Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
Is there potential for life on Europa? This icy moon of Jupiter has a massive ocean hidden beneath its icy crust — one that might have the right ingredients for life. Currently en route, our upcoming Europa Clipper mission will explore this mysterious world, searching for clues about its potential habitability. Watch as a NASA scientist explains more. Dive deeper: www.nasa.gov/europaclipper
Producers: Scott Bednar, Pedro Cota, Jessica Wilde
Editor: James Lucas
The mission of the Foreign Press Centers is to assist foreign media in their coverage of the United States by providing firsthand access to both government and non-government experts to gain a deeper understanding of U.S. politics, history, values, and culture. The views expressed by briefers not affiliated with the Department of State or U.S. government are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of State or the U.S. government. Participation in Foreign Press Center programming by briefers not affiliated with the Department of State or U.S. government does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation of their views.
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The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.
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The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.
This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
X ► https://twitter.com/wef
LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF
The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.
This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
X ► https://twitter.com/wef
LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF
The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.
This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
X ► https://twitter.com/wef
LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF
On this #TacticalTuesday, we’re highlighting CIWS!
The MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapon System is a high-speed, radar-guided, 20mm Gatling gun that autonomously defends U.S. Navy ships from anti-ship missiles, aircraft, and asymmetric threats.
#Phalanx #CIWS #NavalDefense #Lethality #USNavy
Meet U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class James Smith, a Machinery Technician at the Special Missions Training Center (SMTC) located at Courthouse Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Smith shares his experiences and insights as he preps our service members for overseas deployment to Bahrain.
ECB President Christine Lagarde explains the Governing Council’s monetary policy decisions and will answer questions from journalists at the Governing Council press conference to be held on 6 March 2025 at 14:45 CET in Frankfurt am Main.
About the U.S. Army:
The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.
Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L
Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #40kBonus
Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)
The Young Trade Leaders Programme was established to connect young people with the work of the WTO. Hugh Jones, from Canada, works at Tereposky & DeRose, an international trade and investment law firm in Ottawa.
Hugh talks about the importance of including indigenous voices in international trade.
Download this video from the WTO website:
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/webcas_e/webcas_e.htm
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
If you were affected by the wildfires, there are a few deadlines you’ll want to keep in mind.
If you haven’t registered for FEMA assistance yet, there’s still time! The deadline to apply is March 10th. FEMA grants can help repair your home, property, and even your vehicle. Rental assistance is also available for up to 18 months.
If you need additional financial help, the Small Business Administration – or SBA, is offering low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profits. They’ve already approved more than one billion dollars in loans. Applications are open through March 10th.
The American Red Cross is also offering assistance to wildfire survivors. Their application deadline is February 26th.
And the Army Corps of Engineers is ready to clear ash and debris from your property. But first, they need your permission. That’s where your Right of Entry form comes in. Get that document submitted by March 31st at recovery.LACounty.gov. Don’t wait—take action today!
Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
VA welcomed thousands of employees nationwide back to the office as part of our return to in-person work policy. This morning, Secretary Doug Collins greeted staff at VA Central Office, reinforcing his commitment to collaboration and excellence in serving Veterans.
Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Highlights:
– Secretary-General Travels
– Ukraine
– Sudan
– Sudan/Humanitarian
– Deputy Secretary-General
– West Bank
– Occupied Palestinian territory
– Peacekeeping
– Haiti
– DR Congo/Humanitarian
– DR Congo
– Mozambique
– Colombia
UKRAINE
The Secretary-General issued a statement in which he affirmed that the war in Ukraine stands as a grave threat not only to the peace and security of Europe but also to the very foundations and core principles of the United Nations.
After three years of death and destruction, he once again calls for urgent de-escalation and an immediate end to the hostilities. The Secretary-General welcomes all efforts towards achieving a just and inclusive peace. The United Nations stands ready to support such efforts.
This afternoon, at 3pm, Rosemary DiCarlo, the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, will brief the Security Council on Ukraine.
SUDAN
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned at the announcement by the Rapid Support Forces and affiliated civilian actors and armed groups of a political charter that expresses an intention to establish a governing authority in Rapid Support Forces areas of control. This further escalation in the conflict in the Sudan deepens the fragmentation of the country and risks further entrenching the crisis. Preserving Sudan’s unity, Preserving Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remains key for a sustainable resolution of the conflict and the long-term stability of the country and the wider region.
The Secretary-General also condemns the persistent violence perpetrated against civilians across Sudan by both parties to the conflict, including ethnically motivated attacks. Sudanese women, Sudanese children and men are paying the heaviest price for the continued military offensives by the belligerents in this conflict.
The Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, is engaging the warring parties and all other relevant stakeholders to achieve progress on a cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and humanitarian access and to promote de-escalation.
Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=24%20February%202025
Urgent support is needed for children born from misconduct by personnel serving with the United Nations. UN personnel are strictly prohibited from exchanging money, food or other favours for sex. United Nations Peace Operations go to great lengths to prevent this type of misconduct. Unforgivably, it happens. Catherine Pollard, the Under-Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance says that the UN is committed to focusing on tackling this type of misconduct and calls on Member States to also do their part.
Over one million people are displaced in Haiti as escalating violence intensifies humanitarian crisis. Despite the gang violence, UNDSS as part of the humanitarian access group is supporting the delivery of life-saving aid to those most in need.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
In a two-part session, the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee hears from Google and the social media companies TikTok, Meta and X as part of its inquiry into misinformation and harmful algorithms.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Martin Lewis and Moneybox to give evidence on Lifetime ISA.
The Treasury Committee will hear from experts and industry voices including Martin Lewis, Moneybox and Skipton Building Society as it holds the first session of its inquiry into the Lifetime ISA (LISA) on Wednesday 26 February.
In the first part of the session, MPs will hear from a panel of experts as they examine how beneficial using a LISA currently is for consumers. This will be followed by a panel of industry representatives who will explore the current approach to the LISA and how this may be improved.
The LISA was first announced by the then-Chancellor, Rt Hon George Osborne, in 2016. It allows first-time buyers and those saving for retirement to benefit from a tax-free savings account which the Government then tops up with a bonus of 25% (up to a limit of £1000 a tax year). However, since its introduction the product has faced widespread criticisms, with some claiming the design is overcomplicated and questioning if it truly provides value for money for taxpayers.
MPs could explore these issues as they question if the LISA in its current form is serving its intended dual purpose for first-time buyers and as a retirement savings tool. The Committee may also examine if the current withdrawal penalty acts as a sufficient deterrent, given that £75mn in penalties were issued during the 2023-24 tax year.
In the years since the LISA was introduced average house prices have increased significantly, with figures varying drastically by region. MPs could question if the current £450,000 price cap should be re-examined and may consider what, if any, role house price inflation should play in setting the cap. The Committee may also consider the risks involved for those using the LISA as a retirement savings tool.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
In a two-part session, the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee hears from Google and the social media companies TikTok, Meta and X as part of its inquiry into misinformation and harmful algorithms.
Your questions answered: whether it’s about careers at the ECB, how our work affects people and businesses, or how we plan to tackle global challenges, we tackle listeners’ questions in this #AskECB episode of The ECB Podcast.
Join our host Stefania Secola as she talks to colleagues Eglantine Devaux and Gabriel Glöckler.
The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank.
Published on 25 February 2025 and recorded on 20 February 2025.
In this episode:
00:36 Your questions answered
You, our listeners, sent us your burning questions on social media. What did you want to know? And who do we have onboard to answer your questions?
01:54 Working at the European Central Bank
What does it take to join the team? How do we nurture and grow talent? And what are the advantages of working in such a diverse environment?
08:34 Small businesses and consumers
How do our monetary policy decisions affect small businesses and consumers? How does this relate to our mission? We tackle these questions by looking at the example of a garden centre.
08:54 Stable, predictable changes in prices
How do we keep prices stable? What tools do we have available? And how does our price stability objective help motivate us?
14:47 Facing global economic challenges
What challenges lie ahead? How can we respond to uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and a changing climate?
16:19 The challenge posed by tariffs
How will tariffs impact our economies, and what about inflation?
18:27 Europe’s potential
What opportunities can we harness as Europeans? And what could they mean for our economy?
22:43 Communication among central banks worldwide
How do we work together? Are there particular structures in place? And what topics do we discuss?
27:49 Our guests’ hot tips
Eglantine and Gabriel share their hot tips with our listeners.
Further reading:
ECB vacancies
https://talent.ecb.europa.eu/careers
Press Conference of the International Summit on the Support of Ukraine in Kyiv: The EU has provided almost €135 billion in support to Ukraine, including economic, military, financial, and humanitarian aid. It continues to work with international partners to ensure sustained support and hold Russia accountable.
Hard-hitting sanctions have significantly weakened Russia’s economy and war capabilities. The EU is also working to ensure those responsible for war crimes face justice through the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine in The Hague.
Peace, reconstruction, and Ukraine’s European future
Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-268157
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-Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission
National Guard members supporting Operation Lone Star play a vital role in providing assistance to state and federal authorities to help secure the southern border. Operating under Task Force East in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, members of the Tactical Maintenance Platoon help ensure mission readiness by managing recovery operations and maintaining critical vehicles. From recovering stuck vehicles with specialized equipment to repairing essential systems like air conditioning in extreme heat, their work keeps Soldiers and Airmen safe and operations moving. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. Amber Monio)