Middle East Live

Chubu Toshiba Engineering to become a Wholly Owned Kioxia subsidiary in 2022 Secure highly experienced engineering talent and achieve cost efficiencies

TOKYO-Thursday 24 February 2022 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Kioxia Holdings Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement with Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation (a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation TSE:6502) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of its subsidiary, Chubu Toshiba Engineering (CTE) Corporation, to further strengthen Kioxia Group’s technology development capabilities. Acquisition of the shares will be completed in the first half of 2022, following completion of the necessary procedures, and CTE will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kioxia Corporation.

Specializing in semiconductor related hardware and software design, prototyping and evaluation, CTE is well-experienced in semiconductor manufacturing technologies covering areas from development to mass production while building sophisticated technical capabilities over many years. The firm has also provided its engineering services to Kioxia Corporation in the past. Integrating CTE brings in-house highly experienced engineering talent in semiconductor development while enabling cost efficiencies which together will improve enterprise value. The acquisition will enhance Kioxia’s technology development capabilities, as well as deliver synergies across the design, operation, and production of its manufacturing plants.

Kioxia is cultivating a new era of memory with its world class solutions, as it strives towards the mission of “uplifting the world with memory”. The company remains committed to developing initiatives to strengthen the competitiveness of its memory and SSD business.

About Chubu Toshiba Engineering Corporation
Headquarters: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Representative: Kunio Yamada, President
Founded: February 1, 1992
Shareholder: Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation (100%)
Outline of Business:
Engineering services related to semiconductor development, design and manufacturing
Development and operation of semiconductor CIM systems

About Kioxia

Kioxia is a world leader in memory solutions, dedicated to the development, production and sale of flash memory and solid-state drives (SSDs). In April 2017, its predecessor Toshiba Memory was spun off from Toshiba Corporation, the company that invented NAND flash memory in 1987. Kioxia is committed to uplifting the world with memory by offering products, services and systems that create choice for customers and memory-based value for society. Kioxia's innovative 3D flash memory technology, BiCS FLASH™, is shaping the future of storage in high-density applications, including advanced smartphones, PCs, SSDs, automotive and data centers.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220223006425/en/

Contacts
Kota Yamaji
Public Relations
Kioxia Holdings Corporation
81-3-6478-2319
kioxia-hd-pr@kioxia.com

Proposals Sought on Climate Action in Agriculture

DULUTH, Ga.-Tuesday 22 February 2022 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- The AGCO Agriculture Foundation (AAF), a private foundation with the vision to prevent and relieve hunger through sustainable agricultural development, today announced the launch of its new grant application cycle on the theme of “Climate Action Within the Context of Agriculture” for non-profit organizations with grant proposals between $20,000 - $300,000 USD and located anywhere across the globe.

In alignment with the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13) on “Climate Action” and AGCO’s purpose to deliver “farmer-focused solutions to sustainably feed our world,” the Foundation is accepting grant applications on climate action in agriculture. The AAF grant application platform, through its community investment software partner, Benevity, is running the application cycle from February 21 to March 30. This program strengthens AAF commitment to its strategic focus areas and AGCO’s Farmer-First strategy while addressing global trends on climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The Foundation’s first grant application cycle for 2022 seeks new project proposals from non-profits that combine various sustainable methods to tackle the specific climate change-related challenges of today’s farming communities.

“Climate change is impacting farmers’ livelihoods and our global food supply,” said Metti Richenhagen, Director, AGCO Agriculture Foundation. “Through our current AAF grant funding, we want to support projects, initiatives and innovations that help farmers and farming communities mitigate and build resilient agriculture practices against climate change, improve livelihoods and transform food systems to sustainably feed the world.”

Grant eligible non-profit organizations must focus on climate action in the agricultural context that also aligns with any of the AAF thematic focus areas such as Nutrition & Sustainable Food Systems, Agricultural Education, Research and Innovation, and Farmer Community Development. The aim is to implement projects that promote sustainable climate solutions for farmers and the agricultural sector to benefit economies while also strengthening community development.

Application Forms, AAF Statement on Ag. & Climate Change, FAQs & Guidelines

All non-profits are advised to carefully read all provisions below before preparing their application.

Grant Application Page – Access and start your application here
AAF Statement on Climate Change in the context of Agriculture here
AAF Grant Application Overview/Guidelines here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) here
The deadline to apply for this grant cycle is March 30, 2022, at 5 p.m. EDT. Successful applications will receive resources to initiate and implement projects that promote sustainable climate solutions for farmers and the agricultural sector.

About AGCO

AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. AGCO delivers customer value through its differentiated brand portfolio including core brands like Challenger®, Fendt®, GSI®, Massey Ferguson® and Valtra®. Powered by Fuse® smart farming solutions, AGCO’s full line of equipment and services help farmers sustainably feed our world. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of $11.1 billion in 2021. For more information, visit www.AGCOcorp.com. For company news, information and events, please follow us on Twitter: @AGCOCorp. For financial news on Twitter, please follow the hashtag #AGCOIR.

About the AGCO Agriculture Foundation (AAF)

The AGCO Agriculture Foundation (AAF), initiated by AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO) in 2018, is a private foundation with the vision to prevent and relieve hunger. The foundation initiates impactful programs that support food security, foster sustainable agricultural development and build needed agricultural infrastructure in marginalized farming communities. AAF is domiciled in Vaduz, Liechtenstein and operations are managed from Duluth, Georgia, USA. For more information, please visit https://www.agcofoundation.org/

Contacts
Metti Richenhagen, AGCO Agriculture Foundation
metti.richenhagen@agcocorp.com

Poly’s AI-powered solutions and services deliver meeting equality to hybrid workforces, making it possible for a business to take place everywhere

Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES-Monday 21 February 2022 [ AETOS Wire ]

Poly (NYSE: POLY) introduced its new “All Together” campaign that inspires businesses to evolve beyond the limitations of physical space, and empower teams to work together as one, wherever in the world they may be. The campaign will run across digital and social platforms to demonstrate the potential of what is possible when every individual on a team can be seen and heard with clarity.

Poly is building a library of resources including toolkits, webinars, and infographics that help business and IT leaders transform inequitable hybrid interactions into seamless collaborative work experiences. The first is a new ebook launching today “Meeting Equality -- the Key to Your Hybrid Work Environment”, which outlines the steps organizations can take to live up to the workplace needs of 2022 and beyond.

“In the blink of an eye, the fundamentals of business communication have transformed. Where we once had face-to-face meetings and firm handshakes, we now live in a world of virtual meetings,” said John Goodwin, senior vice president, public affairs, Poly. “Poly ensures that everyone can be part of the conversation, on any platform, from anywhere, with total meeting equality. We help businesses erase distance and amplify the exchange of ideas to the point that no one can remember whether they were shared on a screen or in the room.”

As the world and the way people work has changed, collaboration technology has unlocked the opportunity to level the playing field and ensure everyone can be part of the conversation. Poly understands that no one can afford to miss a good idea, which is why Poly and its partners deliver inclusive technology that brings people closer together through exceptional hardware, software, services, and analytics. With intelligent features such as NoiseBlockAI and Acoustic Fence technologies, our video and audio solutions make connecting intuitive, frictionless, and effortless.

Poly’s innovative products and services work seamlessly together, with our cloud-based video conferencing partners, to deliver a comprehensive solution – one that offers flexibility and choice. Altogether, Poly, its partners, solutions, and services are contributing to the evolution of hybrid work by implementing tools that will enable a more equitable meeting experience.

For more information and a first look at the All Together resources, please visit: poly.com/alltogether

About Poly

Poly (NYSE: POLY) creates premium audio and video products so you can have your best meeting -- anywhere, anytime, every time. Our headsets, video and audio-conferencing products, desk phones, analytics software and services are beautifully designed and engineered to connect people with incredible clarity. They're pro-grade, easy to use and work seamlessly with all the best video and audio-conferencing services. Poly MeetingAI delivers a broadcast quality video conferencing experience with Poly DirectorAI technology which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver real-time automatic transitions, framing and tracking, while NoiseBlockAI and Acoustic Fence technologies block-out unwanted background noise. With Poly (Plantronics, Inc. – formerly Plantronics and Polycom), you'll do more than just show up, you'll stand out. For more information visit www.Poly.com.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contacts
Melwyn Abraham

melwyn@matrixdubai.com

Acquisition Immediately Adds to Organon’s Suite of Contraceptive Offerings and Continues to Build on Strong Foundation in Women’s Health Around the World

JERSEY CITY, N.J.-Thursday 17 February 2022 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- Organon (NYSE: OGN) today announced that it has acquired the rights from Bayer AG to Marvelon® and Mercilon®, combined oral hormonal daily contraceptive pills, in the People’s Republic of China, including Hong Kong and Macau, and has entered into an agreement to acquire the rights to these products in Vietnam. Marvelon and Mercilon are already owned, manufactured, and marketed by Organon as prescription oral contraceptives in 20 other markets. This acquisition gives Organon full global ownership of these brands (except in South Korea) by reacquiring the rights to them in these markets. The agreement to acquire the rights in Vietnam is expected to close in the first half of 2022 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.

“This is an important opportunity for Organon as we look to grow our contraception portfolio and further bolster our offerings to women in all parts of the world through strategic business development,” said Susanne Fiedler, Chief Commercial Officer at Organon. “With Marvelon and Mercilon in the People’s Republic of China, including Hong Kong and Macau, and potentially Vietnam, we will have an opportunity to reach more women who are looking for contraceptive options in these markets and help to empower them with choice in an area of health that is important to them.”

Marvelon is currently available over the counter in the People’s Republic of China and both Marvelon and Mercilon are available over the counter in Hong Kong and Macau. Marvelon and Mercilon are currently available by prescription in Vietnam. Both contraceptives were acquired by Bayer AG in these markets from Merck & Co., Inc. in 2014 as part of the sale of Merck & Co.’s consumer care business. Marvelon and Mercilon are not available in the United States.

About Organon

Organon is a global healthcare company formed through a spin-off from Merck, (NYSE: MRK) known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, to focus on improving the health of women throughout their lives. Organon has a portfolio of more than 60 medicines and products across a range of therapeutic areas. Led by the women’s health portfolio coupled with an expanding biosimilars business and stable franchise of established medicines, Organon’s products produce strong cash flows that will support investments in innovation and future growth opportunities in women’s health. In addition, Organon is pursuing opportunities to collaborate with biopharmaceutical innovators looking to commercialize their products by leveraging its scale and presence in fast growing international markets.

Organon has a global footprint with significant scale and geographic reach, world-class commercial capabilities, and approximately 9,500 employees with headquarters located in Jersey City, New Jersey.

For more information, visit http://www.organon.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Forward-Looking Statement of Organon

Except for historical information herein, this news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements about management’s expectations about Organon’s acquisition of Marvelon and Mercilon, (including the expected timing and benefits thereof), Organon’s ability to grow its contraception portfolio, and its ability to bolster its offerings and reach more women. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “hope,” or “hopes,” “expects,” “potential,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “will” or words of similar meaning. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Organon’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, an inability to execute on our business development strategy, an inability to obtain regulatory approval for such acquisition in Vietnam, a failure to realize the benefits of our acquisition of Marvelon and Mercilon or any other planned acquisitions; general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and emergence of variant strains; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances; new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; Organon’s ability to accurately predict its future financial results and performance; Organon’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; difficulties developing and sustaining relationships with commercial counterparties; dependence on the effectiveness of Organon’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

Organon undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in Organon’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its registration statement on Form 10 and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220216005693/en/

Contacts
Media Contacts:
Karissa Peer
(614) 314-8094

Kim Hamilton
(908) 391-0131

Investor Contacts:
Jennifer Halchak
(201) 275-2711

Edward Barger
(267) 614-4669

Transguard Group reasserts its support of Emiratisation across its business landscape

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates-Monday 21 February 2022 [ AETOS Wire ]

Transguard Group is proud of its UAE national workforce, which it considers to be a key element of its success over the last two decades. One of Transguard’s newest employees, Khalid Al Marzouqi, a Sharjah native who joined the business in 2021, is the latest example of how Transguard offers a wide spectrum of work experiences to UAE nationals.

Since joining Transguard, Khalid has worked in a number of divisions, including Security, Cash and most recently, Recruitment. His familiarity with the local environment has allowed Khalid unique access and underscores Transguard’s ability to create and deepen integral relationships. Being embedded in various operational business units has allowed Khalid a platform from which to share and contribute to the strategic development of Transguard’s progressive goals as the company continues to shape the landscape of business support services.

“Emiratis who aspire to be part of this courageous and ambitious future are welcome to join the Transguard team,” Khalid says. “This company welcomes and believes in your talents – if you have a career dream, join us and be a part of this exciting growth!”

The business solutions provider continues to offer opportunities for UAE nationals, particularly young professionals: In late 2021, Transguard announce the launch of its two-year Graduate Programme for UAE Nationals; interested candidates are encouraged to email emiratisation@transguardgroup.com to apply.

About Transguard Group:
Offering flexible solutions for all of the UAE’s staffing needs since 2001, Transguard Group is the region’s most trusted expert in security, facilities management, cash services and white collar staffing – and much more in between. With an annual turnover of AED 1.87 billion in the 2020-2021 financial year, Transguard’s expertise is in supplying the right people for its clients, precisely when and where they’re needed. To learn more about the many ways Transguard is helping the UAE’s businesses grow, visit www.transguardgroup.com.

Contacts
For interview opportunities and more information on Transguard Group:

Lena ter Laare

Director – Marketing, Communications & CSR

Lena.terlaare@transguardgroup.com

Mobile: +971 50 899 7953 

The company begins trading under ticker symbols NRGV and NRGV WS today, February 14, 2022

Trading follows the successful completion of the business combination with Novus Capital Corporation

Transaction raises approximately $235 million in gross proceeds additive to its recently announced Series C of $107M and $50M license fee from Atlas Renewable to fund the execution of its growth strategy

LUGANO, Switzerland & WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.-Tuesday 15 February 2022 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NRGV, NRGV WS) (“Energy Vault”), the company developing sustainable, grid-scale energy storage solutions, will begin trading today, February 14, 2022, following the completion of its business combination with Novus Capital Corporation II.

Robert Piconi, Chief Executive Officer of Energy Vault, said, “We are pleased to begin this exciting new chapter in Energy Vault’s history as we transition to a public company. The proceeds enabled by this transaction, coupled with the additional strategic partnerships we have signed with some of the largest energy and industrial leaders across the globe provide a significant runway for us to drive shareholder value and execute against our growth strategy. I would like to thank all our employees, partners and investors for their support in advancing our mission of decarbonization to enable a renewable world.”

Company Overview
Energy Vault develops sustainable, grid-scale energy storage solutions designed to advance the transition to a carbon free, resilient power grid. Energy Vault’s mission is to accelerate the decarbonization of our economy through the development of sustainable and economical energy storage technologies. To achieve this, Energy Vault is developing proprietary energy storage technologies and energy management software solutions based on artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced optimization algorithms designed to control and optimize both generation and storage technologies, and a flexible energy storage integration platform suitable to complement any underlying storage technology. Energy Vault’s portfolio of solutions aim to help utilities, independent power producers, and large industrial energy users significantly reduce their levelized cost of energy while maintaining power reliability.

Energy Vault’s gravity-based solutions are based on the well-understood physics and mechanical engineering fundamentals of pumped hydroelectric energy storage, but replace water with custom-made composite blocks, or “mobile masses”, that can be made from low-cost and locally sourced materials, including local soil, mine tailings, coal combustion residuals (coal ash), and end-of-life decommissioned wind turbine blades.

Additionally, the Energy Vault EVx™ systems are intended to minimize environmental and supply chain risks while increasing local jobs in the communities in which the systems are built, providing from 50% to 75% of the storage investment back to local economies in the form of construction contracts to build the EVx structures and to fabricate the composite bricks locally on site, as well as ongoing maintenance contracts during operation of the systems over time. The systems are automated with advanced computer control and machine vision software that orchestrate the charging and discharging cycles while meeting a broad set of storage durations starting from 2 hours and continuing to 12 hours, or more.

Following investment and energy storage collaboration announcements in 2021 from industry leaders Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures and Enel Green Power, including joint development for the remediation and beneficial reuse of waste wind blade fiberglass with Enel, Energy Vault continued its global commercial progress and market strategy with:

Strategic Partnership with Atlas Renewable, a License and Royalty agreement for renewable energy storage with Atlas Renewable LLC (“Atlas Renewable”) and their majority investor China Tianying Inc. (CNTY) (CN: 000035), an international environmental management and waste remediation corporation engaged in smart urban environmental services, resource recycling and recovery, and zero-carbon clean energy technologies. Atlas Renewable made a $50 million investment, which upsized the private placement investment (“PIPE”) from $150 million to $200 million, and has agreed to pay an additional $50 million as a licensing fee payable in 2022 for use and deployment of Energy Vault’s gravity energy storage technology in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.
Strategic alliance for renewable energy storage with Korea Zinc Co., Ltd., a global leader in non-ferrous metal smelting production including leading positions in Zinc, Lead, Silver and rare metal Indium. The partnership supports Korea Zinc’s strategy to decarbonize their refining and smelting operations focused initially under wholly owned subsidiary Sun Metals Corporation Pty. Ltd. The companies expect to begin project deployment in mid-2022. In addition to the strategic partnership, Korea Zinc made a $50 million investment in the PIPE, which upsized the $100 million PIPE that was announced in connection with the signing of the business combination agreement.
Joint collaboration with BHP, a leading natural resources company, that will focus on the deployment and implementation of Energy Vault’s energy storage solutions in BHP’s key operations and other potential applications for the technology. The parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding focused on studying the application of Energy Vault’s technology to support power supply and energy storage at certain BHP operations while exploring opportunities for new applications relevant to BHP’s business.
Energy storage system agreement with DG Fuels LLC, an emerging leader in renewable hydrogen and biogenic based, synthetic sustainable aviation fuel and diesel fuel. Under the terms of the agreement, Energy Vault agreed to provide 1.6 gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy storage to support DG Fuels across multiple projects, with the first project slated for 500 megawatt hours (MWh) in Louisiana. Energy Vault expects this agreement to provide the opportunity for up to $520 million in revenue across the three projects, the first of which is expected to commence in mid-2022.
About Energy Vault
Energy Vault develops sustainable energy storage solutions designed to transform the world’s approach to utility-scale energy storage for grid resiliency. The company’s proprietary, gravity-based Energy Storage Technology and the Energy Storage Management and Integration Platform are intended to help utilities, independent power producers and large industrial energy users significantly reduce their levelized cost of energy while maintaining power reliability. Utilizing eco-friendly materials with the ability to integrate waste materials for beneficial re-use, Energy Vault is facilitating the shift to a circular economy while accelerating the clean energy transition for its customers.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” “designed,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the benefits of the business combination, the competitive environment, and the expected future performance (including future revenue, pro forma enterprise value, and cash balance) and market opportunities of Energy Vault.

These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Energy Vault’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Energy Vault.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination; the risk that the business combination disrupts current plans and operations of Energy Vault as a result of the consummation of the business combination; costs related to the business combination; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that Energy Vault may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; risks related to the rollout of Energy Vault’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; risks related to the inability or unwillingness of Energy Vault’s customers to perform under sales agreements; demand for renewable energy; Energy Vault’s ability to commercialize and sell its solution; ability to negotiate definitive contractual arrangements with potential customers; the impact of competitive technologies; ability to obtain sufficient supply of materials; unanticipated costs; the impact of Covid-19; global economic conditions; ability to meet installation schedules; construction and permitting delays and related increases in costs; the effects of competition on Energy Vault’s future business; and those factors discussed in Energy Vault’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 relating to the business combination under the caption “Risk Factors”, and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 under the heading “Risk Factors,” and other documents of the Company filed, or to be filed, with the SEC.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220214005285/en/

Contacts
Investors
energyvaultIR@icrinc.com

Media
media@energyvault.com

VIENNA & WASHINGTON D.C.-Thursday 17 February 2022 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- The World Summit 2022 (Summit for Peace on the Korean Peninsula) ended its third day with global encouragement, practical advice and prayers for renewed efforts to unite the Korean Peninsula and end the last division of the Cold War.

"Despite your difficult circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic, I trust that you, our global leaders, will achieve peace and unification on the Korean peninsula with your commitment and devotion. Thank you," said Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and host of the World Summit 2022.

The Feb. 11-13 Summit was sponsored by UPF and the Royal Government of Cambodia. Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen and H.E. Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, served as Summit co-chairs.

The Summit drew participants from some 160 nations, including 157 nations with diplomatic ties to one or both of the Koreas. Nigeria, for instance, has “enjoyed cordial relations with both Koreas in trade, commerce, education, cultural exchange and technology transfer,” said Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. “And so, when it comes to what needs to be done to ensure a lasting peace on the peninsula, we are happy to be part of it,” he said.

In her address, Dr. Moon explained that building one family under God is the way to bring about a world filled with freedom, equality and peace.

As tears filled her eyes, she asked “the citizens of North and South Korea” to join with her and “unite as brothers and sisters.” “Only then can we achieve true unification on the Korean Peninsula,” she said, adding that when the people of the world become sons and daughters of God, we can “achieve world peace and unification in our lifetime.”

In his keynote address, Mr. Ban lamented that “[d]espite our ardent aspirations and various efforts… we have not been able to make a lasting breakthrough” on the peninsula. Noting the recent spate of missile tests by North Korea, he urged the UN to implement its enacted sanctions while taking steps to help North Korean leaders “return to the dialogue table.”

Mr. Ban praised UPF and its Think Tank 2022 project as “quite meaningful”—they offer a “robust platform” that can be built on and lead to a significant breakthrough, he said. He also thanked Dr. Moon, saying she “has been sparing no efforts” to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula.

Finally, speaking from his own experiences living in a divided nation, Mr. Ban said he hoped that “one day in the near future,” the people of the South can “directly engage with our brothers and sisters in the North.” “If we work together with wisdom, sincerity and resolve, I do believe we can illuminate the path to peace, both on the Korean Peninsula and beyond,” he said.

“I have great trust in the word ‘hope,’” said former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, citing “trust and honesty” as crucial elements in discussions to advance peace in Korea.

In his remarks, US President Donald J. Trump (2017-2021) said that when he took office, the experts around him viewed the Korean situation as “absolutely hopeless.” He said he rejected that outlook and instead worked with allies, Mr. Abe of Japan and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, to craft “a bold, new strategy” that led to him meeting three times with North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un and becoming the first US president to stand on North Korean soil.

Together, “[we] have planted seeds of peace and cooperation, and now we must let them bloom and grow, just like a giant tree. To waste that chance would be a profound tragedy,” Mr. Trump said. He added that countless people of goodwill around the world are “working, striving and praying for a Korea that is safe, prosperous, flourishing, united and finally at peace.”

“Personal connections” are so important to building trust, said Hon. Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State (2018-2021), who recalled some of the ups and downs of his diplomatic meetings with North Koreans in his remarks.

H.E. Jose Manuel Barroso, European Commission President (2004-2014), said he followed several “peace processes,” including that of war-torn Angola. Although Angolan leaders were tempted to partition the nation, they found ways to work through their differences as one nation. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he added, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

US Vice President Mike Pence (2017-2021) listed religious freedom; dignity and respect for all life, born and unborn; equal treatment under the law; education and strong families as essential elements of a stable, prosperous nation.

“Independence and self-determination” are also vital ingredients to a strong nation, said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Cambodia was also a victim of the Cold War and grand power politics, but positive engagement helped it find unity.” The Korean people share a language, culture and common history, the prime minister added. “You cannot cut the Korean bloodline. People are like water—you cannot cut the water.”

Many world leaders invoked faith in God to resolve humanity’s crises.

“What is impossible for us is possible for God,” said H.E. Federico Franco, president of Paraguay (2012-2013). “Prayer continues to be the best weapon we have for the return of peace in the Korean Peninsula … and all of you in Seoul are not alone; in all the countries of the planet, we are praying for peace between the two Koreas.”

“God calls to every human heart and we need to hear His calling,” said Mr. Pompeo. The World Summit 2022 and its efforts are surely creating “a divine opportunity” for God to act on the Korean Peninsula, said Pastor Paula White-Cain, head of the Paula White Ministries and spiritual adviser to Mr. Trump.

Others linked unification in Korea to peacebuilding elsewhere in the world. “If we can achieve peace in the Korean Peninsula, there will be hope that peace can be established worldwide, since the steps taken for peace in the Korean Peninsula can be imitated by other nations,” said H.E. Jimmy Morales, Guatemala President (2016-2020).

“Korea can eventually become a shining example to the world of how peace can arise from conflict,” said H.E. Gloria Arroyo, Philippines President (2001-2010). “A heavenly unified Korea is a prerequisite for a heavenly unified world,” said Dr. Yun Young-ho, co-chair of the World Summit 2022 Executive Committee. Beeland Enterprises Chairman and world-renown investment expert Jim Rogers outlined an exciting future for the Asia-Pacific region, especially once Korea’s 38th parallel no longer blocks travel and commerce.

Some 85 world leaders from 70 nations addressed the Summit in person or by video, and 11 Korean political and civic leaders from around South Korea offered their congratulations. Some 3,500 networks around the world broadcast all or part of the Summit, organizers said.

Other Feb. 13 speakers included Hon. Richard Cheney, US Vice President (2001-2009); Hon. Dan Quayle, US Vice President (1989-1993); Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Canada Prime Minister (2006-2015); H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka Prime Minister; H.E. Deve Gowda, India Prime Minister (1996-1997); H.E. Maithripala Sirisena, Sri Lanka President (2015-2019); H.E. Michel Temer, Brazil President (2016-2018); H.E. Anthony Carmona, Trinidad & Tobago President (2013-2019); H.E. Leni Robredo, Philippines Vice President; Madam Adi Koila Nailatikau, First Lady of Fiji (2009-2015); H.E. K.P. Sharma Oli, Nepal Prime Minister (2015-2016 and 2018-2021); H.E. Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Pakistan Prime Minister (2008-2012); H.E. Xanana Gusmao, East Timor President (2002-2007); H.E. Macky Sall, Senegal President and African Union Chairperson; H.E. Carlos Vila-Nova, Sao Tome and Principe President; H.E. George Weah, Liberia President; H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria President (2010-2015); H.E. Adolphe Tiao, Burkina Faso Prime Minister (2011-2014); H.E. Paul Mba, Gabon Prime Minister (2009-2012); H.E. Albin Kurti, Kosovo Prime Minister; H.E. Ilir Meta, Albania President; H.E. Romano Prodi, Italy Prime Minister (2006-2008) and European Commission President (1999-2004); H.E. Dominique de Villepin, France Prime Minister (2005-2007); and H.E. Jose Maria Aznar, Spain Prime Minister (1996-2004). The Little Angels Children’s Folk Ballet were among the day’s performers.

Media coverage is welcome.

Find more information here:

ThinkTank 2022 Forum: http://thinktank2022.org/

UPF International: https://www.upf.org/

UPF Europe & Middle East: https://eume.upf.org/

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220216005990/en/

Contacts
For media inquiries, please contact:
Peter Zoehrer
UPF Media Relations - Europe & Middle East
imap.manager@eume.upf.org

Innovative user interface a boon for merchants; provides higher BNPL acceptance rates and opportunity to serve a broader base of customers worldwide

MIAMI-Tuesday 15 February 2022 [ AETOS Wire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW), a leading global provider of real-time digital payment software, today announced ACI PayAfter™, a new solution that enables merchants globally to provide their customers with a choice of more than 70 BNPL options through a single integration. The innovative user interface enhances acceptance rates and serves a broader base of customers traditionally overlooked, boosting merchant sales worldwide.

For merchants, ACI PayAfter offers one application and a single contract that reduces the complexity and cost of integration, as well as faster speed to market, and actionable customer intelligence.

ACI PayAfter gives consumers one BNPL option—ACI PayAfter—displayed at checkout, one application form, and a single credit check, all while providing access to multiple financing options that best meet their needs quickly and with a higher probability of approvals. It eliminates the inconvenience of completing multiple loan application forms that garner multiple credit checks by BNPL lenders, which eventually leads to cart abandonment.

Studies show that 63 percent of Millennial and Gen Z consumers don't own credit cards and make up 40 percent of all consumers globally. At the same time, 42 percent of Gen Z and 69 percent of Millennials are more likely to purchase items if a BNPL option is offered. With ACI PayAfter, merchants can present their customers with multiple financing options and higher approval rates than the market currently provides today.

"With ACI PayAfter, merchants can provide their customers with a more inclusive experience and a wider choice of BNPL options that suit their needs, leading to fewer abandoned carts," said Debbie Guerra, head of merchant payments, ACI Worldwide. "The BNPL market locks out approximately 40 to 50 percent of potential consumers, including the younger generations who aren't interested in owning credit cards and the unbanked and underbanked population, many of whom are credit-worthy customers."

"ACI's single interface further democratizes payments by reducing the barriers to access for consumers who aren’t traditionally served by the financial system. With a portfolio of more than 70 BNPL providers, which we expect to expand to hundreds of providers, advances the consumer experience through a simpler checkout process and better approval rates, which leads to higher conversion for merchants," Guerra continued.

ACI PayAfter provides merchants with the flexibility to select the BNPL and financing options that are most relevant for their business and their customers.

"ACI partners with several BNPL players around the world. Being part of the ACI PayAfter network means that BNPL providers can take advantage of the opportunities for growth given ACI's vast global reach," Guerra concluded.

ACI PayAfter will be available to merchants using ACI Secure eCommerce and ACI Omni-Commerce.

ACI Secure eCommerce is a holistic platform that combines a powerful payments gateway, sophisticated real-time fraud prevention capabilities, In-store POS solutions, and advanced business intelligence tools. ACI Secure eCommerce was recently recognized by Juniper Research, winning three awards for innovation in payments, including a Platinum Award – the highest accolade in the category of "Payments Innovation of the Year." In addition, ACI's fraud management solution recently received full approval on the patent for its incremental learning technology.

ACI Omni-Commerce is a secure omni-channel payment processing platform with the flexibility to support in-store, online and mobile needs, and the scalability to power the purchasing experiences that customers are looking for now and in the future. Support for multiple card payment types, global schemes and alternative payment methods is coupled with access to a global payments network of acquirers and payment providers.

About ACI Worldwide
ACI Worldwide is a global software company that provides mission-critical real-time payment solutions to corporations. Customers use our proven, scalable and secure solutions to process and manage digital payments, enable omni-commerce payments, present and process bill payments, and manage fraud and risk. We combine our global footprint with local presence to drive the real-time digital transformation of payments and commerce.

© Copyright ACI Worldwide, Inc. 2022
ACI, ACI Worldwide, ACI Payments, Inc., ACI Pay, Speedpay and all ACI product/solution names are trademarks or registered trademarks of ACI Worldwide, Inc., or one of its subsidiaries, in the United States, other countries or both. Other parties' trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/52578571/en

Contacts
Media
ACI Worldwide:
Dan Ring
dan.ring@aciworldwide.com

Nidhi Alberti
nidhi.alberti@aciworldwide.com