Hurricane Melissa: UNESCO provides emergency support to the Caribbean

PRESS RELEASE   Hurricane Melissa: UNESCO provides emergency support to the Caribbean   Paris, 13 November 2025 – After Hurricane Melissa struck the Caribbean on October 28, Audrey Azoulay announced emergency support for Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti. This aid is intended to sustain educational continuity, assess damage to cultural heritage and strengthen the reliability of information during times of crisis through media-focused programmes.   "It is important to be as close as possible to populations in times of crisis. Together with our regional partners, we are taking action after Hurricane Melissa struck the Caribbean to restore education, protect heritage and ensure reliable information, which is vital in times of crisis," said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.   In total, more than 2 million people have been affected and thousands of residents forced to relocate. The material damage is also considerable: tons of debris, hundreds of educational facilities and cultural sites impacted, and communication systems heavily damaged. In the three countries, hundreds of schools have suffered major damage, compromising educational continuity for thousands of students as well as access to food. In Jamaica, the country most affected in the region, UNESCO's international experts deployed on an emergency basis, joined the damage and needs assessment launched with the United Nations. Using satellite imagery, UNESCO has already assessed the condition of 142 Jamaican cultural sites, confirming damage to six of them. In Jamaica, UNESCO's emergency support will notably help replace teaching materials and classroom equipment damaged by the hurricane, provide psychosocial support for teachers and urgently stabilize monuments such as Saint John's Church in Saint Elizabeth, which was severely affected. In Haiti, emergency assistance aims to carry out a hydrogeological assessment of groundwater sources that supply water points inside and around school infrastructures, contaminated by flooding. Finally, in Cuba, support will be provided to journalists through the strengthening of a fact-checking platform, to facilitate access to reliable information in times of crisis. Other measures, such as training teachers in psychosocial support for students, purchasing school supplies and acquiring equipment to access World Heritage sites, are also being developed.   Beyond national support, UNESCO will also implement regional training programs to strengthen prevention and risk-reduction capacities and to build resilience against increasingly frequent extreme climate events. The Director-General calls for the urgent mobilization of Member States to support UNESCO's emergency response in the Caribbean. In total, UNESCO has already committed $300,000 in funds.   About UNESCO   With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions, with a global network of 200 National Commissions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.   "Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed" – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.   More information: www.unesco.org   Press contact María SÁNCHEZ APONTE, m.sanchez-aponte@unesco.org, +33 (0) 1 45 68 02 37 Alfredo TRUJILLO FERNANDEZ, a.trujillo-fernandez@unesco.org, +33 (0) 1 45 68 17 40   UNESCO Newsroom All our press releases   Social media

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CfP: CII Delhi Technology Summit 2025 | 27th November, Gurugram

6th CII Delhi Technology Summit 2025

~Agentic AI, IoT & Sovereign Compute: India's Quantum-Ready Frontier~
Thursday, 27th November 2025 | 0900 – 1600 Hrs |Gurugram

 

As digital transformation accelerates worldwide, the convergence of intelligent systems, connected devices, and advanced computing is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized the importance of self-reliance in digital technologies, sovereign compute, and the development of a quantum-ready ecosystem to secure India's role as a global technology leader. This vision resonates with priorities underscored at global platforms such as the World Economic Forum and G20, where resilience and sovereignty in the digital era are emerging as defining themes.

 

In this context, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Delhi is organizing the 6th CII Delhi Technology Summit 2025 on 27th November 2025 at The Leela Ambience, Gurugram. This year's theme, "Agentic AI, IoT & Sovereign Compute: India's Quantum-Ready Frontier," will provide a platform for deep-dives into panel discussions exploring India's opportunities across AI, IoT, sovereign compute, semiconductors, and quantum readiness.

 

Key Sessions at the Summit:

• Session 1: From Chatbots to Co-Pilots: The Rise of Agentic AI
• Industry leaders, AI startups, and researchers will discuss the evolution of AI agents, their applications across sectors, ethical considerations, and India's potential to lead in this frontier.
• Session 2: IoT and Edge Compute: Building the Nervous System of India's Digital Economy
• With perspectives from smart cities, logistics, agriculture, and healthcare, this session will focus on scalability, interoperability, and security challenges as IoT and edge become foundational to India's connected future.
• Session 3: Sovereign Compute & Semiconductor Leadership: Securing India's Digital Future
• This dialogue will examine India's semiconductor mission, the importance of chip sovereignty, data sovereignty, and the role of global partnerships in creating resilient digital infrastructure.
• Session 4: Quantum-Ready India: Bridging Research, Industry, and Application
• This forward-looking session will highlight practical applications of quantum technologies in telecom, security, and science, while emphasizing academia–industry–government collaborations to build India's quantum readiness.

 

The Summit will convene 200+ industry leaders, including Group CTOs, CXOs, MDs, Chairmen, and CEOs from pioneering companies such as Google, DeepMind, NVIDIA, IBM, Accenture, Siemens, Ericsson, Airtel, Maruti, Tata Communications, HCLTech, Microsoft, Nissan Motors, Godrej Enterprises, RateGain, and Delhivery, along with leading startups and research institutions. With over 300 delegates expected, the Summit will provide an unparalleled platform for dialogue, collaboration, and networking on India's technological future.

 

Why to Attend

• Gain insights into emerging panel discussions on AI, IoT, semiconductors, and quantum.
• Learn how India can evolve from a technology consumer to a global technology creator and custodian.
• Network with global innovators, policymakers, and top decision-makers shaping the future of tech.

 

Join us and participate in the 6th CII Delhi Technology Summit 2025, scheduled for Thursday, 27th November 2025, from 0900 to 1600 Hrs at The Leela Ambience, Gurugram.

 

Link to Register - https://cam.mycii.in/ORNew/Registration.html?EventId=E000072045

 

 

Regard

Neetu Sethi

Khaled El-Enany elected Director-General of UNESCO

PRESS RELEASE   Khaled El-Enany elected Director-General of UNESCO   Samarkand, 6 November 2025 - The General Conference of UNESCO elected Mr. Khaled El-Enany (Egypt) as Director-General of the Organization, with 172 votes out of a total of 174 ballots. The new Director-General will succeed Audrey Azoulay, who has held this position since 2017, on 15 November.       Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz, born in 1971, is an Egyptologist and Professor of Egyptology at Helwan University (Egypt), where he has been teaching for over 30 years. He has served as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, Director of the Open Learning Center, and Head of the Tour Guide Department. He holds a PhD in Egyptology from Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 University (France), where he has been a visiting Professor on several occasions. He led the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (2014-2016) and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (2015-2016). From 2016 to 2022, he served as Minister of Antiquities and then Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt. He is a member of several international learned societies. In November 2024, he was appointed Special Ambassador for Cultural Tourism by the World Tourism Organization and, more recently, patron of the African World Heritage Fund. He holds several international distinctions. He speaks Arabic, French and English. Khaled El-Enany is the 12th Director-General of UNESCO. He is the first Director-General from an Arab country, and the second from Africa to hold this position since Amadou Mahtar Mbow (1974-1987) from Senegal. Mr El-Enany will take office on 15 November for a four-year term.     About UNESCO   With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions, with a global network of 200 National Commissions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.   "Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed" – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.   More information: www.unesco.org   Press contact María SÁNCHEZ APONTE, m.sanchez-aponte@unesco.org, +33 (0) 1 45 68 02 37 Dieynaba Khaty SOW, dk.sow@unesco.org, +33 (0) 1 45 68 09 68   UNESCO Newsroom All our press releases   Social media

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Ethics of neurotechnology: UNESCO adopts the first global standard in the cutting-edge technology

PRESS RELEASE   Ethics of neurotechnology: UNESCO adopts the first global standard in the cutting-edge technology   Samarkand, 5 November 2025 – Today UNESCO's Member States took the final step towards adopting the first global normative framework on the ethics of neurotechnology. The Recommendation, which will enter into force on November 12, establishes essential safeguards to ensure that neurotechnology contributes to improving the lives of those who need it the most, without jeopardizing human rights.   The adoption of this normative instrument marks the culmination of a broad process launched in 2019 by Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, and is closely linked to UNESCO's work on ethics of artificial intelligence initiated in 2018.   "Neurotechnology has the potential to define the next frontier of human progress, but it is not without risks. With the adoption of this new normative tool, UNESCO is setting clear boundaries, enshrining the inviolability of the human mind. This text embodies a deep conviction: that technological progress is only worthwhile if it is guided by ethics, dignity, and responsibility towards future generations," said Audrey Azoulay.   The next major technological revolution   Although it attracts less media attention than artificial intelligence, neurotechnology is developing just as rapidly. A UNESCO report revealed a 700% increase in investment in neurotechnology companies between 2014 and 2021.   Neurotechnology comprises tools that can interact directly with the nervous system to measure, modulate, or stimulate it. It offers promising benefits, particularly in medicine: deep brain stimulation alleviates the symptoms of disorders such as depression and Parkinson's disease, and brain-computer interfaces enable people with disabilities to control prosthetics or communicate through thought.   While its medical use is strictly regulated, neurotechnology remains largely unregulated in other areas. Many consumers use this technology without knowing it, via common devices such as connected headbands or headphones, which use neural data to monitor heart rate, stress, or sleep. This highly sensitive data can reveal thoughts, emotions, and reactions, and may be shared without consent.   Protecting the most vulnerable and preserving human dignity   The new UNESCO standard-setting instrument calls on governments to ensure that neurotechnology remains inclusive and affordable, while establishing safeguards to preserve the sanctity of the human mind.   In addition to infringements on mental privacy, the Recommendation identifies other risks, particularly for children and young people, whose brains are still developing, and advises against their use for non-therapeutic purpose. It also warns against the use of this technology in the workplace to monitor productivity or create data profiles on employees, and insists on the need for explicit consent and full transparency.   Finally, the Recommendation stresses the urgent need to better regulate products that may influence behavior or promote addiction, by ensuring that clear and accessible information is provided to consumers.   UNESCO, a global leader in the ethics of emerging technologies   "This Recommendation fully honors UNESCO's mission to anticipate major scientific breakthroughs in order to place them at the service of the public interest. However, this groundbreaking step forward cannot be an end in itself. Now, these principles must be brought to life through national legislation and concrete action," adds Audrey Azoulay.   For decades, UNESCO has played a leading role in the ethical regulation of scientific and technological advances. In 2018, Audrey Azoulay launched a major initiative to establish a global framework on the ethics of artificial intelligence, which was adopted by UNESCO Member States in 2021. The Organization is now supporting more than 80 countries in transposing these principles into their national legislation.   The adoption of this Recommendation is the result of an extensive consultation process launched in 2021. A group of international experts, chaired by French scientist Hervé Chneiweiss and American professor Nita Farahany, was tasked with developing the normative framework, drawing on more than 8,000 contributions from civil society, the private sector, academia, and Member States. As in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), UNESCO will support its Member States in reviewing their policies, developing roadmaps tailored to their priorities, and strengthening their capacities to address the challenges posed by neurotechnology.   Adopted today, the text will enter into force on November 12, at the conclusion of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.   Learn more UNESCO's work on the ethics of neurotechnology   About UNESCO   With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions, with a global network of 200 National Commissions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.   "Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed" – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.   More information: www.unesco.org   Press contact Romain PARLIER, r.parlier@unesco.org, +33 (0) 1 45 68 15 24   UNESCO Newsroom All our press releases   Social media

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AIMA Young Leaders Summit | 10th December; IHC, New Delhi, India

AIMA Young Leaders Summit 2025 Future-Ready: Innovate, Inspire, Impact Wednesday, 10 December 2025 | India Habitat Centre, New Delhi Greetings from AIMA YLC! AIMA, as you know, is the apex body for management in India with over 38,000 members and 6,000 institutions, working closely with industry, Government, academia, and students to promote excellence in management practice. Established over 60 years ago, AIMA is a non-lobbying, not-for-profit organization, represented on several policy-making bodies of the Government of India and national associations. In its endeavor to provide a platform to young leaders to shape the management destiny of the country, AIMA has constituted the Young Leaders Council (YLC). The objective of the Council is to create a non-lobbying platform for young leaders from across Industry and Sectors, who are ushering in a new era of change in India, which will allow them to engage with each other on a regular basis. We are pleased to inform you that AIMA YLC is organizing the 2nd edition of the AIMA Young Leaders Summit , scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 10 December 2025 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The theme for this year's Summit is "Future-Ready: Innovate, Inspire, Impact". In a fast-changing and interconnected world, the conference will explore how young leaders can embrace innovation, inspire change, and create meaningful impact. Through thought-provoking sessions, expert-led discussions, and engaging fireside chats, the event will focus on leadership strategies, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and future skills. The first edition of the YLC Summit, held in December 2024, received an overwhelming response with participation from over 400 young professionals and an array of eminent speakers. This year's programme looks exciting with some of the confirmed speakers — Hon'ble Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud,  Former Chief Justice of India;  Sunil Kant Munjal, Past President, AIMA and Chairman, Hero Enterprise; T V Mohandas Pai, Past President, AIMA & Chairman, Aarin Capital Partners & Co-Founder, 3one4 Capital ; Vineet Agarwal , Managing Director, Transport Corporation of India Ltd; Vikram Chandra, Founder, Editorji; Abhishek Singh , Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and CEO, AI India Mission; Deep Kalra, Founder & Chairman, MakeMyTrip; Ian Schubach, CEO, Red Leaf, Australia ; Manu Jain, Tech Entrepreneur, CEO, G42 India; Former Global VP & India CEO, Xiaomi; Former Co-founder, Jabong (UAE); Rajiv Makhni, Tech Guru & Managing Director, NDTV; Rekha Sethi , Director General, AIMA; Santosh Kumar, Immediate Past Chairman, AIMA Young Leaders Council and Director, SPJIMR; Arun Pandit, National Chairman, AIMA Young Leaders Council & Co-Founder, Hyphen SCS — to name a few amongst many others. A flyer detailing speakers and other information is enclosed. We shall share the updated programme agenda once we receive your confirmation. Summit Flyer |  Registration Form We cordially invite you to join us for the Summit. No delegate fee is being charged. However, pre-registration and confirmation are a must for participation. Since seats are limited and registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, kindly confirm your participation by registering through the below registration form at the earliest, latest by 10 November 2025. We look forward to receiving your confirmation and to having you with us at the Summit. Best regards, Rhythem Malik Young Leaders Council All India Management Association (AIMA) Landline: +91 11 43128100 Extn: 157

Embargoed Media Briefing on UNESCO’s new global standard on the ethics of Neurotechnology

PRESS INVITATION   Embargoed Media Briefing on UNESCO's new global standard on the ethics of Neurotechnology     UNESCO's Member States are poised to agree on a comprehensive set of principles to guide the development and deployment of neurotechnology. In mid-November, they will come together to adopt the Organization's 'Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology', the first global standard in this fast-growing field. The Recommendation establishes important guardrails to ensure this frontier technology can benefit all those who need it, without jeopardizing human rights.   What? A technical briefing on the risks and opportunities presented by Neurotechnology, under embargo   When? On Tuesday 4 November at 10.00 Central European Time/14.00 Samarkand Time   Where? In-person in Samarkand at UNESCO's General Conference, and Online   Who? UNESCO experts and prominent experts in the field.   Press Accreditation: Please register here to attend.   1 in 7 people worldwide live with a mental disorder, and neurological conditions rank as the leading cause of ill health and disability globally. Sufferers of Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and treatment-resistant depression hold great hope in Neurotechnology because of its many transformative medical uses. But while the use of neurotechnology in the medical sector is strictly regulated, its use in other domains, such as the commercial sector is not. Many consumers use Neurotechnology without being aware they are doing so; wearable head bands and ear pods allow them to monitor health and well-being indicators such as heart rate and sleeping patterns. But they also harvest our neural data. This data is highly sensitive because it offers deep insights into our private thoughts, reactions and emotions. Currently this data can be sold or passed on to third parties without restriction, seriously jeopardizing our right to mental privacy. The Recommendation is the fruit of an expansive global consultation, which involved two years of expert debate, and a series of intergovernmental negotiations. It will be presented for adoption by UNESCO's Member States at the 43rd session of the General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on either 12 or 13 November 2025. Once formally adopted it will then serve as a blueprint for the ethical and responsible governance of neurotechnology.   Press contact Clare O'HAGAN, c.o-hagan@unesco.org, +33 (0) 1 45 68 17 29   UNESCO Newsroom All our press releases   Social media

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