Friday, October 4, 2024

Africa and Americas Unite at Landmark Summit to Plan Shared Tourism Future

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic - Friday, 04. October 2024


(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tourism leaders from both Africa and the Americas have jointly committed to working together to make the sector a pillar of collective sustainable and inclusive development across both continents.


The “Punta Cana Declaration” was adopted at the conclusion of the very first joint meeting of UN Tourism’s Regional Commissions for Africa and the Americas. Recognizing the historic ties between the two regions, as well their unique and complementary cultures, the Summit served as a landmark platform for strengthened cooperation, capitalizing on innovation, education, investments and creative industries for the future development of tourism.


UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “This summit offers a unique platform to forge connections and build bridges between Africa and the Americas, create strategic cross-regional partnerships, foster South-South cooperation projects, all for the benefit of the tourism sector of the two regions.”


UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona said: “Africa and the Americas are endowed with rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and profound historical connections. Yet, we recognize that due to multiple challenges—such as limited connectivity, regulatory and administrative barriers, and a lack of mutual market awareness—our cross-tourism relationship is not as strong as it could and should be.


Our goal today is to address these challenges head-on, fostering collaboration that will drive economic development, promote cultural exchange, and encourage sustainable practices benefiting all our communities.”


The Punta Cana Declaration set out a set of shared commitments for the development of tourism as a driver of inclusive development. Through the Declaration, tourism leaders from both regions recognize the important need to “intensify joint efforts to promote sustainable development” through tourism.


The signatories of the Declaration signalled their intention to “redouble their efforts”, most notably in:


Strategic investments: To strengthen public-private partnerships, stimulate investments into the sector, and prioritize investments through effective policymaking. Also, to boost connectivity between the two regions, both in terms of improved air links as well as strengthened cultural exchange.

Skills development and training: To prioritize investment in tourism education and training, to expand access to online and offline learning and to promote the use of innovation and new digital skills to enhance the knowledge of the tourism workforce.

Innovation: To support competitions for start-up enterprises and entrepreneurs in both regions, to better support MSMEs, including in rural communities, and to promote innovative solutions focused on sustainability and climate action.

Creative industries: To promote the role of the cultural and creative industries in the tourism sector, including through funding for projects with the potential to attract tourists and grow new and diverse destinations and cultural routes, and to ensure the benefits the sector delivers are focused on social and inclusive development.

Inter-regional cooperation: To support market analysis and other research to identify potential areas of shared growth and opportunity, to develop shared strategies for tourism development, including through digital media, new products and international tourism trade fairs.

 


 


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Contacts

claudia.safont@tinkle.es

0034.607.408.717


Arthur D. Little and Mathlabs Announce Strategic Partnership to Improve Open Innovation Outcomes Using AI

 

 

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE

)-- Arthur D. Little has announced a strategic partnership with Mathlabs, a cutting-edge innovator in AI-driven company analytics. The objective of this joint offering is to use AI to improve Open Innovation success rates for global corporates and investors, and transform how businesses approach data analytics, subject matter expertise and strategic decision-making.

The partnership combines Mathlabs’ state-of-the-art AI and machine learning-powered data analytics platform with Arthur D. Little’s extensive experience in promoting innovation across industries. Its core mission is to empower companies to make Open Innovation practices – where innovative ideas are sourced both externally and internally – faster and more predictable, bridging the gap between theory-based solutions and existing knowledge and strategy.

From target sourcing to domain insight to due diligence, the integration of ADL’s consulting expertise with Mathlabs capabilities means that companies have a ‘one-stop shop’ to partner with throughout the innovation process, from the drawing board to real world implementation.

Philippe Mauchard, Chief Bridge Officer at ADL, comments: “Our partnership with Mathlabs brings the best of two worlds. It combines ADL’s extensive consulting experience and more than a century of innovation excellence with Mathlabs’ robust and agile AI capabilities, enabling us to rapidly identify, analyze and prioritize relevant companies anywhere in the world. Our hands-on work with Mathlabs’ technology suite across dozens of teams has already accelerated the impact of Open Innovation at many of our clients, and we are still only scratching the surface of its potential.”

Erez Raanan, CEO at Mathlabs, comments: “We are thrilled to partner with ADL, and leverage the power of generative AI to deliver real, measurable value for enterprise clients. ADL’s distinct focus on innovation and its ambitious vision for AI align with our cutting-edge capabilities. The synergy between our teams has already unlocked remarkable potential – we look forward to pushing the boundaries even further and continue to deliver groundbreaking results for businesses.”

For further information, please visit www.adlittle.com

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*Source: AETOSWire

Contacts

Cate Bonthuys
Catalyst Comms
+44 7746 546773
Bonthuys.cate@adlittle.com

 

 

 


International Zinc Association Announces Boliden President Mikael Staffas as New Chairman


 DURHAM, N.C. -

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The International Zinc Association (IZA) is pleased to announce Boliden President and CEO Mikael Staffas as the new IZA Chairperson, following confirmation today by the IZA Board of Directors at its annual meeting during LME Week.


Mr. Staffas expressed honor at being elected to the position and looked forward to supporting IZA in its work to build sustainable, long-term markets for zinc, ensure license to operate for the industry, and provide guidance for flagship programs such as Zinc Enables Decarbonization, the Zinc Battery Initiative, and the Galvanized Autobody Partnership. Zinc is the world’s fourth most produced base metal, with an annual market of $40 billion.


"The IZA plays a crucial role in growing global demand for zinc and promoting its essentiality to modern life – in health, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and the automotive sector,” said Mr. Staffas. “I look forward to driving progress in all these areas, in addition to focusing on zinc’s inherent sustainability, increasing circularity, and decreasing carbon footprint.”


IZA Executive Director, Dr. Andrew Green, added, "Mikael Staffas has provided extensive guidance and support on IZA’s Executive Committee, as well as successfully leading Boliden, a world leading zinc producer, for many years as President and CEO. We are thrilled he is stepping into this leadership role at IZA. I look forward to collaborating with him on steering IZA and the zinc industry through the opportunities and challenges ahead. I also want to thank our previous Chair Arun Misra of Hindustan Zinc Limited for his outstanding guidance and governance with IZA over the past three years."


About Boliden


Boliden’s vision is to be the most climate-friendly and respected metal provider in the world. We are Europe’s producer of sustainable metals and, guided by our values care, courage and responsibility, we operate within exploration, mines, smelters and recycling. We are around 6,000 employees and have annual revenues of approximately SEK 80 billion.


About the International Zinc Association


The International Zinc Association is a non-profit organization representing the global zinc industry. Its mission is to support and advance zinc products and markets through research, development, technology transfer, and communication of the unique attributes that make zinc sustainable and essential for life.


 


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Contacts

 

Tanya Correa

tcorrea@zinc.org

1-202-487-4534

Taiba Investments and Hilton to Introduce Madinah’s first Waldorf Astoria

 

 


Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 02 October 2024:

Taiba Investments, a leader in Saudi hospitality and real estate, has unveiled a strategic partnership with Hilton (NYSE: HLT) to bring the iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand to the holy city of Madinah. Signed during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World in Dubai, this agreement underscores Taiba Investments’ ongoing expansion into the high-end hospitality market and further reinforces the company’s commitment to elevating Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector by partnering with world-renowned hospitality companies such as Hilton.

Commenting on the partnership, Sultan Al Otaibi, CEO, Taiba Investments, said: “This agreement marks a pivotal moment in our strategic growth, reflecting our unwavering commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s hospitality offering across diverse segments. Our collaboration with Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts will elevate tourism and hospitality by delivering an extraordinary guest experience in line with the “Pilgrim Experience Program”. This project not only reaffirms our leadership in the sector but also highlights our dedication to Saudi Vision 2030 by providing world-class accommodation that honor the Kingdom’s rich heritage.”

Set to open in 2028, Waldorf Astoria Al Madinah will mark the debut of the award-winning brand in Madinah, introducing its unparalleled standards of luxury and signature service to the holy city. Uniquely situated on the northern side of the Prophet’s Mosque (PBUH), the hotel boasts exclusive, direct views of the holy site and is only a few minutes’ walk away. This prime location strengthens Taiba’s portfolio, aligning with its vision of acquiring high-value assets that deliver exceptional experiences and elevate hospitality standards.

Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East and Africa, Hilton, said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Taiba Investments through this remarkable project. Saudi Arabia remains one of our fastest-growing markets where we plan to grow our footprint to exceed 100 hotels in the coming years. Waldorf Astoria Al Madinah will bring the brand’s timeless hospitality and elegant service near one of the world’s most sacred sites. Together with Taiba, we look forward to expanding our network across the Kingdom and delivering unforgettable experiences to our guests.”

Waldorf Astoria Al Madinah will feature more than 300 sophisticated guest rooms and suites, three world-class dining concepts including the celebrated Peacock Alley café and two thoughtfully curated restaurants including a signature venue. The hotel will house two multi-functional halls, a boardroom, private club lounge, a prayer room, as well as a fitness center.  

By pioneering transformative projects, Taiba Investments aims to boost local economic growth and support tourism infrastructure development. This includes the renovation of the existing Taiba Front Hotel, which will be rebranded as Waldorf Astoria Al Madinah. This transformation will merge global luxury with the cultural essence of the holy city, elevating the property's sophistication and exclusivity, and consolidating Taiba’s position as a key player in redefining Madinah’s hospitality landscape.

*Source: AETOSWire

Contacts:

Hamad Alsalman

VP, Marketing and Communications, +966 (11) 4816666



Visa Introduces the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform

 SAN FRANCISCO - Thursday, 03. October 2024 AETOSWire Print 


Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP) is a new product that helps banks issue fiat-backed tokens. BBVA will use VTAP to create tokens on the public Ethereum blockchain with expected live pilots in 2025.


(BUSINESS WIRE)--Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, is helping to bridge existing fiat currencies with blockchains through the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP), a new product designed to help financial institutions issue and manage fiat-backed tokens on blockchain networks. The VTAP solution is available on the Visa Developer Platform for participating financial institution partners, to create and experiment with their own fiat-backed tokens in a VTAP sandbox.


Visa has a global network of more than 15,000 financial institutions and helps facilitate seamless transactions of fiat currencies across more than 200 countries and territories. Now, Visa is applying its expertise in new technologies, such as smart contracts, to enable banks to issue and transfer fiat-backed tokens over blockchain networks.


“Visa has been at the forefront of digital payments for nearly sixty years, and with the introduction of VTAP, we are once again setting the pace for the industry,” said Vanessa Colella, Global Head of Innovation and Digital Partnerships, Visa. “We're excited to leverage our experience with tokenization to help banks integrate blockchain technologies into their operations.”


Benefits of VTAP


VTAP is a cutting-edge solution developed by Visa’s in-house blockchain experts. The platform is a b2b solution designed to enable banks to bring fiat currencies onchain in a safe, seamless, and efficient manner. Key benefits include:


Easy integration: VTAP provides a platform for banks to mint, burn and transfer fiat-backed tokens, such as tokenized deposits and stablecoins, and experiment with use cases. This is available in a test environment with plans to support live programs in 2025 and when participating banks are ready to launch with end customers. VTAP requires minimal technical integration, as participating banks can access the complete suite of VTAP services via APIs designed to help enhance existing financial infrastructure to be always on and more efficient.

Programmability: VTAP is designed to enable banks to use their fiat-backed tokens within smart contracts. This could help digitize and automate existing workflows and power the future exchange of new types of real-world assets. For example, a bank could automate processes like administering complex lines of credit using smart contracts and use fiat-backed tokens to release payments when payment terms are met. A bank could also enable their customers to use a fiat-backed token to purchase tokenized commodities or tokenized treasuries with near-real time settlement onchain.

Interoperability: There is a growing ecosystem where tokenized real-world assets are being issued across multiple permissioned and public blockchain networks. Visa’s vision is to enable interoperability across different blockchains for banks utilizing the VTAP platform. With a single API connection to VTAP, in the future, banks can enable multiple use cases and interact with partners and clients on both permissioned and public blockchains. To support the broad ecosystem adoption of tokenized assets, Visa is committed to enabling safe and secure cross-chain exchanges of tokenized real world assets using fiat-backed tokens.

Partnering for the future


BBVA has been working in the VTAP sandbox throughout this year and has been testing core VTAP sandbox functionalities including the issuance, transfer and redemption of a bank token on a testnet blockchain, as well as interactions of the token with smart contracts with the goal of launching an initial live pilot with select customers in 2025 on the public Ethereum blockchain.


“We are proud to continue spearheading the exploration of tokenized solutions with Visa through its VTAP platform,” said Francisco Maroto, Head of Blockchain and Digital Assets, BBVA. “This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our exploration of the potential of blockchain technology and will ultimately help enable us to broaden our banking services and expand the market with new financial solutions.”


Visa is committed to working with financial institutions and fintechs to develop standards and capabilities that can enable the growth of these new payment flows in a secure, reliable, and compliant manner.


About Visa


Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.


 


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Contacts

 

Jackie Dresch - jdresch@visa.com

Lifezone Metals and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) Sign Memorandum of Understanding

 NEW YORK - Thursday, 03. October 2024


Strategic Partnership to Secure Cleaner Nickel, Copper and Cobalt from the Kabanga Nickel Project for the Japanese Battery Industry


 


(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lifezone Metals Limited’s (NYSE: LZM) Chief Executive Officer, Chris Showalter, is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC). This strategic partnership aims to support JOGMEC’s efforts to secure cleaner metals from the Kabanga Nickel Project for the Japanese battery industry.


Kabanga is one of the world’s largest and highest-grade undeveloped nickel sulfide deposits with byproduct copper and cobalt. By utilizing Lifezone’s Hydromet technology, the Project is expected to significantly reduce emissions compared to traditional smelting methods.


Mr. Showalter stated: “Kabanga is a world-class, high-grade nickel deposit and we welcome the opportunity to bring on JOGMEC as a strategically aligned partner. With BHP as our project development partner, Societe Generale as our Lead Financial Advisor for the project financing process, the support of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and the Government of Tanzania, and now strategic cooperation with JOGMEC – a Japanese government independent administrative agency for energy and metals, we see a clear indication of intent to drive this globally significant project forward to the benefit of all partners and stakeholders.”


Under the terms of the MOU, Lifezone will collaborate with JOGMEC to facilitate the supply of metals from Kabanga, through Lifezone’s portion of marketing rights, for Japan’s growing battery market, ensuring a sustainable and traceable metals value chain. This initiative aligns with both Lifezone’s and JOGMEC’s commitment to advancing responsible mining practices and supporting the global transition to clean energy.


JOGMEC will consider providing financial support for Japanese companies upon its submittal of an application for the Japanese Governmental funding support program. This potential investment underscores the importance of the Kabanga Nickel Project in meeting the increasing demand of Japanese industry for cleaner metals.


The MOU is non-binding and imposes no obligations on either party.


JOGMEC is an independent administrative agency of the Japanese government whose mission is to secure a stable and affordable supply of energy and mineral resources to strengthen Japan’s industrial base.


Japan is a partner in the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), which aims to accelerate the development of diverse and sustainable critical energy minerals supply chains through working with host governments and industry to facilitate targeted financial and diplomatic support for strategic projects along the value chain. MSP partners include Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union (represented by the European Commission).


Both JOGMEC and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) are members of the recently announced MSP Finance Network, and the Kabanga Nickel Project has been recognized as a MSP Project.


If you would like to sign up for Lifezone Metals news alerts, please register here.


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About Lifezone Metals


At Lifezone Metals (NYSE: LZM), our mission is to provide cleaner and more responsible metals production and recycling. Using a scalable platform underpinned by our Hydromet Technology, we offer the potential for lower energy consumption, lower emissions and lower cost metals production compared to traditional smelting.


Our Kabanga Nickel Project in Tanzania is believed to be one of the world's largest and highest-grade undeveloped nickel sulfide deposits. By pairing with our Hydromet Technology, we are working to unlock a new source of LME-grade nickel, copper and cobalt for the global battery metals markets, to empower Tanzania to achieve full in-country value creation and become the next premier source of Class 1 nickel.


Through our US-based, platinum, palladium and rhodium recycling partnership, we are working to demonstrate that our Hydromet Technology can process and recover platinum group metals from responsibly sourced spent automotive catalytic converters in a cleaner and more efficient way than conventional smelting and refining methods.


www.lifezonemetals.com


Forward-Looking Statements


Certain statements made herein are not historical facts but may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the “safe harbor” provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, amongst other things, the plans, strategies, intentions and prospects, both business and financial, of Lifezone Metals Limited and its subsidiaries.


Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events or results of operations, and any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology or expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters; provided that the absence of these does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future events, the estimated or anticipated future results of Lifezone Metals, future opportunities for Lifezone Metals, including the efficacy of Lifezone Metals’ hydrometallurgical technology (Hydromet Technology) and the development of, and processing of mineral resources at, the Kabanga Project, and other statements that are not historical facts.


These statements are based on the current expectations of Lifezone Metals’ management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on, by any investor as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Lifezone Metals and its subsidiaries. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties regarding Lifezone Metals’ business, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general economic, political and business conditions, including but not limited to the economic and operational disruptions; global inflation and cost increases for materials and services; reliability of sampling; success of any pilot work; capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates; delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; changes in government regulations, legislation and rates of taxation; inflation; changes in exchange rates and the availability of foreign exchange; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects and other factors; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Lifezone Metals; our ability to obtain additional capital, including use of the debt market, future capital requirements and sources and uses of cash; the risks related to the rollout of Lifezone Metals’ business, the efficacy of the Hydromet Technology, and the timing of expected business milestones; the acquisition of, maintenance of and protection of intellectual property; Lifezone’s ability to achieve projections and anticipate uncertainties (including economic or geopolitical uncertainties) relating to our business, operations and financial performance, including: expectations with respect to financial and business performance, financial projections and business metrics and any underlying assumptions; expectations regarding product and technology development and pipeline and market size; expectations regarding product and technology development and pipeline; the effects of competition on Lifezone Metals’ business; the ability of Lifezone Metals to execute its growth strategy, manage growth profitably and retain its key employees; the ability of Lifezone Metals to reach and maintain profitability; enhancing future operating and financial results; complying with laws and regulations applicable to Lifezone Metals’ business; Lifezone Metals’ ability to continue to comply with applicable listing standards of the NYSE; the ability of Lifezone Metals to maintain the listing of its securities on a U.S. national securities exchange; our ability to comply with applicable laws and regulations; stay abreast of accounting standards, or modified or new laws and regulations applying to our business, including privacy regulation; and other risks that will be detailed from time to time in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).


The foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. There may be additional risks that Lifezone Metals presently does not know or that Lifezone Metals currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements provide Lifezone Metals’ expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Lifezone Metals anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Lifezone Metals’ assessments to change.


These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Lifezone Metals’ assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Nothing herein should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results in such forward-looking statements will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this communication, which are based upon information available to us as of the date they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein. In all cases where historical performance is presented, please note that past performance is not a credible indicator of future results.


Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, data, or methods, future events, or other changes after the date of this communication.


 


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Contacts

Investor Relations – North America

Evan Young

SVP: Investor Relations & Capital Markets

evan.young@lifezonemetals.com


Investor Relations – Europe

Ingo Hofmaier

Chief Financial Officer

ingo.hofmaier@lifezonemetals.com


Media Enquiries

David Petrie

Manager: Corporate Communications

david.petrie@lifezonemetals.com

Kinaxis Recognized as a Leader in TMS Technology by Nucleus Research

 


OTTAWA, Ontario -

Kinaxis Maestro™ recognized for moving beyond traditional Transportation Management functionalities


 


(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kinaxis® Inc. (TSX:KXS), a global leader in end-to-end supply chain orchestration, has been named a Leader in the 2024 Transportation Management Technology Value Matrix by Nucleus Research, a renowned provider of ROI-focused technology research and advisory services. This recognition highlights Kinaxis’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of Transportation Management systems (TMS) with its AI-infused Maestro platform, helping businesses enhance agility, optimize operations and reduce costs across their supply chains.


The 2024 TMS Technology Value Matrix focuses on the solutions that deliver the highest value to organizations, assessing functionality and usability. Kinaxis stood out for its ability to move beyond traditional TMS functionality, integrating AI and machine learning to provide unparalleled real-time visibility, process automation, and intelligent decision-making across industries, including automotive, aerospace, life sciences and high tech.


“Kinaxis continues to invest and improve the capabilities of its transportation management platform,” said Charles A. Brennan, analyst at Nucleus Research. “By providing end-to-end visibility and enabling organizations to make more informed, data-driven decisions, Kinaxis has solidified its position as a Leader in this year’s TMS Technology Value Matrix.”


Key areas marking Kinaxis as a leader in the TMS Technology Value Matrix 2024 include:


Real-time visibility and control: End-to-end real-time visibility from manufacturing to last-mile delivery enables businesses to monitor and adjust operations, enhance decision-making and reduce risk.

Comprehensive transportation management: Support for all modes of transportation–truck, rail, ocean, air and parcel–facilitates route optimization and streamlines orders across diverse manufacturing sites, distribution centers and sales channels.

Integration with multi-enterprise networks: Seamless integration with global carrier networks and systems like ERP, WMS, eCommerce and 3PLs offers a unified view of the supply chain, connecting all stakeholders and systems.

Cost optimization and control: Real-time cost optimization and invoice matching help businesses manage transportation costs while ensuring alignment with service-level agreements, enhancing financial transparency and reducing overhead.

Enhanced supply chain orchestration: Expanded capabilities including order management, logistics control tower and multi-enterprise visibility, facilitate concurrent planning and execution.

Event management and exception handling: Real-time alerts and automated exception management for disruptions such as expedited orders, stock transfers or alternative supplier selection ensure rapid responses to supply chain challenges.

Innovative product updates: Continuous improvements to the Maestro platform include new APIs for inventory and available-to-promise data, enhanced user interface for ease of use and strengthened compliance measures for data integration and regulatory standards.

"As a leader in supply chain orchestration technology, our goal is to empower organizations with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly complex landscape," said Andrew Bell, chief product officer at Kinaxis. "This recognition reflects our continued commitment to innovation and excellence, and solidifies Kinaxis as a transformative force, driving efficiency and cost savings for our customers.”


In an analysis of Maestro, published by Nucleus in July 2024, the analyst firm stated that it anticipates the AI-infused platform to deliver value to customers in the following areas: improved supply chain management, increased employee productivity, and enhanced supplier collaboration. Nucleus said it expects Maestro users to save approximately two to three hours daily by eliminating the need to compile data for reporting and analysis.


Click here to read the report in full.


To learn more about Kinaxis, please visit kinaxis.com.


About Kinaxis


Kinaxis is a global leader in modern supply chain orchestration, powering complex global supply chains and supporting the people who manage them, in service of humanity. Our powerful, AI-infused supply chain orchestration platform, Maestro™, combines proprietary technologies and techniques that provide full transparency and agility across the entire supply chain — from multi-year strategic planning to last-mile delivery. We are trusted by renowned global brands to provide the agility and predictability needed to navigate today’s volatility and disruption. For more news and information, please visit kinaxis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.


 


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Contacts

Media Relations

Jaime Cook | Kinaxis

jcook@kinaxis.com

+1 289-552-4640


Investor Relations

Rick Wadsworth | Kinaxis

rwadsworth@kinaxis.com

613-907-7613

The Estée Lauder Companies’ NIV and TikTok Announce the Winners of The Catalysts Program

 Etia London, LOVERBOY BEAUTY, and Ruka were chosen among over 800 applicants representing the next generation of creative talent disrupting the beauty industry


 


(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Estée Lauder Companies (NYSE: EL) (“ELC”) is pleased to announce the winners for The Catalysts program. Created by ELC’s New Incubation Ventures (“NIV”) and launched with support from TikTok, the integrated, global initiative is aimed at spotlighting, uplifting, and empowering emerging storytellers with fresh visions for the beauty industry. The program underscores NIV's dedication to championing trailblazing spirits in beauty, accentuating the influence and impact of the beauty industry and its interconnectedness with wider cultural, social, and artistic landscapes.


On October 2, 2024, founders of the nine finalist companies including Baude NY, BEAME, LOVERBOY BEAUTY, Etia London, Forta, Gorgeous Nothings, Ruka, Sky High Farm Universe, and Zure Solaris presented to The Catalysts Jury at Le Meurice in Paris. Each finalist gave a seven-minute pitch outlining their concept, vision, and innovation. Judges then voted for their top two companies who would receive up to $250k in financial backing as well as mentorship and project assistance.


“The Catalysts program far surpassed our expectations. With over 800 applicants from around the world, the program highlighted the incredible creative talent driving the future of beauty,” said Shana Randhava, Senior Vice President, New Incubation Ventures, The Estée Lauder Companies. “Our finalists each represented a unique perspective and opportunity. We congratulate Etia London, LOVERBOY BEAUTY, and Ruka, and look forward to supporting them as they continue to build their companies.”


THE CATALYSTS 2024 WINNERS


Etia London

Lucy Edwards, Founder

The intentionally-accessible brand by model and advocate @lucyedwardsofficial aims to be the first beauty brand ever made for the 1.3 billion disabled people worldwide. In a true industry first, Edwards will use funding and mentorship from The Catalysts to make Etia London a reality.

TikTok: @lucyedwards


LOVERBOY BEAUTY

Charles Jeffrey, Founder & Creative Director

Thanks to funding from The Catalysts, LOVERBOY BEAUTY is set to redefine the makeup landscape with an expressive, liberated approach to beauty, inspired face paint, performance, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

TikTok: @charlesjeffreyloverboy


Ruka

Tendai Moyo, CEO

With a goal of bringing back the joy in textured hair, Ruka will use The Catalysts funding to continue its mission of disrupting the hair extension industry.

TikTok: @rukahair


“Being part of the judging for The Catalysts has further opened my eyes to the diverse range of people inspiring the cultural trends that power today's beauty industry,” said Vanessa Craft, Global Head of Partnerships at TikTok. “A new generation of beauty founder is at the heart of this shift, bringing authenticity and joy to customers, and offering unique and inclusive products. Etia London, LOVERBOY BEAUTY, and Ruka are the embodiment of this.”


Website: www.thecatalystsworld.com

TikTok: @thecatalystsworld


About New Incubation Ventures

New Incubation Ventures (NIV) is the strategic early-stage investment and incubation arm for The Estée Lauder Companies. NIV partners with forward-thinking founders and entrepreneurs to create, fund, and support the best-emerging beauty brands and new business models to shape the future of beauty and build an actionable pipeline of diversified brands and new engines of growth for the ELC portfolio.


About The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of quality skincare, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD BEAUTY, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.


ELC-C


 


View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241003679516/en/



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Contacts

Media Relations:

Jill Marvin

jimarvin@estee.com


Investor Relations:

Rainey Mancini

rmancini@estee.com


Audrey Miranda, Lucien Pagès Communications amiranda@lucienpages.com


 

Thursday, October 3, 2024

LEVA Hotels Launches 5-Star Brand ‘Zen by Leva,’ Debuts First Luxury Property in Saudi Arabia

 LEVA Hotels, a dynamic homegrown hospitality brand, proudly announces the official launch of its 5-star luxury brand, Zen by Leva, at the opening of the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai. This new addition to the LEVA family will introduce a unique perspective on luxury, with its first property set to open in Saudi Arabia. A sophisticated blend of comfort and discovery, Zen by Leva promises to elevate the 5-star experience by focusing on deeper, more meaningful journeys for its guests.

The Journey of LEVA Hotels

LEVA Hotels began its story in 2019 with the launch of its first property, a 4-star hotel in Dubai. Since then, the brand has grown exponentially, now managing 11 properties across the Middle East and Africa region. According to a report by Colliers International, the MENA hospitality market is projected to grow to $32 billion by 2026, driven by increasing tourist arrivals and the region's commitment to diversifying its economies. LEVA has tapped into this market by embracing innovation, technology, and personalized service, setting itself apart as a forward-thinking brand. The introduction of Zen by Leva is the next bold step, aligning with the company’s vision to evolve within the hospitality industry.

Zen by Leva: A Luxury Brand with a Higher Purpose

Zen by Leva redefines luxury by focusing on enriching experiences that engage both the senses and the mind. More than opulence and glamour, Zen is about offering travelers soulful experiences that resonate on a personal level. In today’s market, 65% of global luxury travelers say they prefer experiences that offer personal growth and self-discovery, reflecting a shift away from traditional luxury (Skift Research). Zen by Leva is designed for guests who seek both inner journeys and external exploration, offering a carefully curated, balanced experience that reflects the best of both worlds.

Anand, Founder & CEO of LEVA Hotels, shared his thoughts on this exciting new chapter:
"We created Zen by Leva to meet the changing desires of modern luxury travelers. Today’s guests are looking for more than just beautiful surroundings—they’re seeking meaningful experiences that resonate on a personal level. Zen represents our belief that the true luxury of tomorrow lies in enriching the soul and engaging the senses. This brand is designed to offer elevated experiences that inspire both internal reflection and external exploration."

The First Zen by Leva Property in Saudi Arabia

The first property under the Zen by Leva banner will open in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to increase tourism’s contribution to the GDP from 3% to 10% by 2030. This surge in tourism is driving rapid growth in the hospitality sector, with Saudi Arabia’s hotel market expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% between 2022 and 2026 (KPMG Report). The new 5-star hotel will offer world-class amenities and thoughtfully curated experiences tailored to both UMRA travelers and visitors looking to explore the rich culture of the region. Designed to blend local culture with global sophistication, the property will provide an environment for guests to embark on journeys of self-discovery and outer exploration.

Zen’s Promise: Elevating Senses

The essence of Zen by Leva is captured in its brand promise— “Elevating Senses.” Today’s luxury travelers value experiences that engage all their senses, with 78% of global luxury consumers prioritizing personalized services that enhance their overall experience according to a report by Bain & Company. Zen by Leva focuses on enhancing guests’ sensory experiences, creating an interplay between external adventure and internal reflection. Each Zen by Leva property blends personal growth, solace, and self-discovery with sophisticated comfort and exceptional service, offering a hospitality experience that nourishes both body and soul.

Strategic Investment and Future Plans

To support the growth of the Zen by Leva brand, LEVA Hotels is committing an initial investment of $15 million, with plans to acquire 1200 keys in regions including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Qatar, and UAE, under the Zen brand within the next 2027. This investment reflects LEVA’s confidence in the brand's potential and the growing demand for luxury experiences in the MENA region.


Permalink
https://aetoswire.com/en/news/3102024419099


Contacts

Melwyn Abraham

melwyn@matrixdubai.com

Egon Zehnder Expands Canadian Footprint With New Vancouver Office

 The new office is the Firm’s third location in Canada and second in the Pacific Northwest, marking sustained growth in both markets

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Egon Zehnder, the world’s preeminent leadership advisory firm, today announced the opening of its newest office in Vancouver, British Columbia. The expansion comes on the heels of opening a Seattle office last year and reflects the Firm’s commitment to serving clients across the Pacific Northwest as well as strengthening its presence in one of the most dynamic business ecosystems globally.

The Vancouver office hosts three founding consultants: Constantin von Oppen, the Pacific Northwest region leader along with Chris King-Sidney, and Anne-Laure Brault. This founding team of leadership advisory experts, all based in the Pacific Northwest, will bring local expertise and a global perspective to support the Vancouver market across sectors and industries to meet the local market needs.

“We are thrilled to expand our footprint into Vancouver, a city known for its innovation and unique, vibrant business community,” said Ed Camara, CEO of Egon Zehnder. “As British Columbia continues to grow as a global business hub, this additional Pacific Northwest office will enable us to be even closer to our clients, partners, and the industries we serve in Western Canada.”

Egon Zehnder’s new chapter of leadership excellence in Vancouver will be grounded in purpose, innovation, and a commitment to building a thriving, inclusive business community.

To learn more about Egon Zehnder and the leadership advisory services offered in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, visit www.egonzehnder.com.

About Egon Zehnder

Egon Zehnder is the world’s preeminent leadership advisory firm, inspiring leaders to navigate complex questions with human answers. We help organizations get to the heart of their leadership challenges and offer honest feedback and insights to help leaders realize their true being and purpose.

We are built on a foundation that supports partnership in the truest sense of the word and aligns our interests with those of our clients. Our 600 consultants across 67 offices and 36 countries are former industry and functional leaders who collaborate seamlessly across geographies, industries and functions to deliver the full power of the Firm to every client, every time.

We partner closely with public and private corporations, family-owned enterprises, and non-profit and government agencies to provide executive search, leadership solutions, CEO search and succession, board advisory, and diversity, equity & inclusion.

Our services include discovering leaders, developing leadership, advancing governance, shaping successions and unlocking transformations. We partner with Mobius Executive Leadership to offer highly experiential, personalized and transformational programs for senior leaders.

We believe that together we can transform people, organizations and the world through leadership.

For more information, visit www.egonzehnder.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

 



Contacts

 

Media Contacts

Stacy Drumtra, Chicago
Global Marketing Co-Lead
stacy.drumtra@egonzehnder.com | T: +1 312 260 8974

Martin Klusmann, Berlin
Global Marketing Co-Lead
martin.klusmann@egonzehnder.com | T: +49 170 2360101


Visa Announces Pilot Launch of Visa Commercial Solutions Hub to Unify Its Commercial Payments Ecosystem

 


New global platform will enable seamless management of business payments with efficient, intuitive and easy to implement solutions


(BUSINESS WIRE)--Visa (NYSE:V), a global leader in digital payments, announced a new commercial payments ecosystem, the Visa Commercial Solutions Hub. This strategic initiative will provide financial institutions and businesses efficient access to a wide range of commercial payment solutions, complementary capabilities and integrations into a range of fintech services, making it easier for them to manage their commercial payments.


The VCS Hub will be an integrated platform, providing a more modern, personalized and consistent experience for users to easily navigate and accomplish key payment-related tasks. Through a single sign-on structure, efficient onboarding process and a menu of services to choose from, users can expect a faster and enhanced experience.


Commercial payments represent a $145 trillion market opportunity globallyi, but existing platforms tend to be targeted to, or specialized across, a specific use case or segment. So, users often have to go to disparate environments to access the range of solutions they need. Leveraging Visa’s global network, solutions and partnerships with key fintech providers, the Visa Commercial Solutions Hub will deliver a unified experience at a large scale.


“We hear regularly from our customers, and the customers of our customers, that they want and need seamless access to - and management of - their commercial payment solutions,” said Gloria Colgan, SVP and Global Head of Product, Visa Commercial Solutions. “The Visa Commercial Solutions Hub will enable better visibility and faster decision-making for our customers, all within a sleek new interface designed with them in mind.”


As a critical milestone in this process, the VCS Hub is moving into an initial pilot phase this month, focused on an enhanced and expanded B2B Payables experience. As the VCS Hub continues to expand in 2025, we will provide additional details.


About Visa Inc.


Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.


_______________________________


iMcKinsey Global Payments Map 2022, 2022 EY Visa Direct Global Market Sizing Study, Visa analysis


 


View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241003698739/en/



Permalink

https://aetoswire.com/en/news/3102024419200


Contacts

David Thum

dthum@visa.com

Experience the Future of Smarter AI for All at Lenovo’s Tenth Annual Global Tech World Event

BELLEVUE, Wash. - Thursday, 03. October 2024


The flagship event showcases Lenovo’s comprehensive portfolio of AI solutions, services, and devices with featured sessions from global leaders at Lenovo, AMD, Intel, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and more



(BUSINESS WIRE)--On October 15, 2024, Lenovo will host its annual global innovation event, Tech World, in Bellevue, Washington. This marks the 10th consecutive year of the event and reflects a decade of innovation and transformation from the company. This year’s event will explore how Lenovo is delivering on the promise of artificial intelligence (AI) with end-to-end solutions fueling its mission of Smarter AI for All. Technology featured will include ground-breaking AI for Good projects, hybrid AI to empower both individuals and enterprises, and proven ways to fast-track and deploy generative AI.


The company will also discuss its ongoing investment and collaboration with partners to deliver the most advanced and comprehensive AI-ready, AI-enabled, and AI-optimized AI devices, infrastructure, solutions, and services for customers. The industry’s top partners will all join Lenovo on stage to discuss what’s next and build on the key product launches and new services announced earlier this year, including:


With Intel, Lenovo was among the first to launch AI-enabled PCs with Intel Core Ultra processors in the beginning of this year.

With AMD, Lenovo brought AI laptops with 3rd Gen Ryzen AI processors to market across consumers, commercial, and SMB users.

With Qualcomm and Microsoft, Lenovo announced the first Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon X Elite: the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x and ThinkPad T14s Gen 6.

With NVIDIA, Lenovo launched new Hybrid AI solutions that deliver the powerful generative AI applications to every enterprise and cloud to bring transformation capabilities to every industry through new AI professional services and Lenovo’s Spatial Computing Appliance of digital twin technology.

Tech World will feature a keynote session by Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang, who will discuss Lenovo’s latest innovations and strategies in pursuit of “Smarter AI for All.” He will showcase the technologies making hybrid AI a reality for everyone, everywhere—at home, at work, and on the move.


Attendees can tune in in-person and virtually to experience how Lenovo uses hybrid AI to support large and small organizations. The latest technologies accelerate AI outcomes, scale and evolve private AI, and gain affordable and scalable access to metered GPU resources.


Additional Speakers include Lenovo’s newly appointed Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Tolga Kurtoglu, Lenovo’s President of the Emerging Technology Group, Dr. Yong Rui, alongside partner speakers like Lisa Su, Chair and CEO, AMD; Pat Gelsinger, CEO, Intel; Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft; Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO, Meta; and Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO, NVIDIA .


Through virtual content that can be explored anytime, Tech World ‘24 will be live-streamed across multiple time zones and hosted on-demand following the main broadcast. To register and see a full agenda of speakers, please visit Lenovo Tech World ’24.


Watch a decade of highlights from previous Tech World events:


Tech World 2015 – Beijing

Tech World 2016 – San Francisco

Tech World 2017 – Shanghai

Tech World 2018 – Beijing

Tech World 2019 – Beijing

Tech World 2020 – Virtual

Tech World 2021 – Virtual

Tech World 2022 – Virtual

Tech World 2023 – Austin

About Lenovo


Lenovo is a US$57 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #248 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a pocket-to cloud portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.


 


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Contacts

Stuart Gill

Director of Global Media Relations

sgill@lenovo.com

Eaton's Battery Configuration Switch Provides EV Charging Flexibility

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - Thursday, 03. October 2024

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Intelligent power management company Eaton today announced it has partnered with Munich Electrification to develop and market its battery configuration switch (BCS), an advanced solution for 400-volt/800-volt dual string battery packs in electrified vehicles. This innovative, integrated, bi-stable device for parallel/series reconfiguration allows 800-volt vehicles to effectively charge via a 400-volt charger, while also offering numerous benefits compared to traditional solutions.

“At Eaton, we're leveraging our extensive background in developing electrified mobility solutions to launch this promising new technology in partnership with Munich Electrification, which specializes in developing cutting-edge battery management systems,” said Mark Schneider, president, Eaton’s eMobility. “There are a lot of 800-volt vehicles in the market, but many charging stations can only supply 400-volt power. BCS provides charging flexibility to consumers who want access to an expanded network of DC chargers."

Designed for automotive, light commercial and UTV applications, Eaton’s BCS enables the reduction of up to 12 components in a battery disconnect unit, simplifying the system and streamlining packaging and assembly. Furthermore, the BCS minimizes contact resistance, enhancing overall system efficiency and performance by reducing the number of contact points required by conventional contactors.

Ensuring higher EV safety standards, the BCS has a mechanical interlock that prevents pack short circuits due to crashes, software bugs, or contactor malfunctions. The BCS can also maintain stable conditions when the electronic control unit loses power. Its bi-stable nature enhances efficiency during normal operations by eliminating the hold current of a traditional contactor, and also provides resilience against low voltage faults by maintaining a safe condition for a wide range of potential failure modes.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Eaton in launching this groundbreaking new technology developed by our outstanding R&D team,” said Uwe Wiedeman, managing director, Munich Electrification. “Munich Electrification’s legacy of innovation in the EV battery industry combined with Eaton’s expertise in electrical switching and automotive manufacturing is helping us to solve our customers’ biggest challenges together.”

Learn about Eaton’s BCS technology and other vehicle electrification solutions.

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace, and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably, and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy sources, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.

Eaton was founded in 1911 and has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange for more than a century. We reported revenues of $23.2 billion in 2023 and serve customers in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

About Munich Electrification

Munich Electrification is a leading provider of innovative battery management solutions that has the development of sustainable battery management systems and electronics in its DNA. Munich Electrification offers state-of-the-art methods in software and electronics development and has profound knowledge of passionate professionals from 24 nations who have already worked for well-known automotive manufacturers. With a commitment to innovation and a passion for pushing the boundaries of what is possible, Munich Electrification strives to be a distinctive lead supplier for the electrified automotive world and beyond.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241003158793/en/

Permalink
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Contacts

Thomas Nellenbach
thomasjnellenbach@eaton.com
(216) 333-2876 (cell)

For more information, please visit www.munichelectrification.com or contact:
Munich Electrification GmbH
Gesa Brahm | Brand Manager
Landaubogen 1 | 81373 Munich | Germany
P +49 89 890 83 515| g.brahm@munichelectrification.com

CIBSE Week 2024 to celebrate sustainability and excellence in building services engineering

 Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Thursday, 03. October 2024



Fiona Cousins, CIBSE President, and Ruth Carter, CEO, will be among the marquee participants


 


CIBSE said it will be conducting CIBSE Week 2024, a series of events focusing on building services engineering, from October 28 to November 1 in Dubai.


CIBSE’s President, Fiona Cousins, and CIBSE’s CEO, Ruth Carter, will be taking a leading role in the planned extensive series of discussions, focusing on climate resilience and progressive strategies for improving building performance. Cousins and Carter will be visiting the UAE and Saudi Arabia to participate in key activities that further the cause of building services engineering in the region.


 


The event’s highlights will include conferences that bring together industry stakeholders to explore innovative approaches to retrofitting and climate resilience. Cousins and Carter will engage in strategic collaborations with prominent universities, fostering academic and practical advancements in sustainable building practices. Additionally, their visit will include high-level roundtable discussions with leading figures in the industry, aimed at addressing issues related to climate resilience and sustainable building solutions. The itinerary also includes tours of some of the region’s most exciting projects, providing an insight into the latest advancements in building technology.


 


CIBSE Week will also feature the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with major industry partners. The agreements are set to reinforce CIBSE’s commitment to advancing sustainable building practices and driving progress in the GCC region.


The event will also feature the 6th Edition of the CIBSE Awards, which has a mandate to recognise exceptional performance in building services, spread over 29 competitive categories. With over 300 attendees expected – including major consultants, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers – the CIBSE Awards will feature marquee participation of Cousins and Carter, making it an unparalleled platform for networking and celebrating industry milestones.


 


“We are thrilled to provide a platform that not only honours excellence but also fosters sustainable practices and innovative solutions within building services engineering,” said Imran Shaikh, CIBSE UAE Chapter. “The 2024 CIBSE Week and its Awards aim to highlight the outstanding progress in the field, supporting the goals set for COP 28.


“We invite you to join us during this exciting week as we celebrate excellence, innovation and sustainability in the building service industry.”


 


To participate in the CIBSE UAE Annual Awards, please contact uae@cibse.org.


 


About CIBSE:


The leading authority on building services engineering and a pioneer in responding to the threat of climate change, CIBSE exists to advance global best practice in the profession.


Through harnessing the expertise of our members, CIBSE represents the profession as a trusted voice to provide advice and guidance to Government on matters relating to construction, engineering and sustainability.


For over 127 years, CIBSE has supported a community of over 22,000 professionals worldwide in their pursuit of excellence in building performance, sustainability and safety to influence the well-being of individuals and communities of today and of future generations. CIBSE members continue to create the most environmentally friendly systems in major projects across the globe.


Find out more about CIBSE via www.cibse.org



Permalink

https://www.aetoswire.com/en/news/cibse030102024


Contacts

Mayukh Sikdar


PR Executive, Watermelon Communications


mayukh@watermelonme.com


+971 56 3241206


+971 4 2833655

DDoS Attacks Skyrocket and Hacktivist Activity Surges Threatening Critical Global Infrastructure According to NETSCOUT’s 1H2024 Threat Intelligence Report

  Hacktivists Escalate Sophisticated, Multi-Vector Assaults on Banking and Financial Services, Government, and Utilities

 

(BUSINESS WIRE)--NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. (NASDAQ: NTCT) today released findings from its 1H2024 DDoS Threat Intelligence Report, citing a dramatic 43% increase in the number of application-layer attacks and a 30% increase in volumetric attacks, especially in Europe and the Middle East. Attack duration varied with 70% lasting less than 15 minutes. The escalation of attacks involves a range of threat actors, including hacktivists targeting critical infrastructure in the banking and financial services, government, and utilities sectors. These attacks pose significant threats by disrupting vital civilian services in countries that oppose hacktivists’ ideologies. Key industries, already facing frequent and intense multi-vector attacks, experienced a 55% increase over the past four years.

“Hacktivist activities continue to plague global organizations with more sophisticated and coordinated DDoS attacks against multiple targets simultaneously,” stated Richard Hummel, director, threat intelligence, NETSCOUT. “As adversaries use more resilient, take-down-resistant networks, detection and mitigation are more challenging. This report gives network operations teams insights to fine-tune their strategies to stay ahead of these evolving threats.”

Attack Sophistication Strains Networks Worldwide

DDoS attacks continue to evolve, using innovative technologies and approaches to disrupt networks. During the 1H2024, NETSCOUT observed several significant trends, including:

  • NoName057(16), a pro-Russia hacktivist group, increased its focus on application-layer attacks, particularly HTTP/S GET and POST floods, leading to a 43% rise compared to 1H2023.
  • Bot-infected devices increased by 50% with the emergence of the Zergeca botnet -- and the continued evolution of the DDoSia botnet used by NoName057(16) -- which uses advanced technologies like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) for command-and-control (C2).
  • Distributed botnet C2 infrastructure leveraging bots as control nodes, enabling more decentralized and resilient DDoS attack coordination.

These attacks have triggered widespread disruptions, affecting industries on a global scale. Service slowdowns or outages can cripple revenue streams, delay critical operations, hinder productivity, and significantly elevate organizational risks.

Attackers Targeting New Networks

NETSCOUT also found that the emergence of new networks and autonomous system numbers (ASNs) play a pivotal role in increased DDoS activity. Over 75% of newly established networks are involved with DDoS activities, both as targets or abused participants in furthering attacks on others, within the first 42 days of coming online, as adversaries launch attacks using resilient nuisance networks and bulletproof hosting providers. Organizations need to plan for DDoS protection when splitting off a portion of a network to a new ASN rather than assume automatic protections from upstream service providers.

NETSCOUT’s global internet visibility is backed by decades of experience working with the world’s largest service providers and enterprises. It collects, analyzes, prioritizes, and disseminates data on DDoS attacks from 216 countries and territories, 470 vertical industries, and over 14,000 ASNs. Powered by its ATLAS platform, the company gains insights from more than 500 terabits per second (Tbps) of internet peering network traffic.

Visit our interactive website for more information on NETSCOUT's DDoS Threat Intelligence Report. For real-time DDoS attack stats, map, and insights, visit NETSCOUT Cyber Threat Horizon.

About NETSCOUT
NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. (NASDAQ: NTCT) protects the connected world from cyberattacks and performance and availability disruptions through its unique visibility platform and solutions powered by its pioneering deep packet inspection at scale technology. NETSCOUT serves the world’s largest enterprises, service providers, and public sector organizations. Learn more at www.netscout.com or follow @NETSCOUT on LinkedInX, or Facebook.

©2024 NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. All rights reserved. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

 



Contacts

Editorial:

Chris Lucas
NETSCOUT Systems, Inc.
+1 978-614-4124
chris.lucas@netscout.com

Chris Shattuck
Finn Partners for NETSCOUT
+1 404-502-6755
NETSCOUT-US@FinnPartners.com