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Xinhua Headlines: Beijing exhibition honors shared Chinese, Spanish anti-fascist fight
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-27 00:00:00BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- \"There's a valley in Spain called Jarama. It's a place that we all know so well. It was there that we gave of our manhood, where so many of our brave comrades fell.\"
These plaintive strains of the folk ballad \"Jarama Valley\" are more than a memorial -- they are a portal to the stories of the International Brigades. This diverse group of anti-fascist fighters, drawn from across continents, now takes center stage in a touching exhibition in Beijing.
Titled \"For a Common Cause: From the Spanish Battlefield to China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression,\" the ongoing exhibition opened in August at the Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC), marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Through more than 260 photographs, 150 cultural relics and historical footage, the exhibition shows how anti-fascist volunteers of the International Brigades fought bravely on both the Spanish and Chinese battlefronts -- unfolding an inspiring chapter of mutual aid in the global struggle against fascism.
\"This marks the first time China has contextualized the two battlefields within a single exhibition space, underscoring the united anti-fascist spirit of people across the world,\" said Zhao Jiaojian, planner of the exhibition, which will run through the end of 2025.
BATTLES IN SPAIN
Organized by the Comintern -- an international communist alliance -- the International Brigades mobilized over 40,000 volunteers from more than 50 countries to defend the Spanish Republic against forces including those sent from fascist Italy and Nazi Germany during its civil war (1936-1939). They fought in brutal battles such as the Defense of Madrid and the Battle of Jarama, where an estimated 10,000 lives were lost.
Less widely recognized is the Chinese dimension of this chapter. Among the International Brigades' volunteers were more than 100 Chinese, many of whom were CPC members.
One prominent figure was Xie Weijin, who fought under the alias Lin Jishi. A multilingual individual with military training, Xie rose to lead the Chinese volunteers and serve as the political commissar of an artillery brigade.
He fought in pivotal engagements, sustained two battle wounds, and narrowly avoided amputation. Beyond the frontline, Xie established an orphanage for war-orphaned children, which provided shelter for over 100 children by 1938.
In a speech delivered that year, Xie crystallized the shared struggle: \"The Spanish and Chinese peoples are in a very tense phase of struggle... They are waging a revolutionary war for the national and social liberation of their respective countries, leading the fight against fascism...\"
Their contributions were acknowledged back in China. A replica of the red banner sent by then CPC leaders to the volunteers in Spain is now displayed at the Beijing exhibition, bearing the inscription: \"Unite the peoples of Spain and China! Down with the common foe of mankind -- the Fascists!\"
The heroic deeds of the volunteers, exemplified by figures like Xie, demonstrated \"a commitment to justice that crossed national borders, and constituted an indelible chapter in the global fight against fascism that should never be forgotten,\" said Jiang Ying, researcher of the Academy of Military Sciences.
THE EASTERN FRONT
As the Spanish Civil War drew to a close in 1938, the International Brigades were officially withdrawn. Following a period of internment in France, the Chinese volunteers returned home to join in China's nationwide resistance against Japanese aggression.
Yet the tide of internationalism did not recede -- it flowed eastward. Foreign fighters redirected their focus from Spain to China, which had become the main theater of the World Anti-Fascist War in the East.
Among these volunteers, the most renowned was Canadian surgeon Norman Bethune, a household name in China. After pioneering a mobile blood-transfusion service in Spain, he arrived in north China in 1938. There, he famously worked 40-hour shifts and championed setting up operating tables near the front lines. Alongside other international medical workers, Bethune saved countless lives and revolutionized battlefield medicine in China.
They were joined by journalists and artists who documented the Chinese people's arduous struggle for the rest of the world. Among them, Hungarian-American photographer Robert Capa captured the war's brutal reality in 1937, while Dutch filmmaker Joris Ivens arrived in 1938 to produce \"The 400 Million\" -- the first Western documentary to portray China's resistance in a positive light, galvanizing global support.
\"In this exhibition, I can clearly see how the Chinese people assisted foreign revolutionaries and how foreign revolutionaries assisted the Chinese people,\" said Lin Tao, a doctoral student at Hunan Normal University, while visiting the exhibition.
Many young Chinese visitors like Lin have been profoundly moved by the exhibition, which also highlights the pivotal contributions of International Brigades anti-fascist fighters on the Chinese battlefield.
Decades later, China continues to honor this international solidarity. On the occasion of marking the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II on Sept. 3 this year, the nation expressed sincere gratitude to the foreign governments and individuals who aided its people.
China was the first country to rise against fascist aggression with the longest-lasting resistance that began in 1931. The country tied down and struck over half of Japan's overseas forces, at the cost of 35 million military and civilian casualties -- accounting for approximately one-third of all WWII casualties worldwide.
\"The exhibition aims to deepen the understanding that the Chinese people, at a tremendous national cost, made significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War,\" Zhao told Xinhua.
\"Meanwhile, the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression received extensive support from the international community, and the Chinese people will forever cherish these contributions. China will continue to work hand in hand with the rest of the world -- and strive tirelessly to build a brighter future for humanity,\" Zhao added.
UEFA Champions League: Arsenal tops table with 3-1 win over Bayern
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-27 00:00:00London [UK], November 27 (ANI): Arsenal defeated Bayern Munchen 3-1 to record their fifth league phase win of the campaign, a perfect record which leaves them top of the table after UEFA Champions League Matchday 5 and secures them at least a place in the knockout phase play-offs, as per the UEFA Champions League website.
Arsenal took the lead in the 22nd minute when Bukayo Saka's curling corner was headed in by Jurrin Timber. Bayern equalised ten minutes later, Joshua Kimmich's long pass finding Serge Gnabry, who set up 17-year-old Lennart Karl for a straightforward finish.
Noni Madueke restored Arsenal's lead with a clinical close-range strike, before Gabriel Martinelli sealed the win with a composed finish, rounding Manuel Neuer to slot the ball into an open goal and secure Arsenal's knockout phase spot.
Kylian Mbappe helped himself to the second-fastest hat trick in Champions League history and four goals in total as Real Madrid came from behind to beat Olympiacos 4-3.
Mbappe's incredible four-goal performance led Real Madrid to a thrilling 4-3 comeback win over Olympiacos in Piraeus. Chiquinho's eighth-minute goal gave the hosts an early lead, but Mbappe stormed back with three goals in just six minutes and 42 seconds, turning the game on its head.
Substitute Mehdi Taremi nodded emphatically soon after the interval, with Vinicius Junior's cutback affording Mbappe the opportunity to find the net once again from close range. Ayoub El Kaabi set up a tense finish with a glancing header, but the visitors held firm.
Liverpool's dismal run scaled new depths as they slumped to a humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV. PSV claimed just a second victory in 15 visits to England and, in so doing, condemned Liverpool to a ninth defeat in their last 12 games in all competitions. This was the third successive three-goal loss for the Reds.
Ivan Perisic scored an early penalty after Virgil van Dijk handled in the penalty area, but Dominik Szoboszlai levelled ten minutes later. The visitors responded in the second half, however, Guus Til's first Champions League strike was added to by substitute Couhaib Driouech's late double. (ANI)
Firefighters battle blaze in multiple high rise towers
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-27 00:00:00HONG KONG (ANI): A devastating fire has torn through several high-rise apartment blocks in a Hong Kong housing complex, killing at least 44 people and leaving hundreds of people missing, CNN reported, citing an official statement.
Firefighters have been struggling to reach residents stranded on upper floors as the blaze continues to rage.
Authorities revealed early Thursday that three men have been arrested in connection with the incident -- two directors and a consultant from a construction company.
Police accused them of 'gross negligence' after investigators discovered the company's name on highly flammable polystyrene boards found blocking windows in some apartments, according to CNN.
Officials also suspect that other construction materials at the site -- such as protective nets, canvas sheets, and plastic coverings -- did not meet required safety standards.
Seven of the eight towers in the complex, which houses many elderly residents, were still burning hours after the fire first broke out. The fire is now believed to be Hong Kong's deadliest in nearly 30 years, surpassing even the infamous 1996 Garley Building blaze that killed 41 people.
The inferno, centred in the Tai Po district, has been burning for roughly 16 hours, with firefighters focusing their efforts on three of the worst-affected towers. They say the flames in four other buildings have been brought 'under control,' though not fully extinguished.
Questions are mounting about how the fire spread so quickly. Andy Yeung, Director of Fire Services, said crews noticed polystyrene boards blocking windows in multiple units, a detail he called highly unusual, as per CNN.
'These polystyrene boards are extremely inflammable, and the fire spread very rapidly,' he said.
'Their presence was unusual, so we have referred the incident to the police for further enquiries,' Yeung added.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the city's housing authorities will also examine whether the protective layers coating the buildings during refurbishment were sufficiently fire-resistant. 'We will hold those accountable in accordance with the laws and regulations,' he said.
Officials are also looking at the role of bamboo scaffolding, commonly used to wrap Hong Kong buildings during construction or repair work, which has previously been cited as a factor in the spread of fires. (ANI)
Photo: Chen Duo | Xinhua
Review: Arsenal shows Champions League credentials, PSG wins thriller, Mbappe scores four
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-27 00:00:00LONDON, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Arsenal solidified its candidacy for this season's Champions League title with a 3-1 victory at home over Bayern Munich, leaving Mikel Arteta's side atop the standings with five wins from five matches.
Jurrien Timber scored with a flick from a near-post corner to open the scoring in the 22nd minute. Although Lennart Karl equalized in the 32nd minute after an excellent move, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli showcased Arsenal's depth by scoring the decisive goals after halftime.
Liverpool's poor run of form continued with a 4-1 home defeat to PSV. Ivan Perisic put the Dutch side ahead from the penalty spot after Virgil van Dijk's handball, and although Dominik Szoboszlai quickly equalized from a loose ball in the area, Guus Til restored PSV's lead in the 56th minute.
Couhaib Driouech added a third after a costly error by Ibrahima Konate, and then scored his second in injury time, capping a counter-attack after Alexander Isak's misplaced pass.
Kylian Mbappe delivered an impressive performance with four goals, including a first-half hat-trick in just eight minutes, as Real Madrid edged Olympiakos 4-3.
Chiquinho initially put Olympiakos ahead after eight minutes, but Mbappe's brilliance helped Real Madrid pull 3-1 ahead. Mehdi Taremi pulled one back for Olympiakos in the 52nd minute, but Mbappe's fourth goal proved decisive. Ayoub El Kaabi's 81st-minute goal kept Real Madrid on their toes until the end.
Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham delivered a thrilling 5-3 match in favor of the reigning champion, with Vitinha's hat-trick playing a crucial role.
Tottenham led twice through goals from Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani, with PSG's Fabian Ruiz and Willian Pacho also scoring. Lucas Hernandez was sent off in injury time for PSG.
Jose Gimenez's 93rd-minute header secured a vital 2-1 win for Atletico Madrid at home against Inter Milan. Julian Alvarez had given the Spanish side the lead amid appeals for a handball, but Piotr Zielinski equalized in the 54th minute. Gimenez's powerful header from Antoine Griezmann's corner ensured the win.
Atalanta likely assured themselves a playoff spot with a 3-0 victory at Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring three times in five second-half minutes through Ademola Lookman, Ederson, and Charles De Ketelaere, leaving the Italian side with 10 points from five matches.
Sporting CP enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 triumph at home over Club Brugge, with goals from Geovany Quenda, Luis Suarez, and Francisco Trincao.
Pafos secured a 2-2 draw at home to Monaco, with an own goal from Mohammed Salisu in the closing minutes saving a point for the Cypriot team after Takumi Minamino and Folarin Balogun had twice put Monaco ahead, with David Luiz scoring Pafos' first equalizer.
Copenhagen looked to be on the way with a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Kairat, thanks to Viktor Bjarki Dadason, Jordan Larsson's penalty and Robert Silva, who netted the third goal in the 73rd minute.
Dastan Satpayev pulled a goal back in the 81st minute and Olzhas Baybek's injury-time strike meant some nervous moments as Copenhagen held on for a 3-2 win.
Costa Blanca Zeitung â€' 26. November 2025
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Billionaire Lakshmi Mittal joins exodus of affluent from UK
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-27 00:00:00LONDON, U.K.: Lakshmi N. Mittal, one of the world's wealthiest businessmen, is preparing to leave the UK after nearly 30 years, according to reports. The Indian-born steel magnate, long a fixture on Britain's billionaire rankings, is said to be relocating as the Labour government moves ahead with major tax reforms affecting high-net-worth individuals.
Mittal, often called the \"King of Steel,\" built his fortune through ArcelorMittal, the world's second-largest steelmaker. His family still owns almost 40 percent of the company. Born in Rajasthan and raised in a steelmaking family, he expanded his business globally and became one of the most influential industrial leaders of his time.
The Sunday Times reports that Mittal, valued at around £15.4 billion and currently ranked eighth on the UK rich list, is among several wealthy individuals considering leaving due to the government's tax plans. Recent policy changes include a higher capital gains tax, reduced entrepreneur relief, and new rules affecting family business transfers. Further measures—such as debate over a potential \"exit tax\"—have sparked concern among global investors.
Advisers quoted in the report say inheritance tax is Mittal's biggest worry. Many wealthy foreign residents, they noted, are uncomfortable with UK rules that can apply inheritance tax to global assets based on residency and domicile.
According to Forbes, Mittal has a net worth of US$21.4 billion, making him the 12th-richest Indian and the 104th-richest person in the world. ArcelorMittal recorded revenue of $62.4 billion last year and posted net income of $1.3 billion in 2024—up more than 40 percent from 2023. The company made global headlines in 2019 with its purchase of Essar Steel alongside Japan's Nippon Steel.
Mittal handed over the CEO position to his son, Aditya, in 2021, but remains executive chairman and is involved in strategy.
He moved to London in 1995 and became one of Britain's most prominent Indian business figures. His primary residence on Kensington Palace Gardens—nicknamed \"Taj Mittal\"—was bought in 2004 for £57 million and features marble from the same quarry used for the Taj Mahal, along with a ballroom, jewel-decorated pool, Turkish baths, and a 20-car garage. Reports say he does not intend to sell the property.
Mittal has also been a major donor to the Labour Party and holds a stake in football club Queens Park Rangers. His family continues to support education, healthcare, and sports initiatives worldwide.
He already owns a mansion in Dubai and has reportedly purchased land on Naa Island in the UAE—both locations are popular with global wealth due to zero inheritance tax.
His planned relocation comes as more investors and tech founders exit the UK over concerns about future tax policy. Recent departures include Revolut co-founder Nik Storonsky and Indian-origin tech founder Herman Narula.
(SP)SPAIN-MADRID-FOOTBALL-UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-ATLETICO DE MADRID VS INTER MILAN
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-26 00:00:00(SP)SPAIN-MADRID-FOOTBALL-UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-ATLETICO DE MADRID VS INTER MILAN
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(SP)SPAIN-MADRID-FOOTBALL-UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-ATLETICO DE MADRID VS INTER MILAN
27 Nov 2025, 07:46 GMT+
(251127) -- MADRID, Nov. 27, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Hakan Calhanoglu (top L) of Inter Milan vies for a header during the UEFA Champions League football match between Atletico de Madrid and Inter Milan in Madrid, Spain, Nov. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)
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FAA cuts, traveler fears hit Thanksgiving flight plans
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-27 00:00:00NEWARK, New Jersey: A record Thanksgiving travel season was expected in the United States, but a 43-day government shutdown has reduced demand, prompting many travelers to change their plans due to cancellations, delays, and airspace restrictions.
About six million domestic passengers were forecast for the holiday, up two percent from 2024, according to AAA. But bookings slowed sharply once the shutdown passed its first month, with the steepest declines after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered flight cuts at 40 major airports.
As of November 24, bookings for the five-day Thanksgiving period were down 4.48 percent year over year, Cirium data shows. Bookings had been up 1.56 percent on Oct. 31 before falling steadily through November.
Some travelers opted out entirely. Elizabeth Kelley, 45, decided during the shutdown not to fly home to Maine for Thanksgiving. \"It's not worth the mental strain and worry and what-ifs and if I get stranded, where am I going to get stuck?\" she said.
At Newark Airport, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said travelers should be prepared for crowded airports but remain confident as they head into the peak travel window. \"For us, this week is our Super Bowl… Please know you should fly with confidence,\" he said.
Airlines said the shutdown added uncertainty to holiday demand forecasts. Southwest said the shutdown and broader economic conditions complicated predictions. Delta expects to fly about 6.5 million customers, in line with last year.
United said it anticipates flying 6.6 million passengers over a 13-day period, the most in its history for Thanksgiving. American plans nearly 81,000 flights during the same stretch, up from 77,000 in 2024.
The FAA projects the travel period will be the busiest in 15 years, with peak passenger volume on Tuesday, Nov. 25.
Travel agents have seen a return of last-minute bookings in recent days. \"I don't usually get such quick and last-minute bookings,\" said Kimberly Hillard of Front Porch Travel. \"I had two last-minute bookings this week… after many of my clients put their travel plans on hold during the shutdown.\"
Travelers are also avoiding major hubs. Traffic at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson — the country's busiest airport — is expected to fall 7.6 percent for Thanksgiving.
Rail and bus operators are seeing increased interest. Amtrak expects record ridership after handling 1.2 million travelers last year, while booking platform Wanderu reported a 17 percent year-over-year rise, led by bus demand.
Shutdown-related disruptions may extend into the Christmas season, with Cirium's early analysis showing bookings trending 0.42 percent lower year over year during the shutdown period.
IAS Anniversary Weekend in East Grinstead Marks a Year of Global Humanitarian Action
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-26 23:48:39KINGNEWSWIRE // PRESS RELEASE // AST GRINSTEAD, UNITED KINGDOM — Members of the International Association of Scientologists (IAS) gathered te weekend of October 31st 2025 at Saint Hill, East Grinstead, to mark a year of global outreach and humanitarian engagement. The annual IAS Anniversary Weekend brought participants from six continents to the historic home of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, continuing a tradition established when the IAS was formed at Saint Hill in 1984.
Footsteps along lantern-lit paths, the sound of drums and Highland pipes and a marquee filled with international flags set the tone for a weekend that combined ceremony, reflection and forward planning. Inside the Grand Marquee, Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, opened the event with a review of the IAS’s origins and its expansion from Scientology’s presence in 39 nations in 1984 to members from 191 nations today.
“Tonight, that spirit of the IAS is ever-present, ever-embracive and alive forevermore,” he told attendees, describing the association’s purpose of supporting the Aims of Scientology for communities worldwide.
Humanitarian Initiatives Across Continents
The evening highlighted IAS-supported humanitarian campaigns whose work has reached diverse environments over the last 12 months. These initiatives are based on educational materials and community programmes developed by L. Ron Hubbard and implemented by volunteers, educators and civic partners.
Foundation for a Drug-Free World reported another year of extensive global outreach. Volunteers distributed millions of Truth About Drugs booklets at public venues, transport hubs and major sporting events including the FIFA Club World Cup and the Super Bowl. Across 2,700 events in 150 nations, materials were passed hand to hand as part of an effort to increase factual awareness of the effects of drugs.
In Guatemala, the campaign continued its cooperation with national authorities. 1,900 personnel across the country’s drug-prevention network received training, culminating in a televised graduation held at the Presidential Palace. Outreach across all 22 provinces reached 145,000 people, contributing to a 48 percent drop in drug use nationwide, according to the figures presented at the event.
United for Human Rights was showcased for its work with refugee and migrant communities. In Australia, an orphaned member of the Hazara community used the campaign’s materials to initiate a grassroots human rights movement across 47 cities, towns and communities, reaching some 200,000 people and contributing to a 30 percent reduction in discrimination within the communities involved.
The Way to Happiness, L. Ron Hubbard’s nonreligious moral code of 21 precepts, was highlighted for its use in rehabilitation settings. At the largest prison in the Southern Philippines, nearly 4,000 inmates participated in a programme based on the book’s precepts. According to the data presented, this contributed to a 67 percent drop in prisoner violations, leading to a partnership to extend the programme across the national prison system.
Volunteer Ministers Respond to Emergencies Worldwide
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers (VMs) were also central to the weekend’s presentations. Over the past year, VM teams assisted communities affected by floods in Spain, heavy rains in Kenya, a 7.1 earthquake in Nepal, dual cyclones in Madagascar, an offshore earthquake in Ecuador and flash floods in Texas.
In the United States, the largest VM mobilisation recorded on American soil saw around 2,500 Volunteer Ministers supporting response efforts during historic wildfires in Los Angeles. According to the figures presented, flames burned an area described as twice the size of Paris, prompting widespread evacuations. VMs provided assistance to nearly 10,000 residents in a single day, and more than 100,000 people overall, supporting logistics, supplies and spiritual aid alongside more than 70 emergency response agencies.
Globally, VM Cavalcades—mobile teams delivering seminars and practical skills—travelled nearly half a million miles, training approximately a quarter of a million individuals.
Recognising Extraordinary Individual Contributions
Three IAS Freedom Medal recipients were honoured for their contributions to civic engagement, education and community resilience.
Diane Stein — Legislative Transparency and Parental Engagement to protect children
One of this year’s Freedom Medal recipients, Diane Stein of Clearwater, Florida, was recognised for her long-standing work examining the regulatory and procedural aspects of mental-health interventions involving minors. As president of a civil-society organisation focused on oversight and legislative transparency in this field, she drew attention to state data indicating that approximately 30,000 children per year were being admitted for psychiatric evaluation without prior parental consultation.
Working with parents, educators and community advocates, she supported initiatives that led to a Parents’ Bill of Rights, reinforcing parental involvement in decisions affecting a child’s well-being. Her work coincided with the establishment of the first Parental Rights Office in the United States and supported 39 legislative measures across several states aimed at improving procedural clarity and ensuring families are better informed when health-related decisions involve minors.
Darren Tessitore — Drug Education for Youth
Darren Tessitore, from Boston, Massachusetts, was honoured for his nationwide work using drug-education materials to address teen impaired driving. After losing a friend in a drug-related accident, he dedicated himself to outreach through regional drivers-education programmes. He later collaborated with National School Police and the Police Athletic and Activities League (PAL). Through these efforts, he distributed over 4 million booklets and ensured that 5.5 million students received educational materials, a contribution associated with a 52 percent decrease in teens driving under the influence.
Nancy Cartwright — Education, Ethics and Community Renewal
Nancy Cartwright, an Emmy-winning voice actor from Los Angeles, was recognised for her work promoting literacy, ethics and community resilience. She helped introduce Study Technology to 250,000 learners, expanded awareness of The Way to Happiness to 6 million individuals, and contributed to reduced crime rates in her community. As founder of the Know More About Drugs Alliance, she initiated a public information campaign, placing 300 billboards and bus shelters across the city. Altogether, her work has reached an estimated 86 million people worldwide.
Reflections from a European Perspective
For many European attendees, the IAS Anniversary Weekend provided an opportunity to consider the role that civic engagement and educational initiatives play in supporting social cohesion.
Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and United Nations, reflected on the alignment between these activities and European values:
“The IAS Anniversary showcases humanitarian work that becomes tangible—drug education, human rights awareness, ethical empowerment and community mobilisation,” Arjona said. “These initiatives are rooted in principles that resonate strongly across Europe: dignity, responsibility and the protection of fundamental rights, where we maintain a network of well over one thousand religious, community and social betterment groups active in over 27 European countries,.”
A Weekend of Planning, Recognition and Community Support
Following the opening celebration, delegates attended the IAS Global Salvage Seminar, where expansion strategies for IAS-supported programmes were outlined. The seminar focused on strengthening community partnerships and preparing for the upcoming year’s humanitarian efforts.
Saturday evening’s IAS Patrons Ball transformed the Grand Marquee into a formal ballroom for a black-tie event honouring members who have advanced humanitarian work across six continents. Grammy Awardâ€'winner Mark Isham and an ensemble of performers provided musical accompaniment.
The weekend concluded on Sunday with the 25th Annual Saint Hill Charity Concert, attended by around 1,500 local residents and dignitaries. Continuing a tradition established by L. Ron Hubbard, five local charities received support to strengthen and expand their programmes serving the community.
About the International Association of Scientologists
Formed in 1984, the IAS is the official membership organisation of Scientology, open to Scientologists worldwide. Its purpose is to unite, support and protect the Scientology religion and Scientologists, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Aims of Scientology as set out by L. Ron Hubbard: “A civilization without insanity, without criminals and without war, where the able can prosper and honest beings can have rights, and where Man is free to rise to greater heights.”
The Church of Scientology, its missions, groups and members are present throughout the European continent, with activities dedicated to education, prevention and community betterment. Recognition of Scientology as a charitable and bona fide religion continues to expand across Europe, reflecting a long-term commitment to strengthening communities and supporting human dignity.
Peacebuilding Fund Reaches $1 Billion Milestone Despite Funding Gap
PUBLISHED: 2025-11-26 21:15:00The Multi-Donor Trust Fund is the UN’s main instrument for supporting countries around the world emerging from or at risk of violent conflict. The fund sits alongside the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Support Office.
The announcement came as Security Council and the General Assembly adopted two resolutions in support of the UN peacebuilding body, providing a model for making it more impactful.
“A quantum leap”
Making the $1 billion announcement at a news conference in New York, head of peacebuilding support Elizabeth Spehar and chair of the fund’s advisory group, Macharia Kamau, said the funding milestone reflects the Secretary-General’s call for a “quantum leap” in funding.
Despite this success, the Fund faces a shortfall of $500 million compared to its target of $1.5 billion for the period 2020-2026.limiting its ability to meet growing demand from Member States for its essential support services.
The Fund currently supports more than 50 countries, three-quarters of which are in Africa.
Joint resolution
Earlier on Wednesday, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution in support of the UN’s comprehensive peacebuilding efforts, with the General Assembly adopting the same text shortly after. The coordinated approach endorsing the organization’s peacebuilding architecture first took place in 2005.
The resolution highlights the UN’s continued focus on preventing conflict and supporting lasting peace, emphasizing that real results come when development, human rights, peace and security work hand in hand.
Ms Spehar said the timing of the votes and the corresponding announcement of the $1 billion in funding was “very important”.
For more details on the vote and resolution, visit our meetings coverage page, here.
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