Mercedes-Benz Shows All Electric Pope-Mobile

Dec 5 2024

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its first all-electric Popemobile, delivering the custom-designed vehicle to Pope Francis ahead of the 2025 Jubilee, an event anticipated to attract millions to Rome.

Based on the G-Class EV, the Popemobile was meticulously handcrafted by teams in Graz, Sindelfingen, and Rome to meet the Pope’s specific requirements while ensuring emission-free travel.

The electric Popemobile features a height-adjustable, swivelling central seat to enhance visibility and interaction during public appearances.

A hardtop provides protection from the elements, while a redesigned single-piece rear door and a pearl-white finish continue the iconic Popemobile aesthetic.

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius emphasised the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “With this Popemobile, we are sending a clear message of commitment to electro-mobility and decarbonisation.”

This marks a continuation of the automaker’s nearly century-long relationship with the Vatican, dating back to the 1980s introduction of the first G-Class Popemobile.

Built on the G580 platform, the vehicle integrates Mercedes-Benz’s EQ electric technology with bespoke modifications to suit papal needs. The electric Popemobile is set to make its official public debut during the 2025 Jubilee, symbolising a blend of tradition, innovation, and environmental consciousness.

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Virgin Voyages 1st Cruise Line To Accept Bitcoin As Payment

Dec 5 2024

Virgin Voyages has become the first cruise line to accept Bitcoin (BTC) as payment, marking a milestone in the travel industry’s adoption of cryptocurrency.

Customers can now use Bitcoin to purchase the company’s newly launched Annual Pass, priced at $120,000.

The pass offers access to a sea terrace for an entire year along with exclusive perks, targeting younger, tech-savvy, and crypto-enthusiast travellers.

The move aligns with Virgin’s broader legacy of embracing innovation, says founder Richard Branson, who previously championed cryptocurrency through Virgin Galactic, which began accepting Bitcoin for space travel in 2013.

However, Branson has yet to comment on whether other cryptocurrencies might also be integrated into Virgin Voyages’ payment system.

This decision reflects the growing acceptance of Bitcoin in various industries, with 2024 seeing an uptick in crypto adoption by airlines, hotels, and travel platforms.

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Ian Borg Opens 31st OSCE Ministerial Council In Malta

Dec 5 2024

Today, Malta is hosting the largest international conference in its history at the MFCC in Ta’ Qali, welcoming over 50 Foreign Affairs Ministers from around the world to the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council. This event underscores Malta’s growing leadership on the global stage as it chairs the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) throughout 2024, a role it was entrusted with by member states.

The OSCE, uniting 57 countries, addresses not only security but also critical issues like press freedom and cybersecurity. Notably, both Ukraine and Russia are participating in this summit, reflecting the gravity of the ongoing geopolitical crises.

Deputy Prime Minister and OSCE Chairperson Ian Borg opened the council by highlighting Malta’s longstanding dedication to peace and dialogue, recalling its historic role in diplomacy, including the 1989 Bush-Gorbachev summit held on its shores. Borg condemned Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, calling it a systemic threat to European security, and urged Russia to withdraw from Ukrainian territory to pave the way for a just and lasting peace.

Borg also addressed internal challenges within the OSCE, such as the absence of senior leadership, unresolved budget issues, and uncertainties about future chairmanships. Emphasizing a broader crisis in multilateralism, he reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to revitalizing the OSCE under the theme “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security.” Priorities include conflict resolution, supporting Ukraine, interfaith dialogue, and addressing climate and cyber threats.

Despite limited resources, Borg praised the OSCE’s field missions and tools for regional stability but stressed the need for member states to provide resources and leadership. While progress has been made on leadership appointments, Borg urged swift action on budgetary and governance issues to secure the OSCE’s future. He concluded by calling for collective responsibility to uphold the OSCE’s mission during this critical juncture.

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Six People With Disabilities Graduate From ‘Agenzija Sapport’ Way To Work

Dec 5 2024

Six people with disabilities were presented with a certificate after attending sessions offered by Aġenzija Sapport through the Way to Work program over the past seven months.

This group of participants, aged between 20 and 33, contributed to more than 80 people with disabilities graduating from this course since 2022. In Malta, since the program’s launch in October 2022, 41 people attended group training and benefited from individual sessions, while 34 others only attended individual sessions. In Gozo, 5 people with disabilities attended group training and another 5 attended only individual sessions.

The graduation certificates were presented by the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia, and the Chief Executive Officer of Aġenzija Sapport, Oliver Scicluna.

This course is intended to prepare people with disabilities for employment by focusing on independent living skills and other skills necessary for the workplace. In addition to group training, the Way to Work program offers individual sessions to focus on specific aspects and strengthen skills. The program mainly focused on practical training, such as skills needed for office work, working in factories, and in food establishments. The participants also had the opportunity to visit various entities to see in practice what they had learned in training.

Of those who attended this year, two participants have already found employment. Another participant started attending the “Headstart” training by the Lino Spiteri Foundation, and three other participants began “Sheltered Employment” training also offered by the Lino Spiteri Foundation.

Minister Julia Farrugia spoke about the fundamental role of work in the lives of people with disabilities, explaining that it brings value and respect to their lives. She emphasized that the government is working to strengthen training opportunities and create effective systems to help these people integrate into the world of work. “Work is a source of dignity. The government is making continuous efforts to offer more training opportunities and create systems that help people with disabilities move closer to the world of employment. The Way to Work program is an important priority that aims to promote more inclusion. The goal is for more participants to complete this program and secure stable employment, leading to a more independent life,” concluded the minister.

The Chief Executive Officer of Aġenzija Sapport, Oliver Scicluna, congratulated the participants of the Way to Work Program for their commitment in successfully completing the sessions prepared for them. He also thanked the parents for their collaboration in this journey, which aims to strengthen the abilities of their children so that they are better positioned to find employment. Mr. Scicluna added that the agency’s commitment is to increase opportunities for people with disabilities to reach their full potential.

Since its inception, the program has also reached 26 parents through sessions aimed at the parents of participants, with the goal of complementing what is being taught to people with disabilities while also providing a space where parents can discuss and share thoughts on the inclusion of their children in the world of work. This year, 8 parents attended these sessions.

For 2025, an evaluation of this program is planned. This will allow the agency to see where improvements can be made and adjustments to session planning can be made, while also continuing to strengthen the service provision as part of a chain that collectively offers more inclusion opportunities.

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