Peace Lily Gifts, a UK based start-up that provides sustainable luxury gifts to both consumers and businesses says that artisans are the forgotten heroes of Christmas.
“We think that artisans provide a breath of fresh air in an era of automation and sameness,” said Dele Kehn-Alafun, founder and CEO of Peace Lily. “Artisans invest their creativity and individuality into each product they make but often feel stifled by the internet’s tendency to favour a small number of mainstream suppliers.”
Peace Lily Gifts specialises in high quality gift hampers made up predominantly of individually crafted items – often with sustainably sourced materials – each exuding a sense of uniqueness.
She explains: “Finding artisans and celebrating their distinctiveness is what we do, a mission we believe that matters. Our raison d’etre is to fuel connections and relationships throughout the UK with unique, bespoke gifts from top artisans. In doing so, we combat the ever-present issue of dull, generic gifts and reduce waste from these unwanted gifts, while also supporting diverse small businesses and preserving the environment. And celebrating the individuality of each artisan and their exceptional creations is how we do it.”
Peace Lily Gifts is proud to announce its new catalogue, which showcases the works of amazing artisans and makers. This holiday season, the company encourages everyone to consider the unique, made-in-UK, and meaningful gifts that artisans have to offer.
About Peace Lily Gifts Peace Lily Gifts based in London and Gloucestershire helps people and businesses find, choose, and give the perfect gift every time. Working with some of the UK’s most talented artisans, they provide stunningly crafted, sustainable gifts and distinctive hampers complete with gorgeous packaging and free delivery.
Peace Lily Gifts Lily Group +44 7460 918 700 www.peacelilygifts.com
Acclaimed electronic dance music (EDM) recording artist Sir Ivan, a steadfast advocate for peace, announces the release of “Peace On Earth (Jason Nevins Remix).” In a heartfelt response to the ongoing conflict in Israel, Sir Ivan is directing all proceeds from the single to provide aid and support to the State of Israel during this harrowing ordeal.
Peace On Earth cover art Sir Ivan – Peace On Earth artwork.
Supporting Israel: As Israel faces a horrendous conflict, Sir Ivan, also known as “Peaceman,” extends his support, aligning his music’s hopeful message with tangible aid. “This cause is both important and near to my heart. Through ‘Peace On Earth,’ I strive to uplift spirits and help Israel during this time of dire need,” expressed Sir Ivan.
Coming from a family with a long history of supporting Israel, and as the son of Auschwitz survivor Siggi B. Wilzig, Sir Ivan is deeply impacted by the situation in Israel.
In addition to donating all royalties from “Peace On Earth” to support the efforts in Israel, Sir Ivan is making a significant personal cash donation to Magen David Adom (MDA) – Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance, and blood bank service – as well as United Hatzalah, which provides similar services.
Listening and Support: Journalists and music fans can preview “Peace On Earth” via https://ffm.to/sir-ivan-peace-on-earth.
Supporters are encouraged to stream/download the single, contributing directly to the relief efforts in Israel.
More about Sir Ivan:
Sir Ivan, aka Peaceman, has dedicated his music career to making songs about universal love and peace. He donates all proceeds from every release to his non-profit charity, The Peaceman Foundation®, to help battle Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). His mantra for the Foundation is “Peace of Mind for All Humankind.”
Connect with Sir Ivan:
Website: https://sirivan.com
Press Contact:
For more information about the single, support for Israel, or to schedule an interview with Sir Ivan, contact: Marty True at sirivan@x-staticmusicgroup.com.
Indonesia has completed a series of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings from 10 – 15 July 2023 in Jakarta, which emphasized Southeast Asian region is the epicentrum of growth and that economy and stability cooperations must be maintained by member countries and partners.
Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Jakarta on July 14, 2023. (ANTARA FOTO/Hafidz Mubarak A/nz/djo)”>
President of Indonesia Joko Widodo delivers a speech during a courtesy call at the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Jakarta on July 14, 2023. (ANTARA FOTO/Hafidz Mubarak A/nz/djo)
On his courtesy call at the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) here on Friday (July 14), Indonesian President Joko Widodo said ASEAN must not become a battleground of rivalry and a proxy of any country.
“We, in ASEAN, are committed to continuously bolstering unity and solidarity as well as strengthening ASEAN’s centrality in maintaining peace and stability in the region,” the president said.
Indonesia stressed that ASEAN has excellent opportunities as the epicenter of growth as the region has abundant natural resources and a productive age population.
The 56th AMM plenary – retreat sessions were held on 11-12 July and linked to other meetings, including a meeting of the commission of the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), a meeting with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR).
A number of post-ministerial conferences (PMC) and multilateral meetings have also been held with ASEAN dialogue partners: the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), India, New Zealand, Russia, Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Turkiye.
The meetings discussed several cooperations, including South China Sea, Myanmar, and Indo-Pacific issues, food security, energy transition, health, financial stability, and nuclear proliferation.
“This showed that amid the current situation, Indonesia’s chairmanship remains strong in its efforts to make Southeast Asia the epicenter of growth … and this is also supported by all of our partner countries,” Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said during a press conference after the 56th AMM on Friday.
Regarding regional issues, ASEAN intensifies efforts to involve all stakeholders in Myanmar to reduce conflict. The organization reaffirms that the Five Point Consensus remains the primary reference to overcome the political crisis in Myanmar.
To maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, ASEAN stressed the importance of undertaking confidence-building and preventive measures to enhance trust and confidence amongst parties and uphold international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
The joint statement of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers stated the organization looked forward to the adoption of the Guidelines for Accelerating the Early Conclusion of an Effective and Substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea at the PMC Plus One Session with China on July 13 and encouraged efforts to make full use of the Guidelines.
Meanwhile, during the ASEAN meeting with counterpart states and multilateral fora, the organization reiterated several agenda related to the region.
ASEAN reiterated that all related parties must make all-out efforts to preserve the Southeast Asian Region as a nuclear-weapon-free zone.
Besides convincing Russia and the United Kingdom to approve the Treaty of Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ), Marsudi stated that ASEAN would review the treaty, so all nuclear-weapon states want to sign and adopt the SEANWFZ Protocol.
ASEAN and its counterparts also discussed food security issues. Indonesia highlighted the need for investment, education, and agricultural technology to ensure food availability, accessibility, and affordability in times of crisis during meetings with India and Canada.
ASEAN also conveyed to the European Union that the trade barriers policies, such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the European Union Enforcement Regulation (EUER), should not disrupt potential economic relations potential between the two regions. Thus both parties must find a joint solution through ASEAN-EU mechanisms.
During the meeting with the Japanese counterpart, Marsudi highlighted the potential development of electric vehicles (EV) in the region with Japan. ASEAN is well-positioned to partner with Japan in developing the ecosystem for EV batteries, while Japan can support this goal through the Green Innovation Fund.
The implementation of these cooperations would be discussed in greater detail and with more concrete plans by ASEAN sectoral ministers responsible for the economic field.
ASEAN reiterated that the member states need support from developed and friendly nations to leave the zero-sum approach and adopt a win-win strategy.
President Joko Widodo has accomplished his visits to Ukraine and Russia on Thursday evening (June 30) to invite both countries to build dialogue, stop the war, and build peace.
President Joko Widodo has visited Kyiv, Ukraine, for a peace mission. (Laily Rachev – Biro Pers Sekretariat Presiden)
President started his mission by visiting Kiev, Ukraine. At the Maryinsky Palace, Kyiv, Jokowi was greeted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday afternoon (June 29).
For Ukraine, that day was a historic day, as President Jokowi’s visit was the first one to be made by an Asian leader since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Jokowi, during a joint press statement with Zelenskyy, conveyed several important points from his visit to Ukraine.
“I conveyed to President Zelenskyy that I made this visit as a manifestation of Indonesia’s concern for the situation in Ukraine,” he remarked.
He reiterated the invitation to Zelenskyy to attend the G20 Summit in November 2022 in Bali.
Jokowi also emphasized Indonesia’s principled position regarding the importance of respect for sovereignty and territory.
“Although it is still very difficult to achieve, I still convey the importance of a peaceful settlement, and the spirit of peace must never fade,” he affirmed.
Indonesia will strive to contribute through assistance, including medicines, and remain committed to reconstructing one of the hospitals around Kiev.
To this end, President Jokowi offered to carry a message from President Zelenskyy to President Putin.
On the other hand, President Zelenskyy praised Jokowi’s visit because Indonesia hosts the G20 Presidency this year and is the strongest country in ASEAN.
Zelenskyy expressed optimism that it would strengthen the effort to end the war.
After visiting Kiev, President Jokowi also made a visit to Moscow, Russia and meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During the visit, Jokowi emphasized the issue of peace and humanity has always been a priority for Indonesia.
“The Indonesian Constitution mandates Indonesia to always try to contribute to the creation of world peace. In this context, I made visits to Kiev and Moscow,” he stated.
He also emphasized that food and fertilizers were humanitarian issues and were of interest to the world community. Thus hundreds of millions of people affected by disruptions, especially in developing countries.
Hence, Jokowi lauded Putin’s guarantee for the security of food and fertilizer supplies.
Jokowi stressed that Indonesia has no interest apart from helping resolve the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“I invite all world leaders to work together to revive the spirit of multilateralism, the spirit of peace, and the spirit of cooperation,” President Jokowi stated.
Meanwhile, Putin noted that Indonesia is one of their key partners in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Russian-Indonesian relations are constructive and mutually beneficial, developing steadily on the basis of long-standing good traditions of friendship and mutual assistance,” he said.
During the joint press conference, President Jokowi reiterates the importance of the spirit of peace.
With President Jokowi’s visit to Ukraine and Russia for a peaceful mission, hopes are pinned high on the war ending soon and the food crisis being mitigated quickly.
Written by: Katriana, Editor: Rahmad Nasution (c) ANTARA 2022
NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) today announced a collaboration between NEC XON, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the United Nations programme that promotes better quality of life for all through sustainable urbanization, and Peace Winds Japan (PWJ), an NGO that provides emergency humanitarian assistance, reconstruction and development assistance. Together, the organizations are providing a thermography camera in the Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement in Turkana County, Kenya, as part of efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The camera is used to measure the surface body temperature of refugees and local residents living in the district and to detect persons with elevated body temperatures, thereby helping to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.
Through the provision of this camera, NEC will contribute to the achievement of Goal 3 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”
In northern Kenya, refugees have continued to flow in from neighboring countries, including South Sudan, for approximately thirty years, and it is difficult to predict if and when they will be able to return safely.
In response to this situation, UN-Habitat, with the support of the Government of Japan since 2016, has been working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Turkana County Government to develop the Kalobeyei Settlement, with a population of approximately 35,000 registered refugees and asylum-seekers.
This settlement aims to become a sustainable residential area that promotes the economic independence of refugees and the social integration of refugees with local residents, rather than a conventional refugee camp that focuses only on refugees.
Moreover, the PWJ is working in collaboration with United Nations agencies, such as UN-Habitat, to improve the living environment by constructing and repairing temporary housing, permanent housing, and sanitary facilities such as toilets.
Against this backdrop, the Government of Kenya banned large gatherings and closed schools in response to the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement was forced to close major facilities such as community centers, which had been used for events to build relationships among refugees, local residents, and stakeholders, as well as for vocational training.
Accordingly, in February 2021, with the cooperation of UN-Habitat and PWJ, NEC XON installed a thermography camera in the Kalobeyei Settlement and also conducted training on how to use it in order to resume community activities and restore operations at major facilities. The camera helps to prevent the spread of infections by measuring body surface temperatures to detect those who potentially have a fever, which enables further measures to be taken if necessary.
Going forward, NEC will continue to capitalize on its technologies and services in order to promote the resolution of challenging social issues. These efforts will include cooperation with UN organizations and NGOs to support the realization of safe and secure conditions throughout Africa and the rest of the world, thereby contributing to the achievement of SDGs.
About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.
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