Latest news with #Conference
India Gazette
17 hours 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)
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Sevilla Conference On Development Financing Shows Optimism For Multilateralism
Today, a $4 trillion financing gap is hindering progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the end of this decade. In response, the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) will take place in Sevilla, Spain, beginning on 30 June, bringing together stakeholders to advance solutions to the financing challenges threatening sustainable development. 'We've seen mounting debt burdens and declining investment, and we've seen reduced aid and growing trade barriers. The current system is certainly not delivering for the people it was designed to support,' said Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed at a briefing on Wednesday about the conference. She was joined by Ambassador Héctor Gómez Hernández of Spain, and Ambassador Chola Milambo of Zambia. Role of stakeholders More than 70 heads of state and government will attend the Conference, along with leaders of international financial institutions, civil society, philanthropies and the private sector, including those from energy, food systems and digital industries. 'The collective presence alone, I believe, sends a good signal for multilateralism at a time when we're facing quite a bit of pushback,' said Ms. Mohammed. Seville Commitment On 17 June, Member States agreed on the Compromiso de Sevilla, or Seville Commitment, to adopt at the Conference. Ms. Mohammed stressed that the Commitment addresses the debt crisis in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to financing shortfalls, as many spend more on debt interest than on essential services, straining the opportunity for sustainable development. Ambassador Milambo explained that this will be done through greater transparency, a global debt registry, and amplifying the voices of debtor countries. It also aims to catalyse investment by tripling Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) lending, doubling Official Development Assistance (ODA) to developing countries, leveraging private sector investment and ensuring the international financing system is more inclusive and effective. 'This is an agenda that world leaders can do something about. They do have the tools – and the political clout – to make it happen,' said Ms. Mohammed. Test of multilateralism Ambassador Hernández emphasised that the Conference comes at a critical time for multilateralism. 'This conference is an appeal to action, and we have the extraordinary opportunity to send a very strong message to defend the international community's commitment to the multilateral system,' he said. Ambassador Milambo later added that the consensus on the Seville Commitment 'sends a real message of hope to the world that we can tackle the financing challenges that stand in the way of the SDGs and that multilateralism can still work.' Despite the consensus, the United States recently announced it will not send a delegation to the Conference. Speakers urged observers to keep the broader picture in mind: 'It is regrettable, but it doesn't stop us from continuing to engage with that Member State' and urge a change in the course of action, said Ms. Mohammed. She concluded by noting that, especially given the recent agreement of the Commitment, the discussions the UN is having with other donors on how they are trying to use resources more efficiently will hopefully go a long way.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Experts issue warning that everyday pantry staples may soon become unaffordable: 'We are already seeing, and will continue to see, volatility'
A panel at a conference for some of the world's largest food wholesalers is sounding the alarm over Southern Africa's future food security. At the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Conference held in Johannesburg, experts warned that deteriorating climate conditions could spell disaster for the region's food production. As Caxton Network News reported, Dr. Yolandi Ernst of the Global Change Institute warned of the risks that extreme heat poses to Botswana and South Africa: "Rainfall will become infrequent and difficult to predict, with more frequent and longer-lasting droughts." Another panelist, Phelisa Nkomo, added: "We are already seeing, and will continue to see, volatility in yields, which will lead to higher food prices, and food insecurity as a result." The planet-heating pollution from dirty fuel sources is exacerbating the effects of extreme weather events worldwide. Despite having one of the smallest pollution impacts per capita, Africa is bearing the brunt of this crisis. As the World Meteorological Organization notes, Africa is warming at a higher rate than the rest of the world. In some regions, this is leading to flooding, while others are suffering from severe drought. The Africa Center for Strategic Studies notes that excessive rainfall and flooding in 2024 resulted in 2,500 fatalities and displaced approximately four million people. At the other end of the scale, Southern Africa suffered some of the worst droughts in a century. Al-Jazeera reports that 27 million people were affected by food shortages in 2024 as a result. Food shortages will inevitably lead to higher prices and an increase in reliance on imports. Business Insider Africa reports that food inflation is running rampant across the continent, with Zimbabwe suffering from a rate of 55.3%. With the continent's population projected to double by 2070, food insecurity represents a looming humanitarian crisis. The area's ecosystems are also in danger as these extreme weather events and increasing temperatures threaten entire food chains and destroy habitats. The WUWM conference experts called for more localized strategies. "We need Africa specific data and research," Dr. Ernst said, per Caxton Network News. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The experts are also calling for more strategies to reduce food waste. This can be achieved with smarter shopping choices and long-term investments in clean energy. Some local success stories could be replicated in a broader area. For example, farmers in South Africa are boosting yields with more sustainable no-till farming methods. Traditional farming methods are also working in Western Africa. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Star
5 days ago
- General
- The Star
Feature: Wetland preservation promotes healthy ecosystems in Zimbabwe's capital
HARARE, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Located in the northwestern region of Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, the 500-hectare Monavale Vlei remains a well-protected wetland that offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts, thanks to the dedicated efforts of a local conservation group. As wetlands in Harare face challenges from urban development, the Monavale wetland remains well-preserved, said Jimmy Muropa, an officer with the Conservation Society of Monavale (COSMO), a community organization established to protect and restore the Monavale wetland. The wetland's protected and thriving ecosystem makes it a haven for many bird species, including migratory birds, said Muropa. "For us, birds are a very good indicator of the healthy nature of any ecosystem. To protect these species, we have to protect this kind of habitat." Since 2005, Muropa has worked with COSMO to restore the wetland and protect it from threats such as waste dumping and informal agriculture. His responsibilities also include the removal of alien plant species to ensure that the area remains a healthy ecosystem. Despite being surrounded by residential suburbs, the wetland has become home to various mammals such as the slender mongoose, large grey mongoose, side-striped jackal, bush pig, otters and duikers, among others. The Monavale wetland is crucial to Zimbabwe's ecosystems, as it also forms part of a network of wetlands in the Manyame catchment basin, which is the primary source of water for the city of Harare and its surrounding satellite towns. "Monavale Vlei is a unique wetland that physically demonstrates what Harare's headwater wetland ecosystems look like. These are our water sources, the beginnings of our streams and rivers. Currently, Monavale Vlei, the core area, is a perfect example of what a true headwater wetland ecosystem looks like -- well conserved and preserved," Muropa said. As wetlands in Harare dwindle due to human activities, Muropa said there is a need to push for wetland protection, as they play a vital role in water filtration, flood control, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity support. "Wetlands are more like the lungs and the kidneys of the cities," Muropa said, noting that the capital's water supply has been degraded due to the loss and degradation of wetlands. As Zimbabwe prepares to host the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in the resort city of Victoria Falls from July 23 to 31, the importance of preserving wetlands has taken center stage. "Zimbabwe will hold the Ramsar presidency for the next three years. So the world's eyes are actually on us, so we should be conserving our wetlands," Muropa said. To raise awareness about wetland conservation, Muropa has organized educational walks, led outreach programs, engaged in advocacy and collaborated with relevant authorities. Following a recent tour of the Monavale wetland, Precious Chizema, a member of the Restore Eden Initiative, a movement launched by Zimbabwean youths with a focus on environmental conservation and sustainable development, said wetlands are also important from a cultural perspective. "We learnt that in the wetlands we can also find some trees and other plants that will help us with natural medicines, like the herbs that our great-grandfathers and mothers used," she added.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Senti Bio to Present at the 2025 Synthetic Biology: Engineering, Evolution, & Design (SEED) Conference
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Senti Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNTI) ('Senti Bio' or the 'Company'), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation cell and gene therapies using its proprietary Gene Circuit platform, today announced that it will present at the 2025 Synthetic Biology: Engineering, Evolution, & Design (SEED) Conference being held June 23-26, 2025 in Houston, TX. Details of the presentation are as follows: Session: Building with Biology Title: Solving the Grand Challenge of Tumor-Specific Therapies with Logic-Gated Cells Presenter: Timothy Lu, MD, PhD, Co-Founder and CEO of Senti Biosciences Date and Time: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 1:20 PM CT The SEED Conference series, established in 2014, has secured its position as the premier technical event for synthetic biologists to present their work, network, and build meaningful relationships. Since its inception, SEED has drawn leaders and rising stars in the field, fostering collaboration and innovation. Each year, it provides an essential platform for sharing the latest research, discussing groundbreaking advances, and exploring the future applications of synthetic biology. With over 5,000 synthetic biologists and associated professionals attending since its launch, SEED has become a crucial gathering for those in the fields of bioengineering, biotechnology, and bioprocessing. For more information about the 2025 SEED Conference, please visit About Senti Bio Senti Bio is a biotechnology company developing a new generation of cell and gene therapies for patients living with incurable diseases. To achieve this, Senti Bio is leveraging its synthetic biology platform to engineer Gene Circuits into new medicines with enhanced precision and control. These Gene Circuits are designed to precisely kill cancer cells, to spare healthy cells, to increase specificity to target tissues, and/or to be controllable even after administration. The Company's wholly-owned pipeline is comprised of cell therapies engineered with Gene Circuits to target challenging liquid and solid tumor indications. Senti's Gene Circuits have been shown preclinically to work in both NK and T cells. Senti Bio has also preclinically demonstrated the potential breadth of Gene Circuits in other modalities and diseases outside of oncology, and continues to advance these capabilities through partnerships. Availability of Other Information About Senti Biosciences, Inc. For more information, please visit the Senti Bio website at or follow Senti Bio on X (@SentiBio) and LinkedIn (Senti Biosciences). Investors and others should note that we communicate with our investors and the public using our company website ( ), including, but not limited to, company disclosures, investor presentations and FAQs, Securities and Exchange Commission filings, press releases, public conference call transcripts and webcast transcripts, as well as on X and LinkedIn. The information that we post on our website or on X or LinkedIn could be deemed to be material information. As a result, we encourage investors, the media and others interested to review the information that we post there on a regular basis. The contents of our website or social media shall not be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Investor Contact: JTC Team, LLC Jenene Thomas (908) 824-0775 [email protected]
