Campaign to Put Mobile Phones in Women's Hands Gains Momentum

Washington - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd have announced a three-year partnership with the GSMA mWomen Programme to increase mobile phone ownership among women in the developing world.

The partnership, announced November 30, is between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID); the GSMA, the world's largest mobile telecommunications industry group; and Visa Inc.

The GSMA mWomen Programme Global Development Alliance will manage the partnership, devoted to introducing 300 million women in low- and middle-income countries to mobile communications technology. According to a USAID news release, the initiative will enable women to use mobile phones to access life-enhancing information, networks and services - such as banking, education and health care.

Studies by the GSMA have shown that a 10 percent increase in mobile phone use has led to a 1.2 percent increase in gross domestic product (GDP) in low- and middle-income countries. However, research shows that women in the developing world are 21 percent less likely than men to own a mobile phone.

The expanded partnership will build on the mWomen Programme as it was first introduced in October 2010. At that time, Clinton said of the global campaign that "investing in women's progress is the most direct and effective way to invest in progress economically and socially."

In a news release issued by USAID, Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said that a wide range of social and economic benefits can be delivered by extending mobile phone ownership to women.

"Mobile phones can provide women living in remote and rural areas with access to bank accounts and formal credit," Rudd said.

The GSMA will implement the mWomen Development Alliance, drawing upon its expertise in the industry and the resources of its membership from the global mobile industry.

"Mobile technology is a necessity in today's society, particularly in the developing world, where it provides an important lifeline for those who may not be connected through other means," said Anne Bouverot, director general of GSMA. "By marshaling the combined resources of the mobile industry - our technology, communications and people - we can make a real difference in the lives of women around the world."

The addition of Visa Inc. to the partnership brings the expertise and outreach of a global payments technology company to the goal of empowering women in the developing world, who have little experience with bank accounts, loans or credit.

"Around the world, we have begun to see the power that mobile technology can have in extending the reach of electronic payments, providing [those lacking banking services] with tools for payments and other life-enhancing financial services, and bringing new participants into the global financial system," said Joseph Saunders, chairman and chief executive officer of Visa. "We are proud to join this innovative public-private partnership to empower women at the base of the economic pyramid and improve their lives through mobile technology."

The mWomen Programme strives to give women access to mobile communication products and services, and to bring down the barriers that prevent women from gaining access to these technologies, including technical literacy and traditional attitudes. The program also supports development of mobile services tailored to the needs and interests of underserved women.

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State.)

Federal Reserve, Five Central Banks Act to Lessen Debt Crisis

By Merle David Kellerhals Jr.

Staff Writer

Washington - The U.S. Federal Reserve and five other central banks took coordinated action November 30 to fortify the global financial system and ease strains caused by the European debt crisis.

The coordinated action was announced simultaneously by the Federal Reserve in Washington, the Bank of Canada, the Bank of England, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank and the Swiss National Bank. The action effectively provides U.S. dollars to foreign banks; they can borrow from their central banks that borrow the dollars from the Federal Reserve at a lower interest rate. The Fed makes the swap in exchange for an equivalent amount of foreign currency from that central bank.

The coordinated action becomes effective December 5 and is extended to February 1, 2013, the Fed announced in Washington.

"The purpose of these actions is to ease strains in financial markets and thereby mitigate the effects of such strains on the supply of credit to households and businesses and so help foster economic activity," the Fed said in a statement. The U.S. dollar acts as the reserve global currency that underpins the 24-hour-a-day foreign exchange market that links to the flow of global investments.

The Federal Reserve agreed to lower overnight interest rate on currency loans by half a percentage point. The Bank of England, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank and the Swiss National Bank also agreed to continue offering three-month tenders until further notice, the Fed said.

European banks have strained to borrow funds they require to make loans and finance existing debt. The action taken by the six central banks is aimed at helping European banks provide funding where needed as governments implement economic reforms.

The Fed said U.S. banks currently do not face difficulty obtaining money in short-term funding markets.

"However, were conditions to deteriorate, the Federal Reserve has a range of tools available to provide an effective liquidity backstop for such institutions and is prepared to use these tools as needed to support financial stability and to promote the extension of credit to U.S. households and businesses," the Fed said.

As an additional measure, the central banks also agreed to establish temporary bilateral arrangements so that funds can be provided in each jurisdiction in any of their currencies should market conditions require it, the Fed said. At present, there is no need to offer funds in nondomestic currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the Fed said, but the central banks "judge it prudent to make the necessary arrangements" so that funds could be put into place quickly.

This action gives the central banks ready access to euros, Japanese yen, British pounds, Swiss francs and Canadian dollars if their banks need the funds.

Federal Reserve Vice Chairwoman Janet Yellen said in a November 29 speech at the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank that this action underscores the crucial role of strengthened international financial cooperation, saying that the "global economy is facing critical challenges."

The Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee, which determines policy for the central bank system, approved the action. This type of loan arrangement was used by the Federal Reserve from December 2007 to February 2010 with a larger group of central banks.

(This is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State.) 

2011 – a crisis in governance

Protests that marked 2011 show anger at corruption in politics and public sector

Berlin, 01 December 2011

Corruption continues to plague too many countries around the world, according to Transparency International’s 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index released today. It shows some governments failing to protect citizens from corruption, be it abuse of public resources, bribery or secretive decision-making.

Transparency International warned that protests around the world, often fuelled by corruption and economic instability, clearly show citizens feel their leaders and public institutions are neither transparent nor accountable enough.

“This year we have seen corruption on protestors’ banners be they rich or poor. Whether in a Europe hit by debt crisis or an Arab world starting a new political era, leaders must heed the demands for better government,” said Huguette Labelle, Chair of Transparency International.

Corruption Perceptions Index 2011: The results

The index scores 183 countries and territories from 0 (highly corrupt) to 10 (very clean) based on perceived levels of public sector corruption. It uses data from 17 surveys that look at factors such as enforcement of anti-corruption laws, access to information and conflicts of interest.

Two thirds of ranked countries score less than 5.

New Zealand ranks first, followed by Finland and Denmark. Somalia and North Korea (included in the index for the first time), are last.

“2011 saw the movement for greater transparency take on irresistible momentum, as citizens around the world demand accountability from their governments. High-scoring countries show that over time efforts to improve transparency can, if sustained, be successful and benefit their people,” said Transparency International Managing Director, Cobus de Swardt.

Most Arab Spring countries rank in the lower half of the index, scoring below 4. Before the Arab Spring, a Transparency International report on the region warned that nepotism, bribery and patronage were so deeply engrained in daily life that even existing anti-corruption laws had little impact.

Eurozone countries suffering debt crises, partly because of public authorities’ failure to tackle the bribery and tax evasion that are key drivers of debt crisis, are among the lowest-scoring EU countries.

Transparency International is the global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption

Note to editors: The Corruption Perceptions Index is composed from 17 different surveys and assessments. A country’s scores in one year cannot be compared to its score in a previous year.

LCA considered in U.S. emissions regulations: WorldAutoSteel calls for a shift in vehicle regulations across all regions

Brussels, 30 Nov., 2011 – Recent U.S. rulemaking on more stringent vehicle fuel and emissions requirements seeks input concerning the use of life cycle assessment (LCA). With negotiations at the Durban COP-17 U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) bringing climate change back to the top of the agenda, WorldAutoSteel, the automotive group of the World Steel Association, calls on all regions to shift the basis of vehicle emissions regulations from tailpipe emissions to LCA.

LCA considers emissions from all aspects of a vehicle’s life, including material production, manufacturing, driving and end-of-life recycling or disposal, and should play an important role in current regulation discussions around the world. On 16 November, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acknowledged this when issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for fuel economy and emissions for passenger cars and light trucks that will raise the industry average to 54.5 miles-per-gallon (mpg) from 2017 to 2025.

“It is a great accomplishment for the fight against climate change that NHTSA and EPA  consider LCA  to be an important aspect in future vehicle regulations’, said Cees ten Broek, Director of WorldAutoSteel. ‘When vehicle emissions assessment is focused solely on emissions produced during the driving phase (tailpipe), this encourages the use of greenhouse gas-intensive manufacturing phase technologies, such as low density materials, in an effort to reduce fuel consumption”, explained ten Broek.  “However, in many cases the advantages these technologies provide in tailpipe emissions reduction may not be sufficient to offset the high manufacturing emissions.  This could result in the unintended consequence of increasing greenhouse gas emissions during the vehicle’s total life cycle.

“Moreover, tailpipe regulations will become out of date for electric vehicles as they become more prominent on the road. We are only shifting the problem to other vehicle phases, which will be ignored without a life cycle approach”, added ten Broek. 

According to the new US rulemaking, the EPA seeks comments on studies and research regarding information on lifecycle impacts of future advanced technologies. “Life cycle thinking applies the sound science in an integrated approach that is necessary in future vehicle regulations if we are to have a meaningful positive impact on the environment.  A regulatory approach that includes life cycle principles also has the advantage of providing carmakers greater flexibility in applying the lowest cost technology in complying with the rules as opposed to the current tailpipe approach.’ said ten Broek. “This is a win-win approach for the environment, carmakers, and consumers.”

While the US is currently examining fuel economy and emissions requirements for 2017-2025, the EU is preparing the mid-term review of EU emission standards for new cars, expected by the end of 2012. In many Asia Pacific countries, vehicle efficiency standards are also being assessed. In light of these developments, the industry is calling for a shift from tailpipe emissions regulations to an LCA approach that effectively measures the carbon footprint of today’s and future cars.
 

About WorldAutoSteel
WorldAutoSteel, the automotive group of the World Steel Association, is comprised of 17 major global steel producers from around the world.  WorldAutoSteel’s mission is to advance and communicate steel’s unique ability to meet the automotive industry’s needs and challenges in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.  WorldAutoSteel is committed to a low carbon future, the principles of which are embedded in our continuous research, manufacturing processes, and ultimately, in the advancement of automotive steel products, for the benefit of society and future generations. .
 

Members of WorldAutoSteel are: 
 

·         Anshan Iron and Steel Group Corporation – China

·         Arcelor Mittal - Luxembourg

·         Baoshan Iron & Steel Co. Ltd. - China

·         China Steel Corporation – Taiwan, China

·         Hyundai-Steel Company - South Korea

·         JFE Steel Corporation - Japan

·         Kobe Steel, Ltd. - Japan

·         Nippon Steel Corporation - Japan

·         Nucor Corporation - USA

·         POSCO - South Korea

·         Severstal - Russia/USA

·         Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. - Japan

·         Tata Steel - India, UK, Netherlands

·         ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG (SE-AG)- Germany

·         United States Steel Corporation – USA, Slovakia

·         Usinas Siderúrgicas de Minas Gerais S.A. - Brazil

·         voestalpine Stahl GmbH – Austria

Leading BRICS+ Researchers Recommend Agricultural Work Program to Climate Change Convention Negotiators Washington, D.C.— Climate change presents a major threat to sustainable food security. Recent changes to agriculture consistent with climate change include shifts in the production of rice and maize in the northern hemisphere and climate-induced changes in crop productivity across the world. There will be additional changes as global temperatures rise, precipitation patterns change, and the likelihood of more extreme climate-related events grows. While the general trend of increasing temperatures is clear, major uncertainties remain in the distribution and magnitude of climate change outcomes, the location-specific consequences for agriculture, the possibilities for adapting to a changing climate, and the potential role for agriculture in reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) in the atmosphere. At the International Conference on Climate Change and Food Security held in Beijing, November 7-8, organized by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), scientists from the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) plus Indonesia and the United States reported results on the food security and climate change challenges facing their countries. Based on their research, they identified two sets of priority actions to address the challenges from climate change (a) strengthening public sector agricultural research and (b) increasing the amount, appropriateness, and accessibility of spatial data. “Delays in action today will raise the costs of climate change in the future,” said Huajun Tang, vice president of CAAS. Agricultural research expenditures must be increased substantially to address the needs for agricultural adaptation and mitigation. While the exact amounts needed and the nature of the research to be funded have yet to be determined, research on the effects of climate change in the following twelve areas are priorities: Pests and diseases—higher temperatures will generally increase their prevalence and pressure; Soil ecosystems—healthy soils are complex ecosystems that contribute to crop productivity; Ruminant agriculture—it contributes to GHG emissions and is likely to grow in developing countries as rising incomes increase demand for meat; Irrigation structure and efficiency—a growing population with higher incomes will increase nonagricultural demand for water, so efficient returns to irrigation investment and best technologies are a must; Perennial crops—have several potential advantages, including carbon sequestration, resilience to stresses, and synergies with annual crops; Grain quality—especially protein content is reduced byincreasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, especially under influence of limited nitrogen; Storage losses—losses in storage and along the food supply chain are reportedly as high as 40 percent; Biotechnology—explore innovative techniques to develop varieties and breeds with desirable traits; Land use change—A major contributor to GHG emissions is land use change (the conversion of forest and savannah areas that store large amounts of carbon in the soil to agricultural use that stores less carbon); International trade—relatively open trade in agricultural commodities can make an important contribution to climate change adaptation ; Intellectual property regimes for new research results—ensure that scientific and management breakthroughs are quickly translated into products and information on the ground; and Human capital development— training researchers, extension workers, and farmers to respond to changing climate Weather, soil, market access, and prices are crucial variables in a farmer’s decision-making process. Yet the availability of location-specific data to document changes in these variables over time is extremely limited. Understanding the potential effects of climate change is needed at farm, state, province, and county levels. “It is crucial that major improvements are made in the cost-effective collection of spatial data,” said Gerald Nelson, research fellow at IFPRI. “These improvements should include more cost-effective design and operation of remote sensing equipment, collection and integration of crowd-sourced data with official collection efforts, and improved tools to easily access the data.” The recommendations will be presented today at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) side event “Climate Change and BRICS: Findings from the International Conference on Climate Change and Food Security.” “We urge the UNFCCC delegates to approve a Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice work program on agriculture,” said Elisio Contini, head of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation’s (EMBRAPA) Office of International Affairs. “It would catalyze new research and be a central venue for the world’s research community to report its findings and identify the highest-priority research on adaptation and mitigation to reduce the suffering of the world’s poor and vulnerable.” These recommendations are endorsed by Roger Beachy, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center; Kevin Chen, IFPRI; Elisio Contini, EMBRAPA; Sikhalazo Dube, Agricultural Research Council, South Africa; David Gustafson, Monsanto; Jarot Indarto, National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS), Indonesia; PK Joshi, IFPRI; Sergey Kiselev, Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU); Geraldo Martha, EMBRAPA; Endah Murniningtyas, BAPPENAS; Gerald Nelson, IFPRI; Roman Romashkin, MSU; Nono Rusono, BAPPENAS; Bob Scholes, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, South Africa; Setyawati, BAPPENAS; Deepak Shah, Gokhle Institute of Political Economy; Eugene Takle, Iowa State University; Huajun Tang, CAAS; and Liming Ye, CAAS. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks sustainable solutions for ending hunger and poverty. IFPRI is one of 15 centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, an alliance of 64 governments, private foundations, and international and regional organizations.

LCA considered in U.S. emissions regulations: WorldAutoSteel calls for a shift in vehicle regulations across all regions Brussels, 30 November, 2011 – Recent U.S. rulemaking on more stringent vehicle fuel and emissions requirements seeks input concerning the use of life cycle assessment (LCA). With negotiations at the Durban COP-17 U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) bringing climate change back to the top of the agenda, WorldAutoSteel, the automotive group of the World Steel Association, calls on all regions to shift the basis of vehicle emissions regulations from tailpipe emissions to LCA. LCA considers emissions from all aspects of a vehicle’s life, including material production, manufacturing, driving and end-of-life-recycling, and should play an important role in current regulation discussions around the world. On 16 November, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acknowledged this when issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for fuel economy and emissions for passenger cars and light trucks that will raise the industry average to 54.5 miles-per-gallon (mpg) from 2017 to 2025. “It is a great accomplishment for the fight against climate change that NHTSA and EPA consider LCA to be an important aspect in future vehicle regulations’, said Cees ten Broek, Director of WorldAutoSteel. ‘When vehicle emissions assessment is focused solely on emissions produced during the driving phase (tailpipe), this encourages the use of greenhouse gas-intensive manufacturing phase technologies, such as low density materials, in an effort to reduce fuel consumption”, explained ten Broek. “However, in many cases the advantages these technologies provide in tailpipe emissions reduction may not be sufficient to offset the high manufacturing emissions. This could result in the unintended consequence of increasing greenhouse gas emissions during the vehicle’s total life cycle. “Moreover, tailpipe regulations will become out of date for electric vehicles as they become more prominent on the road. We are only shifting the problem to other vehicle phases, which will be ignored without a life cycle approach”, added ten Broek. According to the new US rulemaking, the EPA seeks comment on studies and research regarding information on lifecycle impacts of future advanced technologies. “Life cycle applies the sound science in an integrated approach that is necessary in future vehicle regulations if we are to have a meaningful positive impact on the environment. A regulatory approach that includes life cycle principles also has the advantage of providing carmakers greater flexibility in applying the lowest cost technology in complying with the rules as opposed to the current tailpipe approach.’ said ten Broek. “This is a win-win approach for the environment, carmakers, and consumers.” While the US is currently examining fuel economy and emissions requirements for 2017-2025, the EU is preparing the mid-term review of EU emission standards for new cars, expected by the end of 2012. In many Asia Pacific countries, vehicle efficiency standards are also being assessed. In light of these developments, the industry is calling for a shift from tailpipe emissions regulations to an LCA approach that effectively measures the carbon footprint of today’s and future cars. About WorldAutoSteel WorldAutoSteel, the automotive group of the World Steel Association, is comprised of 17 major global steel producers from around the world. WorldAutoSteel’s mission is to advance and communicate steel’s unique ability to meet the automotive industry’s needs and challenges in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way. WorldAutoSteel is committed to a low carbon future, the principles of which are embedded in our continuous research, manufacturing processes, and ultimately, in the advancement of automotive steel products, for the benefit of society and future generations.

India Averting 3 Million HIV Infections : World Bank Support for Prevention Helps Slow Spread of HIV/AIDS

New Delhi, November 30, 2011 - On the eve of World AIDS Day 2011, the World Bank is releasing groundbreaking new evidence from India that demonstrates major advances in the understanding and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

A recently published impact evaluation found a significant decline in HIV prevalence among female sex workers and young women (15-24 years) seeking antenatal care in the high-prevalence southern states. The study, “Impact of Targeted Interventions on Heterosexual Transmission of HIV in India,” which was published in the medical journal BMC Public Health, evaluated the impact of targeted interventions among female sex workers—a vulnerable group at high risk—in four high-prevalence southern states: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. The drop in prevalence is associated with a significant increase in consistent condom use. Among the women seeking antenatal care in districts with high intensity of targeted interventions, HIV prevalence declined by more than 50 percent from 1.9 percent in 2001 to 0.8 percent in 2008, compared with low-intensity districts where the infection rate remained constant at 0.9 percent in both 2001 and 2008.

Another study, “Cost Effectiveness of Targeted HIV Prevention Interventions for Female Sex Workers in India,” which was published in Sexually Transmitted Infections, shows the cost-effectiveness of these targeted HIV-prevention interventions for female sex workers and estimates that 3 million HIV infections are being averted by this strategic approach during the period 1995-2015.

Since its launch of the National AIDS Control Program in 1991, India has worked in close partnership with the World Bank and other development partners to focus on prevention among vulnerable populations at highest risk of contracting HIV. More than US$640 million in Bank financing has helped to create the institutional framework of India’s HIV response at the national and state levels. The Bank has also financed, through pooled funding with the Indian Government and other partners, more than 1,300 targeted HIV prevention interventions for those most at risk, reaching more than 70 percent of female sex workers and increasing the use of condoms.

"There has been a tremendous scale-up of prevention and treatment interventions under this program, which has led to an overall reduction in new infections and AIDS-related deaths in India,” said Sayan Chatterjee, Secretary and Director General of India’s National AIDS Control Organisation. “With expanding coverage of treatment, the program has to ensure that the treatment requirements are fully met without sacrificing the needs of prevention.”

Despite these and other advances in prevention worldwide, the human and financial costs of HIV/AIDS continue to mount, requiring continued diligence and support from governments and the international community.

“AIDS remains a critical development issue that is reversing decades of human progress. With 34 million people living with HIV, AIDS continues to decimate communities, stymie economic growth, and orphan children,” said David Wilson, the Bank’s Global HIV/AIDS Program Director. “As one of the early leaders in the global response to the epidemic, the Bank remains committed to doing our part to halt and reverse the spread of HIV and AIDS, particularly in helping countries invest in proven, cost-effective prevention efforts.”

The Bank supports developing countries in their strategic planning for HIV/AIDS response in a number of ways, including: helping countries develop well-prioritized, evidence-based AIDS strategies and action plans; designing proven, cost-effective HIV prevention efforts; strengthening country health systems for more effective service delivery; and social protection for people affected by HIV. Since 1989, the Bank has committed nearly $4.6 billion in financing for HIV/AIDS-related activities in developing countries.