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Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Un rapport met ces progrès en perspective en classant les 27 États membres de l’UE sur six catégories — travail, argent, connaissances, temps, pouvoir et santé — pour la période 2010-2022 et révèle les véritables « gagnants » et « perdants » en matière d’égalité des genres.

Protest for climate justice. Two hundred 200 women gathered at Mt. Yasur, an active volcano on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. Credit: Greenpeace & Ben Bohane

By Umar Manzoor Shah
THE HAGUE, Dec 13 2024 (IPS)

The “crazy, weird and at some point (what seemed like) insurmountable” plan to ask the International Court of Justice for an advisory opinion on the obligations of UN member states regarding climate change was a success, Vishal Prasad, a representative for the. Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) said at a post-hearing press conference today (December 13).

“We have taken the world’s biggest problem to the world’s highest court,” Prasad said, and this should be a source of inspiration to young people who may find what’s happening about them depressing.

He said he was moved by the experience of telling the ICJ their story from a youth’s perspective.

Yet, Cristelle Pratt, Assistant Secretary-General, Organization of African Caribbean and Pacific States, said some of the testimony that was presented in court was dubious.

“Despite the overwhelming consensus that the relevant conduct is unlawful, a small minority of participants have had the audacity to double down on the limb of their innocence. They have done this in two ways. First, they have argued that the legal question being asked to the court is strictly forward-looking in nature and does not concern itself with historical emissions,” Pratt said.

“Second, they have argued that the only legal obligations binding on them do not, in fact, require them to account for their historical emissions, including by reparations, let alone oblige them to stop emitting beyond their pitiful privileges. In essence, these states have invited the court to absolve them of a moral responsibility.”

During a fortnight of hearings, countries and organizations have given their arguments in a case that was initiated at the request of Vanuatu in which the UN General Assembly asked the ICJ to issue an advisory opinion on the obligations of UN member states in preventing climate change and ensuring the protection of the environment for present and future generations.

During the final day of hearing, the court continued to hear testimony of the impact of climate change, particularly on small island states.

Tuvalu’s Attorney-General, Eselealofa Apinelum, speaking on behalf of the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS), reminded the court that there was still time.

“There is still time to avert the worst impacts if only states can make the necessary cuts to their greenhouse gas emissions. The court can, and indeed must, provide specific and pivotal guidance on states’ obligations in this regard.”

Speaking on behalf of COSIS, an intergovernmental organization with a mandate to clarify the rules and principles of international law concerning climate change, Professor Payam Akhavan reminded the court that “significant harm has already occurred, and without decisive action, it will only get worse. These impacts touch on every aspect of island life. The major polluters are destroying the future of our people.”

He continued, “The court can provide the critical guidance needed to align international law with the best available science and ensure accountability for the harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions.”

Dr. Stuart Minchin, Director-General of the Pacific Community (SPC), said the court could provide a solid foundation for the future.

“Pacific leaders aptly describe our region as the Blue Pacific Continent. It’s 98 percent ocean—it contains 30 percent of the world’s exclusive economic zones and over 60 percent of the world’s tuna stocks.”

Climate change posed a particular risk to these islands, as half of the population lived 5 km from the coastline, which highlights the consequence of extreme sea-level events in the region.

“The science is clear: Climate change is already causing existential impacts to the peoples and communities of our vast Pacific region, and meaningful action is required to reduce its impacts as a matter of urgency,” Minchin said.

“Under no scientific scenarios can we continue to pursue a future underpinned by fossil fuels and still expect to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. We need to act now to ensure the livelihoods and self-determination of Pacific people and cultures are protected for future generations.”

Coral Pasisi, Director of Climate Change at SPC, said the loss and damage were economic, cultural and social.

“The loss and damage already experienced, together with the associated impacts on culture, traditional practice, and knowledge, have both extreme economic and non-economic implications,” Pasisi said. “Cyclone Heta in 2004 caused economic damages in Niue alone, equating to five times the GDP of our country, an unimaginable and irreparable loss, including the destruction of our only museum and over 90 percent of our cultural artifacts.”

Prasad had earlier told the court that, “In the Pacific, we have always looked to the stars. Our ancestors navigated the vastness of the ocean and traveled immense distances. Today, the world needs wayfinders, those who can guide us towards a path that protects our homes, upholds our rights, and preserves our dignity.”

Now was the time for the reinvention of this time-honored tradition.

“This practice, wayfinding, is more than just a method of navigation. It is a relationship. It connects those who came before with those who will follow. Every decision mattered, not only for the journey in that moment but for the future that it shaped.”

IPS UN Bureau Report

 

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Excerpt:

Hearings on states' legal obligations to combat climate wrapped up today at the International Court of Justice. An opinion is expected next year. While wealthy countries argued that the existing climate frameworks are enough, the small island states in the Pacific, Africa and the Caribbean have pleaded with the court to consider the human rights of those affected and those who will be affected in the future.

The French automotive industry is in crisis, weakened by a sluggish economy, competition from China and the transition to electric vehicles initiated by the European Commission. As a result, redundancy plans are on the increase.

The post Amid Stellantis jitters and a secular crisis, the French automotive industry is fearing for its survival appeared first on Euractiv.

Most scientists lack training in effective science communication, and their use of jargon often hinders public understanding and trust in scientific papers and findings. Credit: Shutterstock

By Esther Ngumbi
URBANA, Illinois, US, Dec 13 2024 (IPS)

New research shows that AI-generated summaries of scientific writing made the information more approachable and easier to understand, and thus created more public engagement with the information. This is notable because most scientists aren’t trained in science communication tactics and so their jargon affects many people’s ability to understand and trust scientific papers and findings.

Science communication has always been an important part of the scientific process because discoveries, solutions and findings that can help solve our world’s greatest challenges cannot be adopted or understood by the public without clear communication.  Communicating science well also can shape and inform public policy.

Scientists, therefore, have a responsibility to make sure that they communicate their knowledge and findings in a way that the public and policymakers can understand, but too often that is not happening.

Scientists have a responsibility to make sure that they communicate their knowledge and findings in a way that the public and policymakers can understand, but too often that is not happening

Due to the importance of science communication, it is necessary for scientists to be trained in science communication. That is why I started a science communications course at my university.

I have taught it for over 4 years and cover topics like the art of writing opinion pieces and creating science stories, communicating science to different audiences through careful use of metaphors and minimal use of jargon.

Additionally, the class covers topics such as communicating science using social media and communicating with politicians and creating visual science stories.  Students who have taken the class have continued to use the skills learned in class in their careers while others went on to become science communicators

The people who need to learn these skills include recent PhD graduates, post-doctoral fellows, assistant professors, newly tenured and full professors.

There are several resources including textbooks, science communication workshops, and many trusted organizations and institutions to which scientists can turn. Science communication newbies can also turn to social media including Bluesky social and Instagram to meet other science communication enthusiasts.

Notably, there are institutions and organizations to which scientists can turn. The American Association for the Advancement of Science, for example has developed a communication toolkit to help science communication newbies.

The OpED project has programs to help people learn how to write OpEds and a few times a year, they offer science communication workshops.  Moreover, most universities also have webpages listing science communication resources.

For example, Duke University has a webpage listing the resources available including science communication workshops, events and classes.

Communicating science effectively via OpEds, blogs, and social media outlets is not only important for reaching the public and policy makers, but it can help scientists themselves, too.

First, through public publishing and engagement, scientists can establish their own reputation. Journalists and policymakers will often reach out to whatever expert they can easily find, and being active on social media and op-ed pages will make a person easier to find.

Being a consistent public voice – backed up by good work – can help establish someone as an expert in their field. Moreover, scientists that regularly and consistently participate in science communication can track its impact and include that on tenure promotion packages.

This happened to me. Being consistent with writing over 150 OpEds, since 2015, for example has helped to advance my career.

Second, communicating science publicly help a person build a professional network, which can lead to peers reaching out for collaborations and co-writing of grant proposals.

It can lead to people recommending each other for awards or invitations to speak on panels, workshops or to give plenary talks.

This has been my experience, and I’ve received a few invitations thanks to my public writing. For instance, I was invited to give a plenary talk at the annual 2019 British Ecological Society, and I’ve been invited to speak at various universities.

In 2021, I was awarded the American Association for the Advancement of Science Mani L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science.

Third, communicating science can help a scientist grow their skills and become better at speaking and writing in publicly accessible language. And it can help scientists learn to become better at capitalizing on newsworthy moments. In addition, this can also facilitate the building of trust among different communities and the public.

Fourth, it can allow scientists to offer a public service and provide accurate information about their discoveries and recent scientific and technological advancements to reporters and policymakers.

Of course, for new beginners, it can be overwhelming to join the science communication bandwagon. Not only may it be unfamiliar and a new skill to develop, but there are concerns like being unable to control what happens to your writing or how it is used once it’s published, or the fact that science is ever evolving, and new information may agree or disagree with previously held truths. But the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Science communication is critical for conveying important scientific information. Scientists must stand up for science. When scientists become better science communicators, the public, society, and scientists benefit.

Esther Ngumbi, PhD is Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, African American Studies Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Les opportunités d'investissement dans les provinces du sud du Royaume ont fait l'objet d'une conférence organisée, ce vendredi 13 décembre 2024, par le Consulat général du Maroc à Lyon. La rencontre à drainé des opérateurs économiques, des élus français et de plusieurs membres de la communauté marocaine.

A la Conference organisée, ce vendredi, le Consulat général du Maroc à Lyon a invité le responsable du pôle impulsion économique et offre territoriale au Centre régional d'investissement de Laâyoune, Abdelaadim Alaoui pour présenter les atouts de la région, notamment le niveau de développement, les infrastructures, le climat des affaires favorable, la disponibilité et le niveau de qualification de la main d'œuvre.

Il a mis l'accent sur les secteurs porteurs. notamment l'agriculture, la pêche, le tourisme et les énergies renouvelables, sans oublier le rôle du CRI en matière d'orientation et d'accompagnement des investisseurs.

La Consule générale du Maroc à Lyon n'a pas manqué de rappeler les avancées majeures accomplies sous la conduite éclairée de SM le Roi Mohammed VI dans les provinces du sud, devenues aujourd'hui un véritable hub économique.

Fatima Baroudi a souligné les facilités offertes aux investisseurs pour créer leurs entreprises dans ces régions qui disposent d'un potentiel énorme et qui connaissent un essor de développement remarquable avec des projets grandioses qui y sont menés sous l'impulsion royale.

Un débat a été ouvert sur les dispositifs d'accompagnement à l'investissement, les facilités administratives octroyées aux investisseurs et le suivi des dossiers.

Au cours de la rencontre, des entrepreneurs ayant réussi leurs projets dans les provinces du sud ont présenté leurs expériences, confirmant ainsi l'essor de développement que connaissent ces régions selon une approche privilégiant la diversification économique, la promotion des investissements durables qui bénéficient principalement aux populations de ces régions et les facilités et mesures d'accompagnement dont ils bénéficient auprès des différents intervenants.

Le coprésident de la Confédération française des petites et moyennes entreprises, Patrice Blandin, s'est félicité de la tenue de cette conférence qui a mis en exergue l'énorme potentiel que représente la région de Laâyoune en termes d'opportunités d'investissements et le climat des affaires qui y est favorable.

Sanae Iffach, entrepreneure dans le secteur numérique, a souligné que cette rencontre a permis de rapprocher les investisseurs des atouts qu'offrent les régions du sud du Royaume. Elle a aussi évoqué l'élan de développement socio-économique qu'elles connaissent, et la mobilisation de l'ensemble de la communauté marocaine pour accompagner cette dynamique vertueuse que connaît le Royaume sous la conduite éclairée de SM le Roi Mohammed VI.

Cette conférence fait suite à celle organisée le 6 novembre dernier sur les potentialités des provinces du sud du Royaume et l'opportunité d'y investir, en réponse à l'engouement d'un certain nombre d'investisseurs français et marocains désireux de profiter des atouts qu'offrent ces régions pour y implanter leurs projets.

L’année 2025 s’annonce comme l’une des trois années les plus chaudes jamais enregistrées dans l’histoire de la Terre, un fait qui illustre une tendance alarmante […]

L’article 2025 envisagée comme l’une des années les plus chaudes jamais enregistrées est apparu en premier sur .

European diplomacy has a lot on its plate and little time to act.

The post The Brief – Europe’s Guantanamo appeared first on Euractiv.

Quelle : © Europäische Union, 2024 - EP

Depuis la nomination des ministres conseillers du chef de l'État, les débats vont bon train, notamment sur les réseaux sociaux. Une place de choix aurait été fait à d'anciens ministres, députés au détriment des jeunes qui soutiennent le chef de l'Etat. Voici la réaction du porte-parole du gouvernement sur le sujet.

Un équilibre a été fait dans le choix des membres du Collège de ministres-conseillers du président Talon. Il y a un « savant dosage entre jeunesse et expérience ». Le Chef de l'Etat a fait en sorte de satisfaire tout le monde, selon les explications du Secrétaire général adjoint du gouvernement et porte-parole du gouvernement.

« Tous ceux qui militent aspirent généralement à avoir une position. S'il y a possibilité pour un président de la République, un ministre, un DG ou un conseiller, un responsable politique quelconque, de pouvoir des postes autour de lui, tous ceux qui militent sont légitimes pour aspirer à, tant qu'ils en ont le profil. Donc, dans ce collège-là, on note un bon mix, jeunes et moins jeunes », a indiqué Wilfried Houngbédji ce vendredi 13 décembre 2024 lors d'une rencontre avec les professionnels des médias.

Pour le Secrétaire général adjoint du gouvernement et porte-parole du gouvernement, ce n'est pas parce que le collège est constitué de moins de personne de moins de 40 ou 50 ans que l'on est en droit de penser que la jeunesse a été sacrifiée.

« Compétence, expérience, engagement politique », sont les critères qui ont prévalu dans le choix des douze ministres-conseillers nommés le 11 décembre dernier.

Pas de cumul de fonctions

Les journalistes présents à la rencontre ont questionné le porte-parole du gouvernement sur le cas de l'actuel Directeur des transports terrestres et aériens nommé Ministre conseiller aux infrastructures, à la Gouvernance locale et au Cadre de Vie. « Il (Jacques Ayadji, NDLR) est nommé à la présidence de la République. En tant que ministre conseiller, il est désormais un cadre à la présidence de la République. Il va sans dire que la fonction qu'il occupe au ministère jusqu'à sa nomination, quelqu'un d'autre va l'occuper. Il y a des cadres compétents au sein de ce ministère. Donc le ministre Tonato ne manquera pas de propositions ou de candidats », a expliqué Wilfried Houngbédji.

Soutiens et accompagnateurs de l'action gouvernementale

Les ministres-conseillers disposent d'un secrétariat commun. « L'ensemble, c'est une équipe coordonnée par un. Le coordonnateur de ce collège-là, il vient en conseil des ministres. Mais tous les membres du collège, ils sont en comité interministériel. Le comité interministériel, c'est le lieu où se débattent, se discutent les dossiers qui sont soumis au conseil des ministres. Les dossiers, quand ils partent du ministère, ils arrivent, tout le gouvernement se réunit autour, en comité interministériel, pour apprécier, discuter, critiquer, améliorer. Les ministres conseillers, en tant que soutiens et accompagnateurs de l'action qui se met là, vont apporter leur expérience, leur lecture au cours des débats en comité interministériel. Ils peuvent être consultés en amont par les ministres titulaires des portefeuilles sur tel ou tel sujet, avant son introduction en comité interministériel. Ou alors, en comité, ils viennent participer à la réflexion, ils font leurs propositions, et puis, ils se retrouvent après au sein de leur collège. Et celui qui coordonne, lui, le mercredi, il est en conseil des ministres », a expliqué Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji.

« Les ministres conseillers ne sont pas seulement là pour des considérations politiques. Ils ajoutent une dimension politique à l'approche technique des ministres en poste », a expliqué le porte-parole du gouvernement.
M. M.

On Friday, the European Parliament political group leaders have decided on the creation of two new standing committees and two special committees.

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

On Friday, the European Parliament political group leaders have decided on the creation of two new standing committees and two special committees.

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

On Friday, the European Parliament political group leaders have decided on the creation of two new standing committees and two special committees.

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

On Friday, the European Parliament political group leaders have decided on the creation of two new standing committees and two special committees.

Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

Mateusz Morawiecki devrait succéder à la Première ministre italienne et dirigeante de Fratelli d’Italia, Giorgia Meloni, à la présidence du parti d’extrême droite des Conservateurs et Réformistes européens (CRE) en janvier.

La numérotation d’un véhicule, c’est bien plus qu’une simple formalité administrative. C’est un élément clé pour l’identification d’un véhicule et la lutte contre la criminalité. […]

L’article Immatriculation des véhicules : Le ministre dévoile les nouvelles mesures de contrôle est apparu en premier sur .

Präsident Emmanuel Macron hat den Zentristen François Bayrou zum vierten Premierminister innerhalb eines Jahres ernannt. Der erfahrende Politiker steht nun vor der schwierigen Aufgabe, eine zunehmend gespaltene Nationalversammlung wieder zusammenzuführen.

Après l’adoption par le parlement slovaque d’une loi obligeant les médecins à travailler sous peine d’une peine d’emprisonnement pouvant aller jusqu’à un an, les travailleurs de la santé en grève et l’opposition ont demandé au président Peter Pellegrini d’opposer son veto au projet de loi.

583369 Participants in a training course for the OSCE Pool of Young Experts on professional competences in the field of peace and security, Vienna, 11 December 2024. Communication and Media Relations Section

From 11 to 13 December, the OSCE brought together 27 members of the OSCE Pool of Young Experts (18 women and 9 men) in Vienna for an in-person training course focusing on professional competences in the field of peace and security.

The OSCE Pool of Young Experts is a database of 82 young professionals that are all alumni of OSCE activities between the ages of 18 and 30 from across the OSCE region who are motivated to contribute to the work of the OSCE and to peace and security discussions.

The civil servants, students and civil society representatives from across the OSCE region that participated in the training course discussed the Organization’s comprehensive security approach, women in diplomacy in the multilateral context, and the youth and security agenda. In addition, the training included skill-building exercises on public speaking, mediation and negotiations as well as an exchange with OSCE staff.

“Malta strongly believes in the importance of youth involvement in political decision-making as a positive force for social cohesion and sustainable security. We have made this belief central to our Chairpersonship agenda by mainstreaming youth voices across all our strands of work, ranging from sessions on threats affecting cyberspace to our discussions on antisemitism,” said Giulia Saydon, Policy Co-ordinator at the Permanent Mission of Malta to OSCE, the UN and other international organizations, in her opening remarks. “We are, therefore, convinced that the OSCE Pool of Young Experts provides an opportunity for growth, learning and impact. Together, you can shape a forward-looking vision of peace and security that is future-proof and enriched by youth perspectives.”

Participants emphasized the value of practical exercises on negotiation, conflict resolution and mediation, underlining the importance of their dialogue with OSCE staff members on the organizational structure and decision-making processes, among other topics.

“We have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of engaging youth in shaping policy. Some of the most innovative ideas in our workshops and work come from young people,” stressed Andrea Salvoni, Senior Advisor in the Office of the OSCE Secretary-General. “Don’t hesitate to share your ideas and collaborate on solutions — you have the potential to make a meaningful impact”.

Anastasia Lortkipanidze, a member of the OSCE Pool of Young Experts, noted that "the Pool of Young Experts initiative is an outstanding platform that not only allows participants to voice their concerns on pressing issues but also promotes valuable connections with peers and professionals. It serves as a unique space to exchange ideas, collaborate, and build networks, all while equipping young experts with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for their future career opportunities."

Another Pool member, Davor Džakula, said that “participating in the OSCE Pool of Young Experts has been an extraordinary journey, filled with meaningful discussions and impactful sessions alongside colleagues from across Europe, Central Asia and beyond. The diversity of experiences and insights shared within this program has left an indelible mark on me.”

The OSCE extra-budgetary project “Accelerating the implementation of the Youth and Security Agenda in the OSCE region” continues to drive efforts to empower young leaders in the OSCE region, fostering their potential to shape the future of security and co-operation.

Le retour forcé des réfugiés syriens vers leur pays d'origine n'est pas pour l'heure souhaitable, a expliqué le nouveau commissaire aux Affaires intérieures et à la Migration, Magnus Brunner, lors d’une conférence de presse, jeudi 12 décembre.