CIOs and CTOs Across Australia and New Zealand Struggle Balancing IT Modernization Efforts with Business Growth and Profitability, According to New Survey

 

Majority of surveyed IT leaders running IT modernization programs are over budget and behind schedule, with results showing only “marginal improvements” for the business

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI), a global provider of end-to-end enterprise software support, products and services, the leading third-party support provider for Oracle and SAP software, and a Salesforce and AWS partner, today announced findings of the Tech Research Asia Survey Report, “Operational Excellence is a Key Part of System Modernisation,” examining the challenges, opportunities, and priorities of CIOs and CTOs in their modernization journey. The Rimini Street-sponsored research was conducted among more than 300 CxOs across Australia and New Zealand from retail, manufacturing, construction, banking, travel and hospitality, telecommunications, and utilities industries.

The survey highlights the balance IT leaders must strike between modernization efforts and broader business objectives such as profitability, growth, cost control and employee management. With a majority of surveyed executives seeing only marginal improvements to the business post-transformation, many are finding themselves having to justify the purpose and ROI of modernization efforts.

“The research indicates that there is significant room for improvement when it comes to modernization programs, and many organizations believe they can – and should – extract greater ROI out of their existing core systems,” said David Rowe, EVP, Global Transformation and chief product officer at Rimini Street. “Enterprise software system roadmaps have been dictated by the vendors, leaving little to no control to the organization implementing them. This is increasingly changing, and we are seeing more leaders take their roadmap into their own hands to achieve better outcomes by optimizing existing systems tailored to their business goals, innovating around the edges, and outsourcing maintenance and support.”

Survey Results Show Organizations Challenged with Digital Transformation Vision, IT Modernization Timeline and Budget, and Seeing Greater ROI for the Investment

Key findings include:

• 98% of survey respondents are pursuing digital transformation (DX), but many organizations lack a comprehensive vision for their digital future and fall into “DX fatigue”
• 88% of survey respondents are running an IT modernization program; however, more than half say they are behind schedule (61%) and over budget (68%)
• Nearly 60% of respondents say that their modernization programs were not succeeding beyond marginal improvements for the business
• 81% of organizations believe that hybrid IT is a key approach to IT modernization

Embracing Innovation in IT Management and Modernization with Third-Party Support

While 66% of respondents are open to embracing innovative approaches to managing or modernizing their IT environments, the current focus on driving profit margin increases and operational excellence can lead organizations to deprioritize innovation efforts.

Over the next 12 months, the top three IT management priorities for CIOs and CTOs are:

1. Modernizing core systems to create better performance, efficiencies, and lower costs management
2. Keeping existing IT systems running
3. Managing IT budget constraints

To achieve these priorities, executives must take greater focus on areas of inefficiencies within the business. IT leaders surveyed believe they waste a mean of 144 hours per week on low-value management or maintenance tasks for core IT systems. This represents a critical area of the business where executives can work with key stakeholders and outsourced IT support vendors to eradicate waste by streamlining processes and freeing up resources.

The top two influences on business cited are “inflation/the cost of capital” and “finding/retaining the best talent.” With up to 60% of respondents experiencing some dissatisfaction with their primary operational/core IT system vendor, organizations should consider partnering with third-party service support experts who can help stabilize and optimize current systems, as well as provide strategies and roadmaps to well-planned modernization efforts. Doing so can provide enterprises with valuable guidance and support throughout the modernization journey, enabling them to foster innovation, allocate their talent resources toward strategic projects while pursuing both growth and profitability.

You can access the full, comprehensive survey report, “Operational Excellence is a Key Part of System Modernisation,” here.

About Rimini Street, Inc.

Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI), a Russell 2000® Company, is a global provider of end-to-end enterprise software support, products and services, the leading third-party support provider for Oracle and SAP software and a Salesforce and AWS partner. The Company has operations globally and offers a comprehensive family of unified solutions to run, manage, support, customize, configure, connect, protect, monitor, and optimize enterprise application, database, and technology software, and enables clients to achieve better business outcomes, significantly reduce costs and reallocate resources for innovation. To date, over 5,300 Fortune 500, Fortune Global 100, midmarket, public sector, and other organizations from a broad range of industries have relied on Rimini Street as their trusted enterprise software solutions provider. To learn more, please visit riministreet.com, and connect with Rimini Street on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. (IR-RMNI)

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this communication are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “currently,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seem,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our expectations of future events, future opportunities, global expansion and other growth initiatives and our investments in such initiatives. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of management and are not predictions of actual performance, nor are these statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties regarding Rimini Street’s business, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, adverse developments in and costs associated with defending pending litigation or any new litigation, including the disposition of pending motions to appeal and any new claims; additional expenses to be incurred in order to comply with injunctions against certain of our business practices and the impact on future period revenue and costs; changes in the business environment in which Rimini Street operates, including the impact of any recessionary economic trends and changes in foreign exchange rates, as well as general financial, economic, regulatory and political conditions affecting the industry in which we operate and the industries in which our clients operate; the evolution of the enterprise software management and support landscape and our ability to attract and retain clients and further penetrate our client base; significant competition in the software support services industry; customer adoption of our expanded portfolio of products and services and products and services we expect to introduce; our ability to sustain or achieve revenue growth or profitability, manage our cost of revenue and accurately forecast revenue; estimates of our total addressable market and expectations of client savings relative to use of other providers; variability of timing in our sales cycle; risks relating to retention rates, including our ability to accurately predict retention rates; the loss of one or more members of our management team; our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and key personnel; challenges of managing growth profitably; our need and ability to raise additional equity or debt financing on favorable terms and our ability to generate cash flows from operations to help fund increased investment in our growth; the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters; risks associated with global operations; our ability to prevent unauthorized access to our information technology systems and other cybersecurity threats, protect the confidential information of our employees and clients and comply with privacy regulations; our ability to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting; our ability to maintain, protect and enhance our brand and intellectual property; changes in laws and regulations, including changes in tax laws or unfavorable outcomes of tax positions we take, or a failure by us to establish adequate tax reserves; our credit facility’s ongoing debt service obligations and financial and operational covenants on our business and related interest rate risk, including uncertainty from the transition to SOFR or other interest rate benchmarks; the sufficiency of our cash and cash equivalents to meet our liquidity requirements; the amount and timing of repurchases, if any, under our stock repurchase program and our ability to enhance stockholder value through such program; uncertainty as to the long-term value of Rimini Street’s equity securities; catastrophic events that disrupt our business or that of our clients; and those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Rimini Street’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2023, and as updated from time to time by Rimini Street’s future Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other filings by Rimini Street with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, forward-looking statements provide Rimini Street’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Rimini Street anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Rimini Street’s assessments to change. However, while Rimini Street may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Rimini Street specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Rimini Street’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication.

© 2023 Rimini Street, Inc. All rights reserved. “Rimini Street” is a registered trademark of Rimini Street, Inc. in the United States and other countries, and Rimini Street, the Rimini Street logo, and combinations thereof, and other marks marked by TM are trademarks of Rimini Street, Inc. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners, and unless otherwise specified, Rimini Street claims no affiliation, endorsement, or association with any such trademark holder or other companies referenced herein.

 

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Contacts

Janet Ravin

VP, Global Communications

Rimini Street, Inc.

+1 702 285-3532

pr@riministreet.com

Higround and The Pokémon Company International Invite Fans to Explore Fan-Favorite Pokémon in New Collection

 LOS ANGELES - Tuesday, 05. December 2023 AETOSWire Print 

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- In a new and special collaboration, Higround, a powerhouse within the lifestyle and gaming spheres, is teaming up with The Pokémon Company International to create an exciting collection that seamlessly blends the worlds of competitive gaming, and the beloved Pokémon franchise. This unique partnership introduces a carefully curated collection of gaming peripherals inspired by fan-favorite Pokémon.

Higround introduces its line of Pokémon-themed keyboards and additional accoutrement, offering fans a tactile way to connect with their favorite franchise. In this unique collection, the Base 65 and Summit 65 Keyboards take center stage. The Base 65 models, for the everyday adventurer, feature designs like the iconic Poké Ball and fan-favorite Pokémon, including Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, and Mewtwo. The Summit 65 Keyboards represent the apex of luxury and performance, crafted with enthusiast-grade materials. Complementing these are the Performance Base 65 Keyboards, designed for competitive gamers with dynamic actuation technology, allowing for customized key sensitivity.

"This collaboration with Pokémon is a unique opportunity for us to celebrate a franchise that has been a significant part of our lives," says Rustin Sotoodeh, CEO and Creative Director of Higround. "We want to enable fans to express themselves and their love of Pokémon through our products, which offer a special collectible experience."

Mark your calendars for this one-of-a-kind release. The Higround and Pokémon collection will be available on December 8th at 12 p.m. PT on the Higround website.

ABOUT HIGROUND

Higround is a lifestyle and computer peripheral brand that seeks to embody elevated gaming culture. Founded by Rustin Sotoodeh and Kha Lu, Higround creates high-quality peripherals with unique designs that fuse fashion, gaming, and technology. Each capsule collection features a distinctive array of items known to sell out rapidly. In 2021, Higround was acquired by esports powerhouse 100 Thieves.

ABOUT POKÉMON

The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, please visit www.pokemon.com.

 

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Kelly Kim: kkim@higround.co

Moody’s Launches Moody’s Research Assistant, a GenAI Tool to Power Analytic Insights

NEW YORK - Tuesday, 05. December 2023

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Moody's Corporation (NYSE:MCO) today announced the launch of Moody’s Research Assistant, a first-of-its-kind search and analytical tool powered by generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Leveraging Moody’s extensive proprietary content and the latest large language models (LLMs), the product helps customers generate new insights from the breadth and depth of Moody’s credit research, data, and analytics.

As the first GenAI-powered research tool commercially available for financial market participants, Moody’s Research Assistant synthesizes vast amounts of information so users can assess lending or investment opportunities, monitor developments, compare entities, and enhance analytical workflows rapidly and at scale. Grounded in Moody’s extensive proprietary content in combination with the latest GenAI technology, Moody’s Research Assistant allows users to generate more holistic risk insights faster.

“For financial market participants, successfully navigating today’s complex risk landscape requires resource-intensive analysis of a vast array of research and data across a number of risk domains,” said Cristina Pieretti, General Manager of Digital Insights for Moody’s Analytics. “With Moody’s Research Assistant, analysis that used to take hours can now be accomplished in minutes, freeing up more time for strategic decision-making.”

Users who participated in a pilot of Moody’s Research Assistant reported gains in productivity and effectiveness. Based on observed metrics during the pilot period, users could save up to 80% of the time they spend on data collection and up to 50% of the time they spend on analysis by adding Moody's Research Assistant. Overall, results suggest that Moody’s Research Assistant could save users up to 27% of their time spent performing the typical tasks and functions of a financial analyst.

Moody’s Research Assistant is available as an add-on to CreditView, Moody’s flagship ratings and research solution. Using Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service and powered by advanced language processing technology, Moody’s Research Assistant complements CreditView’s existing information retrieval system, effectively identifying relevant entities, industries, and geographical regions within textual content.

Moody’s Research Assistant covers the latest rating actions, credit opinions, and research reports from Moody’s Investors Service to provide real-time answers for users. Ultimately, Moody’s Research Assistant will expand to leverage more of Moody’s data and content across risk domains including credit, climate, cyber, compliance, supply chain, and more.

The launch of Moody’s Research Assistant is the latest chapter in Moody’s integration of AI into its products, solutions, and processes that help decision makers decode risk and unlock opportunities. Moody’s ongoing approach to innovation is grounded in three main principles – evolving with urgency, empowering employees, and prioritizing customer impact.

For more information on Moody’s Research Assistant, visit https://www.moodys.com/researchassistant

For more information on Moody’s approach to GenAI, visit https://www.moodys.com/innovation/ai-principles.html

ABOUT MOODY’S CORPORATION

Moody’s (NYSE: MCO) is a global integrated risk assessment firm that empowers organizations to make better decisions. Its data, analytical solutions and insights help decision-makers identify opportunities and manage the risks of doing business with others. We believe that greater transparency, more informed decisions, and fair access to information open the door to shared progress. With approximately 15,000 employees in more than 40 countries, Moody’s combines international presence with local expertise and over a century of experience in financial markets. Learn more at moodys.com/about.

"SAFE HARBOR" STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

Certain statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements and are based on future expectations, plans and prospects for Moody's business and operations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such statements involve estimates, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Stockholders and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other information in this release are made as of the date hereof, and Moody's undertakes no obligation (nor does it intend) to publicly supplement, update or revise such statements on a going-forward basis, whether as a result of subsequent developments, changed expectations or otherwise, except as required by applicable law or regulation. In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Moody's is identifying certain factors that could cause actual results to differ, perhaps materially, from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. Those factors, risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the impact of current economic conditions, including capital market disruptions, inflation and related monetary policy actions by governments in response to inflation, on worldwide credit markets and on economic activity, including on the volume of mergers and acquisitions, and their effects on the volume of debt and other securities issued in domestic and/or global capital markets; the uncertain effectiveness and possible collateral consequences of U.S. and foreign government initiatives and monetary policy to respond to the current economic climate, including instability of financial institutions, credit quality concerns, and other potential impacts of volatility in financial and credit markets; the global impacts of the Russia - Ukraine military conflict and more recently the military conflict in Israel and surrounding areas, on volatility in world financial markets, on general economic conditions and GDP in the U.S. and worldwide, on global relations and on the Company's own operations and personnel; other matters that could affect the volume of debt and other securities issued in domestic and/or global capital markets, including regulation, increased utilization of technologies that have the potential to intensify competition and accelerate disruption and disintermediation in the financial services industry, as well as the number of issuances of securities without ratings or securities which are rated or evaluated by non-traditional parties; the level of merger and acquisition activity in the U.S. and abroad; the uncertain effectiveness and possible collateral consequences of U.S. and foreign government actions affecting credit markets, international trade and economic policy, including those related to tariffs, tax agreements and trade barriers; the impact of MIS’s withdrawal of its credit ratings on countries or entities within countries and of Moody’s no longer conducting commercial operations in countries where political instability warrants such actions; concerns in the marketplace affecting our credibility or otherwise affecting market perceptions of the integrity or utility of independent credit agency ratings; the introduction or development of competing and/or emerging technologies and products; pricing pressure from competitors and/or customers; the level of success of new product development and global expansion; the impact of regulation as an NRSRO, the potential for new U.S., state and local legislation and regulations; the potential for increased competition and regulation in the EU and other foreign jurisdictions; exposure to litigation related to our rating opinions, as well as any other litigation, government and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries to which Moody’s may be subject from time to time; provisions in U.S. legislation modifying the pleading standards and EU regulations modifying the liability standards applicable to credit rating agencies in a manner adverse to credit rating agencies; provisions of EU regulations imposing additional procedural and substantive requirements on the pricing of services and the expansion of supervisory remit to include non-EU ratings used for regulatory purposes; uncertainty regarding the future relationship between the U.S. and China; the possible loss of key employees and the impact of the global labor environment; failures or malfunctions of our operations and infrastructure; any vulnerabilities to cyber threats or other cybersecurity concerns; the timing and effectiveness of our restructuring programs, such as the 2022 - 2023 Geolocation Restructuring Program; currency and foreign exchange volatility; the outcome of any review by controlling tax authorities of Moody’s global tax planning initiatives; exposure to potential criminal sanctions or civil remedies if Moody’s fails to comply with foreign and U.S. laws and regulations that are applicable in the jurisdictions in which Moody’s operates, including data protection and privacy laws, sanctions laws, anti-corruption laws, and local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to government officials; the impact of mergers, acquisitions, such as our acquisition of RMS, or other business combinations and the ability of Moody’s to successfully integrate acquired businesses; the level of future cash flows; the levels of capital investments; and a decline in the demand for risk management tools by financial institutions. These factors, risks and uncertainties as well as other risks and uncertainties that could cause Moody’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements are described in greater detail under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of Moody’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and in other filings made by the Company from time to time with the SEC or in materials incorporated herein or therein. Stockholders and investors are cautioned that the occurrence of any of these factors, risks and uncertainties may cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, projected, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements, which could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. New factors may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict new factors, nor can the Company assess the potential effect of any new factors on it. Forward-looking and other statements in this document may also address our corporate responsibility progress, plans, and goals (including sustainability and environmental matters), and the inclusion of such statements is not an indication that these contents are necessarily material to investors or required to be disclosed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, historical, current, and forward-looking sustainability-related statements may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future.

 

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Contacts

SHIVANI KAK

Investor Relations

212.553.0298

Shivani.Kak@moodys.com

JOE MIELENHAUSEN

Corporate Communications

212.553.1461

Joe.Mielenhausen@moodys.com

Takeda and The New York Academy of Sciences Announce 2024 Innovators in Science Award Winners

 2024 Award Celebrates Outstanding Research in Cancer Immunology

Winners Discovered Novel Connections Between the Immune System and Cancer

Recipients Each Receive Unrestricted USD 200,000 Awards

 

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) and The New York Academy of Sciences today announced the winners of the 2024 Innovators in Science Award for their excellence in, and commitment to, innovative science that has significantly advanced the field of research in cancer immunology. Each winner receives an unrestricted prize of USD 200,000.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231205723166/en/

The 2024 Senior Scientist winner is Robert D. Schreiber, Ph.D., the Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Distinguished Professor of Pathology and Immunology and director of The Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Schreiber is an international leader in the fields of tumor immunology and cytokine biology. His early work was foundational in characterizing the role of cytokines in promoting immune responses to cancer. Dr. Schreiber pioneered the concept of “cancer immunoediting,” which describes how the immune system can induce, promote and prevent cancer. He also identified a novel subset of immune cells that interfere with cancer immunotherapy.

“I began researching the connection between the immune system and cancer more than 40 years ago. Along the way my research has benefitted from the contributions of more than 70 colleagues, technicians and trainees who have helped build on both our small discoveries and setbacks to make connections that are now transforming cancer research and treatment,” said Dr. Schreiber. “Scientific research is rewarding even when it takes decades to see results, which is why this award is so meaningful to me.”

The 2024 Early-Career Scientist winner is Elham Azizi, Ph.D., assistant professor of biomedical engineering, and the Herbert and Florence Irving Assistant Professor of Cancer Data Research at Columbia University. Dr. Azizi is recognized for developing a suite of computational tools and models that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to characterize immune profiles in the tumor microenvironment. Her novel machine learning algorithms are applied to data from genomic and imaging technologies, guiding improved and personalized cancer therapies. Dr. Azizi’s work has helped identify immune components involved in anti-tumor responses and characterize immune states that promote tumor progression and response to immunotherapy. Her innovative models have identified, for the first time, determinants of immunotherapy response in leukemia.

“This award is a significant recognition of our efforts to push the boundaries of cancer immunology through innovations in statistical machine learning,” said Dr. Azizi. “The Innovators in Science Award motivates me, my team and the broader community to continue on the path of blending multiple fields to find creative cancer immunology solutions. This award will allow me and my team to forge new collaborations and explore high-risk and ambitious directions in our mission to help patients.”

“We are inspired by the groundbreaking work of Dr. Schreiber and Dr. Azizi to deepen our understanding of both the immune response to cancer and immunotherapies,” said Andrew Plump, M.D., Ph.D., president of research & development at Takeda. “There has been remarkable progress in treating cancer with immunotherapies, thanks to the advances of these researchers and others. Takeda proudly supports the Innovators in Science Award to honor researchers who share in our goal to improve lives through the relentless pursuit of science.”

“Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide. We are proud to join Takeda to champion pioneering medical researchers around the world who seek to harness the power of the body’s own immune system to fight cancer,” said Nicholas Dirks, president and chief executive officer of The New York Academy of Sciences. “The 2024 Innovators in Science Award winners are using AI, computational tools and groundbreaking methods to fight cancer and advance the field of cancer immunology. We congratulate the winners and eagerly await their future discoveries.”

The 2024 winners will be honored at the Innovators in Science Award ceremony and symposium in April 2024 in Boston. For more information, visit TakedaInnovators.com.

About the Innovators in Science Award

Established in 2016, the Innovators in Science Award grants two unrestricted prizes of USD 200,000 each award cycle: one to an early-career scientist and the other to a well-established senior scientist who have distinguished themselves for the creative thinking and impact of their research. The Innovators in Science Award is a limited submission competition in which research universities, academic institutions, government, or non-profit institutions, or equivalent from around the globe with a well-established record of scientific excellence are invited to nominate their most promising early-career scientists and their most outstanding senior scientists. The therapeutic focus rotates each year. The 2024 focus is cancer immunology. Prize winners are determined by a panel of judges, independently selected by The New York Academy of Sciences, with expertise in these disciplines. The New York Academy of Sciences administers the Award in partnership with Takeda. For more information, visit TakedaInnovators.com.

About Takeda

Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com.

About The New York Academy of Sciences

The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organization that has been committed to advancing science for the benefit of society since 1817. With more than 20,000 Members in 100 countries, the Academy advances scientific and technical knowledge, addresses global challenges with science-based solutions, and sponsors a wide variety of educational initiatives at all levels for STEM and STEM-related fields. The Academy hosts programs and publishes content in the life and physical sciences, the social sciences, nutrition, artificial intelligence, computer science, and sustainability. The Academy also provides professional and educational resources for researchers across all phases of their careers. For more information, visit www.nyas.org.

 

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Contacts

Media:

The New York Academy of Sciences

Kamala Murthy

Kmurthy@nyas.org

Takeda

Japanese Media

Yuko Yoneyama

yuko.yoneyama@takeda.com

U.S. and International Media

Kerry Bryant

kerry.bryant@takeda.com

 

Sharjah Celebrates the UAE’s 52nd Union Day

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates - Sunday, 03. December 2023

Sharjah concluded the 52nd Union Day celebrations, which lasted for 12 days, with wide participation from all segments of society including government entities, private sector institutions, Emiratis, international residents, and visitors to the emirate.

Over 200 activities organized by the Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee took place in the cities of Sharjah, Mleiha, Dibba Al Hosn, Khorfakkan, Kalba, Al Bataeh, Al Mudam, Al Dhaid, and Al Hamriyah. Celebrations also took place in cultural and tourist areas as Al Dhaid Fort, the heritage villages in Al Hamriyah, Mleiha, Kalba. Other locations included Wadi Al Hilo, the National Park in Sharjah, Al Hosn Island Canal, Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, Kalba Lake, and Al Bataeh Public Park.

His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee, said: “Sharjah’s activities to celebate the 52nd Union Day focused on combining pride with the culture and heritage of Emirati society and its national identity. Over more than 52 years, the UAE has prioritized development, growth, and future outlook, making it a pioneering regional and global model in caring for human development, tolerance and coexistence, and tirelessly striving to build a better sustainable future for current and future generations, thanks to the wise vision of our leadership.”

“The activities to celebrate Union Day come from the sincere faith of every one of us in the greatness of what our dear country has given us since the announcement of its union by the founding fathers, all the way to our wise leadership, which always shapes the future and implements what exceeds our expectations. This faith and love are firm in the heart of everyone who lives on this land. This was evident in the participation of large numbers of nationalities living in Sharjah and its visitors.”

This year's celebrations were characterized by the diversity of events and activities around 9 regions in Sharjah, which focused on displaying the achievements, history, and heritage of the UAE, and including a wide range of popular marches, heritage and cultural performances and shows that reflect the identity of the Emirati and Arab society, the importance of maintaining a sustainable lifestyle, educational workshops for children and adults, productive families exhibitions, and more.

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Tasnim Hijazi

thijazi@apcoworldwide.com

Transforming to FutureCoal: The Global Alliance for Sustainable Coal

 

 News release by FutureCoal Global Alliance

Kolkata, India | November 21, 2023 06:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

After 38 years the World Coal Association (WCA) will cease and usher in a new era under the transformative branding: FutureCoal – The Global Alliance for Sustainable Coal.

Unveiling the new brand logo and identity at a dedicated press conference in Delhi, FutureCoal Chief Executive, Michelle Manook, said the change responded to a call from coal and coal allied sectors to modernise, and unite under a common purpose.

The FutureCoal organisation will now open its doors representing major and strategic players across the entire coal value chain. The organisation advocates for an inclusive all fuels and all technologies international policy framework to support the sovereign rights of all coal producing and consuming nations and those nations and stakeholders which genuinely seek to support them.

“For too long our global coal value chain has allowed anti-coal sentiment to dominate and fragment us, which has resulted in a lowering of the global coal IQ. This has diminished the capacity and progress of many vulnerable developing and emerging nations, but also now we see, those of some developed nations.

“FutureCoal may seem bold to some but for many it is simply representative of the reality we are confronted with. The total contribution of coal to our modern society and the growing global population should neither be dismissed nor disregarded. Coal and more specifically, a wider definition of abated coal solutions exists and will be needed in any energy transition. This critical resource is a legitimate participant in both economic development and emissions abatement,” she said.

The FutureCoal Global Alliance will embed this transformation through Sustainable Coal Stewardship (SCS). The SCS platform allows coal-based economies like India and China and like-minded nations, and corporations to form collaborations to advance a progressive and technology and solutions led international coal value chain industry.

Ms Manook added that “The total contribution made by the coal value chain in sectors including power, steel, cement, aluminium, chemicals, and renewables infrastructure is in the order of hundreds of billions and is an interconnected global supply chain. This cannot be ignored but equally it can only be secured by our value chain acknowledging that change must occur. If we are to be responsible, then we need to be inclusive, and unite under our common purpose.

We know that we must emerge and demonstrate a modernised, innovative and technology led UNITED coal value chain, focused on continuing to make a substantial future contribution to people’s lives and livelihoods.”

Many coal producing and consuming nations, governments, industry and investors have signalled their intent to be officially associated with and join the FutureCoal global organisation.

FutureCoal Chairman July Ndlovu said, “You have asked, and we have responded. The platform for collaboration, in the best interests of our global community, now exists - in FutureCoal. The leaders of this new legacy understand that this is our responsibility to the future. That this future is before us. And that this future is now.”

 

-ENDS-

 

Backgrounder

(1) What is FutureCoal?

The FutureCoal Global Alliance is the world’s only multi-lateral, neutral and progressive organisation representing the entire coal value chain which is dedicated to raising awareness on the significant total contribution of coal.

The Global Alliance educates on the critical resource coal and its immense and continued involvement in bettering the lives and livelihoods of our global community. The Alliance recognises that as an integrated coal value chain, we must serve to support both economic and environmental national and international ambitions.

It opens up new avenues of collaboration and unites all coal and coal allied sector stakeholders representing thermal, metallurgical, renewable supply chains and coal innovation sectors with corporate members and national industry partners based in major coal economies and markets including Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, New Zealand, South Africa, Russia, United States, and Zimbabwe.

It believes that coal, when used responsibly and sustainably, can contribute significantly to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

FutureCoal is underpinned by Sustainable Coal Stewardship.

(2) What is Sustainable Coal Stewardship?

Sustainable Coal Stewardship (SCS) provides a pathway which supports extracting more value per tonne of coal. Value is determined and measured in both economic and environmental benefits.

SCS describes an intent, approach and a broader definition of the abatement opportunities that the coal value chain has to modernise and transform their coal and allied businesses to meet and advance the needs of our global society.

SCS does not prescribe what abatement opportunities should be adopted by any nation or company. Rather it supports the right to choose and establishment of a coal ecosystem which includes options of efficiency, process improvements, health and safety, emissions reduction including carbon abatement, waste management and recycling, land rehabilitation, technology advancement and innovation.

Specifically, SCS comprises three components:

1. Pre-combustion

Pre- combustion describes the abatement opportunities available to the upstream sector in the coal value chain. These include, but are not limited to, the adoption of efficient and innovative mining processes, practices and equipment including electrification, intelligent platforms, digitalisation, waste management, recycling, dust and water management, management of surface subsidence, land disturbance and rehabilitation, methane management, renewable power, efficient coal processing, washing and beneficiation practices.

2. Combustion

Combustion describes the range of efficiency technologies which when combined support power and heat utilities to abate and capture up to 99% of emissions.

These include high-efficiency and low emissions (HELE) plants such as Ultra Super Critical (USC), Combined Heat and Power (CHP), electricity production from coal gasification (Integrated Gasification in Combined Cycle (IGCC), and co-firing coal with biomass.

These technologies can also be combined with emission mitigation technologies such as lowering SOx emissions through Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD), particulate matter control (through Electrostatic precipitators or ESP and bag or ESP and bag filters), low NOx systems, and carbon capture storage and utilisation and storage (CCS/CCUS).

These technologies also have broader industrial applications including steel and cement production and processing where cleaner technologies, reuse and recycling of by-products from the emission capture technologies also play an essential role, such as the reuse of CO2 for chemicals production and enhanced oil recovery.

3. Beyond Combustion

Beyond Combustion encapsulates a vision where future business opportunities expand further to transforming coal into new higher value products, such as Coal-to-Liquids (CTL), creating synthetic liquid hydrocarbons, hydrogen, methanol, and agri-chemicals most of which are being produced today. Coal and coal waste acting as a secondary resource for cementitious materials, including fly ash from power stations and slag from ironmaking blast furnaces which are valuable to the construction sector to replace cement. Critical minerals, essential for our digitised and electrified future, such as rare earth metals, which can be harvested from coal waste. Coal and waste recycling from the value chain which drives a responsible and transformative change in society, providing a source of advanced materials such as graphene and carbon fibre, while also meeting the most basic needs such as water filtration in developing regions suffering water scarcity. At the heart of Beyond Combustion is technology and innovation to provide solutions for a growing urbanised and modernised global society.

 

 

Contact Details

 

Christopher Demetriou

 

+44 7739 438480

 

cdemetriou@futurecoal.org

 

 

Hazel Koen

 

+27 83 473 5468

 

hkoen@futurecoal.org

 

 

FutureCoal

 

Media@futurecoal.org

Global donors pledge over US$777 million to defeat neglected tropical diseases and improve the lives of 1.6 billion people at the Reaching the Last Mile Forum at COP28

 

• His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, UAE, joins with African leaders and global donors in commitment to end the epidemic of NTDs
• Reaching the Last Mile, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and partners announce an ambitious expansion of the Reaching the Last Mile Fund to US$500m to eliminate two NTDs from the continent of Africa
• Climate change is affecting the reach and prevalence of NTDs, which affect an estimated 1.6 billion people worldwide, jeopardizing progress and putting vulnerable populations at risk
  
  

To access the wider press packet and full list of commitments, visit https://bmemea.egnyte.com/fl/jGzMbGLndZ

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global donors at the 2023 Reaching the Last Mile Forum today pledged a collective US$777.2 million to help control, eliminate, and eradicate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), in a landmark push to accelerate progress towards achieving the goals outlined in the World Health Organization’s 2030 roadmap on NTDs.

Uniting efforts with NTD-endemic countries, donors answered the urgent call to step up the fight against NTDs in the face of climate change, and to work together to improve the lives of the 1.6 billion people worldwide affected by these devastating yet preventable diseases.

The pledging event was hosted by Reaching the Last Mile (RLM), the global health initiative driven by the philanthropy of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The forum took place on the first ever Health Day during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, UAE, was joined by world leaders including H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania; and H.E. Dr Austin Demby, Minister of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone, in a demonstration of endemic country leadership against NTDs.

Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development Affairs at the UAE’s Presidential Court, which oversees Reaching the Last Mile, were also in attendance, alongside ministers and global health leaders.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated: “The UAE is proud to host this pivotal conference and expresses gratitude to all those who have seized the opportunity to renew their commitment to end neglected tropical diseases. Today’s demonstration of global solidarity reflects a shared determination to deliver a better and more dignified future for all. Incredible progress over the last two decades has proved that a world free of NTDs is an achievable goal. We warmly thank governments, donors, and partners for standing with us as we strive to achieve it.”

Reaching the Last Mile joined with the Gates Foundation and global partners to announce a milestone expansion of the Reaching the Last Mile Fund (RLMF) from $100m to $500m. The expansion will increase the reach of the fund from seven countries to 39 across Africa and Yemen, with the audacious goal of eliminating two NTDs, lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis (river blindness), from the continent of Africa.

The funding builds on the pioneering success of the RLMF, which launched in 2017 as a 10-year, multi-donor fund, to establish a model for eliminating the two diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed Al Nahyan said: “Today we reaffirm our pledge to eliminate these diseases of poverty, and save and improve lives worldwide. Climate change is already affecting the patterns of infectious diseases and risking the tremendous gains countries have made to date.

“With endemic countries leading the way, the Reaching the Last Mile Fund represents a historic opportunity to free communities across Africa from the threat of two NTDs, and in partnership unlock the potential for a healthier world.”

“Climate change is inextricably linked to poverty and diseases affecting millions,” said Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “That is why funding for lifesaving healthcare is critical and why we’re joining global partners to build on the tremendous progress of the Reaching the Last Mile Fund to date, and accelerate the elimination of LF and river blindness across Africa and beyond.”

Reaching the Last Mile’s new $100m commitment, matching the Gates Foundation’s $100m commitment, represents a five-fold increase over the contributions made, respectively, to the fund at its launch.

Further contributions from country and donor partners including Sierra Leone, the Carter Center, Sightsavers, the Children’s Investment Foundation Fund (CIFF), The Helmsley Charitable Trust, the END Fund, and Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company will see RLMF significantly broaden its scope, with the aim of ensuring over 350 million people no longer require treatment for these diseases by 2030.

H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, said: “There is clarity of vision as well as growing demand and energy in Africa to see the continent free of NTDs. Political commitment has been sustained and energised through the Kigali Declaration, and through the Continental Framework and Common Africa Position on NTDs, which Sierra Leone is proud to have endorsed. That is why Sierra Leone is proud to pledge towards an Africa free of river blindness and lymphatic filariasis. Neglected tropical diseases cause suffering to millions, and we simply cannot afford to neglect them any longer.”

H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, said: "I am immensely proud to have been at the centre of the launch of this ambitious vision of an Africa free of river blindness and lymphatic filariasis. Tanzania commits to increase domestic contribution for combating NTDs but also counts on continued support from development partners in this endeavor.

"While gaps in global funding for NTDs remain, this initiative signifies a crucial step forward in enhancing the health and quality of life not just for Tanzanians, but for all who live on the African continent. Together, we can end these terrible diseases, forging a path to a healthier and brighter future for us all."

Over five years the RLMF has provided over 100 million treatments, trained 1.3 million health workers, and established nine laboratories to support NTD surveillance and testing. The fund also played a critical role in interrupting the transmission of river blindness in Niger, an achievement once thought to be scientifically impossible in Africa, and has supported Senegal in nearing this milestone.

The wider pledging moment saw new, multimillion-dollar commitments made by organizations including the Anesvad Foundation, CIFF, USAID, Global Health EDCTP3, UBS Optimus Foundation, NALA Foundation, Evidence Action, Helen Keller Intl, and the Fred Hollows Foundation, in addition to the governments of Germany and Belgium.

These pledges will help close the funding gap needed to expedite progress towards the WHO roadmap targets which call for at least 100 countries to have eliminated at least one NTD by 2030, and to reduce by 90% the number of people requiring treatment for NTDs.

To date, 50 countries have eliminated at least one NTD and 600 million people no longer require treatment. Cases of some diseases that have plagued communities for centuries, such as Guinea worm disease and sleeping sickness, are at an all-time low.

However, climate change is affecting the reach and prevalence of infectious diseases like NTDs, threatening to erase elimination gains and stall future progress.

The commitments will help finance essential programs and treatments, support new research and innovations, and strengthen frontline health systems and workforces, among other investments.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization, said: "In light of the pledges made today at the 2023 Reaching the Last Mile Forum, I would like to express my profound gratitude to the global community, especially the pivotal leadership role of the United Arab Emirates, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“This commitment is a significant stride towards eradicating, eliminating, and controlling NTDs, aligning seamlessly with the 2021- 2030 NTD road map. The collaborative efforts of countries and global donors exemplify an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of the 1.6 billion people affected by these diseases. This partnership, especially in the face of challenges posed by climate change, represents a beacon of hope and a testament to what can be achieved through united global action"

The 2023 Reaching the Last Mile Forum convened more than 450 government ministers, global health and development experts, philanthropists, and civil society leaders to galvanize concrete commitments towards mitigating the effects of the climate crisis on human health.

About Reaching the Last Mile

Reaching the Last Mile (RLM) is a portfolio of global health programs, investments, and initiatives working towards disease elimination that is driven by the philanthropy of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Through its partnerships and programs, RLM provides treatment and preventative care in communities that lack access to quality health services, with a focus on last-mile disease elimination.

RLM’s mission represents His Highness’s dedication to ending preventable diseases that affect the world’s most vulnerable communities, and to helping millions of children and adults live healthy, dignified lives.

https://www.reachingthelastmile.com

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of co-chairs Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates and the board of trustees.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231203773888/en/

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Contacts
Reaching the Last Mile media contacts:
Simone Elviss, GCI Health
Simone.elviss@gcihealth.com
+971 (0) 50 614 9383

Hilary Keno, GCI Health
hilary.keno@gcihealth.com
+1 847 338 0949

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation media contact:
media@gatesfoundation.org