June 23, 2022 – Djibouti News Gazette

June 23, 2022

Sensegen unveils natural fragrance survey results for 2022 World Perfumery Congress

Fragrances made by biology are 100% true-to-nature.

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., June 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Southern California’s taste, smell, and beauty innovator, Sensegen, announced its natural fragrance survey results, gearing up for exhibiting its “New Naturals” initiative at the World Perfumery Congress (WPC), Booth #523, June 29 – July 1, 2022, in Miami, Florida. Sensegen is a division of Blue California ingredients.

“We’re very excited to share our results of the natural fragrance survey, revealing consumer knowledge of natural fragrances and what is appealing, trend-setting in personal care and beauty products,” said Angelique Burke, senior perfumer at Sensegen. “The era of truly natural perfumery is here; we are bringing nature back into perfumery by harnessing classic fragrance molecules from biology rather than deriving them from petroleum.”

Sensegen’s New Naturals are bio-designed fragrances that are natural (plant-based), safe, and sustainable. They perform and are as pleasant as synthetics, yet more complex than blends of essential oils, which thus far have been the only option for natural fragrance seekers. No such fragrance initiative exists on the market today.

An ideal example of a New Natural is Sensegen’s entire class of plant-based musks that gives perfumers the best natural alternative to synthetics. Once coveted and exclusive, the musk fragrance became banned for the inhumane treatment of the Musk Deer — the only source at the time. After that, the highly sought-after musky olfactive character was solely a synthetic option for perfumers.

“The lack of availability of natural musks, combined with the ubiquity, performance, and wide acceptability of this olfactive character, has created a huge challenge for natural fragrances to compete in the marketplace,” said Burke. “Today, Sensegen can offer a far-reaching range of natural and sustainable creations, which proudly stand their ground in the market.”

Sensegen asked 1,000 consumers about their personal care routines and beauty regimens in an online survey. Survey respondents were also asked about their attitudes and understanding of personal care/beauty care products as it relates to scented, as opposed to unscented products, label reading, purchase decision influencers, and familiarity and understanding of natural fragrances.

While 66% of consumers said natural fragrances were naturally derived fragrances, approximately 14% thought it meant no added fragrance, and 5% said it was the same as unscented.

Later, survey participants were shown an explanation of New Natural Fragrances and a product concept containing the new natural fragrance. The data shows that 74% of those respondents would choose the New Natural fragrance concept versus the synthetic. This was a 5% increase over consumers’ choice before being presented with information on the new natural fragrance.

“From this natural fragrance survey, we concluded that there’s a gap in understanding and awareness regarding such terms used in labeling fragrance and fragrance-related statements,” said Natasha D’Souza, senior director, global sensory and consumer insights at Blue California. “There hasn’t been a better time for brands to make exceptional, sustainable products and educate consumers on how they are adopting a more natural position for the benefit of the planet and humankind.”

Interested parties and media members inquiring about the natural fragrance survey can stop by Sensegen’s booth #523 at the WPC or contact Sensegen. The Sensegen booth will have smelling products from sustainable, 100% bio-based materials. Fragrances include samples of fine fragrance, personal care, and home care.

The World Perfumery Congress is hosted by Perfumer & Flavorist.

About Sensegen

Sensegen™, is the science of good sense. We’ve got nature down to a science and create the perfect sense.

As a division of Blue California Ingredients, our innovative taste, smell, and creative beauty center is dedicated solely to delivering plant-based, natural, and sustainable solutions. Our diverse team of experts collaborate with advanced bio-techniques and collaborate as a team to provide unique consumer-validated ingredients.

At Sensegen™, we’ve pioneered a way of formulating nature without compromise or harm, providing one-of-a-kind solutions for Taste, Smell, and Beauty.

Attachments

Ana Arakelian, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Sensegen
+1.949.635.1991
ana.arakelian@sensegen.com

June 23, 2022

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) among the best 150 universities in the world, according to QS World University 2023 rankings

UTS continues to hold its place among the world’s top universities, placing 137th globally and ninth in Australia.

SYDNEY, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Leading higher education network QS has named the University of Technology Sydney as one of the top 150 universities in the world, for the fourth year in a row.

Strong performance in international outlook and research has kept UTS competitive in global rankings. Image: Andy Roberts

Despite strict lockdown measures in Australia, UTS has retained a strong cohort of international students and faculty, which has contributed to a strong position among the world’s best universities. UTS rose 17 places in the area of international student ratio, with international students making up 41% of the student body.

The university also scored above the global median in the areas of international faculty ratio and international research networks. The results reflect UTS’s continuing commitment to being a leading research university with global impact.

This year, UTS also saw a significant improvement in the areas of citations per faculty, rising to 63rd in the world.

Says Professor Kate McGrath, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research):

“Research is fundamental to our purpose, and our academic community should be commended for the delivery of excellent research with strong economic, environmental, cultural and social impact.”

“These rankings results are just one indicator of how much research has come to the fore at UTS in recent years, as we’re delivering increasing impact on the global stage.”

UTS has continued to develop its research through agile, collaborative and transdisciplinary approaches, attracting the attention of domestic and international partners from a wide variety of sectors.

Since 2014, UTS has moved up 135 places in the world rankings. According to QS and Times Higher Education, UTS continues to be the top young university in Australia.

Discover more about the University of Technology Sydney at uts.edu.au.

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a leading university of technology and among the top 150 universities in the world. UTS prepares students for the challenges of today and tomorrow through its future-focused approach to learning and research. Located in Sydney’s technology precinct, UTS is minutes away from the city’s business district and some of Australia’s most innovative companies and startups.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1844991/1.jpg

June 23, 2022

South Africa Releases Damning Report Into Zuma-Era Graft

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has released a final and damning report after a long-running inquiry into influence-peddling and corruption during former President Jacob Zuma’s nine years in office. It recommends several high-ranking officials face investigation and prosecution.

Acting Chief Justice Zondo late Wednesday gave the final report on the plunder of state resources under Zuma to his former deputy and successor, President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The latest installment of the five-part report focused on alleged wrongdoing by the state security agency and at the public broadcaster and other state-owned enterprises.

It said Zuma’s former spy chief should be prosecuted for graft and targeting the president’s foes.

It also found that Zuma’s son, Duduzane, acted as a conduit between the wealthy Gupta family — business friends of Zuma’s whose influence over the president was said to amount to state capture.

The report said Duduzane should also be investigated.

Ramaphosa said the inquiry had presented evidence of abuse of power and praised the whistleblowers and journalists who helped uncover it.

“State capture was an assault on our democracy and violated the rights of every man, woman and child in this country,” he said.

Previous parts of the report recommended Zuma be further investigated with a view towards prosecution and that the Guptas and several ministers face prosecution.

Two of the Gupta brothers were arrested in Dubai this month and are facing extradition to South Africa.

The inquiry ran for almost four years, with South Africans watching the daily televised hearings shocked by repeated witness testimony on corruption at the highest levels of government.

Zondo spoke of some of the challenges the commission had faced while probing the graft.

“A few members of the legal team that I know went through situations when their security needed to be beefed up because of the work that they do, that they did, in the commission,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the inquiry was vital to ensuring the survival of South Africa’s democracy.

“The report is far more than a record of widespread corruption, fraud and abuse; it is also an instrument through which the country can work to ensure that such events are never allowed to happen again,” he said.

But the report was also critical of Ramaphosa as Zuma’s deputy for failing to do more against “state capture.”

It was also highly critical of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party.

Independent political analyst Ralph Mathekga praised the inquiry for surviving political attempts to interfere with the process.

“The major finding actually here is that the ANC dropped the ball, the ANC-led government, the state capture inquiry speaks about major lapses in governance,” he said. “President Jacob Zuma comes out as the chief suspect.”

Zuma, who was forced to step down in 2018, is already facing trial on multiple counts of corruption in a separate case. He’s denied all wrongdoing.

Spokesman for the Jacob Zuma Foundation Mzwanele Jimmy Manyi told VOA the report was “a lot of hogwash.”

Ramaphosa has four months to make his recommendations to parliament on what action must be taken. South Africans will be waiting to see what arrests and prosecutions might follow.

Source: Voice of America

June 23, 2022

Cameroon Woos Potential Diaspora Investors, But Faces Distrust of Government

YAOUNDE — Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has for the first time sent a delegation to Europe to try to encourage well-off Cameroonians living there to invest back home. But members of Cameroon’s diaspora say undemocratic practices and corruption in Biya’s government put off investors.

Government officials say a delegation led by Youth Affairs and Civic Education Minister Mounouna Foutsou was dispatched to Germany this week to ask Cameroonians there to invest in their country of origin.

Foutsou said his wish is for all Cameroonians in the diaspora to put aside their differences and help develop Cameroon.

“The head of state reiterated his call to the Cameroonian diaspora to come and build Cameroon. We seize this opportunity to come and exchange with the whole Cameroonian diaspora here in Europe so that we can present the different opportunities offered by the president of the republic and his government so that the Cameroonian diaspora can come back and participate in the development of the nation,” said Foutsou.

Foutsou said the government will offer tax exemptions of up to 40 percent for diaspora investments in Cameroon, and loans of up to $10,000 with no interest rates for diaspora youths who return to invest in agriculture and livestock.

Kennedy Tumenta is a Cameroonian investor who lives in Germany. He said many in the diaspora find it hard to trust promises made by their government.

He said corruption, high taxes and a lack of confidence in President Biya, who has been in power for 40 years, scare investors.

“Freedom is restricted and they are afraid to move around in Cameroon and do their businesses and speak freely. Most diasporans believe that there is widespread corruption when it concerns opening businesses in the country or the Northwest-Southwest crisis is not being taken into consideration seriously by the government in place. It makes them frustrated and the only way to express this frustration is either to withdraw their investments in the country or attacking the head of state,” said Tumenta.

Separatists have been fighting to carve out an independent English-speaking state in mainly French-speaking Cameroon, since 2016. The U.N. says 3,300 people have died in the fighting.

Some disgruntled Cameroonians in the diaspora have become hostile to the government, and at least seven Cameroonian embassies have been attacked or ransacked since January 2020.

Felix Mbayu is a top official with Cameroon’s Ministry of External Relations. He said Cameroonians taking part in such protests are hurting the country’s image.

“Those who left Cameroon unhappy and have not been able to make it there are those who would speak ill of Cameroon. Those who left Cameroon to better their lot in life and have made it there are those who come back to invest in Cameroon. That is why you see medical doctors who have built hospitals, built clinics, who bring back home medical supplies. You don’t see them in the idle marches abroad. In fact, when you talk ill of your own home, you tarnish your own image,” said Mbayu.

An estimated five million Cameroonians live abroad. The government says the largest diaspora population is in Nigeria where about two million live.

There are also high concentrations in Belgium, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Source: Voice of America

June 23, 2022

Ukraine Tops Agenda at China’s BRICS Summit

JOHANNESBURG — Ukraine: It was a word barely mentioned but often alluded to as the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — collectively known as BRICS — gave their opening remarks at a virtual summit Thursday hosted by Beijing.

In his address, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the group’s purpose was to “make the world a more stable place” and “speak out for equity and justice.” He then appeared to take aim at the West, though the U.S. was never referred to by name.

“We must abandon cold war mentality and bloc confrontation and oppose unilateral sanctions and the abuse of sanctions,” the president of the world’s second-largest economy said in apparent reference to U.S. and European Union sanctions against Moscow.

Of the BRICS member states — emerging economies that position themselves as an alternative to the U.S.-led liberal world order — only Brazil voted against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the United Nations earlier this year. China, India and South Africa all abstained from condemning the invasion.

Xi’s remarks Wednesday at the BRICS business forum ahead of the main summit were even less equivocal.

“We in the international community should reject zero-sum games and jointly oppose hegemony and power politics,” he said.

Avoid ‘spillovers’

“Major developed countries should adopt responsible economic policies and avoid negative policy spillovers that may take a heavy toll on developing countries. It has been proved time and again that sanctions are a boomerang and a double-edged sword,” he added.

Unlike the others, Xi did refer directly to Ukraine, saying: “The combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis has resulted in disruptions to global industrial and supply chains … and emerging markets and developing countries bear the brunt.”

For his part, Russia leader Vladimir Putin on Thursday thanked Xi and “all our Chinese friends” and took aim at the “selfish actions of certain states” that he said had thrown the global economy into a crisis, referring to sanctions against his government.

Countries in the global South have been hard hit by food insecurity and rising oil prices caused by the Ukraine crisis, and Putin noted that Russia could “count on the support of many Asian, African and Latin American states striving to pursue an independent policy.”

On Wednesday at the business forum, Putin said Russia was actively “redirecting its trade flows” and increasing oil deliveries to India and China. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said that instead of closing itself off in the face of disrupted supply chains, Brazil would be seeking to “deepen our economic integration.”

South Africa, one of the democracies in BRICS, has been widely criticized for taking a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict. At the Thursday summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa was less strident than other leaders.

“In line with our foreign policy principles, South Africa continues to call for dialogue and negotiation toward a peaceful resolution of conflicts around the world,” he said.

Different views

Later, a joint declaration by the group was vague, underscoring the different countries’ divergent views on the matter.

“We have discussed the situation in Ukraine and recall our national positions as expressed at the appropriate fora, namely the UNSC [U.N. Security Council] and UNGA [U.N. General Assembly]. We support talks between Russia and Ukraine” the statement said, adding that BRICS supported U.N. humanitarian assistance to the region.

Not all the talks focused on the Ukraine crisis, however, with leaders, including Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also stressing the need to enhance international cooperation in the fight against COVID-19.

On this matter, Ramaphosa took aim at the West for not adhering to “the principles of solidarity and cooperation when it comes to equitable access to vaccines.”

“We call on developed economies, international agencies and philanthropists that procure vaccines to purchase from manufacturers in developing economies, including in Africa,” he said.

Despite aiming to present a united front against the U.S. and its allies, BRICS member states also have disagreements among themselves, though those do not necessarily stop their cooperation. Bolsonaro has previously made anti-China statements, while India has challenged Beijing on its disputed Ladakh border.

On Wednesday, ahead of the BRICS summit, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with India’s ambassador to China, Pradeep Kumar Rawat. In the ministry’s summary of the meeting, Beijing stated the two countries should continue to look for “solutions through dialogue and consultation” on the “boundary issue” and that “common interests between China and India far outweigh the differences.”

BRICS expansion

Additionally, China has supported the expansion of BRICS to include other countries. “Bringing in fresh blood will inject new vitality into BRICS cooperation and increase the representativeness and influence of BRICS,” said Xi in his remarks at the summit.

China’s Wang said that “to strengthen the solidarity and cooperation between emerging markets and developing countries,” for the first time, officials and foreign ministers of Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, and Thailand, described as BRICS Plus countries, were invited to a May virtual meeting of BRICS foreign ministers.

The BRICS joint statement declared the countries were in favor of further discussions about expanding bloc membership but “stressed the need to clarify” the details of the process.

Source: Voice of America