Sterling Global

Category: Events

  • Worrld We Want launches to revolutionise Global Impact Sector through cross-sector collaboration – Sterling Media

    Worrld We Want launches to revolutionise Global Impact Sector through cross-sector collaboration – Sterling Media

    As UN Secretary General Warns of Dysfunctional World, Worrld We Want promotes collaboration for a better world through revolutionary ideas and responsible goals

    193 world leaders adopted The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, an ambitious plan to end global poverty, tackle climate change and reduce inequalities by 2030. In response to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ warning at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos 2019 that the world’s problems are becoming more ‘integrated’ but its responses more ‘fragmented’ and ‘dysfunctional’, an ambitious new organisation aimed at revolutionising the social impact and advocacy sector through cross-sector collaboration is launching to empower the next generation of leaders, businesses and change-makers to support social good causes.

    Worrld We Want (WWW) is a global impact enterprise launched to unlock the collective strength of people, ideas, networks and technologies to accelerate achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

    2019 represents a fast-changing world, where the assumptions and rules of old no longer apply, and where new ideas are born every day. As the UN Secretary General highlighted in Davos, issues of climate change and inequalities remain the world’s biggest challenges due to a lack of cooperation. The rise of social justice activism and corporate social responsibility reflects a generation imbued with the desire to do well by doing good. WWW has been launched with the aim of harnessing that sense of purpose to convert into meaningful action, combining revolutionary ideas with responsible goals.

    With an international team of experts based in the UK, India, USA, Hong Kong and the UAE, WWW has been co-founded by Teji Singh and Natasha Mudhar, seasoned entrepreneurs and the driving force behind the award-winning global business communication strategy consultancy Sterling Group.

    WWW is powered by “Accelerator” ventures aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on convening leading organisations, corporations, public figures including celebrities, campaigners and thought leaders around the world to awaken social consciousness and drive meaningful change. Ventures include identifying and enabling the change makers of the future through events, indexes, mentorship and incubation initiatives, empowering the world’s citizens through supporting open data policies, harnessing the power of celebrity and pop culture to entertain and inspire audiences and supporting critical impact projects through an ethical investment fund. “Accelerator” ventures include:

    • W: More than a consultancy, W will help businesses to turn their social good initiatives into a movement, through storytelling, communication strategy and encouraging cross-sector collaboration. With W’s guidance, more businesses will understand how they can do well by doing good, and how to create clear and compelling narratives that reflect what audiences really care about.
    • CHANGE4GOOD: Change4Good will look to the change makers of tomorrow. With the solutions to tackling complex challenges likely to come from creative, idealist, ambitious and energetic minds, Change4Good will showcase young leaders who are already making a difference. This will culminate with the launch of a Globe Shakers index profiling young change makers.
    • POWERTOPEOPLE: PowerToPeople will aim to support open data initiatives to empower the world’s citizens and provide solutions to major global issues. Through working together to build a strong data ecosystem, PowerToPeople will create the opportunity for everyone to access the knowledge they need to help to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
    • RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS: WWW will also have an expert service that will help companies to craft CSR strategies and become more trustworthy, accountable and responsible. Businesses will be given guidance on how to modify leadership, values and actions to craft a credible Corporate Social Responsibility strategy for today’s corporate world, respecting the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit
    • PopularCulture4Good (PC4Good): Pop Culture is a useful tool that can be used to develop a national and international communication strategy. PC4Good will help businesses to use the power of celebrities – from artists, musicians and film stars to cultural leaders -to bring attention to social good causes and to create impactful change
    • W Impact Investment Fund: The W Impact Investment Fund is a global consortium that has been set up to support critical impact projects, backed by investors seeking sustainable finance and green investment portfolios. Through ethical investment, the fund will help to create action and impact around the world. Supporting critical impact projects around the world through ethical investment.
    • Tashan: An ethical lifestyle and wellness retail brand with the core values of creating style with substance, centred around a planet conscious way of life. Tashan will aim to be a noble model for retail – creating a value driven enterprise, sustainably sourced and ethically created for the modern consumer.

     Speaking about the launch of Worrld We Want, Co-founder and Chairperson Teji Singh said: “Worrld We Want represents an exciting opportunity to convene changemakers from around the world and help to create new ones, all working to achieve the sustainable development goals. Now is the time to take action, and it will take our collective expertise, resources and willpower to build a better future for the world. We look forward to working with our partners and businesses to create truly effective global impact through cross-sector collaboration.”

    Co-founder and CEO Natasha Mudhar said “We are proud at last to unveil Worrld We Want. After years of bringing brands closer to their purpose, with WWW we aim to turn that purpose into action, by supporting new ideas for global impact and social good across sectors.  The UN Secretary General is right that a dysfunctional and fragmented response from the world only makes challenges more difficult to overcome. Most of today’s social challenges are too complex for any single individual or institution to solve. And that’s why we believe cross-sector collaboration is the game changer for social change. We believe that by working together, with revolutionary ideas and responsible goals, we can build the best possible world – the worrld we want.”

    Find out more: https://worrldwewant.com/

  • Winner of DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2018 announced – Sterling Media

    Winner of DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2018 announced – Sterling Media

    ‘No Presents Please’ originally written in Kannada by noted author Jayant Kaikini and translated into English by eminent translator Tejaswini Niranjana has been announced as the winner of the prestigious DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2018 at the Tata Steel Kolkata Literary Meet in Kolkata, India. The DSC Prize has always encouraged writing in regional languages and translations, and this is the first time that a translated work has won the prize. This magnificent book gives us a protagonist that is vivid yet full of contradictions, spirited yet lonely, embattled yet big-hearted – the city of Mumbai. Empathy and survival are the constant, codependent themes that unify every strand of this extraordinary book, creating a shimmering mosaic of a conflicted city that is as kind as it is, at times, cruel.

    In a glittering award ceremony, the US $25,000 DSC Prize was awarded to Jayant Kaikini and Tejaswini Niranjana along with a unique trophy by eminent writer Ruskin Bond. As per the prize process, the prize money would be equally shared between the author and the translator. The world’s literati including writers, publishers, media and literary enthusiasts who had gathered for the Award Ceremony at the iconic Victoria Memorial Hall enthusiastically applauded the winner of the DSC Prize 2018.

    The six shortlisted authors and books in contention for the DSC Prize this year were Jayant Kaikini: No Presents Please (Translated by Tejaswini Niranjana, Harper Perennial, HarperCollins India), Kamila Shamsie: Home Fire (Riverhead Books, USA and Bloomsbury, UK), Manu Joseph: Miss Laila Armed And Dangerous (Fourth Estate, HarperCollins, India), Mohsin Hamid: Exit West (Riverhead Books, USA and Hamish Hamilton, Penguin Random House, India), Neel Mukherjee: A State Of Freedom (Chatto & Windus, Vintage, UK and Hamish Hamilton, Penguin Random House, India) and Sujit Saraf: Harilal & Sons (Speaking Tiger, India)

    Jury Chair Rudrangshu Mukherjee, speaking on behalf of the jury said, “The jury decided to award the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2018 to ‘No Presents Please’ by Jayant Kaikini which has been translated by Tejaswini Niranjana and published by Harper Perennial. The jury was deeply impressed by the quiet voice of the author through which he presented vignettes of life in Mumbai and made the city the protagonist of a coherent narrative. The Mumbai that came across through the pen of Kaikini was the city of ordinary people who inhabit the bustling metropolis. It is a view from the margins and all the more poignant because of it. This is the first time that this award is being given to a translated work and the jury would like to recognize the outstanding contribution of Tejaswini Niranjana, the translator.”

    Malavika Banerjee, Director of the Tata Steel Kolkata Literary Meet, made the opening address and welcomed the DSC Prize to the city of Kolkata. As part of the evening program, the 5 member international jury panel of the DSC Prize was introduced, the shortlisted authors read excerpts from their books, and culminated with Ruskin Bond, the Chief Guest for the ceremony, presenting the trophy to the winner of the DSC Prize 2018.

    Administered by the South Asian Literature Prize & Events Trust, the prestigious DSC Prize for South Asian Literature has helped to raise the profile of South Asian writing around the world by rewarding authors who write about the region. The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature which was instituted in 2010, is an established international literary prize that awards the best work in South Asian fiction writing each year. The past winners have been from various countries and their work has reflected the importance of South Asian culture and literature.

    Congratulating the winner, Surina Narula, MBE and co-founder of the DSC Prize said, “My heartfelt congratulations to author Jayant Kaikini and translator Tejaswini Niranjana for winning the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2018 for their brilliant book ‘No Presents Please’. It was a pleasure reading the shortlist. The challenges faced by the authors to weave their protests against the wave of anti globalization into their writings of seemingly harmless pieces of literature could be seen through their work, migration being a major theme this year. The DSC Prize has completed eight years and reading South Asian literature written in English including translations has enabled larger global audiences to understand the issues globalization has brought about. The jury as usual has to do the difficult task of selecting the better amongst the best. My congratulations to the jury for their excellent choice of the winner.”

     The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2018 was judged by a diverse and distinguished five member jury panel comprising eminent figures drawn from the international literary fraternity who have worked in or around South Asian literature and issues. This year’s international jury panel included Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Jury Chair, Professor of History and the Chancellor of Ashoka University and an internationally acclaimed historian of the revolt of 1857 in India, Nandana Sen, a writer, actor and child-rights activist and author of six books, who has worked as a book editor, a poetry translator, a screenwriter, and a script doctor, Claire Armitstead, who has also been a theatre critic, arts editor and literary editor, Tissa Jayatilaka, who was the Executive Director of the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission and is the author of several publications and has translated and edited many journals, and Firdous Azim, Professor of English at BRAC University, Bangladesh, whose research has focused on women’s writings in the early twentieth century Bengal.

  • Portugal Attracts London Filmmakers with Cash Rebate Scheme by the Country’s Tourism Bodies

    Portugal Attracts London Filmmakers with Cash Rebate Scheme by the Country’s Tourism Bodies

    • Portugal’s Secretary of State for Tourism Ana Mendes Godinho and key figures in Portugal Tourism & Film unveil exciting new incentive at FOCUS 2018 to attract more film productions to Portugal.
    • Portugal announced as the Best Destination in the World at the World Travel Awards
    • Portugal’s new cash rebate at 30% is one of the most competitive systems in Europe.
    • The investment strategies extend beyond tourism with focus on technology, filmmaking, innovation, and sustainability.

    Visit Portugal and Pic Portugal, the brands responsible for the international promotion of Portugal as a filming location launched by the country’s national film agency ICA – Instituto do Cinema e Audiovisual (Film and Audiovisual Institute), has unveiled its cash rebate systems to attract global filmmakers and productions at FOCUS 2018, Meeting Place for International Production.

    Now in its fourth year, FOCUS 2018 took place at the Business Design Centre, London between the 4th and 5th December to bring together industry professionals from across the creative industries including film, TV, advertising, animation and interactive. Attendees from over 60 countries attended the two-day trade event designed to present an opportunity for new inspiration for filming locations.

    Funded by the Portugal Tourism Board, the new filming incentive is in line with Portugal’s wider tourism strategy to drive investment and tourism towards the country. The film strategy complements Portugal’s recent booming tourism industry, business incentives and the roster of high-profile events such as the Web Summit.

    Since introducing the cash rebate in September of this year, Portugal has already received applications from 20+ projects applying for the scheme from countries as diverse as USA, Brazil, France, and India. Currently, 15 of these productions have already been approved with the others currently under evaluation from the respective governing body, resulting in a €25M investment in Portugal.

    The initiative has already seen several films shift production to the country, including Fatima (2015) by Italian director Marco Pontecorvo, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (2018) which was directed by US-born film director, Terry Gilliam and was the final film at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Next year will also see Frankie (formerly entitled A Family Vacation) which sees well-established actors and producers’ film in the country in time for its 2019 release. Previous films shot in Portugal include Bollywood film “Jab Harry Met Sejal”, and the American historical drama starring Academy Award winner Christian Bale “The Promise”.

    Ana Mendes Godinho, Secretary of State for Tourism for Portugal along with Antonio Padeira, Director of the Portuguese National Tourist Office and Maria Mineiro, Vice President of the Portuguese Film Institute, spoke at a special presentation introducing the #CantSkipFilmingInPortugal campaign and the competitive cash rebate incentive for filmmakers and productions.

    The rebate applies to film, television and VOD productions with the minimum Qualified Portuguese Production Expenses (QPPE) of €500,000.00 (around £436,373.00) for fiction and animation and €250,000.00 (around $218,171.00) for documentaries and post-production. The rebate rate is also determined by a cultural test that focuses on the project’s characteristics. In addition, film productions will have no shortage of access to skilled multi-lingual professionals with experience from both film and television, studio facilities and equipment in Lisbon and Porto, courtesy location scouting and co-production treaties with more than 50 countries including all Portuguese speaking countries.

    Speaking about the incentive, Ana Mendes Godinho, Secretary of State for Tourism for Portugal said, “We are happy to welcome you to Portugal to hear of your ideas for filming.” Highlighting Portugal’s advantages, she said, “We have just elected the Best Destination in The World at the World Travel Awards, and soon we will be the best filming location. We have learned from the mistakes and success of others, so we are in the best position. We needed to make it fast, so it takes only 20 days to approve the project and 30 to pay the rebate. We’ve set up a special fund belonging to the tourism board to guarantee payments.

    We’ve put in the commitment to make this work and Portugal has learned from the past and is ready to be in the forefront of your minds for the future.”

    Long hours of sunlight and 300 days of sunshine, a variety of locales ranging from the dramatic grandeur of the historic castles, cathedrals, and churches to the shimmering glass of modern buildings, and the natural wonder of the country’s mountains, forests, lagoons are some of the reasons film productions come to Portugal. Speaking about Portugal’s appeal as a filming location, Maria Mineiro, ICA’s Vice-President said, “Filmmakers can enjoy sunnier days which give them more time to film, as well as a variety of wide, and diverse scenery to enjoy. We have affordable prices compared to Europe and are a stable and safe country with English speaking staff.”

    Antonio Padeira, Director of the Portuguese National Tourist Office drew attention to Portugal’s benefits beyond film, highlighting the country’s culture, history and diversity, saying “Portugal has 1000 years of history, with palaces, Roman culture, exquisite buildings, the home of music in Porto, breath-taking landscapes, from valleys and lagoons to hills and the ocean.”

    Stationed on the FOCUS exhibition floor with a standout booth, Pic Portugal showed delegates the benefits of Portugal’s accessible locations and affordable cost of living. A Happy Hour networking event also took place, providing the opportunity for attendees to ask more questions about Portugal’s highlights as a filming destination and find out more about the country’s newly announced incentive system.

    Earlier this year, ten US producers and studio representatives, from Disney, HBO, Warner, Paramount, and other notable companies, visited several locations in Portugal in a visit arranged by Pic Portugal and VisitPortugal which proved to be a success as the country now looks to establish itself as a leader for film productions.

    The PicPortugal cash rebate incentive system is on a first-come-first-serve basis, with eligibility determined by a cultural test.

    For more information visit PicPortugal.
    #CantSkipFilmingInPortugal

  • International Wrestlers Return To Pakistan To #FightForPeace at Ring Of Pakistan Season 2K18 – Sterling Media

    International Wrestlers Return To Pakistan To #FightForPeace at Ring Of Pakistan Season 2K18 – Sterling Media

    • Ring of Pakistan Season 2k18 announced after success of first ever International Wrestling Tournament in Pakistan.
    • Over 20 International Wrestlers from around the world expected to be in attendance including Tiny Iron, Cyanide, Tango Tim Wylie and former WWE superstars Chris Masters and Tom La Ruffa, with American Performing Artist Jonny Loquato to host event.
    • Ring of Pakistan Season 2k18 is envisioned as a symbol of community cohesion and promotes peace and harmony through sport.
    • Following the success of Pakistan’s first International wrestling event across three cities, Pakistan’s official professional Wrestling promoters, the Ring of Pakistan has announced the launch of Ring of Pakistan Season 2k18. Founded with the aim of promoting professional wrestling in Pakistan and using the sport as an accelerator for encouraging peace, Ring of Pakistan represents an international-level platform for wrestling fans and athletes alike.The recently founded Ring of Pakistan’s multi-fold vision is to promote professional wrestling in Pakistan, to provide a platform to local athletes and enhance the international image and reputation of Pakistan through a sports-led brand strategy. Where there was previously no formal body to promote wrestling in Pakistan, Ring of Pakistan has achieved success, recognised by the Pakistan Sports Board and working in accordance with international standards to launch Pakistan’s first professional wrestling event.

      Last year’s inaugural wrestling event saw more than 20 international wrestlers come to Pakistan, including the likes of famous professional names including former WWE superstars Wade Barrett, and Carlito. This year Ring of Pakistan Season 2k18 is bigger and better, taking place at two shows over the course of a week in December, with even more international wrestlers taking part. The first show takes place at the KMC Sports Complex, Karachi on the 7th December, whilst the second show takes place in Alhamra Cultural Complex, Gaddafi, Lahore on the 9th December. Ring of Pakistan Season 2k18 will be the biggest sports entertainment event to be held in the history of Pakistan. The event will be hosted by American performing artist Jonny Loquato, who will also act as ring broadcaster and observer.

      Professional Wrestling is the most watched sport around the world, and has a sizable Pakistani audience, despite being a ‘western’ sport. Wrestling has a bigger social media presence in the country than any other sport, beating even Cricket. In addition, sports play a vital role in individuals’ social development, and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. This is why in addition to establishing a strong official platform for wrestling and reforming the sport industry in Pakistan, Ring of Pakistan’s brand strategy is to use professional wrestling as a means of highlighting modern Pakistan’s status as a peaceful and sports loving nation to the rest of the world.

      The event is a symbol of community cohesion and promotes peace and harmony within the country through sport. With opportunities and entertainment for young people lacking within Pakistan, particularly within deprived areas such as the tribal belt, they have previously been vulnerable to exploitation and radicalisation.

      By holding a truly international event in the country for a hugely popular sport like wrestling, Ring of Pakistan has been able to give confidence to young people and a sense of inclusion. Furthermore, Ring of Pakistan’s ultimate aim to work with schools to inspire local youth will help to create the next generation of athletes and secure Pakistan’s status abroad as a sporting nation.

      Speaking about the Ring of Pakistan, Imran Shah, Director said “We are very excited about the Ring of Pakistan hosting another international wrestling event this December. After the success of our inaugural event, it is clear that there is a huge appetite for professional wrestling within Pakistan, and we look forward to expanding this platform even further with an event that is even bigger and better than the first.

       As the most watched live sport in the world, we believe that professional wrestling is a uniquely powerful sport that can help to bring the nation together, and project the image of a sports-loving Pakistan around the world.”

      For further information on Ring of Pakistan and their wrestling-led brand strategy for Pakistan visit: https://rop.com.pk/

  • Pic Portugal Promotes Filming Opportunities & Benefits at FOCUS 2018

    Pic Portugal Promotes Filming Opportunities & Benefits at FOCUS 2018

    • Pic Portugal to emphasize the country’s appeal as a filming location, spotlighting its historic locales to lagoons with the #CantSkipFilmingInPortugal campaign

    • Portugal’s new cash rebate is one of the most competitive systems in Europe

    Pic Portugal, the brand responsible for the international promotion of Portugal as a filming location launched by the country’s national film agency ICA – Instituto do Cinema e Audiovisual (Film and Audiovisual Institute), has unveiled plans to present and highlight one of the most competitive film cash rebate systems in Europe to attract global filmmakers and productions at FOCUS 2018, Meeting Place for International Production, taking place at the Business Design Centre, London on the 4th-5th December.

    Funded by the Portugal Tourism Board, the new filming incentive is in line with Portugal’s wider tourism strategy to drive investment and tourism towards the country. The film strategy complements Portugal’s recent booming tourism industry, business incentives and a roster of high-profile events such as the Web Summit.

    Pic Portugal event at FOCUS 2018

    The rebate applies to film, television and VOD productions with the minimum Qualified Portuguese Production Expenses (QPPE) of €500,000.00 (around £436,373.00) for fiction and animation and €250,000.00 (around $218,171.00) for documentaries and post-production. The rebate rate is also determined by a cultural test that focuses on the project’s characteristics. In addition, film productions will have no shortage of access to skilled multi-lingual professionals with experience from both film and television, studio facilities and equipment in Lisbon and Porto, courtesy location scouting and co-production treaties with more than 50 countries including all Portuguese speaking countries.

    Now in its fourth year, FOCUS 2018 brings together industry professionals from across the creative industries including film, TV, advertising, animation and interactive. Attendees from over 60 countries will attend the two-day trade event which gives industry makers the chance to interact with content makers, film commissions, production services, and location providers. The event represents a key calendar event for location scouts and providers, presenting an opportunity for new inspiration for filming locations.

    At FOCUS, Pic Portugal seeks to emphasize Portugal’s appeal for productions as a filming location with the #CantSkipFilmingInPortugal campaign. Long hours of sunlight and 300 days of sunshine, a variety of locales ranging from the dramatic grandeur of the historic castles, cathedrals, and churches to the shimmering glass of modern buildings, and the natural wonder of the country’s mountains, forests, lagoons are some of the reasons film productions come to Portugal. Films shot in Portugal include the coproduction fantasy/drama, “The Man Who Killed Don Quixote”, Bollywood film “Jab Harry Met Sejal”, the American historical drama starring Academy Award winner Christian Bale “The Promise” and the upcoming American-French drama “A Family Vacation.”

    To highlight the advantages of filming in Portugal, Pic Portugal will be on the FOCUS exhibition floor with a standout booth. Attendees and delegates can also expect to discover the benefits of Portugal’s accessible locations and affordable cost of living. Pic Portugal will be hosting a Happy Hour event, which will showcase Portugal’s highlights as a filming destination and introduce the country’s newly announced incentive system. The rebate is set to be fully unveiled at a 3 pm session at FOCUS 2018, on the 4th December.

    Speaking about Portugal’s appeal as a filming location, Maria Mineiro, ICA’s Vice-President said, “We are delighted to be bringing Portugal to FOCUS 2018. Portugal has a world of opportunities and locations to offer filmmakers from around the world and we hope that more people will see that in greater detail at our booth.

    Our cash rebate system is one of the most attractive and competitive across Europe and we look forward to be the first port of call for producers in the future.”

    Visit the Portugal Booth at the Business Design Centre, London on the 4th-5th December

  • ‘Let’s Talk’ Event 2018 in Antalya Tackles Taboos Around Women’s Health

    ‘Let’s Talk’ Event 2018 in Antalya Tackles Taboos Around Women’s Health

    • The First Lady of Turkey, Emine Erdogan, joins the conversation at the Let’s Talk! awards evening and vows to continue her efforts to advance women’s rights in the country.
    • The global initiative led by Natalia Vodianova and UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, saw a plethora of thought leaders, change makers and policy shapers gather with the goal of galvanizing further progress on women’s health and gender equality.
    • ELBI co-founder, philanthropist, campaigner & model Natalia Vodianova announced an exciting new partnership with Flo Health, which would see significant funds raised for UNFPA to help educate women and girls in India.
    • Dr. Nagham Nawzat Hasan, a Yezidi activist and gynecologist from Iraq, and Adwoa Aboah, British Model and Activist, are among the on-ground changemakers from across the world honoured at glittering award ceremony.

    An ambitious new global initiative aimed at ending the stigma and taboos surrounding women’s health took place in Antalya, Turkey on the 25th and 26th of October. A crucial podium for discussion and innovation, the 2018 “Let’s Talk!” was hosted at the Maxx Royal Resorts Kemer.

    The two-day Davos style forum began with a keynote address by Natalia Vodianova, the supermodel activist, campaigner and founder of ELBI, to kick-start the event’s proceedings and usher in the agenda of the Let’s Talk! conversation. The event saw a number of key interactive discussions take place amongst panelists, special guests and key speakers from Fashion to Sport, Private Sector to Public Policy and Government, who announced their personal pledges for helping continue the Let’s Talk! movement, as they sought to delve into a range of critical issues including menstrual, reproductive and mental health.

    The panel discussions were followed by an awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of individuals at the forefront of tackling the taboos, with the guest of honour Her Excellency Emine Erdogan, the First Lady of Turkey. Awardees included Dr. Nagham Nawat Hasan, a Yezidi activist and gynecologist from Iraq, Adwoa Aboah, British Model and Activist, Anja Rubik, Model and Founder of SexEd PL and Dilek Sabanci on behalf of Special Olympics Turkey.
    Hosted by Natalia Vodianova, the initiative was powered by her digital charitable giving platform ELBI, and was held in partnership with UNFPA, the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency    , with the support of partners including Turkish Airlines, Maxx Royal Resorts and the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB).

    Opening the day’s event, Natalia Vodianova said: “This is an issue which needs to be addressed, not just from a political point of view, but from a societal standpoint. No matter which culture you are looking at, there are issues surrounding the attitudes towards women’s health. In India, 45% drop out of school in sixth grade due to their periods, and the attitudes are also damaging in Europe.

    I want no young girl around the world to feel ashamed of something so natural and I believe that the beginning of discussion can be the crucial vehicle for destroying the taboos. Every word has the power to be an empowering tool.”

    Alanna Armitage, UNFPA’s Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia said: “We are extremely proud to partner with Natalia Vodianova on this first global Let’s Talk! event. It has been a resounding success: we heard incredible stories of bravery and creativity that serve as inspiration for others. We have made connections that will spark new initiatives for change. And we are grateful for the many concrete pledges for follow-up action participants made. I’m delighted that Let’s Talk! has become such an important component of the growing global movement to dismantle taboos and stigma around women’s health and enable women and girls to shape their lives free from discrimination, fear, and shame.”

    9.30am – 5.30pm Friday, 26th October 2018 Let’s Talk! Panel Discussions
    Panel One – The Role of Government & Civil Society in Changing how we View Stigma

    Let's Talk 2018 - Panel One

    The day of panels began shortly after Natalia’s opening remarks, starting with a discussion on the role of government and civil society in changing the way we view stigmas of women’s health.

    Hosted by Canadian model, CEO of WomenOne and advisor to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Dayle Haddon, the panel brought together a group of health specialists, activists and government officials. Activist and model Anja Rubik, Health Science Professor Dr. Zeynep Simsek, Assistant Minister for Health in Serbia Dr Danijela Urosevic, Director Institute of Women’s Studies, Arab World, Lebanese American University, Lina Abirafeh, world-renowned surgeon and founder of the Endo Foundation Dr. Tamer Sekin, Executive Director of the association ROMA S.O.S, Nesime Salioska and UNFPA India’s Dr. Nilesh Deshpande were present on the panel.

    Dr. Nilesh Deshpande shared how he would progress the Let’s Talk! cause. He said, “I vow to set up many self-sustaining units to promote public health and raise awareness of women’s health issues across India. It is my duty to help girls and educate them in menstrual health by providing vital access to products.”

    Anja Rubik talked about her fight against taboo in her native Poland with her #SEXEDPL campaign. She said, “I was once shunned by the church and the government for my efforts to promote awareness surrounding women’s health. Now I am giving 1,000 of my best-selling books to teachers in Poland to engage with how schools are educating children on sexual education.”

    Panel Two – We Need to Talk! Shifting the Narrative on Stigma and Taboos via Media and the Private Sector

    Let's Talk 2018 - Panel Two

    The second panel of the day was hosted by Africa50 Infrastructure Fund’s Carole Wainaina – who welcomed Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Turkey, Seda Domanic; Sevda Alkan of Sabanci University Corporate Governance Forum, Dean of Fashion at Parson’s School of Design New York, Burak Cakmak; Senior Editor at The Economist Anne McElvoy; Head of Company Communications at P&G Turkey Ayca Turgay; Chief of Private Sector Partnership Branch for UNFPA New York Mariarosa Cutillo and Chief Science Officer for Flo Health Inc. Anna Klepchukova.

    Moderator Carole Wainaina highlighted the need to “make the uncomfortable comfortable”, stating her belief that “if stories have shaped taboos, they can reshape them too.”

    Mariaosa Cutillo discussed the need to stop taboos from holding back young girls. She said, “We need to invest in the 10-year-old girl. It is the 10-year-old girl who will save the world.”

    Other panelists shared their own personal stories of meeting stigma and taboo. Sevda Alkan spoke of meeting women in rural villages around Europe who did not know enough about their rights, whilst Anna Klepchukova highlighted the fact that as a girl, friends would come to her for knowledge on sexuality education because they wouldn’t get this information from their parents or teachers.

    P&G’s Ayca Turgay also drew attention to the power of media and messages, spotlighting a recent P&G campaign. She said, “Before the campaign, only 19% of young women and girls associated with being a girl with positive attitudes. After our campaign that rose to 76%.”

    Panel Three – GURLS Talk

    Let's Talk 2018, Panel Three – GURLS Talk

    Women’s rights activist and founder of GURLS Talk, Adwoa Aboah brought her highly influential and respected forum ‘GURLS Talk’ to Antalya, where she looked to assess the pressures and mental struggles for young women of today’s society. During a highly interactive and insightful panel, Iraqi Social activist and youth advocate Anmar Khalid, women’s rights activist Jeta Berisha from Kosovo (UNSCR 1244), Dr. Kathryn Abel and her daughter, expert through experience, Auden Edwardes discussed the stigma associated with girls’ health, including mental health.

    Adwoa Aboah stressed the importance of talking, saying that “We need to educate our children, our society and each other by sharing stories and supporting each other”.

    Anmar Khalid also highlighted how the right environment is key for breaking down stigma. He said, “We need to create an environment and community space, where it is encouraged to talk about sexual and mental health, and fight for it. In Iraq, many have often felt fear of the consequences of discussing such taboos.”

    Jeta Berisha highlighted the high cost of breaking taboos, however, saying that “I defied my family as my first major move. I lost a lot of people in my life, but it is for a greater good. I knew I had to. I was too passionate.”

    Professor Kathryn Abel also commented on how these issues are subjected to stigma from the medical profession. She said, “The combination with sexual and mental health is often avoided but most relevant. The lack of sympathy and understanding within medicine is heavily contributing to the disempowerment of women.”

    Panel Four – It’s Not Fair Play. The Role of Sport in Reducing Inequality and Discrimination on and off the Pitch

    Let's Talk 2018 - Panel Four

    The final panel of the day saw figures in the world of sport assess the role of sport in reducing inequality and discrimination on and off the pitch as part of their commitment to tackling the worldwide taboos of women’s and mental health. Hosted by David Evangelista, President of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, the panel also featured Yuri Sviridov, Marketing & Communications Department Director, FC Shakhtar Donetsk, Mario Leo of Result Sports Company, Friederike Karcher, Head of Division, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and Ozlem Kaymaz, Sportswoman and Miss Turkey 1992.

    David Evangelista opened the panel, highlighting how “Every sport is an equaliser.”

    Friederike Karcher agreed, discussing the versatility of sport in tackling a range of issues. She said, “There are many topics that you can play very well through sport.”

    Yuri Sviridov discussed how FC Shakhtar Donetsk are helping to break down taboos in the sport. He revealed the surprising figures that only 5000 girls play football in Ukraine compared to 1million in the UK and 9million in the USA. He said, “We take the opportunity to promote gender equality and girls in football” and committed to creating a Shakhtar Donetsk women’s team.

    Mario Leo also cautioned against bringing expertise into countries without giving them the proper tools for continuous improvement and development. He said, “Power needs to be unlocked from within.”

    Ozlem Kaymaz signified the power of sport, stating “Sport made me who I am today.” Praising its universal language, she said “Sport is the only field in which you can get out there and practice what has been discussed at Let’s Talk! today.”

    Discussing the event, Alanna Armitage, UNFPA’s Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said: “We’ve highlighted that we live in difficult times. We’ve agreed that government is essential for tackling stigma in society. We’ve seen that media has created stigmas but is also driving progress in breaking them down. We’ve also seen that we need to do more to protect those who protect others from stigma.” Thanking host Natalia Vodianova, she also pledged UNFPA’s commitment to continue to support the Let’s Talk! campaign.

    Natalia Vodianova closed the day panels with the announcement of a new partnership between Let’s Talk! and Flo Health, which would give UNFPA access to funds raised from the 40 million Flo community to help educate women and girls in India about their health and access to menstrual hygiene products.

    WOMEN’S HEALTH TABOOS SMASHED WITH NEW PLEDGES & PARTNERSHIPS AT 2018 “LET’S TALK!” PANEL & AWARDS CEREMONY

    Let's Talk 2018 - Adwoa-Natalia-Anja

    The evening concluded with a glittering awards ceremony in the presence of Her Excellency Emine Erdogan, the First Lady of Turkey, to celebrate and commemorate the inspirational activists and campaigners from across the world working towards women’s health and rights across the world.

    Speaking about her commitment to her work in tackling women’s rights issues including early and forced marriages, Her Excellency Emine Erdogan, the First Lady of Turkey said: “Issues such as early marriage and female genital mutilation are harming the dignity of humanity. The health of women cannot be separated from human rights.”

    Gracing the occasion was also Natalia Kanem, UNFPA’s Executive Director. She said: “How proud we are to partner with Natalia on the Let’s Talk! a campaign, which contributes to the culture shift towards full gender equality that we need to bring it all together. Thank you, Natalia, for using your phenomenal influence to make it all happen!”

    On collecting her award, Adwoa Aboah, activist, model and founder of GURLS Talk said: “It’s vital that we keep coming together to have these conversations.”

    Join the conversation!
    #LetsTalkAboutIt

  • STERLING MEDIA’S GLOBAL CEO NATASHA MUDHAR DISCUSSES WORKPLACE DIVERSITY

    STERLING MEDIA’S GLOBAL CEO NATASHA MUDHAR DISCUSSES WORKPLACE DIVERSITY

    By Natasha Mudhar

    As a business owner myself, I hugely appreciate the importance of diversity within the workplace – this fosters motivation, which in turn encourages creativity and productivity. In addition, an equal environment makes employees feel comfortable and secure in their jobs, which will only mean positive things for the workplace. At global communications experts Sterling Media, one of the leading brand strategy and advertising agencies in London we pride ourselves in being a diverse company, with equality taking a prized place in our values.

    Be it through unconscious bias or simple scepticism, employers from all backgrounds too often find reasons not to diversify their workforce and can even be dismissive of the companies that do. As a result, we are finding today a great deal of underemployed and untapped talent who have yet to be given the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Being one of the premier brand strategy and global advertising agencies we find diversity such a key facet of Sterling Media’s DNA.

    Our approach and attitude to our work is built on open-mindedness, and our best successes have been achieved when we call upon the diversity of thought within our own workplace. This is often something which is overlooked by many sectors, as diversity quotas often focus on outward physical differences, rather than the variety of cultural and skill-based experiences that a diverse team can provide a business. A truly diverse workforce goes even further than that, and an open-minded approach means being willing to pull upon people of all levels of ability. At Sterling Media, we’ve built a global communications environment that utilises the strengths of all our employees, regardless of any personal challenges they may have.

    Diversity has no limitations – it encompasses a range of elements, be it gender, race, ethnicity or age. A diverse environment enriches an organisation by enabling for an interaction of ideas. This is especially relevant for an international global communications business and advertising agency like ours, which engages with a global audience. We operate with an international team from countries including Switzerland, Netherlands, India, Jamaica, Italy and not to mention the UK. That’s our secret to brand strategy success.

    Miss Natasha Mudhar, Global CEO, Sterling Media, the global business and communications consultancy, bringing brands, individuals and companies closer to their purpose.

  • “LET’S TALK!” – PHILANTHROPIST, CAMPAIGNER & SUPERMODEL NATALIA VODIANOVA JOINS UNFPA TO LEAD GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM ON TACKLING TABOOS AND EMPOWERING WOMEN

    “LET’S TALK!” – PHILANTHROPIST, CAMPAIGNER & SUPERMODEL NATALIA VODIANOVA JOINS UNFPA TO LEAD GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM ON TACKLING TABOOS AND EMPOWERING WOMEN

    • The 2018 “Let’s Talk!” event will convene thought leaders, influencers, activists and global policymakers who are challenging women’s health taboos with the goal of galvanizing further progress on women’s health and gender equality.

     

    • The two-day event is powered by the charitable giving platform ELBI and will run in partnership with UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. The event will comprise a Davos-style forum with high profile speakers and an awards ceremony to recognise the outstanding endeavours of change makers fighting globally for women’s health, choices and rights.

     

    • ELBI co-founder, philanthropist, campaigner & model Natalia Vodianova will host the event and bring together a number of special guests.

     

     

    An ambitious new global initiative is launching to end the stigma and taboos around women’s health by providing a crucial podium for discussion and innovation – “Let’s Talk!” 2018 will take place on 25th-26th October 2018 at the Maxx Royal Resorts Kemer in Antalya, Turkey.

    The two-day event has been developed with the ambition of creating an open platform to discuss issues such as the impact of societal taboos on sexual and reproductive health and women’s equality. The occasion will also celebrate and support the people and companies who are at the forefront of changing social norms based on rights, equality and inclusiveness.

    Hosted by philanthropist, campaigner and model Natalia Vodianova, the initiative is powered by her digital charitable giving platform ELBI, and will be held in partnership with UNFPA, the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency. The event will take place with the support of partners including Turkish Airlines, Maxx Royal Resorts and the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB).

    Stigma and taboos around women’s health are pervasive in most societies and their effects have serious negative consequences, sometimes putting lives at risk. Taboos around menstruation, for example, can lead to women not having access to hygiene products, being deterred from taking part in school or sports activities, and risking infections and other complications.

    Taboos around health education can also lead to young people not knowing how to protect themselves from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, or early pregnancy. Stigmas around the sexual and reproductive health of persons with disabilities can lead to a lack of adequate maternal health services, and fear of repercussions for talking about domestic violence can result in women not seeking help despite being in an abusive relationship.

    The event will commence with a networking reception on the 25th October and continue with a day-long forum on the 26th October, convening a series of global guests and influencers who share the common goal of removing the obstacles which currently prevent women from the prospect of a healthy future. The select group of courageous policy makers, influencers, entrepreneurs and activists will join Natalia to share and build on their ideas and innovations aimed at improving the lives of millions of women.

    In the evening of 26th October, a special awards night will recognise outstanding achievements in combating taboos and stigmas around women’s health. This ceremony will celebrate some of the world’s most pioneering and progressive minds in the fight to empower women from all corners of the globe. From patrons of the battle against domestic violence to beacons of hope in the education of menstrual hygiene, the MAXX ROYAL Let’s Talk About It Awards will provide recognition for their inspirational endeavours. The event will be streamed live on Elbi and UNFPA social media channels, and viewers will be able to donate to UNFPA causes throughout the stream and through Elbi’s App.

    Speaking about the 2018 “Let’s Talk!” event, Elbi founder Natalia Vodianova said: “I am very proud to be launching the “Let’s Talk!” initiative with ELBI and our partner UNFPA. A year ago, I began holding conversations with friends and colleagues about the taboos around periods and am so excited to broaden this conversation and bring it to a global level.

     Too often women’s health issues go unheard and unnoticed because of unwarranted stigmas and taboos which have let far too many women down for generations. Now is the time to take a stand and begin to make strides in liberating women around the world, opening new doors and providing fresh opportunities. The changes we make now can help shape the destiny of future generations.

    The event also represents an opportunity to acknowledge and recognize activists and advocates, who are making real progress for women’s health around the world, for their achievements.”

    Discussing the event, Alanna Armitage, UNFPA’s Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said: “We are excited to partner with Natalia and ELBI on breaking the stigma and taboos that still surround women’s health. Any lasting change requires a cultural shift, and this is why engaging influencers and innovators is so important.

     The “Let’s Talk!” initiative provides an excellent platform to bring together change makers from across society — governments, private sector, civil society, celebrities — and share and celebrate their successes in creating a world where women can exercise their right to health and well-being without discrimination, stigma or taboo.”

     

     

  • A NEW ERA FOR UK-SAUDI ARABIA RELATIONS WITH FRIENDLY POLO MATCH AND FIRST INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON SAUDI VISION 2030 AT BMG SUMMER RETREAT

    A NEW ERA FOR UK-SAUDI ARABIA RELATIONS WITH FRIENDLY POLO MATCH AND FIRST INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON SAUDI VISION 2030 AT BMG SUMMER RETREAT

    • Investment opportunities presented by Saudi Arabia discussed at Forum
    • Prince William leads BMG Financial Polo-team to victory in friendly UK-Saudi match.
    • Basil Al Ghalayini, CEO of BMG Financial Group, hails “a new era for Saudi Arabia.”
    • BMG Economic Forum marks the first major international Economic Forum focused on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
    • The BMG Summer Retreat includes two events; the Economic Forum on July 11th at the London Stock Exchange & BMG Foundation Polo Cup at Cambridge Polo & Country Club on the 12th.

     

    The first major international economic forum focused on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 took place in London this week at the BMG Economic Forum. Taking place at the London Stock Exchange, the event saw key figures in business and finance convene to discuss the wealth of opportunity available in Saudi Arabia.

    The BMG Financial Group is licensed by the Saudi Capital Market Authority to offer financial services including investment banking and advisory research to clients. BMG provides corporate advisory services to medium and large business clients on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, initial public offerings and more. The company has a wealth of experience across sectors including insurance, real estate, retail, telecommunication, oil & gas, aviation and consumer finance.

    Donald Brydon, Chairman, London Stock Exchange Group
    Donald Brydon, Chairman, London Stock Exchange Group

    The forum’s opening speech was delivered by Donald Brydon, Chairman, London Stock Exchange Group, who hailed Saudi Arabia’s forward thinking leadership, and highlighted the country’s investment in SMEs, saying “The London Stock Exchange is committed to being strategic partner with the Kingdom to help deliver the Saudi Vision 2030 and beyond.”

    Highlights of the Forum included a variety of panels including the Business and Financial Environment in Saudi Arabia, Investments in the UK post BREXIT and Wealth Management panel.

    Speaking about the BMG Economic Forum, CEO of BMG Financial Group, Basil Al Ghalayini, said “This is a new era for Saudi Arabia. An era of great opportunities coupled with great challenges.” He added, “Through this forum today, I am sure we can highlight these opportunities and learn how to manage these challenges.”

    CEO of BMG Financial Group & Basil Al Ghalayini
    CEO of BMG Financial Group, Basil Al Ghalayini receives the plaque of London Exchange Opening from Robert Barnes

     The Economic Forum formed the first part of BMG’s Summer Retreat which was followed the net day by the 22nd BMG Polo Cup, organised by the BMG Foundation. The BMG Foundation has been bridging East and West through sport, music and art for over 20 years. The vision of the Foundation is to transcend differences through the common language of culture. Taking place at Cambridge Polo & Country Club, the BMG Polo Cup is considered the oldest joint Saudi-British charitable social and diplomatic event.

     

    The 22nd BMG Polo Cup on Thursday saw a friendly polo match between a BMG Financial team captained by HRH The Duke of Cambridge Prince William and featuring John Steven Ziegler, Jaime Huidobro and Amr Zedan, against a team representing the Cambridge Polo County Club led by Charlie Wright, featuring Hugo Taylor, Hissam Ali Hyder and Jasper Upton.

     

    The BMG GCC Polo Cup was born of a conversation between HRH The Prince of Wales and Basil Al Ghalayini, the Chairman of BMG Foundation, in the 1990s. In response to the need for closer and more significant cultural and sporting interactions between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, Basil Al Ghalayini worked to create a platform to facilitate this, whilst simultaneously supporting the most worthy of causes.

     

    The riveting match saw Prince William lead his team to victory with a score of 10 to the Cambridge club’s 8. Following the match, both teams received mementos from Prince Sultan Khalid Alfaisal Alsaud and Chairman of the BMG Foundation Basil Al Ghalayini who praised the exciting match, saying “It had the highest amount of goals in a match in the event’s history, and Prince William and Saudi polo star Amr Zedan played very well.”

     

    Underlying the whole event was charitable giving. In addition to The Duke of Cambridge Prince William’s charities, the Summer Retreat supports BMG Foundation’s key charitable initiatives, including the Foundation’s Safe Driving, Water Conservation and Health Awareness campaigns. The annual Polo Cup has raised millions for charity.

     

     

  • ‘Chain Of Niine’ To Shackle Period Taboo at the Niine Menstrual Awareness Conclave

    ‘Chain Of Niine’ To Shackle Period Taboo at the Niine Menstrual Awareness Conclave

    • High level panels featuring actress Shabana Azmi, Member of Parliament Meenakshi Lekhi, Avinash Kumar, Director Programme and Policy, WaterAid India, Dr Jennifer Butler Deputy Regional Director,United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and more voice their support for greater action against the period taboo.
    • Megastar Akshay Kumar turns rock star as he sings about Menstrual Hygiene Awareness and honours Pad Heroes from across India for their work.
    • Attendees pledge their support for the Chain of Niine and to be a part of the Pad Man Army to break the period taboo.
    • To mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day, megastar Akshay Kumar and a host of activists, politicians, advocates and national change-makers came together to launch the Niine Movement, an ambitious five-year plan aimed at tackling the taboos surrounding menstruation.  With the announcement of the Chain of Niine at the inaugural Niine Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Conclave in New Delhi, India, the nation-wide movement aims to raise awareness on the importance of menstrual hygiene across the country. The Menstrual Awareness Conclave saw renowned film personalities, academics, policymakers, government officials, activists, medical experts, business stalwarts, NGOs, and thought-leaders,  convene to discuss the impact that stigma and taboos have had on menstruation, and which have held girls and women back for centuries from achieving their potential and living a life of respect and dignity. Supported by Television Partner and leading Hindi news channel News18 India, and online partner Firstpost, the Menstrual Awareness Conclave saw two keynote panels take place providing an essential platform for collaboration, innovation and cooperation as panelists discussed sustainable solutions for tackling menstrual issues across India.

    Akshay Kumar with Parveen Sheikh - THE NIINE MENSTRUAL AWARENESS CONCLAVE

    • Indian superstar Akshay Kumar, who’s most recent award winning film Pad Man tackled the issue of menstrual taboo, recently began his support of the Niine Movement with the launch of the nationwide campaign #18to82 to bridge the gap between the minority that are able to adopt hygienic practices and the large majority who are not able to make an informed choice in these matters.As one of India’s most respected and reputed social change and women’s empowerment advocates, Akshay Kumar took to the stage to interact with the audience, sharing never before heard experiences of his time filming Pad Man and explaining why he was so compelled to not only star but produce a film on periods.In one of the most memorable moments of the conclave, he also performed a rock anthem about menstrual hygiene entitled ‘Let’s Talk About Periods’, which encapsulated the enclave’s strong message on breaking the menstrual taboo and starting a discussion around.

    Akshay Kumar performing - Niine Movement

    • As part of the Niine Movement’s commitment to educate and raise awareness of menstruation across all genders and age groups, Akshay Kumar also spotlighted the work of menstrual hygiene champions – Pad Heroes – from across India. These Pad Heroes from a variety of backgrounds shared their extraordinary efforts to improve menstrual hygiene awareness in their local communities, and were presented with 5 Lacs by Akshay Kumar on behalf of the Niine Movement to support their continuing work.Speaking about his support of the Menstrual Awareness Conclave, Akshay Kumar earlier said: “The Niine Menstrual Awareness Conclave is a crucial assembly of minds, influencers and menstrual awareness champions – convening under one roof with the common goal of tackling the urgent issues, taboos and stigmas associated with menstrual health and hygiene. We, as a collective society, can only implement change once we initiate discussion, and the conclave on International Menstrual Hygiene Day is a fitting platform for us to truly empower a nation of women. Together we can ensure that every woman and girl has the right to manage her period safely and with dignity.”The Menstrual Awareness Conclave also featured two high-level panels engaging prominent and expert panellists. The first panel was Chaired and Moderated by Poonam Muttreja, the Executive Director of the Population Foundation of India (PFI), which has been at the forefront of policy advocacy and research on gender, population, health and development issues in India. With taboos surrounding menstruation preventing women and girls from achieving empowerment, respect and dignity for centuries, the first panel delved deep into the socially constructed origin of the menstrual stigma and the physical impact this can have on girls and women, in particular reproductive and urinary tract infections. If neglected, these infections can have long term consequences including increased vulnerability to other infections and in extreme cases can leave women vulnerable to infertility.Poonam Muttreja spoke to eminent panellists focusing on the importance of menstrual hygiene management awareness and practice and the work already being conducted on ground to tackle the issues and address the barriers. Some of the panelists included film actor and women’s rights activist Shabana Azmi, Avinash Kumar, Director Programme and Policy, WaterAid India, an NGO which aims to transform the lives of the poorest and most marginalised people by improving access to WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services, Nishtha Satyam, Deputy Representative, UN Women India MCO, Meenakshi Lekhi, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from New Delhi Constituency, BJP National Spokeswoman, Supreme Court lawyer and socio-political activist and Dr. Jaideep Malhotra, President of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI).Voicing her support to the Niine Movement, and calling for a nationwide action, Shabana Azmi said: “In a country where 70% women suffer reproductive illness due to unhygienic methods of handling menstruation, not only free-pads distribution but, a series of efforts taken on the individual and community level can only help uprooting the cause. It requires a change in mind-set, breaking of taboos surrounding menstruation talks and creating platforms for more open conversations through workshops and awareness programmes. There is also a need to offer encouragement to social entrepreneurs working towards menstruation issues.”
    • Agreeing with Shabana Azmi, Meenakshi Lekhi, Member of Parliament also emphasised the need to approach the societal issue with a scientific lens, and said: “Issues around menstruation are not really related to patriarchy but deals with a mindset and that needs to be changed in a scientific way. We should rather focus on usages of organic and biodegradable pads than simply using a random pad made of plastic which eventually will harm our eco-system and food chain. Scientific and eco-friendly methods of making pads should be encouraged.”According to UNESCO, 20% of girls drop out of school upon reaching puberty the second, most common cause of absenteeism after household work. The second panel will focus on the safety and security of girls after they reach puberty in the school environment, an important concern for girls and their families that needs to be addressed in building a healthy ecosystem in which girls and women feel empowered to make healthy choices with respect to menstruation.Chaired and Moderated by activist and the Regional Coordinator, India of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Shivani Wazir Pasrich, the panel featured educationists and menstrual hygiene management experts to discuss the challenges within the education sector, which included the need for separate toilets for boys and girls with access to clean water, and the importance of advocating for better menstrual health practices at schools. The panelists included Dr Bindu Rana, CEO and Founder of Millennium Education Management, the largest education company in India, veteran educationist Lata Vaidyanathan, Director, TERI Prakriti School, woman empowerment champion Raseel Gujral and Dr. Jennifer Butler, Deputy Regional Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Asia Pacific and OIC UNFPA India and Bhutan. UNFPA has been assisting the Government of India in addressing adolescent health concerns, improving access to life skills education and health services, strengthening delivery of SRH services and advancing reproductive health and rights and preventing gender discrimination and harmful practices.The Niine Movement and Niine Menstrual Awareness Conclave were conceived by social entrepreneur Amar Tulsiyan. Speaking about the launch, founder Amar Tulsiyan said: “Niine signifies the Nine months of beautiful journey towards motherhood which can only take off after periods. Menstruation is a divine boon of nature which should be celebrated and not be ashamed of. This is where the core philosophy of the campaign rests upon. “ With regards to the taboo surrounding menstruation, he added: “Menstrual hygiene awareness is an issue that is severely under-represented in this country, as demonstrated by the amount of women who still do not use proper menstrual hygiene products to manage their periods. Even amongst the 18%, they lack awareness of the importance of using clean sanitary napkins and not to reuse the product, which is why as part of our theory of change, we need to enrol existing menstrual hygiene product users and those who don’t in a supportive, taboo free environment to create an open forum for discussion and deliberation. With Niine’s Menstrual Awareness Conclave, I am hopeful that we can inspire and motivate everyone to support the cause as I believe that we can all make a difference and break the taboo around menstruation by talking, educating and collaborating. That’s what the Niine Movement is all about. ” 

      Team Niine - LR-Gaurav Bathwal, Sharat Khemka, Akshay Kumar, Amar Tulsiyan

    • The Niine Movement is supported by Jagran Pehal and Radio City.For further information on the Niine Movement or to join, log onto www.niine.com
  • CWEIC 2018 – Encourages Gender Equality and Female Empowerment in Business.

    CWEIC 2018 – Encourages Gender Equality and Female Empowerment in Business.

    The CWEIC is proud to promote and encourage gender equality and female empowerment in business and this year’s Commonwealth Business Forum will include dedicated sessions to tackling these issues.

    The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), an organisation facilitating trade and investment throughout the 53 states of the Commonwealth, is today announcing a round of leading businesswomen as speakers for the 2018 Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF).

    All speakers at the Forum are personally invited by Lord Marland of Odstock, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, and are considered to be leaders in their chosen field. One of the key themes of CBF 2018 will be economic empowerment, and this announcement coincides with International Women’s Day, which celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

    Approximately 70 senior business leaders and decision makers have been confirmed to speak at CBF 2018, including a number of leading female CEOs, founders, and representatives from global organisations. The speakers not only represent a diverse range of industries within the Commonwealth but are all outstanding examples of women who are at the forefront of their field.

    Confirmed speakers include:

    • Amy Jadesimi, a Nigerian physician, businesswomen, and entrepreneur who serves as the CEO of Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL), a state-of-the-art logistics and engineering facility located within the Port of Lagos in Nigeria.
    • Jessica Ground, Global Head of Stewardship at Schroders, the British multinational asset management company, and is a board member for the Investor Forum CIC. Schroders is also Strategic Partners of CWEIC.
    • Amali De Awalis, the CEO of Code First: Girls, and also one of CWEIC’s commonwealth first Mentors. Code First: Girls is a multi-award-winning social enterprise aiming to increase the number of women in tech.
    • Australian-born Leanne Kemp, CEO of Everledger, a digital global ledger that tracks and protects items of value, which is leading the market in the real-world application of blockchain technology. Everledger is a commonwealth first Export Champion.
    • Geetha Muralidhar is Chair and Managing Director of Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India, and also serves as the Managing Trustee of National Export Insurance Account Trust, set up by the Government of India.
    • Professor Ngaire Woods, the founding Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government and Professor of Global Economic Governance at Oxford University.
    • New Zealander Kate Brown, Executive Director of the Global Island Partnership, a platform that enables island leaders and their supporters to act to build resilient and sustainable island communities.
    • Julia Deans who leads Futurpreneur Canada, a national non-profit organization that has helped more than 10,000 18-39-year-olds launch start-ups with its business coaching, financing, mentoring and other resources.
    • Margaret Doyle, Partner, and Head of Clients & Markets, Financial Services and Real Estate at Deloitte. She has also covered business and finance for a range of news organisations including The Daily Telegraph, The Economist and the BBC among many others.
    • Dr. Sania Nishtar, a Pakistani cardiologist, author, and activist. A former Federal Minister for the Government of Pakistan, Dr. Nishtar is the founder and president of NGO Heartfile and Co-chair of the WHO High-Level Commission on NCDs.
    • Natasha Mudhar, CEO and Managing Director of Sterling Media, an award-winning global communications consultancy. Sterling Media has offices in London, Mumbai, and Delhi.
    • Singapore based Agnes Hugot, Co-Founder of Cites Gestion, and CEO of Fast Track Trade – a digital marketplace connecting SMEs across South-East Asia.

    Phyllis Muscat was Chair of the CHOGM 2015 Taskforce and convened the first-ever Commonwealth Women’s Forum. Phyllis sits on the Board of the CWEIC. Commenting on today’s announcement she said:

    “The Commonwealth is a fantastic network for promoting the empowerment of women across the world. As Chair of the CHOGM 2015 taskforce in Malta I worked with the Prime Minister of Malta to include a Commonwealth Women’s Forum in the CHOGM agenda for the first time, and as Chair in Office of the Commonwealth, the Government of Malta has continued to push for the promotion of women in business across the Commonwealth.  The Commonwealth Business Forum is an important opportunity to not only promote intra-Commonwealth trade and investment but also to advance the agenda as it affects women and girls across the member states. The economic empowerment of women is crucial to our agenda at CWEIC, so to have such a strong selection of important and influential women speaking and leading sessions at the Forum is fantastic. I was proud to convene the first ever Commonwealth Women’s Forum in Malta in 2015 and I am delighted to see the theme of economic empowerment taking center stage at CBF 2018.”

    The CBF will be organised alongside the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), set to take place in April 2018 in London, for the first time in 20 years.

    With the Commonwealth’s cumulative population standing at 2.4 billion, the combined GDP of the Commonwealth nations is set to reach US$14 trillion by 2020. Intra-Commonwealth trade, which was estimated to be worth $525 billion in 2015, is projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2020. CWEIC’s ambition is to encourage and grow intra-Commonwealth trade and investment and assist member organisations in developing high-quality trade and investment opportunities.

    The CBF is an invitation-only event that will convene 800 senior business leaders with approximately 30 Heads of Government across three iconic Central London venues.

  • CWEIC welcomes The Gambia’s return to the Commonwealth – Sterling Media

    CWEIC welcomes The Gambia’s return to the Commonwealth – Sterling Media

    • The Gambia re-joined the Commonwealth on 8th February 2018 after their application was unanimously supported by the other 52-member states.
    • President Adama Barrow has been invited to attend the Commonwealth Business Forum organised alongside the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
    • CWEIC believes The Gambia has great potential for economic growth and prosperity and is a welcome addition to the Commonwealth network.
    • The shared values, regulatory systems and language, makes trade costs on average 19% lower between the 53 Commonwealth countries.

    Just 9 weeks before the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) comes to the UK for the first time, The Gambia has re-joined the Commonwealth.

    The Chairman of the CWEIC, Lord Marland, has welcomed The Gambia’s return to the Commonwealth and has invited the President Adama Barrow to give a keynote address at the Commonwealth Business Forum and lead a delegation of Gambian businesses. The invitation only Forum will attract over 800 senior business and Government leaders from across the Commonwealth.

    Participants in CBF will explore how businesses can maximise the opportunities presented by the Commonwealth Factor, which estimates that trade costs are on average 19% lower between Commonwealth countries due to the shared values, regulatory systems and language.

    Commenting on The Gambia’s return to the Commonwealth CWEIC Chairman, Lord Marland of Odstock said: “I am delighted that in the months before the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the 11th Commonwealth Business Forum the Commonwealth is expanding its membership. The Gambia has a rich heritage and deep-rooted links with the Commonwealth, and I am very much looking forward to working with them to increase trade and investment across the Commonwealth. I would be delighted if President Barrow were to agree to give a keynote address at the Forum and lead a delegation of Gambian business”.

    Intra-Commonwealth trade, which was estimated to be worth $525 billion in 2015, is projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2020. CWEIC’s ambition is to encourage and grow intra-Commonwealth trade and investment and assist member organisations in developing high quality trade and investment opportunities.

    The CWEIC is also due to announce the first round of confirmed speakers for the CBF. All speakers at the Forum have personally been invited by Lord Marland of Odstock, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, and are considered to be leaders in their chosen field.

     

  • LONDON’S FIRST BARRE CLASS ON ICE – Sterling Media

    LONDON’S FIRST BARRE CLASS ON ICE – Sterling Media

    Ice Rink Canary Wharf and luxury D&D restaurant, Plateau, have announced an exciting collaboration with the explosive new fitness brand DEFINE.London, to bring a barre class to the ice, followed by a plant-based Botanical Brunch on the 3rd February.

    The event will see DEFINE.London founder, Ashley Verma, take to the ice to lead an hour-long session at Ice Rink Canary Wharf later this month. The class, which will take place under the emphatic Canary Wharf skyline, will be followed by a well-earned Botanical Brunch, courtesy of luxury French restaurant Plateau.

    Former American Broadway actress, Ashley Verma, will be welcoming people to the ice to take part in a class made up of two 30-minute sessions, on yoga mats (without the need for ice skates!). The first of the sessions will be comprised of a half hour barre-based full body workout, incorporating a combination of postures inspired by ballet and other challenging fitness disciplines. Guests should be prepared for a head-to-toe body blazing session combining an intense mix of isometric moves, thigh and glute sequences, chiselling arm and abdominal moves, and elongating stretches throughout the class – all aimed at increasing strength and flexibility.

    The second session will be a relaxing 30-minute stretch class to help increase muscle control, flexibility and range to ultimately allow muscles to recover, all whilst taking in the spectacular scenery of the ice rink, fairy-lit trees and towering buildings around Canada Square Park.

    After the session, Ashley will be hosting the group at the D&D London restaurant, Plateau, for the restaurant’s recently launched Botanical Brunch. The menu offers a supreme concoction of brunch classics with the addition of new vegan dishes including Crushed avocado on sourdough toast; Buckwheat galette with spinach and salsify; Beetroot tagliatelle, smoked beetroots topped with toasted pine nuts; and Almond milk ‘riz au lait’ for dessert. Guests will be welcomed by a cocktail of Tanqueray botanical gin and FeverTree’s Indian tonic, or a choice of Seedlip mocktails including the Garden Mojito or Hibiscus & Elderflower spritz.

    The collaboration is part of D&D London’s Mindful City campaign, a series of activities and events throughout January and February focusing on wellness and fitness for the body and soul, together with the launch of Plateau’s botanical Saturday brunch menu – available for guests to enjoy until the end of March with a selection of healthier and vegan options on the menu. #MindfulCity18.

    This unique workout session on the ice comes ahead of the highly anticipated launch of DEFINE.London’s Fitzrovia studio in February. Through years of teaching fitness in New York, highly sought-after fitness expert Ashley Verma incorporated what she already knew with her physical therapy routines to launch the DEFINE.London brand, which now has 10 unique class concepts under its umbrella. With a core remit to ‘Aspire to Inspire’, DEFINE.London is changing the way we see the fitness game. Classes will be led by the music, maintaining an upbeat mood and ensuring exercise is fun and inspiring.

    This exciting new luxury fitness brand is perfectly reflected by the impressive ambiance of the ice rink it is scheduled to host a session on. Ice Rink Canary Wharf is London’s longest-running seasonal ice venue, open for 16 weeks spanning from the 4th November – 24th February. As it stands, Ice Rink Canary Wharf not only ranks as the longest in London at 80 meters but is also the only remaining seasonal ice rink open in the capital city. The clear, cathedral-style roof means skating can continue regardless of the weather.

    Speaking ahead of the event, DEFINE.London founder Ashley Verma said: “We are extremely excited for this special, unique event. It’s not every day that you have a fitness session on the ice, so I cannot wait to get out there. What better place to do it than the iconic Ice Rink Canary Wharf as well – the scenery is truly something to behold.

     “What’s more, we are incredibly grateful towards the D&D restaurant, Plateau, for opening their doors to welcome us for brunch – the menu looks incredible and I can’t wait to try their dishes. Now it’s just a case of choosing what to have!”

     Lorraine Crighton-Smith at Ice Rink Canary Wharf, said, “We are delighted to host this high energy barre class to the ice. At this time of year, fitness and self-improvement is at the forefront of many of our customers’ minds. This day is the ideal opportunity to do something for your physical and mental well-being whilst still having fun.”

  • STERLING MEDIA: YEAR IN REVIEW 2016

    STERLING MEDIA: YEAR IN REVIEW 2016

    2016 will go down in history for many things but an uneventful year will not be one of them! For brand strategy and business consultant Sterling Media it has been a year of impactful events that have seen the global communications company go from strength to strength. Here are some of our highlights from the last year:

    JAMIE OLIVER’s FOOD REVOLUTION DAY LAUNCH IN AFRICA & INDIA

    In May, Sterling Media teamed up with Jamie Oliver’s Food Foundation to bring Food Revolution Day to a global audience. Sterling CEO and brand strategy specialist Natasha Mudhar was appointed India and Africa director for the campaign and so Sterling Media set out to find the right faces to launch the campaign in India, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Kenya.

    Through working with local household names such as Jacqueline Fernandez and Chef Kunal Kapur in India, Waje and Chef Eros in Nigeria, Juliani and Chef Ali in Kenya, and Alikiba and Marion Elias in Tanzania, Sterling Media was able to help India and African nations play their part in Food Revolution Day, participating in the global Facebook streaming event that took place on the day, with over 115,296,411 million people taking part.

    #WHATIREALLYREALLYWANT CAMPAIGN

     Girl power went global in July as Sterling Media in partnership with Project Everyone, SAWA and Getty Images launched the #WhatIReallyReallyWant campaign. Inspired by the 20th anniversary of the Spice Girls’ Wannabe, the new film payed homage to the original music video and raised awareness of the UN’s Global Goals and Gender equality.

     

    Directed by MJ Delaney of Moxie Pictures, #WhatIReallyReallyWant featured artists from around the world including Gigi Lamayne and Moneoa from South Africa, Seyi Shay from Nigeria, Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez from Sri Lanka, M.0 from the UK, Taylor Hatala from Canada and Larsen Thompson from the USA.

    Making its exclusive debut at the Cannes Lions Festival in May, the film became an internet phenomenon upon release, receiving over 1,377,958 on Youtube, 106 million views on Facebook, and over 38 million impressions. Sterling was also able to gain support on the campaign from celebrities including three of the original Spice Girls. Sterling Media spearheaded the global communications for the campaign, securing coverage on both UK and US television as well as print coverage around the world.

    GODAN

    September saw business consultant Sterling Media become the official media partner for the Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition, and handle global communications for the GODAN Summit 2016. Sterling Media used a variety of methods to raise awareness for the GODAN summit and associated petition, including encouraging university students in both the US and UK to sign the petition, the creation of infographics to be shared on social media, blog posts for partners of GODAN, outreach to social media influencers and vloggers and more.

    Members of the Sterling Media team also travelled to New York to manage communications at the GODAN Summit, where they were able to arrange high level media opportunities with figures such as the US Secretary of Agriculture.  The summit was a success and gained interest from the BBC and Fox News.

    STERLING AWARDS

    It has proven an award-winning year for Sterling Media as we have won a number of awards for our work! The Asian Media Awards awarded the Creative Media Award to Sterling for the #WhatIReallyReallyWant campaign!

    LEADERS OF BOLLYWOOD BUSINESS:

    This year Sterling Media continued to lead the way in UK Bollywood film promotion, handling the UK releases of hit films including Airlift, Kapoor and Sons and Baar Baar Dekho. Some of our highlights from this year included:

    AKIRA: This martial arts action film starring Sonakshi Sinha kicked her way into the UK cinema in early September. To launch the film, Sterling Media created partnerships with local martial arts clubs across the UK that would see anyone with tickets for the film receive special offers on martial arts training sessions.

    AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL – the eagerly awaited Karen Johar film starring Aishwarya Rai and Ranbir Kapoor was the must-see release of Diwali 2016. To launch the film in the UK, Sterling Media worked with the biggest Diwali events in London, Birmingham and Leicester as well as local club nights to display a personalised message from one of the film stars, Ranbir Kapoor. In addition, promotional materials included flyers and standees were distributed to the events to raise awareness.

    CLIENT COVERAGE

    It has also been a good year for many of our long-standing clients, who have received great media coverage thanks to Sterling Media’s brand strategy efforts. Here are some of our client highlights from the year:

    Whilst the results of the Brexit vote may have sent shockwaves through the business world, it has provided many opportunities for our corporate clients including Rational FX and Sun Global Investments, whose expert commentary on current economic affairs have been covered across UK and international media.

    We have also secured extraordinary coverage opportunities for clients such as Sister Sledge’s barnstorming performance on ITV’s The X Factor, and Nosh Detox founder Geeta Sidhu Robb’s participation in the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire Show EU Referendum debate special.

    LOOKING AHEAD TO 2017

    As we reach the end of 2016, Sterling Media is already looking ahead to 2017! We have a range of exciting campaigns and projects that we can’t wait to share with you! We look forward to working further with our current clients and the ones we haven’t met yet! In the meantime, everyone at Sterling Media would like to wish you a Happy New Year!

  • THE GLOBAL OPEN DATA FOR AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION (GODAN) INITIATIVE TO CONVENE A SUMMIT OF LEADERS, HEADS OF STATE, CAMPAIGNERS AND OTHER INFLUENCERS.

    THE GLOBAL OPEN DATA FOR AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION (GODAN) INITIATIVE TO CONVENE A SUMMIT OF LEADERS, HEADS OF STATE, CAMPAIGNERS AND OTHER INFLUENCERS.

    AIMED AT ENCOURAGING THE OPENING OF DATA IN AGRICULTURE & NUTRITION TO END WORLD HUNGER.

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    LONDON & NEW YORK, 15th August, 2016: Worldwide, nearly 800 million people suffer from hunger and malnutrition – that’s one in every nine people – with the majority being women and children. GODAN, or the Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition initiative, was formed to support and encourage the proactive sharing of open data to make information about agriculture and nutrition available, accessible and usable for unrestricted use worldwide, to deal with the urgent challenge of ensuring world food security.

    The largest-ever event dedicated to open data in agriculture and nutrition, GODAN Summit 2016 will take place on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York in September. Natasha Mudhar, Media Spokesperson for GODAN, said: “Open data is key to innovation in agriculture and nutrition – and hence, in promoting food security – by improving farming methods, enhancing food production and providing better information and advice on nutritional methods.

    “GODAN’s powerful and pivotal public summit event will advance the agenda for open data in agriculture and nutrition.” GODAN Summit 2016 will invite the public to attend the event and join over 330 GODAN partners, including the Governments of the United States, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, ONE campaign, and Presidents United to Solve Hunger (PUSH). Some of the exciting features of GODAN Summit 2016, include:

    GAME-CHANGING SPEECHES: The two-day summit will see high-octane speeches by world leaders and innovators who will share their thoughts on how to end world hunger through open data. A number of high profile, active campaigners will also join the discussion.

    GODAN HACKATHON: A radical hackathon will bring together software and agricultural innovators to create the beginning of the end of world hunger. Aimed at next generation innovators, university students and young entrepreneurs, the hackathon will generate ideas on how to better utilize and collect data to improve our global food system.

    OPEN-DATA ONLINE REVOLUTION: Along with partner Global Citizen, GODAN has set up an online petition with the aim of garnering 1 million signatures. The petition calls on international governments, the private sector and civil society to provide open data on agriculture and nutrition and end world hunger. The petition will be handed over at a meeting at the United Nations in New York, in September. People can extend their support by signing the petition today: http://summit.godan.info/petition/

    EXHIBITS: GODAN Summit 2016 will include exhibits to showcase agriculture and nutritional data, with participants illustrating the use of open data sources, and the importance of open data. Participants interested in announcing the release of newly opened data sets will be welcome as well.

    A rapidly growing initiative, GODAN focuses on building high-level policy, and encourages collaboration and cooperation among existing agriculture and open data activities by bringing together stakeholders to solve long-standing global challenges in food and nutritional security. Over 330 partners, including national governments and non-governmental, international and private sector organisations, have committed to a joint statement of purpose to promote the proactive sharing of open data to make information about agriculture and nutrition available to all.

    The GODAN Summit 2016 takes place on 15th and 16th September in Hilton Midtown Hotel, New York. To register, click here: http://summit.godan.info/

    To sign the petition to help end world hunger now, visit: http://summit.godan.info/petition/

    To become a GODAN partner, click here: www.godan.info/becomeagodanpartner

  • THE GLOBAL OPEN DATA FOR AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION (GODAN) INITIATIVE LAUNCHES ONLINE PETITION WITH GLOBAL CITIZEN

    THE GLOBAL OPEN DATA FOR AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION (GODAN) INITIATIVE LAUNCHES ONLINE PETITION WITH GLOBAL CITIZEN

    IN ORDER TO MEET THE UNITED NATION’S GLOBAL GOAL 2 – ZERO HUNGER – BY 2030

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    LONDON & NEW YORK, 12th August, 2016: Worldwide, nearly 800 million people suffer from hunger and malnutrition. For the first time in human history, we have the knowledge and the tools to put an end to it. Open data makes that knowledge available to everyone.

    GODAN, the Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition initiative, has launched an Open Data Online Revolution in partnership with Global Citizen. The GODAN Open Data Online Revolution empowers stakeholders and world leaders to unlock the data necessary to solve the challenge of global food insecurity.

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    Members of civil society, end hunger campaigners, high profile personalities, the media and other supporters will sign an online petition to drive the importance of open data. The petition will be handed over at a meeting at the United Nations in New York, in September. Each signature is a step closer to achieving the UN’s Global Goal 2 – Zero Hunger. Results from the petition will be unveiled at GODAN’s ground-breaking, annual summit in New York on 15th and 16th September, where world leaders, researchers, farmers, students and public, private and non-profit organisations will convene to showcase the impact of open data around the world.

    “We must make the world’s accumulated agriculture and nutritional information available to everyone. This information is often locked away and unseen in government, private sector and civil society datasets. It needs to be identified and set free,” says Natasha Mudhar, Media Spokesperson for GODAN.
    With open data, a mother in Malawi can choose the best seeds to sow in order to achieve a plentiful harvest to feed her hungry family; a commercial farmer in the United States has the right data to enrich his soil to produce more bountiful crops; the smallholder farmer in Tanzania will better understand and anticipate adverse weather conditions; the food manufacturer can produce healthier products; the nutritionist is able to offer better advice.

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    Farmers, agricultural organizations, researchers, policy makers, governments, and other private sector and civil society stakeholders should all be involved in building a food secure world. By signing the online petition, the public can also play a key part in achieving this.

    The GODAN Summit 2016 takes place on 15th and 16th September in Hilton Midtown Hotel, New York. To register, click here: http://summit.godan.info/

    To sign the petition to help end world hunger now, visit: http://summit.godan.info/petition/

    To become a GODAN partner, click here: www.godan.info/becomeagodanpartner

  • SUN GLOBAL AND ZYFIN LIST WORLD’S FIRST INDIAN FIXED INCOME ETF ON LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE

    SUN GLOBAL AND ZYFIN LIST WORLD’S FIRST INDIAN FIXED INCOME ETF ON LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE

    Sun Global Investments Limited and ZyFin Holdings Pte. Limited (ZyFin) today confirm the listing of the world’s first Indian fixed income ETF, the LAM Sun Global ZyFin India Sovereign Enterprise Bond UCITS ETF, on the London Stock Exchange.

    The LAM Sun Global ZyFin India Sovereign Enterprise Bond UCITS ETF (the Fund) offers British and international investors exposure to a basket of Indian public sector corporate bonds. The fixed income ETF will be Europe’s first physically replicating Indian ETF backed by real underlying securities as opposed to notional securities or derivatives.

    The Fund tracks the performance of the ZyFin India Sovereign Owned Enterprise Bond Index based on cutting edge research and contains bonds from companies of national interest that are majority-owned by the Government of India, so-called Sovereign Owned Enterprises (SOEs). The corporate bonds are denominated in Indian rupees, have an AAA rating and a residual maturity between 4 to 20 years with current average maturity of 8.97 years. Although partly state owned, the average yield of the portfolio is close to 8.23% (in INR) which is higher than the yield of Indian sovereign bonds. All the bonds in the Index are equally weighted, and no more than one bond from a company is included.

    While ‘Masala Bonds’ provide exposure to a single corporate issuer, the Fund will offer exposure to a basket of securities with the highest credit rating through a SOEs only portfolio. In addition, investors will benefit from a larger market size and enhanced liquidity through listing on the London Stock Exchange.

    Sanjay Sachdev, Executive Chairman at ZyFin, commented:

    “We are excited to be launching the world’s first Indian fixed income ETF today as part of our product line of innovative ETFs intended to give investors cost-effective and transparent access to investment opportunities in emerging markets. The launch of the Fund will give international investors the ability to invest in these difficult to access but well researched AAA rated Indian Sovereign Owned Enterprises. Building on our many years of macro analytical research expertise in this field, we see our task as offering investors around the world attractive investment opportunities.”

    Mihir Kapadia CEO of Sun Global Investments Limited said:

    “We’re pleased to be able to provide global investors access to high quality bonds via this new, innovative ETF at attractive yields at a time when developed bond market yields are at very low levels and in fact negative in Germany or Switzerland. The listing reflects our view that Indian nominal yields are among the highest in the world and the macroeconomic fundamentals for India remain very attractive with India expected to overtake China next year as the world’s fastest economy”.

  • Stars Shine for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Annual Collars & Coats Gala Ball

    Stars Shine for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Annual Collars & Coats Gala Ball

    The visual spectacle that is Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s once again wowed the world last night with the return of the Collars & Coats Gala Ball at the iconic Battersea Evolution in London.

    Celebrating its seventh successful year, the high-profile event is a highlight of the autumn social calendar, and is consistently regarded as one of the most unique and eagerly anticipated charity events.

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    The annual charity extravaganza saw a host of UK and international stars take to the red carpet for this worthwhile cause to raise vital funds for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s work in rescuing and re-homing abandoned dogs. This year’s star line-up, from the world of TV, music, film, sport and fashion, included: Battersea Ambassador Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Hilary Devey, Craig Revel-Horwood, Anthony Head, Nicky Clarke, Kelly Simpkin, Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Dr Christian Jessen, Rosie Marcel, Sue Barker, photographer Rankin, and Debbie Sledge of the iconic music group Sister Sledge.

    The theme of the event this year was ‘Transformation’ to celebrate Battersea’s ability to transform dog’s lives, whilst its London site itself transforms with the construction of new facilities for its animals. Making a very welcome return was the popular ‘Battersea Doggie Guard Of Honour’ – a red-carpet parade of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s pooches.

    Other highlights of this year’s event included an eclectic performance by music legend and Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry as well as a performance by classical cross-over singer Camilla Kerslake. Battersea ambassadors and supporters including Dr Christian Jessen, Anthony Head and Dame Jacqueline Wilson united on stage to highlight the work and achievements of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

    High profile guests and celebrities also enjoyed the opportunity to bid for an array of money can’t buy experiences at the event’s exclusive auction.

    Speaking about the return of the gala, Claire Horton, Battersea’s Chief Executive said: “The Collars & Coats Gala Ball was a truly unique event, celebrating our animals and raising money to care for the 9,000 dogs and cats that come through our gates, abandoned and terrified each year. Once again, we’re thrilled that so many supporters and friends of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home gave so generously of their time to make the event so successful.’’

    Camilla-Kerslake
    This year’s Collars & Coats Gala Ball was proudly sponsored by Henry Wiltshire International, a leading estate agent in London who works across local, national and international markets delivering unrivalled customer service through the commitment of its team. With two offices in London (Nine Elms and Canary Wharf) Henry Wiltshire International provide expert Sales, Lettings and Property Management services both locally and to their international clientele through their offices based in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong and Singapore. Speaking about the partnership with the Home, Kelly Gallagher, Director of Henry Wiltshire International said: ‘It was a pleasure for Henry Wiltshire International to support such a worthwhile and important event and help raise money for a fantastic cause.’

    The Collars & Coats VIP area, an exclusive area for VIPs and celebrity guests was sponsored by Battersea Power Station Development Company. They said: ‘On behalf of the Battersea Power Station shareholders, Battersea Power Station Development Company was delighted to support our neighbour with this incredible charity event.’

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    It costs Battersea over £10m to care for its dogs and cats every year, and with no government funding, the Collars & Coats Gala Ball is all about helping to increase awareness of the important work the charity does each and every day of the year to offer a second chance in life to thousands of animals. Last year nearly 9,000 dogs and cats needed Battersea’s care and attention to help find them the best possible new homes.

    For further information on Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and to pledge donations, please visit www.battersea.org.uk or call 0207 627 7883.

  • HARRODS LAUNCHES CHRISTMAS WINDOWS

    HARRODS LAUNCHES CHRISTMAS WINDOWS

    The Harrods Christmas windows on the Brompton Road will set the scene for a world of moving puppets and performers. Inspired by the store’s “Once Upon a Christmas” theme, each window will feature a stage complete with performers, lights, scenery and red velvet curtains. Meanwhile, “hidden” beneath the floorboards is a magical world of Christmas mice, with Peter Pumpernickel returning to lead the entertainment as they play and prepare for their Christmas celebrations.

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    ALEXANDER WELLS-GRECO, HEAD OF VISUAL MERCHANDISING AT HARRODS, SAID: “This year, our customers are invited to become the audience and enjoy the festive season’s ultimate show. We want to continue to engage with families – children in particular. To achieve this, we raised the windows by 60cm to create the underfloor theatre scenes of Christmas mice preparing for the festivities, installed directly at a child’s eye level.”

    Along the Brompton Road, Burberry’s window depicts its Thomas bears enjoying a night at the theatre, while Balenciaga’s window houses a swinging circus performer who introduces key Christmas accessories from a trapeze. A production line of mice work on Christmas orders in their workshop in the Stella McCartney window, while Bottega Veneta’s AW15 handbag collection appears alongside the strongman’s weights in the Magical Marionette circus tent. An oversized gingerbread house created by Rosalind Miller takes over one of Harrods’ windows, delivering a Hansel and Gretel twist. The house stands nearly two metres tall and three metres wide. Constructed of more than 42 gingerbread tiles (weighing a total of 40kg) and with around 200 sugar roof tiles, it took 33 hours to bake and involved 20 hours of hand-piping. Alongside the house, an array of festive fare from Godiva, East India Company and Ladurée is featured in the wintry forest scene.

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    To coincide with the launch of the famous Harrods windows, the Festival of Christmas begins on Friday 6th November with the arrival of Father Christmas and the opening of The Harrods Christmas Grotto. Meanwhile, in Hans Crescent, festive characters will be dropping by over the weekend and there will be a variety of entertainment on offer for children. Families can meet Father Christmas’ reindeer, visit Snowball Alley, and have fun with the Wheel of Fortune and a festive photo booth.

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    In-store, each department will be running a number of activities, including face painting with Disney in Childrenswear on the Fourth Floor; sock monogramming at Pantherella in Menswear on the Lower Ground Floor; and calligraphic personalisation and monogramming across Crème de la Mer products in the Beauty Halls on the Ground Floor.

  • UN GLOBAL GOALS REACH ALMOST 3 BILLION PEOPLE IN JUST 7 DAYS AFTER 193 WORLD LEADERS UNITE IN NYC

    UN GLOBAL GOALS REACH ALMOST 3 BILLION PEOPLE IN JUST 7 DAYS AFTER 193 WORLD LEADERS UNITE IN NYC

    With the historic signing of the goals taking place in New York on 25th September, many extraordinary achievements have been made so far to make the goals famous, highlights availablehere*, with an estimated 40% reach of the global population – an average of 417 million people per day.

    • 500 million children reached with the World’s Largest Lesson thanks to commitments from Ministries of Education in 103 countries
    • 136 flags raised from the North Pole to North Korea, Moscow’s Red Square to 10 Downing Street, Larke Pass in Nepal to the Himalayas in India
    • Mobile operators text almost one billion people about the goals and spread the word to 5.2 billion customers
    • 60,000 people attended the Global Citizen Festival including; First Lady Michelle Obama, Leonardo DiCaprio, Arjun Kapoor, Bono, Bill and Melinda Gates and Malala Yousafzai. The concert was headlined by Beyoncé and Coldplay and watched on TV in 26 countries
    • 1.3 million mentions on social media with #globalgoals trending across the world thanks to the support of 20 of the world’s top websites, Prime Minister David Cameron, Hillary Clinton, Jennifer Lopez, Ashton Kutcher, 1D, David, Bollywood stars Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar and Victoria Beckham and many more
    • Countless people joined a star studded line-up in the crowdsourced film ‘We The People’ contributed to by Stephen Hawking, Daniel Craig, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Winslet, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Colin Firth, Stevie Wonder, Akshay Kumar, Jacqueline Fernandez, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan and many more.
    • The World’s First Global Cinema Ad produced by Aardman and voiced by Liam Neeson and Michelle Rodriguez premiered in 34 cinemas globally
    • Over 250 million people engaged via Radio Everyone in 75 countries with 600 radio partners
    • Famous faces including; Naomi Campbell, Nicole Scherzinger, Lily Cole, Sadie Frost, Jodie Kidd, Laura Bailey, Alice Temperley and Alek Wek pledged their support for the goals they are most passionate about in a series of striking photographs
    • ‘Invisible man’ artist Liu Bolin created a new piece of artwork by camouflaging himself in front of 193 UN countries’ flags
    • Action/2015 report that over 200,000 people took action across more than 100 countries
    • Corporates such as Tata group, Standard Chartered, eBay India, Reliance Group, Aviva and many more, all helped promote the global goals

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    The aims of the Global Goals are to achieve three extraordinary things in the next 15 years; end poverty, fight inequality & injustice and tackle climate change – for everyone.

    193 world leaders have now adopted these aims and committed to addressing 17 Goals.

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    Project Everyone, founded by Richard Curtis, aims to both make the goals famous and to push for their full implementation. If the goals are famous- if people care about what has been promised by the politicians, it greatly increases their chance of being implemented.

    Richard Curtis said: “In just 7 days we’re halfway towards achieving the ambitious goal of telling everyone in the world about the UN Global Goals. Knowledge is power and country by country people are starting to find out about the plan their politicians have made.

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    We all need to know what our rights are in order to claim them. This simple idea of ‘telling everyone’ about the goals means that we can now begin to hold our politicians to account in addressing the 17 core issues brought to the world’s attention at the Sustainable Development Summit on 25th September. Their final aim will be to make us the first generation to end extreme poverty, the most determined generation to end inequality and injustice and the last generation to be threatened by climate change.

    I hope we can now continue to spread the message of the goals to everyone to help make them a reality by 2030. And work towards an annual day where everyone will be encouraged to focus on the Goals, the progress made so far and what needs to be addressed in the years and years ahead to achieve their final goal.”

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    Stephen Hawking said: “2015 is the year world leaders sign up to the Global Goals. They are an ambitious to do list to eradicate poverty, save the environment, and make the world a fairer place for everyone. To save the world we need everyone to tell everyone.”

    Find out more about the Global Goals: www.globalgoals.org

  • DSC SOUTH ASIAN LITERATURE PRIZE

    DSC SOUTH ASIAN LITERATURE PRIZE

    16th January 2016; Sri Lanka: Anuradha Roy has been announced as the winner of the prestigious DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2016 for her novel, Sleeping on Jupiter at the Fairway Galle Literary Festival in Sri Lanka. In a glittering ceremony, the US $50,000 DSC Prize along with a unique trophy was awarded by Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the winner.

    The six shortlisted authors and novels in contention for the DSC Prize this year were Akhil Sharma: Family Life (Faber & Faber, UK), Anuradha Roy: Sleeping on Jupiter (Hachette, India), K.R. Meera: Hangwoman (Translated by J Devika; Penguin, India), Mirza Waheed: The Book of Gold Leaves (Viking/Penguin India), Neel Mukherjee: The Lives of Others (Vintage/Penguin Random House, UK) and Raj Kamal Jha: She Will Build Him A City (Bloomsbury, India).

    Now in its sixth edition, the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature is an established international literary prize that awards the best work in South Asian fiction writing each year. This year the DSC Prize had received 74 entries with participation from publishers from the South Asian region as well as from countries like the UK, US, Canada, Australia and South Africa amongst others. The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature which is specifically focused on South Asian writing is unique in the sense that it is not ethnicity driven in terms of the author’s origin and is open to any author belonging to any part of the globe as long as the work is based on the South Asian region and its people. The past winners have been from various countries and their work has reflected the importance of South Asian culture and literature.

    The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2016 was judged by a diverse and distinguished five member jury panel comprising eminent figures drawn from the international literary fraternity who have worked in or around South Asian literature and issues. The jury panel comprised of Mark Tully, Chair of the jury panel and renowned journalist who has commentated on a wide range of issues affecting the South Asian region for over four decades; Dennis Walder, Emeritus Professor of Literature at the Open University, UK, who has authored several articles and books on 19th and 20th century literature; Karen Allman, highly respected book seller and literary coordinator based out of Seattle, USA; Neloufer de Mel, Senior Professor of English at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, who has written extensively on society, culture and feminism; and Syed Manzoorul Islam, celebrated Bangladeshi writer, translator, critic and academic.

    Speaking on the occasion, Mark Tully on behalf of the jury said “We had a shortlist of six outstanding books. Their excellence made our task particularly difficult. We chose Sleeping on Jupiter by Anuradha Roy because of its elegance, flair and readability. It raises many issues succinctly and with commendable economy of words. The South Asian setting is described faithfully and evocatively. Among the issues raised are the power of memory and myth, religious hypocrisy, sexuality, abuse and other forms of violence. The novel contains powerful portraits of both major and minor characters. We believe this book will be a source of inspiration to other writers.

    Congratulating the winner, Surina Narula, MBE and co-founder of the DSC Prize said “My heartfelt congratulations to Anuradha Roy for winning the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2016. The winning novel highlights the changing dynamics in South Asian life and culture in a unique way. It must have been a tough task for the jury members to choose from the six exceptional contenders and arriving at the eventual winner as each one of the novels represents the very best in South Asian fiction writing. Completing six successful years, the DSC Prize remains focused on recognizing and showcasing the immense talent writing about the South Asian region and bringing it to the larger global audience.”

    Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka was the Chief Guest of the event. While presenting the trophy to the winner he commented on the importance of South Asian literature and the crucial role it can play to improve the lives of the people living in this region.

    The last five winners of the DSC Prize have been Jhumpa Lahiri (The Lowland: Vintage Books/Random House, India), Cyrus Mistry (Chronicle of a Corpse Bearer: Aleph Book Company, India), Jeet Thayil (Narcopolis: Faber & Faber, London), Shehan Karunatilaka (Chinaman: Random House, India) and HM Naqvi (Home Boy: Harper Collins, India). Each of these winners has gone on to be published internationally and their work has reached a larger global audience which has been one of the central visions of the DSC Prize.

    Over the years the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature has been deeply involved in supporting the cause of South Asian literature and is committed to widen the ambit of conversation on South Asian writing by reaching out to diverse audiences through its various events and initiatives.