Enrique Mendizabal :think tank

 

This edition of the OTT newsletter is brought to you by Marcela Morales, who leads our evidence use in education practice. Dear OTT Community,  This month has been full of exciting developments in our work on evidence use, particularly in education. Through our collaboration with the Jacobs Foundation, we’ve had the opportunity to bring insights from the evidence-use field into education, connect with partners, and think about how evidence can be most effectively used to inform education policy and practice. Our team has been busy sharing insights in key spaces. At the What Works Hub Meeting in Oxford, Clara Richards reflected on the incredible passion and knowledge dedicated to solving global challenges. However, she reminded us that we need to tackle the "thorny issues"—complexity, politics, and power dynamics—that slow down progress. If we want to scale impact, these can’t be ignored. For more on thorny issues in evidence use, check out the latest reflections from my colleagues Enrique Mendizabal and Vanesa Weyrauch on why confronting these difficult issues is essential to unlocking transformative impact. I had the pleasure of speaking at the Annual ICSEI Conference, where I explored the critical role of policy labs in advancing evidence use. A key takeaway: navigating the politics of evidence is essential to ensuring it leads to meaningful change. Check out OTT's recently published interview with Dr. Vijay Pingale, CEO CEGIS and article on Institute for Government's UK Ministers Database to see this in action. A special shoutout to the ICSEI organisers for bringing together such an engaging group of experts and practitioners, including my fellow panellists, Mukdharut Bangpan (UCL), Jonathan Kay (Education Endowment Foundation), and Nóra Révai (OECD) — all doing fantastic work to push the field forward. Earlier this month, I teamed up with Samuel Kembou from the Jacobs Foundation on the Let's Talk Education Africa podcast to discuss policy labs and evidence use. I highly recommend their podcast for great content and insights from practitioners doing impactful work in Africa.

GAIN reports

 

The following GAIN reports were released on October 9, 2024. _______ Australia: Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual Australia’s table grape production is forecast to increase to 230,000 metric tons (MT) in marketing year (MY) 2024/25, the second largest on record, from an estimated 195,000 MT in MY 2023/24. This high level is primarily due to excellent seasonal conditions so far and the prospect of continued favorable seasonal conditions through to the end of harvest. These conditions will likely produce high-quality table grapes in the forecast year and increase the volume supply of suitable for the export market. The boost in production and quality is forecast to result in the third-highest export result on record of 135,000 MT for MY 2024/25. Additionally, the forecast production growth is expected to support a 10 percent boost in domestic consumption for MY 2024/25.   Guatemala: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual This report contains the list of all the mandatory export certificates required by the Government of Guatemala for agricultural imports. This report has no major changes from its 2023 version. Links to U.S. government offices will be in English, while links to Guatemala government institutions will be in Spanish.   Ukraine: Livestock and Products Annual Post expects livestock numbers and beef production to continue their decrease through 2025. Beef production efficiency remains low, with the majority of beef derived from dairy and dual-purpose animals. Exports of both live animals and beef will decline due to lower animal inventory. Domestic beef consumption remains depressed due to low disposable incomes and competition with poultry and pork. Post predicts the 2024 pork price decline will precipitate a revenue drop for producers and will result in a pig number drop by the end of 2024. Similar performance is expected in 2025. Ukraine’s low domestic pork price will keep imports at low levels in 2024, with some rebound in 2025. Pork exports will remain hampered by African Swine Fever (ASF). The number of ASF cases is notably rising, endangering commercial production and trade.     For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.

The following GAIN reports were released on October 8, 2024.

_______

 

 

South Africa: Retail Foods Annual

The five biggest corporations, Shoprite Holdings Ltd., Pick n Pay Retailers Pty Ltd., Spar Group Ltd., Walmart-owned Massmart, and Woolworths Holdings Ltd., account for a substantial portion of the retail food market in South Africa. When combined, they make up over 60% of all retail food sales. Retail food sales in South Africa reached a total of $39 billion in 2023. In 2023, consumer-oriented agricultural goods were imported by South Africa to the tune of $3.2 billion. In South Africa, retail trade sales account for over 20% of the country's GDP. Prolonged demand for healthier options in the fresh food and wellness sectors, growing interest in subscription services, and the necessity of omnichannel shopping—a hybrid approach that combines product information and reviews—are some of the major developments in the South African retail food industry.

 

Vietnam: Retail Foods Annual

Vietnam’s food retail market consisted of over 665,000 outlets generating sale revenue of $55 billion in 2023, up four percent compared to 2022. Although the global economic downturn has slowed growth, key retailers remain optimistic about the potential of Vietnam's retail market. Vietnam's young population, growing middle class, rising disposable incomes, and high demand for quality and safety are key growth drivers for U.S. food and beverage products in the retail market.

ΠΕΡΙΦΕΡΕΙΑ ΚΡΗΤΗΣ:πρόσφατα, ενδιαφέροντα Νέα...

 

Στ. Αρναουτάκης: «Οι περιφέρειες επιζητούν την ευθύνη. Με αυξημένους πόρους, ξεκάθαρο θεσμικό πλαίσιο και αποκέντρωση εξουσιών»

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NIH Health Information:Menopause | ADHD | Childhood Obesity | Hearing Protectors | Wellness Toolkits

 

Thursday, October 10, 2024   Managing Menopause Menopause is a normal part of a woman’s life, but the transition can be difficult for some women. Find ways to help ease symptoms. (From NIH News in Health) ADHD Awareness Month During October, check out resources to raise awareness about ADHD. (From NIH’s NIMH) Childhood Obesity Linked to Limited Food Options Children living in neighborhoods with low access to grocery stores early in life, even before birth, were at increased risk for obesity later in childhood and adolescence. (From NIH Research Matters) Hearing Protectors Hearing protectors are wearable devices that can lower the volume of sounds. Discover how you can use them to protect your hearing. (From NIH’s NIDCD) Wellness Toolkits in English and Spanish Learn ways to improve your well-being with NIH's wellness toolkits, which highlight evidence-based tips for living well and enhancing your health.

This bimonthly newsletter contains resources and tips about healthy living and wellness from across NIH, the nation’s medical research agency. To find more trusted health information from NIH, go to https://www.nih.gov/health-information.

Δήμος Μαλεβιζίου: Ιδιοκτήτης απορριματοφόρων πίσω απο τον εμπρησμό – Έχασε τη δουλειά!

 https://www.aftodioikisi.gr/ota/dimoi/dimos-malevizioy-idioktitis-aporrimatoforon-piso-apo-ton-emprismo-echase-ti-doyleia/

"..Εξιχνιάσθηκε υπόθεση εμπρησμού 8 απορριμματοφόρων οχημάτων στο Δήμο Μαλεβιζίου, και συνελήφθησαν τρία άτομα κατηγορούμενα για απόπειρα εκβίασης και παράβασης της Νομοθεσίας περί όπλων...

..Ο 44χρονος φερόμενος ως ηθικός αυτουργός, είναι ιδιοκτήτης ιδιωτικής εταιρείας συλλογής απορριμμάτων που συνεργάζεται μέσω συμβάσεων με τους Δήμους της περιοχής. Ωστόσο η δημοτική αρχή του Δήμου Μαλεβιζίου, και ο νέος αντιδήμαρχος, Μανώλης Βίστης, ο οποίος ανέλαβε καθήκοντα τον Ιανουάριο,  δεν σύναψε αυτή την φορά συμβόλαιο μαζί του, καθώς ήταν καλυμμένος από το δικό του στόλο..."

https://www.aftodioikisi.gr/ota/dimoi/dimos-malevizioy-idioktitis-aporrimatoforon-piso-apo-ton-emprismo-echase-ti-doyleia/

Σωρηδόν οι παραιτήσεις σε Δήμο της Αττικής – Το κατηγορώ των αντιδημάρχων

 https://www.aftodioikisi.gr/ota/dimoi/synechizontai-oi-paraitiseis-se-dimo-tis-attikis-to-katigoro-ton-antidimarchon/

"..Δραματικές και ραγδαίες είναι οι εξελίξεις στο Δήμο Ραφήνας Πικερμίου. Μετά τις μαζικές παραιτήσεις 4 αντιδημάρχων, 3 δημοτικών συμβούλων και ενός προέδρου τοπικού συμβουλίου, πριν από λίγη ώρα κατά την διάρκεια της συνεδρίασης του Δημοτικού Συμβουλίου παραιτήθηκε και η Γενική Γραμματέας του Δήμου Ελένη Νιαρχάκου...."

https://www.aftodioikisi.gr/ota/dimoi/synechizontai-oi-paraitiseis-se-dimo-tis-attikis-to-katigoro-ton-antidimarchon/

U.S. National Science Foundation Update

Build and Broaden Program Office Hours October 11, 2024, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. October 15, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. October 16, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. See additional dates and times on nsf.gov Please join the Build and Broaden Program Office Hours to learn, discuss, and ask questions about the program with Program Officers. Office hours take place over Zoom.   Continue reading on NSF.gov   Additional Resources WHO IS NSF? For more than 70 years the U.S National Science Foundation has funded basic research that has transformed our lives. For a glimpse into who we are and what we do, watch this video.   WEBSITE For special resources, galleries and a closer look at our various research areas, visit our website. MULTIMEDIA GALLERY Our Multimedia Gallery has some of the most stunning images for you to use as a virtual background. Multimedia Gallery.   FACT SHEETS Concise, factual summaries describing NSF at a Glance, By the Numbers, or other science topics, please visit this page.

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Meetings Thursday, 10 October 2024

● Council of the EU   10/10/2024 19:39 | Meetings | Main results - Justice and Home Affairs Council (Home affairs), 10 October 2024   Ministers of home affairs met in Luxembourg to discuss how to improve the EU's return system. Also on the agenda was the entry/exit system and a draft law to prevent and combat child sexual abuse.     Meetings Thursday, 10 October 2024     ● Council of the EU   10/10/2024 16:48 | Meetings | Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 15 October 2024   Background brief - T   Meetings Thursday, 10 October 2024     ● Council of the EU   10/10/2024 16:27 | Meetings | Environment Council, 14 October 2024   Background brief - Environment Council of 14 October 2024   Press material Thursday, 10 October 2024     ● Council of the EU   10/10/2024 15:01 | Press release | EU brings product liability rules in line with digital age and circular economy   Today the Council adopted a directive to update the EU’s civil liability law. The new liability rules better take into account that nowadays many products have digital features and that the economy is becoming increasingly circular. “The product liability rules that the Council adopted today are good news for consumers and producers. It will become easier for an injured person to claim damages in court. Manufacturers on the other hand will benefit from clear rules related to digital product and circular economy business models.” — Bence Tuzson, Hungarian Minister of Justice Consumer protection and single market gains Because of technologial developments, new circular economy business models and ever more global supply chains the EU has decided to improve its liability rulebook. The update also tackles the difficulty faced by injured persons in gathering evidence to prove liability, especially when it comes to new technologies. New product liability rules do not only benefit consumers but also encourage the roll-out and uptake of new technologies and give legal clarity and a level playing field to producers. Main elements Digital economy: The new law extends the definition of “product” to digital manufacturing files and software. Also online platforms can be held liable for a defective product sold on their platform just like any other economic operators if they act like one. Circular economy: When a product is repaired and upgraded outside the original manufacturer’s control, the company or person that modified the product should be held liable. Disclosure of evidence: The right to compensation has been made easier by ensuring that an injured person who claims compensation before a national court can request access to relevant evidence at the disposal of the manufacturer in order to be able to prove their claim. Products bought from non-EU manufacturers: Under the new rules, to make sure that consumers are compensated for damages caused by a product manufactured outside of the EU, the company importing the product or the EU-based representative of the foreign manufacturer can be held liable for damages. Burden of proof: When the injured consumer is faced with excessive difficulties to prove the defectiveness of the product or the causal link between its defectiveness and the damage, a court may decide that the claimant is only required to prove the likelihood that the product was defective or that its defectiveness is a likely cause of the damage. Next steps The directive will enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member states have two years to transpose the directive into national law. Background The EU’s product liability regime was established in 1985. Its purpose was to compensate injured persons for physical injury or damages of property that they have suffered due to a defective product, simply by proving that a product was defective and that the defect caused the injury or damage. Directive on liability for defective products   Press material Wednesday, 09 October 2024     ● Council of the EU   09/10/2024 11:00 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Foreign Affairs Council of 14 October 2024   The press briefing ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council will take place on Friday, 11 October 2024 at 14.30. This press briefing will be "off the record" and will be given by a senior EEAS official in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person at the Europa building press room. To attend the event remotely, please use this link to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Those who already registered for previous press events of the Foreign Affairs Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Friday, 11 October 2024, 13.30 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline.   Press material Tuesday, 08 October 2024     ● Council of the EU   08/10/2024 10:17 | Press release | Listings on European stock exchanges: Council adopts the listing act   The Council today adopted the listing act, a legislative package that will make EU public capital markets more attractive for EU companies and facilitate the listing of companies of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), on European stock exchanges. This marks the final step in the decision-making process. “The adoption of the listing act will simplify the regulatory landscape. We will create more opportunities for businesses to grow and access capital, while ensuring investor protection and market integrity. This is a concrete contribution to the success of the Capital Markets Union, and I am confident it will have lasting positive effects on European economies.” — Mihály Varga, Hungarian minister of finance The measures seek to streamline the rules applicable to companies going through a listing process or companies already listed on EU public markets. The aim is to simplify the process for companies by alleviating administrative burdens and costs, while preserving a sufficient degree of transparency, investor protection and market integrity. Easier access to public markets will allow companies, and SMEs in particular, to better diversify and complement available sources of funding. A directive on multiple-vote shares was also adopted by the Council today. The directive introduces a framework to facilitate the issuance and use of multiple-vote shares. It aims to attract and retain high-growth companies in the EU while safeguarding shareholder protection. Next steps Following the Council's adoption, the different measures of the listing act will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and enter into force 20 days later. Member states will have 18 months to transpose the directive amending the markets in financial instruments directive into national legislation and two years to transpose directive on multiple-vote shares. Background On 7 December 2022, the Commission put forward the listing act package consisting of: a regulation amending the prospectus regulation, market abuse regulation and the markets in financial instruments regulation; a directive amending the markets in financial instruments directive and repealing the listing directive; a directive on multiple-vote shares. Listing act Regulation Listing act Directive European capital markets (background information) Support to small and medium-sized enterprises (background information) What the EU is doing to deepen its capital markets (background information)   Jobs Tuesday, 08 October 2024     ● Council of the EU   Career opportunities at the General Secretariat, 08/10/2024   Director-General (AD15) for Directorate-General “Communication and Information”  Reference: CONS/AD/195/24 The deadline for applications: 29 October 2024 at 12:00 noon (Brussels time)