es Cholecystokinin 2 Receptor Agonist 177Lu-PP-F11N for Radionuclide Therapy of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Results of the Lumed Phase 0a Study By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Treatment of patients with advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is still a challenge. For more than 2 decades, it has been known that the cholecystokinin 2 receptor is a promising target for the treatment of MTC with radiolabeled minigastrin analogs. Unfortunately, kidney toxicity has precluded their therapeutic application so far. In 6 consecutive patients, we evaluated with advanced 3-dimensional dosimetry whether improved minigastrin analog 177Lu-DOTA-(d-Glu)6-Ala-Tyr-Gly-Trp-Nle-Asp-PheNH2 (177Lu-PP-F11N) is a suitable agent for the treatment of MTC. Methods: Patients received 2 injections of about 1 GBq (~80 μg) of 177Lu-PP-F11N with and without a solution of succinylated gelatin (SG, a plasma expander used for nephroprotection) in a random crossover sequence to evaluate biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and tumor and organ dosimetry. An electrocardiogram was obtained and blood count and blood chemistry were measured up to 12 wk after the administration of 177Lu-PP-F11N to assess safety. Results: In all patients, 177Lu-PP-F11N accumulation was visible in tumor tissue, stomach, and kidneys. Altogether, 13 tumors were eligible for dosimetry. The median absorbed doses for tumors, stomach, kidneys, and bone marrow were 0.88 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.85–1.04), 0.42 (IQR: 0.25–1.01), 0.11 (IQR: 0.07–0.13), and 0.028 (IQR: 0.026–0.034) Gy/GBq, respectively. These doses resulted in median tumor-to-kidney dose ratios of 11.6 (IQR: 8.11–14.4) without SG and 13.0 (IQR: 10.2–18.6) with SG; these values were not significantly different (P = 1.0). The median tumor-to-stomach dose ratio was 3.34 (IQR: 1.14–4.70). Adverse reactions (mainly hypotension, flushing, and hypokalemia) were self-limiting and not higher than grade 1. Conclusion: 177Lu-PP-F11N accumulates specifically in MTC at a dose that is sufficient for a therapeutic approach. With a low kidney and bone marrow radiation dose, 177Lu-PP-F11N shows a promising biodistribution. The dose-limiting organ is most likely the stomach. Further clinical studies are necessary to evaluate the maximum tolerated dose and the efficacy of 177Lu-PP-F11N. Full Article
es First-in-Humans Imaging with 89Zr-Df-IAB22M2C Anti-CD8 Minibody in Patients with Solid Malignancies: Preliminary Pharmacokinetics, Biodistribution, and Lesion Targeting By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Immunotherapy is becoming the mainstay for treatment of a variety of malignancies, but only a subset of patients responds to treatment. Tumor-infiltrating CD8-positive (CD8+) T lymphocytes play a central role in antitumor immune responses. Noninvasive imaging of CD8+ T cells may provide new insights into the mechanisms of immunotherapy and potentially predict treatment response. We are studying the safety and utility of 89Zr-IAB22M2C, a radiolabeled minibody against CD8+ T cells, for targeted imaging of CD8+ T cells in patients with cancer. Methods: The initial dose escalation phase of this first-in-humans prospective study included 6 patients (melanoma, 1; lung, 4; hepatocellular carcinoma, 1). Patients received approximately 111 MBq (3 mCi) of 89Zr-IAB22M2C (at minibody mass doses of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 5, or 10 mg) as a single dose, followed by PET/CT scans at approximately 1–2, 6–8, 24, 48, and 96–144 h after injection. Biodistribution in normal organs, lymph nodes, and lesions was evaluated. In addition, serum samples were obtained at approximately 5, 30, and 60 min and later at the times of imaging. Patients were monitored for safety during infusion and up to the last imaging time point. Results: 89Zr-IAB22M2C infusion was well tolerated, with no immediate or delayed side effects observed after injection. Serum clearance was typically biexponential and dependent on the mass of minibody administered. Areas under the serum time–activity curve, normalized to administered activity, ranged from 1.3 h/L for 0.2 mg to 8.9 h/L for 10 mg. Biodistribution was dependent on the minibody mass administered. The highest uptake was always in spleen, followed by bone marrow. Liver uptake was more pronounced with higher minibody masses. Kidney uptake was typically low. Prominent uptake was seen in multiple normal lymph nodes as early as 2 h after injection, peaking by 24–48 h after injection. Uptake in tumor lesions was seen on imaging as early as 2 h after injection, with most 89Zr-IAB22M2C–positive lesions detectable by 24 h. Lesions were visualized early in patients receiving treatment, with SUV ranging from 5.85 to 22.8 in 6 target lesions. Conclusion: 89Zr-IAB22M2C imaging is safe and has favorable kinetics for early imaging. Biodistribution suggests successful targeting of CD8+ T-cell–rich tissues. The observed targeting of tumor lesions suggests this may be informative for CD8+ T-cell accumulation within tumors. Further evaluation is under way. Full Article
es 18F-FET PET Imaging in Differentiating Glioma Progression from Treatment-Related Changes: A Single-Center Experience By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 In glioma patients, differentiation between tumor progression (TP) and treatment-related changes (TRCs) remains challenging. Difficulties in classifying imaging alterations may result in a delay or an unnecessary discontinuation of treatment. PET using O-(2-18F-fluoroethyl)-l-tyrosine (18F-FET) has been shown to be a useful tool for detecting TP and TRCs. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 127 consecutive patients with World Health Organization grade II–IV glioma who underwent 18F-FET PET imaging to distinguish between TP and TRCs. 18F-FET PET findings were verified by neuropathology (40 patients) or clinicoradiologic follow-up (87 patients). Maximum tumor-to-brain ratios (TBRmax) of 18F-FET uptake and the slope of the time–activity curves (20–50 min after injection) were determined. The diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FET PET parameters was evaluated by receiver-operating-characteristic analysis and 2 testing. The prognostic value of 18F-FET PET was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: TP was diagnosed in 94 patients (74%) and TRCs in 33 (26%). For differentiating TP from TRCs, receiver-operating-characteristic analysis yielded an optimal 18F-FET TBRmax cutoff of 1.95 (sensitivity, 70%; specificity, 71%; accuracy, 70%; area under the curve, 0.75 ± 0.05). The highest accuracy was achieved by a combination of TBRmax and slope (sensitivity, 86%; specificity, 67%; accuracy, 81%). However, accuracy was poorer when tumors harbored isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations (91% in IDH-wild-type tumors, 67% in IDH-mutant tumors, P < 0.001). 18F-FET PET results correlated with overall survival (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In our neurooncology department, the diagnostic performance of 18F-FET PET was convincing but slightly inferior to that of previous reports. Full Article
es Diagnostic Accuracy of PET Tracers for the Differentiation of Tumor Progression from Treatment-Related Changes in High-Grade Glioma: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Posttreatment high-grade gliomas are usually monitored with contrast-enhanced MRI, but its diagnostic accuracy is limited as it cannot adequately distinguish between true tumor progression and treatment-related changes. According to recent Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology recommendations, PET overcomes this limitation. However, it is currently unknown which tracer yields the best results. Therefore, a systematic review and metaanalysis were performed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the different PET tracers in differentiating tumor progression from treatment-related changes in high-grade glioma patients. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched systematically. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently by 2 authors. Metaanalysis was performed using a bivariate random-effects model when at least 5 studies were included. Results: The systematic review included 39 studies (11 tracers). 18F-FDG (12 studies, 171 lesions) showed a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 84% (95% confidence interval, 72%–92%) and 84% (95% confidence interval, 69%–93%), respectively. O-(2-18F-fluoroethyl)-l-tyrosine (18F-FET) (7 studies, 172 lesions) demonstrated a sensitivity of 90% (95% confidence interval, 81%–95%) and specificity of 85% (95% confidence interval, 71%–93%). For S-11C-methyl)-l-methionine (11C-MET) (8 studies, 151 lesions), sensitivity was 93% (95% confidence interval, 80%–98%) and specificity was 82% (95% confidence interval, 68%–91%). The numbers of included studies for the other tracers were too low to combine, but sensitivity and specificity ranged between 93%–100% and 0%–100%, respectively, for 18F-FLT; 85%–100% and 72%–100%, respectively, for 3,4-dihydroxy-6-18F-fluoro-l-phenylalanine (18F-FDOPA); and 100% and 70%–88%, respectively, for 11C-choline. Conclusion: 18F-FET and 11C-MET, both amino-acid tracers, showed a comparably higher sensitivity than 18F-FDG in the differentiation between tumor progression and treatment-related changes in high-grade glioma patients. The evidence for other tracers is limited; thus, 18F-FET and 11C-MET are preferred when available. Our results support the incorporation of amino-acid PET tracers for the treatment evaluation of high-grade gliomas. Full Article
es The Academic NDA: Justification, Process, and Lessons Learned By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 The University of Iowa recently completed a 4-y expedition into the uncharted waters of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) new-drug application (NDA) process that ultimately resulted in approval of 68Ga-DOTATOC in August 2019. The journey was enlightening, revealing a highly structured, arcane, but rigorous regulatory approval process. The FDA proved to be an efficient, reasonable, and communicative regulatory body that achieved balance between support of the initiative and its mission-bound, process-bound duty to ensure that the application met the expected safety and efficacy standards of the agency. With several clinically valuable PET radiopharmaceuticals without intellectual property residing in regulatory limbo, without industry champions to bring them to marketing approval, there may be justification for a more concerted effort from the molecular imaging community into generating better understanding, support, and perhaps even infrastructure for the academic NDA. As a first step, this article briefly describes the start-to-finish story for 68Ga-DOTATOC, including a description of the clinical trials, a broad overview of the structured content of the NDA document, and the distilled experiences associated with the 68Ga-DOTATOC NDA process. It is anticipated that with sustained free sharing of information relating to the FDA drug registration process, it will prove less daunting and more efficient in future academically sponsored NDA filings for PET imaging agents. Full Article
es A Conversation with John Sunderland, Johannes Czernin, and Thomas Hope By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Full Article
es Congressional Briefing: Diagnostic Imaging and Alzheimer Disease By jnm.snmjournals.org Published On :: 2020-04-01T06:00:28-07:00 Full Article
es A Critical Insulin TCR Contact Residue Selects High-Affinity and Pathogenic Insulin-Specific T Cells By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-02-20T11:55:30-08:00 Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune-mediated disease that culminates in the targeted destruction of insulin-producing β-cells. CD4 responses in NOD mice are dominated by insulin epitope B:9-23 (InsB9-23) specificity, and mutation of the key T-cell receptor (TCR) contact residue within the epitope prevents diabetes development. However, it is not clear how insulin self-antigen controls the selection of autoimmune and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here we demonstrate that mutation of insulin epitope results in escape of highly pathogenic T cells. We observe an increase in antigen reactivity, clonality, and pathogenicity of insulin-specific T cells that develop in the absence of cognate antigen. Using a single TCR system, we demonstrate that Treg development is greatly diminished in mice with the Y16A mutant epitope. Collectively, these results suggest that the tyrosine residue at position 16 is necessary to constrain TCR reactivity for InsB9-23 by both limiting the development of pathogenic T cells and supporting the selection of Tregs. Full Article
es {beta}-Cell Stress Shapes CTL Immune Recognition of Preproinsulin Signal Peptide by Posttranscriptional Regulation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Aminopeptidase 1 By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-03-20T11:50:28-07:00 The signal peptide of preproinsulin is a major source for HLA class I autoantigen epitopes implicated in CD8 T cell (CTL)–mediated β-cell destruction in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Among them, the 10-mer epitope located at the C-terminal end of the signal peptide was found to be the most prevalent in patients with recent-onset T1D. While the combined action of signal peptide peptidase and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) is required for processing of the signal peptide, the mechanisms controlling signal peptide trimming and the contribution of the T1D inflammatory milieu on these mechanisms are unknown. Here, we show in human β-cells that ER stress regulates ERAP1 gene expression at posttranscriptional level via the IRE1α/miR-17-5p axis and demonstrate that inhibition of the IRE1α activity impairs processing of preproinsulin signal peptide antigen and its recognition by specific autoreactive CTLs during inflammation. These results underscore the impact of ER stress in the increased visibility of β-cells to the immune system and position the IRE1α/miR-17 pathway as a central component in β-cell destruction processes and as a potential target for the treatment of autoimmune T1D. Full Article
es Maternal Type 1 Diabetes Reduces Autoantigen-Responsive CD4+ T Cells in Offspring By diabetes.diabetesjournals.org Published On :: 2020-03-20T11:50:28-07:00 Autoimmunity against pancreatic β-cell autoantigens is a characteristic of childhood type 1 diabetes (T1D). Autoimmunity usually appears in genetically susceptible children with the development of autoantibodies against (pro)insulin in early childhood. The offspring of mothers with T1D are protected from this process. The aim of this study was to determine whether the protection conferred by maternal T1D is associated with improved neonatal tolerance against (pro)insulin. Consistent with improved neonatal tolerance, the offspring of mothers with T1D had reduced cord blood CD4+ T-cell responses to proinsulin and insulin, a reduction in the inflammatory profile of their proinsulin-responsive CD4+ T cells, and improved regulation of CD4+ T cell responses to proinsulin at 9 months of age, as compared with offspring with a father or sibling with T1D. Maternal T1D was also associated with a modest reduction in CpG methylation of the INS gene in cord blood mononuclear cells from offspring with a susceptible INS genotype. Our findings support the concept that a maternal T1D environment improves neonatal immune tolerance against the autoantigen (pro)insulin. Full Article
es Artificial intelligence versus clinicians: systematic review of design, reporting standards, and claims of deep learning studies By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Wednesday, March 25, 2020 - 22:30 Full Article
es Comparison of dietary macronutrient patterns of 14 popular named dietary programmes for weight and cardiovascular risk factor reduction in adults: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised trials By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Wednesday, April 1, 2020 - 22:31 Full Article
es Infectious diseases in children and adolescents in China: analysis of national surveillance data from 2008 to 2017 By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Thursday, April 2, 2020 - 12:26 Full Article
es Association between maternal and paternal mental illness and risk of injuries in children and adolescents: nationwide register based cohort study in Sweden By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 - 22:31 Full Article
es Estimated population wide benefits and risks in China of lowering sodium through potassium enriched salt substitution: modelling study By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 - 17:00 Full Article
es Prevalence of diabetes recorded in mainland China using 2018 diagnostic criteria from the American Diabetes Association: national cross sectional study By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Tuesday, April 28, 2020 - 09:16 Full Article
es Association between tax on sugar sweetened beverages and soft drink consumption in adults in Mexico: open cohort longitudinal analysis of Health Workers Cohort Study By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Wednesday, May 6, 2020 - 22:30 Full Article
es Prognosis of unrecognised myocardial infarction determined by electrocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: systematic review and meta-analysis By feeds.bmj.com Published On :: Thursday, May 7, 2020 - 11:41 Full Article
es Guyana reports $60m in oil revenues By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2020 12:07:39 -0500 GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP): Four months after Guyana became one of the world’s newest crude oil exporters, the South American country says it is already reaping the rewards with about $60 million in payments. The money is linked to Guyana’s... Full Article
es Stocks Round Up | JSE Combined Index advances marginally By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2020 17:09:59 -0500 The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) Combined Index regained lost ground on Tuesday with an advance/decline ratio of 28/38 The JSE index advanced marginally 1,154.11 points or 0.32 per cent to close at 360,497.91. The JSE Main Market Index was up... Full Article
es Conrad George and André Sheckleford | Incorrect layoff procedures can lead to future liability By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 00:14:20 -0500 OP-CONTRIBUTION: EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS The COVID-19 pandemic is hitting businesses and the economy in a manner perhaps not seen since the Second World War. This, of course, has affected the ability of employers to pay their employees. The COVID-19... Full Article
es Business Briefs By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 00:06:24 -0500 Branson Centre goes digital The Caribbean branch of Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship has shifted fully to online delivery of its services. This includes online training and support in three business development areas: finance, strategic... Full Article
es LNG complicates light bill savings By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 00:05:38 -0500 THE SWITCH towards liquefied natural gas, LNG, as fuel to produce power supplies for Jamaica has a downside for electricity customers, who are largely missing out on the big oil savings. The near two-thirds plunge in oil prices will have limited... Full Article
es Stocks Round Up | JSE Combined Index advances By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Wed, 06 May 2020 17:17:24 -0500 The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) Combined Index continued its mild rally on Wednesday with an advance/decline ratio of 34/29 The JSE index advanced marginally 1,983.51points or 0.55 per cent to close at 362,481.42. The JSE Main Market Index was up... Full Article
es To address AML oversight, BOJ creates sandbox for fintech applicants By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 15:55:34 -0500 FOUR MORE applicants are vying to provide mobile payment services in various formats, including one applicant seeking to use phone credit as a cash equivalent, but successful applicants will fall under a new framework the regulator calls its “... Full Article
es Dwayne Devonish | Smart virus testing necessary for economic reboot By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:13:10 -0500 OP-ED CONTRIBUTION: COVID-19 AND THE ECONOMY FOR MOST countries in the Caribbean, the current testing for COVID-19 has not reached levels suitable for ascertaining an accurate picture of the state of outbreak and spread of the infection. This... Full Article
es Sagicor raises doubt about Scotia Life T&T deal By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:09:28 -0500 Sagicor Finance Company has raised doubt about whether the deal to acquire the assets of Scotia Life Trinidad... Full Article
es FTC puts Total gas market share at 30% - Sees no threat to competition from Epping deal By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:08:14 -0500 THE ACQUISITION of Epping resulted in Total Jamaica controlling nearly a third of the retail gasolene market, but that’s not enough to lessen competition, the Fair Trading Commission, FTC, has found. “The acquisition is unlikely to have either the... Full Article
es SVL ramping up online games By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:18:10 -0500 SUPREME VENTURES Limited, SVL, has locked down its Acropolis gaming lounge since March 18, when the Government mandated the closure of all lounges and bars. Sports wagering has fallen precipitously, concomitant with the suspension of sporting... Full Article
es Digital Jamaica throws sales lifeline to furniture companies By jamaica-gleaner.com Published On :: Fri, 08 May 2020 00:18:42 -0500 DESPITE TUMBLING sales and challenges with hire-purchase accounts, two of the largest retailers of home furniture and appliances, Courts Jamaica and Singer Jamaica, have found glimmers of hope during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s because work-from... Full Article
es Challenges and Opportunities in the Fight Against Corruption By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2019 15:40:01 +0000 Members Event 9 December 2019 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Rory Stewart, Member of Parliament for Penrith and The Border (2010-19); Secretary of State for International Development (2019)Chair: Daniel Bruce, Chief Executive, Transparency International UK Drawing on his experience in government, Rory Stewart shares his observations into the impact corruption can have on society.This event is organized in association with Transparency International UK as part of Transparency International UK’s Annual Lecture series. Members Events Team Email Full Article
es Can the New European Commission Deliver on Its Promises to Africa? By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Dec 2019 15:27:00 +0000 4 December 2019 Fergus Kell Projects Assistant, Africa Programme LinkedIn Damir Kurtagic Former Academy Robert Bosch Fellow, Africa Programme @kurtagic_damir LinkedIn Familiar promises of equal partnership must be backed by bolder action, including an expanded budget, internal reform and a rethink of its approach to trade negotiations. 2019-12-03-Urpilainen.jpg Jutta Urpilainen, new EU commissioner for international partnerships, at the European Parliament in Brussels in October. Photo: Getty Images. The new European Commission, headed by Ursula von der Leyen, assumed office on 1 December, and there are early signs that Africa will begin near the top of their foreign policy priorities. Policy towards Africa under the new EU administration is yet to be fully defined, but its contours are already visible in the selection of commissioners and assignment of portfolios. Although rumours of a dedicated commissioner for Africa were unfounded, the appointment of Jutta Urpilainen to the new role of commissioner for international partnerships – replacing the former post of development commissioner – is a strong signal of ongoing change in EU development thinking, away from bilateral aid towards trade and investment, including by the private sector. This may have significant consequences for the EU’s relationship with Africa. In her mission letter to Urpilainen in September, von der Leyen listed the first objective as a new ‘comprehensive strategy for Africa’. Urpilainen, Finland’s finance minister before being posted to Ethiopia as special representative on mediation, has also described her appointment as an opportunity to move on from traditional measures of aid delivery. Ambition or incoherence? However, this ambition may be at odds with other EU priorities and practices, notably managing migration and institutions and instruments for governing EU–Africa relations that remain rooted in a ‘traditional’ model of North–South development cooperation rather than equitable partnership.Another newly created post will see Margaritis Schinas assume the role of vice-president for promoting the European way of life – formerly ‘protecting our European way of life’ before a backlash saw it changed – a reminder that migration will remain high on the EU’s foreign policy agenda. The new high representative for foreign and security policy and chief EU diplomat, Josep Borrell, has highlighted the need for bilateral partnership with countries of origin and transit, mainly in Africa. Negotiations also continue to stall on a replacement to the Cotonou Agreement, the 20-year partnership framework between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of states, which now looks certain to be extended for at least 12 months beyond its expiry in February 2020.Ambiguities in the EU’s negotiating approach have certainly contributed to the delay: having pushed initially for a separate regional pillar for Africa that would be opened to the North African countries (who are not ACP members) and include a loosely defined role for the African Union, this would later be abandoned in favour of a dual-track process on separate new agreements with the AU and ACP respectively.The EU also continues to pursue controversial economic partnership agreements under the aegis of Cotonou, despite their increasing appearance of incompatibility with the pathbreaking African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – one of the clearest expressions to date of African agency.The EU has so far attempted to gloss over this incoherence, claiming that EPAs can somehow act as the ‘building blocks’ for Africa-wide economic integration. But tensions are appearing between EU departments and within the commission, with the European External Action Service inclined to prioritize a more strategic continental relationship with the AU, while the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development remains committed to the ACP as the conduit for financial support and aid delivery.And it is unlikely to get away with such incoherence for much longer. Change is now urgent, as numerous countries in sub-Saharan Africa continue to attract the strategic and commercial interests of the EU’s competitors: from established players such as China and potentially in future the UK, which is intent on remodelling its Africa ties post-Brexit, to emerging actors such as Turkey or Russia, which held its first Africa summit in October. The need for deliveryIf the EU is serious about its rhetoric on equal partnership, it must therefore move beyond convoluted hybrid proposals. Delivering on the Juncker administration’s proposal to increase funding for external action by 30 per cent for 2021–27 would mark an important first step, particularly as this involves streamlining that would see the European Development Fund – the financial instrument for EU-ACP relations – incorporated into the main EU budget.The new commission should therefore continue to exert pressure on the European Council and European Parliament to adopt this proposal, as negotiations on this financial framework have been repeatedly subject to delay and may not be resolved before the end of the year. Beyond this, proactive support for the AfCFTA and for structural transformation more broadly must be prioritized ahead of vague promises for a continent-to-continent free trade agreement, as held out by Juncker in his final State of the Union address in 2018. The significance of internal EU reforms for Africa should also not be discounted. The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, for instance, has placed the African sector at a particular disadvantage and has made it harder to compete even in domestic markets, let alone in the distant EU export markets. EU efforts to stimulate inflows of private investments into the African agricultural sector, abolish import tariffs and offer technical support for African producers to satisfy EU health and safety regulations will be of little use if they are undermined by heavy subsidies across Europe.Ultimately, changes to job titles alone will be insufficient. The new commission’s rhetoric, while ambitious, differs little from that of the previous decade – Africa has heard the promise of a ‘partnership of equals’ and of ‘shared ownership’ since before the advent of the Joint Africa–EU Strategy in 2007. Now is the time for truly bold steps to implement this vision. Full Article
es Will Davies By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Jan 2020 16:06:47 +0000 Army Chief of General Staff Research Fellow, International Security Programme Biography Will Davies is the Army Chief of General Staff Research Fellow in the International Security programme. He commissioned into the British Army in 1996 and has deployed to Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan in tank and reconnaissance units and latterly as an advisor. He recently returned from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq as the UK’s advisor to the regional government’s Peshmerga reform programme. In 2015 he helped change defence policy to enable women to serve in combat roles including the infantry. Will’s research focus at Chatham House is on armed forces’ overseas engagement. Areas of expertise Security sector reform / defence reformSecurity force assistance and building partner capacityGender integration in the armed forcesAdvising other nations’ armiesKurdistan region of Iraq Past experience 2018-19Special Defence Advisor to Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, Kurdistan Region of Iraq2015-16Women in Ground Close Combat, Deputy Team Leader2012-15Commanding Officer, 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards (recce regiment)2008-14Three deployments to Helmand Province, Afghanistan with British Army2005Masters in Defence Administration, Cranfield University2003Deployment to Iraq with British Army1996-99Deployments to Bosnia and Kosovo with British Army1995MA(Edin) Geography, University of Edinburgh Email @williamhldavies LinkedIn Full Article
es Security Challenges in the Mediterranean Region By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Mon, 20 Jan 2020 15:15:01 +0000 Members Event 5 March 2020 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants HE George Vella, President, Republic of MaltaChair: Dr Alex Vines OBE, Managing Director, Ethics, Risk & Resilience; Director, Africa Programme, Chatham House The president of Malta discusses the current security challenges in the Mediterranean region, reflecting on the role of international cooperation in addressing climate change, migration and refugee flows. Members Events Team Email Full Article
es Maintaining Connections: How Might the UK Remain Engaged in the EU's Climate and Energy Strategies? By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Thu, 23 Jan 2020 10:35:01 +0000 Invitation Only Research Event 3 March 2020 - 10:30am to 12:00pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE As the UK leaves the EU and the formal negotiations on the future relationship begins, this workshop will discuss any immediate changes and review the short and medium term impacts of Brexit on the energy sector. The workshop will look to cover:The implications for UK business and system operations of the UK leaving the Internal Energy Market.Current and future investment trends in the UK energy system.The trade of electricity and gas over inter-connectors.The need for the development of a new EU-UK operational framework mechanism.The UK's EU withdrawal agreement and the operation of the Single Electricity Market (SEM) across Ireland. Options for the UK outside of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the impact on carbon prices.This workshop is part of a programme funded by the UK Energy Research Centre on Brexit and the UK’s Net Zero Energy Policy being run by the University of Warwick and Chatham House.Attendance at this event is by invitation only. Event attributes Chatham House Rule Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme Chloé Prendleloup Email Full Article
es Deepening Economic Ties? The Future of Africa-UK Trade and Investment By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 07 Feb 2020 12:10:01 +0000 Corporate Members Event 25 February 2020 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Raj Kulasingam, Senior Counsel, DentonsMegan McDonald, Head of Investment Banking (International), Standard Bank GroupChair: Dr Alex Vines OBE, Managing Director, Ethics, Risk & Resilience; Director, Africa Programme, Chatham House Theresa May’s announcement in 2018 on the UK’s ambition to become the G7’s largest investor in Africa by 2022 has been followed by similar stated ambitions at the recent UK-Africa Investment Summit, which saw the attendance of 16 African heads of states. Such ambitions mirror overtures from various international players including a call for a ‘comprehensive strategy for Africa’ by the EU in 2019. While the UK’s recent expansion of its diplomatic networks in Africa and the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement with the Southern African Customs Union and Mozambique appear promising, there are significant challenges to deepening partnerships including visa restrictions and complex business environments. At this event, the panellists will assess the future of trade and investment relations between the UK and Africa. Amid a proliferation of new trading partners including Asia’s emerging economies, Russia and the Gulf states, what are the points of change and continuity in the long-standing relationship between Africa and the UK? And what are the challenges and opportunities facing governments and businesses in Africa and the UK in efforts to build long-lasting economic ties? This event will be followed by a drinks reception.This event is open to Chatham House Corporate Members and corporate contacts of Chatham House's Africa Programme only. Not a member? Find out more. For further information on the different types of Chatham House events, visit Our Events Explained. Members Events Team Email Full Article
es Secrets and Spies: UK Intelligence Accountability By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Fri, 07 Feb 2020 12:15:01 +0000 Members Event 5 March 2020 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Abigail Watson, Research Manager, Oxford Research GroupDr Jamie Gaskarth, Reader in Foreign Policy and International Relations, University of Birmingham; Author, Secrets and Spies: UK Intelligence Accountability After Iraq and SnowdenJo Hare, Ethics CounsellorDr Claudia Hillebrand, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, Cardiff UniversityChair: Professor Sir David Omand GCB, Visiting Professor, King's College London; Security and Intelligence Coordinator, Cabinet Office, UK (2002-05); Director, GCHQ (1996-97) As an important global actor, the UK gathers intelligence material that helps inform decisions on issues such as nuclear proliferation, terrorism, transnational crime and breaches of international humanitarian law. On the flip side, the UK was a major contributor to intelligence failures leading up to the Iraq war in 2003.Using the UK as a case study and drawing on new research and interviews conducted by Dr Jamie Gaskarth, the panel will reflect on UK intelligence accountability in the context of 21st century politics. How can democratic governments hold intelligence and security agencies to account when what they do is largely secret? Should intelligence organizations create ethics committees allowing the public more input into intelligence decisions? And what has been the impact of technological and social changes, including the rise of artificial intelligence and social media, on the UK intelligence machinery?This event will be followed by a drinks reception.Secrets and Spies: UK Intelligence Accountability After Iraq and Snowden is part of the Chatham House Insights book series published jointly with the Brookings Institution Press. Secrets and Spies was the result of a project funded by the British Academy (SG151249). COVID-19This event is proceeding as scheduled, as are other Chatham House events, in accordance with the advice from the UK Government, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Public Health England. However, we are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and will send updates to attendees as the situation warrants. In the meantime, in line with the official advice for returning travellers or visitors to the UK from specified countries and areas (see guidance here), we ask that:If you have travelled from Category 1 countries/areas, you refrain from attending the event even if asymptomatic (i.e. even if you are showing no symptoms);If you have travelled from Category 2 countries/areas, you refrain from attending the event should you develop symptoms.If you fall under one of these affected categories and have any questions, please call +44 (0)207 314 3638 or email lbedford@chathamhouse.org. This event is open to Chatham House Corporate Members only. Not a member? Find out more.For further information on the different types of Chatham House events, visit Our Events Explained. Members Events Team Email Full Article
es How Far Does the European Union’s Influence Extend? By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 12 Feb 2020 16:35:01 +0000 Members Event 26 February 2020 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Anu Bradford, Author, The Brussels Effect: How the European Union Rules the World; Henry L. Moses Professor of Law and International Organization, Columbia Law SchoolCreon Butler, Research Director, Trade, Investment & New Governance Models; Director, Global Economy and Finance Programme, Chatham HouseChair: Pepijn Bergsen, Research Fellow, Europe Programme, Chatham House The European Union (EU) is increasingly looking to its regulatory capacity as a foreign policy tool. In areas such as data privacy and chemical safety, the EU’s success in setting policy standards that are replicated globally have helped cement its reputation as a norm-setting power.Despite this success, narratives of decline that focus on the EU’s internal and external challenges – including Brexit, the rise of China and growing Euroscepticism within member states – have dominated popular discussions of the bloc’s viability and authority.The speakers consider the strengths and shortcomings in the EU’s ability to exert global influence focusing particularly on its norm-setting power. Brussels’ primary motivations for setting internal standards and regulations have traditionally been to preserve and strengthen its single market.What, then, explains the attractiveness of these regulations in external markets? How will the departure of one of its largest internal economies affect the EU’s capacity to export its internal regulations globally?And to what extent could the EU benefit from diversifying its avenues of exerting global influence? Members Events Team Email Full Article
es Germany in 2020: European and Global Priorities By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 12 Feb 2020 16:35:01 +0000 Invitation Only Research Event 28 February 2020 - 8:30am to 11:00am Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE This roundtable brings together German experts to discuss the country’s role in Europe and the world. Over the course of two sessions, Germany’s EU and wider foreign policy will be examined, with speakers sharing their views on where the country finds itself at the beginning of 2020 and what drives its current priorities across a number of areas. Participants will also compare perspectives on what a post-Merkel Germany might look like, now that the future leadership of CDU, Germany’s largest political party, is under question.The event will comprise two separate sessions. Participants are welcome to attend either one or both.08.30 – 09.30Germany in the EU and the EurozoneSpeaker: Mark Schieritz, Economics Correspondent, Die ZeitChair: Quentin Peel, Associate Fellow, Europe Programme, Chatham HouseGermany’s voice remains possibly the most important in any debate within the EU, including in those around the future of the Eurozone. The country has long been seen as the stalwart of the European economy and its government has always played a key role in driving Eurozone policy. However, most recent EU-wide attempts at reform have fallen short of what many claim needs to be done to complete the monetary union. The recently announced Eurozone budgetary instrument, for instance, remains very small and only focused on investment instead of stabilisation. The German government has been reluctant to go along with French President Emmanuel Macron and his structural reform proposals, though some other member states remain sceptical of his ideas for further integration too.How can German attitudes towards the future of the Eurozone be explained? Is the government’s resistance to ambitious EU-wide economic reforms shared across the political spectrum in Germany? What stands in the way of further Eurozone reform when it comes to other EU member states? And will Germany’s reluctance to engage with reforms in this area, make it more difficult for the country to build coalitions when it comes to other EU policy areas?09.45 – 11.00German Foreign Policy in PerspectiveSpeakers: Joshua Webb, Programme Manager, Berlin Foreign Policy Forum and the Berlin Pulse, Koerber StiftungDr Nicolai von Ondarza, Deputy Head, EU/Europe Research Division, German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP)Chair: Dr Uta Staiger, Executive Director, UCL European InstituteHistorically, Germany has been reluctant to play too active a role on the global stage, relying on its place at the heart of Europe and the transatlantic alliance. However, the current uncertain global context appears to have led to some rethinking on how the country can ensure its voice is being heard internationally, especially where its values are being challenged and its interests are at stake.What drives German foreign policy in 2020? What are domestic priorities when it comes to trade, security and Germany’s place in the world? What shifts in public opinion may have been engendered by Brexit and Donald Trump’s presidency? What does the rise of China – and China’s growing interest in Europe – mean for Germany’s wider Asia policy? Finally, what role will Germany play in a post-Brexit Europe? And what are the country’s priorities in its future relationship with the UK?The speakers will discuss these and other questions, sharing the findings of a recent German public opinion survey and compare these with international expert perspectives. Event attributes Chatham House Rule Department/project Europe Programme, Britain and Europe: The Post-Referendum Agenda Alina Lyadova Europe Programme Coordinator Email Full Article
es Iran Workshop Series: Domestic, Regional and International Outlook By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Wed, 19 Feb 2020 15:05:01 +0000 Invitation Only Research Event 17 December 2019 - 10:00am to 3:30pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE After a summer of regional tensions and continued uncertainty regarding the future of the JCPOA, the Chatham House MENA Programme held a closed workshop to examine the impact of the Trump administration’s maximum pressure campaign.Discussions focused on the domestic developments and challenges inside Iran, prospects for new negotiations with Iran, and the regional issues facing the country. Participants also considered the differences between American and European approaches towards Iran. Event attributes Chatham House Rule Department/project Middle East and North Africa Programme, Iran Forum Reni Zhelyazkova Programme Coordinator, Middle East and North Africa Programme +44 (0)20 7314 3624 Email Full Article
Reni Zhelyazkova Programme Coordinator, Middle East and North Africa Programme +44 (0)20 7314 3624 Email
es The Future of Democracy in Europe: Technology and the Evolution of Representation By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Feb 2020 11:31:48 +0000 3 March 2020 To the extent that perceptions of a crisis in liberal democracy in Europe can be confirmed, this paper investigates the nature of the problem and its causes, and asks what part, if any, digital technology plays in it. Read online Download PDF Hans Kundnani Senior Research Fellow, Europe Programme @hanskundnani 2020-02-27-Irish-Referendum.jpg A woman writes a note on the Savita Halappanavar mural in Dublin on 26 May 2018, following a referendum on the 36th amendment to Ireland’s constitution. The referendum result was overwhelmingly in favour of removing the country’s previous near-universal ban on abortion. Photo: Getty Images. SummaryThere is a widespread sense that liberal democracy is in crisis, but little consensus exists on the specific nature and causes of the crisis. In particular, there are three prisms through which the crisis is usually seen: the rise of ‘populism’, ‘democratic deconsolidation’, and a ‘hollowing out’ of democracy. Each reflects normative assumptions about democracy.The exact role of digital technology in the crisis is disputed. Despite the widely held perception that social media is undermining democracy, the evidence for this is limited. Over the longer term, the further development of digital technology could undermine the fundamental preconditions for democracy – though the pace and breadth of technological change make predictions about its future impact difficult.Democracy functions in different ways in different European countries, with political systems on the continent ranging from ‘majoritarian democracies’ such as the UK to ‘consensual democracies’ such as Belgium and Switzerland. However, no type seems to be immune from the crisis. The political systems of EU member states also interact in diverse ways with the EU’s own structure, which is problematic for representative democracy as conventionally understood, but difficult to reform.Political parties, central to the model of representative democracy that emerged in the late 18th century, have long seemed to be in decline. Recently there have been some signs of a reversal of this trend, with the emergence of parties that have used digital technology in innovative ways to reconnect with citizens. Traditional parties can learn from these new ‘digital parties’.Recent years have also seen a proliferation of experiments in direct and deliberative democracy. There is a need for more experimentation in these alternative forms of democracy, and for further evaluation of how they can be integrated into the existing institutions and processes of representative democracy at the local, regional, national and EU levels.We should not think of democracy in a static way – that is, as a system that can be perfected once and for all and then simply maintained and defended against threats. Democracy has continually evolved and now needs to evolve further. The solution to the crisis will not be to attempt to limit democracy in response to pressure from ‘populism’ but to deepen it further as part of a ‘democratization of democracy’. Department/project Europe Programme, Commission on Democracy and Technology in Europe Full Article
es Webinar: Challenges to Democracy: What is the Future of Democracy in Europe? By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Thu, 05 Mar 2020 13:50:01 +0000 Members Event Webinar 30 March 2020 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Dr Catherine Howe, Director, Democracy SocietyHans Kundnani, Senior Research Fellow, Europe Programme, Chatham HouseChair: Thomas Raines, Director, Europe Programme, Chatham House PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.There is a widespread sense that liberal democracy is in crisis but little consensus about how to understand it. While some attribute this crisis to the rise of populist figures, movements and parties, others see populism as a response to a deeper hollowing out of democracy during the last several decades. Some blame the development of digital technology – in particular the emergence of social media – while others argue that the correlation between the development of digital technology and the perceived corrosion of democracy is exaggerated or that it has facilitated greater participation in politics from traditionally under-represented demographics in a way that was not previously possible.Launching the Chatham House research paper The Future of Democracy in Europe, this panel will discuss how liberal democracy is evolving against the background of social and technological change. What are the challenges to liberal democracy in Europe? How should we understand the impact of technology on how democracy in Europe functions? Given the plurality of democratic structures and institutions across the continent, how can democracy in Europe be reinvigorated? And what role can citizens' assemblies and referendums play in making democracy more responsive to citizens?This event is open to Chatham House Members only. Not a member? Find out more.For further information on the different types of Chatham House events, visit Our Events Explained. Full Article
es Virtual Breakfast: Europe in the Age of COVID-19: Priorities and Debates By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2020 12:15:01 +0000 Invitation Only Research Event 6 May 2020 - 9:00am to 10:00am Event participants Duncan Robinson, Charlemagne Columnist; Brussels Bureau Chief, the EconomistChair: Pepijn Bergsen, Research Fellow, Europe Programme, Chatham House The new European Commission had a bold new agenda when it began its work in December 2019, with climate change, digital transformation and strengthening European democracy among its priorities. Less than six months later, the European continent is in the midst of the worst crisis since the second World War and business as usual has been taken over by crisis management.Has COVID-19 monopolized the agenda in Brussels? What priorities are still on the table and what debates have fallen victim to the coronavirus? Is the current crisis reigniting and exacerbating existing faultlines in the EU or creating new ones?Reflecting on his first four months as the Economist’s Charlemagne columnist, the speaker will share what decision-making in Brussels looks like during a pandemic and what debates are dominating conversations in the EU capital today. Event attributes Chatham House Rule Department/project Europe Programme, Britain and Europe: The Post-Referendum Agenda Alina Lyadova Europe Programme Coordinator Email Full Article
es Webinar: European Democracy in the Last 100 Years: Economic Crises and Political Upheaval By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Thu, 23 Apr 2020 10:25:01 +0000 Members Event Webinar 6 May 2020 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm Event participants Pepijn Bergsen, Research Fellow, Europe Programme, Chatham HouseDr Sheri Berman, Professor of Political Science, Barnard CollegeChair: Hans Kundnani, Senior Research Fellow, Europe Programme, Chatham House In the last 100 years, global economic crises from the Great Depression of the 1930s to the 2008 financial crash have contributed to significant political changes in Europe, often leading to a rise in popularity for extremist parties and politics. As Europe contends with a perceived crisis of democracy - now compounded by the varied responses to the coronavirus outbreak - how should we understand the relationship between externally-driven economic crises, political upheaval and democracy?The panellists will consider the parallels between the political responses to some of the greatest economic crises Europe has experienced in the last century. Given that economic crises often transcend borders, why does political disruption vary between democracies? What can history tell us about the potential political impact of the unfolding COVID-19-related economic crisis? And will the unprecedented financial interventions by governments across Europe fundamentally change the expectations citizens have of the role government should play in their lives?This event is based on a recent article in The World Today by Hans Kundnani and Pepijn Bergsen who are both researchers in Chatham House's Europe Programme. 'Crawling from the Wreckage' is the first in a series of articles that look at key themes in European political discourse from the last century. You can read the article here. This event is open to Chatham House Members. Not a member? Find out more. Full Article
es The multilevel identity politics of the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Thu, 07 May 2020 09:28:22 +0000 7 May 2020 , Volume 96, Number 3 Galia Press-Barnathan and Naama Lutz Read online This article uses the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) that took place in Tel Aviv to explore how cultural mega-events serve both as political arenas and as tools for identity construction, negotiation and contestation. These processes of identity politics are all conducted across national–subnational–international–transnational levels. The hosting of mega-events fleshes out these multiple processes in a very strong manner. We first discuss the politics of hosting mega-events in general. We then examine the identity politics associated more specifically with the Eurovision Song Contest, before examining in depth the complex forms of identity politics emerging around the competition following the 2018 Israeli victory. We suggest that it is important to study together the multiple processes—domestic, international and transnational—of identity politics that take place around the competition, as they interact with each other. Consequently, we follow the various stakeholders involved at these different levels and their interactions. We examine the internal identity negotiation process in Israel surrounding the event, the critical actors debating how to use the stage to challenge the liberal, western, ‘normal’ identity Israel hoped to project in the contest and how other stakeholders (participating states, national broadcasting agencies, participating artists) reacted to them, and finally we examine the behaviour of the institution in charge, the European Broadcasting Union, and national governments. We contribute to the study of mega-events as fields of contestation, to the understanding of the complex, multilevel nature of national identity construction, negotiation and contestation in the current era, and more broadly to the role that popular culture plays in this context. Full Article
es Breaking the Habit: Why Major Oil Companies Are Not ‘Paris-Aligned’ By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Mon, 07 Oct 2019 14:50:01 +0000 Invitation Only Research Event 23 October 2019 - 8:30am to 10:00am Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Andrew Grant, Carbon Tracker InitiativeChair: Siân Bradley, Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources, Chatham House The investment community is increasingly seeking to assess the alignment of their portfolios with the Paris Agreement. In a recent update to their Two Degrees of Separation report, Carbon Tracker assessed the capital expenditure of listed oil and gas producers against ‘well below’ 2C targets, and for the first time, against short-term actions at the project level.The speaker will present the key findings of the report and will argue that every oil major is betting heavily against a low-carbon world by investing in projects that are contrary to the Paris goals.This roundtable discussion will further explore the report findings and consider what investors, regulators and oil and gas companies can do to encourage alignment with the Paris Agreement ahead of 2020. Attendance at this event is by invitation only. Event attributes Chatham House Rule Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme Full Article
es The Indo-Pacific: Geostrategic Perspectives to 2024 - Workshop 3 By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Mon, 14 Oct 2019 09:10:01 +0000 Invitation Only Research Event 17 October 2019 - 9:30am to 2:00pm Institut Francais des Relations Internationales, 27 rue de la Procession, 75740 Paris Cedex 15, France This closed-door roundtable explores possible strategic shifts in the Indo-Pacific between now and 2024. Focusing on trade security, climate change disruptions and security cooperation, it aims to enhance the understanding of the regional goals of, and strategic relationships between, the key countries active in the region.The workshop is part of a larger project funded by the Strategic Policy Division of the Australian Department of Defence. The project includes workshops in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, India and the Pacific Islands (Tonga).Attendance at this event is by invitation only. Department/project Asia-Pacific Programme, Geopolitics and Governance, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, Trade, Investment and Economics, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme, Geostrategic Outlook for the Indo-Pacific 2019-2024 Anna Aberg Research Analyst, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme 020 7314 3629 Email Full Article
es Chile’s Social Unrest: Why It’s Time to Get Serious about a ‘Just’ Transition By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Mon, 04 Nov 2019 15:40:38 +0000 4 November 2019 Patrick Schröder Senior Research Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources Programme @patricks_CH Google Scholar President Sebastián Piñera’s decision to cancel the COP25 climate negotiations, which Chile was due to host in early December, shows the importance of ensuring the transition to a sustainable world is just. 2019-11-04-Chile-Protests.jpg Demonstrators march in Santiago, Chile during street protests which erupted over a now suspended hike in metro ticket prices. Photo: Getty Images. One year ago, during the last annual Conference of Parties (COP) held in Katowice, the Polish government launched a Solidarity and Just Transition Declaration, signed by 56 governments including the UK, making the case for why the green transition must be just.Three years earlier in 2015, the landmark Paris Agreement also included provisions for a just transition where it stated that the decarbonization process should be ‘Taking into account the imperatives of a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs in accordance with nationally defined development priorities’. In practice, however, the concept of a just transition has not yet been implemented and has not been sufficiently considered by governments or corporations around the world.The social unrest that has erupted in Chile’s capital Santiago over the past month, which has forced the Chilean government to ask to move this year’s COP to Madrid, is a case in point. This discontent clearly shows that climate action cannot be separated from social justice concerns. There has not been a real commitment by governments to ensure a just transition based on social dialogue from the local to the national level. This was seen in France with the gilets jaunes protests in November 2018 – one month after President Emmanuel Macron ended the so-called ‘fortune tax’ and instead introduced taxes on diesel fuel as part of an effort to transition to green energy – and the current situation in Chile has some striking parallels. Sustainability transitions are a complex web of political choices and investment decisions which affect countries and societies in many different ways. Questions of social justice are everywhere, but in most cases, poorly understood by decision-makers. For example, although poverty has been reduced significantly over the last decade, Chile has one of the worst rates of inequality in Latin America and the highest Gini index in the OECD. The decisions taken in 2017 to power Metro de Santiago with solar photovoltaics and wind energy are commendable from a climate perspective, however, it led to students and young people protesting against rises in subway fares in October 2019.They were joined by Chileans who are frustrated with rising living costs and by workers and trade unions struggling with low wages. As reported by the Chilean Human Rights Commission (INDH), so far more than 4,200 people have been arrested and more than 1,300 injured and hospitalized.Climate negotiations beyond technicalitiesThis time there is also another important dimension to the protests: social unrest as a reaction to worsening inequality has the potential to derail multilateral cooperation on climate change and other global issues. Since tackling climate change is a race against the clock, the world faces the challenge of addressing both urgency and equity. The world cannot afford delays and needs to move fast but decision-makers need to take time for deliberation and civic participation to avoid rapid and ill-conceived transitions which eventually meet public resistance.Many technical experts and negotiators, who often unintentionally divorce climate policy and technical discussions about emission reductions from social justice concerns, have been caught by surprise by the cancellation of the negotiations. For this year’s COP, one important focus of the official negotiations are the so-called 'Article 6 Rules' – the accounting mechanisms and modalities for a new form of international interaction on carbon markets and off-setting to ensure carbon markets can support countries in enhancing the ambitions of their stated climate action, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). What is becoming much more obvious now is that just transitions are at least equally important for achieving NDCs and other long-term mitigation strategies.In order to meet the 1.5 degree target, stated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world will have to invest an average of around $3 trillion a year over the next three decades in transforming its energy supply systems. But how can we ensure that these investments benefit low-income communities? Will they further increase everyday living costs? The climate finance related discussions focussing on commercially-oriented investments for low-carbon energy systems in most cases only consider the aspect of affordability, but not the other important principles of alternative ‘just’ energy finance, such as good governance, due process, intra-generational equity, spatial equity and financial resilience. Investments to support just transitions need to ensure investments, not only for large energy infrastructure, but also in the jobs, skills and work vital to both adaptation and mitigation.Just transitions for a circular economy The just transition concept is also the entry point to broader discussions about inclusive economic transformations, questioning the dominant paradigm of consumerism and ending the wasteful use of critical resources. The current linear economic model of take-make-throw away – in Chile epitomized by the linear extractive model of the mining sector that has contributed to widening inequality – the linear extractive model is not only destructive on the natural environment but also destructive for social cohesion.In Chile, the commodity boom in copper production – the country accounts for about 30 per cent of the world’s output – and more recently lithium – which is used in batteries for mobile phones, laptops and electric cars – have generated enormous prosperity in Chile. But the wealth has been unequally distributed and has not been used to lay the foundation for raising the overall level of incomes.A socially embedded and inclusive circular economy can, therefore, be a way forward from the current situation the Latin American country finds itself in. The circular economy was intended to feature prominently during the 25th COP and Chile’s policies – from the Ministry of Environment and Chile's Production Development Corporation (CORFO) – have played an important role in supporting the development of a circular economy, launching in 2018, the first public circular economy programme in Latin America. The government’s support for start-up companies and entrepreneurs to develop inclusive circular economy business models is the right approach to addressing the issues of waste, employment, services for low-income communities and local economic development. These are solutions that need to be scaled up having the potential to reduce Chile’s economic reliance on the dominant extractive model.As a global community, it is necessary to address the environmental and social objectives equally as not addressing social objectives will become an obstacle in achieving climate mitigation and solving other environmental issues. The Chilean protests are a wake-up call and present an opportunity for the global climate change community – which includes governments – to ensure just transitions are implemented in practice. Full Article
es Sino-Russian Gas Cooperation: Power of Siberia I and II and Implications for Global LNG Supplies By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Tue, 19 Nov 2019 10:25:01 +0000 Invitation Only Research Event 27 November 2019 - 8:30am to 9:30am Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE Event participants Professor Keun-Wook Paik, Associate Fellow, Energy, Environment and Resources Department, Chatham HouseChair: John Lough, Associate Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Programme, Chatham House In a new event in the Sustainable Transitions series, the speaker will present an update of Sino-Russian gas cooperation.To give a comprehensive account of their impact on global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, he will discuss the following points:Gas is scheduled to start flowing from the Power of Siberia I (POS) on 2 December 2019. But what is the background of development of POS 1 and what is its current status and prospects? What are the chances of exporting gas through the proposed Altai pipeline? Why is the Mongolia export route so significant? And how will it affect the Central Asian Republics and in particular Turkmenistan’s gas export to China? What are the implications of both POS I and Altai gas via Mongolia route in the context of global LNG supply?What are the prospects for multilateral pipeline gas cooperation in northeast Asia?What are the implications for other Arctic onshore LNG supply, in particular, for Novatek's Yamal LNG and Arctic LNG 1 and 2 to China on top of POS 1 and Altai gas?Attendance at this event is by invitation only. Event attributes Chatham House Rule Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme, Sustainable Transitions Series Chloé Prendleloup Email Full Article
es Making the Business Case for Nutrition Workshop By feedproxy.google.com Published On :: Thu, 05 Dec 2019 12:15:01 +0000 Invitation Only Research Event 28 January 2020 - 9:30am to 5:00pm Chatham House | 10 St James's Square | London | SW1Y 4LE A ground-breaking research project from Chatham House, supported by The Power of Nutrition, is exploring the business case for tackling undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and overnutrition. Companies across all sectors hold huge, transformative power to save countless lives and transform their own financial prospects. To act, they need more compelling evidence of the potential for targeted investments and strategies to promote better nutrition and create healthier, more productive workforces and consumers.At this workshop, Chatham House will engage business decision-makers in a scenario exercise that explores different nutrition futures and their commercial prospects in each before examining what different strategies business can pursue to maximize future profitability through investments in nutrition.Attendance at this event is by invitation only. Department/project Energy, Environment and Resources Programme Full Article