Latest news with #AnnualConference
Maroc
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Maroc
Essaouira to Host UNESCO's 2026 Creative Cities Conference
Morocco's Essaouira will host the 18th session of the 2026 Annual Conference of the Creative Cities Network of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN organization announced on Monday. According to a UNESCO press release, this decision was taken following an online vote by the network's member cities, during which Essaouira garnered the highest number of votes among the candidate cities. Essaouira thus becomes 'the first city in Africa and the Arab world to host the Network's annual conference'. Since its selection in 2019 as a Creative City in the field of music, Essaouira has stood out through 'its commitment to the cultural and creative sectors, with a particular focus on music', the UN institution notes, citing emblematic festivals such as Gnaoua, World Music and Jazz sous l'Arganier (Jazz under the Argan tree) as testimony to the 'cultural richness of Essaouira, a crossroads city where local traditions interweave into a profoundly multifaceted identity'. The annual UNESCO Creative Cities Conference is a major platform for the 350 member cities to 'exchange ideas, share best practices and strengthen international cooperation on culture and sustainable urban development'. According to the same source, the 2026 edition in Essaouira will focus among other topics on the sustainability of policies and actions in favor of the cultural and creative industries at local level. It will also be a unique opportunity to highlight 'the rich cultural heritage and vibrant creativity of this Moroccan city'. UNESCO's collaboration with Essaouira in hosting this conference is part of bolstering and promoting UNESCO's Creative Cities Network. It also serves as a follow-up to the Mondiacult 2025 World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development, as well as a step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, namely SDG 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, the press release concludes. MAP: 30 June 2025
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
USA Cricket board faces ICC pressure amid looming suspension threat
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global governing body of cricket (Photo Credit: Reuters) BIRMINGHAM: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing to take decisive action against USA Cricket (USAC) as the end of its 12-month governance notice period approaches next month. Sources familiar with the matter say the ICC is considering suspending the national governing body unless significant leadership changes occur before the ICC's Annual Conference in July. USAC was formally placed under notice in July 2024, when the ICC established a normalisation committee to oversee compliance and reforms. At the time, the ICC cited the board's lack of a 'fit for purpose' governance and administrative structure. Since then, little progress has been made, according to individuals with knowledge of recent discussions. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! An ICC delegation visited Los Angeles earlier this month for meetings with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). Those discussions, which included members of the normalisation committee and senior USAC representatives, are understood to have reinforced concerns about ongoing dysfunction and internal disputes within USAC. One official with direct involvement described the situation as 'unsustainable,' noting that despite repeated warnings and external oversight, 'very little has changed.' 'The ICC's position is clear: effective governance is non-negotiable, especially ahead of cricket's return to the Olympics at LA 2028,' the official said. Poll How confident are you in the current USAC leadership? Very confident Somewhat confident Not confident at all During the visit, ICC representatives reportedly urged members of the current board, led by Chair Venu Pisike, to step down voluntarily. While some directors are said to be open to resigning, others remain resistant. A board member told that no formal decisions have been made and that the group is awaiting documentation from the ICC before determining next steps. ICC officials pushed back on that characterisation, stating the Los Angeles discussions were informal and not subject to official minutes. 'This is not a bureaucratic technicality,' said one person close to the talks. 'This is about whether the US cricket community is governed competently and transparently.' MLC 2025: Unmukt Chand's road to redemption in America A small number of directors remain defiant, according to sources. However, several resignations are expected in the coming weeks in an effort to preempt formal sanctions. Suspension by the ICC would effectively isolate USAC from global cricket structures, impacting its ability to receive funding, host international matches, or participate in development programs. The ICC has not made a public statement on the matter, but with the July deadline approaching, a resolution—voluntary or otherwise—appears imminent. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Delhi Speaker to attend Commonwealth parliamentary event in Dharamshala tomorrow
New Delhi: Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta will participate in the Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) in Dharamshala on Monday to promote dialogue on improving the functioning of legislatures, an official said. The two-day conference will be inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and witness the participation of constitutional experts, lawmakers, and senior parliamentary functionaries, the official said in a statement. Gupta is expected to highlight the recent democratic and technological initiatives undertaken by the Delhi Legislative Assembly and emphasise the importance of strengthening institutional frameworks to meet the evolving aspirations of people. His participation will contribute significantly to the shared vision of cooperative federalism and dynamic legislative governance, said the statement. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in legislative functioning will also be a focal point of the conference. Participants will explore the potential of AI in enhancing the efficiency of legislative research, streamlining parliamentary procedures, and enabling better public participation through digital platforms. This discussion will revolve around the growing recognition of the role of technology in modern governance, the statement said. This annual conference of the CPA (India Region, Zone-II) offers a vital platform for exchanging ideas, fostering inter-legislative understanding, and reaffirming the commitment of elected representatives to the principles of constitutional democracy and good governance. The two-day event will bring together Presiding Officers and Members of Legislative Assemblies from Delhi, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab to deliberate on key issues concerning legislative governance, democratic accountability, and inter-state collaboration. The delegation accompanying Delhi Speaker includes the Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bist, Chief Whip Abhay Verma, MLAs Shikha Roy and Jitender Mahajan and Secretary of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Ranjeet Singh. A key theme of the conference will be the role of legislatures in managing state resources and ensuring their effective utilisation for the holistic development of states. Discussions will centre around how legislative bodies can contribute to more accountable governance, ensure fiscal responsibility, and align developmental goals with the public interest. Another important area of deliberation will be the provisions related to the disqualification of legislators on grounds of defection, as laid out under the Tenth Schedule of Articles 102(2) and 191(2) of the Constitution. The session will address current challenges in upholding the sanctity of the anti-defection law and the need for timely and impartial decision-making by Presiding Officers.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to inaugurate annual conference of CPA India Region Zone-II at Dharamshala
New Delhi [India], June 28 (ANI): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the Annual Conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-II at Tapovan in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala on Monday, 30 June, 2025, a release said on Saturday. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh; Harivansh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha; Kuldeep Singh Pathania; Speaker, Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly; Jai Ram Thakur, Leader of Opposition in Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly; Harshwardhan Chauhan, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Himachal Pradesh and other dignitaries will grace the Inaugural Session. The theme of the Conference is: 'Good Governance in the Digital Era: Managing Resources, Defending Democracy, and Embracing Innovation' During the two days Conference featuring a series of plenary sessions and discussions on significant legislative and constitutional topics, the dignitaries will deliberate on the following topics: Role of Legislatures in Managing the State Resources vis-a-vis Development of the State, Provisions as to Disqualification on Grounds of Defection under 10th Schedule of the Article 102 (2) & 191(2) and Usage of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in Legislatures. The valedictory session on July 1 will be graced by Shiv Pratap Shukla, Governor of Himachal Pradesh, who will address the gathering and deliver the concluding remarks. A spiritual highlight of the event will be a special interaction with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, bringing a moment of peace and reflection to the proceedings. The Conference aims to serve as a vital platform for strengthening democratic institutions, sharing best practices, and exploring innovative approaches to governance and legislative functioning in the contemporary era. (ANI)
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Kuching and Rouen, France explore gastronomy friendship city initiative
Wee (left) and Mayer-Rossignol exchange greetings during the meeting. KUCHING (June 27): Kuching and Rouen, the capital of the northern French region of Normandy, are exploring the potential to establish a Kuching–Rouen Gastronomy Friendship City partnership for mutual benefit. This interest was expressed by Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and Rouen Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, who is also President of the Rouen Normandie Metropolitan Area, when the former paid a courtesy call on the latter during his participation in the XVII UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Annual Conference held in Enghien-les-Bains, France, a statement read today. The proposed Kuching–Rouen Gastronomy Friendship City initiative is aimed at deepening collaboration between the two cities through joint programmes that connect gastronomy, cultural heritage and digital innovation. Both Kuching and Rouen were designated UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in 2021, positioning them as unique partners in promoting sustainable urban development through food culture. During their meeting, the two mayors exchanged ideas and best practices on integrating gastronomy with cultural, heritage, and community-driven initiatives. The discussion also touched on the impact of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), on the culinary and cultural sectors. Both Wee and Mayer-Rossignol recognised AI as a valuable tool that, when used responsibly, could enhance creativity, preserve food heritage and support innovation in gastronomy-related policies and practices. Friendship City gastronomy city Rouen wee hong seng
