Over 100,000 Gather in the name of World Peace for the 10th Anniversary of the HWPL Peace Summit
On September 18, the “10th Anniversary of the HWPL September 18 Peace Summit” was broadcasted in over 40 countries and attracted approximately 100,000 people at the HWPL Peace Training Institute in Gyeonggi-do, Korea, where the anniversary was held.
Hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Department of Global Communications (DGC), the event was themed “Building a Global Community of Peace through Regional Cooperation.”
Led by HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee, it was a celebration of the contributions of global leaders and citizens towards peace over the past decade and exploring strategies for future global unity. Notable attendees included Great Dharma Master Hyecheon of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and José Honorio da Costa Ferreira Jerónimo, East Timor’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture.
Previously, the HWPL Peace Summit was first celebrated a decade earlier, in Seoul, 2014. The summit was attended by more than 1,000 political, religious, women’s, and youth leaders, as well as media representatives from over 140 countries. Discussions focused on conflict resolution, religious harmony, and the implementation of legal measures to ensure sustainable peace.
During his commemorative speech, HWPL Chairman Man Hee Lee expressed gratitude to all participants for attending the 10th anniversary of the peace movement. He encouraged everyone by saying, “Let us no longer draw lines of difference between you and me. With love and peace, let’s unite to save the global village. Let us cooperate to help each other and leave behind a valuable legacy of peace for future generations.”
Followed by 10 year’s worth of highlights, this led to many discussions of future plans of HWPL and their partners, with a particular emphasis on establishing a “regional network” for peace tailored to local characteristics. Through this regional network, HWPL aims to actively address threats to peace and consolidate collective capabilities.
In light of this, HWPL established partnerships for peace development with intergovernmental organizations such as the Group of Seven Plus (G7+) and the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO). G7+ was established to promote harmony among conflict-ridden nations through peace, stability, and development, boasting 20 member states. PARLATINO, founded to promote development and integration based on democracy, currently has 23 member states.
Additionally, the nationwide “Accompany: Connecting Korea” campaign was launched with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed during the ceremony. The “Accompany” campaign was initially trialled in major cities in Korea last July. Through this launch, HWPL aims to work with over 230 civic organizations to connect cultures across generations and carry out diverse peace activities.
The “Accompany” campaign is a continuation of the Saemaul (New Village) Movement, which was responsible for South Korea’s economic development and social transformation in the late 20th century. The Saemaul Movement focused on modernising rural areas and strengthening community consciousness. Similarly, the Accompany campaign aims to overcome social conflicts rooted in generational, regional, gender, and ideological differences through social solidarity and cooperation.
To achieve the goal of establishing a “regional network,” various sessions will be held worldwide, focusing on diverse groups. Additionally, under the slogan “Let everyone in the global village become a messenger of peace,” individuals will be encouraged to play active roles in promoting peace. Messages of peace and unity from citizens of all walks of life, both domestically and internationally, will be collected and shared.
Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL) is a non-governmental international peace organization registered under the UN DGC and UN ECOSOC that is acknowledged for their endeavors and efforts towards achieving peace worldwide.
Robertshaw Strengthens Presence in New Zealand Through Partnership with System Control Engineering
Itasca, Illinois – June 3, 2024 – Robertshaw, a global leader in control components for the appliance industry, announced a significant milestone today – expanding their reach into the New Zealand market through a partnership with System Control Engineering, a leading provider of industrial automation and control solutions.
Paul Rimes, Executive General Manager of System Control Engineering, says this milestone is significant because it allows them to offer a wider range of best-in-class solutions to their customers, including popular Robertshaw products like the 7000 Series Gas Valve, M Series infinite switches for electric cooking equipment, and ST Thermostats for water heaters.
“We are thrilled to partner with Robertshaw to bring their industry-respected products to New Zealand,” says Rimes. “Our customers can now access a comprehensive selection of control components from one trusted supplier, streamlining their procurement process and ensuring they receive the best possible solutions for their needs.”
This partnership also benefits Robertshaw by expanding their reach into the New Zealand market through a well-established and respected distributor.
“System Control Engineering’s strong reputation and technical expertise make them the ideal partner for Robertshaw in New Zealand,” says Marc Speigel, VP of Sales at Robertshaw. “We are confident that this partnership will allow us to better serve our customers in the region and provide them with the exceptional support they deserve.”
The availability of Robertshaw products in New Zealand through System Control Engineering is effective June 1, 2024.
About Robertshaw
Robertshaw is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of control components for the appliance industry. Robertshaw delivers advanced flow control components and systems for water, gas, and other fluids to help build extraordinary products that improve safety, comfort, health, and happiness. Browse Robertshaw’s complete line of products on System Control Engineering’s website: www.systemcontrol.co.nz/robertshaw
Contact: sales@systemcontrol.co.nz
University of Otago and Methane Mavericks Win Grand Prizes at Space for Planet Earth Challenge
Auckland, New Zealand — 16 March 2024
The team “Methane Mavericks” from Newham, Australia, and the University of Otago team from Dunedin, New Zealand, have been awarded the Grand Prizes in the Space for Planet Earth Challenge, an innovative competition focused on leveraging space technologies to address environmental issues.
Cristhian Delgado Fajardo and his team from the University of Otago clinched the top prize at the University level for their project “Satellite-based AI Emulators for Efficient Monitoring of Agricultural Methane Emissions in New Zealand.” Their ground-breaking work aims to enhance the monitoring and management of methane emissions from agricultural activities in New Zealand using satellite data and artificial intelligence.
In the high school category, Olivia Hedge and Khoa Anh Do of Methane Mavericks from Newham, Australia, won the Grand Prize for their project “Using Sentinel Data to Identify and Prioritize Small-scale Emissions for MethaneSat.” Their innovative approach utilizes satellite data to detect and prioritize small-scale methane emissions, contributing to the development of more effective mitigation strategies.
Six teams from New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines competed in the Challenge finals, presenting their projects to a panel of esteemed judges from various space agencies, research institutions, and organizations. The winners were awarded cash prizes of $25,000 NZD and $8,000 NZD for the University and high school categories, respectively, along with valuable mentorship opportunities from SpaceBase.
“We are truly impressed by the calibre of work presented by these young innovators,” said Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom, CEO of SpaceBase. “Their projects demonstrate the immense potential of space technologies in addressing pressing environmental challenges, and we are confident that their research will create a lasting impact in the region.”
The Space for Planet Earth Challenge was organized by SpaceBase, a forward-thinking organization that leverages incentive prizes and space technologies to catalyse innovation and solve complex problems. The Challenge was made possible through the support of various sponsors and partners, including the Pacific Fund, K1W1, Orbica, AWS, US Embassy in New Zealand, Biome Trust, Rich Bodo through the Gift Trust, Australian Space Agency, New Zealand Space Agency, Auckland Space Institute, Callaghan Innovation, Outset Ventures, Auckland Unlimited, and Auckland Aerospace.
For more information about the Challenge and the winning projects, please visit spacebase.co/challenges.
About SpaceBase Limited:
SpaceBase Limited is a New Zealand-based space education and consulting social enterprise with a mission to democratise access to space for everyone. SpaceBase is creating equal opportunities to leverage space technologies to solve problems on Earth by catalysing space ecosystems in developing and emerging countries, starting in New Zealand. Since its incorporation in 2017, the organization has collaborated with economic development agencies, local and national governments, and advocacy groups to deliver over 150 educational presentations and workshops, three Pacific and nationwide space and aerospace competitions, and has helped birth space communities and organizations locally and globally.
Six Teams from New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines Advance to Finals of Space for Planet Earth Challenge
Auckland, New Zealand – 6 March 2024 – Teams from New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines have secured their spots in the finals of the prestigious Space for Planet Earth Challenge. These finalists from both the University/Startup and High School categories will compete in an online pitch competition on March 15th, presenting their innovative solutions that leverage space data to address the critical issue of methane emissions and climate change.
The grand prize winners from each category will receive substantial cash prizes of up to $25,000 NZD and mentorship opportunities from SpaceBase Limited.
The Challenge finalists include:
High School Level
- Methane Mavericks – Kyneton High School & Maryborough Education Centre, Newham, Australia
- Cashmere Space Club – Cashmere High School, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Usbong Me – University of the Philippines High School, Iloilo, Philippines
University/Startup Level
- University of Otago – Dunedin, New Zealand
- Project AIM: Rizal Technological, Caraga State, and Adamson Universities – Metro Manila and Butuan Cities, Philippines
- Interstellar Exploration Institute and Macquarie University – Sydney, Australia
The finalists participated in a three-month online research incubator organized by SpaceBase, where they received comprehensive training on the problem areas, relevant technologies, and the innovation process. After completing the rigorous incubator program on 25 February, the teams submitted their final challenge applications, which were evaluated by a panel of industry and academic experts from the United States, Australia, the Philippines, New Caledonia, and New Zealand.
“I am very impressed with the calibre this year. Every team has been impressive in one way or another,” said Nicholas Metherall, Challenge judge and Space Challenge Grand Prize Winner 2021-22.
“The Challenge showcases the remarkable talent and dedication of young minds in tackling Earth’s climate challenges. Their innovative solutions and enthusiasm are vital for a sustainable future, highlighting youth’s crucial role in addressing global environmental issue,” said Prof. Rafael Kargren upon judging the challenge.
The Challenge Final Pitch and Awards Ceremony will be held online on 15 March from 5:30-7:30 pm NZT. The event will feature welcome addresses from distinguished guests, including the Hon. Judith Collins, New Zealand Minister of Space; Peter Vedder, Senior Director at MethaneSat; Anne Rouault, Science Attaché at the French Embassy in New Zealand; and Host Amy Armstrong from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and Edmund Hillary Fellow. Representatives from the Australian and New Zealand Space Agencies will present the coveted prizes.
For more information about the Challenge and the Finalists, please visit spacebase.co/challenges. RSVP for the event at spacebase.co/events.
The Space for Planet Earth Challenge is made possible through partnerships and sponsorships facilitated by SpaceBase Limited. Sponsors include the Pacific Fund, K1W1, Orbica, AWS, U.S. Embassy in New Zealand, Biome Trust, Rich Bodo through the Gift Trust, Australian Space Agency, New Zealand Space Agency, Auckland Space Institute, Callaghan Innovation, Outset Ventures, Auckland Unlimited, and Auckland Aerospace.
About SpaceBase Limited:
SpaceBase Limited is a New Zealand-based space education and consulting social enterprise with a mission to democratize access to space for everyone. SpaceBase is creating equal opportunities to leverage space technologies to solve problems on Earth by catalysing space ecosystems in developing and emerging countries, starting in New Zealand. Since its incorporation in 2017, the organization has collaborated with economic development agencies, local and national governments, and advocacy groups to deliver over 150 educational presentations and workshops, three Pacific and nationwide space and aerospace competitions, and has helped birth space communities and organizations locally and globally.
Kiwi Activist Given Rare Access to Monitor Assange’s Final UK Hearing
Statement: Spokesperson: Aotearoa 4 Assange, Matt Ó Branáin.
Tomorrow, February 20 in London, Australian Journalist Julian Assange faces perhaps his final chance to avoid extradition to the U.S.
I am a Free Assange activist from New Zealand, who has been following the case almost full time for 4.5 years, and campaigning through Europe and the UK since October 2022, since I inspired a human chain of 8,000 around the British Parliament to free Julian.
Tomorrow I will be outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London as Julian faces his last chance to avoid extradition to the U.S. I will be staging a Photo Action outside along with Italian artist Davide Dormino, inviting the public to stand on a chair and make a photograph to share.
What has surprised me is I have been granted last-minute access to monitor the hearings remotely, a privilege not granted to many journalists, excluding almost anyone outside England and Wales, and major media organisations in Australia and the U.S. including Fox News.
Julian faces a 175 year sentence for activities described as ‘common journalistic practices’ by the editors of the five major international Newspapers he collaborated with on the 2010 publications he is indicted for.
The charges are unprecedented. The U.S. seeks to prosecute him for publishing leaked evidence of war crimes in Iraq, which are credited with ending the illegal invasion. If ending a war with truthful journalism is a crime, what chance do we have of preventing further atrocities? Why has this case dragged on so long when every major Human Rights group has called for his freedom? Why has a case of this magnitude not yet provoked more outcry from the media and the public?
In Australia at least it has reached a crescendo. The Australian Parliament last week voted with a two thirds majority to demand the U.S. and UK free Julian. Polls show as much as 90% of the public think he should be freed.
With such a clear mandate, it would seem profoundly unwise for the US and UK to risk snubbing such a clear request from such a vital ally?
The shared values of our long-standing partnership with the U.S. and UK are what is on trial. Because what do we need the might of the U.S. Army to defend us from exactly, if not from those that jail our journalists for revealing their war crimes?
—
Attached image:
Matt Ó Branáin.
Spokesperson: Aotearoa 4 Assange
Alimetry Secures CPT III Reimbursement Code for the Gastric Alimetry Test and Announces Positive Clinical Study Results
Alimetry, a gastrointestinal medtech and digital health start-up, announced today the creation of a new American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) III code for Body Surface Gastric Mapping, which will describe its Gastric Alimetry test.
The new CPT III code highlights the growing recognition of Body Surface Gastric mapping and Gastric Alimetry as a significant advance in the diagnosis and management of chronic gastric conditions, including functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, and chronic nausea and vomiting syndrome. Together, these disorders affect >10% of the US population.
CEO, Greg O’Grady, a Professor of Surgery and co-founder of Alimetry, said: “Obtaining a CPT III code is a key milestone for Alimetry. Gastric Alimetry is emerging as a next-generation test for patients suffering chronic gastric symptoms, with excellent early adoption in over 30 hospitals and clinics. The new AMA code will accelerate our mission to achieve widespread access for US patients suffering from these disabling disorders.”
The CPT III code comes on the back of Alimetry’s 3rd 510k clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in just 2 years for the Gastric Alimetry System. The latest FDA clearance introduced new features to aid in the diagnosis of gut hypersensitivity and common ‘Gut-Brain-Axis’ disorders, which are often linked to mental wellbeing. Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Andrews stated: “Gastric symptoms can be complex, and are often a diagnostic challenge. Gastric Aimetry combines a wearable sensor with an App- based digital health profiling tool, providing an increasingly powerful feature set that can greatly simplify the diagnostic process. The cloud-based platform also enables us to rapidly learn and improve test performance based on banked data, with an increasing focus on applications in AI.”
In addition to the new CPT Code, Alimetry also announced positive clinical study results, published this month in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. In the study discussion, the authors concluded that “Gastric Alimetry identified 2.7x more specific patient categories than gastric emptying testing [a standard of care test], with limited overlap between each diagnostic modality, offering a valuable new option in the diagnostic work up of patients with chronic gastroduodenal symptoms”. In addition, Gastric Alimetry data was reported to show “improved correlation with symptoms and psychometrics” compared to existing clinical and research tools.
Gastric Alimetry is commercially available in the United States, the UK and New Zealand. The study article can be accessed in this hyperlink
About Gastric Alimetry
The Gastric Alimetry test measures gastric electrophysiology non-invasively in a clinical setting. Recordings are taken before and after a standard meal, while patients simultaneously log their symptoms into the Gastric Alimetry App. The system performs a high-resolution recording of digestive patterns from the skin surface and delivers clinical reports via the cloud to inform the diagnosis of gastric diseases and support personalized therapy. The Gastric Alimetry system is indicated as an aid to diagnosis of various gastric disorders, including functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis and chronic nausea and vomiting disorders, which affect >10% of the US population and impact billions of dollars in healthcare expenses.
About AMA CPT III Codes
AMA CPT III codes are temporary codes assigned to emerging medical technologies and procedures. These codes facilitate data collection and assessment, aiding in the validation and reimbursement of new services. Obtaining a CPT III code, such as for Alimetry’s Gastric Alimetry test, is a vital step towards recognizing its clinical relevance and supporting its integration into healthcare practices. The new CPT III code number is 0868T and it is effective from July 1, 2024.
About Alimetry
Alimetry is a medtech and digital health start-up focused on improving the care of patients with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. Spun out of the University of Auckland in 2019 from a centre of excellence in digestive diseases, the company was founded by Professor Gregory O’Grady (CEO) and Dr. Armen Gharibans (CTO), leveraging a decade of award-winning science. Alimetry is dedicated to advancing gastrointestinal health through innovative diagnostic solutions, aiming to enhance the quality of life for patients worldwide. For more information see www.alimetry.com
Contact
Hanie Yee, Chief Commercial Officer, Alimetry Hanie@alimetry.com
NZ +64 (0)21 651226 US +1 (657) 267 1082
PODCAST – When All the World’s Failings End in Gaza
PODCAST: In this the tenth episode of A View from Afar for 2023 political scientist Dr Paul Buchanan and journalist/analyst Selwyn Manning examine the current Israel-Palestine Atrocities.
As we prepared for this podcast, representatives of Arab states have presented a united front at the United Nations, criticising the UN Security Council of doing nothing to protect civilians from Israeli bombing and missile attacks on Gazan civilians and locations.
Since then, the UN Security Council has considered two resolutions, the latter calling for a pause in hostilities to allow a humanitarian effort to enter Gaza to assist civilians.
The United States vetoed that Security Council resolution.
Al Jazeera has detailed that Israel forces have targeted and bombed civilian facilities include Hospitals, schools, residential areas resulting in the deaths of thousands of people, civilians, – around one-third of the deaths are children.
It remains contested by all sides in this conflict as to who, or what, is responsible for the deadly attack on Gaza Hospital, resulting in the deaths of over 471 people.
Additional to this, Israel has sealed the borders of Gaza while it prevents food, water and medical supplies from reaching civilians – in breach of international law requirements and laws of conflict.
Israel ordered Gazan civilians, who wish to get to safety, to get out of North Gaza and move toward the south, to the border with Egypt. But as people fled south toward what appeared to be safety, Israel bombed the southern Gaza region killing more civilians and sealing off that corridor for others who sought refuge.
As a consequence of the bombing, Egypt responded by sealing the Gaza-Egypt border.
Humanitarian aid now sits on trucks, waiting, on the Egypt side of the border, while United Nations officials implore Israel and Egypt to allow medical supplies, food and water to get through to those who are injured and dying.
The Israel Defence Force strikes followed a surprise-attack on Israeli citizens by soldiers operating under the Hamas banner.
Civilians were slaughtered and others taken hostage, only to be used as bargaining chips and leverage against their enemies.
Even Palestinian advocacy groups like the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa suggested that breaches of international humanitarian Law, crimes against civilians, have been committed by those Hamas-aligned fighters. But they are clear, as others are too, that crimes against humanity, war crimes, have been committed by Israel, without consequence, as we all give witness to its response which is disproportionate, brutal, and disregarding of the thousands of Palestinian lives that have already been taken.
That’s the current situation. It is likely to get much worse.
In this episode, our questions will include:
What are the world’s leaders doing to stop the carnage?
Are the world’s nations being drawn into what will be an ever-expanding war?
Are we witnessing the beginning of a war where on one side authoritarian-led states like Russia, Iran, the wider Arab states, and possibly China stand unified against the United States, Britain, Germany, and other so-called liberal democratic allies representing the old world order?
Is what we are witnessing, what happens when a global rules-based order, multilateralism and institutions like the United Nations no longer have influence to prevent war, or restore peace and stability, or assert principles of international justice and enforce the rights of victims to see recourse to the law?
Why has this slaughter become an opportunity for the US and Russia to square-off against each other at the UN Security Council – a body that was once designed to advocate and achieve peace, but has now become a geopolitically divided entity of stalemate and mediocrity?
Eventually, will humanitarianism prevail? Will the world recognise that all people, the elderly, women, children, people of all ethnicities and religions, that they all bleed and die irrespective of their state of origin, when leaders of all sides, while sitting back in their bunkers, unleash weapons designed to kill as many people as is possible?
In this episode, Paul and Selwyn examine this most grave situation from a geopolitical vantage point. It may appear as dispassionate, and as so even disturbing, but we will take this approach in an attempt to aide an understanding of why this is happening in Gaza and why it is happening now.
INTERACTION WHILE LIVE:
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To interact during the live recording of this podcast, go to: Youtube.com/c/EveningReport/
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