energy’s small-format commercial fusion technology. Zap Energy is a participant in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program, and will receive DOE funding based on reaching development milestones to support the design of a fusion pilot plant.

    Lastly, as two of over 155 participants in the Global Methane Pledge, the U.S. and the UAE will accelerate their respective domestic methane reductions, work together to support countries undertaking methane abatement, and call on others to do the same by advancing methane reduction projects, strengthening methane standards and regulations, addressing methane super emitter events, and identifying appropriate financing for methane reduction.

    Partners in Space Exploration

    As founding nation members of the Artemis Accords, His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and President Biden reinforced the U.S. and UAE’s groundbreaking cooperation in space, the future of human exploration, and our shared interest in deepening our understanding of the universe. 

    The leaders recalled the role of this partnership in the historic launch of the first Arab probe to Mars, the Hope Probe in 2021, and the resulting and ongoing global scientific collaboration and contribution to the study of Mars’ atmosphere.  This strategic partnership in deep space missions is further exemplified by the UAE Space Agency’s announcement of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, the first multi-asteroid tour and landing mission to the main belt, with the partner, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder.

    The leaders highlighted the January 2024 Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center agreement with NASA for the Center to provide an airlock for Gateway, humanity’s first space station to orbit the Moon supported by NASA’s missions for long-term Moon exploration under the Artemis Program.  The airlock will allow crew and equipment transfers to-and-from the habitable environment of Gateway’s pressurized modules to the vacuum of space.  This agreement will also enable the first Emirati astronaut to fly to the Gateway for joint exploration of the Moon. 

    This cooperation builds on NASA and the UAE’s previous human spaceflight collaboration.  In 2019, Hazaa Al Mansouri became the first Emirati astronaut to fly to space during a visit to the International Space Station (ISS), where he worked with NASA to perform experiments and educational outreach.  A second Emirati astronaut, Sultan Al Neyadi, launched to the ISS in 2023, where he participated in the floating laboratory’s scientific research to advance human knowledge and improve life on Earth.  The leaders welcomed continued training of astronauts, including two Emirati astronaut candidates in training at the Johnson Space Center, as well as ongoing work on Mars research and scientific studies to support mutual exploration goals.

    Sharing the common spirit and ambition of humanity’s journey in space, the leaders reaffirmed the principles of the Artemis Accords to explore and use outer space for peaceful purposes and usher in a new era of exploration, as well as obligations under the Outer Space Treaty, including the requirement that countries not place in orbit around the Earth any objects carrying nuclear weapons or any other kind of weapons of mass destruction.

    Partners in Security and Defense

    His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed and President Biden praised the strong security and defense partnership with the UAE.  President Biden strongly affirmed the United States’ commitment to the United Arab Emirates’ security and territorial defense, and to facilitating its ability to obtain necessary capabilities to defend its people and territory against external threats.  The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a strong bilateral security and defense relationship and to expanding defense and security cooperation to bolster joint defense capabilities against external threats, including through the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program.

    The leaders affirmed a shared vision of an interconnected, peaceful, tolerant, and prosperous region as outlined by President Biden during the GCC+3 Summit Meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 16, 2022.  They reviewed the proud legacy of standing shoulder-to-shoulder, in peace and in conflict, including the UAE’s support for American-led counterterrorism missions since the attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington on September 11, 2001, to deter threats, de-escalate conflicts, and reduce tensions globally.  Specifically, the leaders recalled the United States and the United Arab Emirates standing alongside each other in the global coalition against Da’esh, and prior conflicts: Somalia, the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya.

    The leaders reviewed ongoing initiatives and investments in advanced systems that have made the United Arab Emirates one of the most capable U.S. military partners in the region, in addition to a robust schedule of bilateral and multilateral exercises.  They underscored the importance of strengthening efforts to combat regional threats, advance counterterrorism initiatives, reinforce maritime security and counter-piracy efforts, increase security cooperation, and intercept illicit shipments of weaponry and technology. 

    The leaders discussed deepening investment in U.S. defense systems and acknowledged that military-to-military cooperation with the United Arab Emirates’ armed services helps ensure interoperability with the United States through the provision of advanced defense articles and services.  They further decided to explore potential investment in our most advanced defense systems and to maintain regular exchanges to deepen partnership in research and development. 

    The leaders reaffirmed the 2017 Defense Cooperation Agreement, an important step for both countries that underscored their vital and longstanding collaboration in defeating terrorist groups, such as Da’esh and al-Qaida, securing regional stability, and combatting threats against their common interests including terrorist financing.  They underscored the importance of the annual Joint Military Dialogue as the foremost bilateral defense forum for advancing the U.S.-UAE defense partnership, including reviewing shared security interests, as well as discussing strategic objectives for the relationship and challenges in the region, such as maritime security, counter-piracy, counterterrorism cooperation, and domain awareness in the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, and East Africa.  They further noted the recognition by the Security Council in Resolution 2686 that hate speech, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, related forms of intolerance, gender discrimination and acts of extremism can contribute to driving the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflict.   

    Designation as a Major Defense Partner of the United States

    Acknowledging the U.S. and UAE’s deepening security partnership and cooperation in advanced technology and acquisition, shared interest in preventing conflict and de-escalation, President Biden today recognized the United Arab Emirates as a Major Defense Partner of the United States, joined by only India, to further enhance defense cooperation and security in the Middle East, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean regions.  This unique designation as a Major Defense Partner will allow for unprecedented cooperation through joint training, exercises, and military-to-military collaboration, between the military forces of the United States, the UAE, and India, as well as other common military partners, in furtherance of regional stability.

    Both leaders committed to close and sustained cooperation among our militaries. 

    Partners in a Stable, Integrated, and Prosperous Middle East and Wider Region

    The leaders stressed the importance of reaching a peaceful solution to the dispute over the three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the rules of international law including the UN Charter.

    The leaders discussed persisting and emerging threats to peace and stability in the Middle East and the wider region.  They renewed their commitment to upholding international law, particularly international humanitarian law, work with parties to resolve conflicts and protect civilians, and to provide urgently needed aid to alleviate human suffering.  They reiterated the importance of sustainable and enduring solutions to the security threats in the region, including those posed by non-state terrorist actors.  They discussed the enduring importance of the Abraham Accords and continuing on the path of peace, integration, and prosperity in the region.

    The leaders discussed the war in Gaza. They underscored their commitment to continue working together towards ending the conflict, calling for a lasting and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages and detainees in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2735, and affirmed that all sides to the conflict must adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law. President Biden commended the UAE’s extraordinary humanitarian efforts in Gaza, which have been critical in addressing the humanitarian crisis, including through the launch of a maritime corridor for movement of aid, opening a field hospital in Gaza, and supporting evacuations of wounded civilians and cancer patients.

    The two leaders emphasized the ongoing need for the urgent, unhindered, and sustained delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance, at a scale commensurate with the growing needs among the civilian population throughout Gaza.  They called on all parties to ensure the safety, security, and sustained access of aid workers to all those in need, and to create the conditions needed to facilitate an effective humanitarian response in Gaza.

    His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed commended the mediation efforts by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, to reach a lasting and sustainable ceasefire and hostage release deal to help end the war in Gaza.  His Highness also echoed the principles laid out by President Biden on May 31, 2024, and stressed the importance of building on this proposal in order to create a serious political horizon for negotiation.  To that end, the leaders discussed a path to stabilization and recovery that responds to the humanitarian crisis, establishes law and order, and lays the groundwork for responsible governance.  The leaders expressed their commitment to the two-State solution, wherein a sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state lives side-by-side in peace and security with Israel, as the only way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in accordance with the internationally-recognized parameters and the Arab Peace Initiative.  They stressed the need to refrain from all unilateral measures that undermine the two-State solution, and to preserve the historic status quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites, recognizing the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in this regard.

    On the conflict in Sudan, the leaders expressed their deep concern over the tragic impact the violence has had on the Sudanese people and on neighboring countries.  Both leaders expressed alarm at the millions of individuals who have been displaced by the war, the hundreds of thousands experiencing famine, and the atrocities committed by the belligerents against the civilian population.  They stressed that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Sudan and underscored their firm and unwavering position on the imperative for concrete and immediate action to achieve a lasting cessation of hostilities, the return to the political process, and transition to civilian-led governance.

    Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to de-escalate the conflict, alleviate the suffering of the people of Sudan, ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the Sudanese people, and prevent Sudan from attracting transnational terrorist networks once again. Noting their shared concern about the risk of imminent atrocities, particularly as fighting continues in Darfur, they underscored that all parties to the conflict must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, and all individuals and groups that commit war crimes must be held accountable.  The leaders emphasized that the priority right now must be the protection of civilians, particularly women, children and the elderly, securing humanitarian pauses in order to scale up and facilitate the movement of humanitarian assistance into the country and across conflict lines, and ensuring the delivery of aid to those in need, especially to the most vulnerable.

    Partners in Cyberspace

    The leaders emphasized that safety and stability in cyberspace is critical for digital economic growth and development, and reaffirmed their commitment to an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable internet, underpinned by the multistakeholder model of internet governance. 

    They committed to deepen cooperation on cybersecurity and to enhance cyber collaboration to protect critical infrastructure, counter malicious cyber activity by state and non-state actors, and noted that the UAE’s significant contributions to the International Counter Ransomware Initiative reflects the strength of our cooperation.  The leaders committed to promote stability in cyberspace based on the applicability of international law including the United Nations Charter, the promotion of voluntary norms of responsible state behavior during peacetime, and the development and implementation of confidence building measures between states. 

    Looking Forward

    The United States and the United Arab Emirates are both entrepreneurial nations, joined together by a relentless focus on the future.  Our aspirations are rooted in a common resolve to pursue innovative partnerships in new fields, including AI, food security, infrastructure investment, and supply chain resilience, even as we continue to strengthen the foundational element of our partnership: our longstanding people-to-people ties.  These connections between our countries drive progress and expand horizons, from clean energy technologies, to AI, defense cooperation, space exploration, and ongoing coordination across priority areas of science, education, and culture.  This first-ever official visit by a President of the United Arab Emirates to the United States sets a new foundation for our countries’ cooperation for decades to come

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Sullivan Urges Biden to Stand Up to Iran at UNGA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    09.23.24
    WASHINGTON—In an opinion published in the Wall Street Journal over the weekend, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), condemned the Biden-Harris administration for abandoning the Trump administration’s policies towards Iran, resulting in a more powerful Iran and a more dangerous world. Senator Sullivan urged President Biden to course correct this week during what will likely be the President’s last major foreign policy speech. Tomorrow, President Biden is set to address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
    “It’s hard to deny that the world is more dangerous today than when he [Biden] became president,” Sen. Sullivan writes in the Wall Street Journal. “There are many reasons for this, but the single most important course correction Mr. Biden could make is on his Middle East policy. In his speech he should call on the U.N. to condemn and impose sanctions on the Iranian terrorist regime for acting as the architect of chaos throughout the Middle East and Ukraine.  Mr. Biden should also denounce the antisemitism that has pervaded the U.N. for decades and call out the organization for insufficiently condemning Hamas’s massacre of 1,200 Israelis. He should demand that the U.N. declare Iran-backed Hamas a terrorist organization. He also needs to denounce the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, some of whose employees participated in Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks. Unfortunately, none of this is likely to happen. Appeasing Iran has been a hallmark of the Biden-Harris administration, and as a result the terrorist leadership has become richer, more powerful and more menacing.”
    Senator Sullivan has frequently warned of the Biden-Harris administration’s weakness on Middle East policy and pushed for a return to Trump-era sanctions aimed at re-establishing deterrence against Iran and its terrorist proxies. His latest op-ed in the Wall Street Journal details many of those efforts. Click here or below to read the full opinion.

    Opinion: Biden’s Last Opportunity to Stand Up to Iran
    By: U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan
    September 20, 2024
    On Monday I will go to New York with a group of senators to meet with foreign leaders at the United Nations General Assembly. President Biden will likely give his last major foreign-policy speech on Tuesday, a final opportunity to correct course. It’s hard to deny that the world is more dangerous today than when he became president. There are many reasons for this, but the single most important course correction Mr. Biden could make is on his Middle East policy.
    In his speech he should call on the U.N. to condemn and impose sanctions on the Iranian terrorist regime for acting as the architect of chaos throughout the Middle East and Ukraine.
    . . .
    Before Mr. Biden took office, under the Trump administration’s sanctions, Iran’s oil exports in 2020 were reduced to about 200,000 barrels a day from 2.7 million and its foreign reserves to roughly $4 billion from $122.5 billion. The Trump administration negotiated the Abraham Accords, the Middle East’s first peace agreement in 26 years, which could put the region on a path to widespread peace.
    The Biden-Harris administration chose not to enforce the Trump-era sanctions. As a result, Iran has been enriched with about $100 billion in oil revenue, with which Tehran funds, trains and equips the Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah.
    In a meeting with Mr. Biden last year, I raised the issue of reinstating Trump-era sanctions against Iran. He supported the idea and told me to work with Jake Sullivan, his national security adviser. It hasn’t happened.
    …
    The Houthis, with intelligence from Iranian navy spy ships, have launched dozens of drones and missiles to sink U.S. Navy and commercial ships in the Red Sea. Senior military officials operating in the Middle East requested permission to sink these Iranian spy ships but were denied by senior administration officials. They argued that such actions would be “escalatory.” This is a case study in self-deterrence.
    There is a precedent for the U.S. to sink Iranian warships that target our Navy. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan authorized Operation Praying Mantis in retaliation after Iran nearly sank a U.S. Navy ship in the Persian Gulf. By the end of the operation, our military sank several Iranian ships and destroyed two Iranian oil platforms. Tehran got the message.
    The most outrageous example of appeasement has been the Biden-Harris administration’s relative silence on the Iranian regime’s atrocious human-rights record, particularly against women. When Iran’s “morality police” murdered 22-year-old Mahsa Amini two years ago for not properly wearing her hijab, tens of thousands of Iranians, mostly women, took to the streets. More than 22,000 people have been arrested and more than 530 put to death. I wrote Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging him to meet with Masih Alinejad, one of the courageous leaders of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. He refuses to do so.
    . . .
    The administration’s policy toward Iran has dangerous repercussions across the globe. When U.N. member nations refused to reinstate the multilateral sanctions on Iran’s ballistic missiles, the White House didn’t protest. Now Iran is sending missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine.
    The Biden-Harris administration’s appeasement has squandered America’s progress against Iran. The Trump administration punished the regime with maximum sanctions, killed Quds Force Commander Qassem Soleimani, and spearheaded the Abraham Accords. History has shown time and again that appeasement doesn’t work and invites more aggression. We should learn from history.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Merkley, Grassley, Hinson, and Adams Shine Light on Stillbirth Prevention

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) teamed up with U.S. Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA-01) and Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing September 19th as National Stillbirth Prevention Day.
    Earlier this year, the bipartisan Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act—led by Merkley in the Senate and Hinson and Adams in the House—was signed into law by President Biden to help save the lives of mothers and babies across America. With at least 25 percent of stillbirths being potentially preventable, this resolution stresses the need for continued stillbirth prevention activities in the United States.
    “Thousands of families grapple with the unimaginable pain of stillbirths, and, devastatingly, Black women and underserved communities are disproportionately impacted by these tragedies,” Booker said. “By designating September 19 as National Stillbirth Prevention Day, we will help raise awareness, promote research and develop solutions so all mothers and babies, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to the care and support they deserve.”
    “A single family affected by stillbirth is one too many. Yet this tragedy impacts thousands across America, upending the lives of individuals and families from all walks of life,” Merkley said. “Getting my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act signed into law was an important first step, but we must do more to reduce the alarming rate of stillbirth, which disproportionately impacts Black, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaska Native women. This National Stillbirth Prevention Day we recommit to doing everything we can to end this public health crisis, so no one again ever has to experience the trauma of stillbirth.”
    “Iowa has made strides towards reducing stillbirths in our state. This bipartisan resolution recognizes researchers like we have in Iowa, as well as care providers and advocates. It also reaffirms our goal to improve maternal care resources, particularly in rural areas,” Grassley said. “No mom should know the heartbreak of a stillbirth. I’m glad to be partnering on a number of federal legislative efforts to help target contributing factors and save babies’ lives.”
    “Over 21,000 babies are stillborn in the U.S. each year. This rate is unacceptably high, and we must do more to ensure more women experience healthy pregnancies and have healthy babies. I am proud to lead this bipartisan, bicameral effort to recognize September 19th as National Stillbirth Prevention Day to raise awareness about stillbirth prevention so we can help save more moms and babies,” Hinson said.
    “I was proud to co-lead the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act and see it pass into law this year, which will increase awareness for families on how to prevent this painful, yet common experience. Today we recommit to ending stillbirth and to giving more families a chance to be whole. This is just the beginning, and I am committed to doing my part on behalf of all of America’s families,” Adams said.
    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every 175 U.S. births tragically result in stillbirth—accounting for nearly 21,000 stillbirths a year—more stillbirths annually than the number of babies who pass away during their first year of life. In the last two decades, the stillbirth rate in the United States declined by a negligible 0.4 percent. In a report published by the World Health Organization comparing progress in improving stillbirth rates, the United States ranked 183 out of 195 countries.
    “For the third year in a row, and under Senator Merkley’s leadership, we pause to recognize the crisis of stillbirth in this country and celebrate progress on stillbirth prevention efforts. When Congress recognizes this important day, when buildings and bridges are lit up across the country, and moms and dads make their voices heard through OpEds and sharing their personal stories of loss — progress happens and lives are saved. We mourn the tens of thousands of babies who should be with their families right now and accelerate progress so no other family has to endure the tragedy of stillbirth,” said Emily Price, Healthy Birth Day Inc. CEO.
    In the Senate, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM). Healthy Birth Day Inc., Charles Martin Corvi Fund, Birth and Breastfeeding in Color Inc, American College of Nurse-Midwives, Aaliyah in Action, Yale University Reproductive and Placental Research Unit, Yale University, The Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Foundation, Nitamising Gimashkikinaan Our First Medicine Indigenous Perinatal and Lactation Support Circle, Division of Indian Work, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, 1st Breath, 2 Degrees, Dieudonne Foundation, Jace’s Journey, Start Healing Together, In the Arms Of Jesus Grief Support, Healing Our Hearts Foundation, Matties Memory, Society for Reproductive Investigation, March of Dimes, Measure the Placenta, Nurturing Babyhood N’ Beyond LLC, PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy, March for Moms, Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, Gifts from Liam, Mera’s Mission, and Kansas Birth Justice Society also endorsed the resolution.
    Previous Efforts
    Last year, Booker reintroduced the Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act, legislation that aims to reduce the alarmingly high U.S. stillbirth rate. Named after Autumn Joy, a New Jersey baby who was stillborn in 2011, the bill would provide critical resources to states, local public health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other related federal agencies to improve data collection and increase education and awareness of stillbirth in the United States.
    The full text of the resolution can be found by clicking here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Frost Introduce the Fair Future Act to Support Successful Reentry by Ending Housing Exclusion for People With Prior Drug Convictions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL-10) introduced the Fair Future Act, legislation to repeal an amendment to the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 that has led to permanent denial of rental housing to people with prior drug convictions regardless of the severity of their offenses or the length of time that has passed since their conviction. 
    The current law has meant that the over 9 million people who have been previously convicted of drug offenses in the United States can be denied rental housing.
    “No one should be permanently denied a place to live because of a prior drug conviction,” said Senator Booker. “Right now, housing laws have denied people with prior drug convictions the ability to live in rental housing and in turn, denied them a fair chance at reentering society. The Fair Future Act will eliminate this discriminatory barrier to housing and help us put an end to our nation’s cycle of poverty and recidivism.” 
    “People who have served their time, repaid their debt to society, and are looking to re-enter our communities cannot do so when the deck is stacked against them,” said Congressman Frost. “Housing is the foundation of a safe and secure life – yet outdated housing laws and conflicting state laws on marijuana mean that someone could go to jail, serve time, and be denied housing in one state, while someone carrying the same amount of marijuana in another state is abiding by the law. It’s time we allow folks a fresh start and put an end to housing exclusion for folks who have paid for their crimes and are rebuilding their lives.”
    The Fair Future Act was inspired in part by the personal testimony of people impacted by this flawed policy, like Yusuf Dahl, a Milwaukee native who served a five-and-a-half-year sentence and went on to become an outstanding member of society, receiving an Ivy League education and leading a center for entrepreneurship, only to be denied housing while attempting to rent a home for him and his family in Pennsylvania.
    “The Fair Future Act is a common-sense reform that ensures housing applicants are judged by their income, credit history, and rental record—not automatically denied by an algorithm based solely on a decades-old drug conviction,” said Yusuf Dahl. “Given housing’s crucial role in economic mobility and stability in today’s competitive rental market, the Fair Future Act offers a necessary fix to a federal policy that unfairly punishes formerly incarcerated individuals who have already paid their debt to society. When people have turned their lives around, we shouldn’t keep them tethered to their past by denying them one of the most fundamental rights: the right to live where they choose.”
    The Fair Future Act has been endorsed by the National Housing Law Project.
    “Everyone, no matter their race, place, or party deserves safe, stable, and healthy housing. But for almost 30 years, a racist and discriminatory provision has robbed people who had been convicted of drug distribution of their fair housing protections. Today, we’re proud to support Representative Frost and Senator Booker’s legislation to repeal the Thurmond amendment and affirm that all Americans deserve Fair Housing. NHLP will continue fighting for a more fair future for all,” said National Housing Law Project Executive Director Shamus Roller.
    To read the full text of the bill, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: United  States and United Arab Emirates Cooperation on Artificial  Intelligence

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Building on the common vision of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to advance safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI), U.S. Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Jake Sullivan and UAE National Security Advisor H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed the shared intention of the United States (U.S.) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to promote cooperation in AI and related technologies. This statement also signals our shared commitment to develop a government-to-government memorandum of understanding on AI between the U.S. and the UAE.
    Common Principles for Cooperation
    We recognize the tremendous potential of AI for good, including to accelerate economic growth, transform education and healthcare, create jobs, and drive environmental sustainability. At the same time, we acknowledge the challenges and risks of this emerging technology and the vital importance of safeguards and protections with respect to the most advanced technologies.
    Recognizing the importance for each of our nations to pursue their own national AI and advanced technologies strategies, and in order to fully realize the benefits of AI and technology, the U.S. and the UAE affirm the importance of deepening bilateral ties and strengthening cooperation between our governments, companies, and workforces.
    In particular, we intend to closely collaborate to:
    Advance Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI: Foster acceptance of international AI frameworks, principles, and standards to help ensure the responsible and reliable development and use of AI technologies that are explainable and equitable, that safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms, that promote international norms, best practices, and the interoperability in AI governance.
    Align Regulatory Frameworks to Strengthen Innovation Ecosystems: Further the alignment of regulatory frameworks and rules for AI and related technologies to safeguard national security interests, enable trusted investments and entrepreneurship, and facilitate cross-border innovation, while facilitating protection of advanced technologies and respect for international principles and best practices
    Promote Ethical AI Research and Development: Conduct ethical AI research and development by prioritizing research addressing bias, discrimination, and ensuring fairness in AI algorithms.
    Broadening and Deepening Cooperation in AI Protection and Cybersecurity: Promote an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable cybersecurity environment and cyber incident response strategies that foster efficiency and resilience of critical infrastructure, whilst managing related emerging technology risks.
    Facilitate Opportunities for Trusted Trade and Investment: Support and facilitate bilateral investment and efficient licensing to seize opportunities for developing robust and secure AI infrastructure.
    Talent Development and Exchange: Foster talent development to facilitate knowledge exchange and development between the nations through joint training programs and workshops for AI researchers, engineers and policymakers.
    Promote Clean Energy for the AI Future: Build on our ongoing bilateral cooperation through the U.S.-UAE Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE) to meet the energy demands of AI systems with clean energy sources, consistent with our shared commitment to combatting climate change.
    Support AI for Sustainable Development in Developing Countries: Foster inclusive, responsible, and sustainable capacity building with respect to AI and AI infrastructure to address the world’s greatest challenges, and close digital divides, globally, and in particular across the Middle East and North Africa.
    Conclusion
    President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed relevant officials to develop a U.S.-UAE government-to-government memorandum of understanding to build upon this shared vision overseen by a High-Level Mechanism which includes the appropriate talents and experience to accomplish the task.
    The U.S. and the UAE look forward to deepening collaboration across AI and related technologies to propel their strategic partnership forward, delivering a more prosperous, secure future for their peoples, underpinned by a shared commitment to safe, secure, and trustworthy AI.
    Jake Sullivan                                                                                   U.S. Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs                        
    Tahnoon bin Zayed Al NahyanUAE National Security Advisor

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Exercise Caution with Crypto Asset Securities: Investor Alert

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    TLDR:  The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy continues to urge investors to be cautious if considering an investment involving crypto asset securities.  Investments in crypto asset securities can be exceptionally volatile and speculative, and the platforms where investors buy, sell, borrow, or lend these securities may lack important protections for investors.  The risk of loss for individual investors who participate in transactions involving crypto assets, including crypto asset securities, remains significant.  The only money you should put at risk with any speculative investment is money you can afford to lose entirely.  Investors should understand that:

    1. Those offering crypto asset investments or services may not be complying with applicable law, including federal securities laws.  Under the federal securities laws, a company may not offer or sell securities unless the offering is registered with the SEC or an exemption to registration is available.  Similarly, the law requires parties such as securities broker-dealers, investment advisers, alternative trading systems (ATS), and exchanges to register with the SEC, a state regulator, and/or a self-regulatory organization (SRO), such as FINRA.  Moreover, entities and platforms involved in lending or staking crypto assets may be subject to the federal securities laws. 

    Registration of a securities offering requires the issuer to disclose important information about the company, the offering, and the securities offered to the public.  Unregistered offerings in crypto asset securities may not provide key information that investors need to make informed decisions.  For example, registration typically requires an issuer to include financial statements audited by an independent public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB).  Audited financial statements play an important role in making sure investors are provided the information they need to understand the securities in which they want to invest.  Issuers of unregistered crypto asset securities offerings might not provide audited financial statements, depriving investors of this key information.

    Proof of Reserves is a term crypto asset entities, including trading platforms and/or entities that issue crypto assets securities, use to describe a voluntary method for offering evidence that in the aggregate an entity has sufficient reserve assets to cover what is held for customers and/or accounts at a given point in time. Crypto asset entities may be offering these types of assessments as a way to satisfy customers that their funds are safe and available upon demand.  However, these types of services may not provide any meaningful assurance that these entities hold adequate assets to back their customers’ balances.  Further, crypto asset entities might use these in lieu of audited financial statements in order to obscure and confuse customers about the safety of their assets.  For example, a proof of reserves typically:

    • may only provide a snapshot of what is, for example, held by an entity in certain wallets or accounts, or backing customer assets as of a point-in-time;
    • may not disclose management’s activities during the period between the snapshots (for example, use of customer crypto assets in crypto asset lending or other activities); 
    • does not tell customers the whole story about the entity’s liabilities and, for example, whether the customer has to “stand in line” behind other creditors if the entity fails; and
    • may not offer protection against the entity moving customer assets shortly after a proof of reserves is completed.

    In addition, a proof of reserves is not as rigorous, or as comprehensive, as a financial statement audit and may not provide any level of assurance.  For example, audited financial statements typically require audits of a complete set of financial statements performed by a registered public accounting firm in accordance with PCAOB auditing standards.  With so-called proof of reserves, there are no specific audit requirements for the engagement or the information reported, allowing an entity full discretion to manage the terms of the engagement.  For example:

    • the extent and frequency of assessments performed around customer assets;
    • the determination of the reserves (for example, which wallets and accounts are examined as part of the assessment);
    • the level of assurance provided (for example, reasonable, limited, or no assurance) and the standards applied;  
    • the type of third-party assurance provider engaged (i.e., accountant or non-accountant assurance providers, affiliated or independent); and 
    • whether the results are made public, including the extent and format of the information shared. 

    Investors should be aware that this level of management discretion undermines any suggestion that a proof of reserves offers protections similar to a financial statement audit.  In sum, investors should exercise extreme caution when relying on proof of reserves to conclude that a crypto asset entity has sufficient reserve assets to meet customer liabilities.

    Similarly, registration with the SEC by an entity as a “broker-dealer” and/or “investment adviser” provides important protections for investors.  Some of those benefits include rules around custody of assets, fees, conflicts of interest, standards of conduct, and minimal capital requirements for broker-dealers.  For example, a broker-dealer must comply with custody requirements such as the customer protection rule, which requires broker-dealers to safeguard customer assets and to keep customer assets separate from the firm’s assets – increasing the likelihood that customers’ securities and cash can be returned to them in the event of the broker-dealer’s failure.  In addition, a broker-dealer making recommendations of securities or investment strategies involving securities (including crypto asset securities) to retail customers is subject to Regulation Best Interest, which requires broker-dealers to make recommendations in the retail customers’ best interest, and requires compliance with specific disclosure, care, conflict of interest, and compliance obligations. 

    Recordkeeping and reporting rules require a broker-dealer to make and keep current ledgers reflecting all assets and liabilities.  Moreover, financial responsibility rules require that broker-dealers routinely prepare financial statements.  These books, records, and financial reporting requirements assist securities regulators in examining for compliance with the federal securities laws.  Crypto asset entities not offering these types of protections put investors at risk.  

    ATSs, which are marketplaces for securities, must be registered broker-dealers and members of an SRO, such as FINRA.  In addition to complying with federal securities laws and its SRO’s rules, an ATS must comply with Regulation ATS, which includes filing disclosures with the SEC about the ATS’s operations and securities trading and protecting its users’ trading information.       

    SEC-registered investment advisers that hold or have the ability to obtain possession of their clients’ funds or securities are required to maintain those assets with a qualified custodian, like a bank or broker-dealer.  SEC-registered investment advisers that have “custody” of client funds and securities are also generally required to undergo an annual “surprise examination” in which an independent public accountant verifies the existence of these assets and to make and keep records showing all purchases and sales for each client.  

    Also, unlike SEC-registered entities, crypto asset securities trading platforms or other intermediaries (such as so-called “crypto exchanges”) may offer a combination of services that are typically performed by separate firms that may each be required to be separately registered with the SEC, a state regulator, or a SRO.  The commingling of these functions, exchange, broker-dealer and custodial functions, for example, creates conflicts of interest and risks for investors.  SEC-registered entities are subject to a number of rules to minimize these risks and conflicts of interests, in some cases by separating the functions into legally separate and unaffiliated entities.  Registered broker-dealers, ATSs, and investment advisers are also subject to examination by regulators.  None of the major crypto asset entities is registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer, exchange, or investment adviser—so investors may not get the protections afforded by the rules applicable to these entities.  

    In particular, no crypto asset entity is registered with the SEC as a national securities exchange (like, for example, the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market).  And no existing national securities exchange currently trades crypto asset securities.  As a result, investors in crypto asset securities may not benefit from rules that protect against fraud, manipulation, front-running, wash sales, and other misconduct when intermediaries for those products do not comply with the federal securities laws that apply to registered exchanges.

    Investors who hold registered securities with registered broker-dealers also generally benefit from protections offered by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).  Similarly, people who place deposits in banks enjoy insurance, up to a defined limit, provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).  The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) insures deposits in federal credit unions.  There are no such protections for accounts that you place with crypto asset entities.    

    In sum, investors in crypto asset securities should understand they may be deprived of key information and other important protections in connection with their investment.  

    2.  Investments in crypto asset securities can be exceptionally risky, and are often volatile.  Over the last year, the crypto asset space has been exceptionally volatile – and a number of major platforms and crypto assets have become insolvent and/or lost value.  Investments in crypto asset securities continue to be subject to significant risk, including:

    • volatility and illiquidity in the crypto asset markets;
    • the potential for the company holding your crypto assets to fail or go bankrupt;
       

      Investors who deposit funds or crypto assets with a crypto asset securities entity might cease to have legal ownership of those assets and might not be able to get those assets back when they want to.  Over the past year, a number of crypto asset entities have faced severe financial difficulties, sometimes resulting in suspending customers’ ability to withdraw their assets.  Some crypto asset entities have entered bankruptcy proceedings, and it is unclear how much of their holdings (if any) customers might be able to recover.  Investors need to be wary of claims that “you always retain ownership of your crypto assets” and “you can withdraw your assets whenever you like.”

    • unpredictability, including that the market for a particular crypto asset security may disappear altogether or the crypto asset security may no longer be tradable anywhere;
    • sometimes highly concentrated and opaque ownership and control structures;
    • enforcement of laws and regulations by federal, state, or foreign governments that may restrict the use and exchange of crypto assets;
    • unauthorized lending or transfers of customers’ crypto asset securities, or halting of customer withdrawals;
    • the inability for an investor to be made whole should fraud, default, or a mistake occur; 
    • technical glitches, hacking, or malware; and
    • lack of investor protections due to crypto asset securities entities not acting in compliance with applicable law.

    3. Fraudsters continue to exploit the rising popularity of crypto assets to lure retail investors into scams, often leading to devastating losses.  Crypto asset securities-related investments continue to be replete with fraud, including bogus coin offerings, Ponzi and pyramid schemes, and outright theft where the project promoter simply disappears with investors’ money.  

    Some promoters use social media to find and entice new investors with testimonials about returns made on deposits and investments, but what is not mentioned is that the promoter is often paying investor withdrawals out of new investor funds – a Ponzi scheme.  Moreover, recovering money from the wrongdoers can be nearly impossible.  In part, that can be because of the anonymity or pseudonymity associated with crypto assets.  However, the SEC and state regulators continue to bring enforcement actions in this space.

    Celebrity endorsements:  It is never a good idea to make an investment decision just because someone famous says a product or service is a good investment.  A celebrity endorsement does not mean that an investment is appropriate for all investors, or even that it is legitimate.  Often, a celebrity is getting paid to promote the investment opportunity, including those involving crypto assets.  Even if a celebrity endorses an investment opportunity, you should consider the potential risks and opportunities to determine whether it is right for you.

    Learn more about investment fraud, including how to spot “red flags” of a scam, in our Investor Bulletin, What You Can Do to Avoid Investment Fraud.
     
    4.    Having an investing plan, as well as understanding your risk tolerance and time horizon, can be critical to your investing success.

    What are the best saving and investment products for you? The answer depends on when you will need the money, your goals, and whether you will be able to sleep at night if you purchase a risky investment (one where you could lose your entire principal). Before making any investment, consider these tips:

    • Create and follow an investment plan.  Do not let short-term emotions about investments disrupt your long-term investment objectives.  If you are considering short-term investments, think about how much of your overall portfolio you should allocate to these types of investments.
    • Pay off credit cards or other high interest debt first.  No investment strategy pays off as well as, or with less risk than, eliminating high interest debt.  
    • Consider the importance of asset allocation and diversification.  Asset allocation involves dividing your investments among different assets, such as stocks, bonds, and cash.  The allocation that works best for you changes at different times in your life, depending on how long you have to invest and your ability to tolerate risk.
    • Understand risk.  All investments have risk.  While some regulated institutions may offer retail investors ways to gain exposure to crypto asset securities, even when using a regulated entity, investors should ask questions and make sure they understand the terms of the investment.  Never invest if you do not understand the product – including the risks involved.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State launches new initiative to mobilize one million Californians for climate action

    Source: US State of California 2

    Sep 23, 2024

    What you need to know: California is launching a campaign to empower one million Californians to take climate action in their communities. 

    SACRAMENTO – During Climate Week, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new state initiative to mobilize one million Californians to take climate action at home and in their neighborhoods to help build resilient communities.

    California’s Climate Action Counts initiative aims to educate and inspire people to reimagine the power of volunteerism by taking impactful, everyday actions in their communities.

    “Every day, Californians are taking small actions that collectively are helping us create a better world for our kids and grandkids. From saving water and planting trees to taking public transit and being disaster ready – we’re all in this together.

    The Climate Action Counts campaign will empower Californians to be a part of something big and impactful – making all of our climate action truly count.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The campaign highlights 10 priority actions and encourages participants to take the pledge to action. Those taking the pledge join hundreds of California Climate Action Corps fellows in efforts to combat the effects of climate change.

    👗 Reduce waste: Donate, upcycle and thrift.

    🍎 Compost food scraps: Toss in your green bin or compost in your yard. 

    🛒 Support local farmers: Shop at local farmers markets or join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). 

    🚲 Green your ride: Walk, bike, use public transit, carpool whenever you can – or consider a zero-emission vehicle.

    🌱 Get planting: Plant trees and native plants or start a community garden. 

    🔥 Be disaster ready: Be prepared for wildfire and extreme heat.

    💡 Save energy, water and money: Use a smart thermostat, conserve water and capture savings. 

    🌄 Discover nature: Enjoy nature at your local parks and trails.

    📣 Tell a friend: Encourage your friends and family to take part in Climate Action Counts.

    💚 Get connected: Sign up to serve or volunteer in your community!

    Campaign partners span cities, colleges and universities, state agencies, community-based organizations, business and climate leaders, including the cities of Long Beach, Riverside and Sacramento, California Community Colleges, University of California, California State University, California Natural Resources Agency, CalRecycle, California ReLeaf, Sierra Club, Jane Goodall Institute and Patagonia.

    “This campaign will inspire hope – showing when it comes to the climate crisis, we are not powerless,” said California Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday. “We are calling on one million Californians to take simple, everyday actions for collective impact.”

    “The best solutions to the climate crisis come from the grassroots,” said Corley Kenna, Vice President of Communications and Public Policy at Patagonia. “We’re partnering with the Climate Action Counts campaign to help one million Californians build thriving communities while protecting the natural world. Everyone has a role to play in this movement.”

    As a part of California’s comprehensive strategy to address the climate crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom created the California Climate Action Corps in 2020 – the nation’s first state-level service and volunteer program focused on combating climate change. Since then, numerous states have adopted California’s model to establish their own Climate Corps. 

    Recent news

    Sep 22, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills: AB 262 by Assemblymember Chris R. Holden (D-Pasadena) – Children’s camps: safety and regulation.AB 460 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) – State Water…

    Sep 21, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to provide more safety, care, and accountability for services that help older adults and their families thrive, as more Californians live longer lives. This action further advances California’s…

    Sep 20, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Moving to protect the health and well-being of youth on digital platforms, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed SB 976 by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), which prohibits online platforms from knowingly providing an addictive feed to a minor without…

    Sep 23, 2024

    What you need to know: The passage of Proposition 1 by California voters adds rocket fuel to Governor Gavin Newsom’s transformational overhaul of the state’s behavioral health system. These reforms refocus existing funds to prioritize Californians with the most serious mental health and substance use issues, who are too often experiencing homelessness. They also fund more than 11,150 new behavioral health beds and supportive housing units and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots.

    Los Angeles, California – California took a major step forward in correcting the damage from 50 years of neglect to the state’s mental health system with the passage of Proposition 1. This historic measure — a signature priority of Governor Gavin Newsom — adds rocket fuel to California’s overhaul of the state’s behavioral health systems. It provides a full range of mental health and substance abuse care, with new accountability metrics to ensure local governments deliver for their communities.

    This is the biggest reform of the California mental health system in decades and will finally equip partners to deliver the results all Californians need and deserve. Treatment centers will prioritize mental health and substance use support in the community like never before. Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and begin implementing this critical reform – working closely with city and county leaders to ensure we see results.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

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    What they’re saying: 

    • Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, original author of the Mental Health Services Act: “Twenty years ago, I never could have dreamed that we would have the strong leadership we have today, committing billions and making courageous policy changes that question the conventional wisdom on mental health. Now, with the passage of Proposition 1. California is delivering on decades old promises to help people living with brain-based illnesses, to live better lives, to live independently and to live with dignity in our communities. This is a historic moment and the hard work is ahead of us.“
    • Senator Susan Eggman (D-Stockton), author of Senate Bill 326: “Today marks a day of hope for thousands of Californians who are struggling with mental illness – many of whom are living unhoused. I am tremendously grateful to my fellow Californian’s for passing this important measure.  And I am very appreciative of this Governor’s leadership to transform our behavioral health care system!”
    • Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), author of Assembly Bill 531: “This started as an audacious proposal to address the root cause of homelessness and today, Californians can be proud to know that they did the right thing by passing Proposition 1. Now, it’s time for all of us to get to work, and make sure these reforms are implemented and that we see results.”

    Bigger picture: Transforming the Mental Health Services Act into the Behavioral Health Services Act and building more community mental health treatment sites and supportive housing is the last main pillar of Governor Newsom’s Mental Health Movement – pulling together significant recent reforms like 988 crisis line, CalHOPE, CARE Court, conservatorship reform, CalAIM behavioral health expansion (including mobile crisis care and telehealth), Medi-Cal expansion to all low-income Californians, Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (including expanding services in schools and on-line), Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative, Veterans Mental Health Initiative, Behavioral Health Community Infrastructure Program, Behavioral Health Bridge Housing, Health Care Workforce for All and more.

    More details on next step here

    Recent news

    Sep 22, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills: AB 262 by Assemblymember Chris R. Holden (D-Pasadena) – Children’s camps: safety and regulation.AB 460 by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) – State Water…

    Sep 21, 2024

    News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to provide more safety, care, and accountability for services that help older adults and their families thrive, as more Californians live longer lives. This action further advances California’s…

    Sep 20, 2024

    News SACRAMENTO – Moving to protect the health and well-being of youth on digital platforms, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed SB 976 by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), which prohibits online platforms from knowingly providing an addictive feed to a minor without…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory: RIDOT to Close Portion of Main Road in Tiverton for Culvert Replacement During the Weekend of September 27-30

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    On Friday, September 27 at 8 p.m., the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will begin a weekend closure of a portion of Main Road (Route 77) in Tiverton for the rapid replacement of a culvert for Quaket Creek, which runs under the road just south of its intersection with Nanaquaket Road. The road will reopen by 6 a.m. on Monday, September 30.

    During the weekend, motorists will be required to detour using Bulgarmarsh Road (Route 177) to the north of the closure area or East Road (Route 179) south of the closure area to reach Crandall Road (Route 81). RIDOT will post trail blazing detour signage so drivers can easily follow the detour. Motorists should plan additional travel time.

    While the road is closed, RIDOT will demolish the old culvert and install prefabricated box culvert sections and repave the road. This approach avoids three months of lane closures which would be more disruptive to residents and businesses.

    RIDOT may have temporary single-lane alternating traffic patterns at the culvert leading up to the closure and for two weeks after it. The full closure will be limited to the September 27-30 weekend.

    All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings and weather.

    The replacement of this culvert is made possible by RhodeWorks and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung in America: 2024 Environmental Toolkit

    Source: Samsung

    As a global company, Samsung believes the key to a greener future begins with an everyday approach to sustainability. Since the launch of our expanded environmental strategy in September 2022, we continue to address the environmental impact in every stage of our product’s lifecycle and place sustainable innovation at the forefront of our products and user experience. Our environmental strategy reflects Samsung’s sustained dedication to being a responsible business – both within the U.S. and around the world.
    This updated toolkit is a reference guide highlighting how everyday changes, at Samsung’s scale, result in a meaningful impact on our environment. Highlights include:
    Our thoughtfully designed products can help our customers reduce their environmental impact as they go about their daily lives. We also believe in the importance of recycling and reusing materials, and provide ways to close the loop on electronic waste. For instance, our Certified Re-Newed program extends the life of older mobile devices, providing consumers the exceptional performance they expect from our new products by refurbishing with 100% genuine Samsung parts and providing the same warranty as any new device.. And through our community engagement efforts, such as Solve for Tomorrow, Global Goals App and volunteerism we work to improve environmental literacy and support innovative solutions to address society’s greatest challenges – including climate change.

    Samsung has a long history of climate action, and we’re proud of the strides we have made to enhance our positive impact. Our comprehensive strategy includes commitments to achieve enterprise-wide net zero carbon emissions for all operations in the Device eXperience Division by 2030 (Mobile eXperience, Visual Display, Digital Appliances, Networks, and Health & Medical Equipment), and across all global operations and the Device Solutions Division (Memory, System LSI, and Foundry) by 2050. Samsung’s sustainability commitments encompass an enterprise-wide effort to enhance resource circularity throughout the entire product lifecycle, from raw material sourcing to recycling and recovery. In addition, we’re making bigger investments in new and emerging technologies to reduce emissions from process gases, as well as to conserve and restore water in our operations and to continue to reduce power consumption in consumer products.
    But we also recognize there is much more work to be done, and our business must continue adapting to changing societal and consumer needs. That’s why we are working to continue advances in product energy efficiency, expand our use of renewable energy, eliminate all single-use plastic from our mobile packaging by 2025, recycle 7.5 million metric tons of e-waste and reuse 500,000 tons of recycled plastics globally in our products by 2030 – a goal we exceeded last year. We are committed to driving positive changes across our operations while helping our customers reduce their footprint.
    We invite you to further explore our sustainability commitments and continued progress in our newly updated 2024 Environmental Toolkit. To download the full toolkit, click here. To download individual briefs, please see Environmental Strategy, Product Energy Efficiency, Product Stewardship, Sustainable Materials, Sustainable Operations, and Sharing Our Values.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Autumn activities abound throughout St. Louis area state parks and historic sites

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 23, 2024 – As the seasons begin to change, it’s time to check out some of the many activities available at state parks and historic sites in the St. Louis region.

    • Thursdays, Sept. 26 and Oct. 10 at 10 a.m.: Toddler Thursday at Mastodon State Historic Site
      Come learn, create and play at Mastodon State Historic Site! Toddler Thursday programs are designed for toddlers and their grown-ups. Each Toddler Thursday focuses on a different topic and includes hands-on activities. Toddler Thursdays take place outside in the field near the museum. Participants should dress for the weather. In the event of inclement weather, including extreme heat, the program will be moved indoors to the museum auditorium. To register, call 636-646-2976. The fun begins at 10 a.m. at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial.
       
    • Saturday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Archaeology and Paleontology Day at Mastodon State Historic Site
      Celebrate Missouri Archaeology Month at Mastodon State Historic Site! Archaeology and Paleontology Day 2024 features several free activities for the whole family. The day’s schedule is as follows:
      • 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Free museum admission and a special museum scavenger hunt.
      • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Hands-on activities, including atlatl demonstrations and practice on the annex lawn (accessible from the museum parking lot.
      • 10 a.m. – Paleontology story time.
      • 11 a.m. – Hike to the bone bed.
      • Noon – Skull show and museum tour.
      • 1 p.m. – Hike to the bone bed.
      • 2 p.m. – Skull show and museum tour.
      • 3 p.m. – presentation on the history of excavations at the bone bed.

    The hike to the bone bed will take place on the Wildflower Trail, a 0.5-mile trail with stairs and natural surfaces. Please note that the excavation site is covered; hikers will not be able to see any fossils, artifacts or active digging. Interpreters will not identify artifacts or fossils at this event. Outdoor activities, including atlatl throwing and guided hikes, are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. All activities are free and open to the public, and registration is not required. The event will take place at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial.  

    • Saturday, Sept. 28 at 11 a.m.: Creatures of Myth and Legend (World Bird Sanctuary) at St. Francois State Park
      Come out to St. Francois State Park for the World Bird Sanctuary’s Creatures of Myth and Legend program. Have you ever wondered whoooo inspired a ghost story? World Bird Sanctuary naturalists will share all the ways that animals inspire myths and legends around the globe. The program will take place in the campground near the playground and showerhouse at 8920 U.S. Highway 67 N in Bonne Terre. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Because the event will feature live birds, pets will not be allowed. This is for both their safety and that of the birds.
       
    • Saturday, Oct. 5 at 10 a.m.: Junior Explorers at Mastodon State Historic Site
      Calling all junior explorers! Join this free interpreter-led program where participants will engage in hands-on activities as they explore the great outdoors. This program is designed for families with young children and will take place entirely outdoors. Participants are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing that they are comfortable getting dirty or wet. Meet at the playground in the picnic area, located at 1800 Seckman Road in Imperial.
       
    • Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Fall Harvest Fest at Washington State Park
      Washington State Park’s annual Fall Harvest Fest includes a handmade item and craft fair featuring a variety of vendors from Missouri, as well as fall crafts and activities for kids. Food and concession items will be available for purchase and there will be musical entertainment. All activities will take place in and around Shelter #2 in the Big River Day-Use Area; however, this is subject to change due to weather. Admission is free and registration is not required. Washington State Park is located at 13041 State Highway 104 in De Soto.
       
    • Saturday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Old Miners Open House at Missouri Mines State Historic Site
      The Old Miners Open House honors the mine workers of Missouri’s Old Lead Belt region, retired miners and others who are associated with the area’s mining history. There will be activities for all ages, including a sand table, a mine car shoveling contest and much more. All activities are free and open to the public, and registration is not required. In addition, there will be free admission to the site’s Powerhouse Museum during the event. Missouri Mines State Historic Site is located at 4000 State Highway 32 in Park Hills.
      Sunday, Oct. 6 at 10 a.m.: Honeysuckle Roundup! At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park
      Join the team for two hours of volunteer service removing bush honeysuckle from the Babler monument parking area. Loppers, gloves, glasses and the chemical needed for treating this highly invasive plant will be provided. All volunteers need to bring is water and wear a pair of closed-toe shoes. Meet at the monument field and follow the directional signage. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is located at 800 Guy Park Drive in Wildwood.
       
    • Sunday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m.: Geological Eras Tour at Mastodon State Historic Site
      Join the team at Mastodon State Historic Site on their own Geological Eras Tour on Spring Branch Trail, where participants will travel back in time explore geological eras. During this easy 0.8-mile walk, we’ll cover 550 million years of planetary and evolutionary history. This to-scale hike will inform visitors about the chronological relationship between major geological events, mass extinctions and the evolution of various species. Registration is required and can be done by visiting icampmo.usedirect.com/MSPWeb/Default.aspx or calling or texting 636-215-9784. Participants will meet at 1800 Seckman Road in Imperial.

    For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit mostateparks.com/events. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Smith Announce Beltrami County to Receive Additional Federal Resources for Law Enforcement to Crack Down on Illicit Drug Trafficking and Address the Overdose Epidemic

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced Beltrami County will receive federal resources to help law enforcement crack down on illicit drug trafficking and address the overdose epidemic through the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program. The HIDTA Program, funded by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), coordinates and assists federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to address regional drug threats and reduce illicit drug production and trafficking. This new designation will allow critical resources to be deployed to law enforcement in Beltrami County working to seize illicit drugs like fentanyl, prevent and reduce gun violence and other violent crime associated with drug trafficking, improve interdiction efforts through enhanced data sharing and targeting, and dismantle illicit finance operations.
    “The opioid epidemic is taking lives and tearing families apart. We need to continue to provide law enforcement with the tools they need to fight drug trafficking and the violent crime that comes along with it,” said Klobuchar. “These federal resources will allow for greater coordination among all levels of law enforcement in Beltrami County so they can do their jobs even more effectively.”
    “Families across our state are hurting from the opioid epidemic — I want to make sure we’re doing all we can to help law enforcement crack down on drug trafficking in our communities,” said Smith. “These newly unlocked federal resources that will be deployed in Beltrami County will make a big difference in our fight against opioid overdoses.”

    MIL OSI USA News –