AI Legal Mate Revolutionizing Legal Aid for Disabled Students & Military Veterans (AI119 YK2K Evolution - Henry Nanpei Academy Project) AI Legal Mate Revolutionizing Legal Aid for Disabled Students & Military Veterans (AI119 YK2K Evolution - Henry Nanpei Academy Project) www.ailegalmate.com WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT AI LEGAL MATE As previously reported , AI Legal Mate has filed its Gen AI 'Law and Health' technology utility patent updates, utilizing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and quantum computing. QM-Ware is designed exclusively for remote and physical users, and will continue to be under (nonpartisan) exploration delegations with organizations like the Veterans Recovery Network , The Gaygency , Fugees Lives Matte PAC , The Trump S.A.F.E. Act - Department of Government Efficiency 2025, SMART Recovery Network , and Harvard I-Labs. The AI Legal Mate launched a project to assist disabled Harvard students in civil rights actions concerning overly 'X'd up Harvard degrees, and military veterans at the Veterans Recovery Network seeking settlement claims through the PACT Act Relief programs. With quantum computing, AI Legal Mate works as an ultimate API conduit between a pro-bono law client and live attorneys and AI Law technicians to handle batches of similarly situated claimants within a shorter time than a well-staffed civil rights organization with a dozen or more attorneys. AI PATENT TECH NEWS AI119 Tech's propel development team has filed a second utility patent update application for their 'third generation' AI Law and Health technology, designed similar to military ISACs established in the late-90s. This technology uses quantum computer technology under Grover's algorithms for quantum-error corrections in human-driven transactions. The newer version of AI119's technology is capable of resolving tens of thousands of administrative complaint cases within a few days by integrating live attorneys with AI Law resources and SOC-2 applications to certify legal documents. AI Legal Mate's next generation plan is to complete its fifth-generation technology with innovative lab affiliates, including their "QM-ware" approach, which aims to integrate AI with assistive technology like earbuds, eye-ware, wrist-ware , head-ware , and body-ware to enable adaptive learning at 'meta-speed. ' This will empower users to receive treatment or training for mental health disabilities or professional skills through peer-to-peer transmission of Generative AI at meta-speeds . For more information about AI Legal Mate or AI119 Gen AI Law technology, visit www.ailegalmate.com . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/003b80da-a76f-4c3a-a31b-d6e18633e78e A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eb54f06e-c40b-4edd-8083-473447a37d5f CONTACT: Contact: [email protected] (David De Livera)
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The government was lobbied to do more to assist former paramilitaries to get jobs and integrate back into society months after being released from prison in 1998. Declassified files show the then Northern Ireland Office minister, Adam Ingram, resisting the pressure by stating society was “not yet at the stage where all of the shutters could go up”, expressing concerns that ex-prisoners could end up teaching the children of their victims. The Good Friday Agreement in 1998 largely ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland and led to the establishment of the Stormont powersharing Assembly. The deal also saw the release from prison of hundreds of paramilitary prisoners. The issue of how to integrate them back into society was the subject of a meeting in December 1998 between Mr Ingram and Projex 2000, a private sector group which included representatives of ex-prisoners. Among those who attended the meeting for Projex 2000 were John White of the Ulster Democratic Party (UDP), Brendan Mackin of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), businessman Ken Cleland and Paul Mageean of the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ). A minute of the meeting shows that the minister advised the group to start lobbying the local parties in the Assembly as he said much of the responsibility for what they were concerned about would fall to Stormont. Mr Cleland says the government had committed to providing assistance for politically motivated prisoners in the Good Friday Agreement, but there had been “no tangible signs of this apart from the prisoner releases”. It adds: “The Minister pointed out that it was difficult to avoid comparisons with politically motivated prisoners and ‘ordinary decent criminals’. “There was already a huge reaction in society to the prisoner release programme.” The group raised concerns about the exclusion of former political prisoners from compensation schemes and highlighted difficulties in finding employment, suggesting a partnership between the prisoner groups, the government and the private sector. The minute states: “John White interjected to say that the prisoner groups were also concerned about media reporting that prisoners were getting huge sums of money on leaving prison.” It continues: “Mr Mackin said the reality at present is that prisoners’ groups do not see anything tangible coming from the Good Friday Agreement. “It seemed to him to be a complete waste of resources for prisoners to come out of prison highly educated but unable to get jobs.” The minister responded that the government had “taken a lot of gambles with no payback”. The minute continues: “As an after-thought he (Mr McCleland) added that it was ironic that someone like David Ervine may end up as a Minister in the New Assembly yet would be unable to employ civil service staff who were politically motivated ex-prisoners. “Again, the Minister emphasised that we are not yet at the stage where all of the shutters could go up. “There were legitimate concerns that ex-prisoners could end up for instance teaching the children of their victim.” The minute adds: “He emphasised that every ex-prisoner does not become a good guy so we have to move cautiously.” It says Mr Mageean said it was “ironic that the Government had signed up to the release of several hundred prisoners but yet would not allow them to get a job in somewhere like a passport office”. It continues: “The Minister reminded him that a sizeable part of the Northern Ireland community are not signed up to the (Good Friday Agreement), we have to move carefully; there is a much wider issue here.” As an action point after the meeting, the minister said he would write to all political parties in the Assembly to ask them to nominate someone to deal with the issue of prisoner re-integration.Warmer conditions are expected in the London, Ont. region this weekend, with the high forecast in the double-digits. The temperature could hit 11 C Saturday, and 12 C Sunday amid a 30 per cent chance of showers Saturday and rain on Sunday. Normally, the high this time of year is -2 C. Cloudy conditions are expected all weekend. London’s New Year’s Eve forecast is calling for cloudy skies and showers with a high of plus 5 C. We’ll be ringing in the New Year with rain showers or flurries, and a high of plus 1 C. Here’s a look at the London, Ont. region’s forecast Saturday: A few showers ending early this morning then cloudy with 30 per cent chance of showers or drizzle. Wind south 20 km/h gusting to 40 becoming light late this afternoon. High 11. Saturday night: Mainly cloudy. Rain beginning before morning. Fog patches developing this evening. Low plus 3. Sunday: Rain at times heavy. Amount 20 to 30 mm. Wind east 30 km/h gusting to 50. High 12. Monday: Cloudy with 30 per cent chance of showers. High plus 5. Tuesday (New Year’s Eve): Cloudy with 60 per cent chance of showers. High plus 5. Wednesday (New Year’s Day): Cloudy with 60 per cent chance of rain showers or flurries. High plus 1. Thursday: Cloudy with 30 per cent chance of flurries. High minus 2. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks Here Are All The Best Amazon Boxing Day Deals You Can Find On Beauty Products In Canada These Walking Pads Will Help You Get 10,000 Steps Every Day (And They're On Sale In The Name Of Boxing Day) 10 Family Calendars And Planners That'll Help You Keep Track Of Everything In The New Year Home If You're Headed Somewhere Warm On Vacation, Don't Forget To Pack These 16 Things Our Guide To The Best Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) 14 Of The Best Home Security Devices You Can Find Online Right Now (And They've Got The Reviews To Prove It) Gifts The Clock Is Ticking — Shop These 25 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Gifts Now If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 70+ Crowd-Pleasing Gifts Will Still Arrive Before Christmas If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 50 Brilliant Stocking Stuffers Will Still Arrive Before Christmas Beauty 20 Products Your Dry, Dehydrated Skin Will Thank You For Ordering 14 Hydrating Face Masks That’ll Save Your Skin This December 12 Budget-Friendly Products To Add To Your Winter Skincare Routine Deals 11 Bestselling Coffee Makers And Espresso Machines You Can Get On Sale Right Now Don’t Walk, Run! These LEGO Kits Are On Sale For Boxing Day 2024 The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 41% Off For Boxing Day London Top Stories Power restored in east London following outage, police investigating crash Ending the year with above seasonal temperatures Despite best efforts, Cowan and Knights couldn't help Canada past Latvia at World Juniors Two seriously hurt in passenger vehicle collision with horse drawn carriage Wortley Village business pillar to rise again as 'homage to what it was' 'I really hope that our connection is not complete': Could South Bruce be home to a different nuclear waste project? Carjacking suspects impersonated police, left victim stranded on 401 on Christmas Day: OPP Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments CTVNews.ca Top Stories Putin apologizes to Azerbaijan's Aliyev over 'tragic incident' with plane in Russian airspace Russia's Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologized to Azerbaijan's president for a 'tragic incident' which happened in Russian airspace involving an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane that crashed after air defenses were used against Ukrainian drones. G2 driver stopped going more than 100 km/h over the speed limit on Hwy. 401 in eastern Ontario A 17-year-old driver is facing charges after being caught speeding and driving dangerously on Highway 401 in eastern Ontario Friday evening, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). How some men are trying to fight online misogyny amid 'your body, my choice' rhetoric A young man with a buzz cut leans on a pristine countertop in a stark white kitchen and looks directly into the camera as he delivers what he presents as the secret to dating success for straight men. Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with members of Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. MAGA opponents of Elon Musk claim he stripped them of their X badges The debate roiling the MAGA world in recent days over visas for highly skilled workers shows no signs of abating. Some prominent online personalities are now accusing Elon Musk of using his social media platform, X, to retaliate against those who disagree with his support of the H-1B visa program. Vancouver artist and HIV advocate Joe Average dies at 67 Renowned Vancouver artist Joe Average, whose colourful work adorns murals and banners around the city, died at age 67 Tuesday, according to family and friends. Carjacking suspects impersonated police, left victim stranded on 401 on Christmas Day: OPP On Dec. 25 at 9:00 p.m., police received a call to the eastbound lanes of the 401 near the 65 km marker. There the victim was stopped by three people in two suspect vehicles, one with flashing red and blue lights in the windshield. Toronto police searching for missing elopee Toronto police are searching for a missing elopee. Uninspired Canada upset by Latvia in a shootout at world juniors Eriks Mateiko scored the only goal of the shootout as Latvia stunned an alarmingly uninspired Canada 3-2 at the world junior hockey championship Friday. Kitchener Fire rips through former Peter Hay Knife Company building in Cambridge Emergency responders were called to a fire in Cambridge on Thursday as flames ripped through the building that formerly belonged to the Peter Hay Knife Company. Influx of dogs in need, Waterloo Region dog rescue says A not-for-profit dog rescue in Waterloo Region is putting out a call for help around the holidays. Chicopee Ski Resort opens, celebrates 90th anniversary The slopes are officially open for the season at Chicopee Ski Resort in Kitchener. Barrie Driver faces licence suspension after nearly crashing into OPP cruiser A Midland man received a seven-day licence suspension on Friday after a close call with an OPP cruiser led to an impaired driving investigation. 'No excuse,' Driver caught speeding 160km/h in posted 80 zone: OPP Provincial police issued a reminder to motorists to slow down after a driver was stopped for allegedly travelling double the posted speed limit though Kawartha Lakes on Friday afternoon. Are your bins still at the curb? Here are the changes to curbside collection Curbside collection is delayed by one day this week due to the holidays. Windsor VIDEO | Vehicle flipped on its roof in west Windsor collision A dramatic collision on Windsor's west side left one van overturned on its roof earlier this afternoon. Carjacking suspects impersonated police, left victim stranded on 401 on Christmas Day: OPP On Dec. 25 at 9:00 p.m., police received a call to the eastbound lanes of the 401 near the 65 km marker. There the victim was stopped by three people in two suspect vehicles, one with flashing red and blue lights in the windshield. Identity of 'suspected prowler' wanted The Windsor Police Service is looking for help identifying a suspect involved in a prowler incident. Northern Ontario Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont. A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges. Gerry Butts says Trudeau less likely to remain leader since Freeland quit A former chief adviser and close friend to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday he doesn't think Trudeau will stay on to lead the Liberals in the next election. Five-vehicle crash closes Hwy. 11 in New Liskeard A collision involving five vehicles closed Highway 11 in both directions Friday morning between Golf Course Drive in New Liskeard and Highway 66 in Kenogami. Sault Ste. Marie Man shot by officer after firing at police car near Thunder Bay: SIU Ontario's Special Investigations Unit is probing a shooting near Thunder Bay in which a man was shot and wounded by a police officer on Boxing Day. Alleged impaired driver crashes into police cruiser on Boxing Day While on general patrol in northwestern Ontario on Boxing Day, an Ontario Provincial Police officer’s vehicle was struck. Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont. A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges. Ottawa G2 driver stopped going more than 100 km/h over the speed limit on Hwy. 401 in eastern Ontario A 17-year-old driver is facing charges after being caught speeding and driving dangerously on Highway 401 in eastern Ontario Friday evening, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). FREEZING RAIN WARNING | Freezing rain warning in effect for Ottawa this Saturday Environment Canada says a freezing rain warning is in effect for Ottawa this Saturday. Here’s what’s next for your Christmas tree The City of Ottawa has few tips to help you get rid of your Christmas tree, while making sure you keep the spirit alive. Toronto Shooting in north Etobicoke sends 1 person to hospital One person is in hospital after a shooting in north Etobicoke early Saturday morning, police say. Toronto weekend forecast calls for double-digit highs, showers Warmer conditions are expected in Toronto this weekend, despite periods of rain on both Saturday and Sunday. MAGA opponents of Elon Musk claim he stripped them of their X badges The debate roiling the MAGA world in recent days over visas for highly skilled workers shows no signs of abating. Some prominent online personalities are now accusing Elon Musk of using his social media platform, X, to retaliate against those who disagree with his support of the H-1B visa program. Montreal Here are the changes coming to Quebec in 2025 With the new year just days away, here is a look at the changes that are in store for Quebecers in 2025. Montreal SPCA at full capacity amid spike in pet surrenders The holiday season is typically a slow period for the Montreal SPCA, but this year is different. The animal shelter says the tough economic climate has taken a toll on its operation, leaving it at full capacity. Tugboats, crews try to refloat ship stuck in St. Lawrence River near Montreal A team of tugboats is being deployed to refloat a ship that has been stuck in the St. Lawrence River northeast of Montreal since Christmas Eve. Atlantic One dead in two-vehicle collision in Sackville, N.B. One person has died following a two-vehicle collision in Sackville, N.B., Friday. 'Nobody should have to go through that': N.B. family grieving father, daughter killed in crash A New Brunswick family is grieving the loss of a father and daughter in a crash. Man found dead inside tent in Dartmouth, police investigating Halifax Regional Police is investigating a sudden death in Dartmouth, N.S. Winnipeg The most-read stories on CTV Winnipeg in 2024 Historic events, community pride and significant losses dominated headlines in Manitoba in 2024. Here’s a list of the most-read stories of each month of 2024 on CTV News Winnipeg. Downtown Winnipeg a hub for research, baking and milling at Cereals Canada High above on the tenth floor of a downtown Winnipeg office space, baking bread is a normal routine. Thousands of hockey players descend on Winnipeg for annual holiday competition Around 2,500 players, 170 teams, and a few Winnipeg Jets have taken over the Hockey for All Centre to mark an annual tournament over the holidays. Calgary Calgary Boxing Day crash victim identified, mother and sister still in hospital A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police. Albertans watching closely as Ottawa tries to talk down Trump tariffs Alberta's politicians and business community will have eyes on Florida this weekend, following a federal government outreach trip. 'Way more expensive this year': Canadians feeling post-Christmas, Boxing Day spending squeeze As the holiday rush starts to slow, stress from holiday spending starts to grow. Edmonton 'Way more expensive this year': Canadians feeling post-Christmas, Boxing Day spending squeeze As the holiday rush starts to slow, stress from holiday spending starts to grow. Cell phone scam costs Edmontonians $600K: EPS Edmonton police are warning residents about a cell phone scam that has so far defrauded victims of more than $600,000. 2 teens hospitalized in Christmas Day fire Two teens were hospitalized after a fire broke out at an apartment building in west Edmonton Christmas Day. Regina Regina police chief says new initiatives to enhance community safety will come in 2025 Looking back after one year in his new role as the chief of the Regina Police Service, Farooq Hassan Sheikh is highlighting challenges the city faces, what has worked during his tenure and what can be done to improve policing in 2025. 'Something that connected us all': For 53 years, Sask. family celebrates holidays with street hockey game For over 50 years, Stephen Lentzos and his family have celebrated Christmas Day with a street hockey game. Regina police launch homicide investigation after injured man dies at scene Regina police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man found gravely injured Thursday evening. Saskatoon The thrill is gone from Boxing Week shopping, Saskatoon residents say Christmas has come and gone for most people, but the shopping hype continues as some get out of the house to take in the post-Christmas scene. Saskatoon sees return of normal winter conditions Despite a strong start to winter with heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, December saw not much snow and mild temperatures into the Christmas holiday. Calgary woman killed in Saskatchewan highway crash A 25-year-old woman from Calgary was killed in a crash on Highway 7, west of Rosetown, Saskatchewan on Christmas Eve. Vancouver Vancouver artist and HIV advocate Joe Average dies at 67 Renowned Vancouver artist Joe Average, whose colourful work adorns murals and banners around the city, died at age 67 Tuesday, according to family and friends. 'We're sending a clear message': B.C. prepares for home flipping tax amid criticism Next week, when the calendars turn to 2025, the provincial government will begin imposing a 20-per-cent tax on all profits if a home is sold within a year of purchasing it. Drivers appeal for road marking visibility improvements on Sea to Sky Highway Those living along the Sea to Sky corridor are appealing to the provincial government to improve the visibility of road markings along the key highway. Vancouver Island 'We're sending a clear message': B.C. prepares for home flipping tax amid criticism Next week, when the calendars turn to 2025, the provincial government will begin imposing a 20-per-cent tax on all profits if a home is sold within a year of purchasing it. Former B.C. lawyer disbarred for 2nd time over sexual harassment A former lawyer who was convicted of sexual assault in 2020 and disbarred last year has been handed a second disbarment for sexual harassment of a different client. 2nd earthquake in 3 days reported off Vancouver Island coast A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck off Vancouver Island's west coast early Friday morning, less than 48 hours after a 4.8-magnitude quake in roughly the same location on Christmas Day. Stay Connected
TEHRAN - In a note, Ettelaat addressed Trump's strategy in foreign policy and wrote: Donald Trump seems to adopt the strategy of "peace through strength" in foreign policy. This strategy, which was somehow implemented in his first administration, is rooted in conservative and traditional principles of American foreign policy. This policy has had great impacts on the countries that America considers its enemies. For example, Trump's withdrawal from the JCPOA and the imposition of crippling economic sanctions on Iran led to a great inflation rate, increase in military pressure in the Persian Gulf, and cyberattacks. In effect, they affected the expansion of Iran's regional influence. In line with the "America First" policy, Trump has repeatedly withdrawn from international agreements (such as the JCPOA and the Paris climate agreement). Strengthening regional strategic alliances was another goal of this policy in the Trump administration that was mostly highlighted in the Abraham agreements between Israel and the Arab countries. In a commentary, Hamshahri addressed the claims of the U.S. National Intelligence Agency about Iran's nuclear, missile, and drone capabilities. It said: The U.S. has claimed that Tehran is not currently preparing to build a nuclear weapon, but is carrying out activities that will put it in a better position to produce an atomic weapon. Although Iranian authorities have emphasized that the production and use of nuclear weapons has no place in Iran's defense program and the nature of Iran's nuclear program is purely peaceful, the claim of military goals in Iran's nuclear program is repeated by the United States and its partners and allies. The West has accused Iran of sending missiles and drones to Russia for use in the Ukraine war. However, unlike the obvious military intervention of the West in the Ukraine war which is sending weapons to the (eastern European) country, Iran does not support any of the warring parties and declared its readiness to mediate to reach a political solution to the conflict. In an analysis, Siasat-e-Rooz dealt with the terrorist attacks of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sharm (HTS) takfiris in Syria. It wrote: If the takfiris win in Syria, the consequences of such an event will affect countries such as Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, etc. It is impossible to believe that the government and army of Syria, Iran’s forces stationed in Syria, and the Russian army were not aware of the movements of Takfiri terrorists stationed in Syria, who are receiving special support from Israel, America, and other countries. To counter such movements, the best policy is to pretend to be unaware so that they are caught in a trap and then the forces of the Syrian, Russian, and Iranian armies. Terrorists enjoy wide support and their media have resorted to psychological operations to present themselves as the victors of the battlefield, but the victors of this battlefield cannot be Takfiri terrorists and the countries and regimes that support them. Syria will survive. Terrorists will not be allowed to occupy, destroy, and divide this country. Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi started a new round of urgent consultations in Baghdad to extinguish the fire of conflict in Syria. The foreign minister’s statements regarding the developments in Syria should be interpreted as a strategy to defend the country's national security against the militants. In the inflammatory atmosphere in Syria, Araghchi's intensive consultations during his trip to Damascus, Ankara, and Baghdad (and Doha on Saturday), along with the telephone conversations of the Iranian president with his Syrian and Russian counterparts in this regard, have shown how serious Tehran's decision to support the Damascus government is. Given its military capabilities Moscow, has put military countermeasures against these attacks on the agenda. At the same time, it has welcomed diplomatic moves to settle the conflict. The current supporters of terrorists, such as Turkey, may not have counted on the role that Iran and Russia can play on the battlefield against armed opponents; a decision that can upset the current equations and undermine the dreams of the aspiring architects of the Syrian battle.
A former McDonald's holiday cup has resurfaced on social media , inspiring jokes and confusion as users attempt to see past their initial impression of the graphic. The McDonald's cup, released the winter of 2016, shows a pair of white mittens on a read backdrop adorned with snowflakes, hearts and stars. "Warmest Greetings" is scrawled across the mittens. At the mitten thumbs, a prankster has drawn fingers to make the two thumbs resemble hands, making it appear as if the hands are placed on buttocks. McDonalds' graphic design team would benefit from having at least one 14yo boy on hand to vet final designs before they go to printing pic.twitter.com/FtNLOsha7x If I was that 14 year old boy I'd be like "approved" 😈😈😈 The addition of "hands" is a significantly cheeky alteration to the image, making the original mittens unrecognizable to many social media users. I know what I see when I look at that design. But what the hell is it actually supposed to be? What's this supposed to be? I can't unsee the ass Among plenty of quips were a few earnest best guesses at what the image could possibly represent. Well that would be the warmest greeting I've ever had? I thought they were beer mugs being clanked together Internet sleuths clarified that the "hands" were drawn on, and that the image was meant to represent a pair of cozy winter mittens. it took me like 10 minutes to realize those are mittens.... Although hilarious. That is actually an edited image from a design released in 2016. The image on the cup is mittens. The fingers were added. Still funny, though. https://t.co/dilGdINbJ4 pic.twitter.com/nFYY8fc23p The original image, posted eight years ago, was accompanied by an admission that the hands were drawn on. The cup was a viral sensation the first time around too, inspiring similar raunchy commentary. Now how the hell are Starbucks cups in the news again and no one's talking about a guy spreading his cheeks open on McDonald's cups pic.twitter.com/QmIuZiDJst (The hands are drawn on.) While the original cup was altered, the humor remains the same. Originally published by Latin Times .
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At this time of year, many people pause to reflect on the true meaning of philanthropy, asking themselves: What is the best way to give? To whom should I give? And, perhaps most importantly, why should I give? Fifteen years ago, I published Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa. I argued that government-to-government aid, rather than fuelling economic growth, inadvertently harms the very countries it is meant to help. Since then, philanthropists have often sought my advice about their desire to grapple with seemingly intractable challenges, such as extreme poverty or climate change. In this season of giving, donors should ask themselves 12 key questions when considering how, where, and why to give. The first question is relatively straightforward: What motivates you? Are you looking to spread joy – for example, by supporting the arts – or alleviate suffering by aiding communities affected by war or natural disasters? Both approaches are vital and commendable. Second, how can you use your time and financial resources effectively? In a world of competing needs, it’s not just how much we give but how we do it that ultimately determines our ability to effect positive change. For example, consider a philanthropist with $100mn to donate. While allocating the entire amount to improving education could result in better-resourced schools, students might still struggle to attend due to poor health, inadequate transportation, or malnutrition. Recognising this, the philanthropist might choose to divide the $100mn among initiatives supporting education, health, food, and transportation. Yet splitting the funds equally – allocating $25mn to each cause – will inevitably dilute the impact. Such an approach might be enough to prevent conditions from getting worse, but it is unlikely to drive transformative change. The third question to consider is whether to delegate decision-making to an established organisation or create your own philanthropic foundation. Both strategies come with tradeoffs. Delegating enables you to harness the skills and expertise of teams with proven track records, but there is always a risk that the organisation you support will fail to achieve its goals – or worse, exacerbate the problem. Building and managing an organisation gives you the freedom to pursue your personal goals and vision. But over time, this entity’s culture, norms, and bureaucratic processes can diverge – and even conflict – with its founding mission. As employees become focused on advancing their own careers, the problem the organisation was created to address may become a justification for its existence rather than something to be resolved. Fourth, what is your time frame? Do you expect immediate results, or are you willing to wait for years, perhaps even decades? After all, philanthropy can lay the groundwork for breakthroughs that donors may never live to see. Fifth, what kind of impact do you want to make? You could spread your resources widely or focus on a single goal – a “moonshot” with a low likelihood of success, such as curing cancer or Alzheimer’s. Though risky, supporting groundbreaking research could have far-reaching consequences. Sixth, should you collaborate with governments or operate independently? There is a strong case for working with policymakers to provide public goods like education, health care, and infrastructure. After all, government budgets dwarf even the wealthiest philanthropist’s resources. For example, while Bill Gates’s estimated net worth is $105bn, it amounts to less than six months of California’s annual state budget. Seventh, how should you approach innovation? Should you harness technology and data to make your organisation operate more efficiently and maximise the impact of your giving? Alternatively, you could use your philanthropy to drive the development of revolutionary technologies designed to address societal challenges at scale. Eighth, should you partner with fellow philanthropists or go it alone? Pooling capital could enhance your impact, but working independently allows you to avoid disagreements over who and what to fund. That said, confronting complex challenges rarely allows for a solitary approach. Ninth, should your giving be public or private? Both approaches offer unique advantages. Public actions, such as signing the Giving Pledge, facilitate the sharing of best practices, inspire others to support important causes, and enable you to compare your efforts to your peers through platforms like GuideStar. On the other hand, private giving is arguably the purest form of altruism. “Stealth” philanthropy also provides the freedom for trial and error without the pressure of public scrutiny. Although experimentation is essential for tackling complicated problems, public failures can invite criticism and be dismissed as a waste of money. Tenth, how should you structure your giving? Financial support can take many forms beyond traditional cash donations. While grant-making remains the most common approach, there are compelling alternatives. Loans, for example, can be structured with extended maturity periods and below-market interest rates, encouraging discipline and accountability by requiring recipients to repay the funds. Eleventh, should you establish a board of directors to oversee your philanthropic endeavour, and if so, will you reserve seats for family and friends? Opting for a more formal structure – for example, by designating permanent seats for prominent public figures, such as religious leaders or university presidents – can help ensure impartial oversight. Lastly, what is your exit strategy? Are you planning to wind down your philanthropic efforts by a specific date, or will you establish mechanisms to sustain them indefinitely? The “run down the clock” approach is exemplified by businessman and philanthropist Chuck Feeney, who donated billions of dollars to academic and technical institutions during his lifetime and died in 2023 after successfully giving away his money. By contrast, the Rhodes Trust and Nobel Prize are designed to exist in perpetuity. Whether you’re a wealthy donor, a politician, a CEO, or simply a concerned parent, the call to philanthropy resonates with us all. I hope these questions encourage deeper reflection on how to maximise the effectiveness of generosity. – Project Syndicate l Dambisa Moyo, an international economist, is the author of four New York Times bestselling books, including Edge of Chaos: Why Democracy Is Failing to Deliver Economic Growth – and How to Fix It. 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