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VANCOUVER — Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says the central bank is preparing for a future that looks more uncertain and more prone to shocks. In a speech to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, he said Monday structural changes are underway in the world including demographic shifts, technological changes, decarbonization and a move away from globalization. "We need to use the pandemic experience to prepare for future crises," Macklem said in a prepared text of his speech. To that end, Macklem says the Bank of Canada is working to learn what it can from how the economy reacted to the pandemic and in its aftermath. The Bank of Canada is conducting a review of the policy actions it took to restore financial stability and support the economy during the pandemic that it plans to publish along with an assessment of an independent panel of experts. Macklem said the spike in inflation in 2022 was a reminder that even though inflation was relatively low and stable for 30 years leading up to the pandemic, central banks cannot take public trust for granted. "All of a sudden, people couldn’t afford the things they need to live. And while inflation is low once again, many prices are still a lot higher than they were before the pandemic. So people feel ripped off. And that erodes public trust in our economic system," he said. The Bank of Canada has cut its key policy interest rate five times this year including last week when it reduced the benchmark by a half a percentage point to 3.25 per cent. Macklem says the bank will be evaluating the need for further reductions in the policy rate one decision at a time and anticipates a more gradual approach to monetary policy if the economy evolves as expected. Statistics Canada reported last month that the annual inflation rate was two per cent in Ontario, hitting the Bank of Canada's target. The speech by Macklem came ahead of the release of the November inflation report on Tuesday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 16, 2024. The Canadian PressPinion has 22 points as Arkansas State beats No. 16 Memphis 85-72
Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Ullah Tarar emphasized the necessity of an ethical framework to ensure the fair and sustainable application of artificial intelligence (AI) during a panel discussion at the International Strategic Communication Summit 2024 (Stratcom) in Istanbul . The panel, titled "AI in National Strategy: Governmental Perspectives on Digital Transformation and Strategic Communication," included prominent figures, such as Laurence Ndong, Minister of Communication and Media of Gabon; Ziad Makary, Minister of Information of Lebanon; Dejan Ristic, Minister of Information and Telecommunications of Serbia; and Yawa Ahofa Kouigan, Minister of Communication, Media, and Culture of Togo. In his remarks, Minister Tarar highlighted both the opportunities AI presents and the challenges it poses. He stressed the importance of integrating AI in ways that uphold truth, foster social justice, adhere to ethical standards, and combat disinformation. Tarar outlined his country’s Digital Pakistan Vision, which seeks to transform the nation into a knowledge-based economy. He announced an ambitious plan to provide IT training to one million students by 2025 to help them harness AI technologies effectively. Additionally, he highlighted the Pakistan Digital Dialogue project as an example of using generative AI and large language models (LLMs) to craft communication strategies based on public feedback and anticipated needs. He further discussed the potential of AI to drive innovation in sectors such as agriculture (AgriTech), healthcare (HealthTech), education (EdTech), governance (GovTech), and finance (FinTech), emphasizing its role in improving the economy and public welfare. Addressing the risks of AI misuse, Tarar pointed to its role in spreading disinformation, particularly during humanitarian crises like those in Gaza and the censorship of Kashmir-related topics on social media. "While promoting AI investment, we must prioritize addressing the risks of misinformation," he said. The Stratcom Summit 2024, themed "AI in Communication: Trends, Traps, and Transition," organized by the Presidential Communications Directorate, is taking place from Dec. 13-14 in Istanbul, bringing together global leaders to explore the evolving role of AI in strategic communication.Frontline workers will be asked to serve stints in Government under a push to make the state work like a “start up”. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden will warn that the Government will fail to deliver if it carries on with business as usual. In a speech in London, he will set out plans for a £100million fund to trial Silicon Valley-style approach to challenges in the public sector. Crack teams will deployed to look at how to drive down use of temporary accommodation in Liverpool and Essex, and improving family support services in Manchester and Sheffield from January. While Mr McFadden will acknowledge "each of these projects is small", he will say "they could rewire the state one test at a time". Tech firm workers will be invited to do a six to twelve-month “tour of duty” in Government to use their skills to help influence reforms. Public service staff like prison governors and social work chiefs will also be invited to take secondments in Whitehall to help ministers deliver Keir Starmer 's plans to change Britain. Mr McFadden will say: "Prison governors, social work heads, directors of children’s services - they are the ones on the ground who can see how things are working, where the obstacles are, and where a policy won’t survive contact with reality. "They have stared the issues and the people that depend on us in the eye, seen how the system has been broken – they have taken the frustrations home with them each week. Now we want them to be part of the solution." It comes after the Prime Minister unveiled six milestones on how voters can hold him to account on key issues like the NHS , crime and education. Be the first with news from Mirror Politics POLITICS WHATSAPP: Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here . We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you want to leave our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . NEWSLETTER: Or sign up here to the Mirror's Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox. PODCAST: And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division Bell , hosted by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday. Mr McFadden will also order departments to simplify “mind bogglingly bureaucratic and off-putting” applications for civil service jobs after the PM accused Whitehall of being too comfortable with failure. He will warn: “If we keep governing as usual, we are not going to achieve what we want to achieve." Deputy PM Angela Rayner accepted on Sunday that the public want to see the Government deliver. She said: "I know people are impatient for change, but I also know that people will give us that opportunity and will judge us, and that's why Keir set out the clear guidelines on what people should expect we will deliver."
Get ready for a college football bowl season like you’ve never seen. It’s the first year of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff to determine the national champion, with first-round games kicking off Friday, December 20. In the new format, the top four conference champions (Oregon, Georgia, Arizona State and Boise State) receive a first-round bye and automatic entry into the quarterfinals. The remaining eight teams play in the four-game first round, with matchups held at the home stadiums of the higher-ranked participants. The “New Year’s Six” bowls serve as the quarterfinals and semifinals, with the national championship decided Monday, January 20, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Of course, there’s still plenty of college football postseason action through early January that doesn’t involve the national championship chase. The parade of bowl games begins Saturday, December 14, with the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. A great tradition continues in Landover, Maryland, as the Navy Midshipmen take on the Army Black Knights Saturday on CBS at 3/2c. Later on Saturday, the Heisman Trophy is presented to the season’s most outstanding player in a ceremony on ESPN at 8/7c. Finalists are Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel, Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter, Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty (pictured above) and Miami QB Cam Ward. Here’s your complete lineup of College Football Playoff games and other bowl matchups: All times Eastern/Central. Friday, December 20 No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, ABC/ESPN, 8/7c Saturday, December 21 No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State, noon/11a c, TNT/Max No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas, 4/3c, TNT/Max No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State, 8/7c, ABC/ESPN Tuesday, December 31 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Arizona): TBA vs. No. 3 Boise State, (ESPN) Wednesday, Jan. 1 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Atlanta): TBA vs. No. 4 Arizona State, 1/noon c, ESPN Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California): TBA vs. No. 1 Oregon, 5/4c, ESPN Allstate Sugar Bowl (New Orleans): TBA vs. No. 2 Georgia, 8:45/7:45c, ESPN Thursday, January 9 Capital One Orange Bowl (Miami, Florida): TBA vs. TBA, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Friday, January 10 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (Arlington, Texas): TBA vs. TBA, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Monday, January 20 National Championship (Atlanta): TBA vs. TBA, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Saturday, December 14 Cricket Celebration Bowl (Atlanta): Jackson State vs. South Carolina State, noon/11a c, ABC IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl (Montgomery, Alabama): South Alabama vs. Western Michigan, 9/8c, ESPN Tuesday, December 17 Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl (Frisco, Texas): Memphis vs. West Virginia, 9/8c, ESPN Wednesday, December 18 Boca Raton Bowl (Boca Raton, Florida): Western Kentucky vs. James Madison, 5:30/4:30c, ESPN Art of Sport LA Bowl (Inglewood, California): Cal vs. UNLV, 9/8c, ESPN Thursday, December 19 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (New Orleans): Georgia Southern vs. Sam Houston, 7/6c, ESPN2 Friday, December 20 StaffDNA Cure Bowl (Orlando, Florida): Ohio vs. Jacksonville State, noon/11a c, ESPN Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl (Tampa, Florida): 3:30/2:30c, ESPN Monday, December 23 Myrtle Beach Bowl (Conway, South Carolina): Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA, 11a/10a c, ESPN Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Boise, Idaho): Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State, 2:30/1:30c, ESPN Tuesday, December 24 Hawai’i Bowl (Honolulu): South Florida vs. San José State, 8/7c, ESPN Thursday, December 26 GameAbove Sports Bowl (Detroit): Pittsburgh vs. Toledo, 2/1xc, ESPN Rate Bowl (Phoenix): Rutgers vs. Kansas State, 5:30/4:30c, ESPN 68 Ventures Bowl (Mobile, Alabama): Arkansas State vs. Bowling Green, 9/8c, ESPN Friday, December 27 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (Fort Worth, Texas): Oklahoma vs. Navy, noon/11a c, ESPN Birmingham Bowl (Birmingham, Alabama): Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt, 3:30/2:30c, ESPN AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Memphis, Tennessee): Texas Tech vs. Arkansas, 7/6c, ESPN DirecTV Holiday Bowl (San Diego): Syracuse vs. Washington State, 8/7c, Fox SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl (Las Vegas): Texas A&M vs. USC, 10:30/9:30c, ESPN Saturday, December 28 Wasabi Fenway Bowl (Boston): UConn vs. North Carolina, 11a/10a c, ESPN Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl (Bronx, New York): Boston College vs. Nebraska, Noon/11a c, ABC Isleta New Mexico Bowl (Albuquerque, New Mexico): Louisiana vs. TCU, 2:15/1:15c, ESPN Pop-Tarts Bowl (Orlando, Florida): Iowa State vs. Miami, 3:30/2:30c, ABC Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl (Tucson, Arizona): Miami (Ohio) vs. Colorado State, 4:30/3:30c, The CW Go Bowling Military Bowl (Annapolis, Maryland): East Carolina vs. NC State, 5:45/4:45c, ESPN Valero Alamo Bowl (San Antonio): BYU vs. Colorado, 7:30/6:30c, ABC Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl (Shreveport, Louisiana): Marshall vs. Army, 9:15/8:15c, ESPN Monday, December 30 TransPerfect Music City Bowl (Nashville, Tennessee): Iowa vs. Missouri, 2:30/1:30c, ESPN Tuesday, December 31 ReliaQuest Bowl (Tampa, Florida): Alabama vs. Michigan, noon/11a c, ESPN Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl (El Paso, Texas): Louisville vs. Washington, 2/1c, CBS Cheez-It Citrus Bowl (Orlando, Florida): South Carolina vs. Illinois, 3/2c, ABC Kinder’s Texas Bowl (Houston): Baylor vs. LSU, 3:30/2:30c, ESPN Thursday, January 2 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, Florida): Duke vs. Ole Miss, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Friday, January 3 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl (Dallas): North Texas vs. Texas State, 4/3c, ESPN Duke’s Mayo Bowl (Charlotte, North Carolina): Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech, 7:30/6:30c, ESPN Saturday, January 4 Bahamas Bowl (Nassau, Bahamas): Buffalo vs. Liberty, 11a/10a c, ESPN2 More Headlines:
Tyrese Maxey, 76ers host Clippers in matchup of short-handed squadsPresident Joe Biden’s announcement on Tuesday of a couldn’t have come soon enough for Lebanon, a country in the midst of a yearslong economic crisis and intense political paralysis. The war, which began on Oct. 8, 2023, as a series of hostile exchanges across the Israel-Lebanon border and escalated into a heavy Israeli air and ground campaign in Southern Lebanon, and turned some of Beirut’s districts into a war zone. Hours before the U.S.-brokered deal was announced, Israel in what was no doubt a message to the Lebanese militia: Israel can sustain the conflict for as long as it sees fit. In the end, Israel and Hezbollah concluded that they could gain more through negotiations than they could on the battlefield. The agreement is a recitation of , which ended a previous monthlong war between the two adversaries more than 17 years ago but was viewed by all the parties involved, Israel in particular, as a lackluster initiative that wasn’t enforced. The current deal seeks to strengthen UNSCR 1701 by adding stronger monitoring. During a 60-day ceasefire, Israeli troops will withdraw from Southern Lebanon, Hezbollah will do the same, and the Lebanese army will re-deploy to the area. Meanwhile, the approximately 60,000 Israelis who have been displaced in northern Israel will get to return home. In effect, the deal allows both Israel and Hezbollah to claim victory; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can boast that Hezbollah’s military capacity has been significantly diminished; Hezbollah can claim that its resistance drove Israeli forces out of Lebanon. Over the long term, the pause in fighting is designed to give Israel and Lebanon the time and space to officially demarcate their shared border. Yet, at the risk of sounding like a pessimist, just getting to that point would be an achievement. A lot can go wrong between now and then. After all, signing an agreement means nothing if it isn’t implemented. There are any number of ways the agreement can go sideways. First and foremost, the question of whether Hezbollah will actually withdraw north of the Litani River, approximately 20 miles from the Israeli-Lebanese border, is very much in question. Southern Lebanon is Hezbollah’s support base; the militia is a core part of the social fabric in the region, its fighters have homes and families there, and the small towns and villages dotting the area have often been given the short end of the stick from the Lebanese government, which has proven incapable of delivering social services or even basic administration. Hezbollah may be willing to move their weapons caches further north, but the idea that tens of thousands of Hezbollah fighters will uproot their lives is difficult to believe. In this case, Israel will then be forced with a choice: renew military operations and risk the resumption of war, or loosen enforcement and risk Hezbollah maintaining its power base. Second, is the Lebanese army capable of patrolling Southern Lebanon to Israel’s satisfaction? While the Lebanese army is a well-respected institution inside the country and crosses the usual sectarian divisions that have defined Lebanese political life for decades, it’s also arguably the weakest military in the Middle East. , the Lebanese army is smaller than Hezbollah. The since 2006 has barely kept the Lebanese army afloat. The defense systems you would expect a modern military to possess — air defenses, fighter and bomber aircraft, patrol vessels, various air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions — . Due in large part to Lebanon’s financial crisis, some of Lebanon’s soldiers to support themselves and their families. Israel understands all this but is nevertheless unlikely to be very patient. If the Lebanese army is unable or unwilling to do the job of clearing Hezbollah forces out and confronting the remnants that remain, the Israeli army will do it for them as Netanyahu during his remarks upon announcing the ceasefire. This, in effect, would negate the ceasefire and risk plunging the country into war again. Assuming the ceasefire in Lebanon sticks, Israeli and U.S. officials are hopeful it will change Hamas’ calculations about continuing its war with Israel in Gaza. “What Hamas wanted was support from Hezbollah and others,” an Israeli official the Times of Israel. “Once you cut the connection, you have the ability to reach a deal. It’s a strategic achievement. Hamas is alone.” But this sounds more like wishful thinking than reality. Hamas has experienced the most destructive war with Israel in its 37-year history, with tens of thousands of its fighters killed, its upper echelon wiped out and its control in Gaza at its weakest since it kicked the Palestinian Authority out of the coastal territory in 2007. Even so, it’s bottom-line negotiating position remains unchanged: If Israel wants to retrieve the rest of its hostages, it must withdraw entirely from Gaza and end the war permanently. Hamas’ strategy doesn’t depend on Hezbollah, so the notion it will adopt Hezbollah’s position now that it is out of the fight is fanciful at best. If all goes according to plan, Lebanon will now have a chance to rebuild. But how long the peace will stick is another matter entirely.AP News Summary at 4:32 p.m. EST
Bombers GM Walters sees no need to blow up roster despite another Grey Cup lossThe American Academy of Sleep Medicine has issued a new position statement advocating for permanent telehealth coverage, emphasizing its essential role in providing high-quality, patient-centered care for individuals with sleep disorders. The position statement, published as an accepted paper in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine , comes at a crucial turning point as current telehealth flexibilities implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency are set to expire this month. The AASM emphasizes that permanent coverage with adequate reimbursement is vital for the long-term acceptance and expansion of telehealth services. "Sleep medicine is uniquely suited for telehealth delivery due to limited provider access, safety concerns with sleepy patients, and the availability of remote patient monitoring for treatment management," said Dr. Kunwar Praveen Vohra, lead author and member of the AASM Advocacy Committee. "The minimal need for repeated physical examinations in sleep medicine makes it an ideal field for telehealth implementation." Research demonstrates that digitally delivered care is equally effective in improving sleep quality, and it can advance health equity, further reinforcing the need for permanent coverage. For instance, evidence shows that telehealth-supported treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, can improve both patient outcomes and treatment adherence when conducted virtually. Additionally, telehealth integration tackles critical health care challenges by expanding patient access, boosting clinician efficiency, and enhancing patient safety . "Telehealth eliminates the need for sleepy patients to drive to appointments, reducing crash risks while facilitating access to care for underserved populations," Vohra said. "This is particularly important for patients with conditions like sleep apnea and narcolepsy who experience excessive daytime sleepiness." The AASM calls for stakeholders to address several key areas to optimize telehealth services, including payment models, interstate care regulations, technology access, and prescribing practices. The organization emphasizes the importance of payment parity between audiovisual and in-office visits to ensure financial viability. To support the continued growth of sleep telehealth services, the AASM recommends expanding research to evaluate outcomes, access to care, cost-effectiveness , and optimal integration into clinical practice. The organization also emphasizes the need for increased access to broadband networks, particularly in rural areas , to ensure telehealth is accessible and safe for all patients. Anyone who has a sleep problem can use the AASM's sleep center directory to get help from the sleep team at an accredited sleep center. More information: Kunwar Praveen Vohra et al, Recommendations for permanent sleep telehealth: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine position statement, Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.11438
A bitcoin crash is a top threat to the stock market next year, Interactive Brokers chairman saysThe political fight over the federal government's response to anti-Semitism has ramped up following the firebombing of a synagogue as the opposition promised a crackdown. or signup to continue reading The firebombing at Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue is being investigated by Victoria Police and an Australian Federal Police counter-terrorism squad, with a meeting set for Monday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese believes it has hallmarks of an act of terror, saying anti-Semitism has no place in Australia. But Opposition Leader Peter Dutton accused him of not taking a stronger line, pledging to deport people on visas who display anti-Semitic behaviour and a dedicated federal task force to tackle the issue. If the coalition is elected after next year's federal election, the federal police-led body will tasked with investigating historic complaints about anti-Semitism dating back to October 7, 2023. This includes "blatant acts of discrimination, racism online and threats that have been made to people of Jewish faith", Mr Dutton said in Melbourne on Monday. Investigations into public display of symbols, incitement, harassment and other offences that didn't result in criminal charges will be re-opened. Opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson pledged to issue a ministerial direction to the AFP to prioritise anti-Semitism and amend migration laws to ensure anti-Semitic conduct is captured. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has already cancelled and denied visas to people who've made anti-Semitic remarks - which is possible under the character test for visas. and , without the support of the opposition. Doxxing refers to the revealing of a person's private information, such as phone numbers or addresses, without their consent and is often used to encourage harassment. Labor has also appointed Australia's first special envoy to combat anti-Semitism. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, who is Jewish, called for unity over "partisan bickering", given the distress and fear being felt in the Jewish community. "I have experienced levels of anti-Semitism, as has every Australian Jew, like we have never experienced it before in our lives," he said. "That's got to stop and it's not a time for finger-pointing, it's not a time for cheap criticisms." The government on Sunday announced an extra $32.5 million in funding over the next 18 months to improve security measures to protect the Jewish community. While politicians have branded the synagogue attack an act of terror, Mr Dreyfus said while the attack caused fear and distress, which was "a core part of a terrorist activity", it was important that police be able to conduct their assessments without political interference. Ex-federal Liberal treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who is a member of Melbourne's Jewish community, claimed "the government's weakness (in calling out anti-Semitism) has emboldened those who hate and emboldened those who harm". "It's clearly a terrorist attack under the legislation, it's a house of worship, so it's a religiously motivated attack," he told Nine's Today Show on Monday. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has written to the prime minister asking him "to reflect on how this has been allowed to occur". It wants Mr Albanese to "review the government's rhetoric and public statements on anti-Semitism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict". Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement
US to require passenger vehicles to sound alarms if rear passengers don't fasten their seat beltsUS to require passenger vehicles to sound alarms if rear passengers don't fasten their seat beltsWhile women make up half of Southeast Asia’s population, regional efforts to mainstream gender issues so far remain a formidable challenge. However, notable strides have been made in recent years primarily through the cooperation between UN Women and the Asean Committee on Women, as well as the Asean Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children with the support of Asean donor partners. In Asean’s half-century history, every Asean secretary-general (SG) has been male. Kao Kim Hourn from Cambodia is currently the 15th SG whose five-year term will end in three years and it will be Indonesia’s turn to nominate the next candidate for the top post. Will Indonesia break this male trend by fielding the first female Asean SG in 2028? As Asean’s chief administrative officer, the SG must first and foremost demonstrate superb administrative skills. Moreover, s/he should also be well conversant on all subject areas of Asean cooperation. Finally, the SG should be able to comfortably represent and speak on behalf of the 700 million people residing in the region across all key segments of society, be they government, business, academia, civil society, or local communities, about Asean, what it stands for and is capable of achieving for the benefit of its peoples. Under the Asean Charter, the selection and appointment of the SG should give due consideration to integrity, capability, and professional experience, and gender equality. While the first few criteria mentioned are generally met by past candidates for the post, the last criteria on gender equality remains elusive. Since the idea of having a female SG is a novel subject matter within the Asean context, it would probably benefit from raising public awareness and promotion among all Asean member countries, which the SG is supposed to serve, in terms of gaining acceptance for the idea of encouraging more female leadership at executive levels of Asean institutions and bodies in line with the objectives stipulated in the endorsed Asean Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework. Perhaps this might entail a campaign to start sensitizing the gender deficit issue in connection with Asean’s top post. This could include public workshops, seminars, and even talk shows and conducting opinion surveys at various levels and across all segments of society within Indonesia and among the rest of the Asean member countries. Various forms of social media would also need to be actively deployed to further reach out to the public within the Asean region. It would be an important breakthrough if Indonesia could show regional leadership in addressing the gender gap issue by nominating a female candidate for the next Asean SG. Many of Asean’s external partners have included women empowerment and gender equity issues as priority areas in their cooperation activities with Asean. Efforts should be made to develop programs and activities to advance female leadership, especially at the higher echelons of the Asean Secretariat and other Asean institutions. Taking a leaf from other organizations within the region, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific did not have its first female head until 60 years after its establishment. It has now had three successive female chiefs since 2007 and the current head is Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana from Indonesia. Similarly, the Mekong River Commission, another inter-governmental organization, will have its first female chief, from Thailand, come January 2025, again after many decades of the organization’s existence. It is time for Asean to walk the talk and prioritize gender equality at leadership levels. The appointment of a first female SG would be a good start and doing so to coincide with the heralding of Asean’s 60th anniversary commemoration in three years would indeed be applauded. After all, women make up half of Asean’s population and as such they deserve their fair share of representation at the apex level of Asean’s policy and decision-making processes. This would send a very strong message that finally women are no longer left behind in holding the top echelon posts in the Asean Secretariat. The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network —————- Dewi Fortuna Anwar is a research professor at the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia; Sharon Seah is a senior fellow at the Asean Studies Centre, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, and Apichai Sunchindah is the former executive director of the Asean Foundation. —————- The Philippine Daily Inquirer is a member of the Asia News Network, an alliance of 22 media titles in the region. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy .