Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

SAN FRANCISCO – Andersen Consulting reinforces its strategy and technology transformation capabilities with the addition of collaborating firm 460degrees, further strengthening the organization's ability to help clients drive innovation, transformation, and business performance in increasingly complex markets.

Founded in 2004, 460degrees provides specialized services in project delivery, strategic data management, transformation advisory, cybersecurity, and digital trust. The firm delivers consulting solutions to clients across a range of industries, including government, retail, and finance—helping them navigate complexity and accelerate outcomes. With a strong emphasis on execution and delivery, 460degrees works client-side to guide organizations through the entire procurement journey, ensuring they have access to the right expertise and key people for every stage of their digital transformation.

“Collaborating with Andersen Consulting enables us to scale our impact both regionally and globally, while allowing us to offer clients enhanced access to integrated, multidisciplinary services,” said Werner Spies, founding partner of 460degrees. “Together, we're combining deep technical capability with global scale to help clients tackle their most pressing challenges and lead with confidence in a rapidly changing business environment.”

“The addition of 460degrees underscores Andersen Consulting's commitment to collaborating with forward-thinking organizations that share our values and vision,” said Mark L. Vorsatz, global chairman and CEO of Andersen. “This collaboration expands our global footprint and enhances our ability to support clients navigating digital disruption, complex risk environments, and transformative change.”

Andersen Consulting is a global consulting practice providing a comprehensive suite of services spanning corporate strategy, business, technology, and AI transformation, as well as human capital solutions. Andersen Consulting integrates with the multidimensional service model of Andersen Global, delivering world-class consulting, tax, legal, valuation, global mobility, and advisory expertise on a global platform with more than 20,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 500 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. Andersen Consulting Holdings LP is a limited partnership and provides consulting solutions through its member firms and collaborating firms around the world.

A new CEO has been appointed to head up leading migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia.

Melinda Collinson has been appointed as CEO by the AMES board and will start on August 18, replacing AMES’ retiring incumbent chief executive Cath Scarth.

Ms Collinson brings considerable senior leadership experience within government and the broader public sector to the role.

Most recently, she served as Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transport and Planning and has held a series of executive roles across public agencies.

Ms Collinson has demonstrated experience in leading complex organisations, deliver strategic reform, and operate effectively in stakeholder-rich environments.

AMES Australia Dr Chair Vanda Fortunato welcomed Ms Collinson’s appointment.

“Melinda possesses the experience, leadership qualities, and values necessary to guide AMES Australia in delivering on its strategic priorities and continuing its vital work with migrant and refugee communities,” Dr Fortunato said.

“She will bring the skills and experience to lead AMES into the future, maintaining our vision and mission while seizing the opportunities ahead of us,” she said.

Ms Collinson said she was honoured and excited to be joining the AMES team.

“I am honoured to be joining AMES Australia as its next Chief Executive Officer and advancing our commitment to full participation for all. I acknowledge the significant legacy of Cath Scarth and her contribution to delivering AMES Australia's mission. I look forward to meeting our dedicated team and engaging with our valued Board, stakeholders and clients as we continue fostering an inclusive and diverse society,” she said.

AMES Australia is a leading provider of humanitarian settlement, education, training and employment services to refugees, asylum seekers and newly arrived migrants settling in Australia.

A statutory authority of the Victorian Government, the organisation manages a range of federal and state government contracts including the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP), the Skills for Education and Employment Program (SEE), the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and Workforce Australia.

Each year AMES Australia directly assists more than 40,000 migrants and refugees to find their places in Australian society and touches the lives of more than 150,000 people. The organisation’s programs are aimed at fostering a sense of belonging among its clients, recognising that social participation is a key ingredient in maintaining social cohesion.

AMES Australia uses a unique strengths-based approach to successful settlement, which recognises and harnesses the resilience of refugees and migrants and builds on their strengths.

Under its vision of ‘full participation for all in a cohesive and diverse society’, the organisation supports migrants and refugees to achieve their social and economic goa ls.

AMES Australia also works to create community links between its clients, diverse communities and the broader Australian society.

Turning global challenges into local solutions at AFAC25 – Australasia’s leading emergency management event, AFAC25 Conference & Exhibition powered by INTERSCHUTZ, returns to Perth for the first time in seven years – bringing together the full spectrum of fire, emergency service, health, research, and technology professionals.

When: 26 – 29 August 2025
Where: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

This year’s theme, ‘From local to global: leveraging systems, capability and connection’, will lead the conversations, which will explore how local and international learnings can shape stronger, more responsive systems to prevent, manage, and recover from emergencies.

AFAC25 Conference to deliver expert-led insights to improve emergency management

Held ahead of Australia’s fire season, the conference program provides a vital platform for delegates to hear from experts on the latest case studies, inquiries and best practice research. Highlight keynote sessions include:

·       Mark Hardingham CBE QFSM, former Chair National Fire Chiefs Council –
Grenfell Tower Fire: Avoiding Disaster – Learning from the Public Inquiry

·       Mami Mizutori, former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Head of UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction –

We can do a better job to stay safe and alive

·       Leigh Sales, AM, Author and Journalist –

Any Ordinary Day: Blindsides, Resilience, and What Happens After the Worst Day of Your Life

Rob Webb, CEO of AFAC, the Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency services, said: “We are witnessing increasingly complex disasters across the globe. Through shared challenges come shared opportunities and like never before, global networks can become local networks. It's vital that that we actively seek to connect, share knowledge, and collectively accelerate along the path towards reducing disaster risk.  

“We are in a period of rapid technological change, climate change, and our societies are changing the way they live. The emergency management sector across the globe are working as one to meet these challenges for the benefits of lives and livelihoods everywhere.”

AFAC25 will incorporate the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference, the Institution of Fire Engineers (Australia) National Conference and Exhibition and the Women and Firefighting Australasia Conference.

AFAC President and Western Australia’s Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSMsaid: “Emergency management agencies need to be constantly learning so we can continue to evolve and better protect our communities.

“There are always new challenges for emergency services and by sharing ideas and technology at AFAC25 our agencies can look at ways to be better prepared for what we encounter now and into the future.

“I look forward to connecting with colleagues from across the globe to hear and see how our sector can enhance the way we keep communities safe.

“It’s a privilege to host this event in WA and we look forward to showcasing our emergency services and our State during the conference.”

AFAC25 Exhibition will feature innovations pushing boundaries

The Exhibition floor, spanning 16,000sqms, will showcase the latest in robots, trucks, AI automation systems,safety and medical equipment, and drones – a must-attend for all working in emergency management.

New this year, the Resources Rescue Theatre will deliver a range of sessions focused on mining rescue – a growing field and key topic of interest for host state, Western Australia.

The collaborative sectors in the Exhibition include:

• Workforce – WHS, people, systems and learning development
• Fire Safety – Building fire safety systems and building standards
• Capability – Equipment, PPE and fleet
• Community Risk Reduction – Mitigation strategies, warning systems, and risk management
• Response Operations – Real-time operational decision systems, incident management, communication technologies.

Returning features include the Solutions Theatre, AIDR Knowledge Centre and Demonstration Zone andNRMA’s Resilience Lane, providing grassroots and community organisations a platform to exhibit and showcase their important work in front of the industry. Find out more here: https://www.afacconference.com.au/the-exhibition.

To register and for more information, visit: https://www.afacconference.com.au/

The Swiss labour market continues to lose momentum. The KOF Employment Indicator has continued to fall in the third quarter of 2025 and, at 0.3 points, is now only just in positive territory. There is therefore no sign of a rapid upturn in the labour market. The overall indicator is particularly adversely affected by the subdued employment outlook in the manufacturing sector, the wholesale and retail trade and the hospitality industry.

The KOF Employment Indicator has fallen to 0.3 points in the third quarter of 2025. In the last quarter the corresponding figure was 1.0 points (revised from 0.6 points). This is the lowest level the indicator has reached since the beginning of 2021. As the KOF Employment Indicator is ahead of actual employment tr

Source: Republic of Nauru

The Republic of Nauru has welcomed its first new citizens under the government’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, announced at COP29 late last year.

Nauru, ranked the world’s fifth most vulnerable nation under the United Nations’ Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) for its heightened exposure to economic and environmental shocks, launched the program as a way for conscientious investors to acquire an additional citizenship while contributing to climate adaptation and sustainable development projects in the South Pacific.

Program CEO Edward Clark revealed the first approved applicant is a German family of four who recently sold their long-standing family business – a well-known, reputable German company – and are currently living in Dubai.

“They were looking for a second citizenship to provide them with a Plan B given the current global political volatility and chose the Nauru Economic & Climate Resilience Citizenship Program because the contribution was going towards tackling the impacts of climate change on the island,” he explained.

Mr Clark, who has an extensive background in international banking, financial crime and compliance, said it took under four months from receiving the application to the granting of citizenship, and that strict due diligence processes were followed.

“This is a fundamental pillar of our program and a safeguard for Nauru's reputation and security,” he said.

“All applicants undergo checks with international law enforcement agencies and are subject to in-depth background verification. Our entire application process is consistent with international best practices.

He said only individuals of the highest calibre who can participate in shaping Nauru’s future will be granted citizenship.

“The granting of Nauruan citizenship to this family marks a major milestone for the program and provides even more confidence to those who are currently exploring Nauru citizenship by investment.”

Nauru is embarking on a long-term project that will reform the nation in the face of economic challenges and climate change, which as well as dealing with issues like food and water security, includes the “Higher Ground Initiative” – relocating almost the entire population from the coast to higher ground.

The new citizens from Germany applied through international migration agents Henley & Partners, who in a statement said the company is, “incredibly proud to represent the first applicant to be successfully granted citizenship under the Republic of Nauru’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program.

“For our firm, this goes beyond mobility; this is about directing capital into a Small Island Developing State, which is facing real climate risk.

“This is a clear example of how investment migration, when properly designed and governed, can channel capital toward economic and climate resilience measures and create a more sustainable future,” the statement concluded.

The Shortland Islands Constituency (SIC) today (1st August, 2025) officially acquitted its 2024 Constituency Development Funds (CDF) expenditure with financial report submitted to the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) in strict compliance with the CDF Act 2023.

This decisive act underscores the constituency’s commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources, setting a positive precedent for other constituencies.

Also, the submission not only foster trust but also demonstrate the constituency office’s dedication to good governance, marking a significant step in upholding transparency and accountability under the CDF Act 2023, in line with Section 29, which mandates all 50 constituencies to submit annual reports on the utilization of CDF grants.

Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Bernard Vave and his constituency office team presented the report to the Deputy Secretary Technical (Acting) George Balairamo. The report details the financial records and expenditures of the $3.88 million allocated to each constituency for the 2024 financial year.

CDO Vave on behalf of the constituency office and the constituency’s leadership emphasized their commitment to fostering community development through proper utilization of CDF funds, ensuring that all projects align with national principles and serve the best interests of Shortland Islands people/constituents.

“This act reflects our constituency’s ongoing efforts under the leadership of Honourable Minister Isikeli Vave Jnr, MP to uphold integrity, reinforce public trust in public resource management and to improve our development initiatives and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds for sustainable development initiatives for our rural communities.

“We remain dedicated to fostering transparent governance and working closely with our communities to prioritize developments that will bring lasting benefits to everyone”

The acquittal confirms that funds allocated for 2024 have been appropriately managed and accounted for, reflecting the constituency’s dedication to good governance.

CDO Vave expressed gratitude to the national government through MRD, all stakeholders, including community leaders, community members, and implementing agencies, for their cooperation and commitment throughout the process of implementation in 2024.

Moving forward, the constituency remains committed to maintaining high standards of financial management and transparency, ensuring that development initiatives continue to benefit the people of the Shortland Islands.

Representing the MRD, Deputy Secretary Technical (Acting) Goerge Balairamo recognized the submission as a positive way forward.

He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to implementing the CDF legislation and providing guidance to ensure proper administration of constituency programs within this legal framework.

He also highlighted the importance of these annual reports, including financial expenditure reports, as vital documents for organizational accountability and transparency, particularly when public resources are involved.

“These reports reinforce transparency and demonstrate accountability in the use of public funds,” Mr. Balairamo said.

He also commended Honourable Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Isikeli Vave Jnr for his leadership, and thanked constituency officers for their diligent efforts in fulfilling their reporting obligations.

Meanwhile, CDO Vave on behalf of Hon. Minister Isikeli, MP, and the people of Shortland Islands, expressed delight in submitting the report and pledged ongoing support to MRD to ensure annual compliance with legal reporting requirements.

He noted that most of the SIC 2024 budget was allocated to support community projects in compliance to the CDF Act 2023 funding apportionment.

According to the constituency office, a major delivery of 2024 projects to the constituency is arranged for next week with loading of projects are currently underway in Honiara.

The CDF Act 2023 was passed by Parliament on December 22, 2023, and came into effect on January 5, 2024. This legislation makes it clear that any offences committed by recipients of the CDF after this commencement date are subject to penalties.

Penalties apply to constituents, Members of Parliament, and public officers who commit offences such as:

Misappropriates any funds or assets from the fund; or
Advances materials and cash from a supplier without prior approval from the responsible ministry; or
Fraudulently converts project assets or materials to his own use or to the use of some other person; or
Deliberately victimises non-voters by excluding them from receiving Constituency Development Funds projects and funds without justifiable grounds; or
Assists or causes a person to misappropriate or apply the funds otherwise than in the manner provided in this Act and Regulations.

With the new CDF legislation in place, it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to adhere to the law, ensuring proper use of funds and avoiding legal penalties.

We should view this legislation not as a threat but as a guide to conduct and accountability in managing development funds or public resources.

The primary purposes of the CDF Act 2023 are:

To strengthen good governance;
To ensure improved and effective delivery mechanisms of the Constituency Development Funds and
To promote equal and inclusive participation of all Solomon Islanders in development.

Constituents and the public are encouraged to consult their respective constituency offices should they need to get more information about how their constituency offices implement their Constituency Development Program (CDP).

Constituency Development Program is a national programme of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

It is implemented by the 50 constituencies in the country purposely to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.

The Republic of Nauru has welcomed its first new citizens under the government’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, announced at COP29 late last year.

Nauru, ranked the world’s fifth most vulnerable nation under the United Nations’ Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) for its heightened exposure to economic and environmental shocks, launched the program as a way for conscientious investors to acquire an additional citizenship while contributing to climate adaptation and sustainable development projects in the South Pacific.

Program CEO Edward Clark revealed the first approved applicant is a German family of four who recently sold their long-standing family business – a well-known, reputable German company – and are currently living in Dubai.

“They were looking for a second citizenship to provide them with a Plan B given the current global political volatility and chose the Nauru Economic & Climate Resilience Citizenship Program because the contribution was going towards tackling the impacts of climate change on the island,” he explained.

Mr Clark, who has an extensive background in international banking, financial crime and compliance, said it took under four months from receiving the application to the granting of citizenship, and that strict due diligence processes were followed.

“This is a fundamental pillar of our program and a safeguard for Nauru's reputation and security,” he said.

“All applicants undergo checks with international law enforcement agencies and are subject to in-depth background verification. Our entire application process is consistent with international best practices.

He said only individuals of the highest calibre who can participate in shaping Nauru’s future will be granted citizenship.

“The granting of Nauruan citizenship to this family marks a major milestone for the program and provides even more confidence to those who are currently exploring Nauru citizenship by investment.”

Nauru is embarking on a long-term project that will reform the nation in the face of economic challenges and climate change, which as well as dealing with issues like food and water security, includes the “Higher Ground Initiative” – relocating almost the entire population from the coast to higher ground.

The new citizens from Germany applied through international migration agents Henley & Partners, who in a statement said the company is, “incredibly proud to represent the first applicant to be successfully granted citizenship under the Republic of Nauru’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program.

“For our firm, this goes beyond mobility; this is about directing capital into a Small Island Developing State, which is facing real climate risk.

“This is a clear example of how investment migration, when properly designed and governed, can channel capital toward economic and climate resilience measures and create a more sustainable future,” the statement concluded.

Nairobi, Kenya – August 1, 2025 – Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) has announced the signing of a strategic agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to support its transformative capital increase initiative.

Effectively, BADEA has approved a landmark USD 120 million to support the capitalization program of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, the leading Pan-African institution focused on affordable housing and urban development. The concessional financing facility will help eligible member states settle and increase their capital subscriptions to ShafDB.

This initiative, developed in partnership with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), introduces an innovative financing mechanism through which eligible member states can access on-lending at competitive terms. The BADEA-supported facility, totaling USD 120 million, will be used to settle and boost member states' capital subscriptions to Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB).

“This agreement with BADEA marks a critical step in strengthening our capital base and advancing our mission of financing affordable housing and sustainable urban infrastructure across Africa,” said Thierno Habib-Hann, Managing Director of Shelter Afrique Development Bank. “We are grateful to BADEA for its strong partnership and unwavering support in this pivotal phase of our institutional evolution.”

The new capital increase program includes an initial equal allocation to all member states, followed by a phased reallocation, first on a pro-rata basis, and then on a first-come, first-served basis. This approach aims to encourage active participation by member states and to strengthen ShafDB's capital adequacy in a balanced and transparent manner.

Commenting on the program, the president of BADEA H.E. Abdullah KH ALMUSAIBEEH, “We see this capital program as a strategic milestone in Shelter Afrique Development Bank's evolution. BADEA is proud to back this initiative and we remain committed to our shared mission of enabling access to decent housing and inclusive urban development across Africa.”

The need to enhance equity capital has become critical following the institution's transformation into a Development Bank, a milestone formally approved by Shelter Afrique's shareholders during the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held in Algiers, Algeria, in October 2023.

Building on this transformation, a significant achievement was realized during the Annual General Meeting in June 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda, where shareholders demonstrated strong leadership by endorsing a transformative capital increase program, and the board approved in December 2024 a capital increase of over a USD 200 million.

“Expanding capital base will enable the Bank to scale up financing along the housing value chain, access more competitive funding from international and African capital markets, and reinforce its role in addressing the housing deficit and driving inclusive urban development across its 44 member states,” Mr. Hann said.

Increased leverage

The capital increase program has been designed to significantly strengthen ShafDB's balance sheet over the medium-term, expand its shareholder capital base, and to significantly mobilize debts.  The capital raised will also support the Bank's plans to attain investment-grade credit ratings, attract new institutional investors, and expand its lending and technical assistance programs in member countries.

August 1 2025 – Donald Trump's sweeping new tariffs are not just reshaping global trade – they are accelerating the rise of a multipolar global economy.

The shift away from a US-dominated system is no longer theoretical, it is active and accelerating.

“Multipolarity now defines the direction of global trade,” says Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, one of the world's largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations.

“These tariffs are forcing countries to rewire their trade, capital, and strategic priorities. The world is moving toward multiple centres of economic power and influence.”

Effective August 7, the US will impose tariffs on nearly every major trading partner.

Countries running a trade deficit with the US face a 15% floor. Canada has been hit with 35%. Brazil, 50%.

India now faces a 25% rate, alongside a financial penalty for continuing energy and defence ties with Russia—despite being positioned by Trump as a close ally.

“India's inclusion shows how quickly partners can become pressure points. This pressure is already nudging New Delhi toward deeper cooperation with trade rival Beijing. The consequences will be long-term.”

While trade deals with China and Mexico remain under negotiation, the broader international response is already unfolding.

“Beijing, Moscow, and increasingly Delhi are coordinating more closely on trade, infrastructure and investment. Long-time allies like Switzerland and Taiwan are reassessing risk. Many governments are seeking to reduce exposure to Washington's economic leverage altogether.

“This isn't a rerun of past trade disputes. It is a global shift away from reliance on the US as the central node. New trade networks are forming by necessity, not necessarily by preference.”

Diplomatic talks with China have intensified in recent months, with meetings in Geneva, London and Stockholm.

Beijing is focused on securing a continued freeze on US semiconductor export controls. Washington is demanding action on fentanyl, greater access for American firms, and increased Chinese purchases of US goods. But the real story lies beyond the negotiating table.

“Tariffs are being baked in as permanent features of the new economic order. Countries are responding by building systems that can operate without US permission.”

The US tariff list now stretches across continents. Switzerland faces 39%. South Africa, Libya, Algeria, Serbia, and several others between 30% and 41%. Taiwan, Israel, Pakistan, and Norway are all in the 15–20% range. The sweep is deliberate—and global.

“Markets are adjusting. Capital is shifting. Supply chains are realigning around regional strength, not global scale.”

Nigel Green continues: “The dollar remains dominant, but its influence is no longer unchallenged.

“Central banks are pursuing alternatives. Reserve diversification is accelerating. Regional trading blocs are pushing forward with new payments infrastructure, less reliant on Washington's rules.

“This fragmentation is the new baseline. The post-war consensus on trade and financial cooperation is fading. What replaces it is a world of multiple economic power and influence centres, each with their own rules and reach.”

For investors, the implications are direct. Correlations are weakening. Policy risk is climbing. Exposure to geopolitical realignment is no longer abstract, it's active.

“Anyone still expecting a return to the old system is behind the curve. This is the direction of travel now. Global trade will be multipolar. Capital allocation must reflect that.”

The deVere CEO concludes: “It locks in a new world order where influence is distributed, and alignment is increasingly transactional. For global investors, it marks the start of a generation-defining realignment.

“From here, economic and trade power is going to become more fragmented—and competition for it more intense.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.