United Nations

Canada’s inaction in Gaza marks a failure of its feminist foreign policy

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

“Peace and prosperity are every person’s birthright.” So opened then Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland’s introduction to Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP).

Key Points: 
  • “Peace and prosperity are every person’s birthright.” So opened then Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland’s introduction to Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP).
  • Launched in 2017, the policy stated that Canada would take an explicitly feminist approach to international assistance, including a commitment to protecting women’s sexual and reproductive rights.
  • Many considered it to be a forward-thinking policy that builds on the past work of NGOs and other international partners.
  • In addition to funding, Joly also offered RCMP support to help investigate the crimes of sexual violence against Israeli women.

Palestinian women’s rights long ignored

  • Her statement came after United Nations experts expressed alarm over “credible allegations of egregious human rights violations to which Palestinian women and girls continue to be subjected in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.” They cited reports of arbitrary executions, killings, detentions and sexual abuse of Palestinian women and girls by Israeli forces.
  • Even before the current escalation of violence, Canada’s support of Israel’s actions have long been identified as a significant limitation of FIAP.
  • Palestinian women also face increased risk of sexual violence.
  • There are credible reports of sexual violence being used as a tool of war against both Israeli and Palestinian women.

Reproductive health in Gaza in a dire state

  • An estimated 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza are at increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and maternal death.
  • The widespread food crisis has also had dire implications for reproductive and maternal health.
  • Malnutrition affects maternal health, and can also have long-term consequences for the health of mothers and their children.

Canada must act

  • Meanwhile, Canadian exports of military equipment to Israel have not only continued, but have increased since October.
  • Global Affairs Canada claims these exports are only for non-lethal equipment.
  • Canada’s delayed and inconsistent response to Israel’s military violence in Gaza represents a failure to evenly apply its own foreign policy.
  • If Canada truly wants to create a more peaceful and prosperous world, they must not leave Palestinian women behind.


Jacqueline Potvin previously received funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Mayme Lefurgey does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Global Humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Conduct Mental Health Masterclass in Singapore

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2024

SINGAPORE, Feb 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Renowned mental wellness expert and global peace ambassador Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will conduct an immersive Mental Health Masterclass to advance strategies and techniques for enhanced mental wellness on 24 March 2024.

Key Points: 
  • SINGAPORE, Feb 28, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Renowned mental wellness expert and global peace ambassador Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will conduct an immersive Mental Health Masterclass to advance strategies and techniques for enhanced mental wellness on 24 March 2024.
  • Gurudev's commitment to advance mental health is the core of the Art of Living Foundation (AOLF), the non-profit organisation he founded in 1981.
  • At the European Parliament Think Tank conference in June 2023, he emphasised the urgency for governments to address global mental health issues, "Mental health is one of the greatest challenges the world is facing today.
  • Gurudev is conducting the Masterclass as part of his 11 Countries Far East Asia Tour, heralding a reinvigorated mindset towards mental health as a universal human right.

UN Global Compact launches Guidebook to encourage companies to Empower Women in the Workplace

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 8, 2024

"Women at Work" sheds light on the challenges and opportunities that Chinese companies face in promoting gender equality.

Key Points: 
  • "Women at Work" sheds light on the challenges and opportunities that Chinese companies face in promoting gender equality.
  • It presents a series of case studies showcasing how companies across various sectors are implementing the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and contributing to the SDGs.
  • A collection of company case studies and personal stories from diversified industries, highlighting good practices and lessons learned to strengthen gender equality in the workplace.
  • Nearly 50 companies have joined the UN Global Compact Target Gender Equality (TGE) Accelerator in China since its launch in 2022.

Stellantis Continues to Drive Gender Equality Throughout Its Global Business

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 8, 2024

Stellantis is driving the agenda through many activities across the globe, including leveraging its Women of Stellantis business resource group to deliver important initiatives worldwide.

Key Points: 
  • Stellantis is driving the agenda through many activities across the globe, including leveraging its Women of Stellantis business resource group to deliver important initiatives worldwide.
  • The strategy of developing female talent within Stellantis complements other global diversity and inclusion initiatives undertaken since the Company was founded.
  • Ethical responsibility is at the core of Stellantis to ensure a sustainable future of mobility for our customers, our employees and our planet.
  • As part of the CARE pillar in Dare Forward 2030 , Stellantis targets to have over 35% of leadership positions held by women by 2030.

Central 1 receives global recognition for its commitment to responsible investment

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Surpassing the average score by more than 15 per cent in three categories among all PRI signatories, this performance underscores Central 1’s commitment to excellence in responsible investment practices.

Key Points: 
  • Surpassing the average score by more than 15 per cent in three categories among all PRI signatories, this performance underscores Central 1’s commitment to excellence in responsible investment practices.
  • As a PRI signatory since 2018, Central 1 is required to report annually on its responsible investment activities.
  • This obligation is part of Central 1's commitment to uphold the PRI's six principles for responsible investment, which were developed by an international group of institutional investors.
  • “Central 1’s commitment to responsible investment is a cornerstone of our decision-making process for every investment we undertake,” said Brent Clode, Chief Investment Officer, Central 1.

Land and Economic Reconciliation: Cambium Inc. and Cambium Indigenous Professional Services Forge Groundbreaking Agreement

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 27, 2024

PETERBOROUGH, Ontario, Feb. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cambium Inc. (Cambium) and Cambium Indigenous Professional Services (CIPS) are thrilled to announce a transformative agreement emphasizing land and economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Key Points: 
  • PETERBOROUGH, Ontario, Feb. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cambium Inc. (Cambium) and Cambium Indigenous Professional Services (CIPS) are thrilled to announce a transformative agreement emphasizing land and economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
  • In a significant step towards fostering full Indigenous ownership, Cambium, a shareholder in CIPS, and CIPS have committed to a share repurchase at fair market value.
  • The Reconciliation Agreement outlines joint efforts to develop project strategies that contribute to enhanced land outcomes while pursuing mutual prosperity.
  • The evolution of our partnership with CIPS signifies our commitment to meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples, acknowledging their unique perspectives and contributions."

SEALSQ Post-Quantum Semiconductors to Bridge the AI Divide

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 22, 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of quantum computing, SEALSQ is at the forefront of innovation with its introduction of post-quantum semiconductors.

Key Points: 
  • In the rapidly evolving landscape of quantum computing, SEALSQ is at the forefront of innovation with its introduction of post-quantum semiconductors.
  • Key Innovations of SEALSQ Post-Quantum Chips:
    Quantum Speedup: By leveraging quantum superposition, SEALSQ chips offer unprecedented data processing capabilities.
  • In line with the concept of AI decentralization, as advocated by WISeKey (SEALSQ’ parent company) at the United Nations event in October 2023, https://lnkd.in/eF6hwC6K SEALSQ champions the notion of Semiconductors Sovereign AI.
  • SEALSQ's introduction of post-quantum semiconductors marks a significant step towards reducing the AI divide, empowering nations with the tools to develop AI applications that are secure, efficient, and aligned with their unique challenges and aspirations.

The Grand Huangshan Region Makes Its Debut at ITB Berlin 2024

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 8, 2024

Incorporated tourism contents from not only Mount Huangshan itself, but also with attractions in its neighborhood, the Grand Huangshan region made its debut at ITB Berlin 2024, the world’s leading travel trade show with over 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries and regions, which concluded in Berlin on Thursday.

Key Points: 
  • Incorporated tourism contents from not only Mount Huangshan itself, but also with attractions in its neighborhood, the Grand Huangshan region made its debut at ITB Berlin 2024, the world’s leading travel trade show with over 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries and regions, which concluded in Berlin on Thursday.
  • This year marks the fifth consecutive participation of Huangshan Tourism Co., Ltd. (HSTD) in the ITB.
  • They incorporated elements from tourist attractions, intangible cultural heritage skills, and traditional Huizhou cuisine of the four core cities in the Grand Huangshan region: Huangshan, Anqing, Chizhou, and Xuancheng.
  • And the Grand Huangshan regional tourism resources, Huizhou cultural characteristics and high-quality international tourist routes were introduced at ITB as well, inviting international guests.

Saudi Arabia Ministry of Tourism Boosts Vision for Excellence and Sustainable Growth with UiPath AI and Automation

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024

With an ambitious goal to position Saudi Arabia as the most attractive global destination for investors and tourists, the Ministry of Tourism spearheads efforts to bolster the tourism sector’s capacity and welcome the growing influx of tourists.

Key Points: 
  • With an ambitious goal to position Saudi Arabia as the most attractive global destination for investors and tourists, the Ministry of Tourism spearheads efforts to bolster the tourism sector’s capacity and welcome the growing influx of tourists.
  • An early adopter of automation, the Ministry first leveraged UiPath in 2018 to build internal capabilities during the transition to a new national procurement platform.
  • This focus on innovation underscores our mission to make the Kingdom a global beacon of tourism excellence, ensuring Saudi Arabia's prominence on the international tourism stage."
  • “Saudi Arabia is advancing fast toward achieving its vision to foster one of the world’s most attractive tourism sectors and achieve the highest sustainable impact for its growth.

From Commitment to Action: Mary Kay Releases Overview of Transformative Partnership to Advance Women’s Entrepreneurship Globally

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Mary Kay Inc. , a global leader in women’s empowerment, today announced the release of a special report titled "Advancing Women’s Entrepreneurship: from Commitment to Action."

Key Points: 
  • Mary Kay Inc. , a global leader in women’s empowerment, today announced the release of a special report titled "Advancing Women’s Entrepreneurship: from Commitment to Action."
  • (Photo: Mary Kay Inc.)
    In 2019, in partnership with six United Nations agencies, Mary Kay founded WEA as a driving force for promoting women's entrepreneurship and economic participation worldwide.
  • “Through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator, we have created a robust platform that not only supports but celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of women globally,” said Deborah Gibbins, Chief Operating Officer at Mary Kay.
  • To learn more about the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator and to read the full 2023 Special Report, please click here .