26 Apr, 2016
UN launches toolkit for floods early warning in transboundary river basins
Bangkok (ESCAP News) 26 April 2016 — Asia and the Pacific, the world’s most disaster prone region, is home to many transboundary river basins that are perennially affected by large scale flooding. Recent advances in science and technology, especially space technology applications, have enabled longer lead times of up to five to eight days for […]
more…23 Apr, 2016
Arab-Americans launch campaign against blatant NYPD Surveillance of their communities
Washington, DC | www.adc.org | April 21, 2016 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) strongly encourages Arab residents of New York City and those impacted by the NYPD mass surveillance program to comment on the Proposed Modifications to the “Handschu Guidelines” for Investigations Involving Political Activity. Click here to read ADC’s comments on the proposed modifications to the […]
more…23 Apr, 2016
Europe-wide campaign launched to promote sustainable work and healthy ageing for all
Brussels, 15 April 2016, European Commission press release — The European Commission and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) in cooperation with the Netherlands EU Presidency have launched a two-year Europe-wide campaign: Healthy Workplaces for All Ages, which is the world’s biggest campaign in this area. Focusing on sustainable work and […]
more…23 Apr, 2016
‘Two-state solution in danger,’ warns new report from UN office on Middle East peace process
United Nations, 14 April 2016, (UN News Centre) – The viability of a two-state solution, which envisages peaceful co-existence of both Israel and Palestine, is in danger due to the negative trends on the ground, including recent violence, ongoing settlement activity, demolitions, incitement, and the absence of Palestinian unity, a new United Nations report warned […]
more…23 Apr, 2016
Oil & Conflicts signal beginning of the end for Gulf travel boom
In a report that signals the beginning of the end of the Gulf inbound and outbound travel boom, the International Monetary Fund has forecast a bleak future for the Gulf countries whose fragile economies are set to be rocked by low oil prices, raging regional conflicts and the emergence of Iran. In a media briefing […]
more…23 Apr, 2016
Investing in treatment for depression and anxiety leads to four-fold return – UN report
United Nations, 13 April 2016, (UN News Centre) – Depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion each year, and every one dollar invested in scaling up treatment leads to a return of four dollars in better health and ability to work, according to a new study led by the United Nations health […]
more…22 Apr, 2016
Experts Convene in Bangkok for Session on Advancing Standardization of Geographical Names
NEW YORK, 21 April (United Nations Statistics Division) — The twenty-ninth session of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names will convene from 25 to 29 April, at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Conference Centre in Bangkok. Organized by the Statistics Division of the United Nations Department […]
more…21 Apr, 2016
Governments, religious ideologies, oligarchs all now a threat – World Press Freedom Index 2016
The 2016 edition of the World Press Freedom Index, which Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published on 20 April, 2016, shows that there has been a deep and disturbing decline in respect for media freedom at both the global and regional levels. Ever since the 2013 Index, RSF has been calculating indicators of the overall level […]
more…21 Apr, 2016
Palestinians losing US$285m a year under “arrangements” with Israel – World Bank
BETHLEHEM, Palestine, Apr 19 (NNN-MA’AN) – The Palestinian Authority (PA), is losing up to $285 million a year, under its current economic arrangements with Israel, the World Bank said. The global financial institution announced the finding, in Brussels, a day before it presents its full report to the Ad Hoc Liaison committee, which decides on […]
more…21 Apr, 2016
Australia to launch campaign to curb domestic violence that claims one life every week
Canberra, 20/04/2016 Media release, Minister for Social Services and Minister for Women – An A$30 million national campaign designed to help break the cycle of violence against women and their children will begin on Sunday 24 April. “Stop it at the start” targets the disrespectful attitudes and behaviours adults might dismiss or ignore in young […]
more…21 Apr, 2016
Chocolate industry exposé : Companies get richer, farmers get poorer
Geneva, 21 April 2016, UNCTAD press release – Cocoa farmers in some of the world’s poorest countries are scarcely benefitting from a value chain which sees goods made from their crops, such as chocolate and cocoa butter-based cosmetics, sold for a premium in developed economies, a new UNCTAD report has found. The report, the Cocoa […]
more…21 Apr, 2016
FREE Download: ADB publication “Together We Deliver 2015: Partnerships Against Poverty”
Manila, ADB media release, April 2016 – Strong partnerships create better outcomes by improving coordination, providing specialized knowledge and expertise, and convening larger amounts of financing for ADB projects. Fourteen stories from across Asia and the Pacific highlight successful projects that demonstrate development impact, best practices, and innovation. They were implemented through the hard work of ADB’s developing member countries […]
more…21 Apr, 2016
Card fraud cost Australia A$2.1 billion in 2014-15
Canberra, 20 April 2016, Australian Bureau of Statistics media release – Australia experienced card fraud of $2.1 billion during 2014-15, double the $1 billion in 2010-11, according to new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures. William Milne, Director of the ABS National Centre for Crime and Justice Statistics said even after reimbursements from financial institutions, […]
more…12 Apr, 2016
Zero Dollar tours damage Thai tourism industry
BANGKOK, 11 April 2016 (NNT)-The government is working alongside the Thai tourism sector to stop overseas ‘Zero Dollar’ tour agencies damaging Thailand’s tourism industry. Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Major General Sansern Keawkamnerd said the government has received many complaints from tourists who traveled to the country on ‘Zero Dollar’ tours. They were tricked into buying […]
more…12 Apr, 2016
Trouble Ahead! U.S. Baby Boomers’ Retirement Fears on the Rise
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 12, 2016 – The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) today released a new research report that found less than a quarter of Baby Boomers, 24 percent, are confident they will have enough savings to last throughout their retirement years. This is the lowest level since IRI began this research study in 2011, when […]
more…12 Apr, 2016
Bangkok’s biggest gay party to have free HIV/AIDS testing campaign during Songkran holiday
12 April 2016 (Bangkok) APCOM media release – During Thailand’s festive Songkran Festival, which runs from 13 to 15 April each year, Bangkok has been hosting Songkran celebration exclusively catered to gay men. In addition to the city’s pink districts being a magnet for gay locals and tourists, the City of Angels is eminently known […]
more…10 Apr, 2016
Indian President warns countrymen about “vested interests” stoking communal conflict
New Delhi, 09-April-2016 Press Information Bureau, Government of India President’s Secretariat- The President of India, Prof Pranab Mukherjee said pluralism and tolerance have been the hallmark of our civilization. India’s strength lies in her diversity. He was delivering a memorial lecture today (April 9, 2016) at New Delhi organized by the Arjun Singh Sadbhavna Foundation […]
more…10 Apr, 2016
China’s cross-border e-commerce bids farewell to ‘tax-free’ age
Beijing, 2016-04-08 (Xinhua) — A change of China’s tax policy on retails sales on cross-border e-commerce platforms has triggered mixed feelings among buyers and sellers as the policy is expected to raise retail prices.According to the new rules, retail goods purchased online will no longer be treated as personal postal articles but as imported goods, […]
more…10 Apr, 2016
Social media is making us depressed: Learn to turn it off – The Independent
Do Facebook and Twitter make us happier? The answer it would seem is: no. A recent survey found as many as one in five people say they feel depressed as a result of using social media. That might come as a surprise to the generation under 30; social media is part of their DNA and […]
more…10 Apr, 2016
Thailand launches scheme to upgrade rural products to global standards
Bangkok 8 April 2016, Royal Thai Government PR Department – The Government has launched a project to upgrade OTOP products through the use of science, technology, and innovation, in an effort to enhance the image of OTOP as international products. OTOP stands for “One Tambon (meaning subdistrict) One Product.” It is a local entrepreneurship stimulus […]
more…10 Apr, 2016
Thai taxi driver honoured for returning cash-filled briefcase to HK visitor
Bangkok, 6 April 2016 Royal Thai Governnment PR department) – Suvarnabhumi Airport has presented a certificate of honor to a taxi driver for his good deed, as he returned a briefcase containing cash, credit cards, and other documents to a Hong Kong traveler. General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport Sirote Duangratana said that the taxi driver, […]
more…10 Apr, 2016
Global tax administrations ready to act on “Panama Papers”
OECD news release – Paris, 8 April 2016 – Government officials from around the world have called on the OECD to convene a special project meeting of the Joint International Tax Shelter Information and Collaboration (JITSIC) Network to explore possibilities of co-operation and information-sharing, identify tax compliance risks and agree collaborative action, in light of […]
more…10 Apr, 2016
Palestinians mark 68th anniversary of Deir Yassin massacre by Jewish terrorists
BETHLEHEM, Palestine, Apr 9 (NNN-MA’AN) – Palestinians on Saturday (today), marked the 68th anniversary of the massacre of more than 100 Palestinians civilians, carried out by Zionist forces at the village of Deir Yassin. Deir Yassin has long been a symbol of Israeli violence for Palestinians, because of the particularly gruesome nature of the slaughter, […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
85 Checkpoints: Israel’s Travel Curbs on Palestinians Violate 4th Geneva Convention
RAMALLAH, April 7, 2016 (WAFA) – Increasing Israeli checkpoints in the occupied Palestinian Territories punish the entire Palestinian population, which is a form of collective punishment, and therefore violate the Fourth Geneva Convention, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement Thursday. The statement said: “In addition to the 85 fixed checkpoints in the […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
Public spending on Thai New Year holiday will likely hit three-year high
BANGKOK, 7 April 2016 (NNT) – The Center for Economic and Business Forecasting has forecast that the public spending during the Songkran festival this year will be over 124 billion baht—the highest in three years—due to government’s stimulus measures. The Center for Economic and Business Forecasting conducted a survey on public spending on the Songkran […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
Global Heritage sites threatened by industrial activities: WWF report
Geneva, 06 April 2016, (WWF News) – Nearly half of all natural World Heritage sites are threatened by harmful industrial activities, according to a new WWF report. These sites provide vital services to people and the environment, but are at risk worldwide from activities including oil and gas exploration, mining and illegal logging. The report, […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
Exposing the Exposers: Powerful force is behind Panama Papers
Beijing, 5 April 2016, (Global Times commentary) – A huge leak of confidential documents from Mossack Fonseca, a Panama-based law firm alleged to have been a facilitator of money laundering for its clients has shocked international public opinion. Over 11 million documents were passed to German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung by an anonymous source. These documents have […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
China doubles dam water release to help drought-hit Vietnam
Beijing, 7 April 2016, (China Daily) – The village where Vo Linh Hue lives is dotted with oyster farms, but in recent weeks farmers there have done nothing but clear dead oysters from the ponds. Ben Tre province, in Vietnam’s southern Mekong Delta, is experiencing the worst drought in recent history, and saline intrusion has […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
China Unveils First Report on Quality of Higher Education
Beijing, 7 April 2016, (Xinhua) – A new national report on the quality of higher education in China has been released, suggesting more needs to be done to develop an ‘innovative spirit’ among Chinese college students. Research for the latest report began in 2012, as a joint effort among China’s Ministry of Education and a […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
FedEx Forecasts Annual Global Economic Megatrends
MEMPHIS, Tenn., 7 April 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE) – FedEx, the worldwide provider of transportation, e-commerce and business services, announces the launch of the 2016 Access 25—a list of 25 people, places and ideas defining global connectivity. This year’s list reveals three global economic megatrends that focus on the ways mobility is reshaping the globe—empowering individuals, fueling […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
Suvarnabhumi airport Facilitation Center to help passengers during Songkran festival rush
BANGKOK, 7 April 2016 (NNT) – Suvarnabhumi airport’s deputy director Phatchara Phornyutthaphong confirmed that a “Passenger Facilitation Center” is open at the international airport from April 8-18, 2016, to ensure safety and provide conveniences for passengers during the Songkran festival. The center, located on the fourth-floor lobby behind the R line ticketing booth in the […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
Japanese taxpayers provide $7M to support UNICEF work in Palestine
RAMALLAH, 6 April 2016, (WAFA) – The Government of Japan has donated $7 million in support of UNICEF’s humanitarian and development response to children in Palestine. This new grant will enable UNICEF and partners to implement interventions which are critical for children’s well-being and protection from violence, and to ensure their access to basic services […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
China to inject $927b into high-tech, infrastructure
Beijing, 7 April 2016, (Chinadaily.com.cn) – China will invest more in the country’s high-tech research and development, as well as infrastructure development, including railway, fixed assets, water conservancy projects, the Securities Daily reported on Thursday. Total investment is estimated to exceed 6 trillion yuan ($926.6 billion) this year, half of which will be special funds […]
more…7 Apr, 2016
A more sustainable world will be a safer world, UN chief tells LA World Affairs Council
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 6 April 2016 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon continued his programme in California today, where he received an honorary doctorate from Loyola Marymount University, after addressing yesterday the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, where he gave the audience an overview of United Nations efforts to meet today’s global challenges, from humanitarian […]
more…7 Apr, 2016
Chinese commentary: Eliminating root causes of terrorism indispensable to nuclear security
BEIJING, 30 March 2016, (Xinhua) – As world leaders grapple with intensified nuclear security threats, they should not be distracted by the immediate urgency of safeguarding nuclear facilities and slack off in addressing the fundamental problem of terrorism. Eliminating the root causes of terrorism is essential to nuclear security, as that’s the only way to […]
more…7 Apr, 2016
UN condemns Israel’s large-scale Bedouin home demolitions in occupied West Bank
United Nations, 6 April 2016, (UN News Centre) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has condemned today’s large scale home demolitions by Israeli authorities in the Bedouin refugee community of Um al Khayr in the South Hebron Hills. As a result, according to UNRWA, 31 […]
more…7 Apr, 2016
Muslim-Americans file lawsuits challenging FBI’s watch list
5 April 2016, (The Detroit News) – A Michigan-based advocacy group for Muslim-Americans filed two federal lawsuits Tuesday challenging the FBI’s terrorist watch list, saying it’s time to act because the list has expanded. Officials with the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations filed the suits, one on behalf of 18 Muslim-Americans, including a 4-year-old, […]
more…7 Apr, 2016
OECD Secretary-General on the “Panama Papers”: Secrecy of global tax evasion must end
The following is the full text of the statement issued by OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría on the “Panama Papers” PARIS, 4 April 2016, (OECD News) – The “Panama Papers” revelations have shone the light on Panama’s culture and practice of secrecy. Panama is the last major holdout that continues to allow funds to be hidden offshore […]
more…7 Apr, 2016
Australia to Expand Sports Development Programs to Asia
Australia, 6 April 2016, (MFA Media Release) – The Australian Government is expanding its sport for development program into Asia. Under the new Asian Sports Partnerships (ASP) Australian national sporting organisations will deliver innovative sports programs which produce development outcomes in Asia. The ASP provides $4 million over 2015-17 and the first tranche of $2 […]
more…7 Apr, 2016
Arab-Americans urged not to cooperate with FBI’s latest anti-Muslim surveillance program
Washington, D.C. | www.adc.org | March 25, 2016 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee demands that the FBI cancel the launch of its controversial “Shared Responsibility Committee” program. Since learning about the program last fall, ADC has frequently expressed serious concerns about the initiative, which is part of the government’s Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) program. Today, […]
more…5 Apr, 2016
Thai PM concerned over taxi scams
BANGKOK, 3 April 2016 (NNT) – The Prime Minister has expressed his concern regarding taxi scams in Thailand, urging fellow drivers to help report misconducts to authorities. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has addressed the persisting issue of Thai taxi scams, such as demanding inappropriately high fares particularly to tourists, saying that he believes most […]
more…5 Apr, 2016
Campaign to Promote Thainess and Water Saving during Songkran Celebration 2016
Bangkok, 2 April 2016, (Thailand PRD News) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a campaign to promote Thainess and water saving during the Songkran celebration 2016. It has also announced the arrangements of special activities to celebrate Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, in Bangkok and other parts of the country. The […]
more…5 Apr, 2016
Australian Securities and Investments Commission releases market integrity report
Canberra, ASIC media release, 04 April 2016 – The Australian Securities and Investments Commission, ASIC, has released its six-monthly report on market integrity focusing on the three areas of deterrence, standards and education, and behavioural change. In its new short form, Report 475 Market Integrity Report: July to December 2015 (REP 475), covers the work […]
more…5 Apr, 2016
Transparency International calls for global action to stop secret companies
Berlin, 04 April 2016, TI media release – A global investigation into the use of secret companies by the rich, powerful and corrupt has shown how a network of lawyers, bankers and others around the world hide illicit wealth. Transparency International calls on the international community to act immediately to adopt transparency laws to outlaw secret […]
more…5 Apr, 2016
Islamophobia in the Netherlands on rise
Amsterdam, 17 March 2016, (IINA) – A third of the mosques in the Netherlands have experienced at least one incident of vandalism, threatening letters, attempted arson, the placement of a pig’s head, or other aggressive actions in the past 10 years, according to research by Ineke van der Valk, an author and researcher at the […]
more…4 Apr, 2016
ASEAN parliamentarians call for transparency and tax justice in light of Panama Papers revelations
JAKARTA, 4 April 2016 — Parliamentarians from across Southeast Asia today issued a collective call for greater transparency amidst new revelations of widespread tax avoidance by elites worldwide. A leak of over 11 million confidential documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, which became public on Sunday, has revealed abuse of offshore tax havens by […]
more…3 Apr, 2016
Road Safety: 26,000 killed in Europe traffic accidents in 2015, social cost €100 billion
Brussels, 31 March 2016, European Commission Press release – The 2015 road safety statistics published today by the European Commission confirm that European roads remain the safest in the world despite a recent slowdown in reducing road fatalities. The 2015 road safety statistics published today by the European Commission confirm that European roads remain the safest […]
more…2 Apr, 2016
The Role Of Media In Tourism Security
Six years ago, on 15 June 2010, I delivered a keynote speech on The Role Of Media In Tourism Security at an International Summit on Tourism Safety & Security, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Here are two excerpts: (+) Indeed, this is the age of the early warning system. Just as you (safety and security experts) depend […]
more…1 Apr, 2016
ForwardKeys stats shows full impact of Brussels attacks on air bookings
London, ForwardKeys media release, via Tarsh Consulting, 1 April 2016 – The bomb attacks in Brussels have severely affected flight bookings to the Belgium capital, according to the latest data from ForwardKeys, which monitors future travel patterns by analysing 14 million reservation transactions each day. In the days following the attacks on 22 March, net […]
more…1 Apr, 2016
UN Women’s Commission votes overwhelmingly to support Palestinian Women, only US and Israel vote against
United Nations, 23 March 2016, (UN News) – Civil society groups today urged Governments to redouble their efforts towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as the sixtieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women completed its general discussion. In other business on the penultimate day of its annual […]
more…1 Apr, 2016
UN General Assembly Stresses Vital Importance of Remembering How Enslaved Africans Shaped Modern World
29 March 2016, (UN News) – Most people, including those of African descent, would prefer not to remember slavery due to feelings of pain or guilt, yet it was vitally important to underscore the many ways in which enslaved Africans and their descendants had ultimately shaped the modern world, the General Assembly heard today as […]
more…1 Apr, 2016
Fukushima presents documentary animation film “Five years after the Great East Japan Earthquake”
FUKUSHIMA, Japan, 29 March 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE) – The Fukushima prefectural government released a series of documentary animations entitled “Letters to the Future -On Our Way There-” on February 15, 2016. Presented as an anthology based on true stories, the animations depict events that occurred after the Great East Japan Earthquake and the various emotions […]
more…1 Apr, 2016
Thailand awards 32 billion baht contract to expand Bangkok mass transit system
TOKYO, 30 March 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE) – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) (TOKYO:7011), Hitachi, Ltd. (Hitachi) (TOKYO:6501) and Sumitomo Corporation (Sumitomo) (TOKYO:8053) were awarded a contract by State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to design and build an Electric and Mechanical (E&M) system, as a full turn-key package, for Red Line Construction Project. The contract price is […]
more…31 Mar, 2016
Drone Regulations Coming From FAA Spring/Summer 2016
ATLANTA, GA, 30 March 2016, (PRWEB) – What is that mechanical thing soaring above everyone’s heads at the park or buzzing around the neighbor’s backyard? Recent attendees to electronics trade shows, photography expos, or camera stores have seen them for sale: drones, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Drones are a new, relatively affordable tool for capturing aerial […]
more…31 Mar, 2016
World Faces Shared Challenge to Build Peace, End Injustices, UN Chief Says at Dag Hammarskjöld Lecture in Sweden
United Nations, 30 March 2016, (UN News) – Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the Dag Hammarskjöld lecture on “Evolving Threats, Timeless Values: The United Nations in a Changing Global Landscape”, in Stockholm, today: I thank the Government and people of Sweden for a very warm welcome. It is a […]
more…31 Mar, 2016
UN official Urges Move Beyond ‘Mere Condemnations’ in Seeking Best Way to Middle East Peace
United Nations, 24 March 2016, (UN News) – Amid the current bloody wave of escalating violence, including stabbings and shootings in Israel and the occupied West Bank, the international community must move beyond mere condemnations and send a clear message to both sides that a two-State solution was the best road to peace, the Secretary-General’s […]
more…31 Mar, 2016
Overseas born Aussies highest in over a century
Canberra, 30 March 2016, ABS media release – The proportion of Australians who were born overseas has hit its highest point in over 120 years, with 28 per cent of Australia’s population born overseas, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). “Australia has traditionally had a high proportion of migrants, […]
more…29 Mar, 2016
Lee Kuan Yew’s formula for tackling the “cancer” of global terrorism
The first death anniversary of former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on March 23 was a good opportunity to visit the island nation. This micro-country has compensated for its lack of natural resources by growing its people resources, creating one of the world’s best-run, least-corrupt societies with an uncompromising focus on multi-culturalism and rule […]
more…27 Mar, 2016
Now open: Apply to become an anti-corruption young leader this summer
Berlin, Germany, 24 March 2016, (Transparency International) – What are you doing this summer? Get a head start and apply for Transparency International School on Integrity taking place in Vilnius, Lithuania from 4-10 July 2016. Since 2010, the School on Integrity has welcomed some 700 students, graduates and young professionals from around 90 countries to its seven-day highly intensive […]
more…26 Mar, 2016
Visit ASEAN@50: Golden Celebration Campaign Unveiled at ITB Berlin 2016
Berlin (ASEAN media release) – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, by the founding fathers of the original ASEAN countries; namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The nations of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam have since joined this regional […]
more…25 Mar, 2016
The west’s Islamophobia is only helping the Islamic State – The Washington Post
The promise of the “global war on terror” was that “it was better to fight them there than here.” That promise brought mass violence to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Palestine, Yemen and Somalia — in the name of peace in the West. That formula has clearly failed. Tuesday’s bombings in Brussels come on the heels of […]
more…25 Mar, 2016
‘Assault on one minority community is attack on all,’ Ban says on Day to eliminate racism
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 21 March 2016 – Observing the world’s day set aside to bolster efforts on eliminating racial discrimination, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged increased global efforts towards that aim and declared that “an assault on one minority community is an attack on all.” This year, the the International Day […]
more…25 Mar, 2016
UNESCO chief welcomes the liberation of Syria’s Palmyra world heritage site
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 24 March 2016 – The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today welcomed the liberation of the Palmyra archeological site, a martyr city inscribed on the agency’s World Heritage list. “[Palmyra] carries the memory of the Syrian people, and the values of cultural diversity, tolerance […]
more…25 Mar, 2016
“Thainess” at the Crossroads — Ex-Prime Minister Flags the Real Issues Facing Thailand
Following is the full text of a speech entitled “In Search of Thailand’s New Normal”, delivered by two-time former Thai Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand on 23 March 2016. It should be must reading for all those seeking to better understand the dynamics of change facing one of the […]
more…25 Mar, 2016
Heavy Easter traffic projected at Singapore-Malaysia overland border checkpoints
SINGAPORE, March 21 (NNN-Bernama) — Traffic flow through the land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas is expected to be heavy on the upcoming Good Friday holiday on March 25. Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said travellers can expect heavy departure traffic from March 24 while arrival traffic is expected to be particularly heavy on March […]
more…25 Mar, 2016
Caste systems violate human rights and dignity of millions worldwide – New UN expert report
GENEVA (21 March 2016) UN Human Rights Council media release – At least 250 million people worldwide still face appalling and dehumanising discrimination based on caste and similar systems of inherited status warned the United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Rita Izsák-Ndiaye, during the presentation of the first comprehensive UN report on caste-based discrimination* […]
more…25 Mar, 2016
Windfall Profits: Terrorism to Generate 23% Surge in Global Video Surveillance Market
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 23, 2016 – Technavio analysts expect the global video surveillance market for 2016-2020 to reach USD 64 billion by 2020 growing at a CAGR of almost 23%, according to their latest report. According to Amrita Choudhury, lead analyst at Technavio for IT Security research, “Rising instances of criminal activities in government organizations and […]
more…19 Mar, 2016
U.S. hospitality workers union releases list of responsible, irresponsible private equity, real estate managers
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 17, 2016 – In recent years, private equity and private equity real estate managers have raised record amounts of capital from pension funds, foundations, endowments, and other institutional investors to back big hotel and casino investments and the growing hospitality industry. Now UNITE HERE, the union of hospitality workers throughout North America, is […]
more…18 Mar, 2016
ASEAN integration: Two Thai, Malaysian Banks Appointed Cross Currency Dealers to grow direct Ringgit-Baht Trade
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 14 March 2016, (Bernama)— Bank Negara Malaysia (“BNM”) and Bank of Thailand (‘BOT”) have respectively appointed CIMB Bank and CIMB Thai as Appointed Cross Currency Dealers (“ACCD”) for the settlement of ringgit-baht trade under the newly launched Local Currency Settlement Framework. The Local Currency Settlement Framework had been jointly established by BNM and […]
more…18 Mar, 2016
Proposal to create a truly united 2017 ASEAN Games in KL
Putrajaya, Malaysia, 16 March 2016, (Bernama) – In a bold move to set the standard in world sports, the Paralympic Council of Malaysia has proposed that the 29th SEA Games and the 9th ASEAN Para Games, slated to be held in August 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, be combined into one integrated medal event for all sports […]
more…18 Mar, 2016
UN Asia-Pacific HQ to mark 23 March, World Water Day 2016, with launch of report on ‘Water and Jobs’
Bangkok, 17 March 2016, (UNESCAP News) – World Water Day 2016 will be commemorated by the United Nations at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok from 9:00am to 11:45am, Wednesday 23 March. The event will feature the launch of the World Water Development Report 2016, focusing on the theme “Water and Jobs.” ESCAP, UNESCO and […]
more…18 Mar, 2016
UNCTAD-ESCAP train government statisticians to upgrade technology data to facilitate growth and improve public well-being
Geneva, Switzerland, 18 March 2016, (UNCTAD/ESCAP News) – Benchmarking progress in building the information economy in Asia-Pacific least developed countries (LDCs) is crucial as governments in the region seek to reap the economic benefits of information and communications technologies (ICTs). The use of ICTs, such as mobile telephony and internet services, is increasing in such […]
more…18 Mar, 2016
IMAX launches ‘Big Picture’ initiative, partnering with UN to amplify action on environment issues
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 17 March 2016 – IMAX Corporation, the company that creates entertainment technology best known for its big-screen IMAX theatres, has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to launch an ambitious corporate social responsibility initiative called ‘Big Picture,’ which aims to address the host of environmental, societal and economic […]
more…18 Mar, 2016
NTT Communications Launches Online Program to Teach Practical Japanese to Staff in Overseas Offices
Tokyo, Japan, 15 March 2016, (Bernama-Business Wire) — NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), the ICT solutions and international communications business within NTT (NYSE:NTT), announced the launch of VLJ Online Japanese Conversation, a Japanese conversation learning service via video call, as a new product of Visual Learning Japanese (VLJ), its cloud-based Japanese-study service with learning website […]
more…18 Mar, 2016
Aussie Opens New Business to Let People Give Vent to Stress, Sorrow by Smashing Things
Melbourne, Australia, 17 March 2016, (NNN-Xinhua) — An Australian entrepreneur has opened up a business in Melbourne where heartbroken, jilted or frustrated people can smash assorted items in a room as a way to relieve stress. Within the space, known as ‘The Break Room’, paying customers are given a baseball bat and allowed to smash […]
more…16 Mar, 2016
World’s Biggest Cruise Ship starts sea trial
12 March 2016, (China Daily) – The Harmony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, set off on Thursday on its first sea trial from Saint-Nazaire in western France, with just two months to go before delivery. The city’s STX France shipyards began building the 1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) mammoth for US cruise […]
more…16 Mar, 2016
Filipino airport taxi driver gets a kiss for his honesty
6 March 2016, (Manila Bulletin) – Officials of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) lauded the honesty of a taxi driver, who returned two trolley bags that were left in his cab by an arriving passenger from Kalibo, Aklan Saturday night. Emilio Q. Balhin, driver of a Harurot taxi, returned two pink trolley bags that […]
more…16 Mar, 2016
ADB US$27 mln loan to upgrade roads in Laos
VIENTIANE, 14 March 2016, (ADB News Release) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) have signed an agreement for a $27 million loan to support road asset management and maintain over 300 kilometers of national and local roads in the provinces of Attapu, Salavan and […]
more…16 Mar, 2016
Falling oil prices lead to higher taxes, lower wages, hiring cutbacks in Gulf – manpower survey
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (PRWEB UK) 14 March 2016 – Average private sector pay rise across the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council is set to be lower in 2016 than at any time over the past ten years, despite the rising cost of living caused by cuts in government subsidies, according to the […]
more…15 Mar, 2016
Indonesia sets up Palestine consulate but Israeli curbs force ceremony to be held in Amman
Jakarta (ANTARA News) 14 March 2016 – Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi has said that Indonesia’s honorary consul to Palestine could serve effectively to promote bilateral relations between Indonesia and Palestine. “I hope the honorary consul in Ramallah could play an active role in fostering brotherhood between the Indonesian and Palestinian people,” she said […]
more…14 Mar, 2016
UN statistical body agrees to global indicators to measure sustainable development goals
11 March 2016, (UN News Centre) – The United Nations Statistical Commission today agreed on a set of global indicators that will measure success towards the new sustainable development agenda, which will lead anti-poverty efforts through 2030. On the last day of its 47th session, the Commission approved a draft global indicator framework intended for […]
more…14 Mar, 2016
Thailand: Terminal 2 at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport Officially Opened
Bangkok, Thailand, 8 March 2016, (NNN-Bernama) — Terminal 2 at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, which has been officially opened, is expected to boost the airport’s capacity to be able to cater up to 30 million passengers annually from 29 million currently, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported. Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) President Nitinai […]
more…14 Mar, 2016
China’s Anbang to Acquire America’s Strategic Hotels for $6.5 billion
13 March 2016, (People’s Daily Online) – China’s Anbang Insurance Group has agreed to acquire America’s Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc. for around $6.5 billion, according to Bloomberg on Saturday. The deal comes just three months after Strategic Hotels’ current owner, private equity firm Blackstone Group, took the company private for around $6 billion. Strategic […]
more…14 Mar, 2016
Israel again blocks Indonesian Foreign Minister from opening consulate in Palestine
Israel escalated its global war on Islam last week by blocking Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi from travelling to Ramallah, Palestine, to dedicate an honorary consulate because of her refusal to first meet with Israeli officials in Jerusalem. This is the second time an Indonesian Foreign Minister has been denied access to Ramallah. In 2012, […]
more…13 Mar, 2016
Government agencies can function better as ‘model’ businesses – Report
Australia, 10 March 2016, (ASBC News) – Government agencies across Australia can clearly improve the way is which they conduct business with the private sector, according to a major report on government business behaviour by the Australian Small Business Commissioner. If government agencies improved their performance and were examples of good business behaviour the benefits to […]
more…13 Mar, 2016
Afternoon siestas ward off fatigue, boost productivity – Australian Centre for Sleep Research
Australia, 10 Mar 2016, (RIRDC News) -As we head into another busy time of year, grain and cotton growers especially are being encouraged to consider the benefits of giving in to the urge to have a post-lunch siesta. New research shows the impact of fatigue on farmers is as bad as having an above-the limit […]
more…12 Mar, 2016
New study reveals contrasting views of women’s roles in the workplace, at home, and in society
Montreal, Canada (PRWEB) March 05, 2016 – The Suffragettes and activists like Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, and Coretta Scott King dreamed of a world where women would be viewed as being on the same footing as men. It is unlikely, however, that they would have anticipated a recent and fervent backlash to feminism, lead by […]
more…12 Mar, 2016
U.S. Baby Boomers Regret Not Having Travelled Enough – British Airways Survey
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 11, 2016 – A British Airways survey of 2,000 U.S. baby boomers (aged 55 and over) shows that the generation born between 1946 and 1961 have a newfound interest in seeing the world as they enter into retirement, but not everyone’s prepared for long-haul travel. The survey data shows that despite working […]
more…12 Mar, 2016
Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia Urged to End Indefinite Detention of Rohingya Refugees
Bangkok, March 11, 2016—Fortify Rights media release – The Governments of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia should end the indefinite detention of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar and provide them with full protection, said Fortify Rights and the Burmese Rohingya Organization UK (BROUK) in a new briefing published today. Almost ten months after human trafficking syndicates abandoned […]
more…10 Mar, 2016
News for Gay Travellers: UNAIDS piloting new mobile platform to better inform HIV patients, improve health care
9 March 2016, (UN News Centre) – Starting this month, a thousand people living with HIV in Côte d’Ivoire will receive additional health information through their mobile phones, the United Nations agency leading the world’s HIV/AIDS response announced today. The four-month pilot project in Abidjan is part of a collaboration between the Joint UN Programme […]
more…10 Mar, 2016
EU Funds Grants to 30 Palestinian NGOs
Ramallah, Palestine, 9 March 2016, (WAFA) – Thirty Palestinian civil society organizations signed on Wednesday individual grants agreements with the Palestinian Central Elections Commission. Funded by the European Union, the grants will promote the engagement and participation of Palestinian public in future national elections, as well as enhance and increase Palestinians’ participation in electoral and […]
more…10 Mar, 2016
World Bank Helps Promote Safe Travel for Women in Public Transport Systems
Washington DC, 08 March 2016, (World Bank News Feature) When you take public transportation, whether a metro or a bus, you may not automatically think about gender differences. But men and women’s experiences with transport systems differ greatly, particularly when related to their physical security and safety. Recent research has shown high levels of violence […]
more…10 Mar, 2016
FREE Download: UN report lists grim toll of Asia-Pacific natural and man-made disasters in 2015
Bangkok (ESCAP News) 10 March 2016 — The Asia-Pacific region continued to be the world’s most disaster prone region in 2015. According to a new report by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the region accounted for over half the world’s 344 disasters in 2015, resulting in over 16,000 […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
Factors Driving Growth in Global Luggage Market
Dublin, Ireland, 03 March 2016, (Business Wire)- Changing lifestyles, increasing urbanization, and growing interest of people in tourism are the key drivers of the global luggage market. The increasing travel and tours, growing business activities, and increasing numbers of educational courses are further propelling the demand for luggage. The fluctuating recreation patterns and increasing disposable […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
Step into the World of Virtual Japanese Art with ANA
Tokyo, Japan, 29 February 2016, (Business Wire)-As part of its “IS JAPAN COOL” initiative, Japan’s largest airline ANA shines the spotlight on art-based tourism in Japan. Visitors can now experience the world of Japanese contemporary art before even stepping foot into the country, made possible through ANA’s “IJC Museum“, a virtual art gallery that can […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
Australia releases 2015 University Student Experience Survey National Report
Australia, 4 March 2016, (The Department of Education and Training Media Centre)-More than one in four Australian university students want better support or higher quality learning materials, according to the latest national snapshot of student experiences. Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the 2015 Student Experiences Survey should help focus efforts so more […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
European Cities Attract Growing Numbers of Tourists, Despite a Troubled Year
Vienna, Austria, 7 March 2016, (PR Newswire) — European Cities Marketing has demonstrated the dominant and most dynamic aspect of European tourism: city tourism, which for years has continued to grow twice as fast as national tourism. Based on the preliminary results of the upcoming European Cities Marketing Benchmarking Report, European cities maintained their strong […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
UN highlights need to close critical gender gaps in Asia-Pacific on Int’l Women’s Day
Bangkok, Thailand, 8 March 2016, (ESCAP News) – For the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to succeed, we must root out the causes of inequality between women and men by addressing unequal gender relations and tackling structural barriers such as discriminatory legislation and macro-economic policies, prejudicial social norms and harmful practices, the United Nations underscored at a forum here today. […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
ILO: Large gender gaps remain across broad spectrum of global labour market
Geneva, Switzerland, 7 March 2016, (ILO News) – Despite some modest gains in some regions in the world, millions of women are losing ground in their quest for equality in the world of work, according to a new report prepared by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as part of the ILO’s Women at Work Centenary Initiative . […]
more…8 Mar, 2016
Measuring Effectiveness of Technology to Promote Employee Well-being Proves Challenging
New York, USA, 3 March 2016, (Business Wire)–New research by Xerox Human Resources Services in conjunction with the National Business Group on Health® demonstrates employers’ willingness to invest in emerging technologies aimed at improving employee well-being despite challenges measuring impact and return on investment. The biannual study, “Emerging Technology to Promote Employee Well-being,” examines the current use and […]
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