The Life News USA. Oct 1, 2021

Vol. 02 Issue 20 Oct 01, 2021

Australia announced some limited end to international travel restrictions because of Covid-19

TL Bureau, Canberra Australia reported Friday it is returning its lines to some global travel following a hostile 18-month boycott.

PM Scott Morrison said in a news meeting Friday that completely inoculated Australians and extremely durable inhabitants of Australia who are abroad will actually want to travel once more.

Australian authorities said they will roll out the improvement now that 78% of occupants have gotten somewhere around one portion of a Covid immunization and 55% have become completely inoculated.

“Furthermore, that is the place where Australia is currently planning to move,” Morrison said.

“This will occur one month from now. That is the point at which it will begin occurring, from the following month, as states move into those 80% immunization rates.”

Australia has had its lines shut to all non-residents since March 20, 2020, with occupants requiring uncommon authorization to leave.

The impediment should endure

just until Decembe,r however was broadened when variations of the Covid arose.

Qantas, Australia’s public air transporter, said it will continue outings to and from London and Los Angeles on Nov. 14.

The individuals who are unvaccinated or have gotten an antibody not perceived by Australian specialists should in any case go through two weeks in an oversaw quarantine office.

Residents and inhabitants who can’t be inoculated in light of the fact that they are under 12 or have an ailment will be treated as immunized while voyaging.

The Australian government has endorsed six antibodies, including ones made by Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson.

Two more were added Friday China’s Sinovac and India’s Covishield.

Jennifer Westacott, Australia’s Business Council CEO, said the global boundary closure has cost the country’s economy some $7.6 billion month to month. She approached state and domain pioneers to push forward with their homegrown resuming plans.

thelifenews.com.au, thelifenews.co

Haitian migrant’s journey to U.S. border started in 2018

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Subsequent to leaving his local Haiti for Chile in 2018, Nicol battled for quite a long time to figure out regular work.

Occasionally he filled in as a development specialist, different days he would cut yards or clean houses.

During his time there, he met his future spouse, who had additionally come to Chile from Haiti searching for work. After she became pregnant in August and work alternatives became less, the two remaining Chile, following a great many Haitians who made the unsafe excursion from South America to Del Rio, Texas, looking for refuge.

En route, Nicol, 26, said he and his significant other, who would not like to be talked with, saw individual transients cleared away while crossing a waterway and a female traveler being assaulted by an outfitted posse in Panama.

“We endured a great deal to arrive,” said Nicol, who requested to be distinguished simply by his first name out of dread of hurting his opportunities to remain in the United States.

Since Sept. 9, 30,000 Haitians have shown up in Del Rio - travelers said they picked the little boundary city since they heard it was more secure than different courses - and at one point upwards of 15,000 had to camp underneath the worldwide scaffold when their numbers overpowered movement authorities. The justification for why huge number of Haitians chose to relocate to the United States presently differs.

Government authorities have asserted there’s been misconception by Haitians regarding who meets all requirements for a brief secured

Courtesy: National Geographic status after the death of Haiti President Jovenel Moïse on July 7. However, that status was just allowed for Haitians who were in the United States before July 29.

Nonetheless, Haitian travelers talked with say they chose to leave now since occupations had evaporated in Chile and other South American nations - where many migrated after the 2010 seismic tremor - because of the pandemic. Some couldn’t legitimize their movement status to have the option to work legitimately in Chile, others were burnt out on not having the option to bear to take care of their youngsters and some said prejudice toward Black individuals drove them out.

Seven days prior, each of the travelers had been cleared from the shoddy camp on the Texas side of the Rio Grande after the Biden organization extradited 5,000 Haitians and in excess of 12,000 others were shipped off government migration offices across the Southwest. Some were

delivered in Del Rio to rejoin with relatives currently in the United States until they can get a refuge hearing in migration court.

One more 8,000 Haitians got back to Mexico out of dread they would be expelled to Haiti on the off chance that they remained in the camp. The Mexican government has offered them work allows and trips for the people who choose to get back to Haiti. Nicol and his significant other were among the lucky ones: At the extension they were given a yellow ticket by movement authorities - in a real sense a ticket into the United States.

He said he wasn’t explained why they were permitted to guarantee shelter while huge number of others were dismissed.

Last week, Nicol, a slight man wearing Nike tennis shoes with tore pants and white T-shirt, held up at a corner store close to a sanction bus stop with his better half and around 20 different Haitians.

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orth Korean pioneer Kim Jong Un said that Pyongyang would reestablish cut off interchanges lines with Seoul toward the beginning of October in an indication of defrosting between Korean relations, while simultaneously pummeling U.S. endeavors at strategy as a “frivolous stunt,” state-run media revealed Thursday.

In a discourse conveyed Wednesday to the Supreme People’s Assembly, North Korea’s elastic stamp parliament, Kim said he needed interchanges channels restarted to see the “recuperation of the [N] orth-[S]outh relations from the current halt and solid harmony getting comfortable the Korean Peninsula,” as per Korean Central News Agency.

Kim said that advancement “relies upon the mentality of the [S]outh Korean specialists” and noticed that the North has “neither point nor motivation to incite [S] outh Korea and no plan to hurt it.”

While North Korea gives off an impression of being making the way for further developed relations on the landmass, it keeps on repelling political endeavors from the United States, a move that investigators see as a work to split apart Seoul and Washington to extricate concessions.

In his location, Kim said that the United States “remains completely unaltered in presenting military dangers and seeking after unfriendly arrangement toward [North Korea]” and called endeavors at commitment “close to a unimportant stunt for deluding the worldwide local area and

North Korea will restore hotline to South Korea; slams U.S. ‘hostile policy’ concealing its antagonistic demonstrations.”

Washington reacted by countering Kim’s cases and calling for North Korea to get back to the arranging table. “The United States harbors no threatening goal toward the DPRK,” a State Dept. representative said in an email to UPI. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is the authority name of North Korea.“Our strategy requires an aligned, down to earth approach that looks for genuine and supported discretion with the DPRK to gain unmistakable headway that builds the security of the United States, our partners and our sent powers,” the representative said. “We are ready to meet with the DPRK without preconditions. We trust the DPRK will react emphatically to our effort.”

Washington’s exchanges with Pyongyang have been at a halt since a culmination between Kim Jong Un and afterward President Donald Trump finished without an arrangement in February 2019.

Between Korean relations have likewise been at a low ebb since North Korea obliterated a joint contact

office in the bordertown of Kaesong last year and remove all interchanges with the South. Pyongyang momentarily restarted crossline hotlines in July yet quit noting them last month in fight over joint U.S.- South Korea military drills, which the North habitually says are practices for an attack.

In his location, Kim again reprimanded the joint activities just as the South’s proceeding with military development and said Seoul would need to end its “cheating mentality and unfriendly perspective and strategies” before relations can improve and a finish of-war presentation can be agreed upon.

editorial

The two Koreas remain actually at battle, as the 1950-53 clash finished with a truce and not a ceasefire.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in required an authority end to the conflict at a feature address to the United Nations General Assembly last week, saying it would bring “irreversible advancement in denuclearization and usher in a time of complete harmony.”

Last week, Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of Kim Jong Un, called the proposition “an intriguing and an honorable thought.” The North Korean pioneer’s location came closely following three ongoing weapons tests, including what Pyongyang guaranteed was the fruitful dispatch Tuesday of a new hypersonic rocket, which could demonstrate hard for safeguard frameworks to track and capture.

Kim said the nation’s proceeded with military advancement was a method for “containing the tactical moves of the antagonistic powers” on the Korean Peninsula and promoted its “super current weapons, which are being created at an amazingly quick speed.”

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3 Mexico Records 9,796 New Deaths TL Bureau, Mexico City

Mexico’s Health Ministry has reported 9,796 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 596 deaths, bringing the overall number of infections since the pandemic began to 3,655,395 and the death toll to 276,972.

NATO submarine search and rescue exercise TL Bureau, The Hague A NATO submarine search and rescue exercise has taken place in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Dynamic Monarch/Kurtaran 2021 focused on utilising various technologies to save sailors stuck on a sunken submarine. The exercise involved assets and personnel from Italy and Turkey together with personnel from Canada, Greece, Spain and the United States. It was organised by the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office (ISMERLO) and was tied to the Turkish Navy exercise Kurtaran. It took place from 12 to 24 September off Aksaz, northeastern Turkey.

Cyber Startup Challenge 2021»: Startup company Decentriq convinces jury TL Bureau, Bern The DDPS Cyber Defence Campus has launched a challenge to find startups and innovative technologies in the cyber area. In the second edition of the challenge, the startup company Decentriq was able to impress the jury with its innovative solution in the area of confidential data exchange.

S. Korea Reports 2,564 COVID-19 Cases TL Bureau, Seoul

South Korea reported 2,564 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases during the past 24 hours, which raise the total number of cases to 311,289.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said today 7 new deaths from the virus were recorded, bringing the total deaths to 2,481 The Life News

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Prime Minister Kallas: State budget will support Estonia’s people, economy and development

TL Bureau, Stenbock House

In an address to the Riigikogu today, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that the 2022 state budget drafted by the government would not only support Estonia’s people and economy but also the continued development of the country.

In her political statement made upon tabling the draft budget for 2022, the head of government said that Estonia’s economy was strong and had regained the level it was at prior to the coronavirus crisis.

She added that the employment rate was also rising once again.

“The strength of our economy is the cornerstone of our state budget,” she remarked.

Prime Minister Kallas says that thanks to the strong economy and some bold decision-making, the government was able to put together a responsible budget for 2022 that focuses on securing the well-being of Estonia’s population while enabling the economy to grow and paving the way for further development. “This is a budget for all of Estonia, where

the priorities are happy, healthy, well-educated people and a strong and well-defended country,” she announced.

According to the prime minister, there are three main focal areas in the budget. The first is getting the state’s everyday expenditure under control. “The hole that had been bored into the state’s coffers in the last few years was bigger and deeper than it should have been,” she said. “We have set about fixing it. Among other things, that means bringing different activities together at the state level and implementing national reforms so as to make the public sector more efficient.” She added that the government was hoping to bring the budget deficit down to below 3% as early as next year.The second focal point is the people of Estonia who have been hit hardest by the health crisis: the budget foresees a pay rise for teachers, health care workers, police officers, rescue workers and those employed in the field of culture.

“The pandemic has claimed invisible victims as well, and it

is important to us that those who need support get it,” Prime Minister Kallas said. “We will be supporting people’s mental health and funding activities that help to fill the gaps in our children’s learning. We will also be establishing a family reconciliation system so that there are fewer children from broken homes. And despite the fact that the local government revenue base will exceed 100 million euros, we will be providing local governments with 10 million euros in support of recreational education for children.”

The head of government also highlighted support for introducing basic school students to culture and for providing organic food in schools. The economic policy decisions taken this year will also lead to more than 13% growth in the average pension in the new year.

The third priority area in the budget is Estonia’s rapid and sustainable development. Prime Minister Kallas says that defence spending will reach an all-time high in 2022, comprising 2.3% of GDP. “This is a clear message to

Joint Statement on the Outcomes of the U.S. – Russia Strategic Stability Dialogue in Geneva on September 30

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Office of the Spokesperson The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Russian Federation at the conclusion of the U.S.-Russia bilateral Strategic Stability Dialogue: Today in Geneva, interagency delegations from the United States and the Russian Federation

convened for the second meeting of the bilateral Strategic Stability Dialogue since President Biden and President Putin committed to an integrated, deliberate, and robust process in June. The United States delegation was led by Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman, and the Russian delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov. The discussion was intensive and substantive.

Coronavirus risk level increases to above-average in Estonia

TL Bureau, Stenbock House

The government took under advisement today the increase in the coronavirus risk level in Estonia, based on the current infection rate, from average to above-average, or medium-risk to high-risk (yellow to orange) under the COVID traffic light system.

According to the COVID risk matrix, there is a high risk of the spread of the infection if the average infection rate over the preceding seven days is 600-1000 people per day. The current sevenday rate in Estonia is 625.1.

This indicates that the virus is being transmitted in communities outside of outbreak sites and that there is the danger of it becoming very widespread. In a high-risk scenario, COVID regulations are designed to ensure the availability of ordinary medical assistance and

to avoid the need for wide-ranging restrictions.

With a heightened risk of the virus spreading, it remains very important to observe the measures that have already been put in place: wearing masks in indoor public spaces where coronavirus status is not checked, keeping your distance from others and disinfecting your hands. In places where coronavirus status is checked, you must present your COVID-19 certificate.

Alongside the number of people testing positive for coronavirus, the risk level is also determined on the basis of the average number of people hospitalised with COVID over the previous seven days, which is currently 23.4 in Estonia. In that respect the risk level at present is yellow or ‘medium risk’. It will change to ‘high risk’ if the average number of hospitalisations exceeds 30.

The two delegations agreed to form two interagency expert working groups – the Working Group on Principles and Objectives for Future Arms Control, and the Working Group on Capabilities and Actions with Strategic Effects. The delegations additionally agreed that the two working groups would commence their meetings, to be followed by a third plenary meeting.

Attitudes and cooperation decisive in reaching incident prevention targets TL Bureau, Helsinki

The final report on the implementation of the action plan for incident prevention for rescue services has now been published.

According to the report, closer cooperation between different actors is needed and tools must be developed for qualitative evaluation.

A joint action plan for incident prevention for rescue services drawn up in 2019 specifies the national impact targets for the operations. The process was led by the Ministry of the Interior.

both our allies and our opponents – that Estonia takes its security very seriously and contributes to it accordingly,” she said.

The head of government also mentioned investments that will be made for the development of the digital state and to ensure cybersecurity; support for Estonianlanguage education; and research and development expenditure amounting to 1% of GDP. Prime Minister Kallas went on to state that in order to boost people’s sense of security and avoid further accelerating price rises, the decision had been taken to abandon all planned excise hikes.

She also remarked that plans were in place to add measures to the budget compensating for high electricity prices. “If the cost of electricity remains unreasonably high for any significant length of time, we will help to mitigate the impact it has on people and businesses in the country,” she said.

“People should not have to fret or feel like they are being kept in the dark about wildly fluctuating prices on the energy market.”

Statement by the Prime Minister on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

TL Bureau, Ottawa, Ontario The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: “Today, I invite everyone across the country to recognize and observe the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to reflect on the painful and lasting impacts of residential schools in Canada, and to honour survivors, their families, and their communities.

It is also a day to remember the many children who never returned home, and an opportunity for us all to learn more, and to affirm the need for reconciliation and commit ourselves to the work ahead. “The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recognizes that at least 150,000 Indigenous children from across the country were forcibly separated from their families and their communities. Children were brought to residential schools where too many experienced abuse and were removed from their cultures, languages, and traditions. This federal day builds on the momentum of Orange Shirt Day, which was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad and chosen by Indigenous peoples to remember the legacy of residential schools and promote the path of reconciliation.

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European Police Chiefs Convention 2021 Per Bolund leads climate European police chiefs convened at Europol to discuss emerging criminal threats, challenges and opportunities.

TL Bureau, The Hague

During 29-30 September, European Police Chiefs convened at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague to discuss future threats to the internal security of the European Union. Europol’s European Police Chiefs Convention (EPCC) is the most significant law enforcement convention taking place in the European Union. Co-hosted by the Slovenian National Police in the context of Slovenia’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the EPCC covered serious and organised crime and terrorism, and its manifestations and infiltration within European society.

TL Bureau, Stockholm

Under the leadership of Europol’s Executive Director Catherine De Bolle, police chiefs and highlevel representatives from the EU Member States exchanged assessments of current and emerging criminal threats, challenges and opportunities

across three panels and hundreds of bilateral and multilateral meetings.

In their conclusions, the police chiefs addressed the issues of international police cooperation, emerging threats arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and policing in a digital world.

Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod visits Pakistan TL Bureau, Oslo/Islamabad

Pakistan is a central actor in the region, and FM Kofod strongly encouraged Pakistan to help put pressure on the Taliban to live up to its commitments, including on human rights and inclusive government. FM Kofod also conveyed his gratitude to Pakistan for assisting the Danish evacuation efforts from Afghanistan.

FM Kofod was pleased to note that the agreement between Denmark and Pakistan to use Islamabad Airport as a hub in the Danish evacuation efforts from Kabul had served as a successful model for inspiration for a number of other countries. Denmark and Pakistan have had diplomatic ties for the past 70 years. The two foreign

finance discussions at PreCOP26 ministerial meeting

Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod is in Islamabad, Pakistan. The visit has included a constructive with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Although the two ministers don’t agree on all affairs, Denmark and Pakistan have various shared interests, including on trade, the green agenda, and regional stability.

ministers agreed to strengthen the bilateral cooperation in areas such as climate change, green transition, and sustainable trade. To support this work, FM Kofod announced that the Danish embassy in Pakistan will be boosted with an extra posted

employee.

During his visit, FM Kofod has also talked with local ambassadors and journalists and visited the international airport in Islamabad to thank the local staffers for their central role in Denmark’s evacuation operation.

COP26 will take place in Glasgow from 30 October to 12 November.

Each COP is preceded by a preparatory ministerial meeting, called the Pre-COP, where some key issues are discussed. Italy is the host of the Pre-COP, taking place in Milan from 28 September to 2 October.

At the Pre-Cop, ministers will discuss the issues that are expected to be in focus at COP26: the world’s progress in relation to the 1.5 ºC goal, finalisation of the Paris Agreement Rulebook, action on climate change adaptation, approaches to avert, minimise and address loss and damage from the adverse effects of climate change, and finance. Mr Bolund has been asked to lead the finance discussions.

“I am pleased to have been entrusted with leading the climate finance discussions and look forward to advancing work together with my colleagues. My goal is that the outcome of the discussions will help the UK to make COP26 in Glasgow successful,” says Mr Bolund.

Climate finance is a key and recurrent issue in the international climate negotiations. In the lead up to COP26, the goal of mobilising USD 100 billion per year from 2020 to 2025 is in focus. The 100 billion goal was

Marius Skuodis met with the management board of RB Rail AS: the joint venture must enable implementation of Rail Baltica in Lithuania by 2026

Minister of Transport and Communications Marius Skuodis met with the board of RB Rail AS, joint venture between the three Baltic States, on Thursday, and emphasised that the plan to build the Rail Baltica railway in Lithuania by the end of 2026 largely depends on the actions and efforts of RB Rail AS. According to the Minister, in order to achieve this objective, the venture must complete the necessary design works of Kaunas–Ramygala section this year. This is the key to the timely launch of the procurement procedure for construction works of the entire section.

TL Bureau, Vilnius “We devote special attention to the implementation of Rail Baltica. This is both vitally important for regional economic development and for citizens’ convenience. Rail Baltica is our gateway to Europe. The Rail Baltica project is sufficiently mature in Lithuania to be further constructed towards the border with Latvia; however, the design works that fall under RB Rail AS responsibility are lagging behind. Timely completion of the design stage of the section from Kaunas to Ramygala will allow launching procurement of construction works already this year,” Marius Skuodis said.Preparatory works for

the construction of the Rail Baltica line towards Lithuania– Latvia border are finished. Land acquisition procedures in this section have already been completed. Public procurement procedures for works have been announced for a 65 km strip of the Rail Baltica line (out of 169 km to the Latvian border).

While in parallel, the drafting of special plans for electrification and regional stations, as well as Panevėžys hub development, has been launched.

It is planned that the section Kaunas–Ramygala will be equipped with 7 road overpasses, 11 rail overpasses, 4 railway bridges and 3 green tunnels.

Additionally, this section is to have one of the most

A preparatory ministerial meeting is being held ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) to discuss key aspects of the climate negotiations.

Minister for Environment and Climate Per Bolund has been asked to lead the climate finance discussions.

agreed at COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009. The OECD, which conducts an annual assessment of progress towards the goal, reports that in 2019 donors had provided around USD 79 billion.

In Glasgow, negotiations will start on the new climate finance goal, post 2025.

Ahead of the Pre-COP, Italy was hosting a youth dialogue – Youth4Climate: Driving Ambition. Around 400 young people aged between 15 and 29, from 186 countries were expected to attend. The main messages from the meeting was presented at the opening of the Pre-COP. Mr Bolund has been meeting with participants of the youth meeting to hear their reflections.

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 233.75 million, death toll at 4,986,383 TL Bureau, London

Susitikimas su RB Rail valdyba 09-30. stunning engineering objects over the entire line connecting the three Baltic States, i. e. an impressive 1510 metres long railway bridge over the Neris River. The meeting also focused on the need for timely and sufficient funding in order

to continue the development of the Rail Baltica project in line with the provided terms.

The Minister believes that currently, with the increase of prices for construction material and works, the project estimate needs to be recalculated.

More than 233.75 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 4,986,383 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

The United States has the world’s highest confirmed cases and fatalities at 43,447,448 and 696,951 respectively.

5 Secretary Blinken’s Call with Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin

TL Bureau, Washington D.C. Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke by phone today with Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah.

The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed the close U.S.-Malaysia partnership, the importance of upholding the international rulesbased order, peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and efforts to address the worsening crisis in Burma.

Nigeria National Day

TL Bureau, Washington D.C. Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States Government and the American people, I extend best wishes to the people of Nigeria on the 61st anniversary of their independence.

The strong partnership between our two countries is based on our common commitment to democracy and diversity, and a shared spirit of entrepreneurship.

As your partner, we will continue to support Nigerian efforts to counter terrorism and insecurity, improve health systems, strengthen democratic institutions, promote respect for human rights, and bolster economic growth including through bilateral trade and investment. We value Nigerian leadership on issues including African peace and security, ending the COVID-19 pandemic and building back a more inclusive economy, and reducing greenhouse emissions and creating a clean energy future.

The United States looks forward to expanding our relationship over the coming year and advancing our mutual interests.

USA

On the Killing of Rohingya Muslim Advocate Mohib Ullah

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the murder of Rohingya Muslim advocate and community leader Mohib Ullah in Bangladesh on September 29.

Mohib Ullah was a brave and fierce advocate for the human rights of Rohingya Muslims around the world. He traveled to the Human Rights Council in Geneva and to the United States to speak at the

Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom in 2019. During his trip, he shared his experiences with the President and Vice President and spoke together with other survivors of religiously motivated persecution. We urge a full and transparent investigation into his death with the goal of holding the perpetrators of this heinous crime accountable. We will honor his work by continuing to advocate for Rohingya and lift up the voices of members of the community in decisions about their future.

Ned Price, Department Spokesperson Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Paris, France October 4 – 6 to chair the Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and commemorate the organization’s 60th anniversary. The U.S. delegation will include the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, the United States Trade Representative, the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, and the Under Secretary

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States of America, I extend the warmest congratulations to the people of Palau on the occasion of your National Day on October 1.

The Republic of Palau and the United States have enjoyed longstanding friendship and valuable cooperation. Through the Compact of Free Association, our countries share a special bond that has stood the test of time. We share common values,

and together we have worked to promote a free and open IndoPacific.

The United States is committed to working with Palau as it continues to build a vibrant, prosperous, democratic society based on its proud traditions and the rule of law. We also commend Palau for its focus on tackling the ocean and climate crises, and we look forward to partnering on the seventh Our Ocean Conference in Koror in February 2022.

Congratulations and warmest wishes for peace and prosperity in the year to come.

assistance to the millions in dire need.

On September 17, President Biden issued an Executive Order establishing a new sanctions regime that authorizes the imposition of targeted economic sanctions in connection with the crisis in northern Ethiopia. We will not hesitate to use this authority or other tools to respond to those who obstruct humanitarian assistance to

the people of Ethiopia. We call on the international community similarly to employ all appropriate tools to apply pressure on the Government of Ethiopia and any other actors impeding humanitarian access. We urge the Government of Ethiopia to collaboratively work with the UN and international partners to allow and facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all in need.

Condemning Ethiopia’s Plans to Expel UN Officials TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State The United States strongly condemns the Government of Ethiopia’s stated plans to expel seven United Nations officials and calls for an immediate reversal of this decision.

The officials to be expelled from the country include the head of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and

the head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), whose work is critical to the ongoing humanitarian relief effort. This announcement comes just days after OCHA Chief Martin Griffiths warned that a man-made famine is taking hold in Ethiopia. The expulsion is counterproductive to international efforts to keep civilians safe, and deliver lifesaving humanitarian

The Department of State Celebrates the Dedication of the New U.S. Embassy in Maputo

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Office of the Spokesperson In a display of the enduring friendship and strategic partnership with Mozambique, U.S. Ambassador Dennis Walter Hearne, Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) Managing Director Tracy Thomas, Mozambican Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Ernesto Max Tonela, Maputo City Secretary of State Vicente Joaquim, and Maputo Province Governor Julio Parruque today dedicated the new U.S. Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique.

The new campus provides a

secure, innovative, sustainable, and resilient platform for U.S. diplomacy in Mozambique.

The 10-acre compound sits on the coast of the Indian Ocean and models the latest energy efficient features. It is on target to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver certification – a globally recognized mark of achievement in high performance, best-in-class, green buildings.

Allied Works Architecture of Portland, Oregon is the design architect for the project, and Yost Grube Hall Architecture, also of Portland, Oregon, is the architect of record. Pernix Federal, LLC,

Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Paris and Mexico City

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Palau National Day

for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment. The Ministerial theme is “Shared values: Building a Green and Inclusive Future;” accordingly, advancing efforts to combat the climate crisis, promoting quality infrastructure development, and building a more inclusive and equitable future will be among U.S. priorities at the MCM. Secretary Blinken will also meet with French counterparts to continue discussions on further strengthening the vital U.S.-France relationship on a range of issues including security in the Indo-Pacific region, the climate

crisis, economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Transatlantic relationship, and working with our Allies and partners to address global challenges and opportunities.

On October 7 – 8, Secretary Blinken will travel to Mexico City, Mexico to co-lead the U.S. delegation to the U.S.-Mexico High Level Security Dialogue. Discussions with Mexican counterparts on this trip will reinforce our strong bilateral relationship with Mexico and build upon various discussions in the previous months between our two governments.

of Lombard, Illinois constructed the facility, creating more than 1,000 jobs for Mozambicans and injecting more than $22 million into the local economy.

Since the start of the Department’s Capital Security Construction Program in 1999, OBO has completed 168 new diplomatic facilities. OBO currently has more than 50 active projects either in design or under construction worldwide.

OBO provides safe, secure, functional, and resilient facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation and that support U.S. diplomats in advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives abroad.

The People’s Republic of China National Day

TL Bureau, Washington D.C. Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State On behalf of the United States of America, I would like to extend our congratulations to the people of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the country celebrates its National Day on October 1.

As the United States seeks to work cooperatively to solve the challenges we all face, we wish the people of the PRC peace, happiness, and prosperity over the coming year.

Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Participation in U.S.-Switzerland Strategic Partnership Dialogue

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Office of the Spokesperson The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman inaugurated the U.S.Switzerland Strategic Partnership Dialogue today in Bern with Swiss State Secretary Livia Leu. The launch of the Strategic Partnership Dialogue underscores the United States’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Switzerland and deepening the two countries’ longstanding cooperation on critical global issues.

Deputy Secretary Sherman and State

Secretary Leu discussed areas of bilateral interest and cooperation, including trade and investment, digitalization and cybersecurity, democracy and human rights, and clean energy and the climate crisis.

The Deputy Secretary expressed her appreciation for Switzerland’s longstanding role as the United States’ protecting power in Iran, and for Swiss efforts over more than four decades to help free Americans unjustly detained in Iran. Deputy Secretary Sherman and State Secretary Leu also discussed pressing global issues, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and the People’s Republic of China.

6

7

BUSINESS

IFC Marks First-Ever Investment in a Sustainability-Linked Bond Globally With S$675 Million Offering by Pan-Asian Energy and Sustainable Solutions Provider Sembcorp Industries

TL Bureau, Singapore

The successful launch in Singapore of a sustainability-linked bond (SLB), raising S$675 million for Pan-Asian energy and sustainable solutions provider Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp), marks the latest phase in the transition to a net-zero future.

Sembcorp, through its wholly owned subsidiary Sembcorp Financial Services Pte. Ltd., priced its inaugural SLB today, anchored by an investment of S$150 million from IFC. It also marks IFC’s first investment globally as an investor in a SLB, with the partnership between Sembcorp and IFC set to support more inclusive economic growth and private sector participation, while fostering sustainable business practices and significant employment opportunities.

Sembcorp’s SLB is the first issuance by an energy company in Southeast Asia and the region’s largest such issuance to date.

Unlike traditional green bonds, SLBs involve issuers pledging to improve their performance against tailor-made ESG (environmental, social and governance) targets.

The ten-and-a-half-year Singapore

dollar bond at a coupon rate of 2.66 per cent sets a new pricing benchmark for Sembcorp, strongly supported by high-quality institutional investors. Net proceeds from the SLB will be used for the purposes of financing the general corporate working capital requirements of Sembcorp and its subsidiaries (Group), refinancing the Group’s existing debt and/or financing or refinancing of the Group’s renewable energy, or potentially, other sustainable projects. Sembcorp has more than 3.3 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity comprising solar, wind and energy storage solutions in key markets such as Singapore, China, India, UK and Vietnam, with a target to quadruple its installed renewable energy capacity to 10GW by 2025 from 2.6GW in 2020.“Sustainability is Sembcorp’s business, and we are fully committed to transforming our portfolio from brown to green,” said Wong Kim Yin, Group President & CEO of Sembcorp Industries.

“The issuance of our inaugural SLB underscores this commitment. We are heartened that IFC has chosen our issuance to be its first investment in a SLB globally.

Their support validates our strategy and

IFC, Sodigaz Partner to Boost Access to Cleaner Energy Solutions in Burkina Faso TL Bureau, Ouagadougou IFC and Sodigaz, a leading energy company in Burkina Faso, today announced an agreement to boost access to cleaner energy solutions for thousands of households and businesses in Burkina Faso.

Under the agreement, IFC’s Advisory Services team will support Sodigaz to upgrade and expand its liquified petroleum gas (LPG) distribution and service stations, increase solar home kit sales, and introduce solar mini grid solutions. The company is the country’s leading distributor of LPG and in 2019 also launched solar power solutions.

The goal is for LPG to replace firewood, charcoal and other higher carbon fuels that dominate the domestic market, helping to reduce Burkina Faso’s emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, and improving lives of women who bear the brunt of pollution and negative health outcomes from cooking with these fuels.

“Our aim, with IFC’s support and global expertise, is to become a leading player in providing offgrid clean energy solutions in Burkina Faso,” said Lala Bolly, Chief Executive Officer of Sodigaz.

“If we can supply enough LPG

to help people switch from dirty cooking fuels and also increase the use of solar energy solutions, we will improve the health and environment for millions of Burkinabè, especially women.”

Limited supply of sustainable energy and fuel options for households and industry in Burkina Faso has been a major constraint to the country’s social and economic development. LPG is considered an important transition fuel for many Burkinabè as the country’s energy base transitions to greener options.

“IFC is proud to support Sodigaz’ ambition to help Burkina Faso switch to cleaner energy. Africa’s growing economies need new solutions to longstanding energy challenges and private sector companies like Sodigaz can help meet that need, while also improving living standards for millions of Burkinabè,” said Ronke Ogunsulire, IFC’s country manager for Burkina Faso.

For the next four years, IFC aims to deliver up to $1.2 billion in investments in the Sahel, including mobilization, in key sectors for growth and social progress, such as infrastructure, green energy, agribusiness and value chain development, and financial inclusion.

spurs us on in our drive toward supporting the global energy transition and a lowcarbon economy.” Sembcorp’s SLB has been issued in accordance with the newly established Sembcorp Sustainable Financing Framework (Framework), which outlines Sembcorp’s strategic approach, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Sustainability Performance Targets (SPTs) for its sustainabilitylinked transactions. The Framework has been reviewed by DNV Business Assurance Singapore Pte Ltd (DNV), which provided a Second Party Opinion on alignment of the Framework with the “Sustainability‐Linked Bond Principles 2020” published by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) and the “Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles 2021” published by the Loan Market Association (LMA), the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association (APLMA) and the Loan Syndications and Trading Association (LSTA).

The interest rate of the SLB will be subject to a step-up margin of 0.25% from the first interest payment date on or after April 1, 2026 if the stated SPT of greenhouse gas emissions intensity reduction to 0.40

tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per megawatt hour (tCO2e/MWh) or lower is not achieved by December 31, 2025.

“Sustainable growth, decarbonisation, and energy security are key themes for both developed and emerging markets globally, but they should not be seen as mutually exclusive,” said Alfonso Garcia Mora, IFC Vice President for Asia and the Pacific. “With the success of this bond issuance, investors have made their position on the climate crisis very clear and are continuing to shift capital to align their portfolios with net-zero targets.”

Besides being aligned with the Paris Agreement, the investment from IFC is also in keeping with the World Bank Group’s Climate Change Action Plan (2021-2025). Under this plan, IFC has committed to align all new real sector operations with the objectives of the Paris Agreement by July 1, 2025 and set the target of reaching 35 percent financing for climate on average over the next five years. In addition, IFC will intensify its efforts to create bankable investment opportunities and to mobilise private financing towards decarbonising key sectors as outlined in the CCAP.

IFC and Mongolia’s City of Ulaanbaatar Sign Partnership to Help Expand Sustainable Urban Infrastructure TL Bureau, Ulaanbaatar In support of Mongolian capital city’s green and digital transition, IFC and the Municipality of Ulaanbaatar today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly identify investment opportunities and collaborate with the aim of bolstering private financing for modern infrastructure facilities. The agreement is part of IFC’s broader strategy to boost sustainable economic growth and climate resilience in Mongolia.

Almost half of Mongolia’s population lives in Ulaanbaatar, with a rapid increase in the number of households living in the ger areas, or settlements of low- and middle-income households. The number of registered vehicles also reached 652,000 this year in a city with 1.4 million people.

Subsequently, the city faces a range of urban challenges, including air and soil pollution, urban sprawl, centralization, and traffic congestion.

Under the MoU, IFC will provide advisory support to the Municipality of Ulaanbaatar with the objective of identifying new ways to implement sustainable development in key areas such as green transport, waste treatment and sanitation, street lighting, district heating, and green housing. The two parties will also work with other stakeholders to support structural reforms that will accelerate private sector participation in sustainable urban infrastructure and services. “The partnership with IFC will help Ulaanbaatar access the expertise and financing needed to modernize our infrastructure and deliver better urban services. We will continue to focus on forging innovative partnerships to make our city greener, smart and more competitive,” said Sumiyabazar Dolgorsuren, Governor of the Capital City and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar.

At the Climate Ambition Summit last December, Mongolia committed to a higher Nationally Determined

Contribution (NDC) target of 27.2 percent reduction in greenhouse gasses by 2030.

According to an IFC study, $11.5 billion in climate investments will be required to achieve this new target.

“Through developing sustainable and smart urban infrastructure, the Municipality of Ulaanbaatar will be able to improve energy efficiency of its services and reduce greenhouse emissions, thereby helping Mongolia reach its Nationally Determined Contribution targets,” said Alfonso Garcia Mora, IFC’s Regional Vice President for Asia and Pacific. “ IFC’s Cities initiative is uniquely positioned to support Ulaanbaatar in its endeavors to diversify and enhance its funding sources in order to successfully implement its climate resilience agenda.”

Since 2004, IFC has invested and mobilized over $9 billion in more than 280 projects in the Cities infrastructure space.

This is IFC’s first project in East Asia and the Pacific region under its Cities initiative.

8

FEATURE

UN Agencies Call for Protection Measures and a Comprehensive Regional Approach for Haitians on the Move

TL Bureau, Geneva

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) call on states to refrain from expelling Haitians without proper assessment of their individual protection needs, to uphold the fundamental human rights of Haitians on the move, and to offer protection mechanisms or other legal stay arrangements for more effective access to regular migration pathways.

The four agencies also encourage countries in the Americas to engage in a comprehensive regional approach to ensure the protection of Haitian men, women and children moving throughout the region.

The UN and its partners are providing basic assistance to Haitians at various points en route and in Haiti.

However, more needs to be done to address their

profound vulnerabilities.

The complex social, economic, humanitarian and political situation, and the various catastrophes affecting Haiti, some of which are linked to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, have led to different population movements from the Caribbean country in the past decade.

Haitians on the move in the Americas comprise people with different protection needs, profiles and motivations, including unaccompanied and separated children, victims of trafficking, and survivors of gender-based violence. Some may have well-founded grounds to request international refugee protection. Others may have other protection needs.

International law prohibits collective expulsions and requires that each case be examined individually to identify protection needs under international human rights and refugee law.

Discriminatory public discourse portraying human

mobility as a problem risks contributing to racism and xenophobia and should be avoided and condemned.

Haiti continues to face an escalation in violence and insecurity, with at least 19,000 people internally displaced in the capital Port-au-Prince in the summer of 2021 alone. Well over 20 per cent of girls and boys have been victims of sexual violence. In addition, nearly 24 per cent of the population, including 12.9 per cent who are children, live below the extreme poverty line of USD 1.23 per day. Some 4.4 million people, or nearly 46 per cent of the population, face acute food insecurity, including 1.2 million people who are in emergency levels and 3.2 million people at crisis levels. An estimated 217,000 children suffer from moderate-to-severe acute malnutrition. This situation is bound to worsen as a result of the 14 August earthquake straining any capacity to receive returning Haitians. Conditions in Haiti continue to be dire, and not conducive to forced returns.

Stanford scholars expand digital database with historic records from the Nuremberg Trial

Stanford University is marking the 75th anniversary of the International Military Tribunal of Nuremberg with a significant expansion of records from the historic trial.

TL Bureau, California

BY MELISSA DE WITTE Nearly 75 years ago, the Nuremberg Trial came to a close when on Oct. 1, 1946, a group of convicted Nazi leaders was sentenced by the International Military Tribunal (IMT) for crimes against peace, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during World War II and the Holocaust.

Transfer of the Nuremberg Trial Archives to the Peace Palace, March 14, 1950. Stanford Libraries is working with the Registry of the International Court of Justice to build a complete digital corpus of this historic archive. (Image credit: National Archives of the Netherlands / ANP, CC0) This first international military tribunal was monumental: Not only did it bring perpetrators of mass atrocities to justice, it was also the first time international law was used to prosecute individuals, including heads of state, for war crimes. In doing so, it established a legal precedent in international humanitarian law that is still relevant today.

Preserving records from the Nuremberg Trial – as well as materials from the subsequent tribunals and truth and reconciliation commissions it inspired – is crucial to protecting the historic and judicial legacies of the war and acknowledging the consequences of mass atrocities, said David Cohen, director of the Stanford Center for Human Rights and International Justice and professor of classics in the School of Humanities and Sciences. “‘Never again’ doesn’t mean anything unless you know what has happened and why,” said Cohen, who has partnered with Stanford

Libraries to digitally archive the records and create a searchable website for the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg (1945-1946).

For the past seven years, Stanford Libraries has been working with the Registry of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague to obtain a complete digital corpus of the Nuremberg Trial in support of the Virtual Tribunal of the Stanford Center for Human Rights and International Justice.

Building a digital space for the archives is part of Cohen’s and the Libraries’ larger vision to create a comprehensive database, known as the Virtual Tribunals Initiative, of all international criminal proceedings that deal with mass atrocities, starting from post-WWII court proceedings to contemporary cases like the Special Panels for Serious Crimes in East Timor (SPSC) or similar international criminal tribunals for Rwanda, Sierra Leone or the former Yugoslavia.

Thanks to a grant from Tad Taube and Taube Philanthropies, now, on the 75th anniversary of the first major international war crimes trial ending, a significant new collection of digital materials will be made available to the public. Launching Oct. 1 is an expanded repository of digital records, preserved in cooperation with the ICJ in the Stanford Digital Repository (SDR).

This additional collection, to be known as the Tad Taube Archive of the International Military Tribunal of Nuremberg, will allow the public to easily browse and discover the contents of over 5,000 trial records – including 250,000 pages of digitized paper documents – showing in meticulous detail the efforts of the IMT, a group

of representatives from four Allied countries – the U.S., the U.K., the Soviet Union and France – who were tasked with prosecuting former officials of the Third Reich and holding them accountable for the horrific acts inflicted during World War II and the Holocaust.

Elevating individual stories For the scholars, what makes the Nuremberg archives particularly captivating is the variety of human narratives that emerges from the variety of documents and transcripts – stories that are now easier to find thanks to Stanford’s preservation efforts.

“Testimony is ultimately human narratives, and it means a lot to help keep those voices alive through time and space so that we can learn from history and hopefully better understand the implications of atrocities carried out in different cultural and historical contexts,” said Penelope Van Tuyl, associate director of the Center for Human Rights and International Justice, who has also contributed to the preservation efforts and development of the Virtual Tribunals exhibit platform.

Included in the archive are firsthand accounts from the few who survived the Nazi concentration camps, including for example Marie-Claude Vailllant Couturier, a member of the French Resistance who was imprisoned at Auschwitz and Ravensbrück. She describes in great detail what she and many others had to endure: starvation, slave labor, beatings, epidemics and extreme cold – as well the daily trauma of witnessing thousands sent to gas chambers, never to return, among many other cruelties. Vaillant Couturier later became a French politician. There are also transcripts of eyewitness

accounts, including that of Hermann Gräbe, a construction manager who described the horrors of a mass execution he saw in Dubno, Ukraine. Gräbe painfully recounts how he saw a grave of over a thousand bodies, some of whom were “still moving.”

Making historical records searchable Documents in the Taube Archive have been converted into digital files using optical character recognition technology that turns printed materials, including handwritten, typed or scanned paper files, into an electronic format that can be easily searched.

“The technology will allow users to discover and cut straight to material in a really dense corpus without being an expert on the trial or being a lawyer, and that is really powerful,” Van Tuyl said.

At this stage of the project, users will be able to explore digital surrogates of trial records, including transcripts of the court hearings in English, French, German and Russian; case files; trial briefs; evidentiary exhibits filed by the prosecution and the defense; opening and closing statements; final pleas; procedural rules, orders, judgments, dissenting opinions and sentences. At a later date, more multimedia – such as film, audio recordings, photographs – will be added to the collection.

“Our intention is to make these trial archives visible to the world, via the web, using the best technology we can find, build, adopt or adapt to make scholarship easier on very complex archives,” said Michael Keller, the Ida M. Green University Librarian at Stanford.

Pursuing justice For Cohen, testimonies in the archive show the lived horror of

mass atrocity and violence, which is regretfully still relevant in the world today.

“It helps people understand the human consequences of the things that are going on today and to understand the human dimension of what these kinds of events mean,” said Cohen. “If we believe that understanding what’s happened in the past is important for understanding the present and thinking about the future, then these testimonies are important.”

The Center for Human Rights and International Justice and Stanford Libraries hope to establish a single destination point that can help people understand how to seek justice when crimes against humanity have occurred and how to pursue accountability for systematic and widespread violence. By exploring previous international or domestic trials, tribunals, and commissions, people – from policymakers to human rights activists – can see what was successful in previous investigations or prosecutions, where there were failures, and how such defeats can be avoided in the future. “Our aim is to create a resource that enables users to draw on that experience and knowledge in ways that can assist governments, institutions and experts in improving how we achieve accountability for mass atrocity crimes,” said Cohen.

Cohen is also the WSD-HANDA Professor in Human Rights and International Justice. Digitizing all the records from the Nuremberg International Military Tribunal Trial Archives is ongoing. Eventually, the online database will include digital versions of film, audio recordings and photographs that will also include links and annotations.

9

life and real estate

WINNERS OF UNWTO STUDENTS’ LEAGUE ANNOUNCED

TL Bureau, Madrid

Students from around the world have been recognized for ideas to make tourism more responsible and sustainable. The 2021 Global UNWTO Students’ League Competition focused on addressing the issue of plastics pollution within the sector, as well as maximizing tourism’s contributions to rural development.

The competition attracted over 1,000 students. From these, 155 teams, representing 124 educational institutions in 45 different countries put forward their ideas. As well as being judged on how well their idea would contribute to a specific Sustainable Development Goal, the students were also assessed on the feasibility of their solutions and on their level of teamwork.

The eight winning solutions included works of art, calls to action, Instagram and other digital marketing campaigns, and potential strategies to help both destinations and tourism accommodation providers reduce plastic waste and consumption. Several of the ideas submitted to the competition have already been picked up and implemented by stakeholders across the tourism sector.

The UNWTO Students League is a unique chance for students from around the world to help lead this change Youth empowerment for tourism’s future

The UNWTO Students League aims toempower and motivate tourism students by giving them real-time experience working in creating and implementing innovative and sustainable solutions for the challenges that the sector is facing.

At the final, UNWTO SecretaryGeneral Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The tourism of tomorrow must be inclusive, sustainable and embrace local values. The UNWTO Students League is a unique chance for students from around the world to help lead this change.”

This initiative bridges the gap between students’ education and training and the realities of the sector.

It also enables young people to enter the labour market as highly qualified and skilled professional.

Student Testimonials “From the moment that I decided to join this competition, I came into the world of SDGs. It is incredible to me that tourism has an intersection with so many different topics, …a sector that is amazing not just because of what it is about but also because of the many things that make it up.

Vildan Soguktas, from Kinawa Middle School, Michigan, US” (Rural – Middle School) “…history has proven and will continue to prove that natural disasters or wars, including the pandemic, will never prevent people from travelling freely... As a team of teenagers who love travelling, we shall do our best for a better world!”

Xin Tong, Ma’anshan No. 7 Middle School, Anhui Province (Rural Challenge, Middle School 11-13) We learnt a lot about working together as a team to tackle plastics pollution. As travel and tourism students, it helped us comprehend the scope about this problem. Thank you for this incredible opportunity.

Team Thaajuddeen, Thaajuddeen School, Maldives (Plastics Challenge, High-School 14-18) “Being able to find new ideas to develop a tourist offer and a positioning for Tabant was an incredible experience for us!

Thanks to UNWTO for giving us this opportunity”.

Lucia Tucci & Salvatore Cavallaro, Team Off Beat - Master in Economia del Turismo, Bocconi University (Rural CHallenge -Undergraudates) The winners are as follows: Tourism and Rural development Challenge Rural Middle School – 11-13 Ma’anshan nº7 Middle School, China Rural High School – 14-18 Team Um Mabbad Alkuzia School, Um Mabbad Basic Education Girls School, Oman Rural Undergraduates Team Climate Crew, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands Rural Masters Team Off Beat, Università Bocconi - Master in Economia del Turismo, Italy

Plastics Pollution Challenge Plastics Middle School – 11-13 International School of ChoueifatMuscat, Oman Plastics High School – 14-18 Team LBPC, Collège Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Lebanon Plastics Undergraduates Team Walkie Talkie, RMIT University Vietnam, Vietnam Plastics Masters Team Swift Action, Beijing International Studies University, China Sector-wide support The UNWTO Students League was made possible thanks to the support and experience from partners the Cullinary Tourism Alliance, Digital Tourism Think Tank ,Eurecat, Exo Foundation, Google, Iberia, Instagram, International Trade Center, NH Hotels International, Rusticae, Tress4Humanity, Verne Tourism Experts, and the Ministry of Tourism of Morocco, as well the Plastics Initiative signatories: Bharhka Countryside Cottage Resorts, Chumbe Island Coral Park Zanzibar, Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative, Dark Sky Association, El Rio Foundation, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Fundación Banco Santander, Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Guava Amenities, Hostelword Group, Indonesian Waste Platform, Positive Impact Forever, ProAmpac, Radisson Hotels, Sustainable First, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, University of Tasmania, and UNEP

Finns Bali Becomes World’s First Real Estate Developer to Accept Cryptocurrency TL Bureau, Canggu, Bali

Finns Bali, Indonesia’s leading lifestyle brand and real estate developer, announced today that it will accept cryptocurrency in a first-of-its-kind sale of luxury apartments, allowing crypto holders the freedom to convert their digital assets into fully-managed property through secure transactions.

In a global first for real estate development, investors will be able to convert their cryptocurrency holdings into tangible assets on the island Trip Advisor calls the world’s most popular destination in 2021. With the construction of 206 fully-furnished luxury apartments at Finns Lifestyle Village (FLV), FLV’s industry-leading move to facilitate crypto payments comes as Finns Bali’s latest innovative bid to continue Bali’s explosive growth.

The development is endorsed by The Bali Tourism Board.

“People around the world looking to reap the rewards of investing early in cryptocurrency are discovering they’re faced with no reliable option to convert their crypto into something they can actually use; Finns Lifestyle Village will fill that gap,” said Beau Whittington, Chief Strategy Officer at Finns Bali.

“The construction of FLV and our decision to give our customers the ability to convert crypto into offline assets are designed to keep Bali at the forefront of innovation while encouraging responsible investment on the island.

UNWTO AND NETFLIX PARTNER TO RETHINK SCREEN TOURISM

TL Bureau, Madrid

UNWTO and Netflix have partnered on the publication of a report which looks at the role of film and series as drivers for tourism and cultural affinity. The Global Report on Cultural Affinity and Screen Tourismexplores the growing affection one has towards a particular country or culture displayed on the screen.

UNWTO FITUR Netflix The findings of the research were presented in Madrid against the backdrop of the Iberseries Platino Industria - the largest international event for professionals linked to the audiovisual industry in Spanish and Portuguese.

The report’s ultimate goal is to support policymakers and key stakeholders within the tourism sector to implement policies that make their destinations attractive for audio-visual producers. At the

same time, it aims to help in the building of focused strategies to promote tourism and consumption of local culture, investing in skills and training to develop the local film and creative sectors to ensure a high level of talent, infrastructure and production capacity and integrating tourism and showcasing culture at film festivals to deepen the global

audiences’ knowledge.

The joint work of UNWTO and Netflix will help destinations realize the potential benefits of screen tourism UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Both tourism and the audiovisual sectors celebrate and promote culture, support jobs and provide opportunities in diverse

locations. The joint work of UNWTO and Netflix will help destinations realize the potential benefits of screen tourism.

Dean Garfield, Vice-President, Public Policy, Netflix: “As highlighted in this research, we have been able to demonstrate conclusively what we instinctively already believed, which is that alongside the desire to travel

and visit destinations, exposure to screen content also leads to greater interest in heritage, culture, language, and developing interpersonal relationships. This truly demonstrates that the creative industries, cultural exchange, storytelling, and tourism are all interlinked and can transform the way communities perceive and connect with each other.”

Following the presentation of the Global Report, experts on tourism and the audio-visual industry shared their knowledge and insights into changing trends in screen tourism, its positive impacts on strengthening cultural affinity and the role of online streaming services in promoting tourism and cultural affinity between people, cultures and countries in line with the 2030 Agenda. The event also served to underline how publicprivate partnerships can support destinations to promote themselves as attractive locations for audio-visual producers.

10

STATEMENT ON NSW SWIFTS AND GIANTS NETBALL TL Bureau, Fitzroy

A Netball Australia investigation has found the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball failed to immediately report their links to Victorian exposure sites during the 2021 Suncorp Super Netball season, in line with the league’s COVID-19 protocols and directions.

The Swifts and the GIANTS, who are both owned and operated by Netball NSW, delayed reporting their links and the subsequent penalties have been ratified by the Netball Australia Board.

Members of the NSW Swifts travelling party were required to isolate for 14 days in Adelaide after being identified as close contacts of patrons who attended a Tier 1 exposure site in Melbourne.

GIANTS Netball were delayed departing Adelaide when the competition relocated to Queensland in July, after it was identified a number of players and

staff had visited a Tier 1 and Tier 2 exposure site in Melbourne.

Netball NSW has been fined $10,000 for the Swifts’ delay in reporting the exposure link.

The organisation has also been fined $10,000, suspended for two years, and been ordered to pay $37,563 for the GIANTS additional charter and commercial flights to Queensland.

Netball NSW has accepted both penalties for the Swifts and the GIANTS. “Netball Australia takes any breach of its COVID-19 protocols and directions incredibly seriously,” said Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan.

“We understand 2021 was a particularly challenging season and we thank the teams for their sacrifices and commitment, however we will continue to do everything we can to safeguard the Suncorp Super Netball competition.”

SPORTS

International Basketball Migration Report 2021 marks milestone with tenth edition

TL Bureau, Neuchatel/ Mies

The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) and FIBA have published the International Basketball Migration Report 2021.

This tenth edition marks a significant milestone for FIBA and CIES, with this year’s report continuing to emphasize the global nature of basketball, a sport played by millions of players worldwide, supported by FIBA’s 212 National Federation members.

The International Basketball Migration Report 2021 edition provides insight to the basketball community into the global migration of players for the 2020-21 season.

FIBA’s knowledge and data on international transfers has been combined with the CIES Sports Observatory’s renowned expertise in analysis to document the international migration of players for this season, as well as migratory

trends and tendencies of the sport across the globe.

The 2020-21 season saw a marked decrease in transfers with 7,687 recorded, involving 6,254 players.

The previous edition of this report was only able to touch slightly on the global pandemic, but in this edition, it is clearly evident that COVID-19 has deeply impacted the 2020-21 season across a wide range of issues, including international transfers and shortened seasons in some countries.

Some of the main highlights from this year’s findings are: Significant decrease of International Transfers – Turnover of Players Due to the pandemic, there has been a big decrease regarding International Transfers, the lowest since the 2014-15 season. There was a substantial decrease across the regions, except for Oceania, and the figures show that men were more affected than women. There

was, however, a notable increase in the percentage of players both remaining in their own country or staying at the same club. This sense of having better stability appears to have been due to the pandemic.

Highest number of games recorded - High number of foreign players per league The number of games was impacted by the pandemic during the 20192020 season when most of the leagues were canceling their respective seasons. During 2020-21, a much higher number of games were recorded, with an average of 269.5 games across all the leagues.

The Japanese league recorded the highest number of games at 574. The number of foreigners remained high, with leagues in Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Greece and Israel all having more foreigners than nationals. Spain had the highest percentage of foreign players and the highest number of nationalities.

Five Epic Hitmakers Unite for PEPSI® Super FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Bowl LVI Halftime Show Sunday, February 13, 2022 Qualifying Tournaments field set 2022 on NBC, Peacock and Telemundo

TL Bureau, New York

Pepsi, the NFL and Roc Nation have assembled a lineup of trailblazing musicians to perform the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar will take the world’s biggest stage at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, airing on NBC and Telemundo, and streaming live on Peacock.

The Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show marks the first time these five multi-award-winning artists will perform together on stage, exciting music fans worldwide and holding a special significance for the greater Los Angeles community, as they host the Super Bowl for the first time in nearly 30 years. Collectively, these artists have been awarded 43 Grammys and have created 22 No. 1 Billboard albums.

Dr. Dre is widely credited with being one of the most influential figures in hip hop culture and a driving force behind its mass popularity. While all five artists have deeply influenced this genre of music, each brings a unique style to the world’s biggest stage for what’s sure to be 12 minutes of unforgettable greatness. As part of the collaboration around the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show, Pepsi and the NFL have also joined together to support the launch of Regional School #1, a magnet high school in South Los Angeles that is set to open for students next fall as part of the LA Unified School District. The high school is based on the nationally recognized USC Iovine and Young Academy, a program founded by Jimmy Iovine

and Andre “Dr. Dre” Young, that will offer a unique educational model focused on the theme of Integrated Design, Technology, and Entrepreneurship.

In addition to philanthropic support of the project, Pepsi and the NFL will collaborate with the school, its partners and the local community to develop and deliver community inspired applied learning experiences and industry internships. “This effort will help develop and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators,” Los Angeles Unified Interim Superintendent Megan K. Reilly said. “We are excited about the additional opportunities this partnership will bring to our students.”

Marking the third year of this collaboration, Pepsi, the NFL and Roc Nation are excited to bring these genre defining artists together for a larger-than-life performance of hits from their deep collective catalog.

The Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show telecast will be produced by DPS with Roc Nation and Jesse Collins serving as executive producers, and Hamish Hamilton serving as director. Roc Nation is also serving as the strategic entertainment advisors of the live performance. “The opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime show, and to do it in my own backyard, will be one of the biggest thrills of my career,” said Dr. Dre. “I’m grateful to JAY-Z, Roc Nation, the NFL, and Pepsi as well as Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar for joining me in what will be an unforgettable cultural moment.”

“On February 13, 2022, at the Super Bowl LVI in Inglewood, CA, in the new SoFi Stadium, Dr. Dre, a musical visionary from Compton, Snoop Dogg, an icon from Long Beach and Kendrick Lamar, a young musical pioneer in his own right, also from Compton, will take center field for a performance of a lifetime, said Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter. “They will be joined by the lyrical genius, Eminem and the timeless Queen, Mary J. Blige. This is the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show. This is history in the making.”

“This year we are blowing the roof off the concept of collaboration,” said Adam Harter, Senior Vice President of Media, Sports and Entertainment at PepsiCo. “Along with the NFL and Roc Nation, we continue to try and push the limits on what fans can expect during the most exciting 12 minutes in music; this year’s superstar line-up is sure to deliver a mind-blowing performance.”

“Artists like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg were at the forefront of the West Coast hip hop revolution, so to be able to bring them back to LA, where it all began alongside Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar will prove to be an epic, unforgettable celebration of the impact hip hop has today,” said Todd Kaplan, Pepsi Marketing VP. “The Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show has become a landmark cultural moment, bringing about some of the most iconic performances over the years – from JLo and Shakira to Lady Gaga to The Weeknd – and we are thrilled to bring together such an incredible array of talented, record-breaking musicians to put on a performance for the ages.”

TL Bureau, MIES The 16 national teams to take part in the four FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournaments in February are now set following the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Amman, Jordan moving onto the Semi-Final stage.

With FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 hosts Australia among the semifinalists at the continental tournament in Amman, Jordan, all four teams in the Semi-Finals – Australia, China, Japan, Korea – have assured their place for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournaments.

Twelve teams will advance to the Women’s World Cup 2022, which will take place next year in Sydney from September 22 to October 1.

Nigeria and Mali earned their spots in the Qualifying Tournaments by making the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Final as the D-Tigress took home their third-consecutive continental title.

The four Asian and two African teams are joined in the Women’s World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournaments field by the top four sides from the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup and the

top six teams from the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket, two events that were staged in June.

The United States, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Canada will represent the Americas while Serbia, France, Belgium, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Russia comprise the participating European teams.

The Women’s World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournaments will take place from February 1013, 2022. There will be four tournaments, with each event featuring four teams.

As hosts of the Women’s World Cup 2022, Australia receive automatic event entry.

Reigning champions USA have also earned their place in the twelve-team field by winning the Tokyo 2020 Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament earlier this summer.

The top three teams from each event will earn their place in the flagship global women’s basketball tournament. For the Qualifying Tournaments with Australia and the USA, the two other best-placed teams will advance.

The Draw for the four Women’s World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournaments will take place in November, shortly after the announcement of the hosts (exact date to be announced).

11

tech/auto

BUGATTI BOLIDE: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HYPERCAR

TL Bureau, Molsheim

The Bolide is voted as the most beautiful hypercar in the world at the 36th Festival Automobile International design awards.

Bugatti Bolide: The Most Beautiful Hypercar The Bugatti Bolide1, first revealed in 2020 as the most extreme Bugatti ever created by the French luxury marque, and later confirmed for a limited run production at Pebble Beach 2021, has been named the world’s most beautiful hypercar.

During the 36th Festival Automobile International in Paris, an expert jury of design professionals awarded the experimental vehicle from Molsheim the victory in the ‘Hypercars’ category by a substantial margin, among a total of four finalists.

With the Bolide, Bugatti’s engineers and designers developed the lightest and most track-focused concept conceivable, using Bugatti’s iconic W16 quad-turbocharged engine. The numerous air ducts and delicate front end design are more reminiscent of aerodynamically sophisticated Formula 1 cars than a hyper sports car, dominating its look. The Bolide sits exceptionally low, with an air intake scoop on the roof and a ground-hugging seating position. In combination with the striking rear diffuser, the dominant rear wing provides extreme levels of downforce for optimum traction in high speed corners.

“The Bolide was an entirely different challenge for our design team, and a kind of mental experiment where we stripped the car back to its W16 quad-turbocharged heart and rebuild it with the bare minimum to create the most extreme Bugatti yet. The key for us was to respect the technical requirements of Bolide, focusing first on the function and only then developing the form. It’s an honour

for us that the resulting design has won such a highly coveted award, voted for by experts in our field.

Praise must go to the entire design team, each dedicated to their craft in harmonizing and perfecting all aspects of the Bolide’s design during an innovative four-months, purely digital process,” explains Bugatti Design Director Achim Anscheidt.

The new hyper sports car will be taken from experimental concept to production maturity over the next three years with very few changes, technically or visually, compared with this award-winning design.

Optimizations in the areas of design, aerodynamics, quality, and safety give the production vehicle a curb weight of just 1,450 kilograms, and

therefore a weight-to-power ratio of 0.9 kilograms per PS when 98 RON gas is used.

“Although extremely functional, the Bolide is brimming with Bugatti’s distinctive personality and tradition.

Its creation was inspired by the weight-to-power philosophy of a young Ettore Bugatti, who upturned the world of motorsport in the 1920s by designing lightweight and nimble cars, such as the Type 35, that became practically unbeatable. Bolide is the ultimate culmination of that philosophy, pure in its design and its purpose. Just like those early 1920s racers, that purity brings with it an inescapable beauty,” explains Nils Sajonz, Bugatti Design Head of Special Projects.

The Bolide’s track-focused personality extends to the interior, which borrows no trim parts from the Chiron2, opting instead for a functional design that speaks purely to the needs of a racing car.

“There is a clear Bugatti identity in the cabin of the Bolide, but one without the flourishes or luxuries of our roadgoing hyper sports cars.

The design is focused on creating a place of minimal distraction and maximum visibility, with a curving wraparound glasshouse and critical control functions that are literally at the driver’s fingertips,” explains Frank Heyl, Bugatti Deputy Design Director.

Since 1985, the Festival Automobile International has celebrated the

automobile in its most beautiful, creative and exciting forms. The industry itself as well as the changes taking place within it are examined, and the trends analysed. The Festival is also committed to shining a spotlight on those men and women who make the car what it is each and every day, who transform it and adapt it to meet changes in society, environmental requirements, economic upheavals and geopolitical challenges. Each year, the Festival judges reward not only major innovations but also the bold ideas and talent of those involved in the automotive field.

The production of Bolide is limited to just 40 units at a net unit price of four million euros each, with the first deliveries scheduled for 2024.

technology and design.

After three years of development, the LP 500 was sacrificed in crash tests in March 1974 and then disappeared.

The first months were spent acquiring all the material available

and undertaking an in-depth analysis.

“The collection of documents was crucial,” underscored Giuliano Cassataro, Head of Service and Polo Storico. “There had been so much attention paid to all the details of the car, to their overall consistency and to the technical specifications.”

Photographs, documents, meeting reports, original drawings, and the memories of some the protagonists of the time: all this contributed to establishing the form and function of every single detail as accurately as possible. The support of Fondazione Pirelli was also fundamental in providing historical archive material to recreate the tires mounted on the original LP500 model.

The reconstruction of the first Lamborghini Countach, the 1971 LP 500, is unveiled at Villa d’Este. 25,000 hours of work by Lamborghini Polo Storico

TL Bureau, Cernobbio/ Sant’Agata Bolognese

The Countach LP 500 has returned, entered in the class reserved for concept cars at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. It is a passionate reconstruction carried out by Automobili Lamborghini’s Polo Storico that required over 25,000 hours of work on behalf of an important collector. The contribution of the Lamborghini Centro Stile was fundamental in the reconstruction of the bodywork and supervision of the styling.

“The Countach reinvented highperformance cars,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO

of Automobili Lamborghini, “and it became an icon in terms of stylistic language that even today, after decades, still inspires contemporary Lamborghinis.

Bringing the reconstruction of the first Countach to the concept class of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, in the year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of this model, is something extraordinary because it allows us to admire the legendary 1971 LP 500 in person for the first time in so many years.”

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1971, Automobili Lamborghini presented its “idea car”, the LP 500 Countach. The car immediately became the star of the

show, and the photographs of it, which went viral, were published in major magazines around the world.

This new model was conceived to replace the legendary Miura and wrote a new page in the history of the automobile, both for its

12

world

Amendments to the entry ban for people travelling to Sweden from certain countries outside the EU/EEA

TL Bureau, Stockholm

The temporary entry ban entered into force on 19 March 2020 and initially applied for 30 days. It has subsequently been extended on several occasions, and under the latest such decision, the entry ban now applies until 31 October 2021.

The entry ban means that a foreign citizen departing from a state other than an EEA State or Switzerland travelling to Sweden will be denied entry into Sweden and turned away.

There are a number of exemptions from the ban, but travellers are normally required to present a negative COVID-19 test result even if they are covered by one of the exemptions.

The Government’s decision today means that Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Moldova will be removed from the list of countries where residents are generally exempt from the entry

The Government today adopted amendments to the temporary ban on entry into Sweden. The amendments mean that the general exemption from the entry ban for people living in certain specified countries will be adapted to align with the latest recommendation from the Council of the European Union to the EU Member States.

ban solely on the ground that they reside there, while Chile, Kuwait and Rwanda will be added to the list. The decision applies as of 4 October. This means that the entry ban will be reintroduced for people residing in the countries removed from the list, namely Bosnia and

Herzegovina and the Republic of Moldova, while people residing in Chile, Kuwait and Rwanda will generally be exempt from the entry ban. Regarding foreign citizens travelling to Sweden from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Moldova as of 4 October,

have made over the past few decades. Many women have faced job losses and reduced hours of work. In communities across the country, an increase in unpaid care work at home has weighed heavily on women, leading some to leave their jobs to look after their families. This resulted in a she-cession, which exacerbated the inequalities and injustices faced by women in our society, particularly among marginalized individuals and groups. We must take lessons learned from this pandemic and work together toward a more robust and inclusive recovery.

“The Government of Canada is deeply committed to making our economy and labour market more resilient and protecting parents – especially mothers – from these effects in the future. We are investing up to $30 billion over the next five years to help families access affordable child care through the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Plan. This plan offers women the opportunity to jump back into the workforce while being assured that their children are receiving high-quality care.

We are also addressing issues of gender equality through the Task Force on Women in the Economy. This diverse group of Canadian women provides advice on the tangible ways

the Government of Canada can better support women’s participation in the economy.

Their ideas and expertise are helping us to address systemic barriers and inequities faced by women in the job market.

“On the international stage, Canada continues to champion gender equality and women’s empowerment through our Feminist International Assistance Policy. Earlier this year, we announced new commitments and funding to tackle persistent barriers to gender equality around the world. This includes addressing inequalities in unpaid and paid care work in low- and middleincome countries, to help increase women’s ability to more fully participate in the economy, education, and public life. We will continue to support and advance initiatives that promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls worldwide.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I invite Canadians to use the hashtag #WomensHistoryMonth to learn more about and celebrate the significant contributions that women have made, and continue to make, in shaping our society.

Let us continue to work together to make Canada a better, fairer, and more diverse place to live.”

Statement by the Prime Minister on Women’s History Month

TL Bureau, Ottawa

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Women’s History Month: “Women have long been trailblazers in creating a better, more inclusive, and equal Canada. During Women’s History Month, we celebrate Canadian women’s contributions to building the country we know today.

“This year’s theme – Women Making History Now – recognizes the women who are making a lasting impact for our country today, including in addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and moving us forward on the path of reconciliation. From mental health care providers, nurses, and doctors, to teachers, scientists, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces, women of all backgrounds continue to act as powerful agents of change and inspire future generations to fight for an equal world.

This summer, Canadians also watched proudly as our women Paralympians and Olympians made history with their many athletic accomplishments in Tokyo.

“Over the past year and a half, the pandemic threatened to stall some of the progress women

only those covered by another exemption from the entry ban may enter Sweden. This includes, for example, foreign citizens who have a Swedish residence permit, people with an essential need or function in Sweden and who can also present a negative COVID-19 test.

Regarding foreign citizens travelling to Sweden from Chile, Kuwait and Rwanda as of 4 October, those who can provide proof of residence in one of these countries and in addition can present a negative COVID-19 test result are exempt from the entry ban and allowed to enter Sweden.

These amendments are the result of an update of the EU recommendations regarding travel into the EU from third countries adopted on 23 September 2021, based on information from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

The amendments enter into force on 4 October 2021.

EU looks to make data sharing easier: Council agrees position on Data Governance Act TL Bureau, Brussels

The EU is working to strengthen various data-sharing mechanisms.

The aim is to promote the availability of data that can be used to power applications and advanced solutions in artificial intelligence, personalised medicine, green mobility, smart manufacturing and numerous other areas. Today, member states agreed on a negotiating mandate on a proposal for a Data Governance Act (DGA). The Act would seek to set up solid mechanisms to facilitate the reuse of certain categories of protected publicsector data, increase trust in data intermediation services and promote data altruism across the EU. The Data Governance Act is part of a wider policy to give the EU a competitive edge in the increasingly data-driven economy.

Europol Excellence Award in Innovation Effective modern-day law

enforcement requires innovation

TL Bureau, The Hague

For the first time, Europol awarded the Europol Excellence Award in Innovationduring the annual European Police Chiefs Convention 2021. With this award, Europol aims to put in the spotlight the law enforcement community’s most innovative initiatives and operations.

Over the past weeks, 105 nominations from law enforcement organisations across 25 nations in Europe and beyond have reached Europol, out of which two have been selected - one award for the most innovative law enforcement project and one award for the most innovative law enforcement operation.

Europol’s Executive Director Catherine De Bolle: For us at Europol, innovation is at the heart of modern policing.

Having received over 105 nominations, we consider this first Europol Excellence Award in Innovation a great success.

Therefore, we want to turn it into a recurrent project linked to the annual European Police Chiefs Convention at our headquarters.

Our Innovation Lab team will also create a network and invite all nominees for a follow-up event to exchange innovative ideas.

The Excellence Award for the most Innovative Project

Fortnite undercover avatar: an innovative tool to fight child abuse online (French Police Nationale) – A creative approach based on the creation of an online avatar in the video game Fortnite to which children could report if they were sexually harassed at home. After validation from the Central Unit for Minors Protection within the Central Directorate of the Judiciary Police, a team of 50 volunteers and psychologists connected to the game 14 hours a day, seven days a week from April to May 2020 to assist children asking for help.

During this period, 1 200 children asked for help, out of which thirty percent were in a dire situation.

Investigations were opened in a number of cases, and the children safeguarded. The Excellence Award for the most Innovative Operation EMOTET: world’s most dangerous malware disrupted through global action (US Federal Bureau of Investigation) - from 2014, the Emotet malware-infected millions of computers worldwide—enabling cybercriminals to steal victim information, cripple compromised networks and cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.

Emotet targeted critical industries, including banking, e-commerce, healthcare, academia, government, and technology, and was designed to deliver additional malware to infected computers.