Latest news with #CDP
Politico
2 days ago
- Business
- Politico
State Department cyber, tech cuts deeper than previously known
Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's subcommittee on cybersecurity, said he was aware of a number of cuts of staff with specific and hard-to-replace skills. 'They have lost people with genuine expertise … in cyber, in 5G, in quantum, a whole group of people who had really exquisite skills,' Coons said. Asked to quantify the extent of cuts to the cybersecurity workforce, Coons said: 'My impression is: significant.' The cuts to cyber and tech roles at State have gone beyond the CDP. Also laid off have been staff involved in ensuring the use of secure telecommunications infrastructure by allies; and those that worked to fix problems Cyber Command identifies in the networks of U.S. allies, said Annie Fixler, director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, who has been in contact with a number those laid off. The congressional aide said that 'around half a dozen' of the staff from the Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technologies — which works on topics including AI and quantum computing — were given RIF notices, representing a 'sizeable proportion' of the small office. This aide said this office is now being merged into the CDP. It has become increasingly clear over the past few days that the reorganized State Department will have very few cybersecurity positions. The Washington Post first reported earlier this week that CDP personnel had been among those laid off, in particular those on teams that focus on global data policy. The former official confirmed that Liesyl Franz, the CDP's deputy assistant secretary for International Cyberspace Security was among those laid off. Her departure was previously reported by NextGov. Franz did not respond to a request for comment. The entire Office of Science and Technology Cooperation has also been shut down, according to a laid-off employee. Felicia Fullilove-Cashwell, a foreign affairs officer at the State Department, wrote on LinkedIn that her reduction in force letter included the words 'office abolished.' Fullilove-Cashwell said in an interview that 'it has been suggested that regional offices may take over a lot of the functions of eliminated offices,' though she argued that eliminating OSTC still hurts the relationships between civil servants and foreign officials. The elimination of OSTC was previously reported by FedScoop.
The Mainichi
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Editorial: Deeper debate urged on separate surnames, same-sex marriage in Japan election
Removing restrictions that deny the wishes of those directly affected and updating Japan's marriage system to reflect societal changes is a fundamental role of politics. In the upcoming House of Councillors election, the introduction of a selective married couple surname system and the legalization of same-sex marriage have again emerged as key issues. In the recently closed session of the Diet, legislation to introduce selective separate surnames was deliberated in the House of Representatives for the first time in 28 years. However, parties that had advocated for the change were unable to unite, resulting in a decision to carry the discussion into the next session. Under the current system that requires married couples to share a surname, nearly all of those who suffer disadvantages from a name change are women. Premarriage career achievements can go unrecognized by society. Some women also report a sense of lost identity. The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) and the Democratic Party for the People, both of whom submitted their respective bills, have again pledged to introduce the system in their campaign promises. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), where members are split on the issue, has yet to present a clear direction. The LDP's conservative bloc and the Sanseito party oppose the reform. Critics claim that allowing separate surnames would leave children with a different last name from one parent, undermining family unity and negatively affecting child development. However, these concerns have not surfaced in countries where separate surnames are allowed. In Japan as well, there are a number of families -- such as those in common-law marriages -- where members do not share the same surname. Safeguarding the rights of same-sex couples is also an urgent issue. In lawsuits filed by affected individuals, all five high courts that have rendered judgments so far have found the current system, which fails to recognize same-sex marriage, to be unconstitutional. Even though sexual orientation cannot be changed, unequal treatment persists. Such discrimination is unreasonable, and it harms people's dignity while causing everyday difficulties. Some continue to deny same-sex marriage, citing the traditional view that marriage is for "a man and a woman to live together and bear and raise children." However, the ability or intention to have children is not a legal requirement for marriage in Japan. The CDP, Nippon Ishin (the Japan Innovation Party), the Japanese Communist Party and others have pledged to make same-sex marriage legal, but the LDP's manifesto does not address the issue. The introduction of selective married couple surnames and same-sex marriage would grant the wishes of those who desire them without disadvantaging anyone else. The Constitution stipulates that the right of the people to pursue happiness must be fully respected in national policy. Voters should scrutinize how candidates and political parties intend to put this principle into practice.
Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
LyondellBasell improves CDP climate score to A in 2024, strengthening ESG leadership
HOUSTON, July 15 (Bernama) -- LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) today announced it has improved its climate change score from A-minus to A in CDP's 2024 assessment, placing the company in the leadership category for the second consecutive year. CDP is the world's leading environmental disclosure platform, used by investors and stakeholders to evaluate how companies manage climate-related risks, opportunities and performance. 'Improving to an A score reflects the momentum we've built across our sustainability agenda,' said Andrea Brown, chief sustainability officer at LYB. 'This recognition affirms the strength of our strategy, from scaling circular solutions and advancing low-carbon innovation to embedding sustainability into how we operate and create financial value. As we continue transforming our business, we remain focused on delivering measurable impact, supporting our customers and achieving profitable growth.'
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Cork City councillors retain plan for new bridge despite warnings it will limit use of the Lee
Cork's city councillors have voted overwhelmingly to retain a yet-to-be-designed light rail bridge over the River Lee as a key ambition of the city development plan (CDP) — despite warnings that a fixed rail bridge could impact waterborne transport. Councillors voted 28 to one, with one abstention, on Monday night, to approve the variation of the development plan that will guide the delivery of the vast new public realm, roads, parks, and cultural spaces required for the docklands — Ireland's largest urban regeneration site. The need for bridges for the area has been part of city planning policy since 2008 but they emerged as a major issue of concern when the variation was published for public consultation in April, attracting some 662 submissions. Many boat clubs and rowers expressed concerns about the proposed light rail bridge — from Horgan's Quay, near Kent Station, to Kennedy Quay on the south docks — suggesting that it could prevent upstream use of the river. The draft 'Luas' light rail route, including the bridge, published by the National Transport Authority earlier this year, is the subject of a separate public consultation process. Captain Michael McCarthy, a master mariner and a former deputy harbour master of the Port of Cork, was among those to raise concerns. Bridge 'would halt upstream use of the Lee' He said a fixed Luas bridge here would "sterilise" Horgan's Quay, Penrose Quay, North and South Custom House Quay, including the pontoons, Albert Quay, and South Jetties, and the swinging basin, preventing access by foreign naval vessels, cruise vessels, tall ships, ferries, water taxis, visiting yachts, and power boats. Fine Gael councillor Des Cahill's suggestion that the variation proceed without mention of the bridges — to give the city time to prepare a river use study and consider alternatives — was voted down. Green councillor Dan Boyle said to proceed with that suggestion would be a complete reversal of decades of policy and would "pander to unjustified fears". Fianna Fáil councillor Terry Shannon and Independent Ireland councillor Noel O'Flynn said the council has been pursuing the docklands project for 25 years and needs to get on with. 'Bridge design should allow navigation' Mr Shannon said: 'The design of the bridges needs to be such that it will allow navigation.' Mr O'Flynn said: 'We stand at a moment of renewal. The Government has pledged over €341m to Cork docklands. The funding is real, the timeline is clear, the opportunity is now.' Councillors were also told that the proposed variation does not propose any new bridges across the river nor does it stipulate or determine any particular design or opening option for any of the bridges. New premises for missing persons group Cork City Council assistant chief executive Brian Geaney also assured that the council would work with Horgan's Quay-based Cork City Missing Persons to source a new premises. 'That will happen, with engagement already lined up on Wednesday week,' he said. Niall Ó Donnabháin, the city's director of services for planning and integrated development, said the council wants to maintain the river at the heart of the city, and the variation will help put it at the heart of planning policy. He also said there will be a full and detailed planning process for each of the proposed bridges at a later stage.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ontex listed on the 2024 CDP Supplier Engagement Leaderboard, recognizing its climate action efforts across the value chain
Aalst, Belgium, July 10, 2025 – Ontex Group NV [EURONEXT: ONTEX], a leading international developer and producer of personal care solutions, is proud to have been recognized by CDP* for the second time in a row for its climate actions in partnership with its suppliers, specifically aimed at reducing its scope 3 emissions. Ontex is among the highest-rated companies that are celebrated in the 2024 Supplier Engagement Leaderboard, which evaluates corporate supply chain engagement on climate issues. Marco Querzoli, Chief Supply Chain Officer said: 'Building on our prestigious CDP A rating for Climate from February, the additional recognition we've received through the Supplier Engagement Leaderboard marks another milestone in our sustainability journey. This honor reaffirms our belief that genuine impact on climate change can only be achieved through seamless, end-to-end partnerships. At Ontex, we are committed to integrating every link in our value chain—ensuring not only outstanding value and quality for our customers today, but also paving the way for a sustainable future for generations to come. We will keep on working with our suppliers to reduce the CO₂ emissions not only from raw materials but also from transportation.' In 2024, Ontex took steps to better understand supplier sustainability maturity by gathering information on their climate targets, measurement approaches, and ongoing environmental initiatives. In 2024, more than 50% of emissions from purchased goods and services were covered by data from suppliers, allowing the group to closely follow up on the improvements made by its suppliers. These foundational efforts contributed to Ontex being recognized on the 2024 CDP Supplier Engagement Leaderboard, reflecting its leadership in initiating climate action across its value chain and laying the groundwork for future Scope 3 emissions reductions. For more information on Ontex' sustainability strategy and goals, go to or consult Ontex's latest annual report. *About CDP: CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) is a global non-profit that surveys corporate environmental disclosure on behalf of more than 740 institutional investors, with approximately 23,000 companies responded to the survey. CDP Supplier Engagement Assessment assesses companies on their performance on governance, targets, Scope 3 emissions, and value chain engagement in the CDP climate change questionnaire. ***Image available at Enquiries Investors: Geoffroy Raskin +32 53 33 37 30 Media: Catherine Weyne +32 53 33 36 22 About Ontex Ontex is a leading international developer and producer of baby care, feminine care and adult care products, both for retailers and healthcare, primarily in Europe and North America. The group employs around 5,500 people, with plants and offices in 12 countries (excl. discontinued operations), and its innovative products are distributed in around 100 countries. Ontex is headquartered in Aalst, Belgium and is listed on Euronext Brussel, where it is a constituent of the Bel Mid® index. To keep up with the latest news, visit or follow Ontex on LinkedIn. Attachment Press release Ontex CDP (EN)Sign in to access your portfolio
