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Am Sonntagabend kommt es in Erlen TG auf der Bahnstrecke zu einem schlimmen Arbeitsunfall. Ein Arbeiter musste mit lebensbedrohlichen Verletzungen ins Spital eingeliefert werden.

Une sortante conservatrice croate un peu trop riche, un jeune loup social-démocrate roumain, un conservateur grec qui pourrait faire de l'ombre à son Premier ministre, un indépendant slovène... Seule la Bulgarie propose deux noms : un écologiste libéral ou une figure proche de l'extrême droite. Tour d'horizon.

- Articles / Courrier des Balkans, Blocage UE, Bulgarie, Croatie, Grèce, Roumanie, Slovénie, Questions européennes, Personnalités, Politique, Européennes, Une - Diaporama, Une - Diaporama - En premier

Une sortante conservatrice croate un peu trop riche, un jeune loup social-démocrate roumain, un conservateur grec qui pourrait faire de l'ombre à son Premier ministre, un indépendant slovène... Seule la Bulgarie propose deux noms : un écologiste libéral ou une figure proche de l'extrême droite. Tour d'horizon.

- Articles / Courrier des Balkans, Blocage UE, Bulgarie, Croatie, Grèce, Roumanie, Slovénie, Questions européennes, Personnalités, Politique, Européennes, Une - Diaporama, Une - Diaporama - En premier

Die Familie des mutmasslichen Solingen-Attentäters ist fassungslos. Sie beschreibt ihn als fröhlichen Menschen und kann nicht glauben, dass er für die Tat verantwortlich ist.

Die Familie des mutmasslichen Solingen-Attentäters ist fassungslos. Sie beschreibt ihn als fröhlichen Menschen und kann nicht glauben, dass er für die Tat verantwortlich ist.

Digital technology has become an indispensable part of life and learning tool for children. Credit: Unsplash/Giu Vicente

By Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana and Zhaslan Madiyev
BANGKOK, Thailand, Sep 2 2024 (IPS)

The development paradigm has shifted to ‘digital by default’ as a norm, reshaping societies and economies. As a hub for digitally driven innovations, Asia and the Pacific is well positioned to leverage the transformative potential of digital technologies to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Emerging technologies are enabling smarter climate action, building more disaster-resilient cities and optimizing urban development. Artificial intelligence is helping improve the accuracy of early warning systems for disasters by providing the right information that reaches all the right people at the right time.

Digital finance is more inclusive – expanding access especially for marginalized groups – while digital government platforms likewise enable public services to reach all citizens more effectively and efficiently.

The Asia-Pacific Digital Transformation Report 2024, which will be launched this week, demonstrates how digital innovations have enabled more sophisticated climate mitigation and adaptation measures across infrastructure, governance, mobility, industry and trade, disaster risk reduction, and agricultural and biodiversity ecosystems.

Drawing from International Energy Agency data, the deployment of digital technologies and big data could save $80 billion per year or around 5 per cent of total world annual power generation costs, while digitalization can help the integration of renewables by enabling smart grids to better match energy demand.

However, the opportunities presented by digital innovations for sustainable development also face challenges and looming threats. The Asia-Pacific region is confronted with several barriers to the broad-scale adoption of digital solutions.

While 96 per cent of the population in Asia and the Pacific live in areas covered by mobile broadband networks, it is estimated that only one-third productively uses internet services and up to 40 per cent lacks basic digital skills.

Moreover, while four out of five people in urban areas use the Internet, in rural regions, this figure is only 52 per cent. Such gaps in meaningful access are due to digital divides that broadly follow age, income, education and geographic fault lines, with the gender divide underlying all these aspects.

With the use of artificial intelligence rapidly rising, the need and urgency to bridge the digital divides between and within countries remain critical to ensure the full enjoyment of the benefits of digital technologies for all, while minimizing their risks.

Deploying innovative breakthrough solutions in bridging the digital divide and leveraging digital transformation for sustainable development will require mobilizing investments at scale in new infrastructure and connectivity.

To this end, expanding affordable high-speed Internet coverage particularly among marginalized and underserved communities in rural areas, as well as offering digital skills training and lifelong learning, are critical for reducing digital disparities and connecting the unconnected.

By sharing knowledge, experiences and practices among countries, regional cooperation can create a conducive environment for innovation to flourish and steer us towards an inclusive digital future.

These holistic approaches require a high level of policy ambition. At the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Digital Inclusion and Transformation, which ESCAP is organizing in partnership with the Government of Kazakhstan in Astana this week, Ministers are expected to commit to a common vision, centred on innovative, collaborative digital solutions grounded in regional cooperation.

In this regard, the conference will consider the possibility of establishing a Digital Solutions Centre for Sustainable Development in Kazakhstan that aims to share practical digital solutions to advance the sustainable development agenda in the region.

Relatedly, the ESCAP Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway Initiative and its Action Plan 2022-2026 contributes to the collective push to extend meaningful connectivity to all, scale up digital technology applications and strengthen digital data, which form the foundations for an inclusive, sustainable digital future.

With Asia and the Pacific at the forefront of a global digital transformation, a sustainable future is within reach. Let us seize on the digital promise to accelerate sustainable development in our region.

https://www.youtube.com/unescap

Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana is Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP.

Zhaslan Madiyev is Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan.

IPS UN Bureau

 

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Die Arbeit der Zürcher Staatsanwaltschaft im Fall Vincenz hat am Montag zu einem Schlagabtausch im Kantonsrat geführt. Der Regierungsrat will keine Auskunft darüber geben, wie der Beizug externer Experten bei der Staatsanwaltschaft gehandhabt wird.

Die Abteilung Staat (Public Economics) des Deutschen Instituts für Wirtschaftsforschung (DIW Berlin) sucht zum nächstmöglichen Zeitpunkt eine studentische Hilfskraft (w/m/div) (für 10 Wochenstunden).

Les rideaux sont tombés ce dimanche sur l'edition 2024 du Championnat national de tennis. Au total 260 joueurs (filles et garçons) ont pris part à la compétition. Ce sont les courts du stade Charles de Gaulle de Porto-Novo, et de l'Académie Darboux à Cotonou qui ont abrité les matches de la compétition qui a duré six jours.

Un bilan satisfaisant couronne l'édition 2024 du championnat national de tennis. « Ce que nous avons vu, nous encourage. On n'a vu des jeunes surtout les filles évoluées au plan technique physique et mental. Cela nous amène à croire que le tennis béninois a de l'avenir. », a laissé entendre le Directeur technique national Mathieu Houssou AZO. Démarrée le 26 Août dernier, la compétition organisée par la Fédération béninoise de tennis (FBT), a pris fin ce samedi 31 Août par des confrontation très intéressantes. Les différentes finales ont prouvé que ke tennus est en pleine progression.
Chez les seniors garçons, Jean Sègodo a battu Morgan Sègodo 6/2, 1/6, 5/2 avec la disqualification de Morgan Segodo par le juge arbitre.
Chez les dames seniors, Eléazar Honfoga a pris le meilleur sur Pascaline Vitou 6/3,7/5 .
Pour le secrétaire général de la fédération béninoise de tennis (FBT), Bernardin Codjo, les différentes rencontres ont parfaitement illustré le travail fait par les entraîneurs avant ce rendez-vous national.
« Nous avons eu droit à de spectacles de belle facture. Nous avons constaté que des jeunes des départements de l'Atacora et de la Donga ont rivalisé avec certains seniors. Le carré d'As est resté inchangé comme l'année dernière. Le nombre de participants a augmenté. C'est dire qu'un travail se fait dans les clubs pour accompagner la FBT. Nous avons constaté qu'il y a de jeunes talents qui montent et au niveau de la FBT nous allons les accompagner et faire un suivi en ce qui concerne leurs séances d'entraînement par la direction technique nationale. », a dit Bernardin Codjo.
Au terme, des prix ont été remis aux gagnants, des trophées, des médailles des cordages, et des boîtes de balles aux gagnants. Chez les seniors des bourses (enveloppes financières) ont été attribuées aux gagnants et selon les explications du secrétaire général, il s'agit d'un système qui a pour objectif de faciliter les séances d'entraînements de ceux qui se sont illustrés brillamment au terme du championnat.
Remise de prix aux méritants, distribution de matériels aux départements présents.
Boîtes de balle et cordage.

Voici le podium de chaque catégorie

Les 10 ans et moins filles
1er Saïzonou Grâce
2è Houngbete Bedia
3è Yerokpa Ornella

10 ans et moins garçons
1er KOUAGOU Audrey
2è ALLOWAKINNOU Michel
3è Abibou ISTIDJABA

12 ans et moins filles
1ere Honfoga Gisèle
2è Kouagou Tena
3è Moukilath

12 ans et moins garçons
1er Alowakinou Ivan
2è Bebo Juvenal
3è Saïzonou Cristiano

14 ans et moins filles
1ère Marete Naomie
2è Honfoga Gisèle
3è Ogwo Peace

14 ans et moins garçon
1er Agou Rodolphe
2e Bebo Juvenal
3è Dogo Miguel

16 ans et moins filles
1ère Honvou Jemila
2è Naomie Marete
3è Kassa Berepa

16 ans et moins garçons
1er N'Da Paul
2è Dogo Miguel
3è Agou Horace

18 ans et moins filles
1er Eleazar Honfoga
2è Nouantin Hélène
3è Danhouan Harmonie

18 ans et moins garçons
1er Kakpo Pacôme
2è Becoude précieux
3è Gandonou Béni

Senior dames
1er Honfoga Eleazar
2è Vitou Pascaline
3è Honvou Djemila

Seniors hommes
1er Segodo Jean
2è Segodo Morgan
3è Christian Dhossou

TASR: Országszerte több rendőrjárőr van az utcákon hétfőn, a tanévnyitó napján, a fő feladatuk a biztonságos közlekedés ellenőrzése az iskolák környékén, különösen a gyalogosátkelőknél – tájékoztatta a TASR-t Roman Hájek, az országos rendőr-főkapitányság szóvivője.

US financial support of various UN organizations is critical not only for the fulfillment of their humanitarian causes but also to serve America’s best national interests. Such support bolsters its global leadership role and influence, enabling it to walk on high moral ground. Credit: United Nations, New York

By Alon Ben-Meir
NEW YORK, Sep 2 2024 (IPS)

During Donald Trump’s presidency, the United States withdrew from several international organizations. These include the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Trump’s actions were partly motivated by a broader strategy, presumably prioritizing “America First” policies. Trump often cited perceived prejudices or inefficiencies within these organizations.

If Trump were to be reelected, he should be persuaded not to take similar actions as that would diminish rather than serve America’s leadership role and its influence on these organizations and prevent it from leading by example and walking the high moral ground.

Although Trump, if reelected, will more than likely withdraw from many of these organizations, when and how he will act would depend on several factors.

Strategic Interests

Trump’s foreign policy has often been transactional. He was guided by what he thought best served America’s interests. If staying in these organizations is inconsistent with his perceived strategic interests, however misguided that might be, he will undoubtedly consider withdrawing again from these and other UN organizations.

Political Climate

The domestic and international political climate could influence his decisions. For example, if Trump enjoyed solid domestic support for disengaging from international organizations or if geopolitical tensions required a reevaluation of alliances, he might pursue similar actions.

Policy Continuity

Trump’s previous withdrawals were propelled by his critiques of many of these organizations, such as suspected mismanagement, prejudice against specific states, or inadequacies in dealing with global issues. Similar actions could be expected if his views on these “concerns” remain unchanged.

That said, given what Trump has been saying and advocating as he campaigns for reelection, he remains committed to his misguided notion of “America First” when, in fact, America’s best interest is served by staying in rather than withdrawing from these international organizations.

Nevertheless, should he still take similar action, it could create significant financial gaps at these organizations, given the US’s role as the largest contributor to the UN.

In 2022, the US contributed over $18 billion, accounting for about one-third of the UN’s overall funding. This substantial financial support is crucial for various UN operations, including peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and health initiatives.

In the event of a US withdrawal, the UN should be prepared to take several measures to mitigate the adverse impact on these organizations.

Bolstering Alliances

The UN Secretary-General should seek to build stronger coalitions with other countries to step up to fill the financial void and assist in mitigating the impact of a US withdrawal, including nurturing relationships with emerging economies and regional powers. These powers include:

• China: As the second-largest contributor to the UN, China has already increased its financial commitments in recent years. In 2022, China contributed approximately 16 percent of the UN peacekeeping budget and 15 percent to the UN’s regular budget, making it a significant player.

• Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom: These countries are among the top contributors to the UN budget, with Japan contributing about 8 percent, Germany contributing around 6 percent, and the United Kingdom contributing around 4 percent. While these nations might struggle to fill the gap left by the US entirely, they could increase their contributions to mitigate the adverse impact.

• The EU: Given its commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation, the EU could collectively increase its contributions to the UN, which would offer the block an opportunity to assert its leadership on the world stage.

• Emerging Powers like India and Brazil, which are growing economically, might also be encouraged to increase their contributions. This could allow these nations to gain more influence in international affairs.

While these countries and groups might increase their contributions, it is important to note that the financial gap left by the US would be challenging to fill completely. The UN will have to prioritize its programs and seek efficiencies to cope with reduced funding. Additionally, the loss of US support could lead to strategic shifts within the UN, affecting its operations and influence.

Broadening of Funding Resources

Organizations such as UNRWA should diversify their funding sources to reduce their dependence on any single country, especially the US, which is the largest contributor. This could involve increasing contributions from other member UN states, private donors, and charitable organizations specifically concerned about the plight of the Palestinians.

Such countries may include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and other oil-rich Arab states.

Involving US policymakers

The UN should engage privately with many US policymakers to address its concerns and demonstrate the benefits of membership in these organizations, which could avert future withdrawals by the new Trump administration. This could entail stressing the importance and the strategic advantages of multilateral collaboration in addressing international challenges.

Reform Initiatives

Addressing criticisms that led to previous withdrawals, such as perceived biases or inefficiencies, could help prevent future disengagements. Moreover, transparent reforms and accountability measures might reassure skeptical member states of the organizations’ importance and effectiveness.

US financial support of many UN organizations must remain unabated. Those who can exert any influence on Trump should point out to him, should he be reelected, how critical US support is for the functioning of these organizations, as well as for the US’s self-interest, which is consistent with Trump’s notion of “America First.”

Given, however, what we know about Trump, the likelihood is that he will not change his ways and may well pursue the same shortsighted policies.

Thus, by preparing and adopting the above strategic measures, the UN and its agencies will be in a much stronger position to survive potential shifts in the US treatment of these organizations and its foreign policy in general under Trump and proceed with their important missions efficiently.

Dr. Alon Ben-Meir is a retired professor of international relations, most recently at the Center for Global Affairs at New York University (NYU). He taught courses on international negotiation and Middle Eastern studies.

IPS UN Bureau

 

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Au cours des dix derniers mois, les Nations unies ont recensé près de 1 270 attaques de colons juifs contre des civils palestiniens.

Au cours des dix derniers mois, les Nations unies ont recensé près de 1 270 attaques de colons juifs contre des civils palestiniens.

Die 19-jährige Elefantenkuh Farha vom Zoo Zürich ist in freudiger Erwartung: Im Frühjahr 2025 soll sie ein Elefantenbaby zur Welt bringen. Vater des ungeborenen Kalbs ist der gleichaltrige Elefantenbulle Thai.

Ein wegen Weinpanscherei angeklagter Walliser Winzer erhält 42 Monate Gefängnis ohne Bewährung. Er soll zwischen 2009 und 2016 mehrere Hunderttausend Liter ausländischen, schaffhausischen oder quotenfreien Wein unter der Bezeichnung AOC Valais verkauft haben.

Das Staatsarchiv Schwyz hat historisches Filmmaterial aus dem vergangenen Jahrhundert gefunden. Im Rahmen dreier Veranstaltungen will das Archiv die Filmausschnitte der Bevölkerung vorführen.

Elpusztult az orosz kémnek gondolt fehér bálna. A "Hvaldimir" névre keresztel beluga tetemét egy dél-norvégiai öbölben találták meg horgászok. A fehér bálna tetemét daruval emelték ki a vízből, és egy közeli kikötőbe szállították, ahol szakértők fogják megvizsgálni – jelentette az NRK norvég közszolgálati televízió.

FDP-Präsident Thierry Burkart fordert eine Zuwanderungsabgabe für Schweizer Unternehmen, um die volkswirtschaftlichen Kosten der Anwerbung ausländischer Fachkräfte auszugleichen. Er betont die Notwendigkeit einer Schutzklausel zur wirksamen Regulierung der Zuwanderung.

Lugano ist noch auf der Suche nach einem Celar-Ersatz im Sturm. Dabei hat das Spiel gegen den FCSG gezeigt: Kacper Przybylko hat das Zeug, um in die Bresche zu springen.

VIENNA, 2 September 2024 - In a new communiqué on Fostering Media Freedom Literacy (MFL) issued today, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro recommended that all OSCE participating States adopt a series of multi-stakeholder actions to create an environment that helps people recognize, access, and use different media, as well as understand the importance of a free media as an essential component of democracy and security.

The communiqué underscores the growing importance of MFL in the current digital landscape, where the critical role of informed discussion and debate across society is undermined by exploiting the extreme polarisation of views, often for financial gain.

“Media Freedom Literacy includes understanding the significance of a pluralistic, well-functioning media landscape serving the public interest, along with the ability of all citizens to critically evaluate and ethically produce media content. MFL should be viewed as a life-long learning process with different citizens being provided with different support at different stages of their learning journey,” Ribeiro said.

The RFoM Communiqué emphasizes the need for governments and state agencies to ensure that independent national regulatory authorities and/or other bodies have the scope and resources necessary to promote MFL in line with their mandates and to facilitate strategic co-ordination at a national level. In addition, participating States are called on to ensure easily accessible and understandable information on structures of media ownership.

Ribeiro also recommended that participating States support various types of media, including public service broadcasters, in their efforts to raise awareness on MFL issues with the general public, as well as promote and where possible regulate transparency amongst online platforms about how they deliver news content.

“Throughout the OSCE region, obligations relating to media literacy, and by extension to MFL, apply to a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, media regulatory authorities, video-sharing platforms, and other actors. In close collaboration with civil society, academia, and media, these form a solid base for the introduction of MFL programmes within the wider arena of media literacy,” Ribeiro concluded.

See the Communiqué on Fostering Media Freedom Literacy in the OSCE participating States here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/575422

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom