Latest news with #Chamber
Spectator
5 hours ago
- Health
- Spectator
The assisted dying debate is not ‘Parliament at its best'
MPs are coming to the end of the assisted dying debate. The speeches can be roughly divided into the following camps: those who, like the Bill's sponsor Kim Leadbeater, are very much in favour of the Bill and confident in its drafting; those who are in favour of the principle of assisted dying but who are so concerned about the drafting of the Bill that they are opposed to it; and the implacable opponents to the principle. The speeches from the latter two camps largely focused on the argument that today's vote is not about the principle of assisted dying but about the Bill as it stands. The proponents of the legislation, though, have largely focused on the need to back assisted dying as a principle. Leadbeater argued in her speech that if the Commons did not vote for the Bill today, then MPs would be leaving more people to die without dignity. She said: I say to colleagues who are supportive of a change in the law but are hesitant about whether now is the time, that if we do not vote for a change in the law today, we will have many more years of heartbreaking stories from terminally ill people and their families, of pain and trauma… There will be stories of suicide attempts, post traumatic stress disorder, lonely trips to Switzerland, police investigations and everything else we have all heard of in recent months. Leadbeater was followed by James Cleverly, who argued 'about the practicalities of the Bill', but did also point to the way the legislation would change 'the relationship between medial professionals and those they serve.' He also highlighted that while most professional bodies in the medical world are 'neutral on the topic of assisted dying', they were 'opposed to the provisions within this Bill in particular'. Cleverly, like many other opponents, argued that MPs needed to do their job properly in scrutinising this particular Bill rather than campaigning for a principle. That argument was made with even greater force by a furious Sarah Olney, one of the Lib Dems opposed to the Bill. She told the Chamber that MPs should not act like activists pushing for a cause but as legislators, which is what they had been elected to do. One of the best speeches against came from Diane Abbott, who started by saying she was in favour of assisted dying, but then spoke powerfully against the Bill, saying: I have heard talk today of the injustices of the current situation. What could be more unjust than someone losing their life because of poorly drafted legislation? She spoke of coercion and of the vulnerability of someone who 'all their life has lacked agency' and has not, like MPs, 'been confident in dealing with authority and institutions'. Vicky Foxcroft gave her first speech on the backbenches since resigning last night. She said she based her opposition to the Bill on her experience as shadow minister for disabled people, where she found that most disabled people and almost all the organisations representing them were opposed to and in fear of assisted dying. She had voted for the previous attempt to introduce assisted dying in 2015, but would be voting against today. Peter Prinsley spoke from his experience as a doctor, saying he had started his medical career opposed to assisted dying, but what he had seen in his professional practice had changed his mind about the need to give people dignity and choice over the end of their lives. Other supporters of the Bill spoke of constituents and family members who had desperately wanted that dignity. The margin of the result will be narrow, which will create problems if the Bill does pass. The speeches today have largely been considered and well-argued, though far too many MPs have congratulated themselves with the dreadful phrase: 'Parliament at its best'. Perhaps they have reached that conclusion because MPs have mostly been polite to one another – which stands in contrast to some of the very ill-tempered debates over the past decade, particularly around Brexit. But this is not an example of Parliament at its best on legislating, which is after all its primary role, rather than a forum for people to parade their politeness.
Business Standard
10 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Bombay Chamber DEI Awards 2025 winners announced; DEI Forum drives dialogue on inclusive growth in Corporate India
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 20: The Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry successfully hosted the third edition of its flagship DEI Forum & Awards 2025 on June 18, 2025, in Mumbai, reinforcing its continued commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within corporate India. The winners of the awards were announced at a glittering ceremony at the Taj Santacruz Mumbai. The awards ceremony, which recognised outstanding contributions to DEI across six categories, was underpinned by a transparent and unbiased evaluation event brought together prominent industry leaders, DEI champions, and stakeholders for an engaging and reflective evening focused on inclusive growth and transformative practices. In her Welcome Address, Pinky Mehta, President, Bombay Chamber and CFO, Aditya Birla Capital said, "As we stand in 2025, India finds itself at a pivotal juncture, where the ideals of inclusivity are not just aspirational but are actively shaping our institutions, workplaces, and communities. It is time now to operationalise DEI beyond policy and poster walls -- embedding it into every function, decision and layer of leadership." One of the evening's most engaging moments was a Fireside Chat on the theme "Inclusive Leadership: What Does It Really Look Like?" The panel featured four powerhouse leaders Arundhati Bhattacharya, President and CEO of Salesforce South Asia; Dr. Indu Shahani, Founding President and Chancellor of ATLAS SkillTech University; and Mansi Madan Tripathy, Chairperson of the Shell Group of Companies in India and Senior Vice President of Shell Lubricants, APAC and moderator Meenakshi Priyam, Chair, D & I Committee, Bombay Chamber and Sr VP & HR Head - Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra. Welcoming delegates to the Bombay Chamber DEI Forum which was held prior to the Awards, Sandeep Khosla, Director General, Bombay Chamber focused on the Chamber's rich 189 year history and how it is helping build bridges across industry. Setting the theme for the Forum, Nikhil Kolur, Partner, Human Capital, Deloitte, said, "Inclusion isn't policy, it's muscle memory. Built in small moments, until it becomes who we are." He spoke about how DEI spends in India's corporate world have increased by 70%, but that is just 18% of the workspace. A key segment of the Forum, titled "The Exchange - Part 1," featured former DEI Award winners - Shell India, Tata Communications and NICHEM Solutions, who shared candid insights into their DEI journeys, outlining both achievements and ongoing challenges in creating inclusive workplaces. The presentations were followed by a participatory group activity where attendees discussed the core enablers of DEI success and the barriers that continue to persist. The Forum also celebrated the participants of the Chamber's Mentoring for Enrichment Program 2025, with certificates awarded to both mentors and mentees in recognition of their dedication to fostering inclusive leadership development. Later in the evening, attendees experienced "Portraits of Progress", an immersive DEI Gallery Walk that offered reflective installations, storytelling exhibits, and interactive displays designed to prompt dialogue on the evolving nature of work through a DEI lens. In the session titled "The Exchange - Part 2," participants came together once more to share their insights from the Gallery Walk and earlier discussions, culminating in the identification of one actionable idea to take back to their own organisations. This session also encouraged peer commitments for continued collaboration and knowledge exchange, ensuring that the day's conversations would translate into tangible action. Closing the Forum, Meenakshi Priyam, Chair of the Chamber's D & I Committee and Head of HR - Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra, offered a powerful reflection: "One of our goals with the DEI Committee was to celebrate progress while also tapping into the collective energy of those driving change. We aimed to create a space where people passionate about DEI could connect and collaborate. Today, we need to reframe the conversation -- this isn't about the cost of DEI, but about the value of inclusive opportunity. While attention to DEI is waning in many parts of the world, Indian corporations are stepping up. Still, challenges remain -- especially for MSMEs, who struggle with the resources to implement initiatives like extended maternity leave. We're trying to build a community of committed individuals who will keep the conversation alive and move the needle in the right direction, because inclusive leadership is not a choice, it's a necessity." The winners of the Bombay Chamber DEI Awards 2025 across the categories were: Disability Confidence & Inclusion Award Winner: Capgemini Technology Services India Limited 1st Runner up: Godrej Capital 2nd Runner up: Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Award Winner: Godrej Properties Limited 1st Runner up: Deutsche Bank Group 1st Runner up: Axis Bank Special Mention: Asian Paints Limited Gender Equality Champion Award Winner: Novo Nordisk India Pvt. Ltd. 1st Runner up: Godrej Properties Limited 2nd Runner up: Nestle India Limited Special Mention: GIA India Laboratory Pvt Ltd. Impactful DEI Program Award Winner: InterGlobe Aviation Limited (IndiGo) 1st Runner up: HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited 2nd Runner up: Capgemini Technology Services India Limited Special Award for MSME Winner: HAB Pharmaceutical & Research Ltd. 1st Runner up: Harkesh Rubber LLP DEI Champion Award Winner: Godrej Properties Limited 1st Runner up: Capgemini Technology Services India Limited 2nd Runner up: HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited 2nd Runner up: Indian Hotels Company Limited
Daily Tribune
14 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain builds Russia trade links
TDT | Manama Bahrain is positioning itself as the region's next re-export powerhouse, using its participation at a major Russian economic forum to court investment, deepen private-sector ties, and showcase its logistics edge to international partners. During his participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025, His Excellency Sameer Nass, Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that promoting the national economy and enhancing international investments is a strategic priority for the Kingdom. H.E. underlined Bahrain's ambition to become a key re-export platform, citing its strategic location and advanced logistics capabilities as core advantages. 'Russia is an important partner for Bahrain,' H.E. Nass said, leading a Chamber delegation to the event, which drew over 20,000 global participants from 140 countries. 'Our bilateral ties continue to evolve, especially in sectors like manufacturing and technology transfer, where we see immense opportunity,' H.E. sated. Gateway ambitions H.E. Nass highlighted Bahrain's plans to repurpose its logistics strength into a regional re-packaging and distribution centre. His Excellency emphasised the potential for joint ventures between Bahraini and Russian firms to create competitive advantages in diversified industrial sectors, supporting the Kingdom's broader vision of economic diversification. The Chamber, H.E. added, is intensifying its efforts to form durable global partnerships that support Bahrain's position as an investment-friendly business hub and attract new capital into fields such as technology, manufacturing, and trade logistics. Private-sector diplomacy The Chamber's First Vice Chairman, Khalid Najibi, who also chairs the Bahraini side of the Bahrain-Russia Business Council, said the SPIEF platform is being used to connect private sectors across both countries. 'We're promoting Bahrain's business environment and exploring new strategic alliances,' he noted, pointing to the forum as an opportunity to unlock joint investment projects and expand private-sector cooperation. Najibi said particular attention is being given to SMEs and emerging Bahraini enterprises that stand to benefit from direct engagement with Russian counterparts. SME spotlight Board Member Ahmed Al-Saloom reinforced the Chamber's focus on the small and medium-sized enterprise sector, calling it the foundation of Bahrain's commercial structure. He praised the forum for offering SMEs visibility on a global stage and access to new foreign market opportunities. He credited the Government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for prioritising SME development within the Kingdom's economic growth strategy. As SPIEF continues to serve as a global marketplace for strategic partnerships, Bahrain is using the platform to shift its trade model toward high-value re-export services, forging new business pathways in a changing global economy.
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SCCI finalizes preparations for 4th Mango Festival 2025
Organized by SCCI in collaboration with the Municipal Council of Khorfakkan and Khorfakkan City Municipality, the festival features extensive participation from local farmers, agricultural companies, and productive families from across the UAE. Held under the theme "Mango: Our Fruit, Our Wealth', this year's festival aims to promote the Eastern Region as a distinguished agri-tourism destination. It seeks to support the local economy by empowering farmers and productive families and enhancing the quality and sustainability of domestic agricultural products. The festival also contributes to preserving the UAE's rich cultural heritage and advancing the goals of the National Food Security Strategy 2051. The 3-day extravaganza will include a display of more than 150 premium local mango varieties. It will also feature a series of specialized competitions with valuable prizes, in addition to cultural and heritage-themed activities. A range of educational programs will be held to improve local agricultural output and facilitate the exchange of expertise between farmers and industry professionals. In his remarks, Khalil Al Mansouri, Director of Government Relations at SCCI, said that the Mango Festival is a strategic addition to the Chamber's portfolio of heritage and agricultural events in the Eastern Region. It supports agriculture as a key economic pillar, reinforcing its contribution to food security and local economic growth. He emphasized that the festival not only offers a comprehensive platform to showcase the quality and diversity of local produce but also fosters partnerships between farmers, traders, and agribusinesses, thereby promoting the emirate's sustainable development goals. Among key highlights of this year's edition is the 'Mango Mazayna' Competition (a mango beauty contest) which is set to be held on the festival's first day. Participants must submit locally grown mangoes, sourced from their own farms or home gardens, along with proof of property ownership. Each entry must include only one mango variety, free of defects and infections, with a consistent and suitable size, packed in cardboard boxes weighing no less than 4 kg. All winning entries will undergo on-site inspection by the judging panel. On the second day, the festival will feature a competition for the most beautifully arranged mango basket 'Best Mango Basket" for families. Entries must be handmade, modestly decorated, and contain at least 4 kg of mangoes in a single basket. Only one basket per family is allowed. The final day of the festival will feature the 'Best Agriculture-themed Video' contest, designed for children aged 7 to 12. Each child must submit one video not exceeding one minute, along with a copy of the UAE ID. Only one entry per child is permitted. The Organizing Committee of the Mango Festival has set June 27 as the deadline for submissions. Entries must be sent via WhatsApp, accompanied by a copy of the child's ID, to the following number: 0566240434. Other highlights include the 'Best Farmer's Booth' competition which will run across all days of the festival. Displayed produce must be locally sourced and each booth must feature no fewer than five mango varieties. Participants must be present at their booth for the duration of the event. The evaluation will be based on a public voting survey. These competitions aim to promote excellence and innovation among farmers, enhance marketing techniques, and support a more engaging visitor experience, while promoting broader awareness of the agricultural sector's value. Open to the public daily from 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm, the festival will offer a rich program of interactive activities and live cultural performances. Emirati folk groups will present traditional shows that reflect the local cultural heritage. Daily raffles with a variety of prizes will be also held, further enhancing visitor engagement and creating a vibrant festival atmosphere. Additionally, the Mango festival 2025 will host a series of educational workshops held in collaboration with agricultural experts, offering simplified yet in-depth insights into mango tree care and modern techniques in irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and pest control. These sessions aim to raise awareness among visitors and farmers alike, encouraging the adoption of smart agriculture practices to improve both production efficiency and quality. The festival will also feature a dedicated family activity zone, where visitors of all ages can take part in educational and hands-on experiences tailored especially for children.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Residents of Kerry town urged to play part in keeping streets clean after superb Anti-Litter result
The town was ranked third out of 40 towns and cities across Ireland by Anti-Litter League judges. This marks an improvement of one place on Killarney's result in the final 2024 rankings. Chamber co-president and Tidy Towns committee member, Johnny McGuire, said what was most encouraging is that seven of the 10 sites inspected in Killarney received the top A grade. 'You only get one chance to make a first impression and it's great to hear that the impact Killarney gives when approaching the town is a very good one,' Mr McGuire said. He said enormous credit is due to the management and staff of Killarney Municipal District. 'It's not that long ago when Killarney was languishing well down the IBAL league table but the team in the town hall and dedicated volunteers have really turned that around and created a town we can all be very proud of,' the Chamber official said. 'We've steadily climbed up the table and we improved from 10th position at the start of last year to third place overall on this occasion. Thanks must go to the council management, the elected representatives and, especially, the dedicated outdoor staff who can be really proud of their work'. Mr McGuire called on everybody in the town to play their part - no matter how small – as the judges in the national Tidy Towns competition and, more locally, the Killarney Looking Good awards, will make their deliberations in the coming weeks. He said there is no reason why Killarney cannot secure a gold medal in this year's Tidy Towns competition if everybody contributes. 'Cigarette butts and food-related litter were all that held Killarney back this time. We would urge people just to think twice before they discard such items going forward,' he said.
