BISHKEK, 3 June 2016 – Wrapping up a two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, which has included meetings with the Speaker of the Parliament, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and officials at the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, Special Representative for Central and Eastern Asia and Vice-President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Christine Muttonen spoke to students today at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek on conflict prevention and peace-building, noting the strengths of the OSCE’s approach, as well as areas for improvement.

Muttonen’s visit this week – her first to Kyrgyzstan since her appointment as Special Representative in January – has served as an opportunity to discuss confidence-building in the region and developing co-operative approaches to common challenges such as energy security, water management and border co-operation. In her meetings with Speaker of Parliament Chynybay Tursunbekov and Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Abdyldaev, Muttonen noted the importance of continuing to build trust and dialogue through the OSCE.

“There is a need to develop ways of countering the lack of trust and promoting co-operation between countries in the region,” she said. “The OSCE is our common organization, an inclusive organization in which all of its members have an equal voice, and we need to work effectively together within this forum.”

Discussions in Bishkek also focused on promoting follow-up on OSCE/ODIHR election-related recommendations and on the importance that Kyrgyzstan attaches to the OSCE and its Parliamentary Assembly. Muttonen expressed appreciation for the fact that Kyrgyzstan intends to send a full delegation to the OSCE PA’s 25th Annual Session in Tbilisi, Georgia, next month.

In meetings with staff of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, Muttonen was briefed on the situation in the country and heard about the Centre’s ongoing projects, notably in the spheres of early warning and conflict prevention, as well as youth-oriented and parliamentary development projects. There was also discussion on the possibility of holding future OSCE PA events in the country.

In her lecture at the OSCE Academy, she highlighted the early warning capabilities of the OSCE – including through its field operations such as the Centre in Bishkek – but regretted that sometimes political considerations hamper effective implementation of early warning mechanisms. Discussing the OSCE’s consensus-based decision-making procedure and the non-binding character of its decisions, Muttonen pointed out the OSCE is only as strong as its participating States allow it to be.

Nevertheless, she said, the OSCE’s response to the crisis in and around Ukraine has served as an example of its ability to engage in conflict prevention and peace-building. “The Ukraine conflict has shown that the OSCE is well-placed and equipped to engage in conflict prevention and support mediation and peace-building,” said the PA Vice-President. “Through its unanimous vote principle, the OSCE and its participating States can formulate strong political agreements, even if the process may be slow.”

She noted that OSCE parliamentarians have been active in supporting the Central Asian countries’ peace-building efforts, notably through fact-finding missions.

Muttonen’s speech at the OSCE Academy concluded a week-long visit to Central Asia, which included meetings with government officials, parliamentary leaders and representatives of civil society in Astana, Almaty, and Bishkek.

In her mandate as Special Representative, she is tasked, inter alia, with encouraging active participation in the PA by parliamentarians from Central Asia, as well as liaising with and supporting the work of the OSCE field operations in the region.

To watch a recent interview with the Special Representative, in which she discusses her priorities, please click here. Photos of her visit this week to Central Asia are on Flickr. Her full remarks to the OSCE Academy are available here.

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After a lengthy consideration, the National Labor Relations Board has ruled that Amazon’s “captive-audience meetings” are a violation of the National Labor Relations Act. These are mandatory meetings where an employer shares its stance on unionization.

“Ensuring that workers can make a truly free choice about whether they want union representation is one of the fundamental goals of the National Labor Relations Act. Captive audience meetings—which give employers near-unfettered freedom to force their message about unionization on workers under threat of discipline or discharge—undermine this important goal,” Chairman Lauren McFerran said of the ruling. “Today’s decision better protects workers’ freedom to make their own choices in exercising their rights under the Act, while ensuring that employers can convey their views about unionization in a noncoercive manner.”

The decision noted that employers may hold meetings about unionization as long as workers receive advanced notice about the topic, are told that attendance is voluntary and without consequences for opting not to participate, and that attendance records are not kept.

Today’s ruling centers on Amazon, which has a rocky history with its employees’ efforts to organize and with the NLRB. However, the decision could impact other big tech firms that have followed similar practices around unionization.

Work sucks.

In an increasingly digital business landscape, the value of face-to-face meetings remains undeniable. New research from Accor, a global leader in hospitality, indicates that professionals globally across industries believe their ability to generate revenue could increase by 36% if all important meetings were conducted in person. The study underscores a key takeaway: while digital tools like video and phone conferencing are useful, the human connection fostered by in-person interactions is perceived as significantly more effective in driving business success and performance.

Practice Your On-Camera Speaking Skills
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Even though no one can see what you are wearing below the computer desk, you want to suit up.

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As Michael, the CEO of Teambuilding explains Any Zoom meeting should have at least 8% of its time dedicated to non-meetings activities.

The secret meetings were revealed by Rev Harold Good in a new book, In Good Time.

The Annual meetings of the LTER-Europe network and the eLTER H2020 project will take place between 13 and 17 June, 2016 in Latvia. 

The annual LTER-Europe meeting will take place during this week, along with the annual eLTER H2020 project meeting. The current outline schedule (subject to change) is:

• Monday 13 June, 18:00 - 22:00: Welcome party
• Tuesday 14 June, 09:00 - 17:00: LTER-Europe meeting
• Wednesday 15 June, 09:00 - 18:00: eLTER H2020 project meeting
• Thursday 16 June, 09:00 - 18:00: eLTER H2020 project meeting
• Friday 17 June, 09:00 - 12:00: eLTER Core Team meeting

For updated information go to: http://www.lter-europe.net/events/lter-europe-2016

Washington — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has scheduled public meetings on its recently published proposed rule on worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

Kingspan Insulated Panels North America has announced that its Director of Sustainability and Environment, Paul Bertram Jr.

Washington – An OSHA workgroup tasked with examining temporary worker safety issues is scheduled to meet monthly through November, the agency announced Aug. 18.

Portland, OR — A recent study of residential construction supervisors in Oregon who received toolbox talks via text messages showed that their compliance with Oregon OSHA’s standard on safety meetings increased – and the delivery method was welcomed.

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has published a final rule on pre-shift examinations of metal and non-metal mines.

Winston-Salem, NC — The Steel Erectors Association of America has created a downloadable poster for the 10th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction – set for May 1-5.

Washington — OSHA and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration will host a public meeting on June 20 to gather information in preparation for a pair of United Nations meetings, the agencies announced in the May 22 Federal Register.

Washington — OSHA and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration will host virtual public meetings June 24 in preparation for a pair of United Nations meetings.

Washington — OSHA and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration will host virtual public meetings Nov. 19 in preparation for a pair of United Nations meetings.

Washington — OSHA has scheduled a virtual public meeting for June 15 in advance of the 42nd session of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

Washington — OSHA has scheduled a virtual public meeting for Nov. 16 in advance of the 43rd session of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

Tucson, AZ — Is your schedule of upcoming Zoom meetings getting you down? Results of a recent study suggest that the path to reduced fatigue – and increased engagement – might be as simple as switching off your camera during virtual meetings.

Washington — OSHA has scheduled a public meeting for Nov. 15 in advance of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

CDI Monthly Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month, from 11-12:30 pm Eastern Time. 

Make your audio meetings are more inclusive, easier to participate in and easier to manage. With HD quality voice, noise suppression and voice separation, our new BT MeetMe with Dolby Voice service takes audio conferencing to a different level. And because this is an IP call, it complements your Unified Communications strategy. Integrating with Cisco WebEx and Microsoft Lync, so that you can use it with what you have already invested in and save money on access costs.

Like any other CIO I get several mails and calls and meeting requests from vendors – small and big, old companies and startups, current partners and potential partners. I must admit, I do not entertain most of the requests.

Attendees will still be required to register in order to participate.

There are many reasons to choose the International Drive Resort Area in Orlando as the site for successful meetings and events. Flexible convention space, a wide range of accommodations, top-rated airports and convention center and sophisticated retail, dining and entertainment districts make it a top pick among meeting planners.

Most good bosses know that they should schedule regular one-on-ones with each of their team members. But fewer know exactly how to manage these meetings well, in part because organizations rarely offer relevant training. Steven Rogelberg, Chancellor's Professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, has spent years researching the best way to prepare for, structure, engage in, and follow up on one-on-ones. He says they're a key way to boost performance, and offers tips for ensuring that we all get more out of them. Rogelberg is author of the book Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings.

The Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation is holding its regular quarterly stakeholder meetings for carriers and providers Sept. 5. The provider quarterly meeting will cover topics including designated doctor billing rules,…

The Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation announced that it will hold a series of “brown bag” meetings in September and October to discuss the latest updates in dispute resolution. Agenda topics…

Event Begins: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 5:30pm
Location: Weiser Hall, 10th Floor
Organized By: Sessions @ Michigan

BLI Community Meetings are bimonthly events for Leadership Learning and Connection Making (with Delicious Food)!Are you interested in connecting with students from across campus while elevating your leadership learning? Exploring the possibilities in the BLI and enjoy a free dinner in a dynamic, welcoming, and supportive community.

As workplaces take tentative steps towards a new normal, social psychologist Heidi Grant shares best practices for interacting when some are in the office and some are remote.

How do you make sure everyone—whether in person or remote—feels heard?

The AHRI’s 2024 Policy Symposium brought more than 200 members, along with AHRI staffers and others in HVAC, to Washington for the lobbying effort, plus panel discussions, keynote speeches, and networking.

New Articles Entry: 'How to teach starting and ending meetings' has just been added to the Articles area of UsingEnglish.com.

Tips for getting the most out of your business meetings.

11/13/2024 - 7:00 AM - Venue: Hen House Cafe

Washington, D.C. -- The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced today that the affiliate boards of directors of ABC, CBS, FOX Television and NBC will meet in-person during NAB Show, April 23 – 27, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.

Washington, D.C. -- The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced today that the affiliate boards of directors of ABC, CBS, FOX Television and NBC will meet in-person during NAB Show, April 15 – 19, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev.

Subjective quality evaluation of audio and audiovisual multiparty telemeetings

Spatial audio meetings quality evaluation

FSTP-ACC-RemPart - Guidelines for supporting remote participation in meetings for all

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GoToMeetings, Cavoon, AdobeConnect and Audio bridges during the SG17 meeting (17 - 26 April 2013)
Source: TSB
Study Questions: QALL/17

GoToMeetings, Cavoon, AdobeConnect and Audio bridges during the SG17 meeting (26 August - 4 September 2013)
Source: TSB
Study Questions: QALL/17

GoToMeetings, Cavoon, AdobeConnect and Audio bridges during the SG17 meeting (17 - 26 September 2014)
Source: TSB
Study Questions: Q8/17

Josh Sparks, CEO of Infinity Home Services, shares the history behind his company and provides a sneak peek into his upcoming presentation at the 2024 Best of Success conference.

Public comments will also be limited to the school’s students, staff and families, according to the district’s website.