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China and South Africa agreed to deepen cultural and humanitarian exchanges

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) — The fourth meeting of the China-South Africa High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism was held in Beijing on Wednesday, and the two sides agreed to deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

State Councilor Shen Yiqin, who is the Chinese co-chair of the mechanism, held the meeting jointly with South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton Mackenzie, who is the South African co-chair of the mechanism.

According to Shen Yiqin, since the 3rd meeting held in 2023, the two sides have effectively implemented the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and made steady progress in advancing cooperation projects in areas such as education, culture, science, technology and sports.

The State Councilor noted that China is willing to work with South Africa to further expand and deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges and improve the quality of cooperation, so as to make new contributions to advancing the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in the new era and strengthening the social foundation of friendship between the two countries that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Mr. Mackenzie, in turn, praised the progress achieved by South Africa and China in developing bilateral relations and in humanitarian exchanges, expressing his readiness to continuously enrich the content of such exchanges and unlock the potential for cooperation in order to benefit the peoples of the two countries. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Opium cultivation in Myanmar has reached a ten-year peak.

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 3, 2025 Peace and security

Opium poppy cultivation in Myanmar has reached its highest level in a decade, according to a new report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The study comes at a critical time for the country, which is experiencing protracted conflict and socioeconomic instability.

According to the report, the area under poppy cultivation in Myanmar has increased by 17 percent compared to last year, from 45,200 to 53,100 hectares. Economic factors play a key role. Since 2019, the price of opium at farmers' markets has more than doubled, from $160 to $365 per kilogram. According to the UNODC, rising prices and reduced heroin supplies from Afghanistan are creating incentives for further expansion of production in Myanmar.

Despite the increase in cultivated area, per-hectare yields have declined. This is due to armed clashes and general instability, which hinder farmers from tending their fields and obtaining necessary inputs. Nevertheless, overall opium production remains historically high.

The report also documents the first signs that heroin from Myanmar is beginning to reach markets previously supplied with Afghan opium. Over the past year, there have been multiple cases of heroin seizures from passengers traveling from Southeast Asia to Europe. While these are isolated incidents so far, the changing situation on the black market could spur further expansion of production.

"Myanmar is at a turning point: the increase in cultivation reflects the recovery of the opium economy and points to possible further expansion," said Delphine Shantz, UNOPS representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

She emphasized that unless viable alternatives are created for farmers, the cycle of poverty and dependence on illicit cultivation will only intensify. According to her, what is happening now in Myanmar will impact drug markets not only in the region but far beyond, and requires urgent action.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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FAO: $2.5 billion needed for food and agriculture assistance in 2026

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 3, 2025 Humanitarian aid

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today called on the global community to mobilize $2.5 billion to support more than 100 million people in 54 countries and territories by 2026. For the first time, the UN agency's plan brings together all needs into a single framework.

In particular, the FAO requested $64.7 million to help 358,713 residents of Ukraine.

The agency hopes not only to respond to acute crises, but also to reduce the likelihood of future emergencies requiring significant donor investment.

New humanitarian model

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu noted that the previous model of work is no longer effective. Speaking on the sidelines of the 179th session of the FAO Council, he emphasized the need to rethink approaches to response to food crises.

According to the agency's head, despite significant humanitarian funding in previous years, the number of people experiencing food insecurity has tripled since 2016.

Dongyu noted the message coming from youth in crisis zones at the recent World Food Forum: they want increased opportunities to be productive, not constant humanitarian aid.

Hunger in the countryside

At the same time, supporting farmers and their ability to continue producing food is a key element of stability.

Around 80 percent of people facing acute food insecurity live in rural areas and rely on agriculture, livestock farming, fishing, or forestry. However, only 5 percent of humanitarian funding in the food aid sector is directed toward supporting agriculture.

Strengthening local production improves local residents' access to food, develops the local economy, creates jobs and strengthens social stability – especially in countries experiencing protracted crises, such as Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Effective programs

FAO stresses the importance of early action and rapid emergency support for agriculture.

Effective solutions include seed distribution, livestock vaccination and treatment, restoration of key infrastructure, provision of farmers with necessary tools, cash assistance, and support for market operations.

Research shows that every dollar invested in protecting agricultural production before a crisis can yield up to seven dollars in returns in prevented losses and reduced humanitarian needs in the future.

FAO plan

FAO's 2026 Global Appeal calls for $1.5 billion in emergency support for 60 million people worldwide, and $1 billion in resilience programs for 43 million people. Sustainable solutions include the adoption of technology for adaptation to climate change, building water infrastructure, improving market access and restoring agri-food systems.

Specifically, it is planned to support 358,713 residents of Ukraine, requiring $64.7 million. $521.6 million will be allocated to countries in the Asia-Pacific region, $519.1 million to the Middle East and North Africa, $471.6 million to East Africa, $593.4 million to West and Central Africa, $179.6 million to Southern Africa, and $111.9 million to Latin America and the Caribbean.

In addition, $70 million will go towards FAO activities such as data collection and analysis, monitoring food chain threats, and coordination with other agencies.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The IAEA is holding its first international symposium on artificial intelligence in the context of nuclear energy.

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Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

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December 3, 2025

Monika Shifotoka, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi at the opening session of the International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Energy (Photo: H.Shaffer).

Global energy and technology leaders are gathering this week at IAEA headquarters in Vienna for the first ever International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Nuclear Energy. The two-day event is bringing together senior representatives from government ministries, international organizations, the nuclear industry and major tech firms — including Google and Oracle — to discuss how nuclear energy can help meet the surging electricity demand of AI data centers, and how AI can support nuclear technology development.

The two-day event kicked off today and the program and Livestream are available on the IAEA website.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said at the opening ceremony:

“Two forces are reshaping humanity's horizon at an unprecedented pace: the rise of artificial intelligence and the global transition towards clean, reliable energy. The world's energy map is being redrawn before our eyes. The essential point, our opportunity and our responsibility, is that these forces are not unfolding separately. They are converging and redefining the new global economy.”

He added that nuclear energy is the only source capable of low-carbon generation, round-the-clock reliability, high power density, grid stability and scalability. He described the link between nuclear and AI as structural alliance of “Atoms for Algorithms.”

According to the International Energy Agency, data centers accounted for 1.5% of worldwide electricity demand in 2024 – a figure that could double by 2030.

Nuclear power, with its ability to deliver reliable, low-carbon electricity, is increasingly seen as a solution to meet this demand. At the same time, AI offers powerful tools to optimize reactor performance, streamline construction and enhance operational efficiency — enabling nuclear energy to reach its full potential while maintaining the highest standards of safety, security and safeguards.

The symposium will provide a venue to build partnerships and develop recommendations for a framework of cooperation between the AI and nuclear sectors with IAEA support. It will delve into opportunities offered by AI and nuclear energy, supporting global efforts toward clean, reliable and sustainable energy by connecting diverse stakeholders.

Cooperation to Support AI Solutions

On Wednesday, the IAEA also signed an agreement with Atomic Canyon — a technology company developing AI-powered solutions for the nuclear energy sector. Under this pact, the IAEA and Atomic Canyon will explore opportunities for collaboration and evaluate a proof of concept to lay the groundwork for AI solutions in nuclear information management.

AI and Data

AI has the potential to transform the nuclear power industry, but success depends on one critical factor: data. High-quality, accessible, shareable and secure datasets are essential for designing, training, and validating AI applications. Without robust data governance and industry-wide collaboration, progress could slow or stall.

At the symposium, leaders from the nuclear and AI sectors will have the opportunity to interface with nuclear regulators from around the world. Side events include a session by the IAEA's ISOP AI for Nuclear Power Working Group, which will highlight collaborative approaches to advancing AI innovation in operating plants. The more detailed, technical content of the side events will complement strategic discussions held during the Symposium's five panels.

Follow updates about the conference here and on the IAEA social media channels: Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Threads.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Breaking the Siege of Leningrad

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Library No. 248 (Division No. 1) invites you to a lecture, "Breaking the Siege of Leningrad," dedicated to the 83rd anniversary of the event. The program includes footage from a 1943 documentary film and a discussion of the route across Lake Ladoga—the Road of Life. In addition, there will be a screening of materials from the electronic resource "Breaking the Siege: How It Was." The lecture will conclude with a virtual tour of the "Road of Life" alley in the Strogino district. It is organized as part of the project

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A Ukrainian delegation may again travel to the United States to discuss a peace plan, according to V. Zelensky.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Kyiv, December 3 (Xinhua) — A Ukrainian delegation may again travel to the United States to discuss a draft plan for settling the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this on Telegram on Wednesday.

According to him, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andriy Gnatov will begin preparations for the upcoming negotiations after meeting in Brussels with national security advisers to European leaders.

V. Zelenskyy assured that Ukraine will continue to work constructively for real peace.

On November 20, the United States officially handed the Ukrainian president a draft plan to end the armed conflict with Russia, designed to bolster diplomatic efforts. On November 23, the Ukrainian and American delegations met in Geneva to discuss this document, and on November 30, negotiations continued in the US state of Florida.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China called for the implementation of a new-type urbanization strategy to promote socio-economic development.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday called for implementing a people-centered new urbanization strategy and fully unleashing the huge potential of domestic demand inherent in the integrated development of urban and rural areas to inject strong impetus into socio-economic development.

Li Qiang made the remarks while presiding over the 17th Thematic Study of the State Council of the People's Republic of China. State Council Vice Premiers Ding Xuexiang and He Lifeng, as well as State Councilor Wang Xiaohong, delivered speeches at the event.

Pointing out that the new-type urbanization strategy is important for expanding domestic demand, promoting industrial upgrading and strengthening domestic circulation, Li Qiang noted that significant progress has been made in implementing this strategy nationwide in recent years, and there remains ample room for further advancement of new-type urbanization during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

The head of the Chinese government stated that urbanization in China is transitioning from a stage of rapid growth to a stage of stable development, with profound changes occurring in the population structure, the urban settlement system, and the model of urban-rural interaction. He stated that it is necessary to further improve the targeting and effectiveness of new-type urbanization efforts.

Li Qiang called for implementing a new type of urbanization plan based on local conditions, optimizing the "people, industry, city" development model, and taking more vigorous and targeted measures to address the problems of employment, social security, housing, and children's education faced by rural migrants.

The State Council Premier added that it is necessary to thoroughly implement the urban renewal initiative and steadily promote the construction of comfortable housing and high-quality development of the real estate sector.

He also called for strengthening infrastructure connectivity and industrial integration between urban and rural areas to promote integrated urban and rural development. –0–

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Chinese Culture Days Open in Tajikistan

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Dushanbe, December 3 (Xinhua) — The Chinese Culture Days officially opened at the Sadriddin Aini Tajik State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater in Dushanbe on Tuesday.

At the opening ceremony, it was noted that the Culture Days would further strengthen the friendship between the peoples of the two countries and expand bilateral cultural, social, and economic ties. The concert program featured songs, music, and dance from China.

That same day, Tajikistan's Minister of Culture, Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, met with visiting Chinese Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Lu Yingchuan. The two sides agreed to develop and implement joint projects, including cultural exchanges, exhibitions, and festivals.

On December 4, as part of the Days of Culture, a Chinese creative group will perform at the Ato Mukhammadjonov Musical and Drama Theater in Bokhtar. The Chinese creative group is also scheduled to hold master classes at the Mirzo Tursunzade Tajik State Institute of Culture and Arts.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Daniil Kharms – a genius of fiery speeches

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Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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A.P. Platonov Library No. 42 invites you to a one-man show, "Daniil Kharms—Genius of Fiery Speeches," dedicated to the poet's life and work. Guests will hear master of literary expression Konstantin Utenin. Audiences will hear the writer's best works, as well as excerpts from his diaries and letters.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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International Day of Persons with Disabilities: UN calls for genuine inclusion

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 3, 2025 Human rights

Today, 1.3 billion people, or one in six people on Earth, face significant health-related limitations. People with disabilities face twice the risk of developing chronic diseases, from diabetes to depression. And the gap in life expectancy compared to people without disabilities can be as high as 20 years.

These figures reflect not only health conditions, but also the consequences of systemic exclusion, discrimination and limited access to services.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his message on the occasion International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is celebrated on December 3, emphasized that without real inclusion it is impossible to talk about genuine social progress or sustainable development.

Full participation

The Secretary-General recalled that many people with disabilities make contributions that benefit society as a whole. Thanks to their efforts, the world gains innovations that then become part of everyday life. This is how voice control technologies, text messaging, and many other solutions emerged.

Yet, despite this, people with disabilities are too often denied the right to participate in decision-making.

Systemic barriers

“Doha Political Declaration“The Declaration adopted last month at the World Summit for Social Development reaffirms a fundamental truth: sustainable development is impossible without the participation of people with disabilities,” the UN chief noted.

However, around the world, people with disabilities and their families face significant barriers, including discrimination in the labour market, limited access to information, technology and infrastructure, and inadequate education and social protection systems.

Without removing these barriers, social development will remain incomplete.

On December 3, a discussion will be held at UN Headquarters on how to build truly inclusive societies in line with the Doha Declaration. Representatives from governments, civil society, and the UN will discuss practical tools, solutions, and factors necessary for advancing social development.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.