International Press Release Submissions

U.S. Department of State’s Equity Action Plan Fact Sheet

April 18, 2022: This Equity Action Plan outlines specific actions, metrics, and accountability efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness to successfully integrate Executive Order (E.O) 13985 into all aspects of our foreign affairs mission. U.S. Foreign Policy Prioritize engagements with diplomatic partners and individuals from underrepresented and underserved communities worldwide to better assess and embed equity into U.S. foreign policies. Create a new three-part strategic framework to track progress and work with local stakeholders to reduce barriers to equity. U.S. Foreign Assistance Establish new reporting requirements and equity analysis tools to align priorities and operations with E.O. 13895 principles through international aid. Work with stakeholders to inform data-driven operations and programming to integrate racial equity and support for underserved communities into U.S. foreign assistance. Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Embed E.O. 13985 principles into public diplomacy programming, exchanges, and communications strategies, and will use new equity assessment tools to track progress. Increase inclusive messaging to combat disinformation, which can sow discord among communities and undermine democratic norms. Consular Services Update the interpretation and application of the Immigration and Nationality Act to reflect advances in Assisted Reproductive Technology. Offer U.S. citizenship products, such as passports, with inclusive gender markers. Procurement, Contracts, and Grants Require reviews under current federal contracting processes to provide more equitable access to underserved and small business partners. Grow the industrial supply base by E.O. 13985 principles into agency contracting partnerships and the federal marketplace and institute a new data-informed methodology with market research, internal business scorecards, and consultations with stakeholders. For further information, please visit www.state.gov/equity. …


Source: MyPR International

COVID-19 Travel Advisory Updates

April 14, 2022: The Department of State has no greater responsibility than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas. We are committed to providing U.S. citizens with up-to-date and timely information, so they are informed as they make international travel plans and when they are abroad. Given the increases in international travel, the availability of effective COVID-19 mitigation measures, and recently announced changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Travel Health Notice (THN) process, we have reassessed how COVID-19 considerations factor into our Travel Advisory levels for U.S. citizens. Starting next week, the State Department Travel Advisory levels will no longer automatically correlate with the CDC COVID-19 THN level. However, if the CDC raises a country’s COVID-19 THN to a Level 4, the State Department’s Travel Advisory for that country will also be raised to a Level 4: Do Not Travel due to COVID-19. This update will leave approximately 10% of all Travel Advisories at Level 4: Do Not Travel. This 10% includes Level 4 Travel Advisories for all risk indicators, not just COVID-19. We believe the updated framework will help U.S. citizens make better informed decisions about the safety of international travel. Although conditions have recently improved, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. We continue to advise travelers to consider COVID-19 conditions and restrictions at their destinations when considering international travel. Our embassies and consulates around the world will continue to provide the latest country-specific COVID-19-related information on their websites. To see the latest State Department Travel Advisories for any country in the world, visit travel.state.gov. We encourage U.S. citizens who are considering international travel this summer to check their passport expiration date and act now to renew or apply for the first time. Keep in mind many countries require passports to have at least six months’ …


Source: MyPR International

U.S. Department of State Teams Up with Google Arts & Culture, Expands Access to Cultural Heritage Sites to Global Audiences

April 18, 2022: Today, on World Heritage Day, the U.S. Department of State announced a new partnership between the Cultural Heritage Center (CHC) and Google Arts & Culture to expand access to cultural heritage sites to global audiences and showcase the United States’ work to protect and preserve cultural heritage worldwide. Through the online platform, visitors can access global cultural heritage sites and learn about the importance of protecting heritage in their own communities as well as communities around the world. Visit the Department’s page on the Google Arts & Culture Platform here: https://g.co/heritageatstate . The inaugural feature showcases the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). The AFCP has worked with partners in more than 130 countries to protect and preserve cultural heritage through more than 1,100 preservation projects. Visitors can tour AFCP sites, such as Chankillo in Peru, the earliest known astronomical observatory in the Americas, or Wat Chaiwatthanram, a 17th Century Buddhist temple in Thailand. The Department’s Cultural Heritage Center, with the support of international partners, works to preserve heritage and protect culturally important sites, objects, and practices around the world to help support U.S. foreign policy goals. Google Arts & Culture puts the treasures, stories and knowledge of over 2,000 cultural institutions from 80 countries at your fingertips. For press inquiries, contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at ECA-Press@state.gov. Engage on Twitter @ECA_AS and @HeritageAtState, and on Instagram @ExchangeOurWorld. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za International/. U.S. Department of State Teams Up with Google Arts & Culture, Expands Access to Cultural Heritage Sites to Global Audiences Submission Details Author: Africa Media from The Africa Regional Media Hub. More Info link: Images: For a high res version of THIS image please contact The Africa …


Source: MyPR International

Secretary Antony J. Blinken Virtual Remarks on 21st Century Diplomacy and Global Challenges, The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan

April 14, 2022: Welcome, everyone. And on behalf of the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, welcome back to those of you who just watched the first half of our fourth annual Vandenberg Lecture, and welcome to those of you who are just tuning in. I’m John Ciorciari, an associate professor here at the Ford School and director of our Weiser Diplomacy Center, which is co-sponsoring today’s events, along with the university’s Democracy and Debate initiative and Detroit Public Television. In the past hour, my colleague, Dean Michael Barr, spoke with Senator Chris Coons about the war in Ukraine and about forging a new foreign policy consensus in Washington. I now have the great pleasure of introducing a special guest to continue the conversation with a focus on diplomacy: United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken. I’ll keep this very brief so that we can get quickly to his insights. Antony Blinken is the 71st Secretary of State and has been a leader in shaping U.S. foreign policy over three decades and over three presidential administrations. Among other senior roles, he served as deputy secretary of state between 2015 and ’17, as President Obama’s principal deputy national security advisor before that, and also as a senior director at the National Security Council, as a senior official at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and elsewhere at the State Department, including a start to his career focused on European affairs, which will be a particular focus of today’s conversation. I’m joined in this conversation by Dean Barr and a classroom full of very excited Ford School students, including three of whom will join us here on the chairs to ask some questions of their own. With that, please join me in welcoming Secretary Blinken to the fourth annual Vandenberg Lecture and to the Ford School. (Applause.) SECRETARY BLINKEN: John, thank you. Thank you very, very much. And it’s wonderful to be with you. It’s great to see my friend Michael. …


Source: MyPR International

Hyundai Hope on Wheels Surpasses $200 Million in Funding to Pediatric Cancer

HHOW announces plans to award $15 million in research grants this year, bringing the organization’s lifetime donation total to $200 million HHOW names new National Youth Ambassador, Oliver Foster NEW YORK, April 14, 2022 – Hyundai Hope On Wheels® (HHOW), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and its more than 820 U.S. dealers, today announced its plans to award $15 million in research grants this year. This brings the organization’s total giving to $200 million since 1998. This year also marks the return of Hyundai Hope On Wheels to New York International Auto Show. “Pediatric cancer remains the leading disease-related cause of death among children in the U.S. and that fuels our commitment to spread hope and end childhood cancer,” said Kevin Reilly, vice chairman of the Hyundai Hope On Wheels Board of Directors, and president of Alexandria Hyundai. “Hyundai Hope on Wheels is truly humbled to have reached this milestone and remains steadfastly committed to finding a cure for the disease.” Since its launch in 1998, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has awarded more than 1,000 research grants to improve outcomes and treatments for children diagnosed with cancer. This year marks Hyundai’s 24th consecutive year in the fight against childhood cancer, making it one of the longest-running corporate social responsibility efforts in the automotive industry. New National Youth Ambassador Oliver Foster, a 10-year-old from Bloomington, Ill., was selected as the 2022-2024 National Youth Ambassador from a nationwide search. Every two years, HHOW selects new ambassadors to share their stories of courage and hope for other children and families battling cancer. Oliver will represent the organization and travel the country to inspire others to join the fight against childhood cancer. Learn more about Oliver’s inspirational story on our website. To learn more about Hyundai Hope On Wheels, please visit HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org. Hyundai Hope On Wheels Hyundai …


Source: MyPR International

Enhanced 2023 Hyundai Palisade Makes World Debut at the New York International Auto Show

2023 Palisade Flagship SUV Offers Fresh Exterior and Interior Design New Convenience Technologies: 12-inch Navigation, WiFi Hotspot, Digital Key 2 Touch, New Bluelink Features and Driver’s Ergo Motion Seat New Driver Assistance Technology: Remote Smart Parking Assist, Enhanced Forward Collision Avoidance and Highway Driving Assist NEW YORK, April 13, 2022 – Hyundai today unveiled its significantly enhanced 2023 Palisade SUV in a global debut at the New York International Auto Show. The new Palisade offers freshened interior and exterior design cues, new infotainment and safety features, and advanced driver assistance systems. The 2023 Palisade arrives at Hyundai dealers this summer. “The enhanced 2023 Hyundai Palisade offers the design appeal and features worthy of Hyundai’s flagship SUV,” said Olabisi Boyle, vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. “More than ever, Palisade is the ultimate family vehicle for daily use and memory-making road trips.” 2023 Palisade New Enhancements and Available Features Exterior New front and rear bumper fascia New front grille New headlamps and daytime running lights New multi-spoke alloy wheel design Auto-dimming outside mirrors Interior New instrument panel, gauge cluster and audio interface design New steering wheel design New seating surfaces and materials Ergo-motion driver’s seat 2nd-row armrest angle adjuster (8 passenger, first for Hyundai) Heated 3rd row seats (first application for Hyundai) Acoustic-laminated rear door glass (Calligraphy model) Infotainment/Convenience Technology 12-inch navigation with 720p resolution Digital, full-display center rearview mirror (first application for Hyundai) WiFi hotspot (first application for Hyundai) Digital Key 2 Touch (compatible with iPhone and Android) New Bluelink features (see Bluelink detail) Enhanced USB-C ports replace USB-A ports (quicker charging up to 3 amps) Enhanced wireless device charging (from 5W to 15W) Enhanced …


Source: MyPR International

The New 2023 Telluride Arrives At New York Auto Show With Refreshed Styling, More Capability, And Enhanced Technology

Kia’s Flagship SUV Introduces New X-Line and X-Pro Models for Adventures in the Wild New X-Line and X-Pro models bring added ruggedness and capability More towing capacity with Tow Mode, higher ground clearance, Continental All-Terrain Tires, Raised Roof Rails, and Downhill Brake Control1 Design enhancements further elevate its distinctly upscale and commanding presence with new front and rear fascias, lighting and wheels Refreshed interior receives redesigned and more technologically advanced dash and center console with newly available dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens2 including standard navigation Upgraded convenience technology includes newly standard WiFi Hotspot and optional digital key supporting compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, and Samsung Galaxy smartphones Larger multi-color head-up display Class-leading interior roominess3 Numerous standard advanced collision avoidance and safety assist features4 including available Highway Drive Assist 2 with Semi-Autonomous Hands-On Capability and Auto Lane Change technology Assembled at Kia’s award-winning Georgia manufacturing facility alongside K5, Sportage, and Sorento NEW YORK, April 13, 2022 – Three years after bursting onto the scene as one of the most in-demand and award-winning three-row eight-passenger SUVs in the U.S., the Kia Telluride returns for 2023 with an array of enhancements that build upon the success of the original.  The Telluride has not only attracted over 75 percent of its buyers as new to the Kia family, but because of high customer satisfaction, Telluride owners have the most brand loyalty of any midsize SUV when returning to market for another vehicle. Big, capable, and powerful, the Telluride is as ready as ever for adventures of all kinds, from family road trips across the country to off-road excursions bound by few limits. The SUV that swept the “triple crown” of automotive accolades and claimed the most recent award for best resale value from JD Power now wears new design …


Source: MyPR International

Designed For A Sustainable Future: The All-New 2023 Kia Niro Debuts

Second-Generation Niro Debuts in Three Flavors, Each More Design-Focused and Technologically Enabled than Ever Sustainable mobility accessible for everyone: Second-generation Niro CUV debuts in hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric (EV) variants, further advancing Kia’s Plan S electrification initiative Hints of HabaNiro: All-new exterior and interior styling incorporates cues from HabaNiro concept and the “Opposites United” design philosophy Stronger, lighter, more powerful: Niro models are larger in every dimension, including class-leading passenger and cargo volume1 Innovative interior features and sustainable materials Niro HEV targets best-in-class 53 MPG2 Targeted 253 miles of AER and quicker charging for Niro EV: Improved, 253-mile AER, qualifies for $7,500 federal tax credit, can replenish 10-80% in under 45 minutes3 On sale in all 50 states: 2023 Niro models will be available for purchase at any Kia retailer, from fall 2022 (NEW YORK, N.Y.) April 13, 2022 – Today, the all-new Kia Niro CUV made its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show. The next-generation Niro has been designed from the ground up to meet and exceed the expectations of eco-minded consumers. With striking styling cues and a commitment to sustainability and connectivity throughout, the 2023 Niro will launch in the United States with three highly efficient, electrified powertrains: hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric (EV). “Kia’s electrified vehicle momentum continues with the launch of the all-new second-generation Niro, which offers more refinement, versatility, connectivity, and technology than ever,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “The 2023 Niro was designed for today’s needs and for sustainable future mobility.” An urban environment like Manhattan, where space is at a premium, provides an optimal backdrop for the launch of the 2023 Niro. When it arrives at Kia retailers in all 50 states late fall, 2022, the …


Source: MyPR International

Muncaster Voted March’s Scottish Building Society Player Of The Month

Back-row and Edinburgh Rugby Academy graduate Ben Muncaster was today voted Scottish Building Society Player of the Month for March. The combative ball carrier and former Scotland U20 captain has excelled in the capital club’s back-row throughout March, starting in all three matches against Glasgow Warriors, Cell C Sharks and Emirates Lions. The former North Berwick man went toe-to-toe with Springbok World Cup winning captain Siya Kolisi in Durban and came out on top, putting in a mammoth performance that saw Muncaster’s strong carrying and work rate on full display. The versatile back-rower also put in an all-action performance against Glasgow in the first leg of the 1872 Cup, carrying 15 times, hitting 14 rucks, while completing all of his 12 tackle attempts. On picking up the award, Muncaster said: “It has been an amazing month, making my first 1872 Cup appearance and featuring on the South Africa trip was absolutely amazing. It’s been great to get a run of games in the team, you can build momentum on your own performances, which I feel like I’ve been able to do. Sponsored and backed by Scottish Building Society, the initiative sees Edinburgh’s Main Club Partner generously donate £500 to Muncaster’s charity fundraising of choice, The Christian Hobbs Gym. “It’s a great cause, a very good friend of mine’s brother died on Boxing Day in 2017. He was a boxer, his main passion was boxing, and they’re raising funds to build a gym in his honour. So every donation is greatly appreciated, they go a long, long way.” Paul Denton, Chief Executive Officer for Scottish Building Society, said: “Ben Muncaster is a very worthwhile winner for his strong performances against Glasgow, Sharks and Lions.” “As we reach the business end of the season, it is great to see young players like Ben really pushing on and helping the team with top performances, including his role in what was an historic win against the Cell C Sharks in Durban. “Scottish Building Society …


Source: MyPR International

Conan Gray Announces Superache Album To Arrive June 24

The Conan Gray World Tour Underway Now Debut Performance At Coachella 2022 This Weekend Platinum-selling singer, songwriter, and Gen Z pop king Conan Gray will release his anxiously awaited second full-length album, Superache [Republic Records], on June 24, 2022. Pre-order/pre-save Superache—HERE. Currently crisscrossing the country on “The Conan Gray World Tour 2022,” he has quietly dropped hints to his fans each night about the forthcoming Superache. This weekend the tour will make a historic stop for his debut performance at Coachella 2022. Making headlines, GQ featured Conan in their March 2022 issue and christened him “The New Prince of Sad Songs,” while Vogue included him in its massive new fashion spread in this month’s issue. Earlier this year, he initially teased the album with the grungy banger “Jigsaw,” which has amassed 14.5 million Spotify streams. In addition to plugs from NME and coup de main, Rolling Stone praised, “Conan Gray is going down the rock road – and he’s placing the sonic puzzle pieces in all of the right places,” and UPROXX hailed it as “electrifying.” It also arrived on the heels of his most recent release “Telepath.” The latter has gathered nearly 35 million streams and counting. Earning critical acclaim, NPR noted, “Conan Gray has ignited Sad Girl Fall” and proclaimed, “A repetitive, mind-numbing bassline gives this song an electro-pop feel that throws us back to the ‘80s.” Fader dubbed it a “striking new electro-pop single,” and press continue to praise Conan with UPROXX saying “Gray has steadily released hit after hit.” In other news, 2021 was a massive year for Conan: “People Watching” has amassed nearly 140 million streams to date. Inspiring tastemaker applause NPR raved, “it's incredibly validating to hear others share thoughts that you assumed no one else saw or felt,” and Clash Music hailed it as “potent” and “a bittersweet return that has electrified fans.” Its predecessor “Astronomy” has tallied nearly 100 …


Source: MyPR International