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Dmitry Grigorenko: Agencies are summing up the results of digital transformation in 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

At a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko and federal digital transformation leaders, the current progress of departmental digitalization programs was reviewed. The digital transformation leaders of the Russian Ministry of Culture, Roskomnadzor, and Roszheldor reported on the progress of planned activities.

By 2025, Russia will implement 60 digital transformation programs. "Each program is aimed at improving the efficiency of individual agencies and public administration as a whole: the quality of decision-making, the performance of core functions, and the delivery of public services. We have built tangible and measurable impacts into all the activities of these programs. With this approach, every ruble invested in the country's digitalization yields tangible results for citizens and the economy," said Dmitry Grigorenko.

Examples of implemented activities of departmental digital transformation programs:

— Ministry of Culture of Russia

A secure mechanism for spending funds using the Pushkin Card has been created. A double-confirmation system for transactions has been implemented in the PRO.Kultura.RF state information system using a unique event identifier and a "white terminal." Integration with the Federal Tax Service has been ensured for verifying the implementing organizations. As a result, in 2025, a preliminary review of over 20 million transactions totaling approximately 10 billion rubles was conducted. Fraudulent schemes totaling 200 million rubles were prevented.

The electronic state catalog of museum objects has been modernized and integrated with artificial intelligence technology to improve searches for museum collection items. Currently, 86.46% of records (approximately 70 million objects) have been uploaded to the catalog.

— Roskomnadzor

The online advertising accounting system has been automated. New legislative requirements for deducting 3% of online advertising revenue came into effect in April 2025. Currently, data on 56,000 payers is processed quarterly. 160 major payers have been identified, accounting for 90% of online advertising revenue. Since August, over 5 billion rubles have been received by the budget. Revenue by the end of the year is projected to be at least 7 billion rubles.

— Roszheldor

The electronic rolling stock accounting system has been improved, allowing for the same-day, number-based accounting of railcars. Previously, this service was provided on paper and took up to 30 days, which could result in delays. A railcar cannot be operated without an assigned number. The agency receives approximately 15,000 requests for railcar accounting annually.

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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Kommersant: Discs are spinning in Novosibirsk.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Melody – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

A full-cycle vinyl record production facility with a capacity of up to 120,000 units per year has been launched in Novosibirsk. The investor invested approximately 160 million rubles of its own funds in the project, which was used to purchase imported equipment and premises. The company sources raw materials from Italy and uses domestic technology. Within five years, the company plans to capture up to 50% of the Russian record production market, with sales estimated at at least 600,000 units per year. Experts believe the manufacturer's plans are achievable, but caution that to guarantee success, the company requires a sound business strategy and a willingness to engage with the music industry.

A full-cycle vinyl record production facility has been launched in Novosibirsk. JSC Novosibirsk Record Plant is owned by Russia's oldest music label, Melodiya (Moscow-based JSC Firma Melodiya). The 600-square-meter production facility, located within the city limits, currently employs seven people. Initial production capacity is approximately 120,000 records per year, with the potential for subsequent expansion. Total investment in the project amounted to approximately 160 million rubles, which was used to purchase the premises, raw materials, and equipment.

As Roman Abramov, the plant's Operations Director, told Kommersant-Siberia, the decision to open a production line was made due to increasing consumer demand for records. "The market has been driven in recent years by the growing number of vinyl enthusiasts and the growing market for high-quality record playback equipment. We were able to set up production from scratch in a relatively short period of time, and it is now operating successfully," he said. The plant's production machine was imported from Hong Kong, with Sweden and Switzerland being the primary suppliers of equipment. Raw materials for the records are from Italy, and the technology used is domestic.

"During Soviet times, vinyl was produced in the USSR, and music lovers sometimes had complaints about its quality. Now we've chosen the best vinyl—Italian—it's noiseless and ideal for sound recording. We plan to purchase colored vinyl. Then we'll be able to experiment with color editions," said Karina Abramyan, First Deputy General Director of Melodiya.

The plant plans to release tracks from both the Melodiya catalog and commissioned by musicians, labels, agencies, and others. The first record from the new production was "Autogenic Training for Alcohol Abusers," a 1980s album developed by doctors at a Yalta sanatorium. The batch also included David Tukhmanov's "On the Wave of My Memory," the album "Disco Alliance" by the Latvian band "Zodiac," and an album by the VIA "Dos-Mukasan."

The launch of its own enterprise will allow the company to capture 30-50% of the vinyl record market in Russia within five years, after which the manufacturer plans to begin exporting, the company said.

Alexander Balakin, head of sales at Yekaterinburg-based vinyl record manufacturer M9 LLC (Muzilla Production), believes the company's plans are entirely feasible—he estimates annual demand growth in the domestic market at around 20%. "Demand is growing; records are being ordered not only by vinyl fans, but also by young artists, as well as by ordinary consumers and organizations as merchandise or gifts. Our current production capacity is approximately 50,000 records per month," he commented.

Russia's largest vinyl record manufacturing plant, Ultra Production (part of Multimedia Holding CJSC), is booked with orders from domestic artists for two to three years in advance, according to a Kommersant source in the music market.

Kommersant's sources in the music market estimate annual sales of domestic and foreign-produced vinyl records in Russia at between 600,000 and 1.3 million. "Our main suppliers were partners in Austria and England, and two Russian distributors who shipped shipments through other countries," says a representative of a vinyl record store. From Austria, goods were shipped via Berlin and arrived within eight days, he explains.

Mikhail Burmistrov, CEO of Infoline-Analytics, notes the timely launch of vinyl record production in Novosibirsk. He notes that demand for vinyl in Russia has been growing at double-digit rates in recent years, and production capacity is insufficient, while imported products are becoming more expensive despite the strengthening ruble.

"Until recently, Russia essentially had only one full-cycle plant, Ultra Production, with a capacity of around 200,000 units. Combined with Muzilla Production near Yekaterinburg and the Melodiya plant in Novosibirsk, it now has the potential to supply up to 50% of the domestic market," the expert predicts.

According to his estimates, in 2025, demand for vinyl records in Russia will exceed 1 million units, and taking into account purchases in cross-border trade, 1.2 million units.

Among the project's risks, Anastasia Vladimirova, Managing Partner of IPM Consulting, cites dependence on imported equipment and raw materials. If any difficulties with payments arise due to the tightening of sanctions, the company risks being left without supplies and components. "We should also expect increased competition from other manufacturers or imports, which are traditionally high for this product category. A sound business strategy, an understanding of its target audience, and a willingness to engage with representatives of the music industry are essential for the company," the expert believes.

Lolita Belova, Kommersant, December 11, 2025

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Rossiyskaya Gazeta: The vinyl craze has launched a factory.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Melody – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Vinyl records were released in Novosibirsk for the first time in its history: production was launched at a subsidiary by the legendary Firma Melodiya, founded in 1964 as a state-owned company for the production, storage, and distribution of sound recordings.

Among the first editions already on sale are recordings of songs by David Tukhmanov, the band Zodiac, and the VIA "Dos-Mukasan," as well as "Autogenic Training for Alcohol Abusers. A Session of Emotional-Stress Psychotherapy for Those Wanting to Quit Smoking."

During Soviet times, the Berdsk Radio Plant, renowned throughout the country for its products, operated in the Novosibirsk region. Under the Vega brand, it produced cutting-edge technology at the time—recorders, tape recorders, stereo players, and even portable players. However, all the records were imported, and queues formed at local department stores for the most popular ones. The main record plant was the Aprelevka Record Plant, located in the Moscow region.

"There were various ideas about where to resume production. Not everything should be concentrated in Moscow or the Moscow region. Novosibirsk is a major transportation hub and is located equidistant between the West and East, which is also convenient for product delivery," noted Roman Abramov, Operations Director of the Firma Melodiya plant.

Approximately 160 million rubles have been invested in the record plant launch project. These funds were used to establish the production process, purchase raw materials, and purchase modern equipment, mostly imported. Suppliers include China, Sweden, Switzerland, and Italy.

It took nearly 14 months to prepare for the launch and test production. Now the process is streamlined and the first batches of records have been released. The minimum print run is 100 copies, depending on the customer's order.

The facility is designed for a full production cycle, from start to finish: pressing, cover design, and packaging. They plan to launch this entire production cycle, including matrix production, as early as next year. The potential capacity is 100,000 records per year.

"We're currently doing pressing and packaging, working on a full cycle. Then we'll be able to manufacture the dies ourselves, monitor their quality, and be independent of external contractors, allowing us to fulfill orders quickly," said Roman Abramov.

The title of the first album from the new production is "Autogenic Training for Alcohol Abusers. A Session of Emotional-Stress Psychotherapy for Those Wanting to Quit Smoking." The recordings were made in 1986 and 1987. This is the famous Soviet autogenic training and session, developed by doctors at the Energetik sanatorium in Yalta as part of a healthy lifestyle program and anti-alcohol and anti-smoking campaigns.

"It's quite a funny recording, one that people are sharing online as a meme, skeptical that the Soviet Melodiya label was capable of such a thing. In the 1980s, records with specially selected compositions and narrator instructions became a sought-after alternative medicine, perceived as a panacea for all ailments. We believe this release will be relevant in the run-up to the New Year holidays," said Karina Abramyan, Melodiya's First Deputy General Director. "We also couldn't help but include David Tukhmanov's 'On the Wave of My Memory,' which has remained a hit for 50 years, in the first batch of records. The cycle consists of ten pieces based on texts by Sappho, Goethe, Shelley, Mickiewicz, Baudelaire, Verlaine, Guillén, Akhmatova, and Voloshin."

Another release is the album "Disco Alliance" by the Latvian band Zodiac. Formed at the Latvian Conservatory, they strayed far from academic conventions into rock. "Cult recording," "bestseller," and otherworldly music are just a few of the epithets attributed to Disco Alliance. Another record was the landmark album by the VIA "Dos-Mukasan." Among music lovers captivated by the so-called "Soviet groove," Dos-Mukasan has developed a cult following. Dos-Mukasan are the founders of modern Kazakh pop music, drawing on the roots of folk tradition while simultaneously finding common ground with the Western world. The Kazakh VIA's first album has become a rarity, an object of desire, and a target for diggers and collectors. Its original edition, released in 1976, sells for record prices among vinyl enthusiasts for Soviet records. After 50 years, Melodiya is reissuing this album,” Melodiya’s official statement reads.

The 2025 vinyl masters were made from the original master tapes. Maxim Pilipov served as the sound engineer for the restoration and remastering.

Natalia Reshetnikova, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, December 10, 2025

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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Financial news: Alfa-Bank has become a partner of the Finuslugi marketplace.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On December 11, 2025, Alfa-Bank, Russia's largest universal private bank and one of the top three banks by retail deposits, joined Moscow Exchange's Finuslugi marketplace. Finuslugi is the first and only marketplace to integrate the bank's offerings into its storefront.

Available on the marketplace deposits Alfa-Bank with a yield of up to 15.01% per annum (including capitalization). Clients who open their first deposit with Finuslugi by December 30, 2025, will receive an additional is accrued Up to 5% per annum on the deposit rate with promo code VKLAD2025.

Igor Alutin, Senior Managing Director for Retail Business and the Finuslugi Marketplace at Moscow Exchange:

"When we created Finuslugi, our goal was to provide citizens across our vast country with access to the latest financial technologies and advantageous banking offers. Therefore, we are especially pleased to welcome Alfa-Bank, one of the largest players in the domestic financial sector, to our storefront. We are confident that only through cooperation among market participants can we achieve our goals of developing financial literacy, improving quality of life, and increasing financial independence for our citizens."

You can open deposits and review their terms online at Finuslugi. Simply go to the "Savings" section in your personal account or "Deposits" in the mobile app.

Finuslugi is a money marketplace created by the Moscow Exchange. On Finuslugi, you can open bank deposits, take out cash loans, purchase mutual fund shares, public bonds of Russian regions, as well as compulsory motor insurance (OSAGO), comprehensive motor insurance (CASCO), mortgage insurance, property insurance, and other products. You can top up your Finuslugi account commission-free using the Faster Payment System (FPS) 24/7. The service can be used regardless of region, anywhere in Russia and worldwide. Learn more on the website. http://finuslugi.ru.

Alfa-Bank is the largest universal private bank in Russia. Developed as a neotech platform, it offers clients a seamless digital experience for solving financial and everyday tasks. For 35 years, it has held leading positions in all segments of the banking business. The bank's net profit for 2024, based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), reached 210 billion rubles.

Contact information for media: 7 (495) 363-3232PR@moex.com

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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December 11, 2025. The Russian Ministry of Culture is expanding access to cultural heritage through the Kultura.RF portal.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 11, 2025

News editorial office

The Russian Ministry of Culture is systematically working to provide citizens with up-to-date information on events in culture, history, literature, architecture, music, cinema, theater, folk traditions, and monuments. A key tool for this is the development of federal information resources.

The flagship of this work is portal "Culture.RF" — a unified online platform for the popularization of cultural heritage. The resource provides free access to a vast archive of knowledge: classical literature, collections of feature and documentary films, recordings of rare performances, lectures, articles, and interactive materials.

The portal also features a nationwide calendar of cultural events. Particular attention is given to special programs: the "Pushkin Card" for young people and a discounted admission program for SVO participants and their families.

A separate, important section is dedicated to the Great Patriotic War, featuring the multimedia project "Victory Map" from the Russian State Film Fund.

The Ministry of Culture considers it important to popularize the portal among all citizens, especially young people, in order to make it a resource for education and everyday life. Kultura.RF continues to develop, becoming the main digital window into the rich world of Russian culture.

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 Moscow-Beijing foreign policy tandem has become a crucial stabilizing factor in international affairs, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

Moscow, December 11 (Xinhua) — Amid a turbulent geopolitical environment, the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China is steadily developing, and the Moscow-Beijing foreign policy tandem has become a crucial stabilizing factor in international affairs. This was stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova at a briefing on Thursday, responding to a Xinhua reporter's question about the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership and cooperation, which will be celebrated in 2026.

"In an unstable, to put it mildly, turbulent geopolitical environment, Russia-China relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction are steadily developing, relying on a broad legal and institutional framework and a comprehensive mechanism of contacts at all levels. They are self-sufficient, not susceptible to external influence or market pressures. The foreign policy tandem of Moscow and Beijing has become a crucial stabilizing factor in international affairs," Zakharova emphasized.

The Russian diplomat noted that the main driving force in this process is "leadership diplomacy." "Under the leadership of the Russian President and the Chinese President, relations between our countries have reached an unprecedented level and continue to strengthen steadily for the benefit of the peoples of both countries," she said.

According to M. Zakharova, the unique nature of the bilateral political dialogue allows for the successful development of practical cooperation and humanitarian ties between Russia and China. She noted that since 2010, China has ranked first among Russia's foreign trade partners.

The official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Russia and China have accomplished a tremendous amount in the 30 years since the establishment of their strategic partnership. In her opinion, the key point is that the fundamental national interests of Russia and China have remained broadly aligned, with both countries consistently sharing a sincere desire to develop comprehensively and further their interstate ties. "The development of each of our countries is based on respect for its partners, allies, the world around us, and the fundamental principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations," Zakharova stated.

The diplomat also pointed out the relevance of the fundamental principles enshrined in the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation, which was signed on July 16, 2001, and which is fundamental to Russian-Chinese relations. “Good neighborliness, friendship, cooperation, mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence—all of this has become a constant in Russian-Chinese relations and has allowed for an atmosphere of mutual understanding, deep trust, and firm mutual support to be maintained for many years,” noted M. Zakharova. –0–

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The Macao Special Administrative Region and the Office of the Special Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region strongly condemned the report of the US Congress-Executive Commission on China.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

MACAO, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) — The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government on Thursday strongly disagreed with the contents of the annual report on Macao recently released by the U.S. Congress-Executive Commission on China, saying the report distorts the facts and misrepresents the human rights situation in Macao.

As the Macao SAR administration noted, since Macao's return to the motherland, the city has comprehensively and consistently implemented the "one country, two systems" policy and the Basic Law of the PRC on the Macao SAR. Over the past quarter century, Macao has achieved rapid economic growth, social stability and harmony, and a steady improvement in public welfare.

The official representative of the Office of the Special Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, in turn, stated that feelings of satisfaction, happiness, and security among Macao residents have significantly increased. According to him, any attempts to slander and denigrate the prosperous and stable Macao are doomed to failure.

As the official representative noted, the United States, ignoring the catastrophic state of its own democracy and its well-known human rights atrocities, continues to play the role of "global policeman" with relish, which only evokes contempt. China calls on the American side to acknowledge the facts, seriously reconsider its actions, and immediately cease any interference in Macao and China's internal affairs, added the official representative of the Office of the Special Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region.

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 Mountain Day: Kyrgyzstan calls for the protection of the natural wealth of its mountainous countries

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 11, 2025 Climate and environment

Climate change poses a serious threat to the most vital aspects of life in mountain countries. This includes global warming-related natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, water shortages, and slower economic growth. In 2025, International Mountain Day, celebrated on December 11, will focus on the theme "The Importance of Glaciers for Water, Food, and Livelihoods in Mountain Areas and Beyond."

This issue is of particular importance for the Central Asian region. In an interview with the UN News Service, Aida Kasymalieva, Permanent Representative of Kyrgyzstan to the United Nations, noted that over the past 70 years, the area of glaciers in her country alone has shrunk by 16 percent. In some regions, she said, virtually all glaciers have disappeared.

Problems of mountainous countries

"Mountains are a priceless natural treasure, occupying a quarter of the Earth's surface. River basins originate in the mountains, supplying fresh water to vast regions downstream. The lives of people living in the lower reaches also depend on the processes occurring in mountain regions and ecosystems," the ambassador explained.

Due to climate change, water resources in the Central Asian region are declining every year, which negatively impacts water, energy, and food security, as well as the overall socio-economic situation.

"As for Kyrgyzstan, our country has experienced a sharp increase in landslides in recent years. More than 300 incidents have resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, loss of life, and the displacement of thousands of residents in vulnerable regions," Kasymalieva said.

“In addition, we are seeing intense melting of glaciers and a reduction in the area of glaciation, low water levels, drought, and desertification,” she added.

It is estimated that Kyrgyzstan could lose more than half of its glaciers by 2100.

The country's authorities are trying to attract the attention of the international community to the problems of mountainous countries and give new impetus to efforts aimed at solving them.

Mountain initiatives of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has put forward numerous initiatives in this area. In particular, it proposed celebrating International Mountain Day. From 1998 to 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted 13 resolutions dedicated to the problems of mountain countries.

Kyrgyzstan is also a member of several groups, including the Mountain Partnership Negotiating Group, which represents the interests of mountain countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Kyrgyzstan's mountain initiatives were reflected in the final reports of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference. Thanks to the efforts of many mountain countries, the mountain agenda was included in the final document. Kyrgyzstan also initiated the inclusion of a new global dialogue, "Mountains and Climate," in the annual UN Climate Change Conference calendar.

One of the peaks in Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul region has been given the geographical name "United Nations Peak." The country regularly hosts mountain-themed events at the UN.

Photo by the Permanent Mission of Kyrgyzstan to the UN.

Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to the UN Aida Kasymalieva.

This year, Kyrgyzstan hosted the Global Mountain Dialogue for Sustainable Development. Representatives from over 50 countries in Europe, Asia, America, and Africa, as well as 29 international organizations, participated in the conference.

In October 2027, Kyrgyzstan will host the Second Global Mountain Summit “Bishkek 25”, 25 years after the First Summit.

Kyrgyzstan is currently actively promoting the adoption of an updated version of the resolution "Sustainable Mountain Development," approved by the General Assembly in 2022.

"The Kyrgyz Republic intends to continue the global mountain dialogue with partner countries and international organizations, as well as the preparation of the Bishkek Declaration as the final document of the Bishkek 25 summit," Kasymalieva said.

Participation in the Climate Conference in Belém

The Kyrgyz delegation actively participated in the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. At Kyrgyzstan's suggestion, multilateral consultations on mountains and climate change were held.

The Kyrgyz delegation actively participated in the negotiation process at COP-30, promoting the inclusion of the mining agenda in the conference's final documents.

"The targeted and systematic promotion of the mountain agenda has allowed Kyrgyzstan to maintain its role as an initiator and leader among mountain countries in recent years. We have ambitious plans for sustainable mountain development, but unfortunately, we cannot achieve this alone," said Kasymalieva.

"We are counting on comprehensive support from the international community, the UN, climate and green funds, and donor countries. But most importantly, the unity and joint efforts of the mountain countries themselves," she added.

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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UN Security Council: The situation in Central African countries has improved, but instability remains.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 11, 2025 Peace and security

Central African countries have made progress in a number of important areas over the past six months, but the region continues to face serious challenges – from the aftermath of the war in Sudan to terrorist threats in the Lake Chad Basin. This was stated by Abdou Abarry, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), speaking at a Security Council meeting on Thursday.

"The situation in the region remains generally stable, but electoral processes continue to pose risks. The war in Sudan and insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin are leading to mass population displacement and threatening the stability of states in the region," he warned.

Abarry stressed that Central Africa "needs the constant attention of the Security Council."

Transient processes

The special representative reported that by the end of 2025, there will be no countries in the region undergoing political transition: after Chad, Gabon will complete this process.

Speaking about the elections in Cameroon on October 12, he said the vote itself had taken place in a calm atmosphere, but subsequent events had raised concerns. Abarry recalled that the Secretary-General had expressed "grave concern" about the violence and the response to it, calling on the authorities to ensure respect for legal guarantees.

Ongoing tensions

According to the rapporteur, in the Lake Chad basin, groups associated with Boko Haram continue to adapt their activities, and the consequences of violence are borne primarily by women and children.

He noted the lack of resources for the Combined Joint Task Force and called on the international community to support efforts to restore confidence and fund operations.

Sudanese crisis

The Special Representative reported that since the beginning of the conflict in Sudan, more than 1.2 million people have arrived in Chad – Sudanese refugees and returning Chadians. After the recent the fall of El FasherAnother 12,930 people crossed the border.

He noted the exceptional generosity of host communities but warned of risks: "Overcrowding in camps increases pressure on resources and services, raising the risk of malnutrition and disease outbreaks." More than seven million people need assistance, while the 2025 humanitarian plan was only 26.4 percent funded, he added.

Abarry called on the Security Council to facilitate the resolution of the conflict in Sudan, which “affects the peace and stability of Chad, the Central African Republic and the entire region.”

Progress in the Central African Republic

The Central African Republic will hold "historic" parliamentary, regional, municipal, and presidential elections on December 28. Abarry noted significant progress in the country, including improved border security.

He emphasized that partners have already allocated $9 billion for the National Development Plan for 2024–2028, which will also help improve the situation of the inhabitants of the Central African Republic.

Dispute resolution

Elections will be held in the Republic of the Congo and São Tomé and Príncipe in 2026. Abarry called for peaceful voting and noted Congo's progress in disarmament and reintegration, particularly in the department of Pool. He also welcomed justice and security sector reforms in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Abarry noted the efforts of member states of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECOCAC) to strengthen cooperation, including the recent summit dedicated to Rwanda's return to the organization and negotiations between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea on the implementation of the International Court of Justice's border ruling.

Reduction of resources

The special representative warned of the consequences financial difficulties, which the UN is facing, for UNOCA.

"The 20 percent staff reduction, as well as restrictions or even the impossibility of travel within the region due to resource constraints, seriously hamper our ability to fully implement our good offices – in a region that desperately needs them. We hope that, with your continued support, the Regional Bureau for Central Africa, established at the request of ECOCAS member states, will be able to continue to fulfill its important mission," he addressed the UN Security Council.

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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Dialogue for Salvation: The UN Alliance of Civilizations Turns 20

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 11, 2025 UN

In recent years, the world has been confronted with deepening geopolitical rifts – between North and South, East and West. Against this backdrop, the UN Alliance of Civilizations is celebrating its twentieth anniversary by holding an international forum in Riyadh dedicated to combating intolerance, incitement to hatred, and strengthening mutual respect in a multipolar world.

The capital of Saudi Arabia will host the 11th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations on December 14–15. The summit will bring together representatives of national governments and civil society, youth and women's leaders, and media professionals and executives.

Mission of unification

The reason this event is of global significance is clear: intolerance and xenophobia are on the rise worldwide. Cultural and religious differences are increasingly being used to justify violence and oppression. A wave of hate speech, particularly in the digital space, is fueling mistrust and undermining social cohesion. In this climate, the Alliance's mission—promoting mutual respect and understanding between cultures and religions—is more relevant than ever.

History of the Alliance

The Alliance's history dates back to the early 21st century. This organization was born in the shadow of tragedy: after the September 11 attacks in the United States and subsequent terrorist attacks in Bali, Madrid, London, and Istanbul.

Against this backdrop, Spain and Turkey proposed an initiative to overcome the rapidly deepening geopolitical rifts. The alliance was officially launched in 2005 with the support of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan – with the goal of preventing conflicts and transforming cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity into a source of strength rather than a pretext for violence.

"Diversity of Cultures. One Humanity."

Since then, guided by the motto "Diversity of Cultures. One Humanity," the Alliance of Civilizations has become the UN's leading platform for intercultural dialogue. Its activities span education, media literacy, migration, and countering hate speech. The Alliance launches projects that challenge stereotypes, prevent extremism, and promote inclusivity—from supporting women as mediators in peace processes to using sports and art as a unifying force. Today, its alumni network comprises hundreds of experts working across the globe.

Forum program

The Riyadh Forum will host a meeting of the Alliance's Friends Group, which comprises 161 members. The Saudi capital will also host a Youth Forum, where alumni will share the changes they have initiated in their communities.

Thematic sessions will address the most pressing issues of our time: disinformation generated by artificial intelligence, the role of women in peacebuilding, migration and human dignity, and the fight against hate speech. The forum's cultural program will feature a special place in the youth video festival PLURAL, which celebrates creative voices that confront xenophobia and promote diversity.

The forum is expected to result in the adoption of the Riyadh Declaration, which will define the next stage of the Alliance's development. New partnerships and agreements for 2026 will be announced, as well as recommendations for the 2027–2031 Action Plan.

Twenty years later, the message of the UN Alliance of Civilizations remains unchanged: dialogue is the vital foundation for humanity in an increasingly fragmented world.

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.