Hong Kong – DH calls on public to continue support for organ donation
DH calls on public to continue support for organ donation
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The Department of Health (DH) today (May 28) called on members of the public to continue their support for organ donation and to register with the Centralised Organ Donation Register (CODR) (www.codr.gov.hk). Enhanced feature for the CODR system will also be introduced at appropriate time in accordance with the public usage and reaction.
A spokesman for the DH said that Hong Kong has been adopting an “opt-in” system for cadaveric organ donation. The DH has been closely monitoring the operation of the CODR system. Despite medical advancement, for some patients with organ failure, organ transplant remains the only hope to live on. Due to limited supply from donations of organs, more than 2 000 patients in Hong Kong are currently waiting for organ transplants, and many patients have died before an organ that is suitable for transplant is available.
Since its establishment in 2008, the registration number of the CODR has kept growing, from 45 150 in 2009 to more than 357 000 at present, reflecting strong support for organ donation from the general public. Members of the public should keep supporting the selfless and generous act of organ donation in saving lives and register with the CODR. As most people, upon learning of their family members’ wish to donate organs after death, are willing to honour such wish. As such it is very important to inform family members of the wish.
Following the launch of the revamped CODR system in April last year allowing members of the public to choose to register in the CODR online using “iAM Smart”, the DH worked with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer to launch an enhanced feature of CODR system today, to assist registered users of “iAM Smart” to use the newly added “Centralised Organ Donation Register (Enquiry of Registration Status)” service of the application to check whether they have registered in the CODR.
“iAM Smart” mobile app provides the one-stop personalised digital services platform, which enables users to log in and use a series of government, public and private online services by their personal mobile phone in a more convenient way. “iAM Smart” strictly adheres to the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and personal data is encrypted. Registered “iAM Smart” users can now use the newly added service and connect directly to the CODR system simply by clicking a few buttons. They can know their registration status in a convenient yet safe way. For information on registration of “iAM Smart”, please visit the “iAM Smart” website (www.iamsmart.gov.hk).
The Government encourages citizens to register the “iAM Smart” to enjoy more personalised government electronic services, while those who are yet to be “iAM Smart” registered users can continue using the current means and make request according to the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. For details, please refer to the CODR website: www.codr.gov.hk/codr/InternetAgreeDataAccess.xhtml.
The spokesman said that signing an organ donation card is one way of expressing your wish to donate your organs. Members of the public who have signed an organ donation card are also encouraged to register at the CODR, in order to facilitate confirmation of their wish and make arrangements accordingly.
In addition, the Government is continuing its review on the procedure of registration and withdrawal application for the CODR system. The system would be updated and relevant procedures would be enhanced at appropriate time after considering factors including privacy and identity verification, and the Government would make announcement accordingly.
The Government will continue to make every effort in promoting organ donation on various fronts in collaboration with community partners and to foster more public education and promotion through a multi-pronged approach in a bid to build a receptive and respectful culture for organ donation, thereby more patients waiting for organ transplants can be given a new lease of life.
For more information on organ donations, please visit the thematic website at: www.organdonation.gov.hk or the “Organ Donation@HK” Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/organdonationhk.
Taipei – WEBWIRE – Monday, May 8, 2023
A coalition of NGOs have released timetochipin.org, a website that calls on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the worlds largest chipmaker, to reduce its massive carbon footprint. TSMC is a key supplier to some of the worlds biggest global IT brands, including Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon, all of which have committed to net zero supply chain emissions. As a main supplier, TSMC threatens to derail its customers climate commitments. The website was published by Stand.earth, 350 Asia and Greenpeace International. Greenpeace East Asia Deputy Executive Director Jude Lee said: TSMC has fallen behind its peers in the fight against climate change, when it should be an industry leader. TSMC has the potential to purchase and install rooftop solar, and to leverage its influence to accelerate Taiwans energy transition. We call on TSMC to target 100% renewable energy worldwide by 2030 and to publish a clear roadmap for achieving this goal. Stand.earth Global Climate Campaigns Director Gary Cook said: TSMC is rapidly expanding its energy-intensive facilities both in Asia and in the US, but currently this expansion is increasing demand for fossil fuels. TSMCs failure to invest in renewable energy that will decarbonize the grid is not only a climate catastrophe, but also a business risk for TSMC and its most important customers. 350.org Asia Regional Director Norly Mercado said: Overview TSMC relies heavily on polluting fossil fuels. Semiconductor manufacturing is extremely energy intensive, and the sectors emissions are growing fast. In 2021, renewable energy comprised only 9% of TSMCs total energy usage, far lower than the renewable energy usage rates of the chipmakers biggest rivals, Samsung (20%) and Intel (82%). TSMC is building quickly to keep up with global demand for semiconductors. Electricity consumption by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is on track to grow 267% by 2030, according to a recent Greenpeace East Asia report. By 2030, TSMC is on track to consume as much electricity as 5.8 million people, or roughly one fourth of Taiwans population. For context, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommends a 43% reduction in global emissions between 2019 and 2030.
TSMC is in the process of building fabs in Arizona, US, where its power demands will require enough electricity to power a small city. So far TSMC has invested in unbundled RECs in the US, which have little impact on decarbonizing the grid. TSMCs climate pledge is unambitious. The International Energy Agency recommends that advanced economies achieve net-zero electricity emissions by 2035 and that the worlds energy sector reach net zero by 2040. TSMC has committed to achieve 100% renewable energy and net zero by 2050.
NEW YORK – WEBWIRE – Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Its deeply disappointing to learn that, once again, the de facto authorities in Afghanistan have prevented girls from attending secondary school. This unjustified and shortsighted decision has crushed the hopes and dreams of more than one million girls, and marks another grim milestone in the steady erosion of girls and womens rights nationwide. Girls across Afghanistan have been denied their right to learn for over three years first, due to COVID-19, and then because of the ban on attending secondary school. The cumulative impact of these absences is taking a terrible toll on girls mental health, overall wellbeing and on their futures. Girls and adolescents, including those with disabilities, have the right to an education. Preventing girls from learning will also have far-reaching consequences for the countrys economy and health system. There is a chorus of girls voices all over Afghanistan urging us to find practical solutions for their education. Maryam, a sixth grader, told my UNICEF colleagues in Afghanistan, Going to school is the light of life. If we dont go to school, our lives will be dark. UNICEF stands with every girl and woman in Afghanistan and calls on the de facto authorities to allow all girls to return to school with immediate effect. Girls must be allowed to continue their education, protect their mental health, and contribute to the future of their country. ### About UNICEF UNICEF works in some of the worlds toughest places, to reach the worlds most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu.
Prime Minister’s office tweeted;
“PM @narendramodi called on Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu Ji earlier today.”
PM @narendramodi called on Rashtrapati Droupadi Murmu Ji earlier today. @rashtrapatibhvn pic.twitter.com/y7ucAAAZxF — PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 26, 2022
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DS/SH
The international, non-profit, unaffiliated Moving Picture, Audio and Data Coding by Artificial Intelligence (MPAI) standards developing organisation has concluded its 26th General Assembly (MPAI-26). MPAI is calling for new members to support the development of its work program. Planned for approval in the first months of 2023 are 5 standards and 1 technical report: The MPAI work plan also includes exploratory activities, some of which are close to becoming standard or technical report projects: It is a good opportunity for legal entities supporting the MPAI mission and able to contribute to the development of standards for the efficient use of data to join MPAI (https://mpai.community/how-to-join/join/) now, also considering that membership is immediately active and will last until 2023/12/31. Please visit the MPAI web site (https://mpai.community/), contact the MPAI secretariat (secretariat@mpai.community) for specific information, subscribe to the MPAI Newsletter and follow MPAI on social media: Most important: join MPAI (https://mpai.community/how-to-join/join/), share the fun, build the future. MPAI CategoriesNGO Coalition calls on TSMC to strengthen climate commitments
TSMC, the worlds largest chipmaker, supplies semiconductors for everything from iPhones to automobiles. However, as the company expands globally, its emissions are rising unchecked and now rival those of a small country. TSMCs continued reliance on coal and other fossil fuels stands in contrast to the companys future-oriented public image.
TSMC is driving dangerous growth in climate-wrecking emissions. Its clients Apple and Microsoft have made net-zero commitments across their supply chains, including semiconductor manufacturing, so business as usual is in direct conflict with the priorities of TSMCs most influential partners.
The just energy transition is going to require both the public and private sector to start putting actions where their promises are. Corporations like TSMC cannot continue their addiction to fossil fuels at the expense of millions of lives on the frontlines of the climate crisis. To truly live up to its claims of environmental leadership, TSMC should invest actively and directly in 100% just and equitable renewable energy.UNICEF calls on de facto authorities to allow girls to return to secondary school in Afghanistan immediately
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the start of the new school year in Afghanistan
PM calls on President
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MPAI Calls for New Members to Support Its Standard Developments Plans
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