VITAL VOICES HONORS WOMEN LEADING THE RISE AT 3RD ANNUAL FESTIVAL & 23RD ANNUAL GLOBAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS IN WASHINGTON, DC FROM MAY 29 to 30

Notable Speakers include Hillary Rodham Clinton, Diane von Furstenberg, Tarana Burke, Donna Langley, Amna Nawaz, Amber Tamblyn, and more; Vital Voices to Honor Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa, Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, Diplomat Aya Chebbi, SafeCity Global, Activist Nika Kovač and Colombian Environmental Minister Susana Muhamad

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vital Voices Global Partnership (Vital Voices) is combining two of its most beloved annual events into one spectacular week of inspiration and action with the Vital Voices Festival and 23rd Global Leadership Awards, taking place on May 29 and 30 in Washington, DC. These events will bring together and honor world leaders, activists, actors, supporters and journalists from around the globe.

“With a record-breaking number of elections to be held in 2024, expanding global crises and a wave of authoritarian regimes threatening to pull us backwards, women around the world are rising to meet this moment in every region,” said Vital Voices President and CEO Alyse Nelson. “Vital Voices is proud to honor the women defending progress and leading powerful movements for human rights, peace and justice.”

Held on May 29 and 30 at the Vital Voices Global Headquarters for Women’s Leadership—the world’s first embassy for women—in Washington, DC, the festival serves as a homecoming for our network of women leaders, partners, and supporters from around the world. Festival speakers of note include Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, a Vital Voices co-founder, who will moderate a panel on women defending democracy, Entrepreneur and Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg, Author, Actor and Director Amber Tamblyn, who will moderate a panel discussing the critical role of male allies in the fight for gender equality and combating gender-based violence, and more. CNN International Correspondent Jomana Karadsheh will speak on a panel exploring peacebuilding efforts amidst the Gaza-Israel conflict alongside Arwa Damon, founder and president of International Network for Aid, Relief & Assistance (INARA). The festival will also include Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues at the U.S. Department of State Geeta Rao Gupta; Daughters for Earth Co-Founder Zainab Salbi; Co-Founder & CEO of The American Sunlight Project and Adjunct Professor, Syracuse University Nina Jankowicz; Feminist, Activist and Author of The Resilience Myth Soraya Chemaly; three-time NYT Bestselling Author Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, and many more.

The 23rd Annual Global Leadership Awards at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 30 will honor and pay tribute to five women and one organization whose leadership is helping move the world forward: Nobel Laureate and Rappler Co-founder and CEO Maria Ressa for her unwavering commitment to fight for press freedom in the Philippines, President of the Marshall Islands Hilda Heine for her work on the front lines of climate change, Diplomat and Feminist Aya Chebbi, whose blogging and voice for democracy rose to prominence during the Tunisian Revolution, Activist Nika Kovač for building coalitions to transform legal precedent on gender and economic inequalities in Slovenia, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia Susana Muhamad for her sustainability and environmental conservation work, and non-profit SafeCity Global. Secretary Clinton and Diane von Furstenberg will also present at the Global Leadership Awards.

The Vital Voices festival is open by invitation only. The Global Leadership Awards is open to members of the public who reserve a seat. Ticketing and more information about the Vital Voices Festival and Global Leadership Awards can be found at www.vitalvoices.org.

About Vital Voices Global Partnership
Now celebrating 27 years, Vital Voices Global Partnership has directly invested in more than 20,000 women leaders across 185 countries and territories since its inception in 1997. Driven by the universal truth that women are the key to progress in their communities and nations cannot move forward without women in leadership positions, Vital Voices has provided early support for leaders who went on to become Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, U.S. Youth Poet Laureates, prime ministers, award-winning innovators, pioneering human rights defenders, and breakthrough social entrepreneurs, including Amanda Gorman and Malala Yousafzai. In an effort to advance and expand this work, in 2022 Vital Voices opened the doors to the world’s first global embassy for women, the Vital Voices Global Headquarters for Women’s Leadership. It is a first-of-its-kind space that allows for convening, innovation, planning, and action—all in the pursuit of serving women leaders who are taking on the world’s greatest challenges.

Attachment

Emmanuelle Errera
Vital Voices
2024460513
EmmanuelleE@vitalvoices.org

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9144606

Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONGD) Acquires Prestigious Royalty-Generating IP Stake in “Goodnight Gotham” by Rihanna

NAPLES, Fla., May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) (OTC: SONGD), a distinguished leader in the acquisition and management of music royalties, proudly announces the acquisition of royalty-generating intellectual property in the chart-topping track “Goodnight Gotham” by Rihanna. This strategic acquisition enhances our portfolio with high-caliber assets from one of the industry’s most influential artists.

“Goodnight Gotham” is a testament to Rihanna’s enduring popularity and wide-reaching influence. This acquisition is set to provide consistent revenue streams across various platforms, including streaming services, radio, and media outlets.

Watch “Goodnight Gotham” by Rihanna here.

About Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) (OTC: SONGD) (ProMusicRights.com)

Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG), also known as Pro Music Rights, is a diversified holding company and the fifth public performance rights organization (PRO) formed in the United States. Its licensees include notable companies such as TikTok, iHeart Media, Triller, Napster, 7Digital, Vevo, and many others. Pro Music Rights holds an estimated market share of 7.4% in the United States, representing over 2,500,000 works by notable artists such as A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, Young Jeezy, Juelz Santana, Lil Yachty, MoneyBagg Yo, Larry June, Trae Pound, Sauce Walka, Trae Tha Truth, Sosamann, Soulja Boy, Lex Luger, Trauma Tone, Lud Foe, SlowBucks, Gunplay, OG Maco, Rich The Kid, Fat Trel, Young Scooter, Nipsey Hussle, Famous Dex, Boosie Badazz, Shy Glizzy, 2 Chainz, Migos, Gucci Mane, Young Dolph, Trinidad James, Chingy, Lil Gnar, 3OhBlack, Curren$y, Fall Out Boy, Money Man, Dej Loaf, Lil Uzi Vert, and countless others, as well as artificial intelligence (A.I.) created music.

Additionally, Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) owns royalty stakes in Listerine “Mouthwash” Antiseptic and musical works by artists such as The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Elton John, Mike Posner, blackbear, Lil Nas X, Lil Yachty, DaBaby, Stunna 4 Vegas, Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne, XXXTentacion, Jeremih, Ty Dolla $ign, Eric Bellinger, Ne-Yo, MoneyBagg Yo, Halsey, Desiigner, DaniLeigh, Rihanna, and numerous others.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. to accomplish its stated plan of business. Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Pro Music Rights, Inc., Music Licensing, Inc., or any other person.

Non-Legal Advice Disclosure:

This press release does not constitute legal advice, and readers are advised to seek legal counsel for any legal matters or questions related to the content herein.

Non-Investment Advice Disclosure:

This communication is intended solely for informational purposes and does not in any way imply or constitute a recommendation or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities, commodities, bonds, options, derivatives, or any other investment products. Any decisions related to investments should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor or professional. We assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this communication

Contact: investors@ProMusicRights.com

SOURCE: Music Licensing, Inc.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9144217

Rio de Janeiro recebe FII PRIORITY Summit com o tema “Investir com Dignidade”

Pela primeira vez na América Latina, o encontro vai reunir líderes, autoridades e especialistas de todo mundo para debater temas urgentes para o desenvolvimento sustentável

SÃO PAULO, Brasil, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — O Rio de Janeiro recebe, pela primeira vez, o FII PRIORITY Summit, encontro de líderes e executivos de todo mundo para debater oportunidades de investimento que proporcionem crescimento sustentável aos países. O evento é organizado pelo Future Investment Initiative Institute (FII Institute), uma entidade sem fins lucrativos com recursos do Fundo de Investimento Público da Arábia Saudita (PIF, na sigla em inglês).

Esta é a primeira vez que o instituto faz um evento na América Latina, e o local escolhido é o Copacabana Palace, que entre os dias 11 e 13 de junho, vai reunir mais de 150 palestrantes, em 44 sessões, para um público superior a mil convidados.

Realizado sob o tema “Investir em Dignidade”, o encontro, vai debater alternativas de investimento em transição energética, sustentável, avanço em tecnologia e inovação, e inclusão social, temas importantes para construir uma nova ordem global que priorize a dignidade para todos. O evento pretende também estreitar as relações entre o Brasil e a Arábia Saudita, potencializando investimentos, além de projetar o país como um pólo de ideias e iniciativas sustentáveis merecedor do investimento global.

Entre os principais palestrantes, estão a Princesa Reema Bint Bandar Al Saud, Embaixadora da Arábia Saudita nos EUA, o Príncipe Faisal Bin Bandar Al Saud, Presidente da Federação Saudita de Esportes Eletrônicos, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governador do Fundo de Investimento Público (PIF) e Presidente do Instituto FII, Mike Pompeo, ex-Secretário de Estado dos EUA, e os ex-presidentes Felipe Calderón (México), Juan Manuel Santos (Colômbia), Jorge Quiroga (Bolívia) e Laura Chinchilla (Costa Rica).

O encontro também contará com executivos renomados, especialistas em investimentos e autoridades governamentais, tais como Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Ministro do Investimento da Arábia Saudita, Baronesa Ariane de Rothschild, CEO do Edmond de Rothschild Holding, Gustavo Manrique, Ex-Ministro das Relações Exteriores e Ex-Ministro do Meio Ambiente do Equador, Sir Martin Sorrell, Presidente Executivo do S4 Capital Group, André Esteves, Chairman do BTG Pactual, Marcelo Claure, Fundador e CEO do Claure Group, Bernard Mensah, Presidente Internacional do Bank of America, Aloizio Mercadante, Presidente do BNDES, Eduardo Bartolomeo, CEO da Vale, e Julia Dias Leite, CEO do Centro Brasileiro de Relações Internacionais (CEBRi).

As seções abordarão questões relacionadas à ação climática, BRICS, transição energética, desenvolvimento sustentável, empreendedorismo e tecnologias emergentes. Os destaques incluem o “Conselho de Agentes de Mudança”, focado em oportunidades de crescimento e prosperidade econômica, “Como os Investidores Podem Navegar em Mercados Dinâmicos?”, que discutirá estratégias de investimento em meio à volatilidade do mercado, e “O Futuro da Energia Global”, em que serão apresentadas tecnologias e projetos energéticos emergentes. Outros tópicos abordarão megatendências de investimento global, convergência entre fintech e finanças tradicionais, e liderança na ascensão do sul global.

Sobre o FII Institute
Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute é uma fundação global sem fins lucrativos movida por dados, com um braço de investimento focado em iniciativas impactantes para a humanidade. Através de seus Encontros PRIORITY, o instituto reúne grandes mentes para fomentar a inovação e soluções sustentáveis em todo o mundo.

Para cobertura do evento, faça sua inscrição no link abaixo:

Inscrições: https://prioritysummit.fii-institute.org/
Código de acesso: MCJHRKA9I6
Mais informações sobre o evento do Rio de Janeiro e edições anteriores, podem ser encontradas AQUI!

Em caso de dúvidas, por favor envie um e-mail para fii-institute@fsb.com.br e media@fii-institute.org

A imagem que acompanha o anúncio está disponível em: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fec08610-6358-43a3-96c0-8f9116ea9033

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000963243

Duck Creek Technologies Recognizes IAT Insurance Group and Coforge with its Standard of Excellence Award

IAT Insurance Group, in strategic partnership with Coforge, takes home the Standard of Excellence Customer Award for the transition from multiple siloed legacy policy administration systems into the cloud-based Duck Creek system, driving digital transformation

BOSTON, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, has recognized both IAT Insurance Group and their strategic transformation partner, Coforge, with the 2024 Standard of Excellence Customer Award winner at Formation ’24 in Dallas.

The Duck Creek Standard of Excellence Customer Awards recognizes customers who have achieved the highest level of excellence through their implementation of Duck Creek solutions and who are reimagining the future of insurance.

IAT Insurance Group, a leading specialty insurance company providing property, casualty, and surety products for niche markets, earned the Standard of Excellence Customer Award for the transformation of 7 diverse business segments that includes General Liability, Property, Management Liability, Excess, Inland Marine, and Commercial Auto lines of business. Moving key product lines onto the Duck Creek system has helped streamline the property and casualty insurer’s internal operations, improve user experience, and improve access to data and analytics.

Manish Chawla, CIO, IAT Insurance Group said, “We are honored to receive the Standard of Excellence Award. Our vision for transformation is deeply aligned with our business priorities and our commitment to serving our customers better. We believe in leveraging technology to create solutions that not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations. This journey of transformation has been made possible through our strategic partnership with Coforge. Our shared vision has been instrumental in helping us turn our vision into reality, enabling us to deliver superior value to our customers.”

As part of a large, multi-year, multi-million-dollar business transformation initiative, IAT Insurance transitioned multiple lines of business onto the Duck Creek Full Suite, covering 50 states. This effort, supported by Coforge, was designed to modernize legacy systems, enhance scalability, and ensure regulatory compliance across IAT’s diverse portfolio of insurance products.

Rajeev Batra, Executive Vice President, Insurance, Coforge, said, “As a Premier Delivery Partner for Duck Creek Technologies, with 1000+ Duck Creek SME’s globally, Coforge is proud to be a part of IAT Insurance Group’s transformation journey. The synergy between Coforge, IAT Insurance Group and Duck Creek Technologies exemplifies flawless teamwork and collaboration.”

“It’s a great honor to be recognized with the Standard of Excellence Award. Our focus has been on leveraging innovative solutions to drive digital transformation for IAT Insurance Group. Our collaborative efforts have led to the successful transition of multiple business units onto a modern platform, enhancing scalability and regulatory compliance.”

About Duck Creek Technologies

Duck Creek Technologies is the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and X.

Media Contacts:
Carley Bunch
carley.bunch@duckcreek.com

About IAT Insurance Group

IAT Insurance Group (IAT) is a privately owned, specialty insurance company providing property, casualty, and surety products for niche markets. IAT goes to market through eight business units – Commercial Transportation, Excess & Surplus, Homeowners, Programs, Inland Marine, Reinsurance, Surety and Management Liability. The IAT Insurance Group companies are rated A- Excellent by A.M. Best. Connect with IAT Insurance Group on LinkedIn and learn more about the company at iatinsurancegroup.com.

About Coforge

Coforge is a global digital services and solutions provider, which leverages emerging technologies and deep domain expertise to deliver real-world business impact for its clients. A focus on very selects industries, a detailed understanding of the underlying processes of those industries, and partnerships with leading platforms provide us with a distinct perspective. Coforge leads with its product engineering approach and leverages Cloud, Data, Integration, and Automation technologies to transform client businesses into intelligent, high-growth enterprises. Coforge’s proprietary platforms power critical business processes across its core verticals. The firm has a presence in 21 countries with 25 delivery centres across nine countries.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9123545

Emerging Nicotine, Tobacco Products Pose Challenges For Tobacco Control


The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (2022 KDHS) shows a decrease in tobacco use from 12% in 2014 to 9% in 2022.

State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni Muriuki said that despite the progress, Kenya now faces new challenges with the rapid proliferation of Novel Nicotine and Emerging Tobacco Products (NNETPs), such as nicotine pouches, vapes, and electronic cigarettes.

Ms. Muriuki said that these products are often marketed as less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes and are targeted toward young people with appealing flavors and misleading health claims.

Thus, ‘The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Development Partners and Civil Society Organizations, aims to leverage World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2024 to increase awareness of the dangers associated with both conventional tobacco products and NNETPs,’ said the PS.

She said that her ministry is seeking to create awareness on the adverse effects of tobacco and nicotine products
on public health, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality in Kenya and globally.

‘Additionally, Kenya has joined and is observing World Tobacco Day (WNTD), a global day promoting health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce consumption,’ said the PS.

She continued: ‘Established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987, this day has been celebrated annually on May 31st since 1988. This year’s theme, ‘Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,’ aligns with the WHO’s ‘Stop the Lies’ campaign, a vital initiative to shield young people from the manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry.’

Ms. Muriuki said that this campaign calls for an end to tobacco industry interference in health policy, a demand echoed by youth globally who urge governments to protect them from the dangers of tobacco products.

The PS said that Kenya has made significant strides in tobacco control, including the implementation of stringent regulations and policies ai
med at reducing tobacco use. Key achievements include the establishment of a Multi-Sector Task Force.

‘A dedicated task force was established to investigate novel nicotine and other emerging tobacco products, shedding light on various aspects of these products and their potential impact on public health. Implementation of the recommendations is currently underway,’ explained the PS.

She added that Kenya has continued to enforce the Tobacco Control Act of 2007, which mandates graphic health warnings on cigarette packages and bans smoking in public places. Enforcement of smoke-free laws has led to significant reductions in exposure to second-hand smoke in public areas.

Ms. Muriuki highlighted that a comprehensive review of the Tobacco Control Act was conducted to amend and align it with current market dynamics. ‘An Omnibus Bill carrying several amendments, including the ban on shisha, is currently under consideration,’ said the PS.

She added that a dedicated multi-agency enforcement team was established to
ensure compliance with tobacco control regulations and to crack down on the illicit tobacco trade. ‘Public awareness campaigns, especially focusing on youth and vulnerable groups, were intensified through various media platforms, educating the public on the risks of tobacco use,’ she said.

Reiterating Kenya’s commitment to developing and enforcing stringent health policies against tobacco and nicotine products, Ms. Muriuki said that the Ministry of Health has planned a series of activities to mark World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2024, including a one-Day Sensitization Session for the County Health workforce, focusing on enforcement officers.

‘We have also organized a Two-Day School Sensitization Programme targeting identified secondary and primary schools, aligning with this year’s theme. Other activities include Media Engagements encompassing interviews, panel discussions on selected TV and radio stations, print media special pullouts, opinion articles, and social media engagements,’ said the PS.

Source:
Kenya News Agency

NHC Unveils New Brand, 5 Year Strategic Plan


The National Housing Corporation (NHC) has launched its 70th New Brand and Strategic plan for the year 2023-2027 with the aim of impacting lives through the provision of innovative housing solutions across the country.

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Lands, Public Works, and Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome says that NHC is prepared for a total of 50,000 housing units across the country.

Wahome observed that a decently housed nation will be achieved through the support of parliament and the government budget allocation, and she also commended the community and stakeholders who have worked to ensure every citizen has an opportunity to find a place they can proudly call home.

‘We are here to reflect on all the past achievements of NHC, present success, and chart a bold cause for the future of the housing agenda,’ maintained Wahome.

She noted that the journey of NHC began in 1953, a time when the need for organised housing solutions arose, adding that over the past seven decades, NHC has achieved numero
us milestones that have had a profound impact on the lives of many citizens, including the delivery of over 50,000 housing units across the country.

The CS made these remarks on Monday in Nairobi during the commemoration of 70 years of NHC positively impacting lives across the country through the provision of innovative housing solutions.

She stated that NHC housing will help the country’s stability and progress through fostering community development, economic growth, and social harmony.

‘NHC projects have been diverse, inclusive of affordable housing for low-income families and high-quality residences for the middle and other classes,’ she exemplified, adding that NHC has been instrumental in developing entire communities with essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, and facilities.

Wahome reiterated that NHC is committed to achieving sustainable development, whereby, in recent years, the corporation has integrated green building practices and incubated projects which ensure that housing solution
s are environmentally friendly and resilient.

‘It is crucial to look into the future since the role of NHC is more critical now than ever as it faces challenges and opportunities presented by growing population and urbanisation,’ she noted.

The CS pointed out that the government has prioritised affordable housing and underscored the NHC commitment to address the challenges, vowing that NHC will continue to be at the forefront in collaborating with the Ministry to explore innovative financing housing model, leverage public and private partnerships, and harness cutting-edge technology to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing.

She disclosed that NHC has embarked on a new chapter in conveying the new brand identity, which symbolises commitment to innovation and modernization, terming the identity as more of a tagline representing the core values, including integrity and inclusivity, and signifies the pledge to continue providing high quality, affordable housing while adopting new technologies and metho
dologies to serve the citizens.

‘NHC’s strategic plan for the year 2023-2027 outlines the vision for the future and strategic initiatives that will enable them to achieve their goals,’ voiced the CS.

Wahome highlighted the 5 key pillars of the plan, including increasing housing supply to address the home demand for housing, which involves the construction of new homes and renovating the existing ones; promoting home ownership through mortgages, mortgage subsidies, low-interest loans, and rent-to-own schemes that will make home ownership accessible to the Kenyan population; and enhancing urbanisation by leveraging architecture to address the urban population.

Others include fostering community development through investment in government community facilities such as schools, among others, and embracing technology and innovation to improve efficiency and sustainable households.

At the same time, the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, said that NHC has provided affordable housing that w
ill shape the nation’s landscape through innovation and excellence, stressing that the new brand is not only a logo but a holistic transformation of fidelity to the rule of law in the use of public resources.

Koskei urged stakeholders to collaborate with corporations and the government in order to impact digitalization in all states.

He mentioned that the housing plan is critical since it creates quality jobs for young people who keep graduating every year.

‘The five-year plan will help in the delivery of housing to the citizens, and it will not only build communities but also homes and also promote the economy of the country since contractors are using local products as they transfer skills,’ said Koskei.

Source: Kenya News Agency