November 8, 2022

Zoomtopia 2022: New Innovations to Power Modern Work Experiences

Zoom Email and Calendar (beta) integrated into comprehensive Zoom communications platform
Zoom Spots will provide persistent, virtual co-working spaces to drive employee connection and collaboration
New innovations also include conversational AI features in Contact Center, additional benefits for developers, and more
Zoomtopia offered for the first time as hybrid experience powered by Zoom Events

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM) kicked off Zoomtopia 2022, the company’s annual event to unveil new innovations to power modern work experiences and celebrate the future of communication and collaboration. For the first time ever, Zoomtopia 2022 is a hybrid experience powered by Zoom Events, Zoom’s all-in-one, virtual event management solution.

“As global organizations are adapting to how, when, and where work happens, it’s crucial that human connection remains a top priority to drive business strategies forward,” said Eric S. Yuan, CEO at Zoom. “Zoom is purpose-built to make all kinds of connections possible, effective, and meaningful. Our team has built and launched more than 1,500 features and enhancements on the Zoom platform this year, advancing the way people connect with each other, their organization, and their customers—ultimately, opening the doors wide for creativity and collaboration.”

“There has never been more uncertainty surrounding the future of work than there is today. Work from anywhere, hybrid offices and other trends have created a complex set of questions that business and IT leaders need to address. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain and that is collaboration tools will be critical in keeping workers connected,” said Zeus Kerravala, principal analyst at ZK Research. “Zoom has rapidly evolved from being a niche meetings company to a broad collaboration platform that delivers unparalleled employee and customer experience, and helps organizations address the current and future needs of work.”

“Our team connects and collaborates on Zoom, allowing us to seamlessly work together no matter where we are located—so that we can continue delivering world-class content from our iconic brands like HBO, Warner Bros., CNN, and Food Network and beloved characters like Batman, Superman, Looney Tunes, and Harry Potter,” said Dave Duvall, CIO – Technology & Operations, Warner Bros. Discovery. “We’ve been able to evolve with Zoom, particularly beyond meetings, with products like Zoom Phone, Zoom Rooms, and Zoom Team Chat. The whole platform has really expanded our capabilities to collaborate and stay connected within the organization.”

Zoom Platform Innovations Announced at Zoomtopia
To further advance the next era of communications, Zoom unveiled several new offerings to empower businesses and individuals alike.

Some of the latest announcements include:

Zoom Mail and Calendar (beta): With the Zoom Mail and Calendar Clients, users no longer need to leave the Zoom platform to access their email and calendar. Popular email and calendar services will be integrated directly into Zoom, meaning users can quickly access their communications and scheduling, and get their work done more efficiently. For businesses who may not have dedicated IT services but are focused on privacy and security, Zoom also rolled out Zoom-hosted email and calendar service options, also directly integrated with the Zoom platform. Zoom Mail Service is end-to-end encrypted for emails sent directly between active Zoom Mail Service users. Zoom Mail and Calendar Clients and Zoom Mail and Calendar Services will launch in beta.
Zoom Spots: Welcome to Zoom’s virtual co-working space! Coming in early 2023, Zoom Spots is a video-enabled persistent space, integrated within the Zoom platform, to help foster inclusive discussions, keep colleagues connected, and bring the fluid interactions of in-person work to distributed, hybrid teams throughout their day.
Zoom Virtual Agent: Zoom Virtual Agent is an intelligent conversational AI and chatbot solution that uses natural language processing and machine learning to understand and quickly resolve issues for customers. Zoom Virtual Agent works around-the-clock on multiple support channels to deliver fast, personalized customer experiences, reduce call volumes to human agents, and drive significant operational efficiencies for businesses. Zoom Virtual Agent, available in early 2023, can be fully integrated with Zoom Contact Center and will also be offered as a standalone chatbot solution.
Continuous Collaboration across Zoom One: Connected workstreams across Zoom One, the all-in-one communication and collaboration offering that brings together Team Chat, Phone, Whiteboard, Meetings, and more, are enabling individuals and teams to do their best work. Among these new capabilities is the integration between Team Chat and In-Meeting Chat, creating an always-on functionality so users can flow between Team Chat and Meetings to reduce silos, keep projects moving, and continue the conversation after meetings.
Zoom IQ Virtual Coach: Coming soon as part of Zoom IQ for Sales, Zoom IQ Virtual Coach simulates a variety of selling situations to give sellers a practice environment to hone their pitch, obtain feedback, and receive real-time content tips during calls with prospects.

Learn more about these innovations and other new hybrid work features.

Build to Connect and Extend the Value of Zoom
Developers have the ability to use Zoom APIs, SDKs, and tools and resources to build apps and integrations with Zoom or use Zoom’s core technology to power innovative video-based solutions for any use case.

Developers can do more on Zoom with:

Zoom Developer Platform enhancements: It will soon be easier for developers to provision and manage apps that work with Zoom by enabling admin-authorized installed apps. This will allow Zoom account admins to pre-install apps for an organization at the account, group, or user level. Additionally, developers will soon be able to monetize their apps on the Zoom App Marketplace.
Extended availability with Zoom Apps: Zoom Apps, in-product apps seamlessly integrated into the Zoom Meeting and Webinar experience, is expanding across the platform to Team Chat, Zoom Rooms, and more, so developers can plug apps into all their workflows. Now, developers can build their integration once and extend it across the entire Zoom product line. Additionally, developers will benefit from increased distribution of their Zoom Apps with the upcoming release of Essential Apps. Essential Apps bundle Zoom Meetings paid plans and Zoom Apps with select app developers, servicing the needs of managing and growing a business, while helping to minimize manual drudgery.

Hear more about how developers can extend the power of Zoom with new updates to the Zoom Developer Platform and Zoom Apps at Developer Summit at Zoomtopia.

Tune In LIVE
Zoomtopia is a two-day hybrid experience hosted on the Zoom Events platform, featuring thought-provoking speakers, business leaders and celebrity appearances, and includes many opportunities to network, collaborate, and learn. Tune in live to catch all the exciting content.

About Zoom
Zoom is for you. Zoom is a space where you can connect to others, share ideas, make plans, and build toward a future limited only by your imagination. Our frictionless communications platform is the only one that started with video as its foundation, and we have set the standard for innovation ever since. That is why we are an intuitive, scalable, and secure choice for large enterprises, small businesses, and individuals alike. Founded in 2011, Zoom is publicly traded (NASDAQ:ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California. Visit zoom.com and follow @zoom.

Zoom Public Relations
Candace Dean
Corporate PR Lead
press@zoom.us

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8692032

November 8, 2022

Energy and Water Development Corp. and KB Engineering Tapped for Sustainable Water and Energy Project in South Africa

HAMBURG, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2022 / Energy and Water Development Corp., (OTCQB:EAWD) (“EAWD”), an innovator in alternative energy and green tech, has signed a letter of intent with Trioflex Incubator (Pty) Ltd and KB Engineering GmbH to develop and implement renewable energy and water harvesting technology in South Africa.

https://www.accesswire.com/users/newswire/images/724405/eawd.jpeg

Trioflex Incubator and KB Engineering were appointed through a competitive bidding process with the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality in South Africa’s Free State province as part of the Presidential District Development Model programs in infrastructure and agriculture, and renewable energy projects.

“Water scarcity and infrastructure limitations of the current power supply continue to hinder development in South Africa and many other areas in the world in need of developing effective, efficient and sustainable off-grid production of drinking water and extended solar energy storage. Implementation of renewable energy and water harvesting technology projects will help improve lives and support the economic growth initiatives of the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality,” said Irma Velazquez, MSc, CEO of EAWD.

“There is a growing need for additional, reliable sources of power and water generation worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. Through the Trioflex Incubator, the partnership between EAWD and KB Engineering brings the proven technology and engineering experience to create sustainable production of water and energy while also developing skills and creating jobs within our community to further our goal of eradicating poverty,” said Thapelo Mokoena, CEO of Trioflex Incubator-Strategic Partner of Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality.

Me. TPM Lebenya, the Municipal Manager of Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality, thanked Trioflex Incubator and KB Engineering for arranging such an important meeting, and applauded Mr. Mokoena for vision and perseverance, as these interactions will go a long way in improving the economy of the district and livelihood of its people.

The Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality encompasses the six local municipalities of Dihlabeng, Maluti-A-Phofung, Mantsopa, Nketoana, Phumelela and Setsoto. It is committed to creating integrated, self-reliant and sustainable communities by improving living conditions and developing a conducive environment for business opportunities and job creation. Key priorities include sustainable infrastructure, local economic development, job creation, tourism, agriculture and rural development, social development, sports, arts and culture, community participation and financial viability.

“The interest and support from the local government in South Africa to work with local communities in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality to develop sources of sustainable energy and water is encouraging,” said Norbert Kajüter, Managing Director, KB Engineering. “This cooperation and partnership will benefit communities going forward as we work with them on installation.”

EAWD and KB Engineering are working collaboratively to develop turnkey sustainable energy and water production plans worldwide, including other areas of southern Africa, Southeast Asia, Central America, South America, North America and Europe.

About Energy and Water Development Corp

Energy and Water Development Corp. is an engineering solutions company focused on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions of water and energy. EAWD builds water and energy systems out of already-existing, proven technologies, utilizing their technical know-how to customize solutions to their clients’ needs. The company offers design, construction, maintenance and specialty consulting services to private companies, government entities and non-government organizations (NGOs). For more information, please visit www.energy-water.com.

About KB Engineering

The company KB Engineering was founded in 2018 by Norbert Ferdinand Kajüter and Rolf Barlag in Ibbenbüren, Germany. The company founders do have a mechanical background, each with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. KB Engineering is a global company responsible for sales activities for well-known international customers. The main business area of KB Engineering is the design of building material plants and the development of new, innovative products. The product areas in the building materials sector are mainly aerated concrete, sand-lime bricks, ceramic bricks, concrete and refractory products and insulation boards. KB Engineering is recognized for its close cooperation with clients as well as by its neutrality, since there is no supplier relationship. The company’s core values are sustainability and trusting relationships with clients.

The mission of KB Engineering is to develop sustainable production facilities, with their own (regenerative) energy generation as far as possible. For more information, please visit www.kb-engineering.de.

About Trioflex Incubator

Trioflex Incubator is 100 % Black Owned and Managed, Trioflex is Accredited by QCTO as a Training Provider – ARTISAN DEVELOPMENT. Trioflex is also accredited by QCTO and Department of Higher Education and Training as TRADE TEST CENTRE. Trioflex is a Strategic Partner of Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality appointed to train Artisans and be a source of funding for unfunded projects as per DDM ONE PLAN. Trioflex Incubator secured a partnership with KB Engineering. Trioflex is also a business Incubator – developing entrepreneurs to become successful. Trioflex also secured the partnership with Department of Higher Education and Training as the technical partner, and through its partnership with KB Engineering, secured relationship with EAWD.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding EAWD’s operations and expansion plans. When used in this press release, forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “target,” “could,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Items contemplating or making assumptions about actual or potential future production and sales, market size, collaborations, and trends or operating results also constitute such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and important factors (many of which are beyond the Company’s control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward looking statements, including those found in EAWD’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which is on file with the SEC and available from the Company’s website at https://energy-water.com/investors/.

EAWD has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and assumptions about future events. While management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond EAWD’s control. You are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available at that time. Except as may be required by applicable law or regulation, the Company does not undertake, and expressly disclaims, any duty to update or revise our forward-looking statements based on new information, future events or otherwise.

Media contact:
Maureen Richardson, River Communications
+ 914-686-5599
mrichardson@riverinc.com

Investor Relations contact:
Bret Shapiro, CoreIR
BretS@coreir.com

SOURCE: Energy and Water Development Corp. (EAWD)

November 8, 2022

Just In Time For The Holidays Crurated Announces More Fractional Barrel Auctions Backed by NFT Technology With Winemakers Across France and Italy

For gift giving, collecting, or every day enjoyment new calendar features some of Europe’s finest producers and covers the remainder of 2022

Crurated Barrels November and December Calendar

Just In Time For The Holidays Crurated Announces More Fractional Barrel Auctions Backed by NFT Technology With Winemakers Across France and Italy. For gift giving, collecting, or every day enjoyment new calendar features some of Europe’s finest producers and covers the remainder of 2022

LONDON, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the holiday and gift giving season right around the corner, Crurated, a blockchain and member-based wine community, has released a new barrel auction calendar for the remainder of 2022. The offering features some of the finest winemakers from France and Italy and extends the fractional barrel sales after a successful first round of auctions. The recently announced program allows Crurated members to purchase fractions of barrels that are certified through blockchain and NFT technology.

The offering also gives buyers the ability to customize bottle formats and labels for the gift recipient or themselves. Many of the producers on the platform rarely or never make larger format bottles even though collectors and buyers often ask for them. Fractional barrels now allow producers to determine the exact number and sizes of bottles that are needed. In many cases, the only way to have larger formats for the wines being auctioned is exclusively through Crurated.

The next round of fractional barrel auctions include:

Domaine Gerorges Mugneret-Gibourg — November 7-13
- Vosne-Romanée “La Colombière” 2021
- Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru “Les Feusselottes” Cuvée Augustin 2021
- Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2021

Domaine Pierre Girardin — November 14-20
- Échezeaux Grand Cru 2021
- Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2021
- Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru 2021
- Richebourg Grand Cru 2021
Montevertine — November 21-27
- Le Pergole Torte 2020

Domaine Y. Clerget — December 5-11
- Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2021
- Volnay 1er Cru Clos du Verseuil 2021
- Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens 2021

Domaine Hubert Lignier — December 12-18
- Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Bio 2021
- Morey Saint-Denis 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes Bio 2021
- Morey-Saint-Denis Trilogie Bio 2021
- Bourgogne Pinot Noir Grand Chaliot 2021
Domaine Bruno Colin — December 19-25
- Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2021

“When we launched barrel sales, we knew what we were offering our members was unique. Little did we know that barrels would sell out so quickly and in some cases within 24 hours,” said Alfonso de Gaetano, founder of Crurated. “Our team is pleased to be announcing a new slate of auctions with some of Europe’s most sought-after wines and just in time for the holidays.”

About Crurated
Launched in 2021 with an emphasis on France and Italy, Crurated is a membership-based wine community designed to connect connoisseurs directly with world-class producers. A team of specialists provides personalized services and authentic experiences, while Crurated’s seamless logistics service guarantees quality and provenance thanks to secure wine cellar storage and innovative blockchain technology. For more on Crurated, visit crurated.com.

Michael Volpatt
michael@larkinvolpatt.com
415 994 8864

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee03a3c2-35fd-4334-9adb-d2f8c7c2a7e9

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c848d052-fe03-4cdb-becd-c00e6a4cdb57

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8691599

November 8, 2022November 9, 2022

UNODC participates in 27th UN climate change conference, addressing waste trafficking and environmental crime-biodiversity-climate nexus

The international community gathered in Egypt yesterday to attend the opening of the 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (COP27), which will continue until 18 November.

COP27 aims to raise the global ambition to meet the climate goals, which rely on climate mitigation and adaptation measures. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is participating in COP27 through various events and activities. UNODC aims to highlight: 1) the importance of ecosystem-based climate mitigation and the need to address crimes affecting the environment to increase ecosystems’ capacity to withstand climate change; and 2) the importance of addressing illegal trafficking of waste and sound waste management practices to promote the circular economy as a climate mitigation strategy.

Waste impacts all Sustainable Development Goals. It is a priority issue for Egypt’s COP27 presidency, which will launch the global waste initiative ‘50 by 2050: For Africa for A Global Impact’ during COP27’s ’solutions day’, on November 17. In support of the 50 by 2050 initiative UNODC is partnering with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (BRS Secretariat), and the environment ministries of Egypt, the European Union, and Ghana in a high-level event on November 11 titled ‘Unmanaged waste – a hidden cause of climate change’. The event will discuss how combating waste trafficking and supporting environmentally-sound waste management can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the circular economy as a climate mitigation strategy.

Another event focuses specifically on plastic waste and is titled ‘How combatting plastic pollution and illegal traffic in plastic waste can help reduce carbon emissions’. This event will take place on 10 November and is co-organized by UNODC jointly with the UN Conference on Trade and Development, UNEP and the BRS Secretariat. Environment ministers from Ecuador, Palau and Seychelles and a high-level United Kingdom environment representative will form the panel.

Ecosystem-based climate mitigation to protect people and planet will be the theme for the two other high-level events UNODC is co-organizing. “Crimes that affect the environment are destroying ecosystems, threatening biodiversity, and exacerbating pollution, and in doing so undermining the global response to climate change, while destroying lives and livelihoods and fueling violence and conflict,” said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly. “As the international community gathers in Sharm El-Sheikh to pursue effective climate action, now is the right time to ensure that our response accounts for the illicit activities damaging our planet, and the corruption that enables them,” she added.

On November 9, UNODC will stress the importance of addressing crimes that affect the environment and discuss positive outcomes of its work in a session on deforestation, protected areas, heritage sites, climate and security in the Congo basin. This session is a partnership between the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN Regional Office for Central Africa, the Secretariat of the Economic Community of Central African States, UNODC and the African Development Bank.

UNODC’s side event on ‘Eco-system-based climate mitigation to protect people and planet – raising the ambition for nature’, organized in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), will take place on 11 November and discuss challenges and opportunities related to nature’s capacity to mitigate climate change. Building on commitments to curb deforestation and biodiversity loss made at the previous COP, the event will reinforce the biodiversity-climate nexus, highlighting key approaches to increasing ecosystems resilience for climate mitigation, and sharing key messages for the COP27 biodiversity day on November 16. This event will see the release of a UNODC and WWF discussion paper, Crimes that Affect the Environment and Climate Change, which includes eight priority recommendations for mitigating or reversing negative trends in biodiversity loss and climate change.

The Conference of the Parties of UNFCCC is the world’s largest annual gathering on climate action, bringing together Heads of State, ministers and negotiators, along with climate activists, mayors, civil society representatives and CEOs. It seeks renewed solidarity between countries to deliver on the landmark Paris Agreement.

Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

November 8, 2022November 9, 2022

Invest in Africa to save the globe from climate change, says Kenyan Pres Ruto

SHARM EL SHEIKH (Egypt)— Kenyan President William Ruto has asked developed nations to invest in Africa to save the globe from the adverse effects of climate change.

He said there are opportunities on the continent to produce wind power, geothermal electricity and solar energy.

In his address at the ongoing COP27 in Egypt, the President cited the case of East Africa whose hydroelectric power potential is 100,000 megawatts. He insisted the world can no longer afford to power its industrialisation using dirty energy.

“Developed economies must decarbonise their production by directing industrial investments to Africa and using clean energy to manufacture for the world,” he explained.

Ruto, who is also the coordinator of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, insisted that Africa’s march to green growth is unstoppable.

He further told the more than 120 Heads of State attending the Summit that Kenya’s next significant export will be carbon credits.

“This is why we are calling for simplified, more transparent carbon market systems that directly benefit communities.” He challenged the leaders to focus on keeping their commitments.

Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK

November 8, 2022November 9, 2022

UNICEF: Children Suffer Most from Climate Crises Not of Their Making

UNICEF warns millions of children caught in climate-induced disasters are at risk of starvation, disease, exploitation, and death.

A UNICEF analysis released Tuesday finds 27.7 million children in 27 countries have been affected by flooding so far this year. Among them, Chad, the Gambia, and northeast Bangladesh have recorded the worst floods in a generation. The agency reports Pakistan’s record-breaking floods have killed nearly 1,700 people, 615 of them children.

UNICEF’s global communication and advocacy director, Paloma Escudero, says she saw for herself the enormity of the disaster during a visit to Pakistan last week. She says the needs are vast, adding 10 million girls and boys need immediate lifesaving support.

“The floods have contaminated drinking water, which is spawning deadly water-borne diseases such as acute watery diarrhea, which compounds already acute malnutrition,” Escudero said. “Estimates suggest close to 1.6 million children in flood areas could be suffering from severe acute malnutrition.”

She notes stagnant water is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria and dengue. She warns many vulnerable children and young people will die in the days and weeks to come without urgent action.

Escudero spoke on a video link from Sharm el-Sheikh, site of COP27, the climate change conference. She says scientists have found the recent floods in Pakistan have been made worse by climate change. While children are the least responsible for creating this problem, she says they are suffering the most.

“In Africa, just like in Pakistan, children are paying the price for a climate disaster not of their making. From the extreme drought and risk of famine in Somalia to the erratic rains across the Sahel, UNICEF is being challenged to respond at an unprecedented scale to emergencies that have all the markings of climate-induced disasters,” Escudero said.

UNICEF reports children account for almost half of the more than 20 million people facing famine in drought-stricken Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.

Nearly 40 youth climate activists from around the world are in Sharm el-Sheikh. They are working with UNICEF to sensitize delegates to the severe impact of the climate crisis on the world’s poorest, most vulnerable children.

Escudero notes it is not up to young people to keep raising the alarm. What is needed, she says, is for people with power to start acting.

Source: Voice of America