News from February 2024


Uruguay Foreign Minister Omar Paganini participates in signing of Artemis Accords

Uruguay has become the 36th nation to join the Artemis Accords, a ceremony marking this event took place earlier this week. The Artemis campaign, led by NASA, aims to send the first person of color, the first woman, and its first international partner astronaut to the moon.


International Monetary Fund, International Monetary Fund said IMF Deputy Director Okamura concludes visit to Guyana

IMF Deputy Managing Director Okamura has embarked on a tour of several South American countries this month, including Guyana, which he visited recently. Since joining the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Sept. 26, 1966, Guyana has demonstrated considerable progress in economic stability and gross domestic product growth over the past few years.


Seven corporate partners join United Airlines' Sustainable Flight Fund

Aircastle, Air New Zealand, Embraer, Google, HIS, Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, Technip Energies, and Safran Corporate Ventures are among the companies that have recently joined United Airlines' sustainable flight fund. This brings the total number of corporate partners in the United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund to 22. The fund currently stands at over $200 million.


Consolidated Safety Services, Inc. announces new Chief Strategy Officer

Dr. Alain Berinstain has recently joined Consolidated Safety Service Inc., (CSS) as the company’s chief strategy officer. In this role, Berinstain will report directly to CEO and co-founder Dennis Lauchner.


NorCal SBDC gets funding for the Inclusivity Project

The NorCal Small Business Development Center (NorCal SBDC) has been awarded a $350,000 grant for its Inclusivity Project by Wells Fargo. This funding is set to enhance the project's ability to facilitate collaborations, provide no-cost mentorship, workshops and more.


Sanoat Energetika Guruhi acquires CGC Lubricants Italy

Sanoat Energetika Guruhi (Saneg), Uzbekistan’s largest privately-held oil and gas company, has recently strengthened its position in the lubricants industry through a strategic cooperation agreement with CGC Lubricants Italy. The latter is known for producing automotive and industrial oils and lubricants.


Finland contributes EUR 1.2 million to WTO trust funds for developing economies

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has declared that Finland is contributing EUR 1.2 million (CHF 1.14 million) to four WTO trust funds. These funds are designed to assist developing economies and least-developed country (LDC) members in enhancing their understanding and application of global trade regulations. Over the past two decades, Finland has donated approximately CHF 17.4 million (around EUR 18 million) to various WTO trust funds.


Davos Communications Summit happening in April

The Davos Communication Summit, a prominent event in the public relations (PR) industry, is set to take place on April 11 and 12 in Davos, Switzerland. The summit offers attendees the chance to network, engage in discussions with PR experts, and delve into pertinent issues such as artificial intelligence's influence on PR strategies.


International Monetary Fund Deputy Managing Director visits Suriname

Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued a statement this week following a three-day visit to the Republic of Suriname. During his trip, Okamura met with the republic’s president, vice president, and various officials.


Binance's work with law enforcement contributed to 2023 drop in crypto crime

Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, has attributed the decline in crypto-related crime in 2023 to its collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies. The company stated that industry-wide initiatives aimed at enhancing security and compliance led to a decrease in several key crypto crime metrics between 2022 and 2023.


Spiritus pledges to remove carbon from Taylor Swift's flight from Japan for Super Bowl

The upcoming Super Bowl has been overshadowed by speculation among thousands of Taylor Swift fans about whether the superstar will make it to Las Vegas, where the grand event is set to take place. Spiritus, a climate tech company, has committed to neutralize the environmental impact of Swift's 5,500-mile flight.


Westinghouse Electric Company hosts UK suppliers at civil nuclear project opportunity symposium

The Westinghouse company recently convened a meeting in Lancashire, England. The event, which took place this week, served as a platform for suppliers and Westinghouse representatives to deliberate on the company's prospective projects within the United Kingdom.


S&P Global announces generative AI search on the S&P Global marketplace

S&P Global has announced a new feature for its marketplace this week, aiming to simplify the search process with Generative AI-enabled search. This technology is expected to enhance the user experience by making it easier to find desired information on the platform.


Steve Prusak to become president and CEO of Chevron Phillips Chemical

Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) has announced the appointment of its new president and CEO, succeeding the current leader, Bruce Chinn. The successor, Prusak, presently serves as the company's senior vice president of corporate planning and technology.


Michael Baker International announces promotion of Polly Boardman

Polly Boardman has recently been promoted to the role of National Geospatial Practice Executive. Her primary responsibility will be to manage national geographic information systems (GIS), focusing on the lifecycle of infrastructure projects and providing support throughout these projects.


Borealis Foods announces start of trading on NASDAQ

Borealis Foods has announced that it will commence trading on NASDAQ this week, following the completion of a business combination with Oxus Acquisition Corp.


BullseyeEngagement announces new member of its advisory board

Betty Gower, currently serving as the CEO of The Market Ninja and Chief Marketing Officer for Xapa.com, is set to join the advisory board of BullseyeEngagement. Her role will be to provide guidance on collaboration in marketing and communications.


Nordic Consulting adds new head of marketing

Melissa Prusher has been appointed as the head of marketing at Nordic Consulting. Her role will encompass overseeing an international team and collaborating with executives to formulate marketing strategies.


Cabo Verde officially accepts Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has declared that Cabo Verde has officially accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies by depositing its instrument of acceptance. This act by Cabo Verde brings the total number of WTO members who have ratified the Agreement to 56.


Binance’s Data Protection team earned five privacy certifications, advancing goal of expanding financial freedom safely

Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, announced in a Feb. 2 post that its Data Protection team handled 22,000 privacy-related inquiries in 2023 and secured five privacy certifications. The company stated that the primary "mission" of the Data Protection team is to foster trust and confidence among its users.