Latest news with #IGF
Business Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Business Times
IGF chief lauds Singapore's successful bid to host world amateur golf event in October
SINGAPORE is gearing up to stage the World Amateur Team Championships (WATC) golf event in October, a biennial international amateur competition organised by the International Golf Federation (IGF). With just weeks to go until the big tee-off at the Tampines course at Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC), the preparations have received the thumbs-up from IGF's executive director, Antony Scanlon. In an interview with The Business Times during his recent visit to Singapore, he said: 'The Singapore Golf Association (SGA) presented a fabulous bid, and we recognised its merit during the bidding process. We were also impressed by the quality of the challenging Tampines course, and the deep commitment shown by the SGA officials.' Singapore and Morocco were on the shortlist at the IGF's last biennial meeting in Paris last year. It was agreed unanimously that the Republic would stage the 2025 event, and Morocco, the 2027 one. In Singapore, the women's competition for the Espirito Santo Trophy will take place from Oct 1 to 4, followed by the men's competition for the Eisenhower Trophy from Oct 8 to 11. The field has been cut from 72 to 36 teams, with the team from Singapore gaining automatic qualification. Each team has two or three players and plays 18-holes of stroke play for four days. In each round, the total of the two lowest scores from each team constitutes the team score for the round. The four-day (72-hole) total is the team's score for the championship. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Scanlon, a 60-year-old Australian, said of the WATC: 'A significant number of top amateurs who play in this tournament eventually progress to the professional ranks, including participation in major championships. In fact, 70 to 80 per cent of the golfers who play at the Olympics today previously competed in the WATC.' The last championships in 2023 were held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club's National course in the United Arab Emirates. South Korea won the women's event for the fifth time, while the United States took the men's crown. The values of golf The IGF, which is based in Lausanne, Switzerland, is recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the international federation for golf. It is the umbrella body for the national governing bodies of golf in 152 countries. In addition to the WATC, the federation also organises the golf competitions at the Olympic Games and the Youth Olympic Games. Scanlon, who defeated 70 candidates for the IGF's top job in 2010, is a nine-handicapper who picked up the sport at age six. He also once played rugby and cricket competitively. During his trip to Singapore, he took the opportunity to play at TMCC's award-winning Tampines course and Sentosa Golf Club's famed Serapong course. While he had much praise for Singapore as a destination for golf, he called on Singapore's national golf association and the many golf clubs across the island to do more to promote the sport. Even as the number of courses here is set to shrink as the government renews fewer of their leases, Scanlon said that stakeholders should raise the awareness that golf is back as an Olympic sport, and that every effort should be made to ensure Singapore's continued presence at the quadrennial event. In the Paris games last year, Shannon Tan became Singapore's first Olympic golfer. Scanlon was among the prime movers for golf's reinstatement in the Olympic programme at the Rio Games in 2016, after having been absent for 112 years. He urged stakeholders to impress upon the authorities the many positives that golf brings. 'All we can do is to continue to speak loudly about the values of golf. Golf instils strong values such as honesty, integrity and patience. It promotes not just activity, but also mental well-being. We should publicise these.' Asked about what the SGA could do to keep golf alive and buzzing in Singapore despite the challenges, he said: 'Around the world, golf is buzzing; the playing population and spectatorship are growing. I hear that in Singapore, it is growing at a fast pace too, although the clubs are getting fewer.' Scanlon also pointed out the vast green spaces of golf courses could also be used by non-golfers in some instances. 'These spaces can be used by the public for pursuits such as walking or other forms of exercise, like taichi. The famous St Andrews courses in Scotland are closed every Sunday, and people take the chance to walk their dogs or exercise around the greenery,' he said.
Business Wire
31-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
BlackRock Broadens Infrastructure Product Suite with Actively Managed ETF
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, BlackRock expanded its infrastructure product suite with the launch of the iShares Infrastructure Active ETF (CBOE:BILT), designed to harness the long-term growth potential of listed infrastructure companies across sectors and geographies through the efficiency and convenience of an ETF. Infrastructure is a vital and distinctive segment of the global economy, with related investments projected to reach $68 trillion by 2040. 1 This growth is fueled by powerful forces reshaping how the world builds, connects, and powers itself, including the buildout of energy-intensive data centers, a renewed focus on energy independence in many parts of the world, and the modernization and expansion of logistic hubs such as terminals and airports as global supply chains are rewired. 'As structural shifts re-shape the global economy, we believe physical and digital infrastructure opportunities will continue to expand and accelerate,' said Balfe Morrison, Head of Listed Infrastructure Strategies, Global Real Asset Securities Group at BlackRock. 'Investors may be under-allocated to listed infrastructure today – partly because there is no formal sector classification for infrastructure, and the companies within the universe have represented only a small percentage of global equity indices. 2 BILT aims to offer investors an actively managed approach to tapping into the multi-decade growth potential of infrastructure, an asset class with lower volatility than global equity markets, in the convenience and transparency of an ETF. 3 ' BILT provides investors with access to a diversified portfolio of 50-60 listed infrastructure companies globally, spanning categories including transportation, energy storage and transportation, construction, and utilities. Managed by Balfe Morrison and the BlackRock Global Real Assets Securities team, BILT leverages over two decades of infrastructure investing expertise seeking alpha driven primarily by stock selection. BILT adds to BlackRock's $10 billion infrastructure ETF suite, which includes the iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (IGF), the iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA) and the iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF (IDGT). 4 BlackRock's broader infrastructure investing platform, Global Infrastructure Partners, manages approximately $183 billion across a diversified portfolio of more than 300 active investments across equity, debt, and solutions, with operations in over 100 countries serving clients worldwide. 5 About BlackRock BlackRock's purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: About iShares iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1,600+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and over $4.7 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2025, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock. Carefully consider the Funds' investment objectives, risk factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Funds' prospectuses or, if available, the summary prospectuses which may be obtained by visiting or Read the prospectus carefully before investing. I nvesting involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The Fund is actively managed and does not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index. The Fund may have a higher portfolio turnover than funds that seek to replicate the performance of an index. Funds that concentrate investments in specific industries, sectors, markets or asset classes may underperform or be more volatile than other industries, sectors, markets or asset classes and the general securities market. International investing involves risks, including risks related to foreign currency, limited liquidity, less government regulation and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments. These risks often are heightened for investments in emerging/developing markets or in concentrations of single countries. The Fund's use of derivatives may reduce the Fund's returns and/or increase volatility and subject the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party in the transaction will not fulfill its contractual obligation. The Fund could suffer losses related to its derivative positions because of a possible lack of liquidity in the secondary market and as a result of unanticipated market movements, which losses are potentially unlimited. There can be no assurance that the Fund's hedging transactions will be effective. Convertible securities are subject to the market and issuer risks that apply to the underlying common stock. Diversification and asset allocation may not protect against market risk or loss of principal. This information should not be relied upon as research, investment advice, or a recommendation regarding any products, strategies, or any security in particular. This material is strictly for illustrative, educational, or informational purposes and is subject to change. The iShares Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (together with its affiliates, 'BlackRock'). © 2025 BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK and iSHARES are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners. 1 BlackRock, as of April 2025. Assumptions, opinions and estimates are provided for illustrative purposes only. They should not be relied upon as recommendations to buy or sell securities. Forecasts of financial market trends that are based on current market conditions constitute our judgment and are subject to change without notice. 2 Listed Infrastructure common holdings with S&P 500 and MSCI World as of 31 May 2024, as compared to the FTSE Developed Core Infrastructure 50/50 Net TR Index. 3 Data from Morningstar as of June 2025. Compares the 15-year standard deviation of MSCI ACWI Index versus Global Infrastructure, as represented by the FTSE Global Core Infrastructure 50/50 NtTx NR Index. 4 5 BlackRock, as of June 30, 2025.
See - Sada Elbalad
03-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Senior Egyptian Judge Highlights the Role of the Judiciary in UN Forum
Nada Mustafa Justice Adel Maged, Vice President of the Criminal Chamber at Egypt's Court of Cassation, made a remarkable contribution to the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF 2025), held in the Kingdom of Norway from 23 to 27 June. His intervention marked a pivotal moment for the inclusion of judicial perspectives in the global dialogue on digital governance and artificial intelligence. The IGF, established by a resolution of the UN General Assembly in 2006, serves as a multistakeholder platform for dialogue on internet policy, digital rights, and emerging technologies. Over the past two decades, it has evolved into the leading global forum for addressing critical issues at the intersection of technology, development, and human rights. The 2025 edition—attended by representatives from 165 countries, including over 3,300 in-person participants and 9,000 virtual attendees—was a milestone in promoting inclusive, rights-based governance of digital technologies. Justice Maged took part in a high-level session titled 'Can AI Replace the Human Element in Court?', where he firmly emphasized that the use of artificial intelligence in justice systems must be ethically guided and legally constrained. He warned that AI must never supplant judicial conscience or compromise the core principles of justice—namely fairness, impartiality, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. In his remarks, Justice Maged presented a compelling perspective that bridged judicial tradition with the rapidly evolving digital landscape. He cautioned against over-reliance on algorithmic decision-making and stressed that AI should be deployed in ways that uphold human dignity, procedural safeguards, and the rule of law. His central message was clear: technological progress must serve justice, not undermine it. Following his widely praised participation in the thematic session, Justice Maged was invited by the IGF Secretariat to deliver a statement at the Closing Ceremony of the Forum. His address not only reaffirmed the need to include judicial voices in digital policy-making but also served as a catalyst for the formal adoption of a Judiciary Track in future IGF agendas. In his closing remarks, Justice Maged expressed his sincere gratitude to the colleagues at the IGF Secretariat who facilitated his participation in this distinguished international forum—particularly in the Judiciary Engagement session—and commended their foresight in ensuring that the justice dimension was meaningfully reflected in the Closing Ceremony. Their support was instrumental in elevating the role of the judiciary within the Forum's broader mission. Justice Maged called for expanding the judiciary's role from a peripheral consideration to a core pillar of IGF deliberations. He emphasized that a judiciary that is informed, empowered, and actively engaged is essential to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the ethical use of technology in society. He also linked this vision to Egypt's national initiative launched by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in September 2024, 'A New Beginning for Building the Egyptian Human,' underscoring the importance of public awareness and legal consciousness in the age of artificial intelligence. Justice Maged's speech resonated broadly across national and international audiences. The Egyptian diplomatic delegation in Norway, led by Ambassador Dr. Gamal Metwally, praised the international recognition that Egypt received through this high-level engagement. The Closing Session featured a distinguished panel of global leaders, including: • Ms. Maria Ressa, IGF Leadership Panel Vice Chair and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. • Baroness Maggie Jones, UK Minister for the Future Digital Economy and Online Safety. • Mr. Dhruv Dhody, Member of the Internet Architecture Board (IAB) and Principal Engineer at Huawei. • Ms. Jacqueline Jijide, Youth representative from Malawi and Digital Inclusion Practitioner. • Mr. Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of the Telecom Authority of India (TRAI). • Mr. Åsmund Aukrust, Norway's Minister of International Development. • Mr. Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. • Ms. Natalie Becker Aakervik, digital governance expert, served as session moderator. Each speaker reflected on the Forum's achievements and emphasized the importance of international cooperation, equitable digital transformation, and the safeguarding of democratic values in online spaces. Justice Maged's contribution stood out by championing the judiciary as a vital guardian of rights in the algorithmic age and by proposing the institutionalization of a permanent Judiciary Track in IGF deliberations. The adoption of the Judiciary Track marks a turning point in the evolution of the IGF. It reinforces the centrality of the rule of law in digital governance and ensures that legal institutions will play an increasingly prominent role in future international processes, including the upcoming WSIS+20 Review. The WSIS+20 Review refers to the 20-year evaluation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), a global initiative launched by the United Nations to harness the potential of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for development. The IGF 2025 itself was a landmark edition, convening more than 12,000 participants from 165 countries—onsite and online—to tackle urgent issues such as the ethical use of AI, digital inclusion, online safety, misinformation, and cross-border data governance. One of its most significant outcomes was the growing consensus on embedding human rights, the rule of law, and judicial engagement into global digital policymaking, culminating in the formal recognition of the Judiciary Track as a foundational element of future IGF editions. The Forum concluded with a strong call for international cooperation and digital solidarity to ensure that technological advancement promotes justice, equality, and sustainable development for all. A significant part of Egypt's accomplishments at IGF 2025 can be credited to the vision, dedication, and impactful international engagement of Justice Adel Maged. His distinguished career bridges both national and international spheres, combining judicial leadership, academic excellence, and principled advocacy. As a jurist, educator, and global voice for justice, his contribution to IGF 2025 marks a defining moment in integrating judicial perspectives into the rapidly evolving field of international digital policy. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
IOL News
03-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Why South Africa needs an urgent ICT policy reform to leapfrog into global digital leadership
South Africa's digital future depends on how quickly and boldly we reform our ICT policy landscape, says the author. Having recently participated in the Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF), I left with one burning realisation: South Africa's digital future depends on how quickly and boldly we reform our ICT policy landscape. The IGF discussions revealed a sobering geopolitical reality: ICT infrastructure is no longer just about connectivity or convenience; it has become a strategic asset, a tool of control, and, in many ways, a modern currency in the global power play. Subsea cables, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, radio frequency spectrum, and hyperscale data centres are now at the heart of geopolitical influence. The Global North is rapidly consolidating control over these digital arteries, ensuring that data traffic, internet governance decisions, and emerging technologies remain within their sphere of influence. Sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, is heavily dependent on foreign-owned undersea cables and satellite services. Over 80% of South Africa's internet traffic is still routed internationally. Global content companies and Big Tech are increasingly dominating African digital spaces, often without contributing adequately to local economies. Without intentional ICT policy reform, South Africa risks remaining a digital consumer in a world where ownership equals power. South Africa's ICT history is complex. Under apartheid, ICT infrastructure was an exclusive domain, designed to serve a minority and reinforce state surveillance. Post-1994, South Africa made significant strides: • The Electronic Communications Act, • The Broadband Policy (SA Connect), • The establishment of regulatory bodies like Icasa and ZADNA. These were critical steps towards inclusivity and access. However, ICT policy in South Africa has not evolved at the pace required by technological advancements. Globally, ICT policy cycles average five years or less. In contrast, several key South African ICT laws remain over 15 years old. To illustrate this: South Africa has had more than 11 different ICT ministers since 1994, each introducing policy directions with limited continuity. This leadership churn, coupled with slow regulatory updates, has undermined investor confidence and delayed critical infrastructure investments. Technology is moving at a speed that no static policy can match. Consider developments like: • 6G spectrum planning (IMT-2030), • Artificial Intelligence governance models, • Quantum computing frameworks, • Satellite mega-constellations. These emerging areas require dynamic, agile and future-proof legislation. The longer we delay, the wider the gap becomes between South Africa and global digital leaders. Investor confidence is built on policy certainty. Currently, South Africa's unpredictable policy environment is a deterrent for both local entrepreneurs and global technology investors. For South Africa to attract data centre investment, subsea cable landing stations, and satellite gateways, we need a clear, stable, and forward-looking ICT policy framework. Equally critical is data sovereignty. With most government data currently stored in foreign-owned infrastructure, South Africa must prioritise the development of local, black-owned data centres, especially those hosting sensitive public sector data. This is not just a cybersecurity concern; it's a sovereignty issue. South Africa's ICT policy reform must focus on several strategic areas: • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Ethical use, innovation governance, and positioning South Africa for AI competitiveness. • AI Data Centres: Ownership models that ensure local control over high-density computing infrastructure and government datasets. • Next-Generation Connectivity (6G/IMT-2030): Preparing for spectrum allocation and next-generation mobile broadband services. • Optical and Non-Terrestrial Networks: Expanding fibre infrastructure and integrating satellite systems (LEO, MEO, GEO) for national coverage. • Subsea Infrastructure: Strengthening and diversifying ownership of subsea cable landing stations and promoting local investment. • Data Sovereignty: Developing legislation that mandates local data storage for public and sensitive private sector data. • Cybersecurity: Establishing robust national frameworks to address both global and domestic cyber threats.• Child Protection and Online Safety: Addressing emerging online harms and developing national frameworks for digital child protection. • Digital Diplomacy and Geopolitics: Preparing South Africa's position on space governance, suborbital policies, and international digital negotiations.• Content Platforms and Broadcasting: Addressing the impact of new media platforms on local content industries and ensuring protection of South African content. The South African Internet Governance Forum (ZAIGF), in partnership with the Department of Communications and ZADNA, has already demonstrated the capacity to convene multistakeholder dialogues that reflect the voices of government, business, academia, and civil society. However, South Africa must now institutionalise the IGF outcomes into formal policy processes. Annual ZAIGF recommendations should feed directly into national policy development frameworks, especially given the fast-changing global internet governance landscape. Furthermore, South Africa must closely monitor, implement and align with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) resolutions and World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) outcomes to remain globally competitive and future-ready. We stand at a pivotal moment. The global digital divide is widening. With bold, inclusive, and visionary policy reform, South Africa can not only catch up but leapfrog into a position of global digital leadership. This is not just a policy exercise; it is a national development imperative.
Scoop
28-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Global Digital Cooperation In Focus As 20th Internet Governance Forum Concludes In Norway
Lillestrøm, Norway, 27 June 2025 — The 20th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF) concluded today in Lillestrøm, Norway, celebrating two decades of advancing open, inclusive, and secure digital development. Hosted by the Government of Norway in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), this milestone gathering brought together more than 9,000 participants onsite and online from across the globe, including policymakers, civil society leaders, academics, youth, and the private sector. In his opening remarks earlier in the week, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reflected on the significance of the occasion, noting: 'Two decades ago, digital cooperation was a bold aspiration. Today, it is an absolute necessity – and a shared responsibility.' He also highlighted the recent adoption of the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact, which recognized the Internet Governance Forum as the primary multistakeholder platform for digital governance issues. This year's IGF welcomed high-level participation from governments, especially from Africa and the Global South, alongside representatives from leading technology companies including Meta, OpenAI, and TikTok. Actor and producer Joseph Gordon-Levitt also took part, engaging in discussions that explored the creative and ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence. Through its inclusive multistakeholder format, the IGF provided a trusted platform for open dialogue and cooperation on the world's most pressing digital issues. In his closing statement, Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, emphasized that as we look toward the General Assembly's review of the IGF mandate this December, 'We have a critical opportunity to reaffirm and re-energize the IGF's role as the global home for inclusive dialogue and digital policies.' He further underscored that 'ensuring safe and secure deployment of digital technologies is a shared responsibility—and a critical priority—for the global multistakeholder community. We must deliver it.' Held under the overarching theme 'Building Digital Governance Together,' the Forum featured more than 260 sessions over five days. Discussions covered critical areas such as data governance, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, universal connectivity, digital rights, and the future of global digital cooperation. Karianne Tung, Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance of Norway, remarked in her closing statement, 'We are proud that this year's Internet Governance Forum, hosted in Norway, has laid a strong foundation for the forthcoming WSIS+20 process. A continued, permanent, and strengthened IGF mandate will be vital in shaping the future of global digital governance. I extend my sincere gratitude to all stakeholders who engaged in vibrant, thoughtful discussions here in Norway, and who played a key role in the success of IGF 2025.' A key outcome of the Forum was the Lillestrøm IGF Messages, which reflect shared priorities and recommendations from IGF participants. These Messages offer actionable guidance for policymakers, focusing on digital governance, human rights online, the opportunities and risks of digital innovation, and the role of digital technologies in advancing peace, sustainability, and development. Throughout the week, participants underscored the urgent need to address rising challenges in the digital landscape. Concerns were raised about the erosion of digital trust, driven by the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation, and malicious content. The emergence of generative AI has made it easier to produce convincing yet false content, exacerbating the risks—particularly for young people who increasingly rely on digital platforms for information and interaction. About the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) The Internet Governance Forum, convened by the United Nations Secretary-General, is the global multistakeholder platform for dialogue on digital public policy. Its annual meeting brings together thousands of participants from governments, civil society, business, academia, and the technical community to exchange knowledge, share good practices, and collaborate on solutions to the world's most pressing digital governance challenges. For more information, visit:
