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Florida-Based Cybersecurity Company Launches Australian Data Centre

Sydney, March 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading cybersecurity solution provider, ThreatLocker, proudly announces the launch of its advanced data centre in Sydney, Australia, just over a year after the grand opening of its second headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. This strategic move aims to enhance cybersecurity capabilities across various sectors in Australia, including the private sector, commonwealth, state, territory, and local governments. 

The expansion of ThreatLocker will assist Australian entities in complying with the urgently recommended Australian Cyber Security Strategy implemented by the Australian Government. Additionally, ThreatLocker offers Zero Trust Application Controls and Ringfencing capabilities that align almost any organization with requirements presented by the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s Essential Eight Maturity Model. 

Commenting on the extension of their security footprint, ThreatLocker Chief Executive Officer and Co–Founder Danny Jenkins said, “Zero Trust is a mindset, and I admire the Australian government's holistic approach, involving the wider community to tackle a modern–day threat.” 

Jenkins continued, “As one of the top vendors assisting businesses with Essential Eight guidelines, we are thrilled to strengthen our collaboration with Australia through this centre, bolstering their data protection and compliance initiatives.” 

ThreatLocker, founded in 2017 by CEO Danny Jenkins, COO Sami Jenkins, and VP of Quality Assurance John Carolan, protects over 2 million endpoints across more than 40,000 organizations globally. The company provides 24/7/365 support with an average response time of 60 seconds or less. ThreatLocker offers a powerful Zero Trust endpoint protection platform that enables organizations to stop ransomware and other cyberattacks by controlling what software can run in their environments. The combined solutions of ThreatLocker, including Application Allowlisting, Ringfencing™, Storage Control, Elevation Control, and Endpoint Network Control, lead the cybersecurity market toward a more secure approach by blocking the exploits of unknown application vulnerabilities. 

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9067557)

To Bolster Global Efforts in Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria KFSH&RC Scientists Discover New Bacteria Species: Riyadhensis

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a ground–breaking development, scientists at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) have identified a new species of bacteria, referred to as “Stenotrophomonas Riyadhensis” through the application of whole–genome sequencing (WGS) technology. This discovery signifies a major advancement in understanding how bacteria interact with existing drugs, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. Such efforts are essential in the global fight against antibiotic–resistant bacteria, highlighting KFSH&RC’s advanced research capabilities and its leading role in fostering scientific discoveries and enhancing patient care.

The discovery of “Riyadhensis” reinforces the potential of genomic tests in innovating promising diagnostic and therapeutic methods, as well as deepening the understanding of bacterial resistance mechanisms, particularly in sensitive environments like intensive care units (ICU) and among patients with compromised immune systems. This represents substantial progress in combating antibiotic resistance, developing pharmaceuticals, and preventing the spread of diseases.

This newly identified bacteria was discovered amid an in–depth investigation into a suspected outbreak in the ICU of KFSH&RC in 2019, highlighting challenges previously unrecognized by the global scientific and medical communities in pinpointing and countering new bacterial strains. Initially thought to be a variant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a disease–causing bacterium known for its resistance to antibiotics, subsequent WGS analysis revealed it did not share the common characteristics of the Pseudomonas genus. Instead, Riyadhensis was found to belong to the Stenotrophomonas family, with a unique genetic composition and morphological traits, unlike any other scientifically recognized members.

Dr. Ahmad Al Qahtani, Head of the Infectious Disease and Immunity Department at The research center of KFSH&RC stated: “Traditional bacterial identification methods may lead to misidentification, in contrast, WGS analysis offers a precise and targeted approach that ensures accurate identification and provides detailed insights into resistance mechanisms, proving its significance in disease outbreak investigations and patient care improvements.”

Dr. Reem Almaghrabi, Head of Transplant Infectious Diseases at the Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence at KFSH&RC highlighted the discovery’s importance in advocating for continuous monitoring and the use of advanced technologies like WGS in developing faster and more accurate diagnostic methods. Furthermore, this approach lays the groundwork for scientific collaboration at all levels, enhancing global efforts to combat antibiotic resistance.

Understanding the nuances of new bacterial species, particularly their antibiotic resistance, is crucial in modern healthcare and serves as the primary means of combating bacterial infections. As these bacteria continuously evolve their resistance, they pose a significant and ongoing threat to human health.

It is noteworthy that KFSH&RC has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa, and 20th globally, in the list of the top 250 healthcare institutions worldwide for the second consecutive year, according to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings. Additionally in the same year, it was ranked among the world's best hospitals by the prestigious Newsweek magazine.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre stands among the global leaders in providing specialized healthcare, driving innovation, and serving as an advanced hub for medical research and education. Through strategic partnerships with prominent local, regional, and international institutions, the hospital is dedicated to advancing medical technologies and elevating the standards of healthcare worldwide.

About King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC):

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) stands as a leading healthcare institution in the Middle East, envisioned to be the optimal choice for every patient seeking specialized healthcare. The hospital boasts a rich history in the treatment of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, organ transplantation, neurosciences, and genetics.

In 2024, “Brand Finance” ranked King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre as the top Academic Medical Centre in the Middle East and Africa, and among the top 20 globally. Additionally, in 2024, it was recognized as one of the World's Best Hospitals by Newsweek magazine, and ranked # 1 in KSA.

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, a royal decree was issued on December 21, 2021, to transform the hospital into an independent, non–profit, government–owned entity, paving the way for a comprehensive transformation program aimed at achieving global leadership in healthcare through excellence and innovation.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Essam Al–Zahrani, Media Affairs Acting Head, 0555254429

Mr. Abdullah Al–Awn, Senior Media Editor, 0556294232

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c4299c01–0079–498b–8350–bd085d769150


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9078638)

لتعزيز الجهود العالمية لمكافحة البكتيريا المقاومة للمضادات الحيوية علماء في التخصصي .. يكتشفون نوعاً جديداً من البكتيريا باسم “رياض نسيس”

الرياض, March 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

اكتشف علماء بمستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث نوعاً جديداً من البكتيريا، باستخدام تقنية تسلسل الجينوم الكامل، أُطلقوا عليه اسم “ستينوتروفوموناس رياض نسيس” (Stenotrophomonas Riyadhensis)، وهي خطوة تسهم في تطوير فهم أعمق لكيفية تفاعل البكتيريا مع الأدوية الحالية، وإيجاد استراتيجيات علاجية مبتكرة تعزز الجهود العالمية لمكافحة البكتيريا المقاومة للمضادات الحيوية، وهو ما يؤكد القدرات البحثية المتقدمة للتخصصي ويعزز مكانته في قيادة الاكتشافات العلمية وتعزيز الرعاية الصحية للمرضى.

ويُسهم اكتشاف “رياض نسيس” في تأكيد قدرة اختبارات الجينوم على ابتكار أساليب واعدة للتشخيص والعلاج، وتطوير فهم أعمق لآليات مقاومة البكتيريا خصوصاً في البيئات الحساسة مثل غرف العناية المركزة وشريحة المرضى الذين يعانون من ضعف المناعة، ما يمثل قفزة في مكافحة مقاومة المضادات الحيوية، وتطوير العقاقير الطبية ومنع تفشي الأمراض.

ولم يسبق للمجتمع البحثي والطبي التعرف على هذا النوع الجديد من البكتيريا، إذ اكتشفها العلماء وهم يحققون في تفشي محتمل في وحدة العناية المركزة بمستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي بالرياض في العام 2019، فنُسبت بدايةً إلى أحد أنواع البكتيريا المسببة للأمراض والمعروفة بمقاومتها لتأثير عدد من المضادات الحيوية وهي “الزائفة الزنجارية” (Pseudomonas Aeruginosa).

وبعد إخضاعها لتحليل تسلسل الجينوم الكامل، أظهرت النتائج أنها لا تحمل ذات الخصائص المعروفة لعائلة البكتيريا “الزائفة” (Pseudomonas)، واقترحت انتمائها إلى عائلة البكتيريا “ستينوتروفوموناس” (Stenotrophomonas) كعضو جديد بتركيبة جينية وصفات شكلية مختلفة عن جميع الأعضاء الأخرين المثبتين علمياً.

وقال الدكتور أحمد القحطاني، رئيس قسم أبحاث الامراض المعدية والمناعة في مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث: “قد تؤدي الطرق التقليدية للتعرف على البكتيريا إلى تحديد خاطئ، بعكس تحليل التسلسل الجينومي الكامل الذي يقدم نهجًا دقيقًا ومحددًا يضمن التعرف الصحيح عليها، إضافة إلى توفيره رؤى مفصلة حول آليات مقاومتها، مما يثبت أهميتها في تحقيقات تفشي الأمراض وتحسين رعاية المرضى”.

وأشارت الدكتورة ريم المغربي، رئيسة قسم الامراض المعدية والالتهابات في مركز التميز لزراعة الأعضاء بمستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث إلى أن الاكتشاف يؤكد أهمية المراقبة المستمرة، واستخدام التقنيات المتقدمة مثل تسلسل الجينوم الكامل في تطوير طرق تشخيص أسرع وأكثر دقة، كما يضع أساسًا للتعاون العلمي على كافة المستويات لتعزيز الجهود العالمية لمكافحة مقاومة البكتيريا للمضادات الحيوية.

ويُعد فهم أنواع البكتيريا الجديدة أمرًا بالغ الأهمية، بما في ذلك مقاومتها للمضادات الحيوية التي تعد أساس الرعاية الصحية الحديثة، والوسيلة الرئيسة لمكافحة عدوى البكتيريا التي هي بدورها تطور قدرتها على المقاومة باستمرار، مشكّلة بذلك تهديدا كبيرا لصحة الإنسان.

يُذكر أنَّ مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث، صُنف للسنة الثانية على التوالي المركز الأول على مستوى المملكة والـ 20 عالمياً ضمن قائمة أفضل 250 مؤسسة رعاية صحية حول العالم، وذلك بحسب التصنيف العالمي الصادر عن “براند فاينانس” (Brand Finance) لعام 2024، كذلك صنف في ذات العام من بين المستشفيات الأفضل عالميا من قبل مجلة نيوزويك (Newsweek) المرموقة.

كما يُعد “التخصصي” رائداً في الابتكار، ومركزاً متقدماً في البحوث والتعليم الطبي، حيث يسعى إلى تطوير التقنيات الطبية، والارتقاء بمستوى الرعاية الصحية على مستوى العالم، وذلك بالشراكة مع كبرى المؤسسات المحلية والإقليمية والدولية لتحقيق خدمة عالمية المستوى في المجالات السريرية والبحثية والتعليمية.

نبذة عن مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث:

يُعد مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث (KFSH&RC) أحد المؤسسات الصحية في الشرق الأوسط، وتتمثل رؤيته في أن يكون الخيار الأمثل لكل مريض في مجال تقديم الرعاية الصحية التخصصية، حيث يمتلك المستشفى تاريخاً حافلاً في علاج الأورام وأمراض القلب والأوعية الدموية، وزراعة الأعضاء، وعلوم الأعصاب، وعلم الوراثة.

وخلال العام 2024، صنفت منظمة (Brand Finance) مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث، المركز الطبي الأكاديمي الأول في المملكة العربية السعودية، والـ 20 عالمياً. كما صُنف في العام 2024، ضمن مقدمي الرعاية الصحية الرائدة في جميع أنحاء العالم من قبل مجلة نيوزويك (Newsweek) والأول في المملكة.

كجزءٍ من رؤية السعودية 2030 وبرامجها، صدر في 21 ديسمبر 2021 أمر ملكي يقضي بتحويل المستشفى إلى مؤسسةٍ مستقلة ذات طبيعة خاصة غير هادفة للربح ومملوكة للحكومة، في خطوةٍ مهدت لانطلاق برنامج تحولٍ شامل يستهدف تحقيق الريادة في مجال الرعاية الصحية على الصعيد العالمي من خلال التميز والابتكار.

لمزيدٍ من المعلومات، يرجى التواصل مع مدير الشؤون الإعلامية المكلف في المستشفى الزميل عصام الزهراني

جوال: 0555254429

للتنسيقات الإعلامية، يرجى التواصل مع مسؤول التنسيقات الإعلامية الزميل عبدالله العون

جوال: 0556294232

الصورة المصاحبة لهذا الإعلان متاحة على

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c4299c01–0079–498b–8350–bd085d769150


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9078638)

Dominica reaches monumental agreement with other Caribbean Citizenship by Investment nations

Roseau, March 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The citizenship by investment programme (CBIP) countries within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have agreed upon legislation to ensure the integrity of their CBIPs, supported by the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica. 

The virtual signing ceremony was held on Wednesday, 20 March, the four OECS countries, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St Kitts and Nevis signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 20 March 2024. This landmark pact included setting a minimum CBIP price threshold to US$200,000, elucidating the commitment of Caribbean CBI countries to solidify their commitment and maintain the dialogue with international partners.  

The MoU includes outlined agreements among the four CBI countries to accomplish the following: 

  • Exchange of best practices and due diligence processes 
  • Set a minimum threshold of USD200,000 and this threshold must represent the actual amount of funds received 
  • Sharing information on applicants; 
  • Enhance transparency by disclosing funds; 
  • Conduct independent financial and operational audits; 
  • Establish regional authority to set regional  standards; 
  • Set common standards for communication and promotion; 
  • Regulate agents; and 
  • Conduct joint training programmes and capacity–building initiatives for CBI administrations. 

Dominica leads on CBIP integrity 

The Commonwealth of Dominica was at the forefront of these changes, with the Prime Minister of Dominica, Honourable Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, announcing that he signed the agreed–upon changes ahead of his Tuesday press conference. Dominica continues to demonstrate receptiveness towards enhancing and maintaining the integrity of the CBIP. 

As announced in the press conference, Honourable Dr Skerrit explained that the Caribbean CBI countries will work together to address the European Union’s (EU) questions about CBI and visa–free travel to the Schengen area. Honourable Dr Skerrit explained that CBI countries are continuing the push to strengthen the integrity of the CBIPs. 

“As you know there are countries within the OECS who have these programmes, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis…and the concerns have been raised by these [European] countries…and the need for all of us to take certain actions to set aside the concerns which the EU in particular would have had with these programme,” Honourable Dr Skerrit said. 

Changes made in line with EU dialogue  

Honourable Dr Skerrit reiterated Dominica’s consistent dialogue with the EU, emphasising the meeting held between the five CBI Caribbean countries and the EU Directorate General of Migration and Home Affairs. This is evident in the EU officials visit to Dominica on 24 January 2024 with the OECS countries to discuss the Caribbean CBIPs. 

Honourable Dr Skerrit stated that “Dominica has taken some very comprehensive measures to allay and to set aside the concerns of the European Union and other parties who we engage in on this matter.” 

“Further to that, the countries within the OECS who have these programmes, we have met jointly, and we have agreed to take some joint actions, some of which, not limited to but include having the same legislation to deal with the whole (CBI) programmes”. 

Standardising CBIPs 

The legislation standardises due diligence, information between CBIPs, and sets minimum price structures to ensure no applicants could apply for citizenship ‘below a particular fixed rate’. 

These things, Honourable Dr Skerrit maintained, “will place all of us in a much stronger position in terms of our response to the concerns the EU would have raised.”  

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9078632)

St Kitts and Nevis leads the regional agreement on Citizenship by Investment regulations

Basseterre, March 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a historic move for the Caribbean, St Kitts and Nevis, one of the countries with a Citizenship by Investment Programme  (CBIP), and part of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the nation’s leadership has worked tirelessly with its partner OECS jurisdictions to enhance the integrity of CBIPs in the region. The twin–island federation alongside Antigua & Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, and Grenada agreed on mutual legislation, through the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which is aimed at a regional effort to strengthen the CBIPs and address international partners’ concerns surrounding CBIPs. 

Caribbean CBIPs are designed to obtain foreign direct investments (FDIs) to support socio–economic developments in exchange for citizenship through thorough stringent due diligence processes. 

St Kitts and Nevis is one of the CBI countries that have implemented initiatives that include a fixed minimum investment amount to ensure that the CBIP maintains its integrity and enhances confidence from its international partners. 

The current Charmain of the OECS, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, spearheaded this initiative to enhance collaboration among the five Caribbean CBI countries. This Memorandum of Agreement is a clear indication that St Kitts and Nevis, among the other three Caribbean CBI nations, are prepared to make necessary adjustments that will benefit CBIPs, Caribbean citizens and international stakeholders. 

Honourable Dr Drew stated that “the four small island developing States who signed this Memorandum have committed to increase and harmonise the minimum investment threshold of their CBIPs to an investment sum of at least US$200,000 no later than June 30, 2024, and more importantly, to bring an end to ’underselling’, a scourge on the CBI industry in the recent past. We have therefore agreed that the minimum investment thresholds for our CBIPs shall represent the actual amount of funds received and applied towards an applicant’s qualification under our respective CBIPs, and not the gross amount of funds paid by an applicant from which deductions, including the payment of commissions, are made.” 

The Memorandum of Agreement dated 20 March 2024, outlines raising the minimum investment threshold to US$200,000 to be initiated by 30 June. The agreement addresses other aspects including sharing information on CBIP applicants; enhancing transparency measures, establishing a regional competent authority; setting common standards of communication and promotion; regulating agents; and facilitating joint training programmes. 

St Kitts and Nevis is the pioneer of CBIPs and since its establishment in 1984, it continuously welcomes suggestions and spearheads reform in the wider migration industry. In this instance, St Kitts and Nevis and Caribbean CBIP countries have collectively adopted CBI legislation that maintains the integrity and security of Caribbean CBIPs. Although ahead of the curve, St Kitts and Nevis introduced new legislation last year addressing many of these areas now reflected in the Memorandum of Agreement, including increasing the investment thresholds.  

The Head of St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), Mr Michael Martin, has diligently supported the Government to ensure measures are in place, including efforts to prioritise strengthening due diligence processes to maintain the CBIPs' integrity and competitiveness in the industry. 

Standardising the minimum investment requirements will safeguard the importance of Caribbean CBIPs, improve security measures and reduce risks of CBIP countries not receiving the necessary FDI to develop their economies. 

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GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9078616)

Cellebrite Hires Marketing Veteran David Gee as Chief Marketing Officer, Ushering in Next Phase of Growth, Scale and Market Leadership

TYSONS CORNER, Va. and PETAH TIKVA, Israel, March 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cellebrite DI Ltd (Nasdaq: CLBT), a global leader in Digital Investigative solutions for the public and private sectors, today announced the appointment of David Gee as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Mr. Gee brings more than 25 years of global sales and marketing expertise and will serve as a member of Cellebrite’s executive leadership team, reporting directly to CEO Yossi Carmil. He will oversee Cellebrite’s global marketing strategy and execution to help the Company capitalize on the major growth opportunities ahead in the digital investigations marketplace.

Mr. Gee joins Cellebrite as digital crimes escalate exponentially, and criminal activities become more sophisticated, requiring law enforcement and enterprises to apply more advanced tools to fully capture, manage and analyze all the digital evidence at their disposal. Cellebrite’s end–to–end Case–to–Closure (C2C) platform helps investigative teams in both public and private sectors reach time–to–evidence quicker and close cases faster, smarter and more defensibly than ever before.

“Cellebrite stands on the precipice of an unparalleled opportunity. As we forge ahead, scaling our extraordinary growth, we welcome aboard David Gee, a strategic marketing luminary,” said Yossi Carmil, Cellebrite CEO. “His seasoned expertise will propel our global expansion. David embodies our vision and champions the ethical and responsible use of technology, recognizing its power to safeguard our world. Together, we’ll redefine what’s possible.”

As a seasoned industry veteran, Mr. Gee brings a wealth of experience to his role as CMO. His previous roles have left indelible marks, and now he’s ready to propel Cellebrite to new heights. Most recently, he served as CMO at Coherent Inc. where he digitally transformed the business and was part of the management team that doubled the market capitalization within two years. Previously, David was CMO at Imperva, Zuora and Infoblox and held senior marketing and operational roles at Hewlett Packard, Yahoo!, Sun Microsystems and IBM.

“It is rare to find an opportunity that fits my personal values, while also aligning with my skill set. I am thrilled to join Cellebrite and become part of such an important, mission–based business,” said Mr. Gee. “Cellebrite’s achievements to date are inspiring, and the opportunities ahead to further accelerate justice are exciting. I look forward to working with my new colleagues as we focus on executing the programs, campaigns, and initiatives that will broaden market awareness and adoption of the Company’s innovative digital investigative solutions.”

To learn more about Cellebrite and its Case–to–Closure Platform, please visit www.cellebrite.com.

About Cellebrite
Cellebrite’s (Nasdaq: CLBT) mission is to enable its customers to protect and save lives, accelerate justice, and preserve privacy in communities around the world. We are a global leader in Digital Investigative solutions for the public and private sectors, empowering organizations in mastering the complexities of legally sanctioned digital investigations by streamlining intelligence processes. Trusted by thousands of leading agencies and companies worldwide, Cellebrite’s Digital Investigative platform and solutions transform how customers collect, review, analyze and manage data in legally sanctioned investigations. To learn more visit us at www.cellebrite.com, https://investors.cellebrite.com, or follow us on X at @Cellebrite.

References to Websites and Social Media Platforms
References to information included on, or accessible through, websites and social media platforms do not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at or available through such websites or social media platforms, and you should not consider such information to be part of this press release.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This document includes “forward–looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “forecast,” “intend,” “seek,” “target,” “anticipate,” “will,” “appear,” “approximate,” “foresee,” “might,” “possible,” “potential,” “believe,” “could,” “predict,” “should,” “could,” “continue,” “expect,” “estimate,” “may,” “plan,” “outlook,” “future” and “project” and other similar expressions that predict, project or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Such forward–looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: helping our team further expand our business around the world; and executing the programs, campaigns and initiatives that will broaden market awareness of the Company’s innovative digital investigative solutions, fortify and expand our customer relationships globally, increase our market leadership and achieve our business objectives. Such forward–looking statements are based on current expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those indicated by such forward–looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: Cellebrite’s ability to keep pace with technological advances and evolving industry standards; Cellebrite’s material dependence on the purchase, acceptance and use of its solutions by law enforcement and government agencies; real or perceived errors, failures, defects or bugs in Cellebrite’s DI solutions; Cellebrite’s failure to maintain the productivity of sales and marketing personnel, including relating to hiring, integrating and retaining personnel; intense competition in all of Cellebrite’s markets; the inadvertent or deliberate misuse of Cellebrite’s solutions; failure to manage its growth effectively; Cellebrite’s ability to introduce new solutions and add–ons; its dependency on its customers renewing their subscriptions; the low volume of business Cellebrite conducts via e–commerce; risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence; the risk of requiring additional capital to support the growth of its business; risks associated with higher costs or unavailability of materials used to create its hardware product components; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; lengthy sales cycle for some of Cellebrite’s solutions; near term declines in new or renewed agreements; risks associated with inability to retain qualified personnel and senior management; the security of Cellebrite’s operations and the integrity of its software solutions; risks associated with the negative publicity related to Cellebrite’s business and use of its products; risks related to Cellebrite’s intellectual property; the regulatory constraints to which Cellebrite is subject; risks associated with Cellebrite’s operations in Israel, including the ongoing Israel–Hamas war and the risk of a greater regional conflict; risks associated with different corporate governance requirements applicable to Israeli companies and risks associated with being a foreign private issuer and an emerging growth company; market volatility in the price of Cellebrite’s shares; changing tax laws and regulations; risks associated with joint, ventures, partnerships and strategic initiatives; risks associated with Cellebrite’s significant international operations; risks associated with Cellebrite’s failure to comply with anti–corruption, trade compliance, anti–money–laundering and economic sanctions laws and regulations; risks relating to the adequacy of Cellebrite’s existing systems, processes, policies, procedures, internal controls and personnel for Cellebrite’s current and future operations and reporting needs; and other factors, risks and uncertainties set forth in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Cellebrite’s annual report on Form 20–F filed with the SEC on March 21, 2024 and in other documents filed by Cellebrite with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are available free of charge at www.sec.gov. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward–looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, in this communication or elsewhere. Cellebrite undertakes no obligation to update its forward–looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.

Media 

Victor Cooper 
Sr. Director of Corporate Communications + Content Operations 
Victor.cooper@cellebrite.com 
+1 404.804.5910 

Investor Relations 

Andrew Kramer 
Vice President, Investor Relations 
investors@cellebrite.com 
+1 973.206.7760

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dd321307–8ce5–4237–86b7–324ddbd27380


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9078473)

Zoom launches Zoom Workplace in AWS Marketplace

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Zoom announced that Zoom Workplace, Zoom’s AI–powered collaboration platform, is now available in AWS Marketplace, a digital catalog with thousands of software listings from independent software vendors that make it easy to find, test, buy, and deploy software that runs on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Now customers can seamlessly purchase Zoom Workplace products –– such as Meetings, Team Chat, Phone, Whiteboard, Spaces — as well as Zoom Contact Center and Revenue Accelerator in AWS Marketplace.

Building on Zoom's more than two years of success serving the Public Sector as an AWS independent software vendor (ISV), Zoom recognizes that it is crucial to equip customers with the right resources and opportunities to enhance their collaboration and communications in today’s digital–first world. This streamlined purchasing option of Zoom Workplace can help AWS customers consolidate their technology purchasing and billing of Zoom solutions, discover partners that can facilitate deployment, and maximize their usage of AWS committed resources.

“By making Zoom available through a private offer in AWS Marketplace, we are able to reach more customers and are better equipped to enable IT teams to consolidate their technology,” said Graeme Geddes, chief growth officer at Zoom. “At Zoom, we are excited to build upon our already strong relationship with AWS and work together further to help meet the business and technology needs of our customers.”

Zoom incorporates over 40 different AWS services, including compute, storage, and encryption capabilities. Zoom’s Customer Managed Key offering allows customers to bring their own encryption keys using AWS Key Management Service to help protect certain data. Additionally, AWS AppFabric integrates with the Zoom Developer Platform to help businesses break down data silos, improve cross–application workflows, enhance security observability, and support employee productivity. In 2023, AWS named Zoom as a NAMER finalist for its 2023 Geo and Global AWS Partner Award within the Education Partners of the Year category.

For Zoom channel partners that already participate in the Channel Partner Private Offer (CPPO) feature in AWS Marketplace, please reach out to your Zoom point of contact to express interest in working with Zoom on this in the future.

To access Zoom Workplace in AWS Marketplace, please visit this link.

Some features and products may not be available for all regions and industry verticals at launch.

About Zoom
Zoom’s mission is to provide one platform that delivers limitless human connection. Zoom Workplace — the company’s AI–powered, open collaboration platform built for modern work — will streamline communications, increase employee engagement, optimize in–person time, improve productivity, and offer customer choice with third–party apps and integrations. Zoom Workplace, powered by Zoom AI Companion, will include collaboration solutions like meetings, team chat, phone, scheduler, whiteboard, spaces, Workvivo, and more. Together with Zoom Workplace, Zoom’s Business Services for sales, marketing, and customer care teams, including Zoom Contact Center, strengthen customer relationships throughout the customer lifecycle. Founded in 2011, Zoom is publicly traded (NASDAQ:ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California. Get more info at zoom.com.

Zoom Public Relations
Bridget Moriarty
press@zoom.us


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9078508)

Zoom and Avaya announce new strategic partnership to deliver enhanced collaboration experiences

SAN JOSE, Calif. and MORRISTOWN, N.J., March 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Zoom and Avaya announced a strategic partnership designed to deliver enhanced collaboration experiences to global enterprises. As part of the partnership, Avaya selected Zoom Workplace — Zoom’s AI–powered collaboration platform that will include meetings, team chat, scheduler, whiteboard, spaces, and more — to integrate with Avaya’s Communication & Collaboration Suite, providing customers with a new, streamlined way to manage their communications environments and workflows.

Additionally, Avaya will offer the integrated Zoom Workplace solution and will deliver an enhanced collaboration experience to its base, which boasts some of the industry’s largest enterprise customers.

Adding innovation value without disruption
Avaya customers can gain additional value from their existing investments in Avaya private cloud and premise–based solutions while also leveraging Zoom’s user experience and interface to power their collaboration needs.

“Today’s enterprises are seeking to benefit from the latest AI–powered innovations to help differentiate, accelerate, and grow, all while integrating new levels of performance with minimal disruption to existing core systems,” said Alan Masarek, Avaya CEO. “By partnering with Zoom, we can deliver on the promise of ‘innovation without disruption’ for Avaya customers, providing added value to enterprises through world–class collaboration experiences within the Avaya platform.”

“Zoom was built to offer a sophisticated yet easy–to–use product, and as Zoom has expanded to include hundreds more products and features, as well as generative AI integrated throughout, delivering an exceptional user experience is still core to who we are and something we continue to invest heavily in,” Eric S. Yuan, Zoom founder and CEO. “Customers and partners like Avaya continue to look to Zoom to power their collaboration needs because of its speed of innovation and because it just works. We are excited to deliver that same experience to the thousands of Avaya customers who will benefit from a simple yet powerful way to collaborate.”

Enhanced collaboration with Zoom and Avaya
Existing Avaya customers will retain their investments in Avaya’s solutions and devices while benefiting from Zoom’s AI–powered collaboration platform, Zoom Workplace.

Working together, Zoom and Avaya’s partnership is designed to deliver a joint solution that will provide an enhanced collaboration user experience for Avaya customers, including:

  • Interoperability between platforms and devices, enabling users to work in Zoom Workplace while also leveraging their existing investments in Avaya’s Communication & Collaboration Suite solutions — Avaya Aura and Avaya Enterprise Cloud — without disrupting investments in existing customizations, workflows, or infrastructure.
  • Access to Zoom AI Companion, Zoom’s generative AI digital assistant.
  • Collaboration solutions such as Zoom Team Chat, Zoom Scheduler, Zoom Whiteboard, flexible spaces, and more.

The new Avaya and integrated Zoom Workplace experience and device interoperability will be available to Avaya customers globally in the coming months. More details around the joint solution will be shared later this spring.

About Zoom

Zoom’s mission is to provide one platform that delivers limitless human connection. Zoom Workplace — the company’s AI–powered, open collaboration platform built for modern work — will streamline communications, increase employee engagement, optimize in–person time, improve productivity, and offer customer choice with third–party apps and integrations. Zoom Workplace, powered by Zoom AI Companion, will include collaboration solutions like meetings, team chat, phone, scheduler, whiteboard, spaces, Workvivo, and more. Together with Zoom Workplace, Zoom’s Business Services for sales, marketing, and customer care teams, including Zoom Contact Center, strengthen customer relationships across all stages of the customer lifecycle. Founded in 2011, Zoom is publicly traded (NASDAQ:ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California. Get more info at zoom.com.

About Avaya
Businesses are built by the experiences they provide, and every day, millions of those experiences are delivered by Avaya. Organizations trust Avaya to provide innovative solutions for some of their most important ​ambitions and ​challenges,​ ​giving them the freedom to engage their customers and employees in ways that deliver the greatest business benefits. Avaya contact center and communications solutions power immersive, personalized, and unforgettable customer experiences that drive business momentum. With the freedom to choose their journey, there’s no limit to the experiences Avaya customers can create. Learn more at https://www.avaya.com.  

Forward–Looking Statements
This press release contains express and implied “forward–looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the expected benefits of Avaya using Zoom as its exclusive collaboration platform and product features and investments. In some cases, you can identify forward–looking statements by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “predict,” “potential,” “target,” “explore,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward–looking statements. By their nature, these statements are subject to numerous uncertainties and risks, including factors beyond Zoom’s control, that could cause actual results, performance or achievement to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the statements, including those described under the caption “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in Zoom’s most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its quarterly report on Form 10–Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2023. Forward–looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made and are based on information available to Zoom at the time those statements are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events. Zoom assumes no obligation to update forward–looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, except as required by law.

Zoom Public Relations
Candace Dean
press@zoom.us

Avaya Public Relations
Alex Alias
alalias@avaya.com 


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9078503)

Zoom unveils AI-powered collaboration platform, Zoom Workplace, to reimagine teamwork

  • Zoom Workplace, the new AI–powered collaboration platform, helps reimagine teamwork, facilitate connections, and improve productivity — all within the Zoom experience users trust and love
  • Zoom announces 40 new innovations, including new Zoom AI Companion features for Zoom Phone, Team Chat, Events, and Contact Center, and its expansion to include Ask AI Companion, which works across the platform to help employees make the most of their time
  • New Zoom Contact Center innovations include additional digital channels, enhanced AI features, insights, and additional integrations to help businesses strengthen customer relationships and empower agents

ORLANDO, Fla., March 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM) announced Zoom Workplace, its AI–powered, open collaboration platform, and introduced new AI Companion expansions to help reimagine teamwork. Zoom’s latest products and features, including new AI Companion features for Zoom Phone and extended capabilities with Ask AI Companion, a refreshed look within the Zoom app, and more, will provide its customers with the all–in–one AI–powered platform they need to power modern work. Zoom also announced customer experience enhancements to Zoom Contact Center, so businesses can strengthen customer relationships and leverage real–time AI–powered insights to improve live agent engagements.

“We have seen the positive impact that Zoom AI Companion has had on our business and our customers, transforming how we work by freeing up precious time for collaborative teamwork,” said Smita Hashim, chief product officer at Zoom. “Zoom Workplace with AI Companion will help solve real customer problems by bringing the core collaboration solutions into a single AI–powered platform to help improve productivity, efficiency, and the overall workday, all within the Zoom experience users trust and love.”

Drive Impact with AI Companion

Zoom continues to elevate AI within its platform, helping users harness their productivity directly within their existing workflows, enhancing employees’ skills, and empowering teams to focus their time where it matters. Zoom’s latest AI Companion innovations will include Ask AI Companion, an enhancement of the digital assistant that will help users prepare for their workday across Zoom Workplace, plus AI Companion for Zoom Phone and additional capabilities for Team Chat and Whiteboard. All AI Companion features will continue to be included at no additional cost with the paid services in eligible Zoom user accounts.

Ask AI Companion will provide a new way to interact with AI Companion across the Zoom platform. Users can enhance their productivity and be better prepared for their workday with Ask AI Companion, which will gather, synthesize, and share information from Zoom Meetings, Mail, Team Chat, Notes, Docs, and more. Ask AI Companion will also help prepare users for and recap meetings, show relevant action items, draft agendas, and summarize chat and email threads, as well as documents. In a later release after the initial launch, Ask AI Companion will be able to pull relevant content from select third–party applications (if the customer chooses to enable them) to be even more helpful.

Zoom Phone is now boosted with AI Companion capabilities to help make calls and follow–up more productive. With AI Companion in Zoom Phone, users can request a post–call summary and next steps, so they can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes. If they miss an important call, voicemail prioritization helps elevate urgent messages, moving them to the top of the queue, and voicemail task extraction delivers tasks from voicemails to help users understand the next steps without listening to every voicemail. Team SMS thread summary also provides a concise overview of Team SMS threads in PowerPack, so users can quickly catch up after stepping away.

Other AI Companion innovations across the platform will include new Team Chat and Whiteboard capabilities. In Team Chat, AI Companion now helps users save time with smart scheduling that automatically detects the intent for a meeting in chat and suggests a meeting time, and in the future will provide sentence completion and will expand to support 38 languages (in preview) for the chat compose and thread summary features. Zoom Whiteboard users are now able to generate and refine whiteboard flowcharts and mind maps using a simple prompt to kick–start ideation and creativity. For more information about AI Companion innovations, visit the Zoom blog.

Reimagine Teamwork with Zoom Workplace

Zoom Workplace, the company’s AI–powered collaboration platform, will deliver new innovations to help businesses reimagine teamwork, facilitate connections, improve productivity, and optimize flexible work experiences. Zoom Workplace will elevate the Zoom experience with Zoom AI Companion so that all employees within a company can be more productive, collaborate better, and enhance their skills.

Zoom Workplace will continue to be an open platform that enables customer choice. Zoom’s APIs, SDKs, and over 2,500 integrations in the Zoom App Marketplace make it easy for customers to integrate Zoom into existing tech or integrate users’ favorite apps into Zoom.

With the introduction of Zoom Workplace, Zoom is unveiling a refreshed user experience with more choices, including the ability to choose from four color themes within the Zoom app, so users can make the app their own. Hosts will also have the opportunity to add customized virtual meeting backgrounds to tailor the feel or focus of the meeting.

“With Zoom, there aren’t any challenges with implementing complex tools, so we can focus on engaging our employees and collaborating on the work that matters,” said Diofanto Rosales, vice president of digital workplace and IT infrastructure at Flex. “Zoom Workplace will bring all our essential work tools together in a single app, making it easier than ever to get work done.”

For Zoom Meetings, users will see a new Meetings tab within the Zoom app that will allow users to collaborate before, during, and after meetings. It will support traditional calendar views and will serve as the central place for agendas, recordings, and other shared assets such as documents, plus AI Companion smart recordings and meeting summaries. Last year Zoom introduced continuous meeting chat, which helps users continue chat conversations so collaboration can continue outside of meetings asynchronously and throughout the life of a project. With the new Meetings tab, users will be able to access continuous meeting chats from the Meeting card before and after the meeting.

During meetings, the new multi–speaker view will automatically adapt the video layout to highlight active speakers to help attendees follow the discussion more easily. AI–powered portrait lighting will help illuminate users’ faces in poor lighting, and generative AI virtual backgrounds will allow users to create custom backgrounds.

Additional new features for Meetings will include a customizable toolbar that will allow users to pin their most–used features, multi–share, which will allow multiple participants to share their screens and documents, whiteboards, and notes simultaneously, and document collaboration that will provide the ability to select documents, streamline document access permissions, and co–edit right from meetings with documents from third–party apps.

In Zoom Team Chat, asynchronous communication will be boosted by Team Chat tabs that will help users stay organized by keeping channel–related assets like links, whiteboards, and resources in a single view, shared spaces that provide a shared grouping of channels to help users better organize conversations and improve discoverability of relevant project or team–based topics, and workflow automation, a powerful, no–code workflow engine, will be easily configurable to automate business tasks in Team Chat.

For hybrid and onsite organizations, navigating the office will be easier than ever with the introduction of a Workspaces tab, providing access to Workspace Reservation with wayfinding and Visitor Management directly from the Zoom Workplace app. To help make meetings more inclusive, Zoom Rooms will include the option to enable new smart name tags, which will be able to automatically apply name tags to people in a Zoom Room during a meeting.

When one screen isn’t enough, users will be able to expand Zoom Rooms with a companion device for an additional screen to collaborate with audio and video. For Workvivo customers, a new integration with Zoom Rooms will provide the ability to instantly broadcast important updates, news, and events to employees using Workvivo TV with certified devices for Zoom Rooms.

“Businesses are looking for AI–powered solutions that will help them move the dial by boosting employee productivity and team collaboration,” said Zeus Kerravala, Principal Analyst at ZK Research. “Zoom’s newest innovations, including its release of Zoom Workplace and Ask AI Companion, demonstrate its commitment to deploying AI that is intuitive and effective across one platform to improve productivity and collaboration.”

At launch, Zoom One bundles will be rebranded as Zoom Workplace bundles, giving new and existing customers simple pricing for Zoom’s different offerings. For more information about Zoom Workplace, visit the Zoom blog.

Strengthen Customer Relationships with Zoom Business Services

Zoom’s business services include AI–powered solutions for marketing, customer care, and sales. Tightly integrated with Zoom Workplace, Zoom Business Services empower customer–facing employees to provide exceptional experiences throughout the customer lifecycle.

Zoom Contact Center already includes AI Companion for Contact Center at no additional cost. Further real–time capabilities available with AI Expert Assist include intelligently retrieving and suggesting the best responses from a curated set of knowledge bases, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and other systems of record. Now supervisors are getting even more AI Companion for Contact Center capabilities. Supervisors now have visibility into their agents’ live engagements with real–time customer sentiment, live transcriptions, and conversation summaries from a single dashboard to help them better manage agents and easily identify when they need to provide assistance.

In Zoom Contact Center, businesses can now expand their digital communication channels to include WhatsApp and inbound email, giving customers more flexibility and choice, and making it easier for agents to engage and respond to customers.

Agents will benefit from custom app integration with Zoom’s open and flexible framework that allows teams to build apps from proprietary or third–party data sources that surface relevant customer information directly within the agent desktop, which reduces toggling between apps and allows for personalization and faster resolutions. Agents will also benefit from deep integration with Zoom Workplace, which will allow them to seamlessly direct transfer customers with AI–generated engagement summaries to back–office experts using Zoom Phone Power Pack, enabling seamless escalations and helping reduce handling time.

Zoom Contact Center and Zoom Phone will also offer an integration with PCI Pal to enable secure capture of payment data, including PCI attestation of compliance (AOC). Also, Zoom Contact Center customers now have the ability to store certain data locally in Zoom’s EU data center, designed to meet the data storage needs of EU–based customers.

Revenue organizations who use Zoom Revenue Accelerator can now enhance their customer conversations with deal memos, which will provide a brief summary of a conversation and an analysis of its impact on the possibility of winning a deal. Coming soon, a built–in automated scorecard will help improve sales outcomes by creating scorecards that rate customer interactions and provide actionable feedback.

For marketing professionals, Zoom Events enhancements amplify their hybrid events to help make them more engaging. With new AI Companion image generation, hosts can now create custom images based on a simple text prompt for event registration pages, virtual backgrounds, and marketing emails. To help bridge the gap between hybrid events and in–person events, the Swoogo integration for Zoom Events allows event professionals to reach broader audiences. For more information about Zoom’s business services innovations, visit the Zoom blog.

Newly announced products and features are expected to roll out over April and May. Some features and products may not be available for all regions and industry verticals at launch.

About Zoom

Zoom’s mission is to provide one platform that delivers limitless human connection. Zoom Workplace — the company’s AI–powered, open collaboration platform built for modern work — will streamline communications, increase employee engagement, optimize in–person time, improve productivity, and offer customer choice with third–party apps and integrations. Zoom Workplace, powered by Zoom AI Companion, will include collaboration solutions like meetings, team chat, phone, scheduler, whiteboard, spaces, Workvivo, and more. Together with Zoom Workplace, Zoom’s Business Services for sales, marketing, and customer care teams, including Zoom Contact Center, strengthen customer relationships throughout the customer lifecycle. Founded in 2011, Zoom is publicly traded (NASDAQ:ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California. Get more info at zoom.com.

Zoom Public Relations
Lacretia Nichols
press@zoom.us 


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9078519)

Building Resilience and Mental Health Capacity of Youth

Youth mental health in Sri Lanka was the focus of an APDA-supported two-day workshop. Credit: ILO

Youth mental health in Sri Lanka was the focus of an APDA-supported two-day workshop. Credit: ILO

By Cecilia Russell
SRI JAYAWARDENEPURA KOTTE & ATHENS, Mar 25 2024 – Sri Lankan lawmaker Hector Appuhamy, in conversation with IPS ahead of a two-day conference aimed at educating  and involving university students in mental health issues, said parliamentarians were concerned about gaps in the programmes and financing for youth mental health. They were looking beyond the country’s health budget for support in ensuring that youth were able to access mental health facilities in a supportive environment.

IPS: According to my research, Sri Lanka has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. While the revised mental health policy for 2020–2030 identifies the needs of adolescents and youth, it would seem there are few policies and programmes that deal specifically with the issue for youth. How are parliamentarians addressing this issue?

Hon. Hector Appuhamy, MP Sri Lanka

Hon. Hector Appuhamy, MP Sri Lanka

Hector Appuhamy: Suicide rates in Sri Lanka have indeed been a concerning issue, with the country historically having one of the highest rates globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Sri Lanka’s suicide rate was estimated at 14.6 per 100,000 population in 2016. While addressing this issue, it’s imperative to recognize that mental health policies and programs tailored specifically for youth are crucial in mitigating such challenges.

As parliamentarians, we understand the urgency of addressing mental health issues among youth, including the risk of suicide.

Even though the mental health policy for 2020–2030 recognizes the needs of young people, there aren’t enough programs in place to help them properly. In response, parliamentarians are working on different ways to tackle this issue.

The new statistics have made government officials and parliamentarians take a closer look at mental health services in Sri Lanka, especially for young people. They’ve realized that there aren’t enough programs or resources to help young people with their mental health. So, parliamentarians are trying to find out why this is happening and what needs to change. They’re doing assessments to find the gaps and come up with new policies and programs to help young people with their mental health.

Parliamentarians are also working with different groups, like the government, charities, and mental health experts, to find solutions. They’re trying to develop programs that specifically address the needs of young people. By working together, they hope to make sure that young people’s mental health is a priority and that they get the help they need.

The proposed program isn’t just about fixing things now—it’s about planning for the future too. Parliamentarians want to make sure that young people in Sri Lanka have the support they need for their mental health, both now and in the years to come.

IPS: Only a small proportion of the 5% of national expenditure that is spent on health, is used for mental health. One of the shortcomings is the resource gap. What ways, including involving the private sector, are parliamentarians working on to ensure that the funds and programmes become available for youth mental health?

Appuhamy: Addressing the resource gap in mental health services, particularly for youth, necessitates a multi-faceted approach involving collaboration with both public and private sectors.

Organizations including APDA, UNDP, and UNICEF always support Sri Lanka through diverse programs. Recognizing this imperative, we are to initiate discussions aimed at devising strategies to secure funding and attract support from these and many other organizations. This novel initiative seeks to garner their attention and enlist their support in fortifying the resilience of our youth, given their established track record of extending aid where it is most needed.

By underscoring the pivotal role of mental health services for young people, we endeavor to ensure a substantial allocation of the health budget towards mental health initiatives. In line with these efforts, discussions are underway to implement the following initiatives:

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Promote partnerships between the government and private sector entities, such as corporate organizations and philanthropic foundations, to support youth mental health programs. These partnerships can involve financial contributions, in-kind donations, or expertise sharing to enhance the effectiveness and reach of mental health services.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives: Parliamentarians will collaborate with private sector companies to develop CSR initiatives focused on youth mental health. Through CSR programs, companies can allocate resources, including funding, employee volunteering, and in-kind support, towards addressing mental health challenges among young people in their communities.

Incentives for Private Sector Investment: Parliamentarians may propose incentives, such as grants, subsidies, or preferential access to government contracts, to encourage private sector investment in youth mental health programs. These incentives can attract private sector participation and stimulate innovation in mental health service delivery.

By employing these strategies and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, parliamentarians aim to bridge the resource gap and ensure that funds and programs are available for youth mental health initiatives in Sri Lanka.

IPS: WHO suggests that supportive environments, education and awareness, the involvement of youths in policy development, peer support with trained peers, and the collection of reliable data are all crucial to assisting with youth mental health How are lawmakers ensuring that a comprehensive social package is available to address mental health in youth?

We acknowledge the significance of a comprehensive approach to addressing mental health issues among youth, a stance echoed by the World Health Organization (WHO). In Sri Lanka, the existence of a youth parliament comprising young participants endowed with diverse insights and innovative ideas underscores the potential reservoir of knowledge within this demographic. As parliamentarians, we are committed to adapting our strategies by actively involving youth in decision-making processes.

In our capacity as parliamentarians, we are strategizing to actively engage young individuals in the formulation of mental health policies and programs. By integrating youth voices and perspectives into policymaking endeavors, we endeavor to ensure that mental health initiatives are contextually relevant, responsive, and inclusive of the unique needs and preferences of young people.

We are trying to push for more education and awareness campaigns to increase understanding of mental health issues among youth, families, educators, and communities. These campaigns aim to destigmatize mental illness, promote early intervention, and provide information about available resources and support services.

As parliament members, we prioritize the collection of reliable data on youth mental health to inform evidence-based policies and programs. This includes monitoring mental health indicators, prevalence rates, service utilization, and outcomes to assess the effectiveness of interventions and identify areas for improvement.

By implementing these strategies and collaborating with stakeholders, lawmakers strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes the mental health and well-being of youth in Sri Lanka. Through ongoing efforts and investments, they aim to build a sustainable framework that addresses the complex and evolving mental health needs of young people.

IPS: What outcomes do you expect from your two-day conference aimed at educating university students about mental health issues?

Appuhamy: Our strategy entails convening approximately 40 students from diverse universities across the nation for a comprehensive two-day conference, structured as a residential program. This initiative, aimed at educating university students about mental health issues, is anticipated to yield numerous beneficial outcomes:

Firstly, the conference aims to enhance awareness and deepen understanding among university students regarding various facets of mental health. Topics to be covered include identifying mental health issues, coping mechanisms, triggers for such issues, relevant laws and regulations, avenues for seeking assistance, and contact information for relevant authorities. These crucial insights will be imparted to students through interactive sessions facilitated by esteemed resource persons, including university professors, a consultant psychiatrist, a chief inspector of police, a deputy solicitor general, and motivational speakers.

Furthermore, the program seeks to achieve several objectives, including:

Reduced Stigma: By providing accurate information and fostering open discussions, the conference aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental issues. This can help create a more supportive and accepting environment where students feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns and seeking assistance when needed.

Improved Help-Seeking Behaviors: The conference will equip students with knowledge about available mental health resources and support services, empowering them to seek help proactively for themselves or their peers who may be struggling with mental health challenges.

Enhanced Coping Skills: Through workshops, presentations, and interactive sessions, students will learn practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and promoting mental well-being. These skills can empower students to navigate the pressures of university life more effectively.

Inspiration for Advocacy and Action: By hearing from experts, advocates, and individuals with lived experience, students may be inspired to become mental health champions within their university community and beyond. This can lead to increased advocacy efforts, initiatives to improve campus mental health services, and broader societal change.

Long-term Impact: The knowledge and skills gained during the conference have the potential to have a lasting impact on students’ mental health and well-being throughout their academic journey and beyond. By investing in mental health education and awareness at the university level, we aim to create a culture of support and resilience that benefits students for years to come.

IPS: How are parliamentarians encouraging universities’ leadership (both academic and student) to ensure that mental health programs are available to students?

Appuhamy: We are cognizant of the fact that our current engagement with universities may not be sufficient to address mental health issues among students. Consequently, we are planning to open discussions with higher-ranking officials to elevate the prominence of this matter. Through these dialogues, we aim to shed more light on the challenges faced by students regarding mental health and identify priority areas for intervention. By fostering open communication with university authorities, we seek to enhance our understanding of the specific needs and concerns of students, thus enabling us to tailor our approach more effectively and address mental health issues comprehensively within the university setting.

As parliamentarians, we are proposing to engage directly with university leadership, including academic administrators, deans, and student affairs officials, to discuss the importance of mental health and encourage proactive measures to support student well-being. This may involve meetings, forums, and consultations to share best practices and identify areas for improvement.

It is a plan to exercise legislative oversight to ensure that universities are fulfilling their responsibilities in addressing mental health issues among students. They may conduct hearings, inquiries, or audits to assess the effectiveness of mental health programs and hold universities accountable for meeting established standards. So that they can manage the issues arising due to harassment happening with the universities, which leads to problems in student’s mental health capacity.

Overall, parliamentarians play a vital role in advocating for the availability of mental health programs at universities by engaging with university leadership, allocating resources, fostering collaboration, and promoting student involvement. By working together, they can create supportive environments where students have access to the resources and support, they need to thrive academically and emotionally.

IPS: Is there anything else you would like to add?

In closing, I would like to emphasize the critical importance of prioritizing mental health at all levels of society, including within educational institutions like universities. Mental health issues among students not only impact academic performance but also have profound implications for overall well-being and future success.

As parliamentarians, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that mental health programs and support services are accessible, inclusive, and effective. By investing in mental health education, destigmatization efforts, and proactive intervention strategies, we can create environments where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to prioritize their mental well-being.

Additionally, it’s essential to recognize that addressing mental health requires a holistic and multi-sectoral approach. Collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions, healthcare providers, NGOs, and community organizations is essential to creating comprehensive solutions that address the diverse needs of students and promote a culture of mental well-being.

I encourage continued dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy to advance mental health initiatives in Sri Lanka and beyond. Together, we can make meaningful strides towards creating a society where mental health is valued, supported, and prioritized for all individuals, including our youth.

IPS UN Bureau Report

 


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