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Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Brazil's Lula joins growing chorus of calls to overhaul Haiti security mission
FILE PHOTO: People walk through a makeshift shelter at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which houses individuals displaced by gang violence, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Jean Feguens Regala/File Photo Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva delivers a speech during the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) at The Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on June 8, 2025. LUDOVIC MARIN/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo BRASILIA - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday became the latest world leader to call for a stronger security force in Haiti, as the underfunded, poorly manned U.N.-backed mission has failed to make headway against the nation's spiraling gang crisis. A record 1.3 million people have been displaced from Haiti in the past six months as armed violence surges, according to U.N. data. Experts say the security mission on the ground there, led by Kenya with support from the U.N., is not enough. Lula, meeting with Caribbean leaders in capital Brasilia, called for the U.N. to finance the mission under its current structure or to convert it into an official peacekeeping mission. "Stabilizing the security situation is essential to take the next step in the political process and hold presidential elections," Lula said. Brazil led a peacekeeping mission to Haiti from 2004 to 2017, though it was marred by a deadly cholera outbreak and allegations of human rights abuses which have left many Haitians wary of an official force. At the moment, the U.N. manages the funds for the Haitian mission, which come from voluntary donations by countries. Many have pledged funds which have yet to arrive. A transition to a formal peacekeeping mission, which would ensure stable funding, would need to be approved by the U.N. Security Council. The U.S. had previously backed the move, though Russia and China, which hold veto powers, were against it. Other world leaders, including France, the Dominican Republic and Colombia, have called for increased support in recent months. France, which colonized Haiti, in April said it was "time to move on" to a peacekeeping mission. Dominican President Luis Abinader, in a letter signed by other former presidents, asked the U.N. earlier this month to consider a hybrid mission to provide logistics and operational support. "Without urgent and effective strengthening of the (mission), there is a real risk that Haiti will be completely dominated by (gangs)... and become a regional hub for drug trafficking, terrorism and other transnational crimes," they wrote. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, following a previous suggestion from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, last week asked the Organization of American States to deploy troops to Haiti. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Brazil's Lula grows more unpopular in Brazil as approval dips to 28%, Datafolha poll shows
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva walks on stage after giving a speech during the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, June 8, 2025. REUTERS/Manon Cruz/Pool/File Photo Brazil's Lula grows more unpopular in Brazil as approval dips to 28%, Datafolha poll shows SAO PAULO/BRASILIA - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has grown more unpopular in June, pollster Datafolha said on Thursday, as his government's approval rating dipped and disapproval rose. Lula's government approval ticked down to 28% in June from 29% in April, while the disapproval rate increased to 40% from 38% in the period, according to Datafolha. Still, both rates remain better than February's figures when Lula's approval hit a record low of 24% and disapproval peaked at 41% during his three terms in office. Those seeing Lula's government as average fell to 31% in June from 32% in April, Datafolha said. The poll surveyed 2,004 eligible voters in person on June 10-11. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Qatar Tribune
12-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QF's Earthna co-launches MENA coastal resilience programme
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation's Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future has launched The Blue Economies for Coastal Resilience (BEFCR) programme in partnership with MENA Oceans initiative by Goumbook. This strategic initiative was unveiled at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco on June 7, 2025, in the lead-up to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which is taking place in France from June 9 to 13, 2025. BEFCR is the first initiative of its kind in the region and aims to accelerate regenerative blue economies, strengthen climate resilience in coastal cities, protect marine biodiversity, and unlock investment in ocean infrastructure across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The programme's first phase, running from June 2025 to January 2026, will deliver a strategic landscape assessment of key blue economy sectors in MENA. The outcome will be a regional roadmap that supports infrastructure resilience, ocean health, and economic growth in coastal cities. The BEFCR programme reflects Earthna's broader commitment to sustainable development and environmental resilience. 'The launch of the BEFCR Programme reflects our shared conviction at Earthna that climate resilience in MENA's coastal cities must be rooted in both science and innovation. By aligning economic growth with ecosystem regeneration, we are paving new pathways for sustainable prosperity across the region,' said Dr Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, CEO, Earthna. BEFCR will focus on six key sectors - maritime transport, coastal tourism, offshore energy, fisheries, desalination, and coastal development. The initiative seeks to foster cross-sectoral collaboration, identify investment gaps, enhance coastal protection, and promote nature-based and hybrid infrastructure solutions. Earthna will co-lead Phase 1 of the programme, including the production of the Blue Economies for Coastal Resilience Outlook Report, to be released at the 3rd MENA Oceans Summit in late 2025. The programme emerged as a flagship outcome of the MENA Blue Finance Leadership Think Tank, convened at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum by MENA Oceans in partnership with the UN Climate Champions Team. The forum gathered policy makers, scientists and private-sector leaders to reshape the role of finance in advancing marine resilience and ocean-positive outcomes in the of new programme to accelerate regenerative blue economies and marine biodiversity protection across MENA
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Prince William and Kate 'under growing pressure as they frustrate palace staff'
Prince William and Kate Middleton are the two most popular royals amongst the public, but it seems that behind closed doors, palace staff may be growing frustrated with them Prince William and Kate Middleton may be the monarchy's future, but it's reported that Palace staff are becoming increasingly frustrated with their insistence on doing things their own way. The Prince and Princess of Wales are the two most popular royals among the public. However, behind closed doors, things may not be running as smoothly. The Scottish Express has previously reported on the couple's apparent reluctance towards official duties. While it was understandable for William to step back in 2024 when Kate was undergoing cancer treatment, there were already whispers of her being dubbed a part-time Royal by staff, even before her health scare. It was also noted that William managed to find time for his personal interests, such as travelling to Germany for the Euros and South Africa for his Earthshot Prize. Kate, 43, is gradually returning to her duties, but she remains committed to being a hands-on mother to their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. Meanwhile, William, 42, had to be instructed by his father, the King, to attend Pope Francis' funeral. According to Camilla Tominey, associate editor of The Telegraph, William and Kate are "under growing pressure to up their workload". There are said to be concerns amongst aides that the couple "may be spending too much time with their immediate family instead of supporting the 'Firm'." Camilla went on to suggest that prospects for a reconciliation between Prince William and his brother Prince Harry appear dim. Harry, aged 40, moved to California in 2020 and has caused tension with a series of critical remarks about the monarchy and disclosures of Royal secrets in his memoir 'Spare'. Central to this rift was a claim that William had a confrontation with him over Meghan Markle, who is now 43. Although perceptions paint William as a major barrier to Harry rekindling ties with King Charles, Camilla observes that the heir has cooled on this topic, but this change in stance seems unlikely to lead to a reunion. Camilla speculated that repairing the bond with Harry is "low down their list of priorities". With friends claiming William is "no longer as angry as he was," the current sentiment establishes there is "no way back" for Harry, with the consensus being – "prevailing attitude is - let sleeping dogs lie". Recently, Prince William has been proactive on environmental issues, calling on global leaders to "think big" when it comes to ocean protection. Delivering a speech at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) in Monaco after his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, he spoke out on ocean conservation at the Grimaldi Forum. Addressing the attendees, William said: "Rising sea temperatures, plastic pollution and overfishing are putting pressure on these fragile ecosystems and on the people and communities who depend most upon them. "What once seemed an abundant resource is diminishing before our eyes. We all stand to be impacted. And we are all responsible for change – both negative and positive. But there remains time to turn this tide."
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Yachting: in Monaco, the Sea Index sets the course for ecological transition
MONACO, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the heart of the Mediterranean, where luxury yachting meets the pressing demands of environmental responsibility, Monaco is positioning itself as a frontrunner in sustainable maritime innovation. This week, the Principality hosted the 'Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF)' - an official event of the United Nations Ocean Conference - bringing together global leaders, investors, policymakers, and scientists to shape the future of blue finance and ocean-related innovation. Held under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II and in partnership with the Principality, the forum served as a platform for unveiling impactful tools such as the Sea Index, a pioneering initiative by the Yacht Club de Monaco developed with Credit Suisse (a Ubs Group company). Presented during the session titled 'Setting Sail to Blue Ports and Shipping', which focused on decarbonizing maritime transport and port infrastructure, the SEA Index was highlighted as a key enabler of the ecological transition within the yachting industry. Rachel Ercole Ribes, Development Manager of Sea Index, emphasized the critical role yacht owners can play in leading this transition: "Yacht owners are often also captains of industry. They possess both the means and the influence to unlock technological barriers. Decarbonization is not just a regulatory obligation, it is a shared responsibility. With the Sea Index, we provide a reliable, transparent, and scalable tool and, above all, we assert pioneering leadership in the sector, to anticipate future regulations and foster innovation starting today". The high-level panel included key industry figures: Christine Cabau (EVP Assets and Operations, CMA CGM Group), Paul Taylor (Global Head of Maritime Industries at Société Générale and Vice Chair of the Poseidon Principles), Christophe Castaner (Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Grand Port Maritime de Marseille), and Stefano Sommadossi (President, NatPower). The discussion was moderated by Nick Brown, Corporate Affairs Director at Bureau Veritas. The Sea Index offers an independent, certified methodology - validated by Lloyd's Register and labeled by Capenergies - that enables yachts over 24 meters to assess and reduce their carbon footprint. It includes a lifecycle emissions calculator based on fuel choice and is designed to integrate future metrics such as air and noise pollution, as well as emerging technologies like fuel cells. The tool is already seeing growing adoption across the Mediterranean, with around twenty ports in France's Southern Region involved, and is now expanding globally, with initial deployment in the Seychelles in partnership with local authorities. Beyond this, the Yacht Club de Monaco continues to promote sustainable innovation through the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge (July 1–5, 2025), an open innovation platform that brings together engineering schools and industry stakeholders to test future energy solutions at sea. As the blue economy already generates $2.5 trillion annually and is expected to exceed $3 trillion by 2030 (OECD), Monaco is not drifting with the tide, it is anchoring its vision firmly in the future. For more information:- A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
