MIL Email Publisher – Foreign Submissions

Source: EUPD Group

Bonn, October 2025. This November, the who is who of the European corporate sustainability scene convenes for the ESG Summit 2025 to discuss the main drivers, challenges and opportunities in ESG and sustainability once again. As part of the European Sustainability Week, the third edition of the summit takes place at the historic Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg near Bonn on November 26, 2025. The agenda includes a high-level conference with prominent speakers such as Dr. Robert Habeck, Ralph Thurm and Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg, an exhibition floor and various award ceremonies to highlight excellence in sustainability. Topics discussed will also come from the sectors renewable energy, corporate health and more.

A dynamic political landscape, subsequent regulatory uncertainty and various emerging trends in the ESG and sustainability sector paint a diverse and difficult to navigate picture for companies. Who needs to follow which regulations, and when? What are the best actions to take in implementing them? How can companies drive sustainability in all its aspects—environmental, social and governance—forward? These questions and more are at the center of the ESG Summit 2025.

After the success of the ESG Summit 2024, which welcomed hundreds of delegates from across Europe, the EUPD Group is bringing the Summit back to the historic Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg on November 26, 2025. This year’s motto is “Built on Trust. Driven by Insight. Focused on Impact.”

The event is centered around a high-class conference spearheaded by leading experts from different areas of the European corporate sustainability sector. Several speakers have already been confirmed—such as Dr. Robert Habeck, German Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (2021-2025) / Federal Chairman of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen [2018-2022]. Further key note speakers Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg and Ralph Thurm, each established thought leaders and experts in the sustainability sector, are set to return as well. All in all, the event will convene the who is who from the corporate sustainability sector.

The conference is set to cover a variety of the topics currently moving the industry: from sustainable financing, health and diversity, smart and intelligent data management, the importance of clean energy in the commercial and industrial segment, over to navigating and transparently communicating ESG reporting.

In addition to the conference, the ESG Summit provides a platform for solution providers with an exhibition area, as well as a stage for leaders in various areas of sustainability to be honored for their proven commitment in award ceremonies of the ESG Transparency Award and other award ceremonies from the renewable energy and social sustainability sector. Further, meetings of expert advisory boards and committees will take place, focusing on extensive exchange at the highest level.

The event is supported by companies such as Arvato Systems, BG prevent, DNV, Eva Service GmbH, OCELL GmbH, SolaX Power, Solinteg, Solplanet, Unternehmen Bewegung, F&F energyinnovation, Grubengold, GoodWe, Pylontech, and media partners Haufe Sustainability and zielNULL.

Markus A.W. Hoehner, CEO and Founder of the EUPD Group, is looking forward to the event: “The corporate sector plays a crucial role in driving the sustainable transformation of our society – by creating knowledge, shaping progress, ensuring accountability, and fostering dialogue. ESG is no longer a peripheral topic, but a strategic framework for future-proof corporate governance. The ESG Summit brings together Europe’s leading voices to provide guidance, set standards, and shape the future of responsible business.”

Tickets for the ESG Summit 2025 are available online: https://european-sustainability-week.com/shop/

About the EUPD Group
Since its foundation in 2000, the EUPD Group has been developing innovative, integrated solutions for sustainability-oriented companies. We lead companies to success with our data-based market research and consulting services in the areas of energy, social and ESG. On the one hand, we have specialized in technology sectors such as photovoltaics, energy storage, heat pumps and electromobility under the topic of “Energy”. In the “Social” category, we also offer services in areas such as occupational health management and equal opportunities, while “ESG” focuses on corporate sustainability and responsibility issues, including their transparency in reporting. Our aim is to help companies become and remain competitive, create optimal framework conditions and develop business opportunities.
https://eupd-group.com/

About the European Sustainability Week
The European Sustainability Week, organized by the EUPD Group, provides a unique platform to discuss the latest national and international sustainability developments with industry pioneers, expert councils and committees. The ESG Summit 2025 offers participants the opportunity to expand their knowledge, make valuable contacts and learn from industry leaders during a high-class conference, on the exhibition floor for solution providers and award ceremonies.
https://european-sustainability-week.com/

Sources: African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) and Sudanese Human Rights Monitor (SHRM) – Joint Statement

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS), and the Sudanese Human Rights Monitor (SHRM) welcome the conviction of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Darfur.

Paris, The Hague, 7 October 2025. Yesterday, in a unanimous decision, ICC judges convicted Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known as “Ali Kushayb”, of 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The former Janjaweed leader stood trial for 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur, Sudan, between August 2003 and at least April 2004, including murder, persecution, forced displacement, rape, torture, and attacks against civilian populations.

A Historic First ICC Trial for International Crimes Committed in Darfur

This verdict marks a historic milestone in the pursuit of justice for victims and survivors of atrocities committed during the Darfur conflict. The trial in the case opened before Trial Chamber I on 5 April 2022, after Abd Al Rahman surrendered himself voluntarily in the Central African Republic. This was the first trial arising from the situation in Darfur, Sudan, referred to the ICC by the United Nations Security Council in 2005, and the first verdict from a referred situation. It also marks the first time a Janjaweed leader has been held individually accountable anywhere for the atrocities committed in Darfur.

The judgment is also significant for establishing the ICC’s first conviction for persecution on gender grounds. The Chamber found that males from the Fur community were targeted because of their ethnicity, political affiliation and gender, observing that “a victim can suffer a higher risk of victimisation because of the intersection of different factors of discrimination.”

A Long-Awaited Step Toward Justice for Victims

1591 victims participated in this trial, a powerful demonstration of their enduring hope for justice and accountability. “This conviction is a long-overdue recognition of the suffering endured by Darfuri victims and a resounding affirmation that impunity for atrocity crimes will not stand,” said Mossaad Ali, Executive Director, ACJPS.“After nearly two decades, survivors have finally witnessed a moment of accountability. It is a powerful step toward justice and healing.”

“We commend the courage of the victims and witnesses who came forward and urge continued international support to ensure further accountability for all perpetrators of crimes in Darfur,” said Magdi El Na’im, Executive Director, SHRM.

The conviction of Abd-Al-Rahman must pave the way for broader accountability efforts for international crimes committed in Darfur. Four individuals bearing the greatest responsibility for atrocities and under ICC warrants of arrest remain at large and must be brought to justice. The Sudanese authorities and the international community must redouble efforts to cooperate with the ICC and support international justice processes. FIDH, ACJPS, and SHRM call on the Sudanese authorities to cooperate fully with the ICC and surrender former officials wanted by the ICC, including former Sudan President Omar al Bashir wanted for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. We also call on all ICC States Parties to cooperate fully with the ICC, execute outstanding arrest warrants and continue supporting justice efforts to pursue accountability for other ICC suspects and senior officials responsible for widespread crimes in Darfur. We further call on the ICC Office of the Prosecutor to expedite its investigations into the crimes committed in the context of the ongoing conflict in Sudan and apply for arrest warrants without delay.

Victims-Centred Reparations must Follow

Victims and survivors of the Darfur conflict continue to live with the physical, emotional, social, and economic consequences of the crimes committed. Millions remain displaced from their homes, lack access to healthcare, education, livelihoods, and basic services, and have never received official recognition or support for their suffering.

While this conviction marks an important step toward accountability, its full impact will depend on the outcome of any potential appeal. Justice must also include meaningful reparations that respond directly to the needs, rights, and dignity of victims. Future reparations must be inclusive, transparent, and community-driven, shaped on the basis of consultations with victims and affected communities.

FIDH is a century-old international federation composed of 188 of human rights organisations fighting for a fair and just world. Together we expose violations, hold perpetrators to account, advocate for the universality of human rights and protect human rights defenders' freedom to act.

Source: Amnesty International

Responding to reports of an aerial attack by the Myanmar military that is said to have killed upwards of 20 civilians, including children, when multiple bombs were dropped from motorized paragliders, Amnesty International’s Myanmar Researcher Joe Freeman said:

“The sickening reports emerging from the ground in central Myanmar following a nighttime attack late on Monday should serve as a gruesome wake-up call that civilians in Myanmar need urgent protection.

“The international community may have forgotten about the conflict in Myanmar, but the Myanmar military is taking advantage of reduced scrutiny to carry out war crimes with impunity.

“It continues to kill civilians on a daily basis, using methods such as motorized paragliders, a disturbing trend that Amnesty International has documented in the same area that this attack occurred.

“This would be the latest in a long line of attacks that stretch back almost five years to the start of the 2021 military coup. As the military attempts to solidify power with a stage-managed election later this year, it is intensifying an already brutal campaign against pockets of resistance.

“As it prepares to convene later this month, the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must increase pressure on the junta and revise an approach that has failed the Myanmar people for almost five years, since the coup deposed the country’s democratically elected government. The UN Security Council should also refer the situation in Myanmar as a whole to the International Criminal Court.”

Background

According to reports and information received by Amnesty International, people from communities in Sagaing Region’s Chaung-U Township gathered in a village on the evening of 6 October as part of a peaceful candlelight vigil to call for the release of arbitrarily detained prisoners, to oppose military conscription and to condemn a junta-organized election set for December. The vigil took place on the Full Moon night of Myanmar’s Thadingyut Festival, in an area where armed resistance groups are active.

According to people present at the scene, the first attack at around 8pm initially killed at least 17 people including at least one child under five years old. Dozens of people are said to be in critical condition in local hospitals. A follow-up attack reportedly occurred at around 11pm but did not cause as much damage. Both were said to be carried out with motorized paragliders, which make a distinctive chainsaw-like sound as they approach, with media reporting that more than 20 people were killed in total.

The UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said in September that these paramotor attacks typically involve 120mm mortar rounds dropped from the sky, an indiscriminate form of attack. Amnesty International interviewed witnesses to paramotor attacks in the same township in March in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck central Myanmar.

It is not known if the military’s use of paramotors is related to the lack of resources such as jet fuel which the military needs for fighter jets. In 2022, Amnesty International released a report, Deadly Cargo, about the supply chain of jet fuel to the Myanmar military, and has tracked its changing tactics to import the resource since then.

Source: deVere Group

October 7 2025 – France's latest political collapse has set the stage for a prolonged period of instability across Europe, with investors preparing for more volatility in the euro and European markets as confidence in France's ability to govern continues to erode.

This is the warning from the CEO of financial advisory giant deVere Group following Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's resignation on Monday after just 27 days in office, making it clear that France is trapped in a cycle of dysfunction.

With no majority in parliament and no workable budget, the eurozone's second-largest economy has lost direction at a critical time for Europe's fragile recovery.

Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, says: “Investors are now positioning for a drawn-out crisis.

“What comes next will not be defined by a single event but by an accumulation of uncertainty. France's political paralysis is becoming a structural feature of Europe's risk profile.”

The bond market has already delivered its verdict. Yields on French 10-year bonds have surged to near-decade highs, widening the gap with German Bunds and reviving fears of fragmentation within the eurozone. The euro has slipped against the dollar, while European banking and industrial shares have sold off sharply.

“These moves show that investors are rethinking the risk premium for Europe,” says Nigel Green. “France is too large to treat as an outlier — when it falters, the entire bloc feels it.”

He continues: “President Macron faces only unappealing choices. He could appoint another caretaker prime minister, but any new government will likely face the same gridlock.

“Fresh elections could deliver even greater influence to far-right parties, deepening market unease.

“The most probable outcome is that France will continue to operate under emergency spending rules into 2026, effectively putting fiscal policy on hold.”

Nigel Green warns: “Markets are already reading this as a loss of control. Running a major economy without a functioning budget undermines credibility, not only for France but for the entire eurozone.

“Unless political cooperation is restored, the consequences will extend far beyond Paris.”

He adds that the euro's decline should not be mistaken for a policy success.

“A weaker euro that results from instability offers no strategic advantage. It reflects capital flight and loss of trust. Investors understand the difference between tactical easing and systemic weakness.”

Over the coming months, portfolio managers are expected to keep reducing exposure to euro-denominated assets, rotating toward the dollar and Treasuries.

Risk-sensitive positions in European banks and cyclical sectors are likely to remain under pressure.

“Capital will move toward predictability,” comments the deVere CEO.

“Investors will reward jurisdictions that can deliver stability, transparency, and coherent fiscal management — attributes that Europe is struggling to project right now.”

He believes the more significant shift is psychological rather than technical.

“This is not a sudden crisis. It's a slow erosion of confidence, the kind that changes how investors think about Europe for the long term. When faith in governance fades, it takes years — not months — to rebuild.”

The wider European picture offers little reassurance. Germany's slowdown continues, Italy's fiscal position is deteriorating, and the European Central Bank has limited scope to respond without risking renewed inflation.

France's paralysis, layered on top of these challenges, strengthens the view that Europe is losing its ability to act decisively. “This moment will test whether the eurozone can still coordinate under pressure,” says the chief executive.

“If it can't, investors will start to treat Europe less as a single market and more as a collection of disconnected risks.”

He concludes: “What comes next is a period of grinding uncertainty. France's instability has become the prism through which global investors will judge Europe's credibility.

“Until a clear political and fiscal path emerges, volatility will persist — and stability will remain the continent's most scarce asset.”

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.

Source: Amnesty International

Responding to the Singapore government scheduling the execution of Malaysian national Pannir Selvam Pranthaman for Wednesday 8 October, Amnesty International’s Death Penalty Advisor Chiara Sangiorgio said:

“The Singapore government must immediately halt the execution of Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, whose case has been marred by multiple layers of unfairness, including violations of international human rights law and standards.

“It is indefensible that Singapore continues to cruelly pursue more executions in the name of drug control. So far in 2025, Singapore has executed 11 people, including nine convicted of drug-related offences. Yet there is no evidence that the death penalty has a unique deterrent effect or that it has any impact on the use and availability of drugs.

“Pannir’s case is emblematic of the many flaws in the use of the death penalty in Singapore. Under international law and standards, the imposition of the death penalty for drug-related offences as a mandatory punishment is unlawful.

“Singapore must end its use of the death penalty and instead offer effective protection from drug-related harm, such as by expanding access to health and social services for people who use drugs and addressing the underlying socio-economic causes that lead people to engage in the drug trade.  

“Pannir and his family have shown incredible determination and resilience in advocating for the commutation of his death sentence. We join them in asking the Malaysian government, including through its diplomatic relations with Singapore, to take every measure possible to ensure his execution is halted.

“We also renew our call on the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) to increase pressure on Singapore to reform its drug control policies in a way that respects human rights.”

Background

Pannir Selvam Pranthaman was convicted on 2 May 2017 of importing 51.84g of diamorphine (heroin) into Singapore and sentenced to the mandatory death penalty.

Following the Court of Appeal’s rejection of his appeal on 5 September 2025, his family received notification on 3 October that the President had rejected Pannir’s clemency request and his execution was set for the third time.

The judge found Pannir Selvam Pranthaman to have been involved only in transporting drugs, meeting the “courier” requirement under the law. However, the prosecution did not provide him with a certificate confirming that he substantively assisted investigations to disrupt further drugs trafficking activities – a second condition to qualify for sentencing discretion in these cases –  leaving no option to the judge but to impose the mandatory death penalty. This effectively shifted the decision on sentencing to the prosecution. His conviction also relied on unfair presumptions of guilt, which the prosecution can invoke at trial to infer knowledge or possession of the drugs, shifting the burden of proof on to the defendant.

While on death row in Singapore, Pannir has written poems and songs, including some that have resulted in collaborations with other Malaysian artists.

International law and standards prohibit the imposition of the mandatory death penalty, as it denies the possibility of taking into account the circumstances in the case. International law and standards require that the imposition of the death penalty be restricted to the “most serious crimes” involving intentional killing.

Singapore is one of only four countries, alongside China, Iran and Saudi Arabia, where executions for drug-related offences were confirmed in 2024. As of today, 113 countries have abolished the death penalty for all crimes and close to three quarters of all countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice. Amnesty International opposes the death penalty unconditionally, in all cases and under any circumstances.

Source: CloudMile

Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila – CloudMile, a leading AI technology group in Asia, has successfully concluded its marquee Southeast Asia event “AI in Action – CloudMile Solution Day” series in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The tour drew over 300 business and technology leaders from across the region. This strong turnout reinforced the market's demand for solutions that strategically integrate AI, cybersecurity, and FinOps to drive innovation and efficiency. The series also served as the official launch platform for CloudMile's new FinOps platform, LumiTure.ai.

A key highlight of the tour was the official launch of LumiTure.ai, CloudMile's new multi-cloud FinOps platform. Designed to help enterprises track and manage cloud spending, and cost allocation across multi-cloud. The launch reinforced the critical connection between AI-driven strategies, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and financial governance, showcasing how these three pillars are essential for a successful digital transformation.

Throughout the tour, CloudMile emphasized a “Secure by Design” approach towards AI, reinforcing that cybersecurity is a foundational element, not an afterthought, for any successful AI adoption. The events provided attendees with a clear look at how to build a resilient and secure data infrastructure while also ensuring AI responsibility and ethical AI behaviors. The discussions covered how to support high-value AI adoption, strengthen the digital economy through financial governance, and drive business competitiveness, all while upholding the principles of ethical and responsible AI.

“The Southeast Asian market is one of the most dynamic regions for AI adoption,” said Spencer Liu, Founder and Chairman of CloudMile Group. “The overwhelming turnout for this series demonstrates the strong appetite for solutions that combine AI with a robust framework for security and cost efficiency. With the introduction of LumiTure.ai, we are directly addressing these market needs.”

The success of the events was also a testament to CloudMile's collaborative AI ecosystem. Partners including Google Cloud, Bitdefender, Confluent, and JumpCloud contributed expertise on enterprise security, data management, and AI infrastructure, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in enabling wider AI adoption.

“The “AI in Action” series was designed to urge businesses to look beyond the impressive results of AI agents and to instead focus on establishing a clear, secure, and cost-effective roadmap for their AI journey from the very beginning,” said Jeremy Heng, Southeast Asia Managing Director of CloudMile. “Our approach is simple: build a robust foundation where security and efficiency are not afterthoughts but are woven into the very fabric of the data journey.”

About CloudMile

CloudMile is a leading AI technology group in Asia, focused on driving enterprise growth through digital transformation powered by AI and data technology. With dual headquarters in Taipei and Singapore, and offices across Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, CloudMile provides end-to-end AI transformation solutions, from multi-cloud architecture design and technical integration to strategic AI consulting. For more information, please visit www.mile.cloud.

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

Shifting gears in the fight against tobacco in the Western Pacific Region  

MANILA, 20 October 2025 – Tobacco use remains one of the deadliest public health threats in the Western Pacific, killing more than 3 million people every year: one in five deaths across a Region covering 38 countries and areas. Despite decades of efforts to combat this scourge with significant progress on several fronts, more than one in five people still use tobacco products in this Region of over 2.2 billion people, and the industry continues to adapt with new tactics and products to keep profits flowing.

“Smoking remains the leading cause of tobacco-related deaths, but they are not the only danger,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “From conventional cigarettes to smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes, every product is designed to hook people into a lifetime of addiction, and every delay in stronger action costs health and lives. With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) the greatest health burden in our Region and globally, and with tobacco-related illness linked to a range of often-fatal illnesses from heart diseases to cancer, it’s critical that Member States gathering at our upcoming Regional Committee Meeting step up urgent action to deliver our shared commitments.”

Progress and Challenges

Data from WHO in the Western Pacific shows that many countries have advanced tobacco control laws, expanding smoke-free environments and strengthening packaging and labelling requirements on cigarette packs. Some, like Viet Nam, have introduced landmark tax reforms, while Pacific nations including Palau and the Cook Islands have banned e-cigarettes.  

These measures, along with a number of others, are among WHO’s Best Buys – evidence-based and cost-effective approaches to decreasing the incidence and dangers of NCDs, including those that address key risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity.  

But progress has been uneven:

• Cigarettes and other tobacco products remain widely available and affordable in many countries. 
• E-cigarettes and other new tobacco and nicotine products are gaining ground, particularly among children and youth. 
• Tobacco taxation, the most cost-effective Best Buy intervention, is still underused. 
• Industry interference continues to obstruct policies through lobbying; marketing, including to children and young persons; and outright disinformation. 
• Enforcement gaps exist even when strong laws are in place, due to resource gaps and limited multisectoral collaboration. 

Why it matters

The Western Pacific is home to over a quarter of the world’s population but nearly half of all global tobacco-related deaths. Unless countries accelerate action, most will fall short of the 2030 target of reducing tobacco use by 30% under the Regional Action Plan for Tobacco Control endorsed by the Member States in 2019.

Conventional products like cigarettes and smokeless tobacco continue to devastate health, also causing economic and environmental burdens. Meanwhile, new products often marketed as “less harmful” alternatives come in fruity flavours and sleek designs to appeal to younger people, creating a new generation of addicts.

Looking ahead

At the upcoming 76th WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, being held in Fiji from October 20 to 24, governments will come together to discuss how to close gaps and take decisive and urgent actions to achieve the 2030 target.

“Governments have powerful tools at their disposal, but they must use them,” said Dr Hiromasa Okayasu, Director of Health Promotion at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office. “Bold action now can prevent millions of premature deaths, sharply reduce healthcare costs, benefit the economy and create a tobacco-free generation across Asia and the Pacific.”

WHO remains committed to working with countries and partners to “weave health for all,” reflecting its regional vision that interlaces efforts, resources, and expertise to protect health, keep the Western Pacific safer, and serve the more than 2.2 billion people who live in this vast region.

For more on the 76th WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, visit:https://www.who.int/westernpacific/about/governance/regional-committee/session-76

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) 

MANILA, 20 October 2025 – Behind the laughter and the clinking of glasses lies a harsher truth. Alcohol leaves marks that cut deep: from teenagers injured in road crashes, mothers facing breast cancer to neighbourhoods affected by alcohol-fueled violence. These are just some of the impacts of alcohol on young people, families and communities.

Alcohol is one of the biggest preventable killers in the Region, claiming nearly one life every minute. In 2019 alone, alcohol contributed to more than 485 000 deaths in the Region, including one in five deaths among men aged 20–29. Globally, alcohol is linked to more than 200 diseases and conditions, from cancers and liver disease to mental health problems, violence and injuries. And despite clear evidence of harm, alcohol largely remains cheap, widely available and aggressively marketed.

“It may surprise you, but any level of alcohol consumption carries risks – for the health and well-being of individual drinkers, families and communities,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “Governments have the tools to reduce alcohol consumption and the multi-faceted harms it causes, protect children and young people, and save lives. At the 76th Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, Ministers of Health and other policymakers will be urged to implement priority actions to protect health for all.”

Rising risks, widening inequities

Per capita alcohol consumption in the Western Pacific was 5.2 litres in 2022, already above the global average, and some countries in the Western Pacific Region have some of the world’s highest consumption.

 

The harms associated with alcohol use often hit hardest the vulnerable population hardest, including women, young people and indigenous communities, deepening inequities. Heavy episodic drinking is widespread, especially among young people, and it is growing among young women.

Regional solutions and momentum

Despite these challenges, countries in the Western Pacific are showing that progress is possible:

·      Samoa raised the minimum alcohol purchase age to 21, restricted sales hours and introduced alcohol-free zones.

·      The Philippines used excise tax reforms to both reduce alcohol consumption and generate billions in revenue for health services.

·      Viet Nam enforced a zero-tolerance drink–driving law, resulting in fewer crashes, injuries and deaths, and more recently, approved a landmark excise tax reform.

·      Brunei Darussalam implemented a comprehensive ban on alcohol advertising, sponsorship and promotion – reducing consumption and protecting youth.

The way forward: accelerating action

However, the progress has been slow and uneven. A regional resolution and the draft Regional Implementation Plan for Alcohol Control call on countries to accelerate adoption of evidence-based policies in line with WHO’s Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022–2030 and the SAFER technical package.

 

WHO urges governments to adopt high-impact policy measures that are included in the WHO ‘best buys’ – evidence-based and cost-effective measures to reduce alcohol use and harms:

·      Raise alcohol taxes and adjust them regularly for inflation and income growth.

·      Restrict availability, including through licensing systems, limits on outlet density and hours of sale, and controls on online and home delivery.

·      Ban or comprehensively restrict alcohol marketing, especially digital advertising targeting young people.

·      Enforce strong drink–driving laws with random breath testing and strict penalties.

·      Integrate screening and brief interventions into primary health care and ensure access to treatment for alcohol use disorders.

·      Raise public awareness about alcohol harms and the benefits of effective alcohol control policies

Looking ahead

The Western Pacific Region has committed to reducing alcohol consumption by 20% by 2030. But progress remains slow and uneven, and only one country in the Western Pacific, Brunei Darussalam, has implemented all three WHO “best buy” measures: higher taxes, marketing bans, and restrictions on availability.[WR1] [SM2]

 

“Every policy that reduces alcohol use, when implemented and enforced, saves lives,” said Dr Hiromasa Okayasu, Director of Health Promotion at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office. “If we act now, we can prevent cancers, heart disease, road deaths and violence – and build healthier, safer societies for generations to come.”

 

WHO remains committed to working with countries and partners to “weave health for all,” reflecting its regional vision that interlaces efforts, resources, and expertise to protect health, keep the Western Pacific safer, and serve the more than 2.2 billion people who live in this vast region.

 

For more on the 76th WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, visit:https://www.who.int/westernpacific/about/governance/regional-committee/session-76

Source: deVere Group

October 3 2025 – The dollar and stocks pushed to record highs on Thursday as investors dismissed the US government shutdown and signs of labor market weakness.

All three major US indexes closed at record highs, with Nvidia hitting a fresh all-time high and Intel surging 50% in the past month.

The gains came despite Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning that economic growth could “take a hit” if the shutdown continues, and data showing year-to-date hiring down 58% from 2023 — its lowest since 2009.

Nigel Green, chief executive of global financial advisory giant deVere Group, says: “Markets are telling us they're far more focused on earnings strength, policy direction, and liquidity than on Washington's deadlock.

“Shutdowns tend to be temporary noise, not structural shocks. Investors are looking through it.”

The political backdrop has had little impact on the dollar either. The greenback edged higher against risk-sensitive currencies, underlining how investors are positioning around fundamentals rather than headlines.

“Historically, shutdowns have caused volatility in bonds and equities, but the effects have been fleeting, and markets are once again treating it as a passing disruption,” notes the deVere chief executive.

Labor market data is adding nuance but not shaking confidence. A recent report shows new hiring slumping to its lowest level since the financial crisis. Yet a new set of indicators compiled by the Chicago Fed places unemployment at 4.34%, in line with Fed Chair Jerome Powell's description of a “low fire, low hire” economy.

Nigel Green explains: “The takeaway for investors is that job creation is slowing, but unemployment remains contained. This all signals an economy cooling without breaking, which bolsters the expectation that central banks will keep conditions supportive. Investors are positioning for that scenario.”

Corporate earnings remain the key driver. Nvidia, the world's most valuable company, continues to set records as investors bet on its dominance in AI. Intel, while still far below its 2021 highs, has delivered a 50% rally over the past month thanks to a series of successful tie-ups.

“These stock moves reinforce the belief that corporate performance is outweighing weak macro data.

“Tech leadership is driving the markets. These companies have become central to growth, and their earnings power is what keeps pulling investors in. As long as this narrative holds, equities are resilient,” he comments.

Momentum also matters. With benchmarks at record highs, investors are reluctant to step aside.

Internationally, investor flows reflect the same outlook. European equities have followed Wall Street upward, while Asian markets are drawing support from capital rotation into growth sectors.

Emerging market currencies are under pressure as the dollar strengthens, but equity markets in those regions continue to attract inflows from global funds seeking higher returns.

“Investors aren't paralysed by Washington's gridlock. They're looking at the bigger picture, which includes liquidity, earnings, and positioning for 2026.

“Shutdowns will come and go. What matters is where the money is flowing, and right now it is clearly into equities,” says Nigel Green.

The key risk factors remain inflation surprises, geopolitical shocks, or a disorderly downturn in the labour market. But with unemployment steady and inflation trending lower, investors are treating the risks as manageable.

Nigel Green concludes: “The longer-term trend remains intact. Equity markets are scaling new peaks, the dollar is holding firm, and risk assets are in demand.

“Until there's a genuine break in earnings momentum or an external shock, it seems investors will continue to back this rally.”

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.

Source: Equinor

03 OCTOBER 2025 – Equinor's internal investigation of the fall accident at Hammerfest LNG is finalized. A number of measures have been initiated to capture lessons learned from the serious incident.

On 24 April 2025, an employee fell 4.4 metres during formwork activities in connection with the construction of a concrete building on Melkøya.

“The fact that employees have experienced serious accidents or incidents at our plants makes a strong impression on us. Safety is our number one priority. When serious incidents happen, we have failed.We have now received a thorough investigation report on the Melkøya fall accident, which we will learn from and follow up together with our suppliers,” says Irene Rummelhoff, Equinor's executive vice president for Marketing, Midstream & Processing.

“During periods of high activity and many employees from different suppliers at our plants, it is important that requirements and standards for safe work reach everyone. We have reviewed procedures and actions for how we together with our suppliers prepare, enable and follow up everyone performing work at our onshore facilities. Our responsibility is to facilitate compliance with requirements for safe work and to develop a strong safety culture, working closely with our suppliers,” says Rummelhoff.

Important investigation findings

The investigation concludes that the incident is not due to one single cause, but that several factors related to the interaction between Equinor, the main contractor Aibel and subcontractor Consto explain why the accident occurred.

The investigation shows that the follow-up has not been good enough as regards competence management and correct execution of work at Equinor and in the supply companies. Not everyone working for Equinor's subcontractor has felt that they can stop unsafe work, although this is a clear expectation from Equinor.

“We expect everyone to report conditions they perceive as unsafe. We always have time to work safely, with a right and duty to stop unsafe work. Everyone should know this when they work for us. We see that this message has not fully reached everyone, which we take very seriously. Together with the management of the supply companies we have taken steps to improve this in our onboarding and safety training,” says Christina Dreetz, senior vice president for Equinor's onshore facilities.

A few hours before the accident, Equinor and Aibel decided to stop work at height on the construction site. The message was given to the subcontractor, but did not reach those who carried out the job.The investigation points out that the subcontractor during planning and risk assessment mainly focused on progress. This contributed to the risk associated with the formwork activities at height not being sufficiently understood and managed.

Continued need for improvement

Based on recommendations from the investigation team, efforts are now underway at Equinor to further improve and structure the monitoring of suppliers at the onshore facilities:

Strengthening of the safety culture together with the suppliers and the conduct of a third-party investigation of the transparency culture on Melkøya.
Systematic work to ensure improvement and learning at all levels, from planning, to competence management, verification and execution.
Adjustment of work processes and in the work permit system to make safe work requirements more accessible.

Aibel and Consto have also implemented measures, including clarifying the requirements for various technical teams/disciplines. Competence is being verified to ensure that personnel who use fall protection have received adequate training.

“We will now draw on the investigation report findings and work on the identified measures. We will use the learnings from this work to improve the safety culture at our onshore facilities,” says Dreetz.

About the investigation

The investigation aims to understand the course of events and extract learnings.
The investigation has been conducted by Corporate Audit and Investigation (CAI), which reports to the Equinor board of directors.
The investigation is based on more than 50 interviews and information from Equinor, the main contractor, the subcontractor, the staffing agency and external sources.
The Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havtil) is also investigating the incident.
The investigation report from Equinor has been submitted to Havtil.

The investigation report’s description of the incident

The investigation describes several factors that contributed to increasing the risk of a fall accident during formwork activities:

There were snow and ice in the workplace, more work teams than normal in a limited area, and reduced monitoring of the activities on the site due to an external management gathering.
The scaffolding planks were located in an area that was closed off, and consequently the team was standing on loose and unsteady formwork beams.
There were not good enough anchoring points for the fall protection equipment that was used. As a result, the fall protection method was not suitable for reducing the consequences of a fall from height.
The work team felt that there was no room for stopping the work, even though they had asked for scaffolding planks and expressed uncertainty.

Measures implemented immediately after the accident

The work procedures were reviewed, it was checked that everyone has the right skills, and all fall protection equipment was checked.
The procedures for work at height, especially in connection with formwork activities, were tightened up.
A training centre was established for hands-on training in the safe use of fall protection.
A new organisational structure with increased management capacity was established at Equinor, Aibel and Consto locally in Hammerfest.

Suppliers involved

Aibel is one of Equinor's main suppliers and has worked at Hammerfest LNG for a number of years as a maintenance and modification supplier. Aibel played a key role in preparing Hammerfest LNG for production after the fire in 2020. The company has 5300 employees in Norway, Thailand and Singapore.
Consto is one of the country's leading building and construction companies. The company has operations in all regions of the country, as well as construction operations in southern Sweden. Consto has more than 1,200 full-time employees in Norway and Sweden. The head office is located in Tromsø.