Latest news with #ATU
Coin Geek
an hour ago
- Business
- Coin Geek
African telco regulator launches metaverse adoption framework
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote the adoption and regulation of metaverse technologies across the continent. ATU signed the MoU with the Metaverse Institute, a London-based organization that supports the development of the metaverse for positive global impact. The MoU commits the two partners to a continental framework for the adoption and governance of the metaverse. The agreement is 'a historic step in our digital journey that positions Africa to lead in the next generation of internet platforms,' noted John Omo, the ATU Secretary-General. Africa's youth is marching toward a new world of digital opportunities, and 'we must act now to build safe, inclusive virtual economies and communities,' he added. The metaverse was the hottest buzzword in the tech world a few years ago, with billions of dollars invested in the technology as tech giants and startups raced to be the trailblazers. Mark Zuckerberg even changed Facebook's name to Meta (NASDAQ: META) to match the company's bold ambitions in the space. However, the technology's time at the top was short-lived, with artificial intelligence (AI) dislodging it a few years later. Today, many companies that were initially focused on the metaverse are shifting their course, and with each passing year, fewer billions are being invested in the virtual world. But despite the reduced spotlight, metaverse technologies still hold great promise. The Metaverse Institute notes that over $5 trillion will flow toward training humanoid robots in safe metaverse-based virtual environments alone. Beyond training, the metaverse offers a risk-free environment to explore solutions that would be too expensive in the physical world, such as the iterative development of smart cities. They also allow users to experiment with solutions requiring excessive trials before being released into the real world, such as medical simulations and risk-free surgical training. The MoU will also cater to metaverse regulation, which has been neglected for years. Most governments are racing to police stablecoins, decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, and AI, with the metaverse receiving little attention, which limits its growth. 'We are honoured to comprehensively evaluate the impact of emerging technologies and the virtual worlds ecosystem on the continent, delivering pragmatic recommendations to maximize Africa's global competitiveness. Together, we envision a digitally empowered Africa by 2063, a global leader in the digital revolution, where innovation serves humanity to forge a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future for all,' commented Christina Yan Zhang, the Metaverse Institute CEO. While the metaverse may not have the allure it had five years ago, several global giants have deployed pilots on these virtual environments to better interact with their consumers and optimize manufacturing, ranging from Nike (NASDAQ: NKE) and Christie's to Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT) and H&M. However, a new report from the University of Stirling has warned that integrating the metaverse doesn't always translate to a sales bump. The university's research found that having a digital twin of a physical product dilutes the digital product. And yet, as the consumer metaverse dips, the technology's biggest market could be in manufacturing. Major global brands like German auto giant BMW and American retail company Lowe's (NASDAQ: LOW) are using industrial metaverse to run simulations with digital 3D models to spot imperfections and improve their products, saving billions in manhours and resources. Malawi sets 2026 deadline for digital IDs In Malawi, the government has set a 2026 deadline for the issuance of digital IDs, leveraging emerging technologies like blockchain and AI. Speaking at the ID4Africa 2025 AGM in Ethiopia, Malawi's National Registration Bureau (NRB) principal secretary, Mphatso Sambo, revealed that the country has conducted a successful pilot program for the digital ID. It intends to fully roll out the service next year to enhance access to government services. The new digital ID is anchored on a strong national ID uptake in the southeastern African nation, where almost 100% of all citizens aged 16 and above now possess an ID. The digital version will be directly linked to 33 private and public institutions, 'unlocking access to finance, social protection, and essential services.' 'Through innovation and emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, Malawi has planned for a digital ID wallet,' Sambo stated. In neighboring Tanzania, the government has set aside 11 billion Tanzanian Shillings ($4.5 million) to issue digital IDs to 300,000 minors. Watch: Tech redefines how things are done—Africa is here for it title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Meet Miss Galway 2025 – a young woman who wants to make a big difference
Nineteen-year-old Roisin was recently crowned Miss Galway 2025 and will compete for the title of Miss Ireland on June 14. The Loughrea native told the Irish Independent she is very proud to represent her county nationally. 'I'm so excited, I cannot wait [for the final]. We have different rounds coming up and I just can't wait to be able to spread my voice and hopefully make a difference. 'My family were over the moon, our family in Galway goes back eight generations, we're very into history in our family. So to be able to represent Galway, especially as a woman, it's a big thing.' Roisin is sponsored by ATU – where she studies business, marketing and sales with French - and Concern Worldwide is her chosen charity. She explained: 'Education has always been really important to me so my sponsor being ATU is such a privilege to have. 'Concern Worldwide work with the poorest countries around the world, and they provide humanitarian aid, they help provide food, shelter, helping children and people in need. 'I chose Concern mainly because of the way the world is in at the minute. I believe that being born in Ireland is obviously such a privilege as opposed to be born in vulnerable countries. She added: 'I just felt it was the right thing to do, how else can I help people at my age?' Roisin explained she wants to use her platform to raise funds and awareness on what Concern Worldwide does, while she works to reach her dream job. 'I wanted to become miss Galway because I always wanted to help people and to work with charities, but I just found that I didn't have the machinery behind, I didn't have the name or the reputation to be able to do anything about it. 'So I kind of felt like 'no-one' as opposed to now that I have a title, I'll be able to do more about it. She added about her future: 'I want to work with a humanitarian organization definitely, I want to travel the world and volunteer, that's my dream. 'I just want to give people the same dreams and ambitions, the same opportunities and the same hope, I want to give them the opportunities that I was given so easily, and that might feel impossible to them at the minute.' She added how all this would have not been possible without her family and, in particular, her mom Siobhan. 'My mom did a lot of work around the world, she was in the red cross. So hearing her stories and how she helped people inspired me. She would be my idol.'
Ottawa Citizen
30-05-2025
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
Transit union claims petition 'ignored' at Ottawa city council
Members of the union representing OC Transpo operators say they were 'met with silence' at Wednesday's city council meeting after showing up in numbers with a petition demanding higher wages and better working conditions. Article content Article content 'Despite arriving early and submitting a formal petition — listed on the official agenda — Ottawa City Council essentially ignored it, an action that bypasses the voices of front-line transit workers and undermines democratic participation,' according to a statement from ATU Local 279 president Noah Vineberg. Article content Article content The union, which signed a five-year contract in June 2020, submitted a petition containing 1,836 signatures at the May 28 council session outlining their requests for ongoing contract negotiations. Article content Article content OC Transpo's 'New Ways to Bus' schedule, which has been met with criticism from some riders since it rolled out with redesigned routes in April, 'reinforces the chaos' of the transit system, Vineberg said. Article content 'For years we've heard promises of New Ways to Bus — promises of innovation, better service, and a transit future we could believe in,' Vineberg said. 'But we lived through unrealistic schedules and a system spiralling deeper into dysfunction for both riders and workers.' Article content Riders are 'frustrated' and operators are 'exhausted,' Vineberg said. Article content The ATU is calling for 'a serious, honest review of Ottawa's transit system — one that truly listens to both riders and workers.' Article content Article content OC Transpo general manager Renée Amilcar responded Thursday by saying the transit authority 'is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace that values and encourages employee feedback. Article content Article content 'We continue to meet regularly with our union partners to discuss employee feedback as part of the ongoing collective bargaining agreement process. We remain focused on supporting one another in finding a shared path forward as we continue to keep Ottawa moving.' Article content City Clerk Caitlin Salter-MacDonald said the ATU's petition was not ignored and followed the usual procedures for petitions presented to council. Article content 'The petition in question was presented to council in compliance with the Policy and the Procedure By-law and placed on the May 28 council agenda under agenda item 7 — communications.'
Edinburgh Reporter
28-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Global Perspectives: How Different Countries Approach Early Access Programs
In the United States, two primary pathways dominate the early access landscape. The Food and Drug Administration's Expanded Access Program, established during the HIV/AIDS crisis and refined over subsequent decades, allows patients with serious or life-threatening conditions to access investigational treatments outside clinical trials when no comparable alternatives exist. This program processes over 1,000 requests annually with approximately 99% receiving approval, often within days. The more recent federal Right to Try Act of 2018 created an alternative pathway allowing eligible terminal patients to request experimental treatments directly from manufacturers without FDA oversight, though utilization remains limited compared to the established FDA program. The quest for early access to promising but unapproved treatments transcends national boundaries, with patient's worldwide seeking hope when standard therapies fail. While the fundamental challenge remains constant—balancing immediate patient needs against rigorous scientific evaluation—the regulatory frameworks, cultural attitudes, and healthcare systems governing early access vary significantly across countries. These differences not only affect patient opportunities but also reflect deeper societal values regarding risk tolerance, individual autonomy, and the differences those culture's place on men's vs women's health issues. The European approach, coordinated through the European Medicines Agency (EMA), emphasizes more centralized oversight while allowing significant national variation. The EMA provides a framework for CUP, compassionate use programs, but implementation occurs primarily at the national level. This creates a patchwork of policies across the continent, with some countries offering robust early access options while others maintain more restrictive approaches. France's Temporary Authorization for Use (ATU) program represents one of Europe's most developed systems, providing structured pathways for both individual patients and cohorts. Since its establishment in 1994, the ATU has provided access to hundreds of treatments prior to formal marketing authorization. The United Kingdom has developed a distinctive approach through its Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS), established in 2014. This two-step program first designates promising treatments with 'Promising Innovative Medicine' (PIM) status based on early clinical data. Products receiving this designation may subsequently receive a positive scientific opinion, allowing patient access before formal licensing. The UK system particularly emphasizes collection of real-world data during the early access period, potentially accelerating subsequent approval decisions. Post-Brexit, the UK has signaled intentions to further enhance early access pathways as part of broader efforts to position itself as a global leader in life sciences innovation. Japan's Sakigake designation system, launched in 2015, accelerates both development and approval of innovative medicines addressing serious conditions with limited treatment options. While not solely focused on early access, this program includes provisions for expanded pre-approval access when treatments demonstrate exceptional promise. Japan's relatively conservative regulatory approach historically limited compassionate use options, but recent reforms reflect growing recognition of unmet patient needs and competitive pressures in the global pharmaceutical landscape. Australia's Special Access Scheme provides multiple pathways calibrated to different circumstances. Category A allows rapid access for patients with terminal illnesses without prior approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), while Category B requires TGA notification or approval depending on the treatment's risk profile. This tiered approach balances flexibility for urgent cases against appropriate oversight for treatments with less established safety profiles. Australia has also implemented an Authorised Prescriber Scheme allowing qualified physicians to prescribe unapproved treatments to multiple patients without individual applications, streamlining access for recognized needs. Canada's Special Access Program operates through Health Canada, allowing physicians to request unapproved treatments for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions when conventional therapies have failed. Recent reforms have streamlined the application process and expanded eligibility criteria, responding to patient advocacy for more accessible pathways. Canada's approach balances centralized oversight with recognition of physician judgment regarding individual patient needs. Brazil's expanded access framework, overseen by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), includes both compassionate use for individual patients and expanded access programs for groups with similar conditions. Historically, access through these programs was limited by administrative complexities and resource constraints. However, recent judicial decisions have established precedents supporting patient access to experimental treatments in certain circumstances, reflecting tensions between regulatory processes and constitutional rights to healthcare. India presents a contrasting approach, with less formalized early access programs but significant 'compassionate use' occurring through other mechanisms. The New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules of 2019 established clearer pathways for pre-approval access, but implementation remains uneven. Many patients access experimental treatments through clinical trials conducted in India's growing research sector, while others obtain treatments through global expanded access programs or medical tourism when financial resources permit. China has traditionally maintained restrictive policies regarding pre-approval access, prioritizing centralized control and systematic evaluation over individual access paths. However, recent regulatory reforms signal evolution toward more flexible approaches. The revised Drug Administration Law implemented in 2019 includes provisions for compassionate use programs, particularly for treatments already approved in other countries or showing exceptional promise in late-stage development. These changes reflect China's growing integration with global pharmaceutical development practices while maintaining distinctive regulatory priorities. South Korea has developed a relatively structured system through its expanded access program established under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. This program allows limited pre-approval use of investigational treatments showing promise for serious conditions, with the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety maintaining oversight. South Korea's approach emphasizes coordination between regulatory authorities, healthcare institutions, and manufacturers to ensure appropriate patient selection and monitoring. Across African nations, formal early access programs remain limited, with access to even approved treatments presenting significant challenges in many regions. South Africa has established modest compassionate use provisions through its Medicines Control Council, but implementation faces resource constraints. In sub-Saharan Africa, early access to investigational treatments occurs primarily through international research collaborations or humanitarian programs rather than formalized regulatory pathways. These diverse national approaches create significant challenges for multinational pharmaceutical companies and global patient communities. Variations in eligibility criteria, application procedures, and data collection requirements complicate efforts to establish consistent global early access strategies. Patients with identical conditions may face dramatically different access possibilities depending on geography, creating inequities that contradict principles of medical ethics. Harmonization initiatives like the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) have made limited progress on early access specifically, though broader regulatory alignment efforts continue. Several global trends are reshaping early access landscapes across countries. First, patient advocacy has become increasingly global, with organizations sharing strategies across borders and advocating for consistent access standards. Second, social media has transformed awareness about treatment possibilities, with patients rapidly learning about options available in other countries. Third, COVID-19 accelerated the development of emergency access frameworks globally, potentially influencing ongoing evolution of early access systems beyond the pandemic context. Cross-border access raises particularly complex questions. Some patients with financial resources pursue 'medical tourism' to access treatments available through early access programs in other countries. This phenomenon exacerbates socioeconomic disparities while raising questions about regulatory sovereignty. Some countries have implemented provisions allowing importation of treatments accessed through foreign early access programs, acknowledging practical realities while attempting to maintain appropriate oversight. Healthcare system structure significantly influences early access implementation. Countries with nationalized healthcare systems face different considerations than those with private insurance models. When governments bear treatment costs, financial impact assessments may influence early access decisions. Conversely, in systems relying on private insurance, coverage denials for investigational treatments may render formal access pathways meaningless for many patients despite regulatory availability. Cultural attitudes toward risk, uncertainty, and medical authority also shape national approaches. Countries with strong traditions of individual autonomy like the United States generally develop more permissive frameworks prioritizing patient choice, while those emphasizing collective welfare and professional authority may maintain more restrictive systems prioritizing systematic evidence development. These differences resist simple classification as 'better' or 'worse,' instead reflecting legitimate variations in balancing competing values. For multinational pharmaceutical companies navigating this complex landscape, several approaches have emerged as practical responses. Global expanded access policies providing consistent evaluation criteria regardless of geography help address equity concerns. Regional early access specialists familiar with local regulatory nuances facilitate appropriate implementation across markets. Transparent communication about availability criteria helps set realistic expectations among patient communities worldwide. Looking toward the future, several developments may reshape global early access landscapes. Increasing recognition of real-world evidence may blur distinctions between clinical trials and early access programs, potentially creating hybrid approaches that simultaneously provide treatment and generate evidence. Digital platforms connecting patients with appropriate programs regardless of geography could reduce information barriers, though regulatory differences would still limit actual access. International telehealth services might eventually facilitate cross-border consultation with specialists knowledgeable about global access options. For patients facing life-threatening conditions without adequate treatment options, understanding these global variations provides important context when evaluating potential pathways to investigational treatments. While national borders continue defining regulatory frameworks, the fundamental human desire for access to promising treatments transcends these boundaries, creating ongoing pressure for systems that balance scientific rigor with compassionate response to urgent medical needs. Like this: Like Related
The Journal
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Journal
'The perfect balance between work and study': Flexible courses helped Mark get his Master's while working full-time
WHETHER YOU'RE LOOKING to upskill or are simply a lifelong learner, don't let working full-time get in the way of your academic aspirations. Mark Flannery, who is employed full-time by the HSE as a Fire Prevention Officer, returned to education in 2022 to complete a Master's degree in Built Environment Regulation . The course is one of 96 offered by ATU in the discipline of engineering, which enables students to avail of part-time, online and flexible learning. The course is tailor-made for those who have full-time work commitments. Tutorials, project work, and assessments are conducted in person across three-to-four Saturdays each semester, giving students the chance to collaborate with one another and gain direct face-to-face insights from lecturers. Lectures, on the other hand, are delivered online and recorded so that they can be revisited by students at a time that best suits their schedule. Conor Doherty Conor Doherty Mark was looking to step into roles where he could contribute to building compliance, which he says he has done 'within a short timeframe'. 'I realised that to make a meaningful contribution to the healthcare building estates sector… I needed a deeper understanding of the environmental, regulatory, and the challenges facing modern infrastructure,' Mark said. That's when he decided to pursue the Built Environment Regulation course at ATU, which is professionally accredited by the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE). Mark, who graduated from ATU in 2011 with an Honours Degree in Construction Management, spoke highly of how the flexible learning offering by ATU facilitated his journey to a postgraduate qualification. 'I found the flexibility of studying online a significant factor in completing my Master's. The element of catching up on lectures that I may have missed attending due to personal or work commitments was very helpful,' Mark said. Advertisement 'The course allowed the perfect balance between work and study as I had the opportunity to incorporate some work projects as part of the course assignments.' Asked what advice he would give to prospective students on how to approach the Built Environment Regulation course, Mark said: 'My advice is to approach it with both a practical mindset and a curiosity for building regulations and sustainability. 'Also, build relationships with lecturers and, more importantly, fellow students, many of whom bring professional experience to the table. Their insights can be just as valuable as the formal content.' The Built Environment Regulation course offers several modules that are highly relevant to multiple disciplines, including architecture, engineering, surveying and construction management. Perhaps most importantly, Mark found that the material covered by the course studies was relevant to his real-world work. 'The course bridges technical engineering principles with the real-world complexities of the built environment,' Mark said. 'So I found to make the most of the project work and case studies, as they often reflected real planning and development challenges in my workplace.' Mark further noted that the course had benefited his career, taking on more responsibility in a short timeframe, making him 'more versatile and better positioned for leadership'. If you're currently on a similar journey — wondering how you might be able to upskill, upgrade your CV, or perhaps even switch careers — ATU's part-time, online and flexible learning programmes could be the best investment you ever make. ATU's Built Environment Regulation programme was designed with flexibility at the core, which enhances the ability to gain a Level 9 qualification at your own pace and in your own time. These part-time, flexible learning courses will help you develop the skills you need to stand out. View our Built Environment Regulation Courses here . Atlantic Technological University have over 470 part-time, online & flexible learning courses now open for applications for a September 2025 start. We equip learners at all stages with the skills they need to move beyond their expectations with their career and life ambitions. Download our Prospectus 2025/26 .
