Group Policy

KBRA Assigns AA Rating, Stable Outlook to State of Alaska General Obligation Refunding Bonds; Affirms Ratings for Related Bonds

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Banking, Professional Services, Finance, Surety, Financial management, Group Policy, State, AA, KBRA, Employment, Alaska North Slope, Bank

KBRA assigns a long-term rating of AA to the State of Alaska General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2024B and General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2025A (Forward Delivery).

Key Points: 
  • KBRA assigns a long-term rating of AA to the State of Alaska General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2024B and General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2025A (Forward Delivery).
  • KBRA additionally affirms the AA long-term rating on the State's parity General Obligation Bonds, and the AA- long-term rating on the Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority's G.O.
  • The Stable Outlook reflects the expectation that Alaska will continue to meet ongoing budgetary requirements with measured recurring utilization of APF-ERA transfers resulting in the continuing maintenance of very strong reserves.
  • A continuation of structural budgetary imbalance, leading to the depletion of available reserves to levels no longer commensurate with the assigned rating.

King’s speech 2024: experts explain new government’s plans for workers’ rights, rail nationalisation, housebuilding and more

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Science, University of Bath, Associate, Wind, Employment, Energy Institute, Group Policy, Politics, Social science, Royal, OBR, COVID, Biophysical environment, University of Southampton, Engineering, Housing, SME, ESRC, Royal Geographical Society, Regional planning, Growth, RGS, Library, Royal Society, Real estate, Outline of physical science, University of Liverpool, Language, University of Bristol, Natural Environment Research Council, Learning, Government, Knowledge, Child, Curriculum, Aviation, Royal town, Public sector, Commonwealth, British, BERA, Urban planning, University, Geographic information science, University of Sheffield, Social Security, Climate change, UKRI, Town, RSA, GDP, Nuffield Foundation, RICS, Economy, NATE, Country, Speech, Carbon, Poverty, Policy, Network Rail, Great British Railways, National Association, Social policy, IPF, University of Manchester, Institute for Government, Research fellow, University of York, IBG, English Association, EPSRC, Senior lecturer, Legislation, Farm, Treasury, Pension, Renewable energy

_The king’s speech has been delivered, marking the state opening of parliament (technically, this was the first king’s speech with a Labour government in 74 years).

Key Points: 
  • _The king’s speech has been delivered, marking the state opening of parliament (technically, this was the first king’s speech with a Labour government in 74 years).
  • The speech was written by Keir Starmer’s government, not the king, and lays out the government’s agenda for the coming year.

Rail nationalisation can help get carbon targets back on track

  • Great British Railways, a new arm’s length body, is expected to play an overarching role in bringing together the different agents – Network Rail and train operators – to simplify and improve rail services.
  • Electric cars should not be the only solution for a net zero future – rail has huge potential to contribute to decarbonisation.
  • The rail nationalisation of the 21st century should not be a repeat of the 1947 nationalisation programme.

Stability and credibility in finances

  • This is aimed squarely at underpinning the new government’s credibility with the financial markets.
  • This is the new government trying to convince markets that stability will be the “cornerstone” of its economic policy.
  • Previous chancellors have tweaked the fiscal rules, but there may be less flexibility to do so in future.
  • Many economists have raised concerns that the fiscal rules are holding back much-needed public investment, which is constraining UK growth.

Opportunities for worker wellbeing and employment rights

  • Plans announced in the king’s speech to enhance employment rights might include guidance on good practice for out-of-hours and non-traditional contracts, and making occupational health considerations a routine part of hybrid work design.
  • And employers could also look at ways to scrutinise work proposals for any negative impacts on diversity.
  • This parliament could be the perfect time to place decent work and wellbeing at the centre of productivity discussions.

Accelerating investment in clean energy sources and services

  • Colin Nolden, Senior Research Fellow at the Energy Institute, University of Sheffield Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean power company to be launched with headquarters in Scotland, is tasked with accelerating investment in clean energy sources.
  • The plan is to achieve this through long-term commitments to industrial, technological and service innovations which deliver specific outcomes – including clean energy and sustainable aviation fuel.
  • These steps point towards a commitment to protect clean energy deployment that involves local authorities and community energy organisations from market pressures.

Failure to scrap two-child limit on benefits

  • While it was good to see a commitment to legislate on workers’ rights, there was very little proposed that will directly help the record numbers of children facing poverty across the UK.
  • The 4.3 million children in poverty and their families can wait no longer for change; they need support, and they need it now.

Getting Britain building could come with hidden costs

  • The danger of not getting these building blocks in place early is that the scale of proposed house building will derail other policy goals, such as controlling inflation, reducing energy costs, and achieving net zero targets.
  • So, training enough new construction workers, retraining existing workers, and attracting back those who have either left the labour market or moved into other sectors, will all be key to getting Britain building.

What improving education could look like

  • Lorna Smith, Associate Professor in Education, University of Bristol The king’s speech announced the introduction of a bill “to raise standards in education and promote children’s wellbeing”.
  • This legislation is likely to include the requirement that all state-funded schools follow the national curriculum.
  • The children’s wellbeing bill looks set to also include a review of the whole curriculum.
  • And, now that young people must stay in education until 18, the question must be asked whether GCSEs at 16 are still necessary.

King’s speech 2024: experts react to the new government’s plans

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
University of Bath, Associate, Stagnation, Wind, Employment, Energy Institute, News, Group Policy, Politics, Social science, Parity, Royal, OBR, COVID, Biophysical environment, University of Southampton, Engineering, Housing, SME, ESRC, Royal Geographical Society, Growth, Regional planning, RGS, Library, Royal Society, Outline of physical science, Real estate, University of Liverpool, Natural Environment Research Council, Learning, University of Birmingham, Government, Child, Aviation, City, Royal town, Public sector, Commonwealth, British, Urban planning, University, Geographic information science, University of Sheffield, Social Security, Climate change, UKRI, Town, Keir Starmer, RSA, GDP, Nuffield Foundation, RICS, Economy, Country, Speech, Carbon, Poverty, Policy, Great British Railways, Network Rail, Social policy, IPF, University of Manchester, Trust, Political science, Survivor, Institute for Government, Research fellow, University of York, IBG, Human, Campaign, EPSRC, Senior lecturer, Legislation, Farm, Treasury, Pension, Renewable energy

The king’s speech has been delivered, marking the state opening of parliament (technically, this was the first king’s speech with a Labour government in 74 years).

Key Points: 
  • The king’s speech has been delivered, marking the state opening of parliament (technically, this was the first king’s speech with a Labour government in 74 years).
  • The speech was written by Keir Starmer’s government, not the king, and lays out the government’s agenda for the coming year.

More powers for mayors

  • Labour clearly feels that the metro mayors and combined authorities are going to play a key role in this.
  • The speech included the introduction of the English devolution bill (ironically referred to as the “taking back control” bill in some quarters) to give new powers to metro mayors, with a focus on economic growth.
  • One striking thing is that, rather than attempting wholesale reform of subnational (cities and regions) governance, the government appears to be sticking with current structures and trying to strengthen them, by deepening the powers existing mayors have at their fingertips.

Stability and credibility in finances

  • This is aimed squarely at underpinning the new government’s credibility with the financial markets.
  • This is the new government trying to convince markets that stability will be the “cornerstone” of its economic policy.
  • Previous chancellors have tweaked the fiscal rules, but there may be less flexibility to do so in future.
  • Many economists have raised concerns that the fiscal rules are holding back much-needed public investment, which is constraining UK growth.

Rebuilding trust in public inquiries

  • Nathan Critch, Teaching Associate, Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham The speech contained a pledge to “rebuild trust and foster respect”, with legislation to introduce a duty of candour for public servants.
  • It would legally obligate public officials to tell the truth when giving evidence to public inquiries.
  • Campaign group Hillsborough Law Now have also called for whistleblower protection and the creation of a national oversight mechanism that ensures the recommendations of public inquiries are actually implemented.

Opportunities for worker wellbeing and employment rights

  • Plans announced in the king’s speech to enhance employment rights might include guidance on good practice for out-of-hours and non-traditional contracts, and making occupational health considerations a routine part of hybrid work design.
  • And employers could also look at ways to scrutinise work proposals for any negative impacts on diversity.
  • This parliament could be the perfect time to place decent work and wellbeing at the centre of productivity discussions.

Accelerating investment in clean energy sources and services

  • Colin Nolden, Senior Research Fellow at the Energy Institute, University of Sheffield Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean power company to be launched with headquarters in Scotland, is tasked with accelerating investment in clean energy sources.
  • The plan is to achieve this through long-term commitments to industrial, technological and service innovations which deliver specific outcomes – including clean energy and sustainable aviation fuel.
  • These steps point towards a commitment to protect clean energy deployment that involves local authorities and community energy organisations from market pressures.

Failure to scrap two-child limit on benefits

  • While it was good to see a commitment to legislate on workers’ rights, there was very little proposed that will directly help the record numbers of children facing poverty across the UK.
  • The 4.3 million children in poverty and their families can wait no longer for change; they need support, and they need it now.

Improving democratic participation needs votes at 16

  • Christine Huebner, Lecturer in Quantitative Social Sciences, University of Sheffield The king’s speech mentioned efforts to strengthen the integrity of elections and widen democratic participation.
  • Votes at 16 had been one of Labour’s campaign pledges and a mention in the king’s speech was widely anticipated.
  • Currently, the democratic playing field for 16- and 17-year-olds across the UK is not level.

Getting Britain building could come with hidden costs

  • The danger of not getting these building blocks in place early is that the scale of proposed house building will derail other policy goals, such as controlling inflation, reducing energy costs, and achieving net zero targets.
  • So, training enough new construction workers, retraining existing workers, and attracting back those who have either left the labour market or moved into other sectors, will all be key to getting Britain building.

Rail can help get carbon targets back on track

BeyondTrust Focus on Delivering Customer Value Proves Successful Formula for Driving Innovation and Strong Financial Discipline

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Cloud, Artificial intelligence, Certification, NPS, IP, Policy, Identity, Environment, DevOps, AWS, CSAT, Innovation, OT, Growth, Workload, Customer satisfaction, AI, API, CRN, Table, SOC, Software as a service, Coverage, MFA, Password Safe, IAM, Investment, IPS, Google Cloud, ARR, Risk, Ansible, Machine learning, BeyondTrust, Predictive analytics, Group Policy, Automatic, Organization, GitHub, JIT, Risk management

Through the combination of new products, expanded features, and capabilities within the BeyondTrust Platform, BeyondTrust has advanced the landscape of identity-first security, significantly reducing customer’s risk across their entire identity fabric.

Key Points: 
  • Through the combination of new products, expanded features, and capabilities within the BeyondTrust Platform, BeyondTrust has advanced the landscape of identity-first security, significantly reducing customer’s risk across their entire identity fabric.
  • “BeyondTrust’s accelerated successes in the first half of this year are the direct result of our unwavering commitment to delivering real value to our customers, enabling them to protect their paths to privilege,” says Janine Seebeck, CEO of BeyondTrust.
  • With a “think like hacker” approach to innovation, AI and ML (machine learning) play critical roles in the continuous improvement of identity security posture.
  • Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM): Enhances BeyondTrust’s PAM capabilities by integrating advanced CIEM features, helping organizations manage cloud permissions and roles effectively.

Second edition of Asia New Vision Forum will be held in Singapore from 25 to 27 September 2024

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 13, 2024
Ministry of home affairs, Group Policy, Ecosystem, Singapore Tourism Board, Economic Development Board, News, MICE, Forum, Hong Kong, National university, Communication, Education, Fintech, Economic development, Treasury, Smart Nation, Biotechnology, Harvard University, University, Partnership, Tourism, Research, Marketing

SINGAPORE, June 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asia New Vision Forum will hold its second edition in Singapore from September 25 to 27, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • SINGAPORE, June 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asia New Vision Forum will hold its second edition in Singapore from September 25 to 27, 2024.
  • Asia stands as a diverse mosaic of developing nations and emerging economies, with untapped potential waiting to be realized.
  • Hu Shuli, Chairwoman of Caixin Global and host of the Asia New Vision Forum said: "The inaugural Asia Vision Forum held last year successfully provided a platform for open and interactive dialogue between Asia and the world.
  • For more information about the Asia New Vision Forum, please visit Asia New Vision Forum.

Smart Cities Report 2024: Analysis of Connected Public Spaces Including Smart Street Lighting, Smart Parking, Smart Waste Collection, Air Quality Monitoring and Smart City Surveillance - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Other Construction & Property, Urban Planning, Construction & Property, Landscape, Internet of things, Risk, Safety, Group Policy, Roadrunner, City, Itron, BigBelly, Public, Accident

This study investigates major application areas for connected public spaces including smart street lighting, smart parking, smart waste collection, air quality monitoring and smart city surveillance.

Key Points: 
  • This study investigates major application areas for connected public spaces including smart street lighting, smart parking, smart waste collection, air quality monitoring and smart city surveillance.
  • Five smart city verticals have emerged as particularly important for the management of public spaces - smart street lighting, smart parking, smart waste management, urban air quality monitoring and smart city surveillance.
  • The primary hardware needed for smart waste management applications is smart waste sensors that measure fill-levels in waste bins and containers throughout a city.
  • In-depth analysis of smart street lighting, parking, waste collection, air quality monitoring and city surveillance

Jornlin Joins White House National Economic Council Event to Catalyze Strategic Sector Investment and Economic Development in Underserved Communities.

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 22, 2024
Education, Trade, Administration, Congress of Industrial Organizations, Investment, Painting, Treasury, Partnership, SBA, Labour, NABTU, IBEW, Private sector, LIUNA, United Auto Workers, Congress, Frostburg State University, American Federation of Labor, Workforce, Group Policy, DOE, EPA, USW, ARC, Housing, HUD, IAM, EDA, Laborer, United Steelworkers, Multimedia, Economic development, Fellow, IUPAT, University, Behavior informatics, Allegany College of Maryland, Eastern Shore of Maryland, International Association, Small Business Administration, UAW, National Economic Council, Machinist, Renewable energy

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On Monday, April 22, Optimize Renewables CEO Len Jornlin will present at a White House Event on "Catalyzing Strategic Sector Investment & High-Road Practices." This convening, part of a series of discussions on aligning private sector resources with investments in clean energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing will be hosted by The White House National Economic Council, in partnership with Heartland Capital Strategies. The objective of these discussions is to accelerate the energy transition and promote economic development in communities too often left behind.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, April 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On Monday, April 22, Optimize Renewables CEO Len Jornlin will present at a White House Event on "Catalyzing Strategic Sector Investment & High-Road Practices."
  • The objective of these discussions is to accelerate the energy transition and promote economic development in communities too often left behind.
  • The event will feature opening remarks from Dr. Lael Brainard , Director of the National Economic Council .
  • "We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to participate with Heartland Capital Strategies in this White House National Economic Council convening," Jornlin said.

EQT AB (publ) Q1 Announcement 2024

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Nexus, Science, Total, Investment, EQT Partners, Social Security, Capital market, Shinhan Financial Group, Partnership, EUR, Growth, Webcast, Business, Climate change, Person, Rimes, Conference, EQT AB, Executive Committee, FTE, Group Policy, Annual report, UN, RBL Bank, RNA, BPEA, EQT Ventures, IPO, EQT, Full-time equivalent, COP26, USD, Sale, NAV, Bionics, Environment, Acquisition, ESG, Wealth, Bank statement, Swedish Tax Agency, Senior advisor, Dermatology, Pharmaceutical industry

"EQT started the year with the successful completion of two fundraises, EQT X and EQT Future, with total commitments of more than EUR 25 billion.

Key Points: 
  • "EQT started the year with the successful completion of two fundraises, EQT X and EQT Future, with total commitments of more than EUR 25 billion.
  • The EQT AB Group has a long-term business model founded on a promise to its fund investors to invest capital, drive value creation and create consistent attractive returns over a 5 to 10-year horizon.
  • This is information that EQT AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation.
  • The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 07:30 CEST on 18 April 2024.

Pritzker Military Museum & Library Will Host a Military Symposium on Global Security with 16 Renowned Experts for a One-Day Only Discussion

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 21, 2024
War, Group Policy, Colonel, Red Sky at Morning, Joint, PMML, Chinchilla, Intelligence, Weapon, Minerva, Red star, Pritzker family, Breakfast, USAF, WTTW, Cold War, Chief of staff, Lunch, Economics, Defense, Government, State, Teaching, Quad, Army, Arms industry

CHICAGO, March 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pritzker Military Museum & Library (PMML) will host the in-person and live stream 2024 Pritzker Military Symposium: Assessing Global Security, sponsored by Geico Military, PenFed Foundation, and WTTW/WFMT.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, March 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pritzker Military Museum & Library (PMML) will host the in-person and live stream 2024 Pritzker Military Symposium: Assessing Global Security, sponsored by Geico Military, PenFed Foundation, and WTTW/WFMT.
  • The U.S. is supplying military equipment and training in Ukraine and Israel and competing with other nations to supply countries in Africa and the Indo-Pacific, particularly Taiwan.
  • Colleague Dr. Alexandra Chinchilla will expand the discussion into military aid for Taiwan to counter China.
  • Info: For more information on the 2024 Pritzker Military Symposium: Assessing Global Security visit https://www.pritzkermilitary.org/2024-pritzker-military-symposium

Korean Government Delegation and KACES Conclude Successful 3rd UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Art Education

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 19, 2024
Primary, Secondary, Arts, Museums, Education, Entertainment, Music, Other Education, University, UNESCO, Ministry, Sir, Multimedia, Professor, Value, Access, Group Policy, Yonsei University, Multilateralism, Conference, Digital technology, MSCT, School, MCST, Policy, Monash University, Sport, Elected, UN, Hansung University, Speech, Management

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST, Minister: Yu In-chon) and Korea Arts & Culture Education Service (KACES, President: Park Eun-sil) participated in the 3rd UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Arts Education, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from February 13th to 15th.

Key Points: 
  • The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST, Minister: Yu In-chon) and Korea Arts & Culture Education Service (KACES, President: Park Eun-sil) participated in the 3rd UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Arts Education, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from February 13th to 15th.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240219103477/en/
    The 3rd UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Arts Education is held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (Photo: KOREA ARTS & CULTURE EDUCATION SERVICE)
    Held for the first time since 2010's Seoul event, the 3rd UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Arts Education aimed to reflect evolving social values and adopt the revised Framework for Culture and Arts Education.
  • During the first session, MCST's Culture and Arts Policy Director, Lee Hae-don, gave a presentation titled "A Fair Opportunity for Access to Culture and Arts Education."
  • A MCST official said, “In this conference, which was aimed at discussing the directivity of global culture and arts education, Korea’s leadership in the field of culture and arts education was demonstrated.”
    View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240219103477/en/