Latest news with #CDF
Sky News AU
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
‘Too little, too late': Security expert Peter Jennings slams Defence Force chief's warning that country may need to rethink its preparedness to launch from home soil
A strategic expert has slammed remarks about Australia possibly to needing to conduct combat operations from home soil, calling the warning from the country's Defence chief 'too little, too late'. Australia's defence strategy has been scrutinised in the past week since the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) published a report criticising the government's defence spending tactics. Senior Advisor to US President Donald Trump Sebastian Gorka on Wednesday suggested Australia needs to further invest in defence and take national security 'seriously'. Australia's chief of Defence Force Admiral David Johnston was at a conference on Wednesday where he spoke about the country possibly needing to rethink its preparedness to conduct combat operations from home soil. 'Perhaps finally we are having to reconsider Australia as a homeland from which we will conduct combat operations,' Mr Johnston said, according to AFR. 'That is a very different way – almost since the Second World War – of how we think of national resilience and preparedness.' Strategic Analysis Australia director Peter Jennings told Sky News on Thursday he thought the chief of Defence Force (CDF)'s remarks at the conference were 'too little, too late'. 'The number one job of the CDF is surely to be providing the government with necessary advice about the risks we face and what we have to do to face those risks,' Mr Jennings told Sky News host Chris Kenny. 'And frankly, defence has been missing from that game. It has taken itself so far away from any public discussion about these issues that really, to hear the CDF make these extremely restrained comments at a conference appears to be surprising people.' Referencing the current geopolitical climate and the military threat of China, Mr Jennings questioned "how come we're only having this conversation now?". 'We've had ministers tell us for half a decade that we face the greatest threat since the end of the Second World War. Isn't it about time we did something about it? And that includes the chief of Defence Force,' Mr Jennings said. Mr Jennings was also asked about President's Trump's visa crack down, with Trump signing a sweeping order to block travel to the US from nearly 20 countries, citing terrorism concerns. The security expert told Sky News he thought there was 'absolutely' a security rationale behind Trump's move. 'What we've seen in the last couple of years has been a return to a pattern of terrorism and the risk of terrorism growing in democracies, including in the United States' Mr Jennings said.
CairoScene
2 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Cultural Fund Brings Saudi Handicrafts to London's Selfridges
A new activation hosted by Selfridges in London is providing an international platform for Saudi artisans to exhibit their crafts. Saudi craftsmanship is taking over London's luxury scene as the Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF) brings a curated collection of traditional handmade pieces to Selfridges from June 3rd to 22nd, 2025. This special showcase, part of Saudi Arabia's Year of Handicrafts, highlights artisanal works, from palm and leather crafts to jewellery and accessories, crafted by makers from across the Kingdom. Designed in collaboration with Turquoise Mountain, a global non-profit, the activation draws on Saudi Arabia's natural and architectural heritage, offering global shoppers a rare window into the cultural and economic value of the Kingdom's rich craft traditions. Running alongside is a Saudi fashion showcase also enabled by CDF. The exhibition aims to amplify the global presence of Saudi creative industries. Fashion brands supported by the Saudi Fashion Commission and the Saudi 100 Brands initiative are sharing the spotlight with major international labels, further cementing Saudi Arabia's rising influence in global design. This multifaceted initiative also builds on CDF's broader efforts - like the Nama' Accelerators: Handicrafts Track - to empower cultural entrepreneurs, drive sustainable creative businesses, and position heritage as a key pillar of Saudi Arabia's economic and cultural transformation.
CairoScene
2 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Cultural Fund Spotlights Creative Economy at Expo 2025 Osaka
A cultural networking event at the Saudi Pavilion explored how entrepreneurship shapes Saudi Arabia's creative future. Saudi Arabia's Cultural Development Fund (CDF) hosted a networking event at Expo 2025 Osaka, offering an inside look at how the Kingdom's growing cultural economy is gaining global momentum. Held at the Saudi Pavilion, the event—titled 'Cultural Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia: Fostering Innovation and Heritage'—brought together cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, and international investors to discuss the intersection of heritage, innovation, and economic growth. The panel was moderated by cultural researcher and podcast host Saba Alkhamis, and featured CDF's Chief Credit & Investment Officer Basil Al Alola, Darren Barker of cultural consultancy Barker Langham, and Hessa Alajaji, founder of Saudi design brand Accents. Together, they explored the rise of creative entrepreneurship in the Kingdom, and the role of cultural funding in enabling sustainable growth across sectors. Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr joined the event, highlighting ongoing efforts to build cultural bridges between Saudi Arabia and Japan. The evening also included a musical performance by Japanese violinist and composer Ikuko Kawai. The event coincided with Saudi Arabia's 2025 Year of Handicrafts initiative, and included a showcase of artisan-made works developed through CDF-supported collaborations. Guests were invited to engage with pieces that reflect the depth of Saudi Arabia's artistic heritage—part of the broader push to centre culture as a pillar of the country's economic diversification. CDF's presence at Expo 2025 Osaka includes a range of activations highlighting investment opportunities across the Kingdom's cultural industries. From panel discussions to tailored financing initiatives, the Fund aims to connect with global partners and spotlight success stories across all 16 officially recognised cultural sectors. Founded in 2021 under the Saudi National Development Fund, the Cultural Development Fund works to enable a self-sustaining creative economy in line with Vision 2030 and the National Culture Strategy.
Hans India
3 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Narayanites shine in JEE Advanced 2025 results
Hyderabad: Narayana has once again set a benchmark of excellence by securing 5 out of the top 10 ranks in JEE Advanced 2025. Narayana achieved All India Ranks (AIR) 3, 4, 6, 7, and 10 in the open category. Leading this exceptional performance are Majid Hussain- (AIR 3)- Madhya Pradesh, Parth Mandar Vartak (AIR 4)-Maharashtra, Akshat Chaurasia (AIR 6)-Rajasthan, Sahil Deo (AIR 7)-Maharashtra, and Vadlamudi Lokesh (AIR 10)-Andhra Pradesh, whose stellar achievements have made the institution immensely proud. In addition to these top ranks, Narayanites secured 43 of the top 100 ranks and 200 out of top1,000 ranks, paving the way for coveted admissions into India's premier IITs. Dr P Sindhura, Director of Narayana Educational Institutions, extended her heartfelt congratulations to the achievers, stating, 'The success of our students stems from Narayana's robust learning ecosystem, which emphasises conceptual mastery, rigorous practice, and technology-driven education. Our holistic approach, championed through the Disha programme, supports students both academically and emotionally, with a strong focus on their mental well-being. Our unique Concept Definition Formula (CDF) methodology fosters critical thinking, while a structured micro-schedule maximises learning efficiency. Through periodic assessments, detailed error analysis, and personalised mentoring, we empower students to excel in competitive exams like the JEE. Our faculty go beyond teaching, they inspire, guide, and nurture each student's potential.' P Sharani, Director of Narayana Educational Institutions, attributed this phenomenal success to the seamless synergy between students, parents, and teachers. She highlighted the pivotal role of technology in enhancing academic performance, adding, 'Our in-house, online self-learning app nLearn facilitates real-time progress tracking, adaptive learning, and performance analysis, ensuring that students receive personalised support at every stage of their preparation.'
Mid East Info
5 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
CDF Champions Cultural Entrepreneurship and Strategic Investment at Expo 2025 Osaka - Middle East Business News and Information
Embracing new possibilities and cultural impact, the Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF) hosted a networking event titled 'Cultural Entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia: Fostering Innovation and Heritage' at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. The event featured a panel discussion that explored the Kingdom's thriving cultural economy, where Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Japan and Commissioner General of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, joined entrepreneurs and international investors sharing in growing global interest in Saudi Arabia's dynamic cultural economy. Moderated by cultural researcher and podcast host of Vision, Culture, and Policy, Saba Alkhamis, the conversation brought together Basil Al Alola, CDF Chief Credit & Investment Officer; Darren Barker, Founder of Barker Langham; and Hessa Alajaji, Founder of Accents, a design brand highlighting Saudi artisan. Guests explored Saudi Arabia's cultural renaissance and the rise of culture-sector entrepreneurship as a powerful engine for economic and social growth—underscoring the pivotal role of CDF's holistic financing and enablement solutions in driving the sector's sustainable expansion. In a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, the event served as a platform to spotlight Saudi Arabia's artistic heritage and its growing global connections. Building on the momentum of the 2025 Year of Handicrafts, the reception showcased works created in collaboration with Saudi artisans, reflecting the depth and vibrancy of the Kingdom's creative spirit. Complementing this showcase of handicrafts, the evening also celebrated cultural dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Japan, elevated with a performance by Japanese violinist and composer Ikuko Kawai, whose music embodied culture as both a bridge for collaboration and a catalyst for creativity. Across Expo 2025 Osaka, CDF's participation spans a diverse range of activations presenting Saudi Arabia's thriving cultural ecosystem and investment opportunities across the Kingdom's cultural landscape. With a particular emphasis on positioning culture as a driver of economic diversification and global collaboration, CDF shares real success stories, spotlights opportunities, and delivers meaningful impact. The Fund will also join local and international experts for panel discussions and networking sessions pertaining to all 16 cultural sectors, showcasing the Fund's tailored financing and enablement solutions. About the Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF). Founded in 2021, the CDF seeks to enrich Saudi Arabia's cultural landscape. It is organizationally linked to the Saudi National Development Fund and aims to foster the development of a self-reliant cultural sector. By supporting cultural activities and projects, empowering those interested in them, and facilitating investment in the sector, the CDF works to improve the cultural sector's profitability in alignment with the National Culture Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.
