تكريم السيد Lambros Lambrou الرئيس التنفيذي لشركة Exclusive Markets بجائزة “أفضل 50 رئيسًا تنفيذيًا في الأسواق المالية لعام 2024” في دبي

دبي، الإمارات العربية المتحدة, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

تفخر شركة Exclusive Markets بإعلان حصول السيد Lambros Lambrou، الرئيس التنفيذي للمؤسسة الموقرة، على جائزة “أفضل 50 رئيسًا تنفيذيًا في الأسواق المالية” في النسخة الثانية لحفل توزيع جوائز الأسواق المالية في الشرق الأوسط بدبي لعام 2024. وهذه الجائزة لا تمثل فحسب شهادة على قيادته الاستثنائية ونهجه ذي الرؤية الثاقبة ومساهماته الكبيرة في القطاع المالي، بل تسلط الضوء أيضاً على التزامه بالتميز ودوره في دفع عجلة نجاح شركة Exclusive Markets ونموها.

ويحرص السيد Lambros Lambrou في قيادته لشركة Exclusive Markets على توجيهها في الأسواق الديناميكية وضمان النمو المستدام. وقد كان لرؤيته الاستراتيجية دورًا أساسيًا في ترسيخ مكانة Exclusive Markets كواحدة من أفضل الشركات في قطاع التداول العالمي. وسّعت الشركة تحت قيادته محفظتها وواصلت تقديم قيمة استثنائية لعملائها.

وقد أعرب السيد Lambros Lambrou لدى استلامه الجائزة عن امتنانه لهذا التكريم، قائلاً: “يشرفني هذا التكريم بشدة. فهو يعكس الجهود الجماعية لفريق العمل بأكمله في Exclusive Markets. لقد سعينا معاً لتهيئة بيئة تعزز الابتكار والنزاهة والتميز. وتلهمنا هذه الجائزة لمواصلة رحلتنا نحو وضع معايير جديدة في هذا المجال.”

وهذا بدوره يعكس التزام السيد Lambros Lambrou الدؤوب بالتميز. وقد أرست استراتيجياته المبتكرة ونهجه الذي يركز على العميل معايير جديدة في هذا المجال. تتسم القيادة في Exclusive Markets بفهم عميق لديناميكيات السوق، وعين ثاقبة للاتجاهات الناشئة، وشغف برعاية المواهب داخل المؤسسة.

لمحة عن شركة Exclusive Markets

تلتزم Exclusive Markets بتقديم منصة قوية وآمنة وشفافة للمستثمرين في مختلف الأدوات المالية. مع التركيز القوي على التكنولوجيا المتقدمة وحصولها على شهادة ISO/IEC 27001:2013 من منظمة MSECB، توفر Exclusive Markets للمتداولين منصة متميزة تدمج بسلاسة بين الميزات المتقدمة والواجهات سهلة الاستخدام.

يمكن للمتداولين استكشاف مجموعة متنوعة من أدوات التداول، بما في ذلك أسهم عقود الفروقات و السلع والعملات والمعادن الفورية. يكرس فريق خبراء الشركة جهوده لتلبية المتطلبات المتغيرة للعملاء من خلال توسيع نطاق المنتجات والخدمات، مما يتيح للمتداولين الاستثمار وفقًا لتفضيلاتهم الفريدة.

تحذير من المخاطر: التداول ينطوي على مخاطر.

تتوفر الصورة المصاحبة لهذا الإعلان على https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25d6ff93–af6f–4d51–b584–4e27a0ed10ed

جهة الاتصال الإعلامية:
media@exclusivemarkets.com


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9261196)

تكريم منصة Exclusive Markets بجائزة “المؤسسة المالية الموثوقة في الأسواق المالية” لعام 2024

دبي، الإمارات العربية المتحدة،, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

حازت Exclusive Markets، منصة التداول متعددة الأصول عبر الإنترنت الشهيرة عالميًا، على اللقب المهيب “أفضل مؤسسة مالية موثوقة في الأسواق المالية”، والذي منحته لها أهم 100 مؤسسة مالية موثوقة ، وذلك في النسخة الثانية من حفل توزيع جوائز أسواق المال في الشرق الأوسط لعام 2024 الذي أُقيم في دبي، ويمثّل هذا التكريم علامة فارقة أخرى في مسيرة التميّز المستمرة للشركة وكسبها الثقة ضمن القطاع المالي.

الثقة هي الركيزة الأساسية التي تقوم عليها عمليات شركة Exclusive Markets، لطالما أولت الشركة الشفافية والنزاهة والموثوقية في كل جانب من جوانب خدمتها بوصفها مؤسسة مالية تعمل في أسواق مالية شديدة التعقيد والديناميكية. بدءًا من منصات التداول الآمنة وصولًا إلى السياسات التي تضع العميل في المقام الأول، ميزت منصة Exclusive Markets نفسها عن الآخرين من خلال تعزيز الشعور العميق بالثقة بين عملائها وتمكينهم من استكشاف عالم التداول بثقة.

أعربَ Lambros Lambrou، الرئيس التنفيذي لمنصة Exclusive Markets، أثناء استلام الجائزة عن امتنانه لهذا التكريم إذ قال: “إنّ الثقة ليست مجرد قيمة في Exclusive Markets، بل هي جزء أساسي من هويتنا. يشرفنا للغاية الحصول على جائزة 'أفضل مؤسسة مالية موثوقة'، فهي انعكاس لجهودنا المستمرة الرامية إلى ضمان شعور عملائنا وشركائنا بالدعم والأمان في كل خطوة من مسيرة التداول الخاصة بهم”.

تسلط هذه الجائزة الضوء على الأهمية المتزايدة للثقة في الأسواق المالية، خاصة وأن المتداولين يبحثون عن شركاء موثوقين في مشهد متزايد التعقيد. إذ تواصل Exclusive Markets تطورها وابتكارها، سيظل التزامها بتعزيز الثقة في طليعة مهمتها، ما يمهد الطريق أمام مزيد من النمو والنجاح في الساحة المالية العالمية.

لمحة عن شركة Exclusive Markets

تلتزم Exclusive Markets بتزويد المتداولين بمنصة شفافة وآمنة وفعالة للاستثمار في مجموعة متنوعة من الأدوات المالية، وبتركيزها على أحدث التقنيات وحيازتها شهادة ISO/IEC 27001:2013 الصادرة عن MSECB، تُوفر Exclusive Markets للمتداولين منصة استثنائية تدمج الميزات المتقدمة بسلاسة مع الواجهات سهلة الاستخدام.

يمكن للمتداولين الوصول إلى مجموعة واسعة من الأدوات المالية، بما فيها أسهم العقود مقابل الفروقات والسلع وسوق العملات الأجنبية (الفوركس) والمعادن الفورية، ويلتزم فريق خبراء الشركة بتلبية الاحتياجات المتطورة لعملائها من خلال مواصلة توسيع نطاق خدماتها ومنتجاتها، ما يتيح للمتداولين الاستثمار وفقًا لتفضيلاتهم.

تحذير من المخاطر: التداول ينطوي على مخاطر.

تتاح صورة مرافقة لهذا الإعلان على https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6274d2b5–b001–47e1–bf0d–224d1e190174

جهة الاتصال الإعلامية:

media@exclusivemarkets.com


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9260896)

جوائز مميزة تحصدها Exclusive Markets في حفل توزيع جوائز International Business Magazine 2024

دبي، الإمارات العربية المتحدة, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Exclusive Markets، الشركة الرائدة عالميًا في مجال التداول متعدد الأصول عبر الإنترنت، مجددًا التزامها بالتميز بحصدها العديد من الجوائز المرموقة في حفل جوائز International Business Magazine 2024. وقد فازت الشركة بالجوائز في الفئات التالية:

  • وسيط الفوركس الأكثر ثقة على مستوى العالم 2024
  • أفضل وسيط فوركس غلى مستوى العالم 2024
  • أفضل دعم عملاء على مستوى العالم 2024
  • برنامج أفضل الشركاء على مستوى العالم 2024
  • الوسيط الأكثر شفافية في آسيا 2024

تؤكد هذه الجوائز المرموقة على تفاني Exclusive Markets الراسخ في وضع معايير جديدة في الصناعة وتقديم خدمة لا مثيل لها لعملائها حول العالم. وقد تميزت الشركة في سوق يشهد منافسة شرسة بفضل استراتيجياتها التطلعية، التي تتصدر دائمًا اتجاهات الصناعة، وتأكيدها على الشفافية، وحرصها الشديد على تقديم تجارب استثنائية للمتداولين والشركاء.

هذا ومن المقرر أن تتسلم الشركة الجوائز رسميًا في الحفل السنوي الكبير لتوزيع الجوائز 2024 والذي يحتضنه فندق أتلانتس الفاخر الواقع في جزيرة النخلة في دبي، بالإمارات العربية المتحدة في وقت لاحق من العام الحالي. سيجمع هذا الحدث المرتقب، المقرر إقامته في الربع الرابع من العام الجاري، كبار المتخصصين في قطاع التمويل العالمي للاحتفال بالإنجازات والابتكارات المتميزة.

وقد أعرب Hemant Kumar، مدير التسويق في Exclusive Markets، عن امتنانه قائلاً: “إن تتويجنا بخمس جوائز مرموقة هو خير دليل على سعينا الدؤوب للتميز إلى جانب الثقة الراسخة التي وضعها عملاؤنا وشركاؤنا فينا. لقد عمل فريقنا بأكمله بلا كلل لدعم هذه القيم، ونحن فخورون للغاية بأن تحظى جهودنا بالتكريم على هذه المنصة المرموقة.”

وطدت Exclusive Markets، بحصدها هذه الجوائز المميزة، مكانتها كشركة رائدة تحظى بالتقدير في مجال تداول الفوركس، معززةً سمعتها كشركة تعطي الأولوية للشراكات وتحرص على تحقيق مستوى لا نظير له من رضا العملاء!

لمحة عن شركة Exclusive Markets

تُكرّس Exclusive Markets جهودها لتزويد المتداولين بمنصة قوية وآمنة وشفافة للاستثمار في مجموعة متنوعة من الأدوات المالية. وبالتركيز على التكنولوجيا المتطورة وحصولها على شهادة ISO/IEC 27001:2013 من منظمة MSECB، تقدم Exclusive Markets للمتداولين منصة استثنائية تدمج بسلاسة بين الميزات المتقدمة والواجهات سهلة الاستخدام.

يستطيع المتداولون الوصول إلى مجموعة واسعة من أدوات التداول، بما في ذلك أسهم عقود الفروقات والسلع والفوركس والمعادن الفورية. يلتزم فريق الخبراء بالشركة بتلبية الاحتياجات المتزايدة لعملائها من خلال مواصلة توسيع نطاق منتجاتها وخدماتها، مما يسمح للمتداولين بالاستثمار بحسب تفضيلاتهم.

تحذير من المخاطر: ينطوي التداول على مخاطرة.


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9260838)

En 2024, le nombre des candidatures aux écoles de commerce monte en flèche dans un contexte d’incertitude économique

RESTON, Virginie, 23 oct. 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Partout dans le monde, le nombre total de candidatures aux programmes d’études supérieures en commerce pour 2024 a connu une augmentation impressionnante de 12 % par rapport à 2023. Selon une enquête annuelle publiée aujourd'hui par le Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), cette progression marque un net revirement par rapport aux deux années consécutives de baisse précédentes qui avaient suivi une légère augmentation liée à la pandémie en 2020–2021. Dans le cadre de l’enquête du GMAC, menée chaque année auprès des futurs étudiants des écoles de commerce, les coûts sont constamment cités comme un obstacle majeur à l’obtention d’un diplôme de gestion avancée. Par conséquent, il n’est peut–être pas surprenant que la tendance à la hausse du volume des candidatures cette année coïncide avec le fait que les programmes d’études supérieures en commerce offrent une aide financière à un plus grand nombre de membres de leurs nouvelles promotions en 2024.

Une analyse plus approfondie des données montre que la hausse significative des candidatures est principalement due à un regain d’intérêt pour les offres de formation à temps plein et en présentiel, avec une croissance des candidatures rapportée par près de six programmes de ce type sur dix. Par exemple, au cours des dix dernières années, la majeure partie des écoles a rapporté une croissance des candidatures aux programmes de MBA à temps plein en deux ans et en un an de 80 % et 64 % respectivement. Près des trois quarts des programmes de master en comptabilité et en gestion ont également signalé une croissance des candidatures. Il est intéressant de noter que malgré le regain d’intérêt pour les études en présentiel, les programmes offrant davantage de flexibilité semblent également faire l’objet d’une forte demande : une augmentation des candidatures a également été observée auprès de 58 % des programmes en ligne et de 52 % des programmes hybrides, tout comme dans près des deux tiers des programmes de MBA en ligne et hybrides.

« La croissance record des candidatures observée cette année laisse entrevoir un changement de tendance en faveur des études supérieures de commerce, notamment pour les programmes de base comme les MBA à temps plein et les masters en comptabilité et en gestion », a déclaré Joy Jones, PDG de GMAC. « Bien que ce phénomène puisse prouver la tendance anticyclique observée depuis longtemps entre l’intérêt pour les écoles supérieures de commerce et la vigueur de l’économie, j’en attribue le mérite en grande partie aux écoles de commerce mondiales et aux efforts considérables qu’elles ont déployés en vue de continuer à innover grâce à de nouvelles technologies, de nouvelles stratégies de mise en œuvre des formations et de nouvelles façons de fonctionner qui répondent aux intérêts et aux besoins actuels des étudiants et de leurs futurs employeurs. »

Cette croissance est déterminée par l’évolution des candidatures nationales et internationales.

L’augmentation du nombre total de candidatures peut également être attribuée à une augmentation démesurée des candidatures nationales déposées par des candidats du même pays d’origine que celui du programme. Tous formats de formation confondus, la plupart des programmes de MBA ont bénéficié d’une augmentation des candidatures nationales par rapport aux candidatures internationales. De même, tous les programmes des masters en commerce ayant fait l’objet de l’enquête ont connu une augmentation de 30 % des candidatures nationales, mais la baisse des candidatures internationales pour les programmes plus tributaires de talents internationaux, comme les programmes d’analyse commerciale, semble avoir contrebalancé cette croissance.

Sur le plan géographique, les États–Unis restent une destination d’études de premier plan pour les talents internationaux, une écrasante majorité des étudiants potentiels indiquant, selon une récente étude internationale publiée par le GMAC, que les prochaines élections présidentielles n’auront aucun impact négatif sur leurs projets d’études, comme c’était déjà le cas lors des cycles électoraux précédents. Dans le même temps, les candidatures nationales ont également fait grimper la demande de formations supérieures en commerce aux États–Unis, en Asie et en Europe, à l’exception du Royaume–Uni, qui a enregistré une baisse de 45 % des candidatures nationales et de 12 points des candidatures internationales.     

« Il ne fait aucun doute que les offres de formation de haute qualité sont en hausse dans les principaux marchés d’Asie, d’Afrique et d’Amérique latine, car elles offrent aux candidats traditionnellement enclins à étudier à l’étranger davantage d’options et d’opportunités dans leur propre pays », a déclaré François Ortalo–Magné, professeur de pratiques de gestion et doyen exécutif (relations extérieures) à la London Business School, et membre du conseil d’administration du GMAC. « Dans ce contexte, il est essentiel que les écoles de commerce encouragent la mobilité régionale et internationale et constituent des promotions d’étudiants diversifiées et multiculturelles sur leurs campus, sachant que cela apporte d’énormes avantages pédagogiques dans nos salles de classe, dans nos futurs conseils d’administration, et au–delà. »

L’augmentation du nombre de candidates féminines donne de l’espoir et laisse entrevoir des tendances allant dans la bonne direction.

Au cours des 10 dernières années, les candidates féminines aux programmes d’études supérieures en commerce ont constamment oscillé autour de 40 %. Les données de cette année montrent quelques signes positifs avec une légère hausse qui a permis d'atteindre 42 %. En outre, 55 % des programmes ont vu une croissance des candidates féminines, soit une augmentation de 10 points de pourcentage par rapport à l’année dernière, tandis que la deuxième plus grande part des programmes ont observé une augmentation des candidates féminines au cours de la dernière décennie, après le boom lié à la pandémie en 2020. Plus précisément, les programmes les plus susceptibles de connaître une forte augmentation du nombre de candidates féminines étaient les MBA. En effet, 70 % des MBA hybrides, et près des deux tiers des programmes de MBA à temps plein ont enregistré une telle croissance.

« Je suis ravie de constater une telle croissance des candidatures féminines. Je crois en la valeur des formations commerciales et aux portes qu’elles ouvrent aux gens, en particulier aux femmes. Plus le nombre de femmes qui s’investissent dans des formations commerciales augmente, plus le vivier de dirigeants d’entreprise s’équilibre, et plus nous avons de chances de combler l’écart entre les sexes », a déclaré Elissa Sangster, PDG de Forté, une organisation partenaire de longue date du GMAC qui a pour objectif de renforcer la place des femmes dans la direction des entreprises.

À propos de l’enquête

L’enquête du GMAC sur les tendances en matière de candidatures est l’enquête la plus vaste et la plus citée de ce type. Elle constitue la ressource de référence pour les admissions dans les écoles de commerce et pour les responsables de programmes de formation, en leur permettant de mieux comprendre l’évolution rapide de la demande de programmes d’études supérieures en gestion. L’enquête de 2024 a recueilli des données sur les candidatures reçues par les programmes d’études supérieures en gestion pour l’année universitaire 2024–2025. Entre juin et août, 1 090 programmes de 297 écoles de commerce répartis dans 40 pays du monde entier ont répondu à cette enquête. De plus amples détails sur les programmes participants de cette année et sur la méthodologie de recherche employée sont disponibles dans le rapport.

À propos du GMAC

Le GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) est une association qui regroupe les principales écoles supérieures de commerce du monde entier. Le GMAC effectue des recherches de premier plan, organise des conférences sectorielles, fournit des outils de recrutement et des évaluations pour le secteur des études supérieures en gestion, ainsi que des ressources, des événements et des services qui aident à accompagner les candidats tout au long de leur parcours dans l’enseignement supérieur. Détenu et géré par le GMAC, l’examen Graduate Management Admission Test™ (GMAT™) est l’évaluation la plus couramment utilisée dans les écoles supérieures de commerce.

Pour s’informer sur les programmes de MBA et de master en commerce, entrer en contact avec des écoles du monde entier, se préparer et s’inscrire aux examens, et obtenir des conseils pour postuler avec succès aux programmes de MBA et de master en commerce, plus de 13 millions d’étudiants potentiels font confiance chaque année aux sites Internet du GMAC, et notamment mba.comBusinessBecause et GMAC Tours sont des filiales de GMAC, une organisation mondiale présente en Chine, en Inde, au Royaume–Uni et aux États–Unis.

Pour en savoir plus sur notre travail, veuillez consulter www.gmac.com

Contact médias :

Teresa Hsu
Responsable en chef, relations média
Téléphone : 202–390–4180
thsu@gmac.com  


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9260571)

2024 Business School Applications Skyrocket amidst Economic Uncertainty

RESTON, Va., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Across the globe, total applications to graduate business school programs in 2024 increased an impressive 12 percent from 2023 to 2024. This is a sharp reversal from the previous two consecutive years of declines, which followed a small pandemic related boost in 2020–2021, according to an annual survey released today by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). With cost consistently cited as a key barrier to an advanced management degree in GMAC’s perennial survey of prospective business school students, it is perhaps not surprising that this year’s upward–trending application volume coincides with business programs offering financial assistance to more members of their incoming classes in 2024.

A deeper dive into the data shows that the significant uptick in applications was mainly driven by renewed interest in full–time, in–person offerings, with nearly six out of 10 such programs reporting application growth. Full–time two–year and one–year MBA programs, for instance, saw the largest shares of schools reporting application growth in the past decade at 80 percent and 64 percent, respectively. Nearly three–quarters of accounting and management master’s programs also reported application growth. Interestingly, despite the increased interest in studying in–person, those with more flexibility also seem to be in high demand with 58 percent of online programs and 52 percent of hybrid programs reporting application growth, so did roughly two–thirds of online and flexible MBA programs.

“This year’s record growth in applications hints at a pendulum swing toward graduate business education, especially staple programs like full–time MBAs and accounting and management master’s degrees,” said Joy Jones, CEO of GMAC. “While the phenomenon could give proof to the countercyclical trend long observed between interest in graduate business school and the strength of the economy, I would give much credit to global business schools and their tremendous efforts to continue innovating with new technologies, new delivery tactics, and new ways of operating that satisfy the latest interests and needs of students and their future employers.”

Shifts in domestic and international applications dictate the growth.

The increase in total applications can also be attributed to an outsized increase in domestic applications, which are made from candidates with the same country of citizenship as the program. Most MBA programs regardless of delivery format benefited from rising domestic applications compared to international ones. Similarly, all surveyed business master’s programs experienced a 30–percent increase in domestic applications, but dips in international applications to programs more reliant on international talent—like business analytics—seemed to have offset the growth.

Geographically, the United States remains a top study destination for international talent, with an overwhelming majority of prospective students signaling the upcoming presidential election will not adversely impact their study plans as in previous election cycles, according to a recent global study published by GMAC. At the same time, domestic applications also drove up demand for graduate business education in the U.S., Asia, and Europe—except for the United Kingdom, which witnessed a 45–percent drop in domestic applications and a 12–point dip in international applications.     

“There is no doubt that high–quality educational offerings are increasing in major markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America, giving candidates historically inclined to studying abroad more options and opportunities at home,” said François Ortalo–Magné, Professor of Management Practice and Executive Dean (External Relations) at London Business School and a GMAC board member. “In this context it is critical for business schools to encourage regional and international mobility and build diverse, multicultural cohorts on campus, knowing that it brings tremendous educational benefits in our classroom, future boardroom, and beyond.”

Rising applications from women candidates give hope to trends towards the right direction.

Women’s applications to graduate business programs have consistently hovered around 40 percent over the past 10 years. This year’s data show some bright spots with a small shift upward to 42 percent. Also, 55 percent of programs reported growth in applications from women, a 10–percentage point jump from last year and the second–largest share of programs reporting increasing applications from women over the past decade—next only to the pandemic boom in 2020. Specifically, MBAs were most likely to see a surge of female applicants, with 70 percent of flex MBA and roughly two–thirds of full–time MBA programs experiencing such growth.

“I’m excited to see this kind of growth in applications from women. I believe in the value of business education and the doors it opens for people, particularly women. As more women invest in themselves through business education, the healthier the pipeline becomes for business leadership, and the more likely we are to close the gender gap,” said Elissa Sangster, CEO of Forté, a long–time GMAC partner organization aiming to build women leadership in business.

About the Survey

GMAC’s Applications Trends Survey is the largest and most widely cited survey of its kind, serving as the definitive resource for business school admissions and program leaders to gain insight into the rapidly shifting demand for graduate management programs. The 2024 survey collected data on applications received by graduate management programs for the 2024–2025 academic year. Between June and August, 1,090 programs in 297 business schools across 40 countries around the world provided responses. More details about this year’s participating programs and research methodology can be found in the report.

About GMAC

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is a mission–driven association of leading graduate business schools worldwide. GMAC provides world–class research, industry conferences, recruiting tools, and assessments for the graduate management education industry as well as resources, events, and services that help guide candidates through their higher education journey. Owned and administered by GMAC, the Graduate Management Admission Test™ (GMAT™) exam is the most widely used graduate business school assessment.

More than 13 million prospective students a year trust GMAC’s websites, including mba.com, to learn about MBA and business master’s programs, connect with schools around the world, prepare and register for exams and get advice on successfully applying to MBA and business master’s programs. BusinessBecause and GMAC Tours are subsidiaries of GMAC, a global organization with offices in China, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

To learn more about our work, please visit www.gmac.com

Media Contact:

Teresa Hsu
Sr. Manager, Media Relations
Mobile: 202–390–4180
thsu@gmac.com


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9260569)

Bewerbungen für Wirtschaftshochschulen steigen 2024 bei wirtschaftlicher Ungewissheit sprunghaft an

RESTON, Virginia, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Weltweit ist die Zahl der Bewerbungen um einen Studienplatz an einer Wirtschaftshochschule im Jahr 2024 gegenüber dem Jahr 2023 um beeindruckende 12 Prozent gestiegen. Dies ist eine deutliche Kehrtwende gegenüber den beiden vorangegangenen Jahren mit Rückgängen, die auf einen kleinen pandemiebedingten Aufschwung in den Jahren 2020–2021 folgten. Das geht aus einer heute veröffentlichten jährlichen Umfrage des Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) hervor. Da die Kosten in der mehrjährigen GMAC–Umfrage unter angehenden Wirtschaftsstudenten immer wieder als Haupthindernis für ein fortgeschrittenes Managementstudium genannt werden, ist es vielleicht nicht überraschend, dass der diesjährige Aufwärtstrend bei den Bewerbungen mit der Tatsache zusammenfällt, dass die Wirtschaftsprogramme mehr Mitgliedern ihrer neuen Jahrgänge im Jahr 2024 finanzielle Unterstützung anbieten.

Ein genauerer Blick auf die Daten zeigt, dass der deutliche Anstieg der Bewerbungen vor allem auf das erneute Interesse an persönlichen Vollzeitangeboten zurückzuführen ist: Fast sechs von zehn dieser Studiengänge meldeten einen Anstieg von Bewerbungen. Zweijährige und einjährige Vollzeit–MBA–Programme verzeichneten beispielsweise mit 80 Prozent bzw. 64 Prozent den größten Anteil an Schulen, die in den letzten zehn Jahren von einen Anstieg der Bewerbungen berichteten. Fast drei Viertel der Masterstudiengänge in Rechnungswesen und Management meldeten ebenfalls einen Anstieg der Bewerbungen. Interessanterweise scheinen trotz des gestiegenen Interesses an einem Präsenzstudium auch die flexibleren Programme sehr gefragt zu sein: 58 Prozent der Online–Programme und 52 Prozent der Hybrid–Programme berichteten von einem Anstieg der Bewerbungen, ebenso wie etwa zwei Drittel der Online– und flexiblen MBA–Programme.

„Der diesjährige Rekordzuwachs bei den Bewerbungen deutet darauf hin, dass das Pendel in Richtung Graduate Business Education schwingt, insbesondere in Richtung von Vollzeit–MBAs und Master–Abschlüssen in Rechnungswesen und Management“, so Joy Jones, CEO von GMAC. „Während dieses Phänomen ein Beweis für den seit langem beobachteten antizyklischen Trend zwischen dem Interesse an Wirtschaftshochschulen und der Stärke der Wirtschaft sein könnte, würde ich den globalen Wirtschaftshochschulen und ihren enormen Anstrengungen zur kontinuierlichen Innovation mit neuen Technologien, neuen Vermittlungstaktiken und neuen Arbeitsweisen, die den aktuellen Interessen und Bedürfnissen der Studenten und ihrer zukünftigen Arbeitgeber entsprechen, viel Anerkennung zollen.”

Das Wachstum wird von Verschiebungen bei nationalen und internationalen Bewerbungen diktiert.

Der Anstieg der Gesamtzahl der Bewerbungen ist auch auf eine überproportionale Zunahme der inländischen Bewerbungen zurückzuführen, d. h. der Bewerbungen von Kandidaten, die aus demselben Land wie das Programm kommen. Die meisten MBA–Programme, unabhängig vom Durchführungsformat, profitierten von der Zunahme der inländischen Bewerbungen im Vergleich zu den internationalen Bewerbungen. In ähnlicher Weise verzeichneten alle untersuchten betriebswirtschaftlichen Masterstudiengänge einen 30–prozentigen Anstieg der inländischen Bewerbungen, aber Rückgänge bei den internationalen Bewerbungen für Studiengänge, die mehr auf internationale Talente angewiesen sind – wie z. B. Wirtschaftsanalytik – schienen das Wachstum auszugleichen.

Geografisch gesehen sind die Vereinigten Staaten nach wie vor ein Top–Studienziel für internationale Studierende, wobei eine überwältigende Mehrheit der Studieninteressierten signalisiert, dass die bevorstehenden Präsidentschaftswahlen ihre Studienpläne nicht wie in früheren Wahlzyklen negativ beeinflussen werden, so eine kürzlich von GMAC veröffentlichte globale Studie. Gleichzeitig trieben inländische Bewerbungen die Nachfrage nach betriebswirtschaftlichen Studiengängen in den USA, Asien und Europa in die Höhe – mit Ausnahme des Vereinigten Königreichs, das einen Rückgang der inländischen Bewerbungen um 45 Prozent und einen Rückgang der internationalen Bewerbungen um 12 Prozentpunkte verzeichnete.     

„Es besteht kein Zweifel daran, dass qualitativ hochwertige Bildungsangebote in den wichtigsten Märkten Asiens, Afrikas und Lateinamerikas zunehmen, wodurch Bewerbern, die traditionell zu einem Studium im Ausland neigen, mehr Möglichkeiten und Chancen im eigenen Land geboten werden“, sagte François Ortalo–Magné, Professor für Managementpraxis und Executive Dean (External Relations) an der London Business School und Vorstandsmitglied von GMAC. „In diesem Zusammenhang ist es für Wirtschaftshochschulen von entscheidender Bedeutung, die regionale und internationale Mobilität zu fördern und vielfältige, multikulturelle Gruppen auf dem Campus zu bilden, da sie wissen, dass dies enorme pädagogische Vorteile in unseren Klassenzimmern, in den zukünftigen Vorstandsetagen und darüber hinaus bringt.“

Die zunehmenden Bewerbungen von Frauen geben Anlass zur Hoffnung, dass der Trend in die richtige Richtung geht.

Der Anteil an weiblichen Bewerbern für Wirtschaftsstudiengänge lag in den letzten 10 Jahren konstant bei 40 Prozent. Die diesjährigen Daten zeigen einige Lichtblicke mit einer kleinen Verschiebung nach oben auf 42 Prozent. Außerdem meldeten 55 Prozent der Programme einen Anstieg der Bewerbungen von Frauen, was einen Sprung von 10 Prozentpunkten gegenüber dem Vorjahr bedeutet und den zweitgrößten Anteil an Programmen darstellt, die in den letzten zehn Jahren einen Anstieg von weiblichen Bewerbern meldeten – nur übertroffen vom Pandemie–Boom im Jahr 2020. Insbesondere bei den MBA–Programmen war ein Anstieg der weiblichen Bewerber am wahrscheinlichsten: 70 Prozent der Flex–MBA–Programme und etwa zwei Drittel der Vollzeit–MBA–Programme verzeichneten einen solchen Zuwachs.

„Ich bin begeistert, dass die Zahl der Bewerbungen von Frauen so stark gestiegen ist. Ich glaube an den Wert einer betriebswirtschaftlichen Ausbildung und an die Türen, die sie den Menschen, insbesondere den Frauen, öffnet. Je mehr Frauen durch eine betriebswirtschaftliche Ausbildung in sich selbst investieren, desto gesünder wird die Pipeline für Führungspositionen in der Wirtschaft und desto wahrscheinlicher ist es, dass wir die Kluft zwischen den Geschlechtern schließen“, sagte Elissa Sangster, CEO von Forté, einer langjährigen GMAC–Partnerorganisation, die sich für den Aufbau weiblicher Führungskräfte in der Wirtschaft einsetzt.

Über die Umfrage

GMACs Bewerbungstrends–Umfrage ist die größte und am häufigsten zitierte Umfrage ihrer Art und dient als maßgebliche Quelle für Zulassungsbeauftragte von Wirtschaftshochschulen und Programmleiter, um einen Einblick in die sich schnell verändernde Nachfrage nach Managementprogrammen zu erhalten. Im Rahmen der Umfrage 2024 wurden Daten zu den Bewerbungen erhoben, die für das akademische Jahr 2024–2025 bei den Graduiertenprogrammen für Management eingegangen sind. Zwischen Juni und August haben 1.090 Programme an 297 Wirtschaftshochschulen in 40 Ländern weltweit geantwortet. Weitere Einzelheiten über die diesjährigen teilnehmenden Programme und die Forschungsmethodik finden Sie im Bericht.

Über den GMAC

Der Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) ist ein zielorientierter Verband führender Wirtschaftshochschulen mit postgradualen Studiengängen auf der ganzen Welt. Der GMAC bietet erstklassige Forschung, Branchenkonferenzen, Rekrutierungstools und Bewertungen für Akteure im Bereich der postgradualen Managementausbildung sowie Ressourcen, Veranstaltungen und Dienstleistungen, die Kandidatinnen und Kandidaten auf ihrem Weg durch die Hochschulausbildung unterstützen. Der Graduate Management Admission Test™ (GMAT™), der vom GMAC entwickelt und durchgeführt wird, ist die am weitesten verbreitete Prüfung für Wirtschaftshochschulen.

Mehr als 13 Millionen Studieninteressierte vertrauen jährlich auf die GMAC–Webseiten, darunter mba.com, um sich über MBA– und Business–Master–Programme zu informieren, Kontakte zu Schulen auf der ganzen Welt zu knüpfen, sich auf Prüfungen vorzubereiten und anzumelden und Ratschläge für eine erfolgreiche Bewerbung für MBA– und Business–Master–Programme zu erhalten. BusinessBecause und GMAC Tours sind Tochtergesellschaften von GMAC, einer globalen Organisation mit Niederlassungen in China, Indien, dem Vereinigten Königreich und den Vereinigten Staaten.

Um mehr über unsere Arbeit zu erfahren, besuchen Sie bitte www.gmac.com

Medienkontakt:

Teresa Hsu
Sr. Manager, Media Relations
Mobil: 202–390–4180
thsu@gmac.com  


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9260571)

EBC Financial Group and the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics Announce WERD Episode on Macroeconomics and Climate

OXFORD, United Kingdom, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EBC Financial Group (EBC) is proud to announce its continued collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics for the 2024–2025 edition of the acclaimed “What Economists Really Do” (WERD) webinar series. The upcoming event will be the first WERD event to feature a dedicated panel discussion session in a hybrid setting, titled “Sustaining Sustainability: Balancing Economic Growth and Climate Resilience”. It also marks the second collaboration between EBC and the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics this year, following an earlier success in March. EBC’s ongoing collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics builds on the success of their previous WERD webinar, which focused on The Economics of Tax Evasion. That session explored the impact of tax evasion on both global and local economies, highlighting the importance of financial literacy in addressing complex economic issues.

The hybrid event will take place on 14 November 2024 at the Sir Michael Dummett Lecture Theatre, Christ Church College, and will bring together prominent thought leaders to discuss the intersection of economic policies and environmental sustainability.

As global climate challenges intensify, this event comes at a critical time when the financial sector’s role in fostering sustainable development is under increased scrutiny. In today’s economic landscape, aligning financial strategies with environmental stewardship is essential. Through sponsoring this upcoming WERD episode, EBC will shift its focus toward addressing the pressing issues of climate resilience and sustainable economic growth. The panel discussion will explore how macroeconomic policies can help address some of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges while ensuring economic stability. This timely dialogue underscores EBC’s commitment to fostering discussions on how financial markets can lead the charge in sustainability.

David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing collaboration: “We are excited to partner once more with the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics for the second episode of the ‘What Economists Really Do’ webinar series for the 2024–2025 edition. This collaboration embodies our commitment to advancing academic research and addressing the pressing issue of climate change through macroeconomic perspectives. At EBC Financial Group, we believe in the power of strategic partnerships to drive meaningful change, and we are proud to support such an esteemed partner in a collective mission to shape a more sustainable future.”

Banu Demir Pakel, session moderator and the Associate Head of External Engagement and Associate Professor of Economics, added: “We are pleased to welcome EBC Financial Group back to sponsor another special episode of ‘What Economists Really Do’ (WERD). In the previous WERD episode, we welcomed David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd to discuss ‘The Economics of Tax Evasion’—proving how invaluable industry insights can be to an academic discussion. On the basis of this success, we are looking forward to hosting a larger hybrid panel event with further guests from the industry, plus a keynote lecture from Professor Andrea Chiavari on the topic of ‘Macroeconomics and Climate.’ The Department of Economics is proud to facilitate thought–leadership discussions between academia and industry, and we are grateful for EBC’s ongoing support. We look forward to a prosperous event.”

The University of Oxford’s Department of Economics is globally celebrated for its rigorous academic research and significant contributions to economic policy. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how macroeconomic principles can align with sustainable growth objectives, informed by perspectives from both academia and the financial sector. With discussions that bridge the gap between theory and practice, this event will provide a forward–looking view of how economic policies can uplift environmental resilience and ensure global economic stability. Participants will also hear from industry leaders about the practical steps businesses and institutions can and are taking to achieve sustainable growth.

Embracing a Broader Vision of Sustainable Development
EBC Financial Group’s support for this initiative comes at a time of strategic global expansion. With a growing presence in key financial hubs such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, and Sydney, as well as emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, and India, EBC is committed to empowering local markets with financial solutions that are both robust and sustainable. By engaging with leading academic institutions like the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics, EBC aims to strengthen its role as a catalyst for positive change in regions that are traditionally underserved by major financial institutions.

The proceeds from this year's WERD event will support the Department and its goal to produce leading research and world–class education. Registration for the event is now open, offering both in–person and online access to accommodate a global audience. To reserve your spot, please visit this link.

About EBC Financial Group
Founded in the esteemed financial district of London, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its comprehensive suite of services that includes financial brokerage, asset management, and comprehensive investment solutions. EBC has quickly established its position as a global brokerage firm, with an extensive presence in key financial hubs such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, the Cayman Islands, and across emerging markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and India. EBC caters to a diverse clientele of retail, professional, and institutional investors worldwide.

Recognised by multiple awards, EBC prides itself on adhering to the leading levels of ethical standards and international regulation. EBC Financial Group's subsidiaries are regulated and licensed in their local jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia's Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

At the core of EBC Group are seasoned professionals with over 30 years of profound experience in major financial institutions, having adeptly navigated through significant economic cycles from the Plaza Accord to the 2015 Swiss franc crisis. EBC champions a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor engagement is treated with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

EBC is the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona, offering specialised services in regions such as Asia, LATAM, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. EBC is also a partner of United to Beat Malaria, a campaign of the United Nations Foundation, aiming to improve global health outcomes. Starting February 2024, EBC supports the 'What Economists Really Do' public engagement series by Oxford University's Department of Economics, demystifying economics, and its application to major societal challenges to enhance public understanding and dialogue.

https://www.ebc.com/

Media Contact:

Savitha Ravindran
Global Public Relations Manager (EMEA, LATAM)
savitha.ravindran@ebc.com  

Chyna Elvina
Global Public Relations Manager (APAC, LATAM)
chyna.elvina@ebc.com

Douglas Chew
Global Public Relations Lead
douglas.chew@ebc.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aaaa905a–4c02–44a0–bf7d–b8be3dec4b36


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9260690)

Panopto Adds Generative AI Text-to-Video Creation Capabilities Through Its Acquisition of Elai

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Panopto, the global leader in AI–powered video creation and management solutions, announced its acquisition of Elai, a revolutionary AI text–to–video platform that quickly generates engaging video content for learning with on–screen interactive playback, easy–to–use creator studio tools, and advanced avatar–based learning capabilities, including custom avatars and voice cloning options. With the addition of Elai’s AI video creation solution, the Panopto platform is the only secure video solution capable of supporting the full video learning lifecycle from creation and management to sharing and measuring impact.

Founded in 2021 and based in Lewes, Delaware, Elai serves more than 2,000 global customers in a variety of industries, ranging from manufacturers of personal care products, medical equipment and industrial machinery to software companies, hospitals and universities. Elai’s guided storyboard scriptwriting, custom avatar–building, and personal design features, powered by text–to–video AI, support the creation of accessible learning content, helping organizations and institutions create more equitable learning experiences.

Through this acquisition, Panopto addresses the growing challenges faced by learning experience designers and content creators, who are under pressure to produce engaging, personalized, and interactive content faster than ever. Traditional content creation is time–consuming, while modern learners demand immediacy and relevance, often leaving materials outdated before they can be fully utilized.

With the power of generative AI, Panopto revolutionizes content creation by improving speed, efficiency, and quality. Now, with lifelike avatars delivering scripts in any language, integrated quizzes, interactivity and branching options, instructors and subject matter experts can create dynamic learning experiences quickly. Panopto's smart chaptering and intelligent search features ensure that these innovative, personalized materials reach the right learners exactly when needed.

“Generative AI transforms how enterprise organizations work and learn, operationalize teams, innovate processes, and engage with their employees. With traditional training methods, creating learning content at scale can be cumbersome and costly,” said Jason Beam, CEO at Panopto. “With the capabilities of Elai added to the Panopto platform, we’re equipping our customers with a complete solution to create, deliver and personalize the video learning journey.”

“Elai is excited to join forces with Panopto and continue our mission to support agile training models that meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving future,” said Vitalii Romanchenko, CEO and Founder at Elai. “Engaging content is foundational to learning and Panopto shares our vision of user–friendly AI innovation that simplifies content creation and inspires users across all organizations to turn bright ideas into learning content worth sharing.”

“Workforces are getting smarter, especially with new technologies that optimize the delivery of scalable training, like AI–generative content,” said Jim Lundy, Aragon Research CEO and Founder. “Platforms like Panopto, with their recent acquisition of Elai and integrated video learning capabilities, provide a range of options for organizations seeking to create and deliver training content. While these advancements offer potential benefits in terms of efficiency and scalability, it's important for business leaders to carefully evaluate their specific needs and consider the full range of available solutions.”

About Panopto
Panopto is the leading AI–powered video learning platform for organizations of all sizes, from modern workforces to college campuses. With fully integrated generative AI creator tools and publishing and engagement features, Panopto transforms ideas, lectures, training, and events into on–demand and accessible learning experiences, empowering organizations to design a smarter future of working and learning with video. To learn more, visit Panopto.com.

About Elai
Elai enables enterprises and institutions to create high–quality video content quickly and efficiently, revolutionizing traditional video production. An AI–powered text–to–video platform that offers interactive playback, intuitive creator tools, and advanced avatar–based learning, including custom avatars and voice cloning – Elai is a game–changer for organizations that prioritize learning. For more, visit Elai.io.

Contact:
Rebecca Reese
Panopto@meetkickstand.com
(603) 305–4155

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f2febcb2–58e3–42c9–a112–6124b210f211


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9260525)

Exclusive Markets’ Mr. Lambros Lambrou Honoured with ‘Top 50 Financial Markets CEO Awards 2024’ in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Exclusive Markets proudly announces that Mr. Lambros Lambrou, CEO of the esteemed organization, has been awarded the prestigiousTop 50 Financial Markets CEO Awards’ at the Middle East Financial Markets Awards Ceremony Dubai 2024 – 2nd Edition. This award is not only a testament to his exceptional leadership, visionary approach, and significant contributions to the financial sector but also highlights his dedication to excellence and his role in driving the success and growth of Exclusive Markets.

Lambros Lambrou leads Exclusive Markets, guiding the firm through dynamic market landscapes and ensuring sustained growth. His strategic vision has been instrumental in positioning Exclusive Markets as one of the top players in the global trading sector. Under his leadership, the firm has expanded its portfolio and consistently delivered exceptional value to its clients.

On receiving the award, Lambros Lambrou expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying, “I am deeply honoured. It reflects the collective efforts of the entire team at Exclusive Markets. Together, we have strived to create an environment that fosters innovation, integrity, and excellence. This award inspires us to continue our journey towards setting new standards in the industry.”

This marks the relentless commitment to excellence of Lambros Lambrou. His innovative strategies and client centric approach have set new benchmarks in the industry. The leadership in Exclusive Markets is characterized by a deep understanding of market dynamics, a keen eye for emerging trends, and a passion for nurturing talent within the organization.

About Exclusive Markets

Exclusive Markets is committed to delivering a robust, secure, and transparent platform for investors in various financial instruments. With a strong emphasis on advanced technology and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Certification from MSECB, Exclusive Markets provides traders with an outstanding platform that seamlessly blends advanced features with user–friendly interfaces.

Traders can explore a diverse selection of trading instruments, including CFD stocks, commodities, currencies, and spot metals. The company's expert team is dedicated to meeting the evolving demands of clients by broadening the array of products and services, enabling traders to invest according to their unique preferences.

Risk Warning: Trading involves risk.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25d6ff93–af6f–4d51–b584–4e27a0ed10ed


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9260285)

With God on Our Side: Netanyahu, Trump, and Putin

By Jan Lundius
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct 23 2024 – Bronisław Malinowski (1884 – 1942) did for several years conduct socio-anthropological research in the Trobriand Islands. Returning to England after World War I, he wrote several ground breaking books, among them Magic, Science, and Religion in which he assumed that people’s feelings and motives are crucial for understanding the way their society functions. Malinowski considered society to be intimately interlinked with individuality – i.e. an individual’s ideas and behaviour are created and formulated within the social circles s/he lives and vice versa. Consequently, an individual’s personality might influence an entire society, depending on the leading role s/he is granted.

Malinowski found that whenever Trobriand islanders planned to sail into turbulent ocean waters, they performed complicated rituals, but when they planned to sail in the calm waters of a lagoon, they did not perform any ceremonies at all. Accordingly, he came to the conclusion that people become more interested in magic and religion whenever they face a stressful situation:

    Magic is to be expected whenever man comes to an unbridgeable gap in his knowledge, or in his powers of practical control, and yet has to continue in his pursuit. Religion is not born out of speculation or reflection, still less of illusion or misapprehension, but rather out of the real tragedies of human life, out of the conflict between human plans and realities.

What about our political leaders, are they confiding in religion and magic? Probably yes and no, though it cannot be denied that several of them make use of people’s fears and religious leanings. When Netanyahu on 27 September spoke to the United Nations General Assembly, he defined the UN as a

    swamp of antisemitic bile, there’s an automatic majority willing to demonize the Jewish state for anything. In this anti-Israel flat-earth society, any false charge, any outlandish allegation can muster a majority.

This in spite of the fact that much of this rancour is based on Israel’s refusal to give up support to, and expansion of Jewish settlements, deemed illegal under international law, on Palestinian sovereign territory.

The Israeli Prime Minister quoted the Bible: “Blessed be the Lord, my Rock and my great strength, who trains my hand for war and my fingers for battle [Psalm 144]”, and stated that Israel accordingly would achieve “total victory in the war” and in accordance with the Book of Samuel: “The eternity of Israel will not falter”.

Netanyahu’s anger might be excused due to Hamas’ 7 October breaching of the Gaza-Israel Barrier and killing of 1,139 people, including 695 civilians, among them 38 children. Women were violated and hostages taken. The aftermath was terrible, when the Israeli Army in its hunt for Hamas is continuously destroying Gaza’s infrastructure, indiscriminately putting a whole population in danger and misery and has so far killed more than 43,000 individuals, among them 11,300 children less than five years old.

After Hamas deplorable attack Netanyahu did of course condemn it, but he went further than that by stating that Israel would deal with Hamas in a manner that would affect an entire population, i.e. the Palestinians of Gaza. By doing so he used the Bible declaring that: “You must remember what Amalek has done to you, says our Holy Bible. And we do remember.” What did God declare about the Amalekites?

    “I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys (1 Samuel: 15-16).”

Is Netanyahu religious? I don’t think so. He picks some detail from the Scriptures and uses it for his own political reasons. He is not applying any of the strict Jewish rules, wears the kippah and recites prayers only when his job demands so. He doesn’t show up at synagogue services with any regularity and is known to work on the Shabbat. However, applying religion to politics is something entirely different from being religious, and this is something Netanyahu has in common with another demagogue, namely Donald Trump. I am quite sure that Trump’s Bible knowledge is almost non-existent, but this does not hinder him from hawking his God Bless the USA Bible for 60 USD, in support of his campaign (it’s printed in China). Like his Israeli counterpart Trump acts like a Doomsday prophet while depicting a grim world on the edge of a catastrophe. According to Trump, to avoid an economic collapse, or even a destructive World War, people have to vote for him. Like his American friend, who relies on votes of duped born-again Christians, Netanyahu depends on ultra-Orthodox Jews.

During his years in the US, where he went to school and university, became a business man and Isarel’s UN ambassador, Netanyahu did besides befriending Donald Trump’s father Fred, meet with Rebbe Menachen M. Schneerson (1902-1994), whom he on several occasions has referred to as “the most influential man of our time”.

Schneerson inherited the leadership of a small Hasidic group, almost annihilated during the Holocaust, and turned it into one of the most influential, global movements in religious Jewry. His writings fill more than 400 volumes. After fleeing pogroms in Ukraine, Schneerson lived in New York. He never visited Israel, though Israeli leaders like Sharon, Rabin, Peres, and not the least Netanyahu, visited him and sought his advice. Many of Schneerson’s adherents believe he was the Messiah.

Schneerson’s ideas can be easily discerned in Netanyahu’s policies and speeches. For example, when Netanyahu became UN ambassador Schneerson advised him:

    There is an assembly hall there that has eternal falsehood, utter darkness. Remember that in a hall of perfect darkness, totally dark, if you light one small candle, its light will be seen from afar. Its precious light will be seen by everyone. Your mission is to light a candle for truth and the Jewish people.

Schneerson constantly hailed the Israeli Army as a God chosen medium through which He would send deliverance to the Jewish people and like Netanyahu he was a stout adversary to surrender any of the “liberated territories”, i.e. The West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. Schneerson stated that the Jewish settlements in occupied territory were “blessed cities” and had to be walled not only in a physical sense, but as a “spiritual” protection. Accordingly, Schneerson was, like Netanyahu, against the peace agreement with the Palestinians and a two-state solution.

Another warmonger claiming religious motivations for his belligerent acts is Vladimir Putin. Like other xenophobes he uses “culture” as a means to unify his acolytes. He has joined forces with a conservative Russian, religious elite to support the narrative of a Russia chosen to defend a specific brand of culture and religion. The Russian Orthodox Church is mobilised as a crucial part of Putin’s policy, to create a common sense of “Spiritual Security”.

Putin has been able to cultivate an enigmatic public persona – a hard and strong man. An image giving birth to rumours, legends and myths around him. Accordingly, it is hard to find proof of his personal, religious convictions, but there are several signs that he might at least be a superstitious man.

Putin has declared himself to be a deeply religious man. He carries on him a baptismal cross given to him by his mother and blessed by Jesus’ tomb in Jerusalem. Relatively early in his presidency, Putin spoke openly about his Russian Orthodox faith and formed a close bond with certain members of the clergy, among them Archimandrite Tikhon, for several years Father Superior of Sretensky monastery and now acting as Metropolitan in the Diocese of Simferopol and Crimea. Tikhon, whose secular name is Georgiy Shevkunov, is rumoured to be Putin’s personal confessor (духовник) and spiritual advisor. Both men have neither confirmed nor denied this, though it is generally known that Putin on his national and international trips often is accompanied by Father Tikhon, though Putin’s travels abroad has now become extremely rare due to an International Criminal Court’s warrant for his arrest as war criminal.

Father Tikhon, who studied film and literature before becoming a priest, has written several books imbued with an ultra-conservative conviction about Russia’s ingrained spirituality, as well as beliefs in faith healing. He is believed to be a spiritual healer himself. Some regime critics compare Tikhon to with the notorious mystic and faith healer Gregori Rasputin, said to have had a disastrous influence on the household of the last Tsar.

As part of his religious, nationalistic persona, Putin has made several highly publicised visits to the legendary Valaam Monastery on an island in Lake Ladoga, where he among other acts has immersed himself in icy water as part of an ancient Orthodox Epiphany ritual. A deed reminding of his Siberian immersions in deer blood and bare-chested rides. These stunts took place in Tuva, home of Putin’s friend and former Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu. This year he once again visited Tuva, in connection with his first and only visit to a foreign country, neighbouring Mongolia. Sources close to Kremlin claimed that Putin’s third visit to Mongolia in a decade and his many travels to Tuva might be related to his specific attitude to Russian Orthodox mysticism and its connection to Shamanistic traditions. Mongolia and Tuva are considered to be home of the World’s most powerful shamans. Together with Sergei Shoigu, Putin is known to have participated in Shamanistic rituals.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, shamanism has experienced a revival. Similar to several influential church elders, many newly converted shamans have close ties to the authorities, so they may say not only what the spirits whisper to them, but what the officials want to hear. Shamanism is a religious practice that generally means that a shaman through a self-induced trance interacts with the “spirit world”, directing spiritual energies into the physical world and thus becomes able to heal ailments and predict the future. Putin is assumed to meet with shamans to become energised and seek spiritual advice about how to behave, in particular in connection with the war in Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war, invocations and spells have multiplied in the regions of Buryatia, Tuva, Irkutsk and Altai where shamanism is widespread. And according to their own account, there are currently 17 shamans participating in Ukrainian war actions.

As everything connected with Putin rumours are hard to confirm. However, there is no doubt that he, Netanyahu and Trump make use of religion for their own benefit and it is possible that they like Malinowski’s Trobriands are seeking spiritual protection when they venture out into stormy waters. At least they use religion to seduce their followers and in the case of Putin and Netanyahu to find support for their belligerent acts.

Main sources: Pfeffer, Anshel (2018) Bibi: The Turbulent Life and Times of Benjamin Netanyahu. New York: Basic Books and Zygar, Mikhail (2024) ”Gerüchte in Moskau lässt sich Putin von Schamanen für den Krige beraten?” Der Spiegel, 14 September.

IPS UN Bureau

 


!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?’http’:’https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+’://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js’;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, ‘script’, ‘twitter-wjs’);