#policy makers

[political-us]

Candace Owens on the latest news regarding President Trump’s plan for Gaza

[handwashingday]

Maintaining and improving hand hygiene behaviors remains crucial beyond public health emergencies.

The October 15th, Global Handwashing Day 2024 theme reflects an important question, “Why are clean hands still important?” 

[coopsday]

Celebrating UNCTAD’s achievements of the past 60 years - Charting a New Development Course in a Changing World.

Marking its 60th Anniversary, UNCTAD Rebrands to “UN Trade and Development” and Convenes a Global Leaders Forum

UNCTAD’s 60th anniversary Rebrands as "UN Trade and Development" and convenes Global Leaders Forum with the UN Secretary-General, Heads of State, leading economists and Nobel Laureates in June 2024.

UN Trade and Development’s Secretary-General, Rebeca Grynspan, emphasized the organization’s transformative approach and commitment to supporting developing countries in an increasingly polarized world.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) announced today its landmark rebranding as "UN Trade and Development," commemorating its 60th anniversary this year. This strategic move underscores the organization's commitment to greater impact with a new, clearer visual identity aiming to better reflect its work and values aiming to amplify its global voice on behalf of developing countries.

Charting a New Course

Under the leadership of Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, the organization has been adapting to a rapidly changing global trade landscape impacted by the COVD19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions and climate change, with initiatives that enhance the organization's capacity to rapidly analyze new challenges and support efforts in developing nations.

The rebranding marks a pivotal moment- the first ever comprehensive review of UNCTAD’s global communication footprint and a bold forward-looking strategy to communicate its work and values.

At the presentation of the organization’s new brand as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, Secretary-General Grynspan underlined "Visible, transformational change is our objective. We are celebrating UNCTAD’s achievements of the past 60 years as a forward-looking, renewed organization, building on our legacy but ready to respond to the new complexities of the global economy. We will continue to work to ensure development is at the core of global economic decisions, and the voice of developing countries is heard."

The organization will adopt its new name and logo across all official channels, in the six UN languages, marking its first rebranding in sixty years.

60th anniversary celebration:  Global Leaders Forum

The rebranding marks the start of the 60th anniversary of the organization. UN Trade and Development will convene a Global Leaders Forum from 12-14 June at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, inaugurated by UN Secretary-General, António Guterres and UN Trade and Development Secretary-General, Rebeca Grynspan, alongside Heads of State and Government, and the participation of civil society organizations, private sector representatives and some of the world’s leading economists. Under the theme "Charting a New Development Course in a Changing World", the Forum will emphasize the organization’s integrated approach to trade and development, addressing finance, technology, investment, and sustainable development, with a specific focus on the needs of developing countries, and UNCTAD’s work in Africa, the least developed countries, small island developing states (SIDs), and landlocked developing countries.

It will also be an important occasion to explore innovative approaches and pioneering solutions with the world’s top policy makers and thinkers.

For more information about UN Trade and Development and its 60th-anniversary events, click here.

Download the video here.

**About UN Trade and Development: **

UN Trade and Development (formerly known as UNCTAD) is dedicated to promoting inclusive and sustainable development through trade and investment. With a diverse membership, it empowers countries to harness trade for prosperity.

[detainedstaffday]

United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (“Bangkok Rules”).

International human rights law provides a clear and universal framework relating to detention, enshrined by the following rule:

United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (“Bangkok Rules”)

Bad food and medical care and even worse problems make prison reform a must.

The Bangkok Rules give guidance to policy makers, legislators, sentencing authorities and prison staff to reduce the imprisonment of women, and to meet the specific needs of women in case of imprisonment.

[emergingpakistan]

معاملہ صرف معیشت کا نہیں ہے

1992 کے امریکی صدارتی مقابلے کے دوران بل کلنٹن کی انتخابی ٹیم نے ’یہ معیشت ہے، بےوقوف!‘ کا جملہ تخلیق کیا تاکہ اس بات پر زور دیا جا سکے کہ کسی کو ووٹ دینے کا فیصلہ کرنے میں رائے دہندگان کے لیے معیشت اہم مسئلہ ہے۔ یہ یاد رکھنا ضروری ہے کہ یہ ایک جمہوری نظام کے اندر ہوا تھا، جہاں سیاسی مخالفین کی طرف سے مختلف دیگر امور سمیت متبادل معاشی ترجیحات کا بھی بھرپور مقابلہ کیا گیا۔ حال ہی میں پاکستانی سیاست کی کشمکش میں یہاں کی معیشت بھی مرکزی حیثیت اختیار کر چکی ہے۔ معیشت کی بحالی کو بہت سے ماہرین اور پالیسی ساز قومی سلامتی سمیت ملک کی تمام خرابیوں کے علاج کے طور پر دیکھتے ہیں۔ طاقت کے روایتی مراکز، جو سیاسی حیثیت کو برقرار رکھنے کے خواہاں ہیں اور ساتھ ہی ٹیکنوکریٹ حکومت کے حامی، ’معیشت کا چارٹر،‘ ’قومی سلامتی کی پالیسی،‘ ’خصوصی سرمایہ کاری سہولت کونسل (ایس آئی ایف سی)‘ اور ’جیو اکنامکس‘ جیسے ڈھانچوں کو اپنا کر معاشی معاملات پر اتفاق رائے پیدا کرنا چاہتے ہیں۔ انہیں تبدیلی لانے کے لیے عوامی مینڈیٹ حاصل کرنے کے بظاہر افراتفری والے جمہوری عمل کے متبادل کے طور پر فروغ دیا جاتا ہے۔ ایسا لگتا ہے کہ ان کا مقصد اہم معاشی فیصلوں کو مبینہ طور پر ’گندے‘ سیاسی مباحثے اور عوامی جانچ پڑتال کے دائرے سے باہر رکھنا ہے۔

معیشت بلاشبہ اہم ہے، لیکن نہ صرف یہ کسی قوم کی صحت کا واحد تعین کنندہ نہیں، بلکہ یہ مختلف جہتوں پر بھی منحصر ہے جو معاشی معیارات سے بالاتر ہو کر معاشرے کی زندگی میں حصہ ڈالتے ہیں۔ معاشی اشاریوں پر توجہ مرکوز کرنے کی کوشش، خاص طور پر جب اسے سیاسی گفتگو سے الگ کرنے کی کوشش کی جاتی ہے، ان عوامل کے پیچیدہ تجزیے کو مبہم بنا دیتی ہے، جو اجتماعی طور پر لوگوں کی فلاح و بہبود اور قوموں کی تقدیر بناتے ہیں۔ سب سے پہلے، سماجی ہم آہنگی اور سب کی شمولیت ایک قوم کی تشکیل میں اہم کردار ادا کرتے ہیں۔ ایک معاشرے کی طاقت نہ صرف اس کی معاشی خوشحالی بلکہ اس میں بھی ہے کہ وہ اپنے شہریوں میں کمیونٹی اور وابستگی کے احساس کو کس طرح پروان چڑھاتا ہے۔ کسی قوم کی فلاح و بہبود کا اندازہ سماجی اعتماد کی سطح، باہمی تعلقات کے معیار اور اس کے اداروں کی شمولیت سے لگایا جا سکتا ہے۔ ان پہلوؤں کو نظر انداز کرتے ہوئے صرف معیشت پر توجہ مرکوز کرنے کا نتیجہ ایک منقسم معاشرے کی صورت میں نکل سکتا ہے، جہاں عدم مساوات بڑھتی اور سماجی تعلقات کمزور ہوتے ہیں۔

مزید برآں، اظہار رائے کی آزادی، اجتماع اور تنقیدی فکر کی پرورش نہ صرف سماجی اور سیاسی ��رقی کے اہم اجزا ہیں بلکہ ایک متحرک معیشت کا لازمی جزو بھی ہیں۔ خیالات کا آزادانہ تبادلہ متنوع برادریوں کو پروان چڑھاتا، تخلیقی صلاحیتوں اور جدت طرازی کے لیے موزوں ماحول کو فروغ دیتا ہے۔ اس تناظر میں، جوزف شمپیٹر کا ’تخلیقی تباہی‘ کا تصور خاص طور پر متعلقہ ہو جاتا ہے۔ جمہوری عمل سیاسی میدان سے باہر تک پھیلا ہوا ہے، جس سے مروجہ خیالات اور طریقوں کے مقابلے کی اجازت ملتی ہے۔ وہ مضبوط تجارتی منصوبوں اور قائم شدہ اداروں کو بھی متاثر کرتے ہیں۔ یہ دائمی چیلنج صنعتوں اور وسیع تر معیشت کے اندر موجود اداروں کو مسلسل کارکردگی بڑھانے پر مجبور کرتا ہے۔ جدت طرازی اور ترقی موجودہ ڈھانچوں کے خاتمے اور نئے اور زیادہ متعلقہ ڈھانچوں کے ابھرنے سے ہوتی ہے جو معاشرے کی معاصر ضروریات کو بہتر طریقے سے پورا کرتے ہیں۔ ایک جمہوری نظام میں، لامتناہی مسابقت نئے خیالات اور ڈھانچے کے ابھرنے کے لیے محرک کے طور پر کام کرتی ہے اور اس کے لحاظ سے وسائل کو ان کے سب سے موثر استعمال کے لیے مختص کرنے پر مجبور کرتی ہے۔

اس متحرک ماحول سے نہ صرف متنوع امنگوں کے لیے راہیں کھلتی ہیں بلکہ بہترین قابلیت بھی پیدا ہوتی ہے۔ پالیسی سازوں کو ملک کی تاریخ کا مطالعہ کرنا چاہیے تاکہ یہ سمجھا جاسکے کہ ترقی کی پیمائش کے لیے معاشی اعداد و شمار پر حد سے زیادہ انحصار کتنا دھوکہ ثابت ہوسکتا ہے۔ پاکستان پائیدار جامع ترقی کے حصول کے لیے جدوجہد کر رہا ہے۔ اس کی بڑی وجہ سیاسی استحکام کا فقدان ہے، جسے صرف ایک صحت مند جمہوریت ہی یقینی بنا سکتی ہے۔ پالیسی سازوں کو ملک کی تاریخ کا مطالعہ کرنا چاہیے تاکہ یہ سمجھا جاسکے کہ ترقی کی پیمائش کے لیے معاشی اعدادوشمار پر حد سے زیادہ انحصار کتنا دھوکہ ثابت ہو سکتا ہے۔ 1960 کی دہائی میں ترقی کی دہائی ختم ہو گئی کیونکہ آمریت کا دور سیاسی امنگوں کو پورا کرنے میں ناکام رہا۔ نمائندہ حکومت کے لیے عوام کی خواہش کو دبانے کی کوشش ملک کے مشرقی نصف حصے میں عسکریت پسندی میں اضافے کا سبب بنی۔ بالآخر اس کے نتیجے میں بنگلہ دیش کا قیام عمل میں آیا۔ یہ نہ صرف پاکستان کی تاریخ کے سب سے تکلیف دہ باب میں سے ایک تھا بلکہ یہ بھی ثابت ہوا کہ معیشت کے نام نہاد سنہری دور کی ترقی کے فوائد اگر مضبوط جمہوری بنیادوں پر نہ ہوں تو آسانی سے الٹ سکتے ہیں۔

آج پاکستان جنوبی ایشیا کے ’مردِ بیمار‘ کے طور پر کھڑا ہے، جو حکمرانی اور فلاح و بہبود کے تقریباً ہر معاملے میں اپنے علاقائی ساتھیوں سے پیچھے ہے۔ حکومتی اداروں میں عوامی مینڈیٹ کا فقدان ہے اور اس وجہ سے ضروری اصلاحات کرنے کا اعتماد نہیں ہے۔ پالیسی سازوں کی توجہ بنیادی مسائل سے ہٹ چکی ہے جو ملک کو متاثر کرتے ہیں۔ یہ ایک غلط خیال ہے کہ الٹ کام کر کے معیشت پر توجہ دے کر متعدد بحران حل کیے جا سکتے ہیں۔ جیسا کہ ماہر معاشیات ثاقب شیرانی نے حال ہی میں کہا تھا: ’نہیں، یہ صرف معیشت ہی نہیں ہے، احمق! پاکستان کو درپیش بحرانوں سے نمٹنے اور لوگوں کی زندگیوں کو بہتر بنانے کے لیے بنیادی طور پر معاشی اشاریوں پر توجہ مرکوز کرنے کے بجائے گورننس ماڈل کو آئینی جمہوریت، قانون کی حکمرانی اور ہر پاکستانی کی نمائندگی کو یقینی بنانا ہو گا۔ پھر اس بات کا امکان ہو سکتا ہے کہ ہم معیشت ٹھیک کر لیں گے۔

جاوید حسن

(بشکریہ عرب نیوز) - جاوید حسن انویسٹمنٹ بینکر ہیں جو لندن، ہانگ کانگ اور کراچی میں کام کر چکے ہیں۔  

[dgnotetechnologies]

Dg Note Technology is a leading marine insurance provider company in Mumbai.

[vaguely-concerned]

I don't know what I love more, the fact that as rook you can make a statement in NO uncertain terms that you are NOT responsible one way or the other for the theological implications of the shit you're discovering in the 'regrets of the dread wolf' memories. not my jurisdiction. quite simply none of my business. not my chantry circus not my chantry monkeys. irrelevant to the matter at hand here we'll kill that god if we get to him he can get in line. or if the best thing about it is seeing the lone little 'lucanis approves' that pops up right after choosing it. corvid with a knife about to commit deicide keeping it real and sensibly, pragmatically, wilfully agnostic with me here in this magical lighthouse today

[communist-hatsunemiku]

As someone who's been there, the "identity stuff" is way more confusing than answering what do you want to do. I knew I wanted to get on feminizing HRT 10 years before I accepted I'm a trans woman.

In general I believe that both gender identity and gender expression belong to the "do what you want forever" category. Do you want to try out these specific clothes? Just do. Do you want to get on fem-HRT? Just do. Do you want to present yourself in a specific way on the net? Just do. Surgeries? Just do.

EXACTLY its such an obvious truth to me that we should all do whatever we want with our bodies and identities and the only reason this is a radical idea is because other people(mostly right wingers but even so-called leftists do this shit) think its their fucking life mission to police everybody around them and make sure no one is living their life the 'wrong' way.

[pahorans-letter]

The Savior’s Abiding Compassion

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/14soares?lang=eng

[tempestaurora]

AI in higher education needs stricter policy. there i said it. not even a brave statement. i know of at least two people in lecturer roles who are using AI to grade assignments. thats unethical as fuck. all AI policy has been focused on students and how they use it and not a thought has been spared for the lecturers and academics in this world who are giant fucking morons and would use it to grade those students

[gayvampyr]

..

[political-us]

Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump have proposed several initiatives that could impact the wealth of lower and middle-class Americans:

Implementation of Tariffs: Trump's administration has imposed tariffs on various imported goods, aiming to protect domestic industries. However, these tariffs have led to increased prices for everyday items, disproportionately affecting lower and middle-income consumers. For instance, tariffs on washing machines resulted in higher costs for American shoppers, outweighing the economic benefits for local workers.

WSJ.COM

Simplification of the Tax Code: Musk and Trump have considered overhauling the U.S. tax system, potentially moving towards a flat tax. While this could simplify filing, it might also eliminate deductions that benefit low and middle-income families, potentially increasing their tax burdens.

ECONOMICTIMES.INDIATIMES.COM

Reduction of Federal Spending: Appointed by Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk aims to cut federal spending by up to $2 trillion. Proposed measures include reducing the federal workforce and eliminating certain government programs. Such cuts could lead to job losses and reduced services that many lower and middle-class individuals rely on.

FINANCE.YAHOO.COM

Dismantling of Foreign Aid Programs: Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency have been involved in dismantling USAID, affecting numerous health and development programs worldwide. Critics argue that while reform is necessary, abrupt shutdowns can have harmful impacts on aid-dependent regions and may also affect global stability, indirectly impacting the U.S. economy and its citizens.

NEWYORKER.COM

These initiatives, while aimed at economic efficiency and protectionism, carry potential risks for lower and middle-class Americans, including higher consumer prices, increased tax burdens, job losses, and reduced access to essential services.

Elimination of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Elon Musk has advocated for dismantling the CFPB, an agency established to protect consumers from unfair financial practices. Abolishing the CFPB could expose consumers to predatory lending and financial scams, disproportionately affecting lower and middle-income individuals.

DEMOCRATS-FINANCIALSERVICES.HOUSE.GOV

Proposed Cuts to Social Programs: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk, has proposed significant reductions in federal spending, including cuts to social programs like Medicaid and SNAP. These programs provide essential support to low-income families, and reducing their funding could lead to decreased access to healthcare and nutrition assistance.

FORBES.COM

Potential Impact of Immigration Policies: Trump's stringent immigration policies, including mass deportations, could lead to labor shortages in industries such as agriculture and construction, potentially driving up costs for goods and services. These increased costs may be passed on to consumers, affecting lower and middle-class households.

INDEPENDENT.CO.UK

[kabaddi-ifg]

Ok remove.bg is a fucking godsend for sticker making.

[miraculouspaon]

Started reading Powerless but I can’t focus on the budding enemies to lovers romance because all I can think about is how dumb you have to be to have an entire country of the only superpowered people in the world and then to make a regular practice and official royal policy of murdering their loved ones and then exiling them to the neighboring country? And they’ve been doing this for thirty years? Like, do you want an enemy country full of Batmen? Because that’s how you get Batmen.

[nineinchclawz]

Sorry, anon! Shitlr said my censored cropped artwork was too explicit. Here's my repost 🤡

Yes, I have!! I see Eriwagon as strictly queerplatonic (ship analysis & explanation under the cut!).

In the context of this drawing, they're simply putting on a show for Jonathan. Uncensored here.

I like to imagine that Erina & Speedwagon are in a queerplatonic relationship- I mean, they likely sleep in the same bed. They're married to the same man. Sex would occasionally become a group activity at that point.

Even though Speedwagon is gay, I believe it wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility for him to step out of his sexual comfort zone every once in a while.

Speedwagon and Erina enjoy putting on a show for Jonathan on rare occasions. It gets Jonathan riled up & Speedwagon trusts Erina to respect his boundaries.

And in regards to the canon timeline- I feel that Speedwagon & Erina's relationship definitely qualifies as queerplatonic. Speedwagon goes above & beyond providing. It's clear that he & Erina are bonded by their common love for Jonathan- so much so that Joseph picks up on it.

Jonaeriwagon already pushes the boundaries of conventional relationships. QPR Eriwagon doesn't erase Speedwagon's homosexuality & it accurately describes his intimate but non-romantic relationship with Erina. QPRs are also underrated & deserve more representation :3

(I think patrOnDyi1ing's adorable drawing perfectly captures Speedwagon and Erina's relationship 🥺)

[sleepyorchidmonster]

Once upon a time, a couple of assassins sneaked into NRC, but no one knew the targets (they were after all of the princes, so Leona, Kalim and Malleus), so everyone was in high alert.

Silver, Lillia and Sebek were constantly patrolling the grounds, but they coudn't do much during housewarden meetings (even though Malleus always misses those, he made an effort to actually be present so he could protect the others).

So Silver and Sebek asked Riddle to keep an eye on everyone, especially considering how useful "Off With Your Head" is in those types of situations.

A few days later, right before the meeting, the criminals attacked Riddle (he wasn't the main target, they just wanted to keep him and his unique magic out of the way. Imagine you're gearing up to fight The Malleus Draconia and this tiny gremlin with anger issues cancels out your magic and then throws a fireball at your face.)

Riddle came out of the attack mostly unscathed and then rushed to the dormleader meeting (if the assassins didn't want him there, then he was DEFINETELY going, also the rules said so and he was LATE).

When he finally arrived in the Hall of Mirrors, there was already an all out brawl between the dormheads and the criminals, with Leona and Malleus being absolute monsters and Kalim and Azul teaming up.

Needless to say, the enemies didn't last long, even without the redheads interference.

Then everyone went to the infirmary, because the assassins came prepared and threw everything made of iron they could find at Malleus, not to mention a few explosive potions, also Riddle had at least 3 stab wounds.

One minute of silence to mourn Idia's tablet.