Gukesh Becomes Youngest Chess World Champion

Gukesh, demonstrating remarkable determination, has achieved his lifelong aspiration by becoming the youngest world chess champion.

SINGAPORE, December 12, 2024 — Indian prodigy Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju has attained the status of the 18th undisputed world champion following the unexpected collapse of Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren (32) in game 14 of the 2024 FIDE World Championship. Gukesh emerged victorious with a score of 7.5 to 6.5, despite Ding having what appeared to be a risk-free opportunity to secure a win. Instead, Ding opted to liquidate into a pawn-down endgame. This position should have resulted in a draw; however, due to mounting pressure, Ding made a critical blunder.

Building on the remarkable legacy of the legendary Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh has become only the second Indian to win the prestigious title. He follows in the footsteps of the iconic player, who held the crown five times throughout his career.

Anand has played a vital role in shaping Gukesh’s chess skills at his renowned chess academy in Chennai. He has offered guidance, support, and valuable insights that have greatly influenced Gukesh’s development as a young player.

University of Toronto Tops QS World Sustainability Rankings 2025

QS Quacquarelli Symonds, experts in global higher education, released the third edition of the QS World Sustainability Rankings 2025, featuring over 1,740 universities from 107 locations.

The University of Toronto has been confirmed as the world’s top institution, followed by ETH Zurich in second place.

Professor Meric Gertler, President of the University of Toronto, stated, “We are thrilled that our university is once again ranked first in the QS Sustainability Rankings, reinforcing our commitment to leading the way toward a sustainable future.”

QS (Sustainability) Top 10

  1. University of Toronto, Canada
  2. ETH Zurich, Switzerland
  3. Lund University, Sweden
  4. University of California, Berkeley, USA
  5. UCL, UK
  6. University of British Columbia, Canada
  7. Imperial College London, UK
  8. The University of Edinburgh, UK
  9. The University of Manchester, UK
  10. The University of Melbourne, Australia

Seven African universities have been ranked within the top 500, with the University of Cape Town achieving the highest position in the region at 45th place. Cairo University is ranked 370th.

Australia is represented by 14 universities in the top 100, with the University of Melbourne holding steady at ninth place. The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is the sole Australian institution to have ascended in the rankings.

Six universities from four different countries are included in the top 100 within Asia. The University of Tokyo is the highest-ranked university at 44th. Mainland China has 114 ranked universities, with Fudan University being the foremost at 133rd. India follows with 78 ranked universities, led by the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, positioned at 171st.

The United States leads in institutional representation, with 239 ranked universities. The University of California, Berkeley, shares third place.

The United Kingdom has 26 universities in the top 100 globally and more top 10 universities than any other nation.

ETH Zurich ranks as the top European university, advancing to second overall.

The University of Toronto maintains its status as the world’s foremost university. Canada is distinguished by having two institutions within the top five, a higher count than any other nation or territory.

Despite holding the second-largest number of entries, no university from Mainland China appears in the top 100.

Swedish universities have made noteworthy advancements, with one institution rising from eighth to a joint third position, attributable to enhancements in Environmental Education.

New Zealand ranks all eight universities in the top 500, achieving the highest average score. The University of Auckland leads this group, ranking 17th globally.

Source: QS

UNESCO Report on Addressing Gender Violence in Universities

UNESCO is preparing to publish an extensive report that will critically examine the prevalence of gender-based violence within higher education institutions. This analysis aims to provide valuable insights and contribute to the ongoing efforts to address this critical issue.

The International Day for Eliminating Violence Against Women was observed globally on November 25, 2024.

Each year on November 25, the global community meets to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (VAW). This day is dedicated to raising awareness regarding this critical issue and serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges women and girls face worldwide. Additionally, it provides a platform for advocating for systemic change and mobilizing action to address and eliminate violence against women.

According to the United Nations, violence impacts women from all cultures, economic backgrounds, and age groups. It takes various forms, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking. Each of these types of violence causes harm to individuals, families, and entire communities. According to the World Health Organization, one in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives, often at the hands of an intimate partner.

The United Nations acknowledges that violence against women (VAW) is a violation of fundamental human rights and hinders social and economic development worldwide. To eliminate this issue, collective action is crucial, as emphasized by the observance of November 25. This day serves as a call for solidarity and coordinated efforts to end violence against women and girls, promoting a global movement towards a more just and equitable world for everyone.

The United Nations emphasizes that raising awareness is the first step in creating a world where everyone can live free from fear and harm. It is essential for individuals, communities, and institutions to comprehend the extent and impact of violence against women (VAW) and to actively challenge the social and cultural norms that support it.

According to UNESCO, higher education institutions (HEIs) are not exempt from incidents of violence against women (VAW). Such violence occurs within these environments, affecting students, staff, and faculty. It is crucial to comprehend the unique dynamics of VAW in HEIs to foster safer and more inclusive campuses for everyone.

Universities and academic institutions have a unique opportunity to raise awareness about violence against women (VAW), challenge harmful norms, and provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required for meaningful change. In addition to educating students and staff on VAW-related issues, higher education institutions can influence policy change by contributing necessary research. This, in turn, helps create a society where VAW is no longer tolerated.

UNESCO emphasizes the importance of involving higher education in addressing violence against women to create long-term, systemic solutions.

UNESCO will soon release a comprehensive report in support of ongoing efforts to combat violence against women (VAW). This report will examine the experiences of gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education institutions (HEIs) in selected countries. Its purpose is to provide a deeper understanding of the nature and scope of GBV within the unique context of higher education.

The survey results will highlight the specific challenges faced by the academic community and investigate the root causes of gender-based violence (GBV), the barriers to addressing it, and the existing frameworks designed to combat it. The final report, scheduled for publication next year, will provide data-driven insights essential for:
– Policymakers.
– Higher education institutions (HEIs).
– Activists.
– Communities working to address GBV in educational settings.

Source: UNESCO

Collegiate Cricket League Launches in the US

The Collegiate Cricket League (CCL) is bringing global cricket to colleges across the United States.

Bringing Colleges Together Across the Nation to Promote Cricket, with Support from USA Cricket and NCL.

DALLAS, TEXAS, December 5, 2024 — The Collegiate Cricket League (CCL) has proudly announced its official launch, positioning itself as the foremost organization dedicated to collegiate cricket across the United States. As a nonprofit entity, the CCL is set to revolutionize the landscape of college sports by bringing together cricket clubs from coast to coast. Its mission is to create exciting opportunities for student-athletes while establishing a clear pathway for those aspiring to play professional cricket.

With the exciting news that cricket will be included as an Olympic sport in 2028 and its status as the second most popular sport worldwide, the CCL is on a mission to embed cricket into the fabric of American college communities. By fostering a vibrant cricket culture on campuses, the CCL aims to elevate the sport and inspire a new generation of players and fans alike.

The CCL is proud to have the support of USA Cricket, the official governing body for cricket in the United States, which will serve as an essential affiliate partner in this ambitious endeavor. Furthermore, the CCL has partnered with the National Cricket League (NCL), renowned for its ties to international cricket legends. This illustrious roster includes icons such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sir Vivian Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, Haroon Lorgat, Wasim Akram, Zaheer Abbas, and Dilip Vengsarkar, all of whom have made significant contributions to the game and serve as inspirations in the cricketing world. Through these collaborations, the CCL is poised to cultivate a thriving cricket community that champions sportsmanship and excellence.

“College sports in America are unique, and the enthusiasm for cricket is extraordinary. Combining these two elements creates an exceptional synergy. The launch of a dynamic and visible college cricket competition like the Collegiate Cricket League (CCL) will significantly enhance the growth of our sport,” said USA Cricket CEO Johnathan Atkeison.

“Cricket can unite people and create opportunities unlike any other sport,” stated Arun Agarwal, Chairman of the National Cricket League. “The Collegiate Cricket League is making a transformative impact by introducing cricket to U.S. campuses in unprecedented ways. This initiative is not just about playing the game; it’s about building a movement that connects student-athletes, universities, and global fans.”

The inaugural season will begin in Spring 2025 and feature student cricket clubs from top universities across the United States and Canada. The participating institutions include:

  • The University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Rochester
  • University of Texas at Dallas
  • University of Michigan
  • Drexel University
  • University of Waterloo
  • Texas A&M University
  • West Virginia University
  • Rice University
  • University of Washington
  • University of Minnesota
  • University of Texas at Arlington
  • University of California, San Diego
  • UCLA
  • Georgetown University
  • George Washington University
  • DePaul University
  • University of Louisville
  • Arkansas State University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of Wisconsin

This diverse group of universities is set to bring exciting cricket action to students and fans alike.

More student clubs are expected to join in the coming months. These teams will compete in a dual-conference format, culminating in the inaugural CCL National Tournament, which boasts a $50,000 prize and the prestigious CCL Trophy.

Cricket boasts a fascinating and extensive history in the United States, stretching back nearly 320 years. The sport’s journey in the U.S. began with the first organized collegiate cricket match in 1864, which pitted the teams of Haverford College and the University of Pennsylvania against each other in a spirited competition. Despite cricket’s decline in popularity compared to other sports over the last century, the Collegiate Cricket League (CCL) is re-energizing the game by introducing an exciting modern format: a fast-paced 10-over (60-ball) match that unfolds in just 90 minutes.

This thrilling version of cricket has captivated audiences around the globe, drawing in new fans and rekindling interest across the United States. With the support of broadcasting partnerships through the National Cricket League (NCL), CCL games are set to reach billions of viewers worldwide. This expansive reach sparks fresh excitement for college cricket and enhances the visibility of the participating universities, allowing them to showcase their athletic programs on an international stage.

“Our vision is to bring cricket stadiums to every university campus, create scholarship opportunities for aspiring student-athletes, and transform cricket clubs into competitive varsity teams,” expressed Steven M. Smith, the Executive Director of the CCL. “As cricket has become an Olympic sport and ranks as the second most popular sport in the world, universities have a remarkable opportunity to enhance their international visibility and engage with a global community.”

Source: National Cricket League USA

Coca-Cola’s Role in India’s Retail Transformation

As India embarks on its journey to transform into a fully developed economy with an ambitious target of reaching $35 trillion by 2047, the non-alcoholic beverage sector emerges as a key pillar in this vision. This dynamic industry fuels economic growth by generating employment opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing value through its extensive and well-established retail networks. By implementing innovative strategies that prioritize consumer preferences and trends, this sector is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of India’s economy while meeting its population’s diverse tastes and needs.

Amid a rapidly evolving retail landscape, Coca-Cola India is making noteworthy strides to revitalize the country’s retail ecosystem. The Company is rolling out state-of-the-art cooling solutions that equip retailers across India, allowing them to serve refreshing beverages that quench thirst, even during the sweltering summer months.

Moreover, Coca-Cola understands the unique challenges faced by small and medium-sized retailers, so it has introduced the Super Power Retailer Program. This innovative initiative offers a holistic suite of resources and tools tailored to enhance consumers’ shopping experience while simultaneously fostering retailers’ growth and sustainability.

Coca-Cola India’s striking and vibrant coolers have swiftly established themselves as a prominent presence in retail outlets nationwide, significantly improving customer access to chilled beverages. These eye-catching coolers provide consumers with a refreshing experience, especially on hot days, and empower retailers to increase their sales revenue substantially.

Equipped with advanced inventory management features, these state-of-the-art coolers allow store owners to efficiently monitor and manage their stock levels in real-time, ensuring that popular products are always available. The coolers enhance product visibility, drawing in customers with an inviting display of Coca-Cola beverages and guaranteeing that every consumer has the opportunity to enjoy a perfectly chilled drink.

Coca-Cola India’s most cherished offerings are iconic drinks such as Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and Diet Coke, alongside regional favorites like Thums Up, vibrant Fanta, zesty Sprite, delicious Maaza, and the wholesome Honest Tea. To further diversify its selections, Coca-Cola provides premium hydration beverages like Smartwater and Bonaqua and elegant choices like Schweppes, appealing to those with a taste for luxury.

Coca-Cola also emphasizes positively impacting communities and the environment. Through initiatives aimed at water replenishment, recycling of packaging materials, and implementing sustainable practices, the Company strives to contribute to a healthier planet.

Transforming Cities: United Nations University’s New Hub at The City College of New York

The United Nations University has launched its first Hub in the U.S. at The City College of New York.

NEW YORK, November 23, 2024 — A new hub for the United Nations University (UNU) focused on Remote Sensing and Sustainable Innovations for Resilient Urban Systems (R-SIRUS) has been established at The City College of New York (CCNY). This announcement was made during a partnership agreement signing ceremony attended by CCNY President Vincent Boudreau and Tshilidzi Marwala, the rector of UNU and under-secretary-general of the United Nations.

Photo: UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala and CCNY President Vince Boudreau sign the official Memorandum of Understanding at a ceremony in Steinman Hall on November 5.

This Hub, in collaboration with the UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), will link City College of New York (CCNY) to UNU’s global research and educational initiatives. It aims to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhance international relations, and promote the advancement of sustainable cities.

The UNU Hub, the first in the U.S. and globally to focus on remote sensing and the sustainability challenges of complex urban systems, aims to enhance cities’ adaptability to climate-related issues. Its mission is to foster inclusivity and resilience in urban spaces. This Hub will build on the UN university’s strong science, technology, and urban innovation legacy, serving as a global model for resilient, inclusive, equitable, and sustainable urban development.

Establishing this Hub will foster a collaborative partnership between CCNY and UNU-INWEH, located in Toronto.

“New York City is a perfect location for a hub focused on sustainable urban transformation. This collaboration with CCNY demonstrates a strong commitment to utilizing science and technology to enhance the adaptability and resilience of cities,” said Marwala. “Our partnership with CCNY will benefit New York and support global efforts in urban sustainability through knowledge sharing and capacity building, especially for the Global South.”

The UNU Hub will unite interdisciplinary experts to develop solutions for extreme weather impacts, urban water and energy requirements, and social inequalities urban communities face. The UNU R-SIRUS Hub will focus on three main pillars: Research and Development, Education and Capacity Building, and Policy and Advocacy. These pillars connect scientific innovation with policy-making, delivering actionable solutions to urgent urban challenges.

“Our college has always prioritized the responsibility of public educational institutions to serve the public interest,” said Boudreau. “Over the years, we have made significant investments in remote sensing related to climate change in water and energy systems. This partnership allows us to allocate those resources in ways that will have the greatest public impact, and we are excited to collaborate with UNU on this important work.”

As the academic branch of the United Nations, the Tokyo-based United Nations University (UNU) has 13 institutes across 12 countries. UNU addresses various global development challenges through collaborative research and education. UNU-INWEH focuses on significant sustainability issues, tackling some of the most pressing problems related to water, the environment, and health worldwide.

Kaveh Madani, the Director of UNU-INWEH, highlighted the Hub’s potential to make a significant global impact. “This initiative demonstrates UNU’s dedication to tackling sustainability challenges,” he stated. “By merging UNU’s global perspective with CCNY’s localized expertise, the R-SIRUS Hub will serve as a model for other cities worldwide.”

R-SIRUS’s Policy, Advocacy, and Outreach pillar will work with New York City authorities and international stakeholders to create policies for equitable and sustainable urban transformation. Focusing on environmental justice in underserved communities, this initiative, led by Colin Powell School of Civic and Global Leadership experts, aims to translate scientific research into practical policies that enhance urban resilience and sustainability globally.

Since its establishment in 1847, The City College of New York has been committed to delivering high-quality and affordable education to generations of New Yorkers across a diverse array of disciplines. The institution recognizes its vital role in driving social change. Over 15,000 students are pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees across eight distinct schools and divisions, backed by significant research funding, creativity, and scholarship. In 2023, CCNY inaugurated its most extensive fundraising campaign, “Doing Remarkable Things Together.” This initiative aims to elevate the College’s Foundation assets to over $1 billion to support its educational mission. CCNY epitomizes the diversity, dynamism, and visionary spirit of New York City itself.

Source: The City College of New York

International Films Contending for the 97th Academy Awards

LOS ANGELES, CA, November 22, 2024 — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the feature films eligible for consideration in the Animated Feature Film, Documentary Feature Film, and International Feature Film categories for the 97th Academy Awards.

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

Thirty-one films are eligible for consideration in the Animated Feature Film category for the 97th Academy Awards.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM

One hundred sixty-nine features are eligible for consideration in the Documentary Feature Film category for the 97th Academy Awards.

INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

Eighty-five countries and regions have submitted films eligible for the International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.

An international feature film is a feature-length motion picture lasting more than 40 minutes that is produced outside the United States and has a predominantly non-English dialogue track, with more than 50% of the dialogue in languages other than English.

Academy members from all branches are invited to participate in the preliminary voting round. To be eligible to vote in this category, members must meet a minimum viewing requirement. The shortlist of 15 films will be announced on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Preliminary voting for the 97th Academy Awards will begin on Monday, December 9, 2024, and end on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Shortlists for the 97th Academy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Nominations for the 97th Academy Awards will be announced on Friday, January 17, 2025.

The 97th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

97TH ACADEMY AWARDS

FILMS ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM CATEGORY

Listed in alphabetical order by country or region

Albania, “Waterdrop”
Algeria, “Algiers”
Argentina, “Kill the Jockey”
Armenia, “Yasha and Leonid Brezhnev”
Austria, “The Devil’s Bath”
Bangladesh, “The Wrestler”
Belgium, “Julie Keeps Quiet”
Bolivia, “Own Hand”
Bosnia and Herzegovina, “My Late Summer”
Brazil, “I’m Still Here”
Bulgaria, “Triumph”
Cambodia, “Meeting with Pol Pot”
Cameroon, “Kismet”
Canada, “Universal Language”
Chile, “In Her Place”
Colombia, “La Suprema”
Costa Rica, “Memories of a Burning Body”
Croatia, “Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day”
Czech Republic, “Waves”
Denmark, “The Girl with the Needle”
Dominican Republic, “Aire Just Breathe”
Ecuador, “Behind the Mist”
Egypt, “Flight 404”
Estonia, “8 Views of Lake Biwa”
Finland, “Family Time”
France, “Emilia Pérez”
Georgia, “The Antique”
Germany, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig”
Greece, “Murderess”
Guatemala, “Rita”
Hong Kong, “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”
Hungary, “Semmelweis”
Iceland, “Touch”
India, “Lost Ladies”
Indonesia, “Women from Rote Island”
Iran, “In the Arms of the Tree”
Iraq, “Baghdad Messi”
Ireland, “Kneecap”
Israel, “Come Closer”
Italy, “Vermiglio”
Japan, “Cloud”
Kazakhstan, “Bauryna Salu”
Kenya, “Nawi”
Kyrgyzstan, “Paradise at Mother’s Feet”
Latvia, “Flow”
Lebanon, “Arzé”
Lithuania, “Drowning Dry”
Malaysia, “Abang Adik”
Malta, “Castillo”
Mexico, “Sujo”
Mongolia, “If Only I Could Hibernate”
Montenegro, “Supermarket”
Morocco, “Everybody Loves Touda”
Nepal, “Shambhala”
Netherlands, “Memory Lane”
Nigeria, “Mai Martaba”
Norway, “Armand”
Pakistan, “The Glassworker”
Palestine, “From Ground Zero”
Panama, “Wake Up Mom”
Paraguay, “The Last Ones”
Peru, “Yana-Wara”
Philippines, “And So It Begins”
Poland, “Under the Volcano”
Portugal, “Grand Tour”
Romania, “Three Kilometres to the End of the World”
Senegal, “Dahomey”
Serbia, “Russian Consul”
Singapore, “La Luna”
Slovakia, “The Hungarian Dressmaker”
Slovenia, “Family Therapy”
South Africa, “Old Righteous Blues”
South Korea, “12.12: The Day”
Spain, “Saturn Return”
Sweden, “The Last Journey”
Switzerland, “Queens”
Taiwan, “Old Fox”
Tajikistan, “Melody”
Thailand, “How to Make Millions before Grandma Dies”
Tunisia, “Take My Breath”
Turkey, “Life”
Ukraine, “La Palisiada”
United Kingdom, “Santosh”
Venezuela, “Back to Life”
Vietnam, “Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano”

Source: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Rice University Expands to India: A New Chapter in Global Education

Houston, Texas, November 18, 2024 — Rice University, a global leader in research and innovation, is enhancing its international presence by launching Rice Global India. This strategic initiative highlights the university’s commitment to promoting global collaboration and supporting India’s rapidly growing education and technology sectors.

Rice University, established in 1912, is located in Houston, Texas, recognized as the most diverse metropolis in the United States. The university occupies a 300-acre forested campus and is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice University is distinguished by its highly regarded schools, including architecture, business, continuing studies, engineering and computing, humanities, music, natural sciences, and social sciences.

The university held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new hub in Bengaluru, India’s third-largest city and the heart of its high-tech industry. This event marks a significant step towards establishing formal operations in the region and enhances the university’s expanding network throughout India, including partnerships with leading research and academic institutions.

“India is a country full of immense opportunities, where we believe we can make a significant impact through collaboration in research, innovation, and education,” said Rice University President Reginald DesRoches. “Our presence in India is a crucial step in broadening our global reach, and we are eager to engage more with India’s academic leaders and industries to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. This expansion demonstrates our commitment to creating a more interconnected world where education and research go beyond borders.”

As part of its strategic expansion, Rice University is enhancing collaborations with esteemed institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru. According to university leaders, these partnerships promote advanced research initiatives, facilitate exchanges between students and faculty, and collaborate on critical areas of mutual interest, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable energy.

Why India?

India’s increasing influence in energy, climate change, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology aligns with Rice’s research priorities outlined in the university’s recently unveiled strategic plan, “Momentous: Personalized Scale for Global Impact.” This strategic expansion emphasizes Rice’s intention to contribute to India’s innovation ecosystem by engaging in joint research initiatives, collaborating with faculty, and facilitating student exchanges with leading institutions.

Source: Rice University

Exploring Leadership at the 26th Global Conference of the International Leadership Association

  • Architects of Change: A Gathering of Global Leaders in Chicago.

As the world navigates a complex landscape of geopolitical shifts and societal challenges, the International Leadership Association’s 26th Global Conference brought together a diverse group of leaders, scholars, and development professionals from around the globe to explore the critical role of Leadership in shaping our future.

The conference, which took place at the Hilton Chicago from November 7 to 10, focused on “Architects of Change: Leaders, Followers, and Communities.”

Cynthia Cherrey, President of the International Leadership Association, emphasized the importance of Leadership in today’s challenging times, stating, “Leadership is crucial during these difficult periods, and developing effective leaders is more important than ever. We need leaders who tackle complex global issues, promote collaboration, and inspire positive change. Leadership professionals play a vital role in researching Leadership, applying that knowledge in practice, and preparing the next generation of leaders.”

The conference featured a series of thought-provoking sessions on topics such as:

The Global Decline of Democracy, Trust, and Peace — In the wake of the U.S. presidential election earlier this month, a group of distinguished global experts — including Larry Diamond, Steve Killelea, Mike Hardy, and Peggy Dulany — raised the crucial question: “What Can Leadership Do to Restore Trust and Promote Peace?”

The Role of Higher Education in Shaping the Future — University presidents discussed the strategic importance of integrating public purpose into leadership education and explored the development of future-focused Leadership.

The conference presented a remarkable chance to learn from the foremost leaders and thinkers in Leadership. The International Leadership Association (ILA) embodies its mission of “creating trusted spaces and relevant leadership resources” by uniting a diverse group of stakeholders. The connections forged, and the impactful discussions held during this event will create a lasting legacy in Leadership and beyond.

The International Leadership Association (ILA) is a vibrant global community of leaders, scholars, educators, and development professionals united by a visionary commitment to advancing Leadership for the collective good of people and the planet. As the foremost worldwide network, ILA connects individuals across the globe to elevate the practice and study of Leadership, paving the way for a just and thriving future.

Through creating and curating valuable leadership resources and gathering exceptional talent from diverse sectors, cultures, disciplines, and generations, ILA ignites a powerful multiplier effect that enhances the influence of its members and partners on leadership practices worldwide.

Source: International Leadership Association

— Surender Hastir is a member of the International Leadership Association and holds a Professional Certificate in Leadership and Communication from Harvard University.

Victoria Kjaer Theilvig crowned Miss Universe 2024

Photo: Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark was crowned Miss Universe 2024 at the 73rd Miss Universe competition held in Mexico. Miss Universe Organization Official Photo.

Mexico City, Mexico, November 16, 2024 — In a dazzling ceremony at the 73rd Miss Universe competition held in the vibrant setting of Mexico, Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig was crowned Miss Universe 2024. With her impeccable poise and radiant talent, she captivated the judges and audience alike, distinguishing herself among a remarkable field of 125 contestants from around the world, including India’s elegant Rhea Singha. It was Denmark’s first win in the pageant’s history.

The competition was fierce, but Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina shone brightly as she secured the first runner-up title, impressing everyone with her stunning presence and impressive skills. Meanwhile, Mexico’s own Maria Fernanda Beltran earned the second runner-up position, adding a local touch to the event.

This grand event celebrated global beauty and talent, showcasing the rich cultural diversity and captivating artistry of women from all around the globe. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and admiration for each contestant’s incredible achievements.

Source: Miss Universe Organization