31 Mar, 2016
UN official Urges Move Beyond ‘Mere Condemnations’ in Seeking Best Way to Middle East Peace
United Nations, 24 March 2016, (UN News) – Amid the current bloody wave of escalating violence, including stabbings and shootings in Israel and the occupied West Bank, the international community must move beyond mere condemnations and send a clear message to both sides that a two-State solution was the best road to peace, the Secretary-General’s […]
more…31 Mar, 2016
Overseas born Aussies highest in over a century
Canberra, 30 March 2016, ABS media release – The proportion of Australians who were born overseas has hit its highest point in over 120 years, with 28 per cent of Australia’s population born overseas, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). “Australia has traditionally had a high proportion of migrants, […]
more…29 Mar, 2016
Lee Kuan Yew’s formula for tackling the “cancer” of global terrorism
The first death anniversary of former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on March 23 was a good opportunity to visit the island nation. This micro-country has compensated for its lack of natural resources by growing its people resources, creating one of the world’s best-run, least-corrupt societies with an uncompromising focus on multi-culturalism and rule […]
more…27 Mar, 2016
Now open: Apply to become an anti-corruption young leader this summer
Berlin, Germany, 24 March 2016, (Transparency International) – What are you doing this summer? Get a head start and apply for Transparency International School on Integrity taking place in Vilnius, Lithuania from 4-10 July 2016. Since 2010, the School on Integrity has welcomed some 700 students, graduates and young professionals from around 90 countries to its seven-day highly intensive […]
more…26 Mar, 2016
Visit ASEAN@50: Golden Celebration Campaign Unveiled at ITB Berlin 2016
Berlin (ASEAN media release) – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, by the founding fathers of the original ASEAN countries; namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The nations of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam have since joined this regional […]
more…25 Mar, 2016
The west’s Islamophobia is only helping the Islamic State – The Washington Post
The promise of the “global war on terror” was that “it was better to fight them there than here.” That promise brought mass violence to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Palestine, Yemen and Somalia — in the name of peace in the West. That formula has clearly failed. Tuesday’s bombings in Brussels come on the heels of […]
more…25 Mar, 2016
‘Assault on one minority community is attack on all,’ Ban says on Day to eliminate racism
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 21 March 2016 – Observing the world’s day set aside to bolster efforts on eliminating racial discrimination, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged increased global efforts towards that aim and declared that “an assault on one minority community is an attack on all.” This year, the the International Day […]
more…25 Mar, 2016
UNESCO chief welcomes the liberation of Syria’s Palmyra world heritage site
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 24 March 2016 – The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today welcomed the liberation of the Palmyra archeological site, a martyr city inscribed on the agency’s World Heritage list. “[Palmyra] carries the memory of the Syrian people, and the values of cultural diversity, tolerance […]
more…25 Mar, 2016
“Thainess” at the Crossroads — Ex-Prime Minister Flags the Real Issues Facing Thailand
Following is the full text of a speech entitled “In Search of Thailand’s New Normal”, delivered by two-time former Thai Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand on 23 March 2016. It should be must reading for all those seeking to better understand the dynamics of change facing one of the […]
more…25 Mar, 2016
Heavy Easter traffic projected at Singapore-Malaysia overland border checkpoints
SINGAPORE, March 21 (NNN-Bernama) — Traffic flow through the land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas is expected to be heavy on the upcoming Good Friday holiday on March 25. Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said travellers can expect heavy departure traffic from March 24 while arrival traffic is expected to be particularly heavy on March […]
more…25 Mar, 2016
Caste systems violate human rights and dignity of millions worldwide – New UN expert report
GENEVA (21 March 2016) UN Human Rights Council media release – At least 250 million people worldwide still face appalling and dehumanising discrimination based on caste and similar systems of inherited status warned the United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Rita Izsák-Ndiaye, during the presentation of the first comprehensive UN report on caste-based discrimination* […]
more…25 Mar, 2016
Windfall Profits: Terrorism to Generate 23% Surge in Global Video Surveillance Market
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 23, 2016 – Technavio analysts expect the global video surveillance market for 2016-2020 to reach USD 64 billion by 2020 growing at a CAGR of almost 23%, according to their latest report. According to Amrita Choudhury, lead analyst at Technavio for IT Security research, “Rising instances of criminal activities in government organizations and […]
more…19 Mar, 2016
U.S. hospitality workers union releases list of responsible, irresponsible private equity, real estate managers
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 17, 2016 – In recent years, private equity and private equity real estate managers have raised record amounts of capital from pension funds, foundations, endowments, and other institutional investors to back big hotel and casino investments and the growing hospitality industry. Now UNITE HERE, the union of hospitality workers throughout North America, is […]
more…18 Mar, 2016
ASEAN integration: Two Thai, Malaysian Banks Appointed Cross Currency Dealers to grow direct Ringgit-Baht Trade
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 14 March 2016, (Bernama)— Bank Negara Malaysia (“BNM”) and Bank of Thailand (‘BOT”) have respectively appointed CIMB Bank and CIMB Thai as Appointed Cross Currency Dealers (“ACCD”) for the settlement of ringgit-baht trade under the newly launched Local Currency Settlement Framework. The Local Currency Settlement Framework had been jointly established by BNM and […]
more…18 Mar, 2016
Proposal to create a truly united 2017 ASEAN Games in KL
Putrajaya, Malaysia, 16 March 2016, (Bernama) – In a bold move to set the standard in world sports, the Paralympic Council of Malaysia has proposed that the 29th SEA Games and the 9th ASEAN Para Games, slated to be held in August 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, be combined into one integrated medal event for all sports […]
more…18 Mar, 2016
UN Asia-Pacific HQ to mark 23 March, World Water Day 2016, with launch of report on ‘Water and Jobs’
Bangkok, 17 March 2016, (UNESCAP News) – World Water Day 2016 will be commemorated by the United Nations at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok from 9:00am to 11:45am, Wednesday 23 March. The event will feature the launch of the World Water Development Report 2016, focusing on the theme “Water and Jobs.” ESCAP, UNESCO and […]
more…18 Mar, 2016
UNCTAD-ESCAP train government statisticians to upgrade technology data to facilitate growth and improve public well-being
Geneva, Switzerland, 18 March 2016, (UNCTAD/ESCAP News) – Benchmarking progress in building the information economy in Asia-Pacific least developed countries (LDCs) is crucial as governments in the region seek to reap the economic benefits of information and communications technologies (ICTs). The use of ICTs, such as mobile telephony and internet services, is increasing in such […]
more…18 Mar, 2016
IMAX launches ‘Big Picture’ initiative, partnering with UN to amplify action on environment issues
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 17 March 2016 – IMAX Corporation, the company that creates entertainment technology best known for its big-screen IMAX theatres, has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to launch an ambitious corporate social responsibility initiative called ‘Big Picture,’ which aims to address the host of environmental, societal and economic […]
more…18 Mar, 2016
NTT Communications Launches Online Program to Teach Practical Japanese to Staff in Overseas Offices
Tokyo, Japan, 15 March 2016, (Bernama-Business Wire) — NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), the ICT solutions and international communications business within NTT (NYSE:NTT), announced the launch of VLJ Online Japanese Conversation, a Japanese conversation learning service via video call, as a new product of Visual Learning Japanese (VLJ), its cloud-based Japanese-study service with learning website […]
more…18 Mar, 2016
Aussie Opens New Business to Let People Give Vent to Stress, Sorrow by Smashing Things
Melbourne, Australia, 17 March 2016, (NNN-Xinhua) — An Australian entrepreneur has opened up a business in Melbourne where heartbroken, jilted or frustrated people can smash assorted items in a room as a way to relieve stress. Within the space, known as ‘The Break Room’, paying customers are given a baseball bat and allowed to smash […]
more…16 Mar, 2016
World’s Biggest Cruise Ship starts sea trial
12 March 2016, (China Daily) – The Harmony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, set off on Thursday on its first sea trial from Saint-Nazaire in western France, with just two months to go before delivery. The city’s STX France shipyards began building the 1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) mammoth for US cruise […]
more…16 Mar, 2016
Filipino airport taxi driver gets a kiss for his honesty
6 March 2016, (Manila Bulletin) – Officials of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) lauded the honesty of a taxi driver, who returned two trolley bags that were left in his cab by an arriving passenger from Kalibo, Aklan Saturday night. Emilio Q. Balhin, driver of a Harurot taxi, returned two pink trolley bags that […]
more…16 Mar, 2016
ADB US$27 mln loan to upgrade roads in Laos
VIENTIANE, 14 March 2016, (ADB News Release) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) have signed an agreement for a $27 million loan to support road asset management and maintain over 300 kilometers of national and local roads in the provinces of Attapu, Salavan and […]
more…16 Mar, 2016
Falling oil prices lead to higher taxes, lower wages, hiring cutbacks in Gulf – manpower survey
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (PRWEB UK) 14 March 2016 – Average private sector pay rise across the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council is set to be lower in 2016 than at any time over the past ten years, despite the rising cost of living caused by cuts in government subsidies, according to the […]
more…15 Mar, 2016
Indonesia sets up Palestine consulate but Israeli curbs force ceremony to be held in Amman
Jakarta (ANTARA News) 14 March 2016 – Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi has said that Indonesia’s honorary consul to Palestine could serve effectively to promote bilateral relations between Indonesia and Palestine. “I hope the honorary consul in Ramallah could play an active role in fostering brotherhood between the Indonesian and Palestinian people,” she said […]
more…14 Mar, 2016
UN statistical body agrees to global indicators to measure sustainable development goals
11 March 2016, (UN News Centre) – The United Nations Statistical Commission today agreed on a set of global indicators that will measure success towards the new sustainable development agenda, which will lead anti-poverty efforts through 2030. On the last day of its 47th session, the Commission approved a draft global indicator framework intended for […]
more…14 Mar, 2016
Thailand: Terminal 2 at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport Officially Opened
Bangkok, Thailand, 8 March 2016, (NNN-Bernama) — Terminal 2 at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, which has been officially opened, is expected to boost the airport’s capacity to be able to cater up to 30 million passengers annually from 29 million currently, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported. Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) President Nitinai […]
more…14 Mar, 2016
China’s Anbang to Acquire America’s Strategic Hotels for $6.5 billion
13 March 2016, (People’s Daily Online) – China’s Anbang Insurance Group has agreed to acquire America’s Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc. for around $6.5 billion, according to Bloomberg on Saturday. The deal comes just three months after Strategic Hotels’ current owner, private equity firm Blackstone Group, took the company private for around $6 billion. Strategic […]
more…14 Mar, 2016
Israel again blocks Indonesian Foreign Minister from opening consulate in Palestine
Israel escalated its global war on Islam last week by blocking Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi from travelling to Ramallah, Palestine, to dedicate an honorary consulate because of her refusal to first meet with Israeli officials in Jerusalem. This is the second time an Indonesian Foreign Minister has been denied access to Ramallah. In 2012, […]
more…13 Mar, 2016
Government agencies can function better as ‘model’ businesses – Report
Australia, 10 March 2016, (ASBC News) – Government agencies across Australia can clearly improve the way is which they conduct business with the private sector, according to a major report on government business behaviour by the Australian Small Business Commissioner. If government agencies improved their performance and were examples of good business behaviour the benefits to […]
more…13 Mar, 2016
Afternoon siestas ward off fatigue, boost productivity – Australian Centre for Sleep Research
Australia, 10 Mar 2016, (RIRDC News) -As we head into another busy time of year, grain and cotton growers especially are being encouraged to consider the benefits of giving in to the urge to have a post-lunch siesta. New research shows the impact of fatigue on farmers is as bad as having an above-the limit […]
more…12 Mar, 2016
New study reveals contrasting views of women’s roles in the workplace, at home, and in society
Montreal, Canada (PRWEB) March 05, 2016 – The Suffragettes and activists like Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, and Coretta Scott King dreamed of a world where women would be viewed as being on the same footing as men. It is unlikely, however, that they would have anticipated a recent and fervent backlash to feminism, lead by […]
more…12 Mar, 2016
U.S. Baby Boomers Regret Not Having Travelled Enough – British Airways Survey
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 11, 2016 – A British Airways survey of 2,000 U.S. baby boomers (aged 55 and over) shows that the generation born between 1946 and 1961 have a newfound interest in seeing the world as they enter into retirement, but not everyone’s prepared for long-haul travel. The survey data shows that despite working […]
more…12 Mar, 2016
Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia Urged to End Indefinite Detention of Rohingya Refugees
Bangkok, March 11, 2016—Fortify Rights media release – The Governments of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia should end the indefinite detention of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar and provide them with full protection, said Fortify Rights and the Burmese Rohingya Organization UK (BROUK) in a new briefing published today. Almost ten months after human trafficking syndicates abandoned […]
more…10 Mar, 2016
News for Gay Travellers: UNAIDS piloting new mobile platform to better inform HIV patients, improve health care
9 March 2016, (UN News Centre) – Starting this month, a thousand people living with HIV in Côte d’Ivoire will receive additional health information through their mobile phones, the United Nations agency leading the world’s HIV/AIDS response announced today. The four-month pilot project in Abidjan is part of a collaboration between the Joint UN Programme […]
more…10 Mar, 2016
EU Funds Grants to 30 Palestinian NGOs
Ramallah, Palestine, 9 March 2016, (WAFA) – Thirty Palestinian civil society organizations signed on Wednesday individual grants agreements with the Palestinian Central Elections Commission. Funded by the European Union, the grants will promote the engagement and participation of Palestinian public in future national elections, as well as enhance and increase Palestinians’ participation in electoral and […]
more…10 Mar, 2016
World Bank Helps Promote Safe Travel for Women in Public Transport Systems
Washington DC, 08 March 2016, (World Bank News Feature) When you take public transportation, whether a metro or a bus, you may not automatically think about gender differences. But men and women’s experiences with transport systems differ greatly, particularly when related to their physical security and safety. Recent research has shown high levels of violence […]
more…10 Mar, 2016
FREE Download: UN report lists grim toll of Asia-Pacific natural and man-made disasters in 2015
Bangkok (ESCAP News) 10 March 2016 — The Asia-Pacific region continued to be the world’s most disaster prone region in 2015. According to a new report by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the region accounted for over half the world’s 344 disasters in 2015, resulting in over 16,000 […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
Factors Driving Growth in Global Luggage Market
Dublin, Ireland, 03 March 2016, (Business Wire)- Changing lifestyles, increasing urbanization, and growing interest of people in tourism are the key drivers of the global luggage market. The increasing travel and tours, growing business activities, and increasing numbers of educational courses are further propelling the demand for luggage. The fluctuating recreation patterns and increasing disposable […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
Step into the World of Virtual Japanese Art with ANA
Tokyo, Japan, 29 February 2016, (Business Wire)-As part of its “IS JAPAN COOL” initiative, Japan’s largest airline ANA shines the spotlight on art-based tourism in Japan. Visitors can now experience the world of Japanese contemporary art before even stepping foot into the country, made possible through ANA’s “IJC Museum“, a virtual art gallery that can […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
Australia releases 2015 University Student Experience Survey National Report
Australia, 4 March 2016, (The Department of Education and Training Media Centre)-More than one in four Australian university students want better support or higher quality learning materials, according to the latest national snapshot of student experiences. Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the 2015 Student Experiences Survey should help focus efforts so more […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
European Cities Attract Growing Numbers of Tourists, Despite a Troubled Year
Vienna, Austria, 7 March 2016, (PR Newswire) — European Cities Marketing has demonstrated the dominant and most dynamic aspect of European tourism: city tourism, which for years has continued to grow twice as fast as national tourism. Based on the preliminary results of the upcoming European Cities Marketing Benchmarking Report, European cities maintained their strong […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
UN highlights need to close critical gender gaps in Asia-Pacific on Int’l Women’s Day
Bangkok, Thailand, 8 March 2016, (ESCAP News) – For the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to succeed, we must root out the causes of inequality between women and men by addressing unequal gender relations and tackling structural barriers such as discriminatory legislation and macro-economic policies, prejudicial social norms and harmful practices, the United Nations underscored at a forum here today. […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
ILO: Large gender gaps remain across broad spectrum of global labour market
Geneva, Switzerland, 7 March 2016, (ILO News) – Despite some modest gains in some regions in the world, millions of women are losing ground in their quest for equality in the world of work, according to a new report prepared by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as part of the ILO’s Women at Work Centenary Initiative . […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
Measuring Effectiveness of Technology to Promote Employee Well-being Proves Challenging
New York, USA, 3 March 2016, (Business Wire)–New research by Xerox Human Resources Services in conjunction with the National Business Group on Health® demonstrates employers’ willingness to invest in emerging technologies aimed at improving employee well-being despite challenges measuring impact and return on investment. The biannual study, “Emerging Technology to Promote Employee Well-being,” examines the current use and […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
Trades Union Call for More Investment in the Care Economy: A Pathway to Growth
Brussels, Belgium, 8 March 2016 (ITUC OnLine)– A new study released today by the ITUC shows that investment into the care economy of 2% of GDP in just 7 countries would create over 21 million jobs and help countries overcome the twin challenges of ageing populations and economic stagnation. The report http://www.ituc-csi.org/CareJobs which analysed the […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
Women earned on average 16% less than men in the EU – Report
Brussels, Eurostat media release, 08 March 2016 – In 2014, the gender pay gap stood at 16.1% in the European Union (EU). In other words, women earned on average 84 cents for every euro a man makes per hour. Across Member States, the gender pay gap in 2014 ranged from less than 5% in Slovenia […]
more…5 Mar, 2016
FBI win in encryption case against Apple will end global privacy, personal freedoms – UN human rights chief
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 4 March 2016 – The top United Nations human rights official today urged United States authorities to proceed with great caution in their legal efforts to break the encryption on an iPhone linked to the investigation into the mass killings in San Bernardino, California, saying the case could have broader […]
more…4 Mar, 2016
European taxpayers fork out another €252.5 million to support Palestinians
Brussels, 1 March 2016, European Commission – Press release – The European Commission has approved a €252.5 million assistance package supporting the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian refugees. It is the first part of the EU’s 2016 annual support package in favour of Palestine. High Representative/ Vice-President Federica Mogherini, said: “The European Union renews its concrete […]
more…4 Mar, 2016
Beijing center helps woo foreign talent
Beijing, Republic of China, 02 March 2016, (China Daily)-A special service center was launched in Beijing on Tuesday offering permanent residence services to foreigners in the Zhongguancun high-tech hub as authorities seek to attract more overseas talent and investment. The center will offer visa, residential permit and permanent residence services to foreigners who start businesses […]
more…4 Mar, 2016
UN panel to probe hidden history of African and Indigenous descendants of colonialism and enslavement in U.S.
New York, USA, 01 March 2016, (PRWEB) – With African and Indigenous descendants of Colonialism and Enslavement in the United States as a primary case study, United Nations NGO, the United States Sustainable Development Corporation has announced March 23 to convene experts and leaders who will sit on an inaugural panel to promote a more […]
more…4 Mar, 2016
Thai King’s Sufficiency Economy Seen as an International Development Model
Bangkok, Thailand, 2 March 2016, (Thailand PRD News) -Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha stated that Thailand has adopted His Majesty the King’s Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy as a guideline for development, with the people at the center, for more than 40 years. The Prime Minister highlighted Thailand’s experience in practicing the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, […]
more…4 Mar, 2016
Commission Established to Boost Malaysian Aviation Industry
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1 March 2016 (NNN-Bernama) — The government has established the Malaysian Aviation Commission in order to boost up the nation’s aviation industry to a greater height. Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the commission, established under the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015 would be overseen by the Ministry of Transport. “It will […]
more…4 Mar, 2016
Russian tourists rushing back to China
BEIJING, 1 March 2016, (China Daily)-After four years of decline, there was a huge increase in the number of Russian tourists visiting China in January, new figures show. In total, 144,200 Russians visited in the first month of 2016－up 46.9 percent on the same period last year, according to a recent report released by China […]
more…4 Mar, 2016
Union Bank Survey: Small Business Owners Less Optimistic about U.S. Business Climate in 2016
New York, USA, 25 February 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE) –Union Bank today announced the results of its annual Small Business Economic Survey, which shows small business owners are more pessimistic about the national economy in 2016 than last year, yet remain hopeful about the future of their own businesses. The survey also found 39 percent of female respondents […]
more…4 Mar, 2016
Ban says Europe’s border restrictions not in line with international law ‘or human decency’
Madrid, Spain, 1 March 2016, (UN News Centre) – In Spain this evening, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised the country’s efforts to address some of “the most urgent issues on the international agenda,” including the plight of asylum seekers fleeing across the Mediterranean, and the devastating war in Syria. At a press conference in […]
more…1 Mar, 2016
Human Rights Council Report: Increasingly Complex and Widening Conflicts Took Huge Toll on Children in 2015
New York, USA, 15 February 2016, (UN News) – Increasingly complex and widening conflicts have taken a huge toll on children in much of the Middle East in 2015, with parts of Africa and Asia facing protracted and relapsing wars that show no signs of abating, wrote Leila Zerrougui, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General […]
more…1 Mar, 2016
Report Finds U.S. Families Struggle Over a Decade to Get Help for Mental Illness
Washington DC, USA, 23 February 2016, (PRWEB)-At least 8.4 million Americans are providing care to an adult with an emotional or mental health issue, and nearly three quarters report that caregiving causes high emotional stress, finds a new study from the National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with Mental Health America and the National Alliance […]
more…1 Mar, 2016
Translator of Quran receives Germany’s Rumi award
Tehran, Iran, 14 February 2015, (IRNA News) – A Quranic researcher and translator of the Quran from Afghanistan received the Rumi Award for 2015 Book of the Year in Islamic Studies in German language. According to the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, the Foundation for Islamic Studies in Germany granted the award to Ahmad Milad […]
more…1 Mar, 2016
Muslim groups in the West set up co-ordinating body to defend interests, combat Islamophobia
Washington DC, USA, 4 February 2016, (ICNA News) – The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), a coalition of leading national and local American Muslim groups, today joined with leaders from Muslim organizations in the West to issue the “Washington Declaration” announcing the formation of a coordinating body to deal with issues of common concern. […]
more…1 Mar, 2016
South Africa Opens Solar-Powered Airport
Pretoria, South Africa, 27 February 2016, (NNN-SAnews) — Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa has congratulated the Department of Transport on the official opening of South Africa’s – and Africa’s – first solar-powered airport in George. Transport Minister Dipuo Peters launched the project that is spearheaded by the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) at a […]
more…1 Mar, 2016
Counter-terrorism measures threaten remittances sent to Somali diaspora – UN rights experts
United Nations, 18 January 2016, (UN News Centre)-Expressing concern over the impact on vital remittances from diaspora countries into Somalia caused by “necessary but less considered counter-terrorism regulations,” United Nations rights experts today warned the measures may “severely affect the human rights” of Somali people, while urging regulation-setting governments to guarantee the flow of such […]
more…1 Mar, 2016
2016 Risk Outlook: Terrorism, Instability, Cybercrime and the Weaponization of Refugees
Washington DC, USA, 23 February 2016, (PRWEB) -The latest Clements Worldwide Risk Index revealed that concerns over risks from terrorism have doubled over the past 6 months and 16% of organizations had losses due to political unrest over the last year. These results, and what they mean for global organizations in 2016, were the subject […]
more…1 Mar, 2016
FREE Download: Human Rights Centre urges political parties to halt erosion of Australia’s democracy
Canberra, 23 February 2016, (HRLC News)-Australia’s political parties must stop eroding many of the vital foundations of Australia’s democracy, the Human Rights Law Centre said in a new report launched in Canberra yesterday. Civil society leaders joined the launch to highlight the critical role that civil society plays in a healthy and robust democracy. “Open […]
more…1 Mar, 2016
ADB Backs First Climate Bond in Asia in Landmark $225 Million Philippines Deal
Manila, Philippines, 29 February 2016, (ADB News)-The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has backed the issuance of the first Climate Bond in Asia and the Pacific. ADB will provide credit-enhancement to the Philippine firm AP Renewables, Inc. (APRI), a subsidiary of AboitizPower Corporation (AboitizPower), for the Tiwi-MakBan geothermal energy facilities. The PHP10.7 billion ($225 million equivalent) […]
more…1 Mar, 2016
ADB to hold workshop on Investigation and Compliance Strategies to Combat Tax Evasion
Tokyo, Japan, 9 – 11 March 2016, (ADB News) – Senior tax officials responsible for policy and operations for tax investigation and compliance are to attend a workshop, Tax Evasion: Investigation and Compliance Strategies, on 9–11 March 2016 at the Asian Development Bank Institute, Tokyo, Japan. The purpose of the workshop is to share knowledge […]
more…1 Mar, 2016
Chinese commentary: US-led TPP can’t crush Chinese economy
Beijing, 05 February 2016, (People’s Daily Online)-The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was signed by ministers from its 12 member nations in New Zealand on 04 February 2016. It will take effect after lawmakers from each of these countries ratify it. It looks like it will only be a matter of time before the process is complete. […]
more…1 Mar, 2016
Europe stresses strong Privacy Shield in data transfer flow pact with U.S.
Brussels, 29 February 2016, European Commission Press release – The European Commission today issued the legal texts that will put in place the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield and a Communication summarising the actions taken over the last years to restore trust in transatlantic data flows since the 2013 surveillance revelations. In line with President Juncker’s political […]
more…24 Feb, 2016
Chinese outbound tourists expected to heat up world economy
Beijing, 22 February 2016, (People’s Daily Online) – Despite headwinds over the global economy, China’s outbound tourism is again showing excellent numbers as Chinese outbound tourists are expected to reach 5.7 to 6 million during this year’s Spring Festival holidays. Chinese outbound tourism revenue might reach 90 billion yuan, as Chinese outbound visitors are spending […]
more…24 Feb, 2016
UNESCO Green Citizens, Pathfinders for Change Exhibition Opens at UN HQ
United Nations, 19 February 2016, (UN Press Releases) – An exhibition titled “UNESCO Green Citizens — Pathfinders for Change” has opened in the Visitors’ Lobby of the UN headquarters in New York. The exhibit is organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), SIPA Press and the Klorane Institute. It is endorsed […]
more…24 Feb, 2016
Chinese leaders demand solid efforts to drive new-type urbanization
BEIJING, China, 23 February 2016, (Xinhua) – Chinese leaders have called for more to be done to facilitate “new-type urbanization,” saying fresh achievements must be made in the area in 2016. In an instruction on the issue, President Xi Jinping asked authorities to uphold the concepts of innovation, coordination, greenness, openness and sharing in the […]
more…24 Feb, 2016
“Transformative Infrastructure” to dominate US$2 billion in ADB funding for Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka, 23 February 2016 (ADB News) — Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Takehiko Nakao today met with Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, and reaffirmed ADB’s strong commitment to support Sri Lanka’s continued development. Mr. Nakao shared with the government ADB’s plans to scale up […]
more…24 Feb, 2016
Chinese News Analysis: Israel faces mounting pressure over Palestinian issue
JERUSALEM, 23 February 2016, (Xinhua) – As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict enters another tense year, Israel is facing mounting pressure over its decades-long policy towards the Palestinians. Most likely, as history repeats itself, the pressure will not lead Israel to make any significant changes in its policy, but will only further isolate the country in the […]
more…24 Feb, 2016
Southern Thai Province of Narathiwat Ready to Become a Special Economic Zone
Narathiwat, Thailand, 24 February 2016, (Thailand PRD News)-The southern border province of Narathiwat has officially opened a One Stop Service Center in a move toward becoming a special economic zone, in line with the Government’s policy. Director of the Narathiwat Provincial Industry Office Pokpak Boonchoo said that Narathiwat is on the list of the second […]
more…24 Feb, 2016
Will translation software sound the death knell for interpreters?
Beijing, 23 February 2016, (Xinhua) – If, as the Chinese proverb goes, to learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world”,Chinese search engine Baidu has provided the country with a portal to the entire planet at their fingertips. Earlier last month, the Baidu Translate app was given a […]
more…24 Feb, 2016
Chartered Accountants Survey: Self-Interest, Not Regulation, Needs to Drive Cybersecurity
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 22 February 2016, (Bernama) — A new report from ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) claims self-interest rather than regulation is the future of cybersecurity because technology is evolving at such a rate that any legislation would be out of date before it is signed in to law. Constant Forward Motion: The […]
more…24 Feb, 2016
Bay of Bengal ‘three times more deadly’ than Mediterranean for migrants and refugees
United Nations 23 February 2016, (UN News Centre) – Refugees and migrants crossing the seas of Southeast Asia died at a rate three times higher than those in the Mediterranean last year, a new United Nations report has found, highlighting the urgency of greater life-saving cooperation among the affected States. The report, Mixed Maritime Movements […]
more…24 Feb, 2016
Prevention better than cure: UN peacebuilding body cites need to address root causes of conflict for sustainable peace
New York, USA, 23 February 2016, (UN News Centre) – The head of the United Nations advisory body tasked with making recommendations on post-conflict recovery, reconstruction and development stressed today that building lasting peace requires predictable, sustained and adequate efforts and financing to help stop violence and address the root causes of conflict. Speaking today […]
more…23 Feb, 2016
China Voice: China’s three economic strategies gain momentum
BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) — Since taking office in late 2012, China’s leadership has proposed three major strategies to boost growth as the Chinese economy enters a “new normal” with slower growth and the world’s remains unstable. The “Belt and Road” regional trade and infrastructure network, coordinated development of Beijing with neighboring Tianjin and Hebei, […]
more…23 Feb, 2016
Problems emerge as fisheries becomes the world’s fastest-growing food sector
AGADIR, Morocco, 22 February, 2015, (FAO media release)– High-level delegations of fisheries ministries from more than 50 countries are gathering in Agadir for a summit with industry players to discuss emerging governance needs in a sector that provides the world with 17 percent of its animal protein and developing countries with more export revenue than […]
more…22 Feb, 2016
Roger Waters: Pink Floyd star on why musicians are terrified to speak out against Israel – The Independent
American musicians who support boycotting Israel over the issue of Palestinian rights are terrified to speak out for fear their careers will be destroyed, according to Roger Waters. The Pink Floyd star – a prominent supporter of the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel since its inception 10 years ago – said the […]
more…20 Feb, 2016
Income Inequality: Crisis Pushes the Poor and the Young Even Further Behind
LONDON, February 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ – A new report from ING, The Unequal Crisis, looks at income inequality in the US and EU over the 20 years running up to the financial crisis, and then tracks what happened during the period between 2007 and 2013. It finds that prior to the crisis, the disposable income […]
more…20 Feb, 2016
New Israeli-American Nexus set up to boycott companies which boycott Israel
LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–February 17, 2016 – Today, the Israeli-American Council (IAC) announced the formation of the Israeli-American Nexus (IANexus), a 501(c)(4) partner organization devoted to advocating to policymakers on behalf of the Israeli-American community. “We have formed the IANexus to make the voices of Israeli-Americans heard on a range of issues at the federal, state, […]
more…20 Feb, 2016
Spring Festival Holiday domestic consumption robust amid China’s consumer-led growth
BEIJING, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) — Booming tourism, cinema and retail sales during the week-long Spring Festival holiday show that China’s efforts to make its economy more reliant on the consumption power of its vast population is paying off. The increasingly affluent Chinese are not only willing to spend, they spend more wisely and healthily. Aside […]
more…20 Feb, 2016
FreeBee: How bees can help raise food security of 2 billion smallholders at no cost
Rome, 19 February 2015, (Food and Agriculture Organization) — What do cucumbers, mustard, almonds and alfalfa have in common? On the surface very little. But there is one thing they share: they all owe their existence to the service of bees. For centuries, this tiny striped helper has labored the world’s fields without winning much recognition […]
more…20 Feb, 2016
India’s attempt to quash University student dissent brings country’s intolerance into focus
NEW DELHI, India Feb. 17 (NNN-Xinhua) — The students at India’s prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi are at war with the government. The confrontation started all of a sudden after Indian police arrested the student unions’ president Kanhaiya Kumar on charges of sedition and declaring him “anti-national.” Sedition as per Indian law […]
more…20 Feb, 2016
Idyllic Italian town to ban tourists after being swamped by millions of visitors – The Independent
The tourism sector has arguably been one of the biggest casualties of the global financial crash; as hotels and resorts struggle to stay afloat and visiting figures have plummeted. But, whilst many businesses are desperately trying to increase visitors, resort towns in Italy are doing the very opposite and are reportedly banning tourists. Cinque Terre […]
more…19 Feb, 2016
Myanmar urged to drop charges against Muslim, Hindu interfaith peace activists
Yangon, February 17, 2016, Fortify Rights media release —Myanmar authorities should immediately and unconditionally release human rights defenders Zaw Zaw Latt, Pwint Phyu Latt, and Zaw Win Bo and drop all charges against them, Fortify Rights said today. The defendants are Mandalay-based Muslim and Hindu interfaith-peace activists. The authorities arrested Zaw Zaw Latt, a 28-year-old […]
more…19 Feb, 2016
Australia seeks public comment on plan to launch “Entrepreneur visa”
Canberra, 18 February 2016, (Joint media release by the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection and the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science) – A consultation process for a new Entrepreneur visa will start today, seeking feedback on the proposed settings for the visa. The Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Christopher Pyne, said we […]
more…19 Feb, 2016
El Niño passed peak, but UN weather agency warns ‘not to lower guard’ as impacts continue
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 18 February 2016 – The 2015-2016 El Niño, one of the strongest on record, has passed its peak, but its humanitarian and economic impacts will continue for many months to come, the United Nations weather agency has announced, adding that lessons learned from this climate phenomenon would help build global […]
more…17 Feb, 2016
Muslim center in Australia vandalized beyond recognition, Quran copies desecrated
Tehran, Feb 14, IRNA – Vandals went on a vicious rampage overnight at a Muslim center in Preston, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. The damage to the center was extensive and devastating, similar to the result of an explosion, IQNA reported. The walls have been plastered with obscene graffiti. Windows and doors in the center […]
more…17 Feb, 2016
UN relief official calls on Israel to immediately halt demolitions in occupied West Bank
Jerusalem, 17 February 2016 (UN News Centre) – A senior United Nations humanitarian official today called for an immediate halt to the destruction of Palestinian-owned property in the occupied West Bank and for respect for international law. “The number of demolitions for just the first six weeks of 2016 is greatly alarming,” said Robert Piper, […]
more…15 Feb, 2016
Macau gambling downturn his Wynn Resorts revenues
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE )–February 11, 2016 – Wynn Resorts, Limited (Nasdaq: WYNN today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2015. Net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2015 were $946.9 million, compared to $1,138.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The decline was the result of a 27.0% net […]
more…15 Feb, 2016
Chinese Commentary: Blame game won’t help stabilize global markets
NEW YORK, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) — The global financial markets have suffered sharp declines lately, with stocks plunging across Europe, Japan and the United States last week. Some players once again tried to link the global rout with China. However, such claims are unwarranted and playing the blame game in the face of challenges is […]
more…15 Feb, 2016
Chinese Spring Festival Holiday rush registers 1.38b trips
By Ding Xuezhen Beijing (Global Times) February 14, 2016 – China’s Spring holiday rush has so far accomplished 1.38 billion trips, a 3.3 percent growth from last year, according to the country’s Ministry of Transportation on Saturday.The 40-day Spring holiday rush reached its midpoint on Saturday with railroad traffic increasing 9.1 percent compared to the […]
more…15 Feb, 2016
Violence in South Thailand down 38%, Internal Security Agency claims
Bangkok, 14 February 2016, Thai Public Relations Department – The situation in the southern border provinces has shown positive trends. A decrease in the number of violent incidents during the past three months has been reported. The report was issued by the Deputy Spokesman of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), Region 4 Forward, Colonel […]
more…14 Feb, 2016
One in Four Office Romances Involves a Superior: Valentine’s Day Survey
CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — What do Barack Obama, Bill Gates and Brad Pitt have in common? All met their significant others at work. They’re also far from alone. According to CareerBuilder’s annual Valentine’s Day survey, 37 percent of workers have dated a coworker, and 33 percent of those office romances have led to […]
more…14 Feb, 2016
US Budget Proposes To Hit Air Travelers With More Security, Customs, Immigration Taxes
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–February 10, 2016 – Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today issued the following statement opposing the FY 2017 White House budget proposal, which would drive up the federal tax burden on airlines and their customers by an additional $7.9 billion per year, up from the more […]
more…10 Feb, 2016
Iranian airlines ready to take on Gulf giants
Iran News Roundup. Click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. Iranian airlines ready to take on Gulf giants Ottawa lifts Iran sanctions, to restore ties Iranian, British embassies to issue visas soon Sanctions lifted, American tourists head to Iran Foreign investors receive 3-year work permit in Iran 41 types of […]
more…10 Feb, 2016
The grandeur of Iran in pictures – by the first Asia-Pacific travel trade journalist invited to visit
I was the first Asia-Pacific travel industry journalist invited to both speak at and cover two inaugural industry conferences held in Iran: 1) the first International Tour Operators Convention organised by the Iran Tour Operators Association in Tehran between 24-27 November 2008, and 2) the UNWTO Conference on Increasing Tourist Flows between Asia and the […]
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