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🌆 🏙️ #Cities #NewYorkCity #UnitedNations #University #Sustainability Transforming Cities: United Nations University and City College of New York partner for Innovative Urban Solutions NEW YORK, November 24, 2024 — A new hub for the United Nations University (UNU) focused on Remote Sensing and Sustainable Innovations for Resilient Urban Systems (R-SIRUS) has been established at The City College of New York (CCNY). This announcement was made during a partnership agreement signing ceremony attended by CCNY President Vincent Boudreau and Tshilidzi Marwala, the rector of UNU and under-secretary-general of the United Nations. This Hub, in collaboration with the UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), will link City College of New York (CCNY) to UNU's global research and educational initiatives. It aims to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhance international relations, and promote the advancement of sustainable cities. As the academic branch of the United Nations, the Tokyo-based United Nations University (UNU) has 13 institutes across 12 countries. UNU addresses various global development challenges through collaborative research and education. UNU-INWEH focuses on significant sustainability issues, tackling some of the most pressing problems related to water, the environment, and health worldwide. Since its establishment in 1847, The City College of New York has been committed to delivering high-quality and affordable education to generations of New Yorkers across a diverse array of disciplines. R-SIRUS's Policy, Advocacy, and Outreach pillar will work with New York City authorities and international stakeholders to create equitable and sustainable urban transformation policies. Focusing on environmental justice in underserved communities, this initiative, led by Colin Powell School of Civic and Global Leadership experts, aims to translate scientific research into practical policies that enhance urban resilience and sustainability globally. Kaveh Madani, the Director of UNU-INWEH, highlighted the Hub's potential to make a significant global impact. "This initiative demonstrates UNU's dedication to tackling sustainability challenges," he stated. "By merging UNU's global perspective with CCNY's localized expertise, the R-SIRUS Hub will serve as a model for other cities worldwide."

#Postal #Stamps #Flowers 🌻 🌺 🌼 Elegant Flower Stamps from the U.S. Postal Service The U.S. Postal Service recently released a set of Flowers stamps. This collection features five stamps, each showcasing charming floral designs. These beautifully illustrated stamps celebrate the timeless elegance of nature, with each stamp depicting a different flower: a purple fringed tulip, poppies and coneflowers, daffodils, peonies, and red tulips. "These stamps will enhance any piece of mail with elegance and warmth, ensuring that each message is as special as the flowers depicted on them," said Lisa Bobb-Semple, the USPS Director of Stamp Services. "Uniquely, each stamp features the same number of flowers that corresponds to its cent value—for example, a five-cent stamp has five flowers—adding a clever touch to the design." Ethel Kessler, an art director for the USPS, designed the stamps using images from acclaimed photographer Harold Davis. Davis photographed all the flowers grown in his backyard in Berkeley, CA.

#Films #Oscars #TheAcademy #AcademyAwards 🎬 📽️ Discover Eligible International Films for the 97th Academy Awards The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the feature films eligible for consideration in the 97th Academy Awards' animated feature film, documentary feature film, and international feature film categories. INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM Eighty-five countries and regions have submitted films eligible for the International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. FILMS ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM CATEGORY Listed in alphabetical order by country or region Albania, "Waterdrop" Algeria, "Algiers" Argentina, "Kill the Jockey" Armenia, “Yasha and Leonid Brezhnev” Austria, "The Devil's Bath" Bangladesh, "The Wrestler" Belgium, "Julie Keeps Quiet" Bolivia, "Own Hand" Bosnia and Herzegovina, "My Late Summer" Brazil, "I'm Still Here" Bulgaria, "Triumph" Cambodia, "Meeting with Pol Pot" Cameroon, "Kismet" Canada, "Universal Language" Chile, "In Her Place" Colombia, “La Suprema” Costa Rica, "Memories of a Burning Body" Croatia, "Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day" Czech Republic, "Waves" Denmark, "The Girl with the Needle" Dominican Republic, "Aire Just Breathe" Ecuador, "Behind the Mist" Egypt, "Flight 404" Estonia, "8 Views of Lake Biwa" Finland, "Family Time" France, “Emilia Pérez” Georgia, "The Antique" Germany, "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" Greece, "Murderess" Guatemala, "Rita" Hong Kong, "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In" Hungary, “Semmelweis” Iceland, "Touch" India, "Lost Ladies" Indonesia, "Women from Rote Island" Iran, "In the Arms of the Tree" Iraq, "Baghdad Messi" Ireland, "Kneecap" Israel, "Come Closer" Italy, "Vermiglio" Japan, "Cloud" Kazakhstan, "Bauryna Salu" Kenya, "Nawi" Kyrgyzstan, "Paradise at Mother's Feet" Latvia, "Flow" Lebanon, "Arzé" Lithuania, "Drowning Dry" Malaysia, “Abang Adik” Malta, "Castillo" Mexico, "Sujo" Mongolia, "If Only I Could Hibernate" Montenegro, "Supermarket" Morocco, "Everybody Loves Touda" Nepal, "Shambhala" Netherlands, "Memory Lane" Nigeria, “Mai Martaba” Norway, "Armand" Pakistan, "The Glassworker" Palestine, "From Ground Zero" Panama, "Wake Up Mom" Paraguay, "The Last Ones" Peru, "Yana-Wara" Philippines, "And So It Begins" Poland, "Under the Volcano" Portugal, "Grand Tour" Romania, "Three Kilometres to the End of the World" Senegal, "Dahomey" Serbia, “Russian Consul” Singapore, "La Luna" Slovakia, "The Hungarian Dressmaker" Slovenia, "Family Therapy" South Africa, "Old Righteous Blues" South Korea, "12.12: The Day" Spain, "Saturn Return" Sweden, "The Last Journey" Switzerland, "Queens" Taiwan, "Old Fox" Tajikistan, "Melody" Thailand, "How to Make Millions before Grandma Dies" Tunisia, "Take My Breath" Turkey, "Life" Ukraine, “La Palisiada” United Kingdom, "Santosh" Venezuela, "Back to Life" Vietnam, "Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano" Source: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

#Universities #India #HigherEducation Rice University has announced a strategic expansion into India with the launch of Rice Global India. Rice University, a global leader in research and innovation, is enhancing its international presence by launching Rice Global India. This strategic initiative highlights the university's commitment to promoting global collaboration and supporting India's rapidly growing education and technology sectors. Rice University, established in 1912, is located in Houston, Texas, recognized as the most diverse metropolis in the United States. The university occupies a 300-acre forested campus and is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice University is distinguished by its highly regarded schools, including architecture, business, continuing studies, engineering and computing, humanities, music, natural sciences, and social sciences. The university held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new hub in Bengaluru, India's third-largest city and the heart of its high-tech industry. This event marks a significant step towards establishing formal operations in the region and enhances the university's expanding network throughout India, including partnerships with leading research and academic institutions. "India is a country full of immense opportunities, where we believe we can make a significant impact through collaboration in research, innovation, and education," said Rice University President Reginald DesRoches. "Our presence in India is a crucial step in broadening our global reach, and we are eager to engage more with India's academic leaders and industries to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. This expansion demonstrates our commitment to creating a more interconnected world where education and research go beyond borders." As part of its strategic expansion, Rice University is enhancing collaborations with esteemed institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru. According to university leaders, these partnerships promote advanced research initiatives, facilitate exchanges between students and faculty, and collaborate on critical areas of mutual interest, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable energy. Why India? India's increasing influence in energy, climate change, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology aligns with Rice's research priorities outlined in the university's recently unveiled strategic plan, "Momentous: Personalized Scale for Global Impact." This strategic expansion emphasizes Rice's intention to contribute to India's innovation ecosystem by engaging in joint research initiatives, collaborating with faculty, and facilitating student exchanges with leading institutions.

#SweetNews 🍫 🏎️ KitKat Named Official Chocolate Bar of Formula 1 Car Racing Nestle and Formula 1 (F1) have officially entered into a significant global partnership, designating KitKat as the Official Chocolate Bar of Formula 1. This multi-year collaboration represents Nestlé's most extensive brand partnership, reflecting its strategic ambition to broaden its audience reach and enhance global growth. With an estimated global fanbase of 700 million, Formula 1 is increasingly popular, especially among younger and more diverse audiences. The sport also benefits from a comprehensive digital ecosystem. Through this partnership, KitKat aims to spread its iconic message, "Have a Break, Have a KitKat," to a broader audience, encouraging people to take a moment to pause. The collaboration is set to officially launch during the 2025 season, coinciding with the 90th anniversary of KitKat and the 75th anniversary of Formula 1. It will then expand globally throughout 2026. Formula 1 enthusiasts can look forward to various consumer activations, promotional prizes—such as tickets and merchandise—and immersive fan zones at select Grands Prix. Additionally, there will be trackside branding and fun, engaging content. This partnership innovatively brings together two large global fanbases, blending the excitement of motorsport with KitKat's renowned sense of humor and tradition of sharing breaks. "Formula 1 has become a global phenomenon, attracting a rapidly growing and diverse fanbase, particularly among younger adults," stated Bernard Meunier, Head of Strategic Business Units and Marketing and Sales at Nestlé. "With its worldwide reach and packed schedule, F1 provides KitKat with the ideal platform to encourage everyone to take a break. We are excited to infuse our signature sense of fun into this exhilarating sport and to create unforgettable experiences for fans across the globe." Emily Prazer, the Chief Commercial Officer at Formula 1, stated, "We are thrilled to welcome KitKat, a globally recognized and enjoyable brand, as our partner. They are universally loved, and we look forward to the fantastic experiences they will bring to our fans at the track and the new audiences they will introduce to the sport." Formula One, or Formula 1 or F1, is the premier international racing series for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars, sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. Source: KitKat

🇺🇳 #UnitedNations UN Day 2024: Guterres Advocates for Action and Hope In Today’s Troubled World, Hope Requires Determined Action and Multilateral Solutions for Peace. UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ Message for United Nations Day, observed on October 24, 2024: “The United Nations was established by the world, for the world. Since 1945, it has been a platform for countries to collaborate on global solutions to pressing global issues. “These solutions aim to ease tensions, build bridges, and promote peace. They seek to eradicate poverty, encourage sustainable development, and support the most vulnerable individuals. The UN delivers life-saving assistance to those facing conflicts, violence, economic hardship, and climate disasters. “Solutions that level the scales of justice and equality for women and girls. Solutions that tackle issues that were unimaginable in 1945 — climate change, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and outer space. “In September, the General Assembly adopted the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, and the Declaration on Future Generations. Together, these agreements will help ensure the United Nations system adapts, reforms, and revitalizes itself to address our evolving challenges and deliver solutions for everyone. “However, our work will always be grounded in the timeless values and principles of the UN Charter, international law, and every individual’s dignity and human rights. “In today’s troubled world, hope alone is not enough. Hope requires determined action and multilateral solutions for peace, shared prosperity, and a thriving planet. It necessitates all countries working together as one. It requires the United Nations. “On United Nations Day, I urge all countries to keep this beacon of hope and its ideals shining bright.” — UN Secretary-General António Guterres Source: United Nations, New York