New limits on energy use in standby mode have come into effect. The limits now apply to electrical appliances such as Wi-fi, wireless speakers, and motor-operated blinds. The new rules will help reduce energy bills and save enough energy to power more than 1 million electric cars by 2030.
New limits on energy use in standby mode have come into effect. The limits now apply to electrical appliances such as Wi-fi, wireless speakers, and motor-operated blinds. The new rules will help reduce energy bills and save enough energy to power more than 1 million electric cars by 2030. Source link
“Extreme weather and climate change impacts are hitting every single aspect of socio-economic development in Africa and exacerbating hunger, insecurity and displacement,” the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Monday.
WMO said that average surface temperature across Africa in 2024 was approximately 0.86°C above the 1991–2020 average.
North Africa recorded the highest temperature – 1.28°C above the 1991-2020 average; it is the fastest-warming sub-region of Africa.
Sea surface temperatures were also the highest on record. “Particularly large increases in sea surface temperatures have been observed in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea,” WMO said.
Data shows that almost the entire ocean area around Africa was affected by marine heatwaves of strong, severe or extreme intensity last year and especially the tropical Atlantic.
Head of WMO, Celeste Saulo, warned that climate change is an urgent and escalating problem across the African continent “with some countries grappling with exceptional flooding caused by excessive rainfall and others enduring persistent droughts and water scarcity”.
Highlighting Africa’s particular vulnerability to our warming planet – caused mainly by rich nations burning fossil fuels – the UN agency said that floods, heatwaves and droughts forced 700,000 people out of their homes across the continent last year.
WMO also noted that the El Niño phenomenon was active from 2023 into early 2024 and “played major roles in rainfall patterns” across Africa.
In northern Nigeria alone, 230 people died in floods last September that swept across the capital of Borno state, Maiduguri, displacing 600,000, severely damaging hospitals and contaminating water in displacement camps.
Regionally, rising waters caused by torrential rains ravaged West Africa and impacted a staggering four million people.
Conversely, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe suffered the worst drought in at least two decades, with cereal harvests in Zambia and Zimbabwe 43 per cent and 50 per cent below the five-year average, respectively.
Heatwaves are also a growing threat to health and development and Africa, WMO said, noting that the past decade has also been the warmest on record. Depending on the dataset, 2024 was the warmest or second-warmest year.
Blistering temperatures already impact children’s education, with schools closing in March 2024 in South Sudan as temperatures reached 45°C. Worldwide, at least 242 million pupils missed school because of extreme weather in 2024, many of them in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF.
Beyond education, rising temperatures across the continent are making Africa more water-scarce and food-insecure, with North African countries the hardest-hit.
Erratic weather patterns across Africa are also hindering farming, driving food insecurity and displacing people who have already had to flee war already, WMO explained.
Last October, for example, flooding affected 300,000 people in South Sudan – a hefty figure for a nation of 13 million, scarred by years of civil strife and where infrastructure is poor.
The disaster wiped out cattle, adding up to between 30 and 34 million farm animals – roughly two per inhabitant – and stagnant water fuelled diseases. Families who had been self-sufficient had to seek help once again.
“When someone slides back into being fed, it affects their dignity,” said Meshack Malo, South Sudan Country Representative for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
At the forefront of climate change, the troubled East African country is already dealing with a crippling economic crisis, mass displacement made worse by the war in neighbouring Sudan, as well as escalating tensions at home and pervasive violence.
Fighting in Sudan has derailed the South Sudanese economy, which relies on oil exports for 90 per cent of its national revenue, reports indicate.
When South Sudan is not hit by floods, it is plagued by drought.
“This cyclic change between floods and drought, makes the country affected almost a good part of the year,” said Mr. Malo.
Flooding has worsened and become more intense and frequent in recent years.
“That means that any short rain then can easily trigger the flooding, because water and the soil remain quite saturated,” Mr. Malo added. “So that intensity and frequency makes this situation worse.”
With road access disrupted for aid trucks, UN agencies such as the World Food Programme (WFP) must airlift food assistance – a costly, impractical solution, as humanitarian funding dwindles.
In the South Sudanese town of Kapoeta, the FAO has helped to reduce the number of dry months from six to two, by harvesting and storing water to protect crops at risk from climate change.
“The impact of drought is no longer felt as much,” FAO’s Mr. Malo said, speaking to UN News from the capital, Juba.
In countries that lack water resources for crop irrigation, climate resilience and adaptation are critical, Dr. Ernest Afiesimama of the WMO Regional Office for Africa in Addis Ababa, told journalists.
And while desalination – the process of removing salt from seawater – may be a solution for some, for many African nations it is not viable.
Rather than turning to desalination as a panacea, investing in adaptation measures including early warning systems for action and preparedness is urgently needed, environmental scientists say. “Considering the challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, [desalination] presents a complex economic, environmental and social challenge, and there is a question about its long-term sustainability and equity,” said Dr. Dawit Solomon, Contributor at Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA).
“Africa is facing a high climate change bill. Imagine the continent which is struggling economically and then facing this additional risk multiplier,” Dr. Salomon added.
Council approves conclusions assessing cohesion policy’s action for Ukrainian refugees in Europe.
Council approves conclusions assessing cohesion policy’s action for Ukrainian refugees in Europe. Source link
VATICAN CITY — As reported by Thaddeus Jones for Vatican News, on Good Shepherd Sunday , Pope Leo XIV stood before an estimated 100,000 pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square to lead the recitation of the Regina Caeli , delivering a heartfelt message that emphasized prayer for vocations , a life of service , and the importance of walking together “in love and truth.”
The occasion marked both the World Day of Prayer for Vocations and the closing day of the Jubilee pilgrimage of musicians and entertainers , bringing together people from over 90 countries . From the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo greeted the faithful with warmth and joy, describing the Sunday Gospel — which presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd — as a “gift from God” on the first Good Shepherd Sunday of his pontificate.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading, the Pope said it was deeply meaningful that this Sunday, dedicated to Christ the Shepherd, coincided with his early days as Bishop of Rome.
“Jesus reveals himself as the true Shepherd who knows and loves his sheep and gives his life for them,” he said. “This image reminds us of the mission of every shepherd in the Church — to serve, to guide, and to lay down one’s life for others.”
He encouraged priests, religious, and lay faithful alike to reflect on how they are called to be shepherds in their own vocations — whether in marriage, ministry, or consecrated life.
Turning to the theme of vocations, Pope Leo reminded the crowd that the Church has a “great need” for priests and those consecrated to religious life. He urged communities to offer young people discerning a vocation the support, encouragement, and spiritual accompaniment they need to respond generously to God’s call.
“We must all play our part,” he said, “by creating environments where vocations can grow — places of listening, acceptance, and witness.” He also thanked the many laypeople, families, and parish communities who help nurture these calls.
His words echoed the message of Pope Francis for this year’s World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which emphasized the importance of welcoming and accompanying young people on their journey of discernment.
“Let us ask the Lord to help us live in service to one another,” the Pope said, “so we may be capable of helping each other walk in love and truth.”
Addressing young people directly, Pope Leo offered a powerful encouragement:
“Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and of Christ the Lord!”
He reminded them that Mary, whose entire life was a response to God’s call, is the perfect model of faithfulness and courage in saying “yes” to the unknown.
“May the Virgin Mary, whose entire life was a response to the Lord’s call, always accompany us in following Jesus,” he concluded.
Earlier in the day, Pope Leo greeted participants in the Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment , thanking them for their music and performances that “enliven the feast of Christ the Good Shepherd.”
He praised their role in bringing joy and beauty to the liturgical celebrations and affirmed the importance of art and culture in evangelization.
“You remind us that beauty is a path to holiness,” he told the jubilant crowd.
In his brief but moving address, Pope Leo XIV issued a call not only to future priests and religious, but to all the faithful — to live lives rooted in service, humility, and mutual support.
As the Regina Caeli echoed across St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father left the faithful with a challenge: to become more attentive to the needs of others, more open to God’s voice, and more willing to walk together in love — just as the Good Shepherd leads His flock.
Related Reading:
🔗 Pope Leo XIV at Regina Coeli: Never again war! (11/05/2025)
🔗 Pilgrims from 90 countries gather for Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment (10/05/2025)
William E. Swing is a man whose quiet yet powerful presence has shaped the landscape of interfaith cooperation across the globe. As the founder of the United Religions Initiative (URI), he has dedicated his life to the idea that faith, far from being a source of division, can be a catalyst for peace, justice, and understanding. Swing’s work has created lasting changes in the way the world’s religions interact, bringing together people from diverse traditions to work toward common goals. His influence, while subtle, is profound, and his vision has given rise to a movement that continues to grow today.
Born on August 26, 1936, in Huntington, West Virginia, William Swing grew up in a family where intellectual curiosity and spirituality were highly valued. His father, a professor at the University of California, encouraged him to pursue both academic and spiritual endeavors, setting the foundation for his later work. Though Swing initially embarked on a career in law, he felt a deep, inner calling to the church. It wasn’t long before he joined the Episcopal seminary and was ordained as a priest, eventually rising to the rank of bishop.
In 1979, Swing became the Bishop of California. His tenure in this role would prove to be a pivotal moment in both his personal life and the broader interfaith movement. During his time as bishop, Swing became increasingly aware of the divisions between religious communities, even in his diverse home state. California, known for its melting pot of cultures and faiths, was a microcosm of the global religious landscape, where conflict and misunderstanding between faiths were often more pronounced than unity. He recognized that the world’s faith communities had the potential to be a force for good, but that they needed to find a way to break down the walls of intolerance that divided them.
The key turning point in Swing’s life came in 1993, when he was invited by the United Nations to organize an interfaith service at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter. It was during this service that Swing had a profound epiphany: he realized that the world’s religions needed a unified platform for cooperation—one that could work to address global issues such as war, poverty, and human rights, and unite faith communities for the common good.
This insight led to the creation of the United Religions Initiative (URI), which was officially founded in 2000. The organization’s mission was simple yet profound: to promote peace, justice, and healing through interfaith cooperation. Swing envisioned URI as a global network of people from diverse religious backgrounds, coming together not only for dialogue but for action. The goal was not simply to talk about peace, but to work together to make it a reality.
What distinguished URI from other interfaith organizations was its grassroots approach. Rather than being a top-down organization run by a few central figures, URI was built on the idea of “cooperation circles”—local groups of people from various religious traditions who would come together to tackle common problems in their communities. These circles would focus on local issues such as environmental protection, poverty alleviation, and conflict resolution, and would serve as the backbone of the URI movement. By empowering people at the local level, Swing created an organization that was both decentralized and adaptable, capable of responding to the unique needs of different regions while still maintaining a unified vision.
Under Swing’s leadership, URI quickly expanded, growing into a global movement with thousands of cooperation circles in more than 100 countries. Swing’s vision resonated with religious leaders and individuals from all walks of life, from Buddhists in Asia to Muslims in the Middle East, from Christians in Africa to Hindus in India. Through URI, Swing gave people a platform to not only talk about their differences but to celebrate their shared values, working together to address the common challenges facing humanity.
One of the defining features of Swing’s leadership was his commitment to inclusivity. He believed that all religious and spiritual paths—whether rooted in formal religious traditions or in indigenous spirituality—were valid expressions of the divine. This openness became a hallmark of URI, as the organization sought to create a space where people from different faiths, secular humanists, and spiritual but not religious individuals could come together as equals. In his view, it was essential to foster an environment where no faith was considered superior to another, and where all paths were honored as legitimate routes to understanding the divine.
Swing’s leadership also took him into the heart of global religious dialogue. He worked to bring together religious leaders from communities long at odds with one another. For instance, in the Middle East, he facilitated conversations between Christian and Muslim leaders, helping to build bridges in a region where religious conflict had led to generations of strife. Similarly, in Africa, he worked to create dialogue between Christian and Muslim communities in regions plagued by sectarian violence. Swing’s approach was always based on the principle of mutual respect, and he emphasized the importance of listening to one another’s experiences and understanding the common ground that existed between different faiths.
While URI’s work had a profound impact on the global religious community, it was not without its challenges. In many parts of the world, religious leaders and communities resisted the idea of interfaith cooperation, seeing it as a threat to their own religious identity. Swing was often met with skepticism and opposition, especially from those who saw dialogue as a dilution of faith rather than a way to strengthen it. But Swing remained undeterred, seeing resistance as part of the process. “The road to peace is never easy,” he often said. “But it’s the only road worth traveling.”
In 2016, after nearly two decades of leadership, Swing stepped down as president of URI. Though he retired from his official role, his work did not end. Swing continued to lecture, write, and advocate for interfaith cooperation, believing that the work of religious unity was a long-term effort that would take generations to fully realize. His impact on the interfaith movement remains immense, and his vision for URI continues to guide the organization today.
Swing’s belief in the power of religious cooperation is perhaps best summed up in a remark he made in one of his final speeches as president of URI: “If we are to survive as a species, we must find ways to work together. And faith can be the foundation for that cooperation.” In a world often torn by religious and cultural divisions, Swing’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for faith to be a force for unity rather than conflict.
Through his leadership of URI, Swing has helped to create a legacy of peacebuilding and religious cooperation that will outlast his tenure. His vision—that faith can be a powerful tool for promoting understanding and building a more just and peaceful world—continues to inspire people across the globe. William E. Swing has shown us that when we come together, not in spite of our differences, but because of them, we can create a world that is far stronger and more compassionate than any one of us could ever hope to build alone.
Your company is eligible to apply for the EIT Food Fast Track to Market if you:
We ask that applicants have a clear case for a project lasting no longer than 12 months that can significantly accelerate their startup/SME’s commercial success, and that the proposed project must be able to have an immediate impact by bringing their products or services to the market.
Applicants already affiliated with EIT Food (e.g., Food Accelerator Network and Rising Food Stars) are also welcome to apply, provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria.
If you fit the above eligibility criteria, we encourage you to fill out an application form!
Applications must be completed and submitted by the application deadline of 6 May 2025 – 12.00 noon CET. It must be submitted via the Salesforce application portal, which requires previous registration before submission. Please allow sufficient time prior to submitting your application to register for an EIT Food Salesforce account. Please find the application form linked here.
Within the application form, you will be asked to submit the following:
We will be hosting an application webinar for prospective applicants of the programme. The webinar will cover everything you need to know to apply, including eligibility and evaluation criteria, important documents you’ll need, how to fill out a proposal on Salesforce, and projecting your financing via the Revenue-based Financing (RBF) mechanism.
The webinar will take place on Wednesday 16 April at 11 a.m. Register for the webinar here.
Your company can apply for up to EUR 300 000 in funding.
Your startup or SME will be the sole funding beneficiary of the funded project and must allocate the funding to eligible costs between the contract signature date for a maximum duration of 12 months following the project start date.
Selected Fast Track to Market startups/SMEs will need to comply with EIT Food’s Revenue Based Financing Agreement, which consists of a repayment based on the company’s revenue. Repayment is not dependent on the sales of the foreseen marketed innovation.
The Revenue-Based Financing Agreement (i.e., RBF) allows us to reinvest in our community. Selected participants will begin their revenue-share payments directly after the anticipated completion date, with each payment amount equalling a negotiated percentage of the company’s top-line revenues of the 6 preceding months. These reward payments will be executed every month, based on the calculation of revenues taking place every 6 months. The RBF will be in effect for a period of between 1 to 5 years. Participants will continue with their reward payments until a Maximum Threshold is reached, which increases for each year that the RBF is in place. The Maximum Threshold is equal to the total project award plus a premium of 7,50 per cent per year in which the RBF is still in place. There are no penalties should participants choose to pay an amount higher than the negotiated percentage of their company’s top-line revenues. Therefore, companies have the ability to reduce their obligation by increasing the size of their reward payments earlier.
In May 2024, a groundbreaking startup emerged when four former Data Science students from the EIT Digital Master School — Emanuele Baldelli, Filippo Caliò, Dario Del Gaizo, and Tommaso Lucarelli — founded LEVELS.
Based in Italy but with global ambitions, this innovative venture specializes in harnessing the revolutionary power of Generative AI to transform business operations across industries, with a growing focus on the construction sector.
What sets LEVELS apart is its singular focus on Generative AI systems that function as digital collaborators rather than mere tools.
Our expertise lies in crafting tailored Generative AI systems that improve core business processes and address critical operational challenges. These solutions go beyond automation, acting as digital co-workers that assist and enhance employees’ efficiency, driving innovation and scalability
Emanuele Baldelli, Co-founder of LEVELS
The company is currently developing a specialized SaaS platform for the construction industry, designed to streamline the complex bureaucratic processes associated with safety compliance — a significant pain point in the sector.
Before founding LEVELS, Baldelli had secured a coveted position at Amazon’s European headquarters. Despite the prestige and exceptional work environment, he found himself yearning for something more challenging and dynamic.
While the work and the people at Amazon were amazing, I felt like something was missing — the excitement, the adventure. I was a bit scared of living a plain life and wanted a new, big challenge rather than working at a corporation indefinitely.
Emanuele Baldelli, Co-founder of LEVELS
Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs’ philosophy that “everything around you that you call life was made up by people who were no smarter than you,” Baldelli embraced the belief that he could create something meaningful that would impact others’ lives.
The founding team credits the EIT Digital Master School as a pivotal influence in their entrepreneurial journey.
EIT Digital MS provided us not just with balanced theoretical and practical knowledge, but also with an incredible environment to grow together. The greatest influence came from sharing this experience with like-minded individuals who share a unique mindset—one that connects them deeply with each other while setting them apart.
Emanuele Baldelli, Co-founder of LEVELS
These connections, formed during their studies and strengthened during their final year at their exit university, proved instrumental in creating the foundation for LEVELS.
According to Baldelli, the most rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship lies in the constant evolution and problem-solving required. “I see it through the lens of experience—the adventure, the ups and downs, and the challenges I face. The problems we encounter every day are always new, complex, and unexplored. This is what makes it truly unique and fulfilling.”
These challenges span every facet of business development: identifying market needs, articulating value propositions, finding customers, determining pricing strategies, managing talent, and striving to create a meaningful impact—all while navigating the cutting-edge field of Generative AI.
When asked for advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, Baldelli offers a candid perspective on the entrepreneurial journey: “There’s no advice that can truly prepare anyone to start. This is such a life-changing choice that no tips, no motivational talk, can push you to do it unless you are fully determined to try it with everything you have.”
He emphasizes that entrepreneurship demands sacrifices in pursuit of a vision—”the belief that you can create something lasting, something meaningful, that will make a difference for people.”
As LEVELS continues to evolve, the company remains committed to scaling its Generative AI offerings, expanding its SaaS platform capabilities, and fostering continuous innovation. By combining groundbreaking technology with top talent in the field, LEVELS aims to spearhead a future where Generative AI fundamentally transforms how businesses operate and grow across global industries and markets.
According to Baldelli, the most rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship lies in the constant evolution and problem-solving required. “I see it through the lens of experience—the adventure, the ups and downs, and the challenges I face. The problems we encounter every day are always new, complex, and unexplored. This is what makes it truly unique and fulfilling.”
These challenges span every facet of business development: identifying market needs, articulating value propositions, finding customers, determining pricing strategies, managing talent, and striving to create a meaningful impact—all while navigating the cutting-edge field of Generative AI.
When asked for advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, Baldelli offers a candid perspective on the entrepreneurial journey: “There’s no advice that can truly prepare anyone to start. This is such a life-changing choice that no tips, no motivational talk, can push you to do it unless you are fully determined to try it with everything you have.”
He emphasizes that entrepreneurship demands sacrifices in pursuit of a vision—”the belief that you can create something lasting, something meaningful, that will make a difference for people.”
As LEVELS continues to evolve, the company remains committed to scaling its Generative AI offerings, expanding its SaaS platform capabilities, and fostering continuous innovation. By combining groundbreaking technology with top talent in the field, LEVELS aims to spearhead a future where Generative AI fundamentally transforms how businesses operate and grow across global industries and markets.
