A seasoned community leader, Syed brings years of experience in nonprofit leadership and civic engagement to the City Council. He served as President of the Naperville Public Library Board and holds board positions with Loaves & Fishes Community Services and 360 Youth Services—organizations dedicated to strengthening families and empowering residents.

 In his speech, Syed highlighted his priorities of fiscal responsibility, responsive governance, and strategic investment in community needs.

 “I am humbled and honored to stand before you tonight as your newly elected City Council Member,” Syed said. “This moment is not mine alone—it belongs to every resident, every volunteer, and every voter who believed in a vision of transparent, responsible, and community-centered leadership.”

 He emphasized Naperville’s long-standing tradition of innovation, safety, and inclusivity, while acknowledging the importance of adapting to future challenges through collaborative and thoughtful policymaking.

“Budgets should reflect our values,” Syed added. “City government should be as responsive as the people it serves. I will advocate for smarter growth, support small businesses, and invest in services that uplift families and strengthen our neighborhoods.”

 Syed closed his remarks by thanking his wife, family, campaign team, and the residents of Naperville for their trust and support.

 “Together, we will continue to make Naperville not just a great city, but a truly inclusive one, where every voice is heard and every resident can thrive.”

Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA

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The agreement was signed by Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Secretary-General of AMAN Union, and Mr. Silvan A. Said, Managing Director of RISC Institute DMCC.

The training initiative includes comprehensive courses for insurance professionals, with a particular focus on preparing candidates to achieve the globally recognized Certificate in Insurance (Cert. CII), awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). This core qualification equips insurance professionals with essential knowledge across all sectors of the insurance industry, enhancing their expertise and confidence in critical disciplines. The Cert. CII serves as a foundation for further specialized studies, allowing professionals to tailor their learning according to their career ambitions and the needs of their respective organizations.

In addition to the Cert. CII program, the collaboration will offer high-level workshops designed for senior professionals, focusing on key areas such as Governance, Risk, and Compliance. These workshops aim to enhance leadership skills and strategic understanding, helping senior professionals navigate complex challenges within the insurance industry.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Secretary-General of AMAN Union, stated: “We are excited to embark on this partnership with RISC Institute DMCC. The insurance sector plays a critical role in driving economic stability and development across OIC member countries, and our members must have access to world-class training and certification. This initiative will empower our professionals with the skills and qualifications needed to excel in their roles and contribute to the continued growth of the insurance sector across the region.”

On his part, Silvan Said stated “This partnership is another milestone in our mission to provide learning opportunities and professional development for people working in the insurance, risk management, and personal finance sectors. These sectors are among the most dynamic and rapidly growing industries globally. We are grateful to AMAN Union for choosing us as their partner for training and human resources development and we are committed to providing the excellent quality training that our institute is renowned for, and to provide the best opportunity for success to the trainees who choose to follow the programs.”

This agreement marks a significant step forward in AMAN Union’s commitment to fostering professional excellence and capacity-building among its members. By collaborating with leading training institutions like RISC Institute DMCC, AMAN Union aims to strengthen the insurance industry across OIC countries, ensuring that it remains resilient, competitive, and equipped to meet the evolving demands of global markets.

For more information about the training programs and AMAN Union’s initiatives, please visit www.amanunion.net.

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INDIA: WeWork India, the leading flexible workspace provider in the country, is partnering with Uber, India’s leading ridesharing app, to offer a seamless commuting solution to their 70,000+ members. This collaboration is set to redefine commuting convenience, providing travel benefits designed to support WeWork India members in their day-to-day operations.

Through this partnership, WeWork India members will access Uber for Business. This B2B2C platform allows organizations to consumerize Uber’s extensive suite of travel benefits for business riders, ensuring a seamless commuting experience that aligns with their mobility needs. Members will have access to a uniquely built travel benefits program that includes user-friendly payment options, improved reliability, and flexible cancellation. They can choose from Uber’s range of premium and economy options, tailored to their comfort and needs, including the latest products like Uber Reserve, Uber Rentals, Uber Intercity, and Uber Shuttle, amongst others. Members will also get exclusive access to premium ride options such as Business Premier, which curates top-rated drivers for a more comfortable commuting and business ride experience.

“Our collaboration with Uber is a significant step towards enhancing the daily lives of our members by offering them a seamless and convenient commuting experience. By integrating Uber’s mobility solutions with our flexible workspaces, we’re not only simplifying their journey to work but also reinforcing our commitment to creating a holistic and sustainable work environment that meets the evolving needs of modern professionals. Furthermore, Uber’s safety technology and community guidelines will ensure a safe, secure, and positive experience for our members,” said Raghuvinder Singh Pathania, Head of Community & Operations, WeWork India.

As part of this collaboration, all WeWork India members will receive a one-time incentive upon activating their WeWork profile on the Uber App. This partnership will be stitched across all WeWork locations in India and will be supercharged with Uber for Business’ Tech implementation to ensure a seamless launch across the WeWork India community. While WeWork India is focused on its sustainability impact by improving mobility access at its locations, Uber for Business will also fuel the rider experience with their 24×7 premium business support, built to offer an elevated servicing framework.  

Commenting on the collaboration, Abhinav Mittoo, Sr. Country GM, Uber for Business,  India & South Asia said, “This collaboration aligns with our commitment to enhance and simplify business mobility for dynamic environments and workplaces. Our customer portfolio is growing as organizations are increasingly focusing on cost, digitization, and the experience of their employees or community. We are excited to partner with  WeWork India and its members to help them leverage a tech-based mobility solution that not only optimizes travel needs to enhance productivity but also provides a more safer and reliable way to move around. We believe this partnership will be instrumental in creating a more connected and convenient mobility experience for their vibrant community.”

Since its inception in 2017, WeWork India’ has constantly focused on elevating the workplace experience for members. This partnership reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to enhancing it further by providing innovative and sustainable solutions. By leveraging Uber’s expertise in mobility, WeWork India aims to offer an unparalleled commuting experience, contributing to the productivity and work-life balance of members.

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GOA: Club Mahindra has strengthened its presence in North Goa through a strategic partnership with Lohono Stays- a preeminent brand in serviced luxury villas. This collaboration provides Club Mahindra’s members access to six luxurious villas, perfectly nestled in tranquil surroundings, offering breathtaking beach views, sophisticated interiors, and modern amenities. Club Mahindra’s members can now access exquisite accommodations (Luxurious Villas) in North Goa, further solidifying the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional and enriching holiday experiences.

The latest additions to Club Mahindra’s portfolio are six stunning properties in North Goa: Aroha Palms Majestic, Aroha Palms Grande, Bastora House at Bardez, Igreha Villa C, Igreha Villa F, and Ishavilas at Siolim. Each villa offers a harmonious blend of modern comfort and old-world charm, with striking interiors, lush green environs, and private pools that create a tranquil oasis.

Surrounded by lush greenery and located near popular beaches, these properties offer guests a unique blend of serenity and adventure. The guests can immerse themselves in a world of soothing beauty and thrill-seeking experiences, including speed boat rides, banana boat rides, jet skiing, parasailing, surfing, yacht sailing, kayaking, and fishing.

Santhosh Kutty, Chief Business Officer, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited, said, “We are excited to unveil these luxurious villas as a new addition to the Club Mahindra portfolio. These exquisite retreats offer our members unparalleled tranquillity and sophistication, perfect for serene family getaways or intimate celebrations. At Club Mahindra, we strive to create unforgettable vacation moments, and these stunning villas epitomize our unwavering commitment to exceptional quality and guest satisfaction. We are enthusiastic about our continued growth and the opportunity to provide our members with extraordinary stays.”

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BANJUL, GAMBIA: The 15th Islamic Summit Conference of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) (www.new.OIC-oci.org) commenced its deliberation in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, in the presence of their Majesties, Excellencies, and Highnesses, heads of states, and governments of the OIC member States, and high-level dignitaries from non-member states.

The summit is being held under the theme: ‘Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development’, from 4 to 5 May 2024.

The session was addressed by the chair of the 15th Islamic Summit, President of The Gambia, H. E. Adama Barrow, who, as the Chairman of the OIC Summit, stressed that he pledged to promote unity, solidarity, and sustainable development within the Islamic world. He added that his approach will include prioritizing initiatives that enhance economic cooperation, foster cultural exchange, and address pressing issues, such as poverty and access to education and healthcare.

The 15th Islamic summit is being held in light of the dangerous and unprecedented developments taking place in the Palestinian cause, especially the crimes of the brutal Israeli military aggression against the Palestinian people, especially in the Gaza Strip.

The Secretary-General emphasized that the Palestinian cause remains the OIC’s central issue and urged the member states to redouble efforts to mobilize the responsibility of the international community toward stopping the aggression and genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

H. E. Hissein Taha called on the OIC Member States to continue to mobilize international support for the recognition of the State of Palestine and help it attain full membership in the United Nations.

He announced the establishment of a media observatory at the OIC General Secretariat to document and highlight, within the media, the numbers of martyrs, wounded, detainees, and various crimes of the Israeli occupation. The OIC is also concurrently working towards activating the Legal Observatory to document Israeli crimes, in line with the decision of the recent Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh.

Furthermore, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the OIC’s commitment to addressing pressing political and humanitarian challenges facing the OIC Member States. He emphasized that the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir remains a priority for the OIC.

On Afghanistan, the OIC Secretary-General noted that the organization continued its engagement within the framework of its humanitarian approach and constructive dialogue with the de facto authority in Afghanistan.

He urged the member states to contribute generously to the OIC humanitarian efforts, particularly in Afghanistan, through the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF) under the supervision and management of the Islamic Development Bank.

Recognizing the importance of dialogue and reconciliation, The Secretary-General emphasized the OIC’s support for conflict resolution in Member States such as Yemen, Libya, Sudan, and the Sahel region.

The Secretary-General Stressed that OIC continues to support the sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan over its entire territory as well as for the unity, sovereignty, and security of the Federal Republic of Somalia, in addition to its solidarity with Turkish Cypriot Muslims, alongside cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.

H. E. Hissein Taha, salutes the vanguard role played by The Gambia, in defending the Cause of the Rohingya Muslim community before the International Court of Justice and calls on Member States to contribute to the financial costs required for this matter, which has recorded significant achievements. He also reiterates deep gratitude to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and other Member States for welcoming the Rohingya refugees.

In the field of humanitarian action, the Secretary-General Highlighted that the General Secretariat and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are currently working to coordinate the arrangements for organizing the Donors Conference for the Sahel region and the Lake Chad Basin for the mobilization of adequate resources to support refugees and displaced people.

The 15th Islamic Summit Conference was also addressed by H. E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, chair of the previous 14th Summit H. H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the President of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB), the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Special Envoy of the President of China.

At the end of the two-day conference, the 15th Islamic Summit is expected to adopt a special resolution on the issue of Palestine and Al-Quds Ash-Sharif, a comprehensive communique, and the Banjul Declaration.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

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During the IsDB Group Annual Meeting 2024 held in Riyadh, ICIEC CEO Oussama Kaissi and Hideo Kawafune, CEO, of SMBC Bank International plc, Managing Executive Officer and Head of EMEA Division SMBC Group, signed two insurance contracts. The first involves a US$50 million non-payment insurance-Bank Master Policy issued to SMBC to facilitate the financing of agricultural commodities exported from Saudi Arabia to ETC Agri Inputs FZE in the UAE. The second agreement extends a US$25 million insurance coverage for ICIEC member states’ exports to ETC Group, Mauritius, further supporting the agricultural sector’s growth across regions.

Oussama Kaissi expressed his excitement about the partnerships, stating, “These agreements with SMBC are not just financial transactions, but a testament to ICIEC’s role in fostering sustainable economic growth and food security within our Member States. By providing reliable insurance solutions, we are facilitating smoother trade flows and strengthening the ties between key players in the  agri-business value chain.”

The new financial engagements are expected to significantly impact the agricultural sectors of the involved countries, promoting greater economic integration and cooperation among ICIEC member states. Through such strategic initiatives, ICIEC continues demonstrating its commitment to advancing economic development and trade facilitation underpinned by Islamic financial principles.

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Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning your dream vacation. Picture this: the sun is shining, the waves are crashing, and the scent of adventure is in the air. But hold onto your beach hats, because we’re about to take your vacation planning game to a whole new level! With Amazon Pay, organizing your trip has never been easier. Say goodbye to the days of stressing over bookings and boring logistics and get ready to dive headfirst into a world of convenience and exciting rewards. From flights, cab, and hotel bookings, to funky travel gadgets, we’ve got the inside scoop on how to plan the perfect summer escape. So, buckle up, grab your sunscreen, and let’s plan your go-to summer destination with Amazon Pay!

Browse and Book Flights: Start by booking your travel tickets with Amazon Pay and enjoy upto INR 5000 off on international flights and upto 10% off on domestic flights, making the experience quick and hassle-free. What’s more, enjoy 5% additional cashback with Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card and maximize your savings! So, let the beaches and mountains call you right away!

Upgrade your Stay: Once your flights are booked, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay. Whether you prefer a cozy vacation rental or a luxurious hotel, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your preferences and budget. Hop on to Amazon Pay to book your hotel accommodations and enjoy upto 30% off your bookings!

Don’t fret, the one-stop solution is here to the rescue! With the ease of booking cabs and one-click payments on Ola, and Uber, along with exciting rewards, check Amazon Pay Balance to make your family trips a lot more fun! Not just this, Prime Members can enjoy 5% cashback on their Uber rides.

Indulge In Fashion and Beauty Bliss: Make sure you have everything you need for your summer trip by shopping on Amazon.in with Amazon Pay. Turn heads with trendiest fashion clothes, sunglasses, fashion accessories, to beauty essentials such as moisturizers, eyeliners, kajal, primer, perfumes, foldable hair dryers, makeup kits, and so much more! The experience gets rewarding with 5% cashback for Prime customers with Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card and 2% cashback for non-prime customers. What’s more, in case you don’t have a credit card, worry not! Pay via Amazon Pay UPI to enjoy assured rewards too! So, plan without any stress because beauty waits for no itinerary!

Stay connected with Travel Essentials: Stay connected while traveling by purchasing essentials such as travel bags, travel adapters, and noise-cancelling headphones on Amazon.in. Pay with Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card wherein Prime Members can enjoy 5% cashback and others can get 3% cashback on all their purchases. Further, from travel-sized toiletries to portable chargers and packing cubes, pay with Amazon Pay to make your experience convenient and rewarding.

Plan and enjoy the perfect summer getaway without any stress or hassle with Amazon Pay. So, start dreaming, exploring, and booking your next summer adventure today!

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Kailash Agarwal, President of Retail & QSR at Haldiram’s, remarked on the partnership, “Building upon our successful collaboration with Times Prime, we are excited to elevate this relationship further. The laddoo distribution by Haldiram’s and Times Prime during ‘Azaadi ka Tyohar” on the occasion of 77th Independence Day, set a high standard. Now, we are pleased to offer Times Prime members a sweet offer of complimentary ‘sweet lassi’ with their orders, enhancing their Haldiram’s experience as a token of our appreciation.“

Harshita Singh, Founder and Business Head of Times Prime, reflected on the partnership’s evolution, saying, “Transitioning from a one-off campaign to a year-long collaboration with Haldiram’s underscores our commitment to providing our members with unparalleled value and unique experiences. The positive response to our initial effort has not only motivated us to continue but also deepened our partnership, starting with this exclusive offer.“

This new milestone in the collaboration between Haldiram’s and Times Prime celebrates the innovation and tradition embodied by both brands. It reflects a mutual dedication to delivering memorable and value-driven experiences to customers.

Times Prime members are warmly invited to savor this special offer, symbolizing the enduring partnership and shared appreciation for their continued support. Both organizations eagerly anticipate bringing more value, joy, and innovative benefits to the Times Prime membership experience throughout the year.

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The collaboration between ICIEC and GE Vernova aims to accelerate the deployment of capital, goods, and services necessary for sustainable energy projects in ICIEC member states. The partnership reflects their dedication to fostering economic growth while adhering to the principles of Shariah and upholding the highest environmental and social standards.

Mr. Oussama Kaissi, CEO of ICIEC, emphasized this cooperation’s developmental potential, stating, “Our collaboration with GE Vernova is a significant stride towards fulfilling our mandate of promoting sustainable development and climate action. By combining our strengths, we are uniquely positioned to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and support our member states in meeting their commitments under the Paris Agreement.“

ICIEC and GE Vernova share a mutual aspiration of empowering economies and enhancing the quality of life through sustainable energy solutions. The collaboration is expected to accelerate the deployment of capital, goods, and services necessary for sustainable energy projects in ICIEC member states.

ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States, promote intra-OIC trade, and facilitate investments by providing risk mitigation tools and financial solutions. The Corporation is uniquely the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. It has delivered a comprehensive suite of solutions and services to the public and private in its 49 Member States and globally.

The collaboration between ICIEC and GE Vernova is a significant step towards promoting sustainable development and climate action across ICIEC’s 49 member states. The partnership is expected to accelerate the deployment of capital, goods, and services necessary for sustainable energy projects, reflecting their dedication to fostering economic growth while adhering to the principles of Shariah and upholding the highest environmental and social standards.

The products’ suite includes Documentary Credit Insurance Cover, Credit Insurance Cover, Bank Master Policy, Non-Honouring of Sovereign Financial Obligation, and Investment Insurance Products. ICIEC has maintained for 15 consecutive years an “Aa3” insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody’s, ranking the Corporation among the top of the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) Industry. ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting, reinsurance, and risk management policies. Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than US$ 100bn in trade and investment directed to specific industries, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.

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The event’s centerpiece was the keynote address by Mr. Sam Pitroda, a distinguished political and technology thought leader. Mr. Pitroda’s political acumen, reflected in his tenure as an advisor to former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and his instrumental role in India’s telecommunication revolution, aligned seamlessly with the event’s essence and the broader objectives of the IOCUSA.

Following his address, Mr. Pitroda engaged in an interactive session, addressing queries from the Indian diaspora present, further enriching the discourse. The panel featured an array of distinguished and seasoned leaders within the IOCUSA, USA, and the broader community.

Mr. Minhaj Akhtar was appointed as the Working President for the Midwest Region during the Membership Drive. The appointment reflects the organization’s continuous mission to galvanize the Indian diaspora towards active socio-political participation. The panel also featured Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of IOCUSA, who said in his address, “We are on our way to establishing a team in all the states of the USA and uniting the Indian Diaspora to support freedom and justice for everyone back in our motherland.”

Ms. Sophia Sharma, General Secretary IOCUSA, moderated the event, and Mr. Gurpreet Singh, Chairman of IOCUSA Haryana Chapter, Mr. Satheesan Nair, Executive Vice-President of the Kerala Chapter and Senior Leader of IOCUSA, and Mr. Iftekhar Sharif, prominent community member, seasoned businessman, and philanthropist, were also present at the event.

The Membership Drive was not just a means to augment IOCUSA’s membership but also became a celebration of the diaspora’s collective achievements and aspirations. The event provided a rich networking platform and fostered a collaborative spirit amongst like-minded individuals.

The Indian Overseas Congress, USA, is a vanguard in fostering social, economic, and political engagement among the Indian diaspora in the United States. Through various initiatives and events, IOCUSA is committed to crafting a vibrant platform for dialogue and action that propels a stronger India-US alliance.

For those inspired by the event’s objectives and looking to join the Indian Overseas Congress, USA, contact 646-732-5119 for more information on membership and upcoming events. Visit www.iocusa.org for more information.

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