• The World Economic Forum launches a platform for top think thanks to share expert analysis of global and regional security issues with leaders from the public and private sectors
• New, and often contending, strategic narratives are shaping national, regional and global agendas
• Partners to provide strategic insights on critical geopolitical and geo-economic challenges
• Launch partners include the Atlantic Council, International Crisis Group, RAND Corporation, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
• For more information visit http://wef.ch/geostrategy
• Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/wefgeostrategy

Geneva, Switzerland, 17 October 2017 – The World Economic Forum launches its Global Platform for Geostrategic Collaboration to bring together leading policy research institutions (think tanks) to engage the global public on geostrategic challenges in a multipolar world.

It will feature research and analysis from the Atlantic Council, International Crisis Group, RAND Corporation, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, along with think-tank partners from China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Russia who will join later this year.

The platform aims to fill the urgent need for leaders and experts to understand the world through the eyes of their counterparts in other regions and find better ways to strengthen cooperation.

Experts will share their research on:

• International Security (future conflict domains, geostrategic competition, the rise of non-state actors, and the technological arms race)
• Nuclear Security (conflict zones and cyber threats)
• Geo–economics (economic sanctions and cyber disruption)
• Global Governance (regionalization as well as norm and interest asymmetry)
• Risks and Resilience (geopolitical risks and societal risks)
• The Fourth Industrial Revolution (security and conflict, and disruption to jobs and skills)

Lee Howell, Head of Global Programming, World Economic Forum, cautioned that “perceptions about geopolitics are often fragmented, biased or uninformed as a result of divisive social media and partisan fake news.”

“This new platform aims to educate leaders from all walks of life about strategic, global and regional security issues,” he said.

The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation.

The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. (www.weforum.org)

The post New World Economic Forum Platform Brings Together Top Global Think Tanks to Address Geostrategic Challenges appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

3D printing, automated ships & smart transformation to be discussed next October

August 20, 2017

United Arab Emirates

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, Dubai Maritime Agenda 2017 has begun preparations to host a line-up of international speakers to explore the future of the maritime sector in adherence with local and nationwide efforts to prepare for a ‘post oil economy.’ The strategic platform will bring together an elite group of international maritime industry leaders, influential personalities, regional and international experts and decision-makers to discuss rapidly evolving global developments and review Dubai’s achievements aimed at enhancing the role of the maritime sector as a vital pillar of national economic diversification, in line with Dubai Plan 2021.

The event is scheduled to take place on October 10, 2017 in Dubai, and will bring together the most important figures in the marine industry to highlight the latest developments in technology and maritime innovation. The invited international speakers will be led by Clive Aston, London Maritime Arbitration Association; Nijoe Joseph, Partner, Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP; Dipak Karki, Head of Financial Advisory & Capital at Galbraith’s Limited; Sergey Popravko, CEO, SCF Management Services; and Mark Williams, Managing Partner, Affinity Research LLP.

The distinguished speakers will be joined by a group of high-profile personalities during the panel discussions, which will be moderated by journalist and broadcaster Todd Benjamin. The group will include Kaity Arsoniadis-Stein, Executive Director, Vancouver International Maritime Centre; Mark Beer OBE, Co-Chief Executive and Registrar General, DIFC Courts; Arthur Bowring MH, Hong Kong Maritime Arbitration Group (HKMAG); Rene Kofod-Olsen, CEO, Topaz Energy and Marine; Oskar Levander, Vice-President Innovation, Engineering & Technology – Marine, Rolls-Royce Plc; Marcus Machin CEO, Tufton Oceanic (Middle East) Ltd; Panos G. Moraitis, CEO, Aspida; Edward Newitt, Executive Committee, Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre (EMAC); Stephan Piworus, Senior Vice President, Identec Solutions; and Robert G. Shaw, President, Society of Maritime Arbitrators.

Amer Ali, Executive Director of DMCA, noted that the prestigious international participation in the upcoming event reflects the confidence in the maritime cluster in Dubai, as an influential power in the global maritime landscape. He emphasized that Dubai Maritime Agenda has become a unique strategic platform for encouraging constructive dialogue about the reality and future of the global maritime sector under the continued support and generous patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This will consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading destination on the agenda of international maritime events.

Ali said: “Dubai Maritime Agenda has become a leading international platform, bringing together a number of elite influential international dignitaries, leading regional and international experts, decision-makers and maritime leaders to review in-depth insights on the role of the maritime industry as a major contributor to the growth of the global economy. The agenda provides an ideal platform for highlighting Dubai’ position as a major player in the advancement of the local and global maritime industry based on the pillars of creativity, technological innovation, excellence, training and human investment. We look forward to hosting the first event of its kind in the Middle East, which will constitute a milestone in our efforts to explore the future of technology, legislation and training.”

“The event supports the DMCA’s commitment to translate the objectives of the Dubai Maritime Sector Strategy, which are focused on enhancing the competitiveness of the local maritime cluster, creating a favorable marine environment for foreign investments that would further enhance the role of the maritime sector in economic diversification to make Dubai one of the most prestigious maritime capitals in the world. The second edition is drawing international attention with its focus on various key issues such as the exploration of the future of the maritime sector, with a particular emphasis on advanced technology and emerging innovations such as 3D printing, automated ships and smart transformation, among others, to further develop a sustainable and integrated maritime sector at both the regional and international levels,” he concluded.

Dubai Maritime Agenda 2017 will help promote excellence and innovation in the maritime sector, as it provides an ideal platform for enhancing effective communication channels between regional and international maritime authorities. Its agenda will begin with panel discussions on ‘Global Outlook for Shipping,’ ‘Safely Sailing the High Seas – Reducing the Legal Risks’ and ‘Future of Shipping Technology.’ Among the topics to be discussed are 3D printing, energy and automated ships. Finance for shipping in the next decade and the role of shipping banks will also be discussed, in addition to Maritime Clustering (collaboration or competition), during which representatives of some of the world’s leading international maritime hubs will shed light on the opportunities and challenges related to the competitive and collaborative relationship among the global maritime capitals.

Dubai Maritime Agenda 2017 will highlight Dubai’s role as an influential power in shaping the future of the maritime industry both regionally and globally, as a leading hub for maritime innovation in the world. The agenda of the next edition will highlight the outstanding maritime achievements and the major initiatives under the umbrella of the DMCA. It will also reflect DMCA’s efforts to make Dubai one of the world’s top maritime hubs.

The post Dubai Maritime Agenda 2017 brings together maritime leaders to explore future of industry appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

The undersigned 59 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ), American Muslim, and Latinx organizations released the following statement in advance of the first day of remembrance of the June 12, 2016 massacre at the LGBTQ nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida. The statement was convened by national civil rights organizations including Muslim Advocates, the National LGBTQ Task Force, the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC):

“One year ago, in the aftermath of the Orlando tragedy, we came together in grief, in unity, and in solidarity with the Orlando community and millions of people everywhere, to condemn this act of hate violence and affirm that love conquers hate. That senseless act struck at the heart of the LGBTQ and Latinx communities, families, and close friends, and at the core of one of our nation’s greatest strengths: our diversity. The ensuing backlash against the American Muslim community led to hate speech and violence, shootings, and mosque vandalism that claimed even more victims.

The acts of kindness that followed also illustrated that, even in our darkest moments, and despite the repeated attempts to use fear to further divide us, time and time again, the people of this country come together to console and support those in need.

As we remember those we lost and their families, we renew our commitment to honor them with action by protecting one another and our country’s ideals of freedom, liberty, and equality under the law for all people.

This day of remembrance comes during LGBTQ Pride Month and the holy month of Ramadan.  As we reflect on the past year, we are deeply concerned about the direction of our country including efforts to divide Americans from one another by demonizing and scapegoating many of our communities–but we are also proud of the millions of Americans of all faiths, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds who continue to rebuff those attempts by stepping up to defend our highest ideals.

We have been reminded countless times that a threat against any one community is a threat against all of us, and that we must take notice and action. As our communities resist a massive rollback of civil rights protections at the state and federal level and a rising tide of hate violence, we stand together ever stronger, ever braver, and ever more resolute to resist these attacks and move forward with love and acceptance for all.”

Signed,

Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Muslim Advocates
National Council of La Raza (NCLR)
National LGBTQ Task Force
Advocates for Youth
Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA)
Auburn Seminary
Bend the Arc Jewish Action
BiNet USA
Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ Network
Center For Black Equity
CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers
DignityUSA
Eliminate Hate Campaign
Equality California
Equality Federation
Equality Florida
Farmworker Justice
GLAAD
GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality
Harvard Islamic Society (and Anti-Islamophobia Network)
Islamic Networks Group (ING)
Lambda Legal
Los Angeles LGBT Center
LPAC
Media Matters for America
Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA)
Muslim Public Affairs Council
Muslims for Progressive Values
National Black Justice Coalition
National Center for Lesbian Rights
National Center for Transgender Equality
National Coalition for LGBT Health
National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs
National Congress of American Indians
National Council of Jewish Women
National Institute for Latino Policy (NiLP_
National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health
National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA)
National Women’s Law Center
NEAT – National Equality Action Team
New Ways Ministry
NMAC
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
Out2Enroll
OutRight Action International
OutServe – SLDN
People For the American Way
PFLAG
Pride at Work
ReconcilingWorks
SAGE
The Trevor Project
Voto Latino
Whitman-Walker Health
Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual (WATER)

The post Pulse Shooting Day of Remembrance Brings Together LGBTQ, Muslim, and Latinx Communities appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

Mumbai, April:  This IPL is all set to be a special one! Other than the fact that this is the tenth season of India’s most loved cricketing event, it has also marked the coming together of two of the best teams in their respective fields.

Taiwan Excellence made their debut as sponsors for the IPL by tying up with the Mumbai Indians franchise as their official partner. The confluence means the coming together of the best, considering that both brands are names to reckon with. While the Mumbai Indians have a tremendous fan following owing to their power-packed performances in the previous IPL seasons, Taiwan Excellence too is known for its stellar technology brands that offer some of the most cutting-edge innovations. It is a symbol of the best quality products from Taiwan’s superlative IT industry that has a very strong presence across the world. Taiwanese brands like ASUS, MSI, GIGAbyte, Plustek, and others rank high in the popularity quotient in India.

Taiwan Excellence Award, which is an initiative of the Taiwan Bureau of Foreign Trade, represents the innovative and technological image of Taiwan’s most competitive industries. It is a symbol of outstanding reliability, innovation and added value for business solutions as well as consumer products.

The tie-up with Mumbai Indians has been initiated to create awareness for Taiwan Excellence and also to reiterate the fact that both teams believe in excelling in their fields and delivering superb performances. Said Mr. Michael Lin, Director of the Taipei World Trade Centre Liaison Office in Mumbai, “Just as the Mumbai Indians are hot favourites and one of the best teams in the IPL, Taiwan Excellence too is one of the most celebrated technology producers in the world. This partnership means an amalgamation of two of the greatest teams in the business.”

Mumbai Indians have been a successful team with a consistent track-record in the IPL having emerged winners in 2013 as well as 2015.

For Taiwan Excellence, this was also an opportunity to be associated with a sport that has a massive following in India. Cricket is one of the most loved and admired games in India, and is followed by people across all age groups and genders. Said Mr. Michael Lin, “Cricket is followed so passionately in India and the Mumbai Indians are one of the finest teams of IPL. They have managed to win the hearts of people with their superb performances. We thought by collaborating with them, we could make a place for ourselves in the hearts of all their fans. People in India already have a great regard for products from Taiwan. We want to strengthen that bond by reaching out to them through a platform they love the most.”

Taiwan Excellence has also introduced several unique promotional activities to bring in the element of fun as well as create awareness for the tie up. The Taiwan Excellence pavilion at the Sachin Tendulkar stand at Wankhede stadium is a splendid example of innovation. A special booth has also been designed to resemble a Facebook wall that will display technology from Taiwan as well as VR games to engage fans.

Said Mr. Michael Lin, “We also have interactive activities on the digital platform as well as offline to promote the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion. All of these activities have been designed in keeping up with the spirit and passion for cricket in India. We have special giveaways for fans which have already become huge hits.”

Taiwan Excellence also has plans on cards to invite players from the Mumbai Indians squad for other marketing initiatives once the IPL season is over.

The Mumbai Indians will play their 2017 season opener against the Rising Pune Supergiants on April 6^th. The MI brigade has some commendable names from the cricket fraternity, such as Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Lasith Malinga and Mitchell Johnson among others who are known for their power-packed performances.

Said Mr. Michael Lin, “We believe this is the perfect tie up for Taiwan Excellence and will create a great position for us in the minds of youth. This tie up will offer a huge platform for our brands through on-ground cricket action and magnify the impact by reaching out to a larger audience.”

The tie-up between Taiwan Excellence and Mumbai Indians will last till the end of the 2017 IPL.

The post This IPL brings together the best of technology and cricket, as Taiwan Excellence ties up with the Mumbai Indians as official partners appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

‘Financial Sustainability, Regulatory Capacity – The Challenge of Change’

 The Euromoney Kuwait Conference has grown considerably over the past five years to become the biggest financial conference in Kuwait. It combines Euromoney’s unique perspective on global events with an in-depth financial analysis of the State of Kuwait. This year, the focus will be on the challenges facing Kuwait, how the country’s position in the region might and can change and will conduct our annual review on the Kuwait economy.

The conference will take place at the JW Marriott (Kuwait) on 8 April 2013 and will be co-hosted by the Ministry of Finance under the theme of ‘Financial Sustainability, Regulatory Capacity-the Challenge of Change’ with the participation of leading financial institutions, including Gulf Bank, Ahli United Bank, Kuwait Banking Association and Kuwait Finance House.

The conference will offer delegates the chance to meet and network with the Kuwaiti economic policy elite and international investors. The key issues to be addressed during the conference include the position of the financial markets, macro-economic strategy and pivotal risk points discussed by local players with global thinkers for a focused one-day event which will define the agenda for the coming year. It’s the only event of its type in Kuwait this year.

This year’s conference will look at how and where Kuwait and its international partners can make meaningful decisions to create financial sustainability for the future.

 You can find out more about the Euromoney Kuwait Conference by visiting www.euromoneyconferences.com/kuwait

The post The Euromoney Fifth Kuwait Conference Brings Together an Elite Group of Financial Experts & Leading Sponsors appeared first on Core Sector Communique.