Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
World Vision International: G7 Principles Mark Step Forward for Children's Safety Online
MONROVIA, California, June 10 -- World Vision International issued the following statement on June 8, 2026, by Karla Harvey, senior advisor of impact communications and external engagement:
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G7 Principles Mark Step Forward for Children's Safety Online
London - World Vision welcomes the G7 Common Set of Principles for a safer and more secure digital space for children and adolescents, recognising them as an important step towards stronger accountability for children's rights and safety online.
The agreement sends a clear message: children's safety cannot be an afterthought. Digital platforms,
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MONROVIA, California, June 10 -- World Vision International issued the following statement on June 8, 2026, by Karla Harvey, senior advisor of impact communications and external engagement:
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G7 Principles Mark Step Forward for Children's Safety Online
London - World Vision welcomes the G7 Common Set of Principles for a safer and more secure digital space for children and adolescents, recognising them as an important step towards stronger accountability for children's rights and safety online.
The agreement sends a clear message: children's safety cannot be an afterthought. Digital platforms,services, and emerging technologies including AI, must be designed and governed from the outset to protect children's safety, privacy, rights, and well-being, rather than addressing harm only after it occurs.
World Vision welcomes the strong emphasis on safety by design, greater transparency, age-appropriate safeguards, and more decisive action against harmful content and exploitative design practices. These measures are essential to ensure that digital services are not only innovative, but also safe and appropriate for children. We recognise that many protections are most effective when implemented together. In this context, the "know your user" principle, including understanding users' ages is critical to creating online environments where all children can safely thrive.
We also welcome growing recognition among G7 partners of the importance of including children in discussions on digital governance and artificial intelligence. Governments should now ensure meaningful child participation in policy processes. At the same time, stronger commitments are needed from both governments and technology companies to embed children's voices in the design and governance of digital services. Children must be recognised as rights-holders and active participants, not just vulnerable users in need of protection and their lived experiences are essential to shaping digital spaces that both safeguard them from harm and enable them to learn, connect, and participate safely.
In a year marked by a 26,385% increase in AI-generated child sexual abuse videos, it is encouraging to see G7 governments renewing their commitment to tackling the misuse of AI to facilitate such abuse. However, the real test will be implementation. Governments and technology companies must translate these principles into clear, enforceable actions, supported by proactive regulation, strong accountability mechanisms, investment in digital literacy, and child protection systems capable of addressing online risks.
Tech companies must be held accountable prioritising protection over profit and removing harmful content from their platforms, rather than deflecting responsibility by suggesting children should not be using these services. This approach will ultimately help create a safer internet for everyone.
World Vision stands ready to work with governments, industry, civil society, and communities to ensure that every child can access digital spaces that are safe, inclusive, and empowering and where their rights are fully respected, protected, and fulfilled.
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Original text here: https://www.wvi.org/newsroom/g7-principles-mark-step-forward-childrens-safety-online
[Category: Sociological]
Senate Majority PAC: Collins Votes to Fund ICE While Georgia Families Face Record Costs
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- Senate Majority PAC, an organizations that works to elect Democratic senators who are committed to an economy that provides opportunity and security for America's working families and who stand up to protect the rights of all Americans, issued the following news release on June 9, 2026:
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Collins Votes to Fund ICE While Georgia Families Face Record Costs
Today, Mike Collins voted to give ICE billions of dollars with no accountability requirements, putting Donald Trump's priorities ahead of his constituents.
This vote comes as federal cutbacks have already knocked
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WASHINGTON, June 10 -- Senate Majority PAC, an organizations that works to elect Democratic senators who are committed to an economy that provides opportunity and security for America's working families and who stand up to protect the rights of all Americans, issued the following news release on June 9, 2026:
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Collins Votes to Fund ICE While Georgia Families Face Record Costs
Today, Mike Collins voted to give ICE billions of dollars with no accountability requirements, putting Donald Trump's priorities ahead of his constituents.
This vote comes as federal cutbacks have already knockedthousands of Georgians off Medicaid, with ACA enrollment still falling. Gas prices in Georgia have hit record highs, driven by the Iran War Collins continues to support, with some drivers now paying over $4 a gallon. Polling shows that cost of living is Georgians' top concern.
"Collins can talk about Georgia families all he wants, but his votes tell the real story. He backed billions for ICE with zero accountability and no reform - while Georgians are losing Medicaid and paying record prices at the pump. That record follows him into November," said Senate Majority PAC Press Secretary Christyna Thompson.
Gallup data shows affordability tops Americans' financial concerns, yet House Republicans are advancing an unauthorized Iran War, a taxpayer-funded ballroom, and ICE funding with no reform requirements.
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Original text here: https://senatemajority.com/news/collins-votes-to-fund-ice-while-georgia-families-face-record-costs/
[Category: Political]
Food and Water Watch: Hazle Township, PA Pauses Data Center Development for Six Months
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- The Food and Water Watch posted the following news release:
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Hazle Township, PA Pauses Data Center Development for Six Months
Pause comes less than two weeks after judge rebuked Project Hazelnut developer's effort to appeal data center denial
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Hazle Township, Luzerne County -- Last night, amidst widespread community opposition to data centers, the Hazle Township Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a municipal curative amendment that pauses consideration of any new data center applications for six months to allow the township to update its zoning ordinances
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WASHINGTON, June 10 -- The Food and Water Watch posted the following news release:
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Hazle Township, PA Pauses Data Center Development for Six Months
Pause comes less than two weeks after judge rebuked Project Hazelnut developer's effort to appeal data center denial
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Hazle Township, Luzerne County -- Last night, amidst widespread community opposition to data centers, the Hazle Township Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a municipal curative amendment that pauses consideration of any new data center applications for six months to allow the township to update its zoning ordinancesfor this industrial use.
The move comes less than two weeks after a judge rebuked an effort by data center developer Northpoint to appeal the Township's denial last fall of Project Hazelnut. If approved, the massive Amazon Web Services campus with fifteen hyperscale data centers covering 1,300 acres would be one of the largest in Pennsylvania. Project Hazelnut, a flagship in Governor Shapiro's Fast-Track permitting program, was granted state permits to clear forests and begin construction activities, despite lacking local approvals.
In response, Food & Water Watch Eastern Pennsylvania Senior Organizer Ginny Marcille-Kerslake issued the following statement:
"Hazle Township has done what Governor Shapiro will not: stand up to Big Tech's data centers. In the courts and at public meetings, Hazle Township supervisors have sided with their constituents over the destruction these unwanted data centers would bring.
"Across Pennsylvania, municipalities like Hazle Township are filling a void of leadership in Harrisburg. Pennsylvania needs to press pause on data centers -- everywhere. Senator Muth's data center moratorium, SB1359, is the bill to get us there."
With today's vote, Hazle Township joins a growing list of Pennsylvania municipalities to pause data center development with a municipal curative amendment. The move comes just over a week after Pennsylvania Senator Katie Muth filed a comprehensive bipartisan data center moratorium bill to pause industry development statewide for three years.
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Original text here: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/2026/06/09/hazle-township-pa-pauses-data-center-development-for-six-months/
[Category: Science]
CAIR Urges Senate Armed Services Committee to Reject U.S.-Israel Military Integration Provision During FY2027 NDAA Markup
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 9, 2026:
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CAIR Urges Senate Armed Services Committee to Reject U.S.-Israel Military Integration Provision During FY2027 NDAA Markup
As the Senate Armed Services Committee begins its closed-door markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)today and continues deliberations tomorrow, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced that it has sent a letter to every member of the
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WASHINGTON, June 10 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on June 9, 2026:
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CAIR Urges Senate Armed Services Committee to Reject U.S.-Israel Military Integration Provision During FY2027 NDAA Markup
As the Senate Armed Services Committee begins its closed-door markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)today and continues deliberations tomorrow, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced that it has sent a letter to every member of thecommittee urging lawmakers to reject any provision that would establish or expand a permanent U.S.-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, including language substantially similar to Section 224 adopted by the House Armed Services Committee.
CLICK HERE: READ CAIR'S LETTER (https://www.cair.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CAIR-Letter-to-Senate-Armed-Services-Commitee.pdf)
In its letter to Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, Ranking Member Jack Reed, and all committee members, CAIR warned that Section 224 would move far beyond traditional security cooperation by creating a framework for expanded integration of U.S. and Israeli defense technology, artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, autonomous systems, weapons development, and military research programs. CAIR noted that the proposal closely mirrors the previously introduced United States-Israel FUTURES Act and argued that Congress should not use must-pass defense legislation to institutionalize a permanent military integration framework with a foreign government.
"Congress should not deepen America's military, technological, and strategic integration with a government facing credible allegations of genocide, apartheid, war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture, and other serious violations of international law," said CAIR Government Affairs Department Director Robert S. McCaw. "At a time when Palestinians in Gaza face famine conditions, when reports of torture and sexual abuse of Palestinian prisoners continue to emerge, when American citizens have been killed by Israeli forces and illegal settlers without accountability, and when the region remains destabilized by expanding conflicts, Congress should be demanding accountability - not creating permanent new structures that further entangle the United States in Israel's military operations and policy decisions."
McCaw noted on Friday that CAIR condemned the inclusion and advancement of Section 224 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the House Armed Services Committee. CAIR urges the Senate Armed Services Committee to remove Section 224 from the NDAA and calls on members of the House of Representatives to reject the provision should it advance to the House floor.
During the House Armed Services Committee's consideration of the NDAA, Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) introduced an amendment to strike Section 224, warning that the provision originated from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and would further entrench U.S.-Israeli military integration, and that this provision seeks to institutionalize military cooperation in ways that could endure for decades. The amendment ultimately failed.
The letter argues that proposals modeled on the United States-Israel FUTURES Act would establish mechanisms for expanded collaboration in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities, advanced weapons development, battlefield networking, and other emerging technologies. CAIR warned that once established, such integration mechanisms could become difficult for future Congresses to unwind and could further align American military planning and technology policy with the priorities of a foreign government.
CAIR's letter also raises concerns regarding congressional war powers, U.S. strategic independence, and the risk of future military entanglements. The organization notes that Congress should be reassessing the U.S.-Israel military relationship in light of Israel's conduct in Gaza, the occupied Palestinian territories, Lebanon, and Iran, rather than creating new pathways for deeper military integration.
The letter further highlights reports by international organizations, U.N. agencies, and human rights groups documenting the treatment of Palestinian prisoners, including child prisoners, as well as restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza that have contributed to famine conditions and widespread civilian suffering. It also cites the killings of American citizens, including Shireen Abu Akleh, Omar Assad, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, Omar Mohammad Rabea, and Sayfollah "Saif" Musallet, as examples of unresolved accountability concerns that Congress should address.
CAIR urged Senate Armed Services Committee members to oppose Section 224 and any substantially similar proposal during the committee's ongoing NDAA markup process this week and called on senators to reject efforts to embed a permanent U.S.-Israel military integration framework into must-pass defense legislation.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-urges-senate-armed-services-committee-to-reject-u-s-israel-military-integration-provision-during-fy2027-ndaa-markup/
[Category: Sociological]
Animal Wellness Groups Applaud USDA Suspension of Live Horse Exports to Mexico, Call for Permanent Ban on Shipments for Slaughter
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- The Center for a Humane Economy posted the following news release on June 9, 2026:
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Animal Wellness Groups Applaud USDA Suspension of Live Horse Exports to Mexico, Call for Permanent Ban on Shipments for Slaughter
Veterinary experts say screwworm threat highlights unnecessary disease risks posed by cross-border horse transport
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Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's decision to immediately suspend exports of horses and other animals to Mexico following the detection of New World screwworm
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WASHINGTON, June 10 -- The Center for a Humane Economy posted the following news release on June 9, 2026:
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Animal Wellness Groups Applaud USDA Suspension of Live Horse Exports to Mexico, Call for Permanent Ban on Shipments for Slaughter
Veterinary experts say screwworm threat highlights unnecessary disease risks posed by cross-border horse transport
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Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's decision to immediately suspend exports of horses and other animals to Mexico following the detection of New World screwworm(NWS) in the United States. The organizations said the action is a prudent and necessary step to protect American agriculture and should serve as a catalyst for a permanent ban on the export of American horses for slaughter.
The USDA order halts exports of equines, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, dogs, ferrets, birds, and other animals to Mexico while federal officials assess risks associated with the spread of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasitic fly whose larvae can infest livestock, wildlife, companion animals, and humans.
"New World screwworm is one of the most destructive livestock pests ever to threaten North America," said Dr. Jim Keen, DVM, Ph.D., director of veterinary Science for the Center for a Humane Economy. "The USDA's decision is exactly the kind of precautionary action needed to protect livestock, animal health, and rural economies from a costly and preventable threat."
Approximately 25,000 American horses are exported for slaughter annually, with roughly 80% sent to Mexico. Unlike horses involved in breeding, competition, ranching, or other legitimate equine activities, horses destined for slaughter are funneled through a low-value commodity pipeline that aggregates animals from multiple sources and transports them long distances solely for slaughter.
"The USDA is right to act aggressively," said Col. Tom Pool, DVM, MPH (Ret.), senior veterinarian for Animal Wellness Action, a rancher in southwestern Oklahoma, and former commander of the U.S. Army Veterinary Command. "The cattle industry has too much at stake to take unnecessary risks. Horses in the slaughter pipeline are moved long distances outside of normal veterinary oversight, and there is no compelling agricultural reason to continue those movements."
The suspension comes at a time when the North American horse slaughter industry is contracting. Earlier this year, Bouvry Exports in Alberta, one of only two Canadian slaughter facilities accepting American horses, ceased operations, leaving a single horse slaughter plant remaining in Canada. The number of American horses slaughtered annually has fallen dramatically from nearly 400,000 in 1990 to roughly 25,000 today.
"The Administration is right to suspend these exports because of the disease risks associated with moving animals across borders," said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. "Congress is already moving to end this trade, and the screwworm threat underscores why. Horses are not raised for food in the United States. This slaughter pipeline serves a foreign horse meat market, creates unnecessary biosecurity concerns, and subjects horses to needless suffering. It should be shut down permanently."
Momentum is also building in Congress to permanently end the horse slaughter pipeline. Last month, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved, by a bipartisan vote of 34-30, an amendment offered by Representatives Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., and Dina Titus, D-Nev., to prohibit the export of American horses to Canada and Mexico for slaughter for human consumption and to ban the use of dangerous double-decker trailers for horse transport. The measure incorporates core provisions of the Save America's Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, which has attracted support from 230 House members. The Senate companion bill, S. 775, is led by Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M.
Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy are urging lawmakers to tackle the horse slaughter issue on the Surface Transportation Act and the Farm bill. The Senate is expected to release a draft Farm bill later this month, and the SAFE Act has strong bipartisan support in the chamber.
The organizations emphasized that the USDA's temporary suspension demonstrates a broader reality: animal movements associated with the slaughter pipeline present avoidable disease risks and should not continue for a trade that is economically marginal, unnecessary to American agriculture, and increasingly rejected by the public.
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Center for a Humane Economy is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) whose mission is to help animals by helping forge a more humane economic order. The first organization of its kind in the animal protection movement, the Center encourages businesses to honor their social responsibilities in a culture where consumers, investors, and other key stakeholders abhor cruelty and the degradation of the environment and embrace innovation as a means of eliminating both. The Center believes helping animals helps us all. Twitter: @TheHumaneCenter
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Animal Wellness Action is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(4) whose mission is to help animals by promoting laws and regulations at federal, state and local levels that forbid cruelty to all animals. The group also works to enforce existing anti-cruelty and wildlife protection laws. Animal Wellness Action believes helping animals helps us all. Twitter: @AWAction_News
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Original text here: https://centerforahumaneeconomy.org/animal-wellness-groups-applaud-usda-suspension-of-live-horse-exports-to-mexico-call-for-permanent-ban-on-shipments-for-slaughter/
[Category: Animals]
AHRC Welcomes Michigan's Recognition of Immigrant Heritage Month
DEARBORN, Michigan, June 10 -- The American Human Rights Council issued the following news release:
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AHRC Welcomes Michigan's Recognition of Immigrant Heritage Month
The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) welcomes and applauds Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II for issuing a proclamation designating June as Immigrant Heritage Month in Michigan.
The observance provides an opportunity to recognize and highlight the contributions immigrants have made, and continue to make, to Michigan's communities, economy, culture, and civic life. It also underscores
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DEARBORN, Michigan, June 10 -- The American Human Rights Council issued the following news release:
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AHRC Welcomes Michigan's Recognition of Immigrant Heritage Month
The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) welcomes and applauds Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II for issuing a proclamation designating June as Immigrant Heritage Month in Michigan.
The observance provides an opportunity to recognize and highlight the contributions immigrants have made, and continue to make, to Michigan's communities, economy, culture, and civic life. It also underscoresthe role immigrants have played in shaping the United States and supporting its economic development, innovation, and democratic institutions.
This recognition comes at a time of heightened national debate on immigration, marked by increased polarization, restrictive policy discussions, misinformation, and growing challenges facing immigrant communities across the country. Immigrant Heritage Month serves as a reminder that immigrants remain an integral part of the American story and continue to contribute across all sectors of society.
From entrepreneurship and education to healthcare, public service, science, agriculture, and the arts, immigrants play a significant role in strengthening both Michigan and the nation. Their contributions remain essential to economic growth, workforce development, and community stability.
The diversity of the United States continues to be a defining national strength. The experiences, skills, and perspectives of immigrants contribute to innovation, economic resilience, and the social fabric of communities. Diversity remains central to the nation's progress and long-term vitality.
At the same time, immigrant communities continue to face significant challenges, including discrimination, uncertainty in immigration policy, and barriers to access and opportunity. Celebrating immigrant heritage includes acknowledging these realities while reaffirming the importance of fair treatment, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.
As Immigrant Heritage Month is observed, AHRC reaffirms its commitment to supporting inclusive communities where all individuals are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
Elevating immigrant voices and experiences strengthens civic understanding and promotes social cohesion at a time of increasing division. Their story is America's story, and their success is our collective success.
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Join our 2026 AHRC "Spirit of Humanity" Gala on Friday, October 9;
Early support for the Gala is warmly welcomed and needed so AHRC's programs and services remain strong and effective.
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AHRC Mission:
The American Human Rights Council (AHRC) is dedicated to defending and protecting human rights as outlined in the U.S. Constitution and the United Nations 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The AHRC was formed to protect these rights and advocate for anyone whose rights are being violated or denied. To that end, the AHRC will build a tenacious, objective, and carefully guided advocacy program that will serve to defend individual human rights, whenever and wherever they are being infringed upon. NGO in Consultative Status with the Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC)-United Nations
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AHRC News & Views
Media & Information: (313) 9143251 or via email at: Info@ahrcusa.org
NGO in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations
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Original text here: https://ahrcusa.org/ahrc-welcomes-michigans-recognition-of-immigrant-heritage-month/
[Category: Sociological]
500-Day Countdown Begins for Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027
WASHINGTON, June 10 -- The Special Olympics issued the following news release:
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The 500-Day Countdown Begins for Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027
The global sport and inclusion event will take place in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time.
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[Santiago, Chile] Special Olympics Chile athletes and Unified partners, national authorities, representatives from partner organizations, and event ambassadors celebrate the 500-day countdown to Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027, where people with and without intellectual disabilities compete on the same team.
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"With
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WASHINGTON, June 10 -- The Special Olympics issued the following news release:
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The 500-Day Countdown Begins for Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027
The global sport and inclusion event will take place in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time.
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[Santiago, Chile] Special Olympics Chile athletes and Unified partners, national authorities, representatives from partner organizations, and event ambassadors celebrate the 500-day countdown to Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027, where people with and without intellectual disabilities compete on the same team.
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"Withjust 500 days to go, the excitement is already palpable. We, the athletes with intellectual disabilities, will show the world that these will be the most beautiful Games in the history of Special Olympics."
- Gonzalo Escobar, President of the Special Olympics Latin America Regional Athlete Leadership Council and member of the Santiago 2027 Board of Directors
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Carolina Picasso, President of the Santiago 2027 Local Organizing Committee, emphasized that these World Games "will showcase to the public the power of sport to change paradigms and will position Chile as a leader in inclusion throughout the region and around the world." She also hopes that with the event celebrating the 500-day countdown, "people will get excited and involved in this great gathering."
Chile's Minister of Sport, Natalia Duco, stated that "Santiago 2027 represents a historic opportunity to move towards a more inclusive Chile. We want to learn from the experience and leadership of Special Olympics to promote initiatives that improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in our country. President Jose Antonio Kast and the entire government have the conviction and the capacity to make this event a legacy that transcends sport, building a fairer society with more opportunities and fewer barriers for everyone."
From 16 to 24 October 2027, Santiago 2027 will be the largest unified sporting event in the world, and the first time the World Games will be held in the Southern Hemisphere in the near-sixty year-history of Special Olympics. More than 6,000 athletes from over 170 countries will participate in 23 sports, and the event will host more than 10,000 volunteers and more than 10,000 foreign spectators, including athletes' families and other guests.
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"The arrival of the World Games in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time is of historic significance. It is not just a geographical change, but a clear sign that inclusion must be led and experienced in all regions of the world. Santiago 2027 represents a unique opportunity to demonstrate how sport can transform perspectives, unite societies, and accelerate a legacy of inclusion that transcends generations."
- Claudia Echeverry, Regional President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Latin America
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Finally, Lou Lauria, Special Olympics Chief of Sport and Competition, emphasizes that "Chile is exceptionally well-prepared. It has everything necessary to host these World Games and for all participants to experience them to the fullest."
The legacy of the World Games in Santiago extends far beyond nine days of competition. In Chile, the Games serve as the starting line for a long-term national commitment to expanding inclusive education, health, and sport nationwide to tens of thousands of historically underserved individuals.
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Original text here: https://www.specialolympics.org/about/press-releases/the-500-day-countdown-begins-for-special-olympics-world-games-santiago-2027
[Category: Business]
