Latest news with #TARGET
Euractiv
a day ago
- Sport
- Euractiv
Latvia shaping EU goals on gender equality in sport
This article is part of our special report TARGET – youth football players as ambassadors for gender equality . From challenging stereotypes to aligning club accreditation with equality indicators, Latvia is localising European best practices to achieve gender equality in sport, building momentum for wider regional change. Elīza Spruntule and Miks Vilkaplāters are two key figures leading Latvia's grassroots transformation towards a more inclusive and gender-equal football culture under the EU-funded TARGET project. Spruntule, a former national team defender and now Head Coach of the WU-15 national team, combines her roles at the Latvian Football Federation (LFF) and RFS Women to promote girls' participation and leadership across all levels. Vilkaplāters, Director of FS Metta and Chairman of FK Metta, brings a dual perspective as both a grassroots coach and a communications specialist, embedding inclusive values from the earliest stages of player development. They spoke with Euractiv about how the TARGET methodology is being applied on the ground, and how campaigns, accreditation systems, and community partnerships are helping to break down stereotypes and institutional barriers. EURACTIV: The TARGET project emphasises embedding STEM and self-efficacy into coach training. How have LFF-led initiatives incorporated STEM-based activities or frameworks to enhance both male and female players' confidence and analytical thinking on the field? ES: The TARGET methodology draws on concepts from social psychology and education, including self-efficacy theory (Bandura), but does not directly embed the STEM curriculum in a traditional sense. Instead, it applies STEM-style analytical thinking through football exercises that simulate real-life problem-solving and systems thinking. For instance, in 'The Efficacy Match', players must solve complex social problems collaboratively while navigating football challenges, building their confidence in analysis, teamwork, and resilience. The LFF supports this by integrating such TARGET-designed activities into coach education workshops, where coaches receive practical training on structured, problem-solving games that blend football technique with broader cognitive skills. EURACTIV: The 'We Have Wings' campaign, launched by LFF, aims to challenge stereotypes and boost women's football participation. How are you evaluating the communication campaign's reach, and how does that align with TARGET's wider EU-level amplification strategy? ES: The 'We Have Wings' campaign aligns with TARGET's bottom-up and top-down communication framework. Communication reach is measured through engagement indicators on social media, community event participation, media coverage, and surveys of coaches and players. These data points are compared across national partners for EU-level scalability, coordinated through EURACTIV and UEFA. The LFF's team reports this data into the shared TARGET framework, feeding Latvian results into the overall EU assessment. EURACTIV: As a visible ambassador for TARGET, how do your strategies differ in promoting gender equality at the U-15 level compared to the elite tier with RFS women? ES: At the U-15 level, the focus is on basic awareness-building about stereotypes, experiential learning (e.g., the 'Unequal Roads' relay), encouraging confidence, and creating inclusive norms early. With elite RFS women players, the strategy shifts to consolidating leadership skills, addressing complex issues like double standards, preparing public role models, and tackling structural challenges. U-15s may lack the vocabulary to express gender issues, while elite players may face institutional resistance or burnout. But elite players' visibility offers an opportunity to cascade change back to the grassroots. EURACTIV: How is TARGET aligning with or enhancing the LFF's club accreditation processes? Are you tracking indicators like female coaches or participation rates? ES: TARGET complements the LFF's accreditation process with a gender-equality lens. Clubs are encouraged to integrate gender-equality training into coach licensing, adopt pro-equality norms, and monitor female coaches and participation. TARGET also offers monitoring tools like post-training surveys, coach feedback, and social media metrics, ensuring that gender equality is actively measured and promoted. EURACTIV: How is Latvia translating lessons from international partners into its own context? What are the plans to scale up successful tools across the Baltic or wider EU? ES: Latvia is adapting lessons from partners like Estonia, Malta, and Ukraine through coach education seminars, school and community collaborations, and youth-led social media campaigns that localise messages while aligning with EU strategy. To scale up, we plan joint workshops with neighbours like the Lithuanian FA, leverage UEFA support for pan-Baltic tournaments, and keep tools like the TARGET coach handbook open-access. TARGET is designed for this combination of local adaptation and EU-wide consistency. I also want to reflect on the course we organised for coaches, where participants shared painful personal experiences. It was a powerful reminder that gender inequality affects everyone differently and that these stories matter. Through TARGET, we found clearer, more proactive ways to support each other – raising our voices rather than staying silent. With the right tools and a supportive environment, we can build the confidence to act, challenge harmful stereotypes, and grow a broader, united community that stands for equality. EURACTIV: TARGET emphasises countering stereotypes from as early as age two. How are you adapting inclusive coach-training modules for children aged U-4 to U-8? MV: Until the age of 8, all children train in mixed groups, and from age 4, we teach boys and girls not just football, but life skills – how to wear equipment, collaborate, be kind, stay safe, and learn without pressure. This foundation helps them understand individuality and respect differences. We focus on interpersonal skills through football, not results or performance level. Later, this helps children understand their role and rights in society. EURACTIV: FS Metta is known for community engagement. How have you integrated TARGET messaging – such as gender equality and STEM – into your events or communications? MV: For over 10 years, we have developed a girls' football system and been a leading voice in Latvian football. Beyond the 1 per cent that go pro, we advocate equal football education for all – infrastructure, coaching, equipment, accessibility – regardless of gender. We use new tools to make football more accessible, especially for girls. There should be no limits on participation because of gender or assumptions about ability. Everyone deserves proper football education. EURACTIV: Can you describe a time when you addressed gender bias in your sessions using the TARGET methodology? MV: Empathy and kindness are the starting point. Football is education – teaching children they are not alone in feeling pain, shame, or fear. When they learn to put themselves in others' shoes, they think before speaking, offer help, or stand up to injustice. This foundation helps them understand that it is okay to be different in opinions, style, or beliefs. Once you have that, there is no room for judgment based on gender, socio-economic status, or physical appearance. EURACTIV: How does FS Metta coordinate with the LFF and other TARGET partners to share feedback and align your training methods? MV: We have built strong relationships with all the partners. Beyond the theory and practice, we have exchanged real-life experiences and best practices from our clubs and countries. This exchange is proof of why this issue matters in football. We talk about adapting the methodology, how our coaches and players respond, and how to reach wider audiences through media. I hope we can continue developing these collaborative ties. EURACTIV: Looking ahead, how will FS Metta embed TARGET's principles into long-term operations? Are there plans to train mentors or partner with schools? MV: We have mentored coaches to raise awareness of gender equality and how to address it. We will also involve our players – boys and girls – in TARGET activities, letting them experience the challenges faced by the opposite gender. The most active players will become role models in media and school outreach, raising awareness beyond football. Everyone should have equal access to football education, regardless of gender. That is our priority and message to all. [The interviews have been edited for brevity.] [Edited By Brian Maguire | Euractiv's Advocacy Lab ]
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Rubber production incentive benefits 239,053 smallholders with RM523.4 mln payout
KUALA LUMPUR: The Rubber Production Incentive (IPG) has provided financial support to 239,053 smallholders, with total payouts reaching RM523.4 million from September 2015 to June 2025, the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) confirmed. The incentive, designed to stabilise smallholder incomes when rubber prices drop below a set threshold, was raised to RM3 per kilogramme in 2024. KPK also noted that 221 tonnes of latex have been produced under the Latex Production Incentive Project (IPL+) as of June 2025. 'This figure is projected to grow as the programme expands to Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, and Selangor in 2025,' the ministry stated on the Parliament's website. 'This effort also reduces reliance on imported latex.' The update followed a query from Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) on measures to stabilise rubber prices and protect smallholder earnings. KPK further revealed that the Malaysian Rubber Board (LGM) is building three centres under the National Rubber Industry Transformation Program (TARGET), set to open by mid-2026. TARGET aims to integrate smallholders into the supply chain, eliminating middlemen. 'It streamlines production and allows farmers to process higher-value crepe rubber with 80% Dry Rubber Content (DRC),' KPK explained. 'Cooperative participation also ensures profit-sharing among members.'
Malaysian Reserve
22-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
IPG benefits 239,053 rubber smallholders, with RM523.4m total payout
KUALA LUMPUR — The Rubber Production Incentive (IPG) has benefited 239,053 smallholders, with total payments amounting to RM523.4 million from its implementation in September 2015 up to June 30, 2025, according to the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK). The IPG, aimed at ensuring the welfare of rubber smallholders by providing a fair income when rubber prices fall below the activation price level, has been increased to RM3 per kilogramme starting in 2024. Meanwhile, KPK also reported that 221 tonnes of latex have been successfully produced through the Latex Production Incentive Project (IPL+) as of June 2025. 'This amount is expected to rise with the expansion of the programme to three additional locations — Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Selangor — currently underway in 2025. 'This initiative is also an initial step toward reducing dependence on imported latex,' KPK posted on the Parliament's website on Monday. The ministry was responding to Datuk Awang Hashim's (PN-Pendang) question regarding its strategic measures to ensure rubber prices remain stable and do not decline to levels that would negatively impact the income of smallholders. KPK highlighted that the Malaysian Rubber Board (LGM) is currently constructing three centres for the National Rubber Industry Transformation Program (TARGET), which are expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2026. The implementation of TARGET aims to increase the income of small rubber farmers by enabling them to be directly involved in the industry supply chain without relying on middlemen. 'It shortens the supply chain and enables smallholders to produce value-added crepe rubber with a Dry Rubber Content (DRC) of around 80 per cent, which provides higher returns. 'If implemented through cooperatives, the profits are also distributed as dividends to members,' the ministry added. — BERNAMA
Barnama
22-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
IPG Benefits 239,053 Rubber Smallholders, With RM523.4 Mln Total Payout
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- The Rubber Production Incentive (IPG) has benefited 239,053 smallholders, with total payments amounting to RM523.4 million from its implementation in September 2015 up to June 30, 2025, according to the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK). The IPG, aimed at ensuring the welfare of rubber smallholders by providing a fair income when rubber prices fall below the activation price level, has been increased to RM3 per kilogramme starting in 2024. Meanwhile, KPK also reported that 221 tonnes of latex have been successfully produced through the Latex Production Incentive Project (IPL+) as of June 2025. 'This amount is expected to rise with the expansion of the programme to three additional locations -- Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Selangor -- currently underway in 2025. 'This initiative is also an initial step toward reducing dependence on imported latex,' KPK posted on the Parliament's website on Monday. The ministry was responding to Datuk Awang Hashim's (PN-Pendang) question regarding its strategic measures to ensure rubber prices remain stable and do not decline to levels that would negatively impact the income of smallholders. KPK highlighted that the Malaysian Rubber Board (LGM) is currently constructing three centres for the National Rubber Industry Transformation Program (TARGET), which are expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2026. The implementation of TARGET aims to increase the income of small rubber farmers by enabling them to be directly involved in the industry supply chain without relying on middlemen. 'It shortens the supply chain and enables smallholders to produce value-added crepe rubber with a Dry Rubber Content (DRC) of around 80 per cent, which provides higher returns.
Arabian Post
02-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
ECB Embarks on Dual‑Track DLT Settlement Strategy
The European Central Bank has green‑lit a pioneering dual‑track framework to enable settlement of transactions on distributed ledger technology platforms using central bank money. The Governing Council's initiative combines a short‑term pilot, dubbed Pontes, scheduled to interface DLT platforms with TARGET Services by the end of the third quarter of 2026, and a longer‑term initiative, Appia, which seeks to establish a future‑proof global DLT infrastructure. Pontes represents the near‑term goal: creating a secure link between existing DLT platforms and the Eurosystem's TARGET services—namely TARGET2, T2S and TIPS—through a unified Eurosystem solution. It builds directly on exploratory work carried out between May and November 2024, where 64 participants explored over 50 experimental setups that used intraday escrow and liquidity tokens. The ECB has indicated its intention to invite expressions of interest from the market to join Pontes' pilot phase, expected to commence by Q3 2026. The longer‑term Appia track explores integration of DLT in a broader ecosystem, extending into global payment and securities infrastructures. This initiative aims to support international use cases such as cross‑border foreign exchange settlements and compliance with global standards, collaborating with public and private sector stakeholders to assess interoperability, scalability and legal frameworks. ADVERTISEMENT During the 2024 discovery phase, experiments featured diverse approaches, including trials led by the Banque de France and Banca d'Italia. These trials used escrow-based intraday liquidity provision mechanisms that participants later advocated to evolve into overnight capabilities, shedding light on liquidity management inefficiencies. Officials noted the potential for simultaneous settlement and collateral automation to cut credit and liquidity risks, while potentially reducing operational costs. Piero Cipollone, a member of the ECB's Executive Board, remarked that although DLT and tokenisation remain nascent, they 'are likely to offer new ways of improving the settlement of financial transactions.' He emphasised that the dual‑track approach serves innovation while maintaining security and efficiency in financial market infrastructure. Pontes and Appia will operate under dedicated market contact groups. The ECB intends to outfit each with analysts and market participants to ensure operational robustness and collect stakeholder feedback as integration proceeds. With Pontes launching a Q3 2026 pilot, the ECB is concurrently reviewing additional trial proposals for integration within existing TARGET services frameworks. The initiatives support the Eurosystem's wider ambition to modernise wholesale settlement systems. Appia is envisioned as an evolution towards integrated ecosystems that support global operations and stimulate interoperability with other jurisdictions, thereby elevating Europe's position in the digital infrastructure space. European authorities have signalled enduring commitment to innovation since experimental work in 2024. The report released today, aligned with Pontes and Appia's dual‑track launch, highlights how central banks across the continent are balancing emerging technologies with systemic resilience goals—managing legal, technical and liquidity implications harmoniously. Market analysts believe the Pontes initiative addresses immediate demand from DLT innovators for central bank money settlement in familiar frameworks, while Appia opens the door to more ambitious, globally interoperable DLT ecosystems. Senior banking figures in Frankfurt have described the move as a 'critical turning point' in central banks embracing digital transformation to reduce transaction costs and boost cross-border efficiency across Europe. The ECB's decision signals readiness to bridge traditional financial infrastructure with blockchain-based innovations without compromising safety or oversight. Through Pontes, the Eurosystem seeks to preserve market standards for liquidity and settlement, building confidence among banks and fintechs in central bank money λ integration. Appia, in turn, presents a vision of digital finance aligned with evolving global regulation and technological standards. This marks the first time the ECB has approved a formal pilot to connect central bank money with DLT platforms. The outcomes of Pontes will help shape future integrations—potentially serving as a template for central bank digital currencies and wholesale tokenised ecosystems. The experiments under Appia could establish key precedents for global interoperability standards and regulatory coordination, reinforcing the Eurosystem's role as a leader in secure, innovative payment infrastructures.
