2024’s top 10 climate disasters cost more than 200 billion dollars, charity saysNone
Former Broncos coach makes switch to rival Queensland team after leaving Brisbane in 2024
Murray – who retired after the summer Olympics at the age of 37 after finally admitting defeat in his battle against his body – will join the Serbian’s team in the off-season and coach him through the opening grand slam of 2025. It will see the Scot surprisingly join forces with the man who was his biggest nemesis during his long career, especially in Australia where he lost to Djokovic in four finals. Murray, who beat Djokovic to win the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013, says he wants to help the 24-time grand slam champion achieve his goals. He never liked retirement anyway. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Ga4UlV2kQW — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 23, 2024 “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open, he said. “I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.” Djokovic, a week younger than his new coach, added: “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach. “Looking forward to start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.” In posting a teaser about the appointment on social media, Djokovic said: “He never liked retirement anyway.” He then added: “We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of pushing each other to our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in in our sport. They called us gamechangers, risk takers, history makers. “I thought our story may be over. Turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome aboard coach, Andy Murray.” Djokovic beat Murray in the 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016 Australian Open finals while also losing in the French Open final in 2016. It was his pursuit of toppling Djokovic at the top of the rankings in 2016 which was a precursor to his 2017 hip injury which derailed Murray’s career. Djokovic, who split with coach Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year, hopes that adding Murray to his team will help him get back to the top of the game as he went through a calendar year without winning a grand slam for the first time since 2017. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have developed a stranglehold at the top of the men’s game and Djokovic, who has seen Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal all retire in recent years, is still hoping to move clear of the record 24 grand slams he shares with Margaret Court.
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Josh Allen passed for two touchdowns and rushed for one more as the Buffalo Bills clobbered the New York Jets 40-14 on Sunday afternoon in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills clinched the No. 2 seed in the AFC with the victory. Allen was showered with "M-V-P" chants after putting the game away with a pair of third-quarter touchdown passes -- a 30-yard connection with Amari Cooper and a 14-yard strike to a leaping Keon Coleman with 12 seconds left in the frame. Those scores sandwiched a 1-yard touchdown run by James Cook. Buffalo (13-3) took a 33-0 lead into the fourth quarter thanks to its 21-point third. Allen, who turned things over to backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky for the final 15 minutes, finished with 182 yards on 16-for-27 passing. Trubisky hit Tyrell Shavers for a 69-yard TD on his first pass of the contest to make it 40-0 with 12:37 to go. It marked Shavers' first career catch. The Bills' defense was in the spotlight just as much as Allen, forcing three turnovers and racking up four sacks. Aaron Rodgers struggled under center for New York (4-12), completing 12 of 18 passes for 112 yards. He was picked off twice. Second-string signal-caller Tyrod Taylor broke the shutout with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson with 6:59 left in the game. The Jets proceeded to convert a two-point try to trim their deficit to 40-8. Wilson hauled in seven receptions for 66 yards and the TD. Tyler Conklin grabbed a 20-yard touchdown with 1:55 remaining to complete the scoring. Taylor ended up with 83 yards and the two TDs on 11-of-14 passing. A.J. Epenesa gave the Bills a boost just before the break, sacking Rodgers for a safety that put Buffalo up 9-0 with 2:31 remaining in the second quarter. Tyler Bass extended the Bills' lead with a 39-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. The teams combined for five penalties on the game's first drive, with a 5-yard defensive pass interference call setting Buffalo up at the Jets 1. Allen then got pushed into the end zone for his franchise-record-tying 65th rushing touchdown. --Field Level MediaThe China Fund, Inc. Announces Date of Annual Meeting of StockholdersAnge Postecoglou fights on as Tottenham return to scene of Antonio Conte rant
By MICHAEL R. SISAK and JENNIFER PELTZ NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers urged a judge again Friday to throw out his hush money conviction, balking at the prosecution’s suggestion of preserving the verdict by treating the case the way some courts do when a defendant dies. They called the idea “absurd.” Related Articles National Politics | Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time National Politics | Ruling by a conservative Supreme Court could help blue states resist Trump policies National Politics | A nonprofit leader, a social worker: Here are the stories of the people on Biden’s clemency list National Politics | Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she ‘sustained an injury’ on official trip to Luxembourg National Politics | Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump’s suite at football game The Manhattan district attorney’s office is asking Judge Juan M. Merchan to “pretend as if one of the assassination attempts against President Trump had been successful,” Trump’s lawyers wrote in a blistering 23-page response. In court papers made public Tuesday, District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office proposed an array of options for keeping the historic conviction on the books after Trump’s lawyers filed paperwork earlier this month asking for the case to be dismissed. They include freezing the case until Trump leaves office in 2029, agreeing that any future sentence won’t include jail time, or closing the case by noting he was convicted but that he wasn’t sentenced and his appeal wasn’t resolved because of presidential immunity. Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove reiterated Friday their position that the only acceptable option is overturning his conviction and dismissing his indictment, writing that anything less will interfere with the transition process and his ability to lead the country. The Manhattan district attorney’s office declined comment. It’s unclear how soon Merchan will decide. He could grant Trump’s request for dismissal, go with one of the prosecution’s suggestions, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court, or choose some other option. In their response Friday, Blanche and Bove ripped each of the prosecution’s suggestions. Halting the case until Trump leaves office would force the incoming president to govern while facing the “ongoing threat” that he’ll be sentenced to imprisonment, fines or other punishment as soon as his term ends, Blanche and Bove wrote. Trump, a Republican, takes office Jan. 20. “To be clear, President Trump will never deviate from the public interest in response to these thuggish tactics,” the defense lawyers wrote. “However, the threat itself is unconstitutional.” The prosecution’s suggestion that Merchan could mitigate those concerns by promising not to sentence Trump to jail time on presidential immunity grounds is also a non-starter, Blanche and Bove wrote. The immunity statute requires dropping the case, not merely limiting sentencing options, they argued. Blanche and Bove, both of whom Trump has tabbed for high-ranking Justice Department positions, expressed outrage at the prosecution’s novel suggestion that Merchan borrow from Alabama and other states and treat the case as if Trump had died. Blanche and Bove accused prosecutors of ignoring New York precedent and attempting to “fabricate” a solution “based on an extremely troubling and irresponsible analogy between President Trump” who survived assassination attempts in Pennsylvania in July and Florida in September “and a hypothetical dead defendant.” Such an option normally comes into play when a defendant dies after being convicted but before appeals are exhausted. It is unclear whether it is viable under New York law, but prosecutors suggested that Merchan could innovate in what’s already a unique case. “This remedy would prevent defendant from being burdened during his presidency by an ongoing criminal proceeding,” prosecutors wrote in their filing this week. But at the same time, it wouldn’t “precipitously discard” the “meaningful fact that defendant was indicted and found guilty by a jury of his peers.” Prosecutors acknowledged that “presidential immunity requires accommodation” during Trump’s impending return to the White House but argued that his election to a second term should not upend the jury’s verdict, which came when he was out of office. Longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution . Other world leaders don’t enjoy the same protection. For example, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial on corruption charges even as he leads that nation’s wars in Lebanon and Gaza . Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his May 30 conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records . Prosecutors said he fudged the documents to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier, which Trump denies. In their filing Friday, Trump’s lawyers citing a social media post in which Sen. John Fetterman used profane language to criticize Trump’s hush money prosecution. The Pennsylvania Democrat suggested that Trump deserved a pardon, comparing his case to that of President Joe Biden’s pardoned son Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of tax and gun charges . “Weaponizing the judiciary for blatant, partisan gain diminishes the collective faith in our institutions and sows further division,” Fetterman wrote Wednesday on Truth Social. Trump’s hush money conviction was in state court, meaning a presidential pardon — issued by Biden or himself when he takes office — would not apply to the case. Presidential pardons only apply to federal crimes. Since the election, special counsel Jack Smith has ended his two federal cases , which pertained to Trump’s efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss and allegations that he hoarded classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. A separate state election interference case in Fulton County, Georgia, is largely on hold. Trump denies wrongdoing in all. Trump had been scheduled for sentencing in the hush money case in late November. But following Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed the former and future president’s sentencing so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case. Merchan also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. A dismissal would erase Trump’s conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office.With more numbers, Packard's got his party in control of policy
The world is mourning the loss of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 after a life marked by service, humility, and commitment to humanitarian causes. Tributes poured in from leaders across the globe, with figures like Donald Trump , the Clintons, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, former President Barack Obama, and others, reflecting on Carter's contributions to peace, democracy, and social justice. US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden In a statement, the Bidens said, "Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well." Also read: Jimmy Carter: president, global mediator, Nobel laureate Donald Trump reacts to Jimmy Carter's death The 39th president, known for his efforts to restore faith in government and his later decades of tireless global advocacy, left an indelible legacy. The incoming US president, Donald Trump in a statement said, “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude." He added, " Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers." Incoming Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, mouring the loss wrote, "Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. May he Rest in Peace." Also read: Jimmy Carter, former US president and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, dead at 100, Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports French President Emmanuel Macron reacts to Carter's death According to Reuters, Macron wrote, "Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace. France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people." UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praises Carter’s global contributions UK Prime Minister acknowledged Jimmy Carter’s key role in brokering the Camp David Accords and his lifelong dedication to human rights and social justice. “His presidency will be remembered for the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, and it was that lifelong dedication to peace that saw him receive the Nobel Peace prize.” Starmer highlighted Carter’s strong faith and values, which defined his presidency and post-presidential work. The Obamas recall Carter’s community spirit In their statement, Barack and Michelle Obama shared that Carter’s Maranatha Baptist Church will feel quieter without him, but his memory will remain alive through his final resting place beside Rosalynn, under a willow tree. They emphasised his decency and the inspiration he brought to countless visitors seeking to connect with his teachings and values. Al Gore honours Carter’s purposeful life Former Vice President Al Gore praised Carter for living a life of purpose and commitment. He highlighted Carter’s environmental advocacy and his dedication to building a fairer and more peaceful world, both during and after his presidency. Clintons react to Jimmy Carter’s death Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released an official statement, “Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others — until the very end." Former President George W. Bush Former President George W. Bush expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Carter family, including Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy. He described Jimmy Carter as a man of strong principles, loyal to his family, community, and country. "And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations." Egypt President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi "In this moment of sorrow, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of former American President Jimmy Carter, as well as to the President and the people of the United States of America. His significant role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel will remain etched in the annals of history, and his humanitarian work exemplifies a lofty standard of love, peace, and brotherhood. His enduring legacy ensures that he will be remembered as one of the world's most prominent leaders in service to humanity."The China Fund, Inc. Announces Date of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
CHARLEBOIS: Is the GST holiday an inflation trap?
A WOMAN has revealed just how bad the mould problem is in her home and it's left the internet stunned. Mum of two Courtney took to social media to show the extensive cleaning routine she has to do every day to battle mould and condensation. In the clip, she said: "My whole house is covered in condensation damp and mould, I'm gonna show you the things that I put in place to prevent it and I need some advice on some stuff I can do as well." She revealed she has an extractor fan in the kitchen and bathroom, but despite this she still uses mould spray every single day. As well as that she also uses small dehumidifiers on every single windowsill. But despite that, she still couldn't tackle the mould in her home . READ MORE ON HOMES Courtney added: "I have cupboards in the kitchen that turn all of my pans mouldy. "This is just an example of two of the pans that have gone mouldy in that cupboard." She picked up one of the oven trays that she had never even used and it was covered in green fluffy mould. "This here is my daughter's windowsill," she continued "I clean this every day." Most read in Fabulous "And there's just a puddle of water on the windowsill every single day, all around this window in the hallway gets really fluffy mould." In the bathroom, she revealed that one of the walls was crumbling away because of how damp it was. Courtney added: "I don't know why this keeps happening, I really feel like I've exhausted every option, and I just need help now I'm getting so sick of it at this point." The clip soon went viral on her TikTok account @ courtxed with over 75k views and 1,400 likes. People were quick to take to the comments and offer their advice. Many recommended the HG Mould Spray over the one she used in the video and it can be bought for £5.25 from Asda. Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months. Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is. "Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place. "That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing. "This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on. "If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there's not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit. "This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould. "If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it. "The key to tackle mould is to act fast. "Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them. "To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home. "The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering. "If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning. "The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it! "To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK's No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover , that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary." One person wrote: "HG mould spray is amazing it’s on Amazon ." Another commented: "Mould is so scary." "That mould spray didn’t work very well! I used HG or white vinegar," penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "We have the same problem, we are currently using a dehumidifier but also bought a window vac. Go over the windows every morning." "You need a dehumidifier. Expensive but worth it,” claimed a fifth. READ MORE SUN STORIES Someone else added: “Get a dehumidifier girl. Those little things do nothing and with the amount you're buying you'll save eventually." Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line .
Pep Guardiola's 500th Game: More Relief than CelebrationThe China Fund, Inc. Declares DistributionsTrump’s lawyers rebuff DA's idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it 'absurd'Seedstars Africa Ventures I has secured a significant milestone with the first close of $42 million for its venture capital fund aimed at scaling digital solutions across Africa. The announcement was made during the 2024 Africa Investment Forum Market Days in Rabat, with major backing from the African Development Bank, EIB Global with EU support, and Boost Africa, among others. The fund, which operates across multiple African markets from offices in Nairobi, Dakar, and Paris, is now targeting an $80 million fundraising goal, having already attracted $50 million in additional commitments. Seedstars Africa Ventures I will focus on early-stage investments in digital tech startups that provide essential services to underserved populations, with a particular emphasis on driving economic growth and social impact. Seedstars Africa Ventures I aims to bridge the gap in early-stage financing by making investments of up to $2 million in seed and Series A rounds, and supporting follow-on funding of up to $5 million. By leading subsequent investment rounds, the fund plans to catalyse further co-investment opportunities while providing hands-on operational support to its portfolio companies. The fund is managed by Maxime Bouan, Tamim El Zein, and Bruce Nsereko Lule, who bring over 45 years of collective experience investing in and supporting ventures across Africa. Seedstars Africa Ventures is part of LBO France Group, which has been instrumental in seeding the initiative as part of its broader African strategy. Robert Daussun, Chairman of LBO France, expressed excitement over the fund’s success. “We are delighted by Seedstars Africa Ventures’ latest milestone, and proud to have been the initial supporter of the team. The portfolio they’ve built is innovative and transformative, already driving significant impact across the continent. We are proud to be part of Africa’s growth story.” Seedstars Africa Ventures I has already invested over $10 million in five companies, focusing on sectors such as climate tech, food systems, energy access, internet connectivity, financial inclusion, and payments infrastructure. These startups are already making a tangible difference in the lives of millions across Africa, with some of their achievements including providing internet access to 60,000 households, supporting 50,000 farmers, and enabling financial inclusion for 30,000 individuals across eight countries. The fund’s portfolio is also fully aligned with the 2X Challenge, ensuring that its investments are empowering women entrepreneurs and leaders in the tech ecosystem. Among the five startups that have received investment are: Speaking on the fund’s impact, Ahmed Attout , Director for Financial Sector Development at the African Development Bank, said, “We view Seedstars Africa Ventures as a strategic opportunity to improve access to finance, particularly for youth and women, while enhancing the availability of risk capital in Francophone Africa, a region that has traditionally struggled with limited access to investment.” Ambroise Fayolle, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of supporting digitalisation across Africa: “Accelerating digitalisation is a priority for the EIB, and we are committed to supporting African businesses that drive innovation and prosperity on the continent.” Seedstars Africa Ventures I’s focus on high-impact, digitally-driven businesses aligns with the fund’s mission to foster growth, innovation, and job creation across the continent. The fund is already on track to meet its $80 million target and remains poised to be a key player in Africa’s expanding venture capital landscape.
Ireland’s premier has spoken to the Dublin woman who won a civil case against mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor to praise her courage. Taoiseach Simon Harris said he also wanted to tell Nikita Hand, a hair colourist from Drimnagh, that her case had prompted an increase in women coming forward to ask for support. Ms Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a civil case at the High Court in the Irish capital on Friday. The total amount of damages awarded to Ms Hand by the jury was 248,603.60 euro (£206,714.31). Mr McGregor said in a post on social media on Friday that he intends to appeal against the decision. That post has since been deleted. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Mr Harris said he told Ms Hand of the support she has from people across Ireland. “I spoke with Nikita today and I wanted to thank her for her incredible bravery and her courage,” he said. “I wanted to make sure that she knew how much solidarity and support there was across this country for her bravery. “I also wanted to make sure she knew of what the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre had said yesterday – that so many other women have now come forward in relation to their own experiences of sexual abuse as a result of Nikita’s bravery.” The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said the case has had a “profound effect” on the people the charity supports, and that over the first 10 days of the High Court case, calls to its national helpline increased by almost 20%. It said that first-time callers increased by 50% compared to the same period last year, and were largely from people who had experienced sexual violence who were distressed and anxious from the details of case and the views people had to it. Mr Harris said: “I wanted to speak with her and I wanted to wish her and her daughter, Freya, all the very best night, and I was very grateful to talk with Nikita today. “Her bravery, her courage, her voice has made a real difference in a country in which we must continue to work to get to zero tolerance when it comes to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. “I don’t want to say too much more, because conscious there could be further legal processes, but I absolutely want to commend Nikita for her bravery, for her courage, for using her voice.” Justice Minister Helen McEntee praised Ms Hand’s bravery and said she had shown “there is light at the end of the tunnel”. She said: “I just want to commend Nikita for her bravery, for her determination and the leadership that she has shown in what has been – I’ve no doubt – a very, very difficult time for her and indeed, for her family. She added: “Because of wonderful people like Nikita, I hope that it shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel, that there are supports available to people, and that there is justice at the end of the day.” Ms Hand said in a statement outside court on Friday that she hoped her case would remind victims of assault to keep “pushing forward for justice”. Describing the past six years as “a nightmare”, she said: “I want to show (my daughter) Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served.” During the case, Ms Hand said she was “disappointed and upset” when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided not to prosecute the case after she made a complaint to the Irish police. In a letter to her in August 2020, the DPP said there was “insufficient evidence” and there was not a reasonable prospect of conviction. Ms Hand asked the DPP to review the decision, saying she felt she was being treated differently because one of the suspects was famous. Asked about the DPP’s decision not to prosecute, Mr Harris and Ms McEntee stressed the importance of the DPP’s independence on whether to prosecute. “There are obviously structures in place where the DPP can meet a victim and can outline to them their reasons for not taking the case,” Mr Harris said. “But there’s also always an opportunity for the DPP in any situation – and I speak broadly in relation to this – to review a decision, to consider any new information that may come to light, and I don’t want to say anything that may ever cut across the ongoing work of the DPP.” Ms McEntee stressed that there should “never be any political interference” in the independence of the DPP’s decisions. “I have, since becoming minister, given priority to and enabled a new office within the DPP to open specifically focused on sexual offences, so that this issue can be given the focus and the priority that it needs,” she said.Jamaica’s youth are being encouraged to add their voices to the discussion on pressing global issues, such as climate change and poverty. Senior Director in the Youth and Adolescent Policy Division, Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Yanique Williams, made the call while addressing the National Youth Leaders Symposium on Poverty and Climate Change at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in Mona, St. Andrew, on Wednesday (November 20). Ms. Williams said youth participation is key in addressing the challenges, noting that, “this symposium [provided] a meaningful platform to amplify the youth voices and showcase their solutions.” “Climate change and poverty are challenges that know no boundaries, requiring innovative thinking, collaborative action, and an unwavering commitment to leaving no one behind,” she further pointed out. Ms. Williams said the symposium’s staging aligned with Jamaica’s national celebration of Youth Month under the theme: ‘IMPACT – Innovative Minds, Purposeful Action: Collective Triumphs’. She assured that the Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to empower the youth through education, skills training, and opportunities that enable meaningful participation in Jamaica’s development. Several young people, representing tertiary institutions and youth advocacy groups, participated in the Symposium. Also in attendance were His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, in his capacity as a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador, and UNDP officials. Ms. Williams expressed her appreciation to His Royal Highness for his dedication to amplifying youth voices across the globe. She said the Ministry acknowledges the significant role of strategic partnerships, particularly with the UNDP, in facilitating numerous projects, citing initiatives in social justice and biodiversity, and the Reducing Small Arms and Light Weapons in Jamaica joint programme (SALIENT). “Partnerships, like these, help us in our commitment to empowering young people, enabling them to lead and drive impactful change, here in Jamaica, and around the world,” Ms. Williams stated.