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Trip.com Group Limited Reports Unaudited Second Quarter and First Half of 2024 Financial Results

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SINGAPORE, Aug. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Trip.com Group Limited (Nasdaq: TCOM; HKEX: 9961) (“Trip.com Group” or the “Company”), a leading one-stop travel service provider of accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours, and corporate travel management, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2024.

Key Highlights for the Second Quarter of 2024

Domestic and international businesses sustained growth across all segments in the second quarter of 2024

–  Accommodation bookings on the Company’s Chinese sites grew by approximately 20% year over year, primarily driven by robust growth in both outbound and domestic travel.

–  Outbound hotel and air reservations recovered to 100% of the pre-COVID level for the same period in 2019, surpassing the industry-wide recovery rate of over 70% in terms of international flight capacity.

–  Total revenue of the Company’s international OTA brand has increased by around 70% year over year.

The Company achieved outstanding financial performance in the second quarter of 2024

–  Net revenue for the second quarter grew by 14% year over year. 

–  Net income for the second quarter of 2024 was RMB3.9 billion (US$535 million), compared to RMB648 million for the same period in 2023.

–  Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was RMB4.4 billion (US$611 million). Adjusted EBITDA margin was 35%, improved from 33% for the same period in 2023.

“The second quarter of 2024 witnessed continued growth driven by strong travel demand, especially for cross-border travel,” said James Liang, Executive Chairman. “Our strong performance highlights our adaptability in a dynamic market. Looking ahead, we are dedicated to leveraging the potential of AI to revolutionize the travel industry and provide exceptional value to our customers.”

“We are pleased with our strong growth and the resilience of travel consumption in China,” said Jane Sun, Chief Executive Officer. “This promising outlook fuels our enthusiasm for innovation and new initiatives. By collaborating with our partners, we are well-positioned for even greater success.”

Second Quarter of 2024 Financial Results and Business Updates

For the second quarter of 2024, Trip.com Group reported net revenue of RMB12.8 billion (US$1.8 billion), representing a 14% increase from the same period in 2023. Net revenue for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 7% from the previous quarter, primarily driven by stronger travel demand, particularly during the holiday periods.

Accommodation reservation revenue for the second quarter of 2024 was RMB5.1 billion (US$707 million), representing a 20% increase from the same period in 2023 primarily driven by an increase in accommodation reservations. Accommodation reservation revenue for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 14% from the previous quarter, primarily driven by stronger travel demand, particularly during the holiday periods.

Transportation ticketing revenue for the second quarter of 2024 was RMB4.9 billion (US$670 million), representing a 1% increase from the same period in 2023. Transportation ticketing revenue for the second quarter of 2024 decreased by 3% from the previous quarter despite robust growth in ticketing volume, primarily due to fluctuations of air ticket prices in the second quarter of 2024.

Packaged-tour revenue for the second quarter of 2024 was RMB1.0 billion (US$141 million), representing a 42% increase from the same period in 2023 primarily driven by an increase in packaged-tour reservations. Packaged-tour revenue for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 16% from the previous quarter, primarily driven by stronger travel demand, particularly during the holiday periods.

Corporate travel revenue for the second quarter of 2024 was RMB633 million (US$87 million), representing an 8% increase from the same period in 2023 primarily driven by an increase in corporate travel reservations. Corporate travel revenue for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 24% from the previous quarter, primarily due to seasonality.

Cost of revenue for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 15% to RMB2.3 billion (US$318 million) from the same period in 2023 and increased by 3% from the previous quarter, which was generally in line with the increase in net revenue. Cost of revenue as a percentage of net revenue was 18% for the second quarter of 2024.

Product development expenses for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 1% to RMB3.0 billion (US$412 million) from the same period in 2023 and decreased by 4% from the previous quarter. Product development expenses as a percentage of net revenue was 23% for the second quarter of 2024.

Sales and marketing expenses for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 20% to RMB2.8 billion (US$390 million) from the same period in 2023 and increased by 23% from the previous quarter primarily due to the increase in expenses relating to sales and marketing promotion activities. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of net revenue was 22% for the second quarter of 2024.

General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2024 increased by 13% to RMB1.1 billion (US$148 million) from the same period in 2023 and increased by 16% from the previous quarter, primarily due to an increase in general and administrative personnel related expenses. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenue was 8% for the second quarter of 2024.

Income tax expense for the second quarter of 2024 was RMB693 million (US$95 million), compared to RMB562 million for the same period in 2023 and RMB664 million for the previous quarter. The change in Trip.com Group’s effective tax rate was primarily due to the combined impacts of changes in respective profitability of its subsidiaries with different tax rates, changes in deferred tax liabilities relating to withholding tax, certain non-taxable income or loss resulting from the fair value changes in equity securities investments and exchangeable senior notes recorded in other income/(expense), and changes in valuation allowance provided for deferred tax assets.

Net income for the second quarter of 2024 was RMB3.9 billion (US$535 million), compared to RMB648 million for the same period in 2023 and RMB4.3 billion for the previous quarter. Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2024 was RMB4.4 billion (US$611 million), compared to RMB3.7 billion for the same period in 2023 and RMB4.0 billion for the previous quarter. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 35% for the second quarter of 2024, compared to 33% for the same period in 2023 and for the previous quarter.

Net income attributable to Trip.com Group’s shareholders for the second quarter of 2024 was RMB3.8 billion (US$527 million), compared to RMB631 million for the same period in 2023 and RMB4.3 billion for the previous quarter. Excluding share-based compensation charges, fair value changes of equity securities investments and exchangeable senior notes recorded in other income/(expense), and their tax effects, non-GAAP net income attributable to Trip.com Group’s shareholders for the second quarter of 2024 was RMB5.0 billion (US$686 million), compared to RMB3.4 billion for the same period in 2023 and RMB4.1 billion for the previous quarter.

Diluted earnings per ordinary share and per ADS was RMB5.57 (US$0.77) for the second quarter of 2024. Excluding share-based compensation charges, fair value changes of equity securities investments and exchangeable senior notes recorded in other income/(expense), and their tax effects, non-GAAP diluted earnings per ordinary share and per ADS was RMB7.25 (US$1.00) for the second quarter of 2024. Each ADS currently represents one ordinary share of the Company.

As of June 30, 2024, the balance of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investment, and held to maturity time deposit and financial products was RMB99.0 billion (US$13.6 billion).

Offering of Cash-par Settled Convertible Senior Notes

In June 2024, the Company completed an offering of US$1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of cash-par settled convertible senior notes due 2029 (the “Notes”), including the initial purchasers’ full exercise of option to purchase an additional US$200 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes. The Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company and bear interest at a rate of 0.75% per year.

The Notes contemplate cash-par settlement upon conversion. Upon conversion, the Company will pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the Notes being converted and have the right to elect to settle the conversion consideration for amounts in excess of the aggregate principal amount using cash, ADSs, or a combination of cash and ADSs.

Concurrent ADS Repurchase

Concurrently with the Notes offering, the Company repurchased approximately 6.0 million ADSs in an aggregate amount of approximately US$300 million pursuant to its existing share repurchase plans in off-market privately negotiated transactions effected through one or more of the initial purchasers of the Notes or their affiliates as its agent.

Conference Call 

Trip.com Group’s management team will host a conference call at 8:00 PM on August 26, 2024, U.S. Eastern Time (or 8:00 AM on August 27, 2024, Hong Kong Time) following the announcement.

The conference call will be available live on Webcast and for replay at: https://investors.trip.com. The call will be archived for twelve months on our website.

All participants must pre-register to join this conference call using the Participant Registration link below: 
https://register.vevent.com/register/BI1654b47de1924af88e8ea8e0351b2261

Upon registration, each participant will receive details for this conference call, including dial-in numbers and a unique access PIN. To join the conference, please dial the number provided, enter your PIN, and you will join the conference instantly.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “future,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “is/are likely to,” “confident,” or other similar statements. Among other things, quotations from management in this press release, as well as Trip.com Group’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, severe or prolonged downturn in the global or Chinese economy, general declines or disruptions in the travel industry, volatility in the trading price of Trip.com Group’s ADSs or shares, Trip.com Group’s reliance on its relationships and contractual arrangements with travel suppliers and strategic alliances, failure to compete against new and existing competitors, failure to successfully manage current growth and potential future growth, risks associated with any strategic investments or acquisitions, seasonality in the travel industry in the relevant jurisdictions where Trip.com Group operates, failure to successfully develop Trip.com Group’s existing or future business lines, damage to or failure of Trip.com Group’s infrastructure and technology, loss of services of Trip.com Group’s key executives, adverse changes in economic and business conditions in the relevant jurisdictions where Trip.com Group operates, any regulatory developments in laws, regulations, rules, policies or guidelines applicable to Trip.com Group and other risks outlined in Trip.com Group’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the issuance, and Trip.com Group does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement Trip.com Group’s consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), Trip.com Group uses non-GAAP financial information related to adjusted net income attributable to Trip.com Group Limited, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, and adjusted diluted earnings per ordinary share and per ADS, each of which is adjusted from the most comparable GAAP result to exclude the share-based compensation charges that are not tax deductible, fair value changes of equity securities investments and exchangeable senior notes recorded in other income/(expense), net of tax, and other applicable items. Trip.com Group’s management believes the non-GAAP financial measures facilitate better understanding of operating results from quarter to quarter and provide management with a better capability to plan and forecast future periods.

Non-GAAP information is not prepared in accordance with GAAP, does not have a standardized meaning under GAAP, and may be different from non-GAAP methods of accounting and reporting used by other companies. The presentation of this additional information should not be considered a substitute for GAAP results. A limitation of using non-GAAP financial measures is that non-GAAP measures exclude share-based compensation charges, fair value changes of equity securities investments and exchangeable senior notes recorded in other income/(expense), and their tax effects that have been and will continue to be significant recurring expenses in Trip.com Group’s business for the foreseeable future.

Reconciliations of Trip.com Group’s non-GAAP financial data to the most comparable GAAP data included in the consolidated statement of operations are included at the end of this press release.

About Trip.com Group Limited

Trip.com Group Limited (Nasdaq: TCOM; HKEX: 9961) is a leading global one-stop travel platform, integrating a comprehensive suite of travel products and services and differentiated travel content. It is the go-to destination for travelers in China, and increasingly for travelers around the world, to explore travel, get inspired, make informed and cost-effective travel bookings, enjoy hassle-free on-the-go support, and share travel experience. Founded in 1999 and listed on Nasdaq in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, the Company currently operates under a portfolio of brands, including Ctrip, Qunar, Trip.com, and Skyscanner, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world.”

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations
Trip.com Group Limited
Tel: +86 (21) 3406-4880 X 12229
Email: iremail@trip.com

 

Trip.com Group Limited

Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In millions, except share and per share data)

December 31, 2023

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2024

RMB (million)

RMB (million)

USD (million)

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

43,983

51,553

7,094

Short-term investments

17,748

38,216

5,259

Accounts receivable, net 

11,410

12,907

1,776

Prepayments and other current assets 

15,591

18,863

2,596

Total current assets

88,732

121,539

16,725

Property, equipment and software

5,142

5,083

699

Intangible assets and land use rights

12,644

12,551

1,727

Right-of-use asset

641

741

102

Investments (Includes held to maturity time deposit and
financial products of RMB15,530 million and RMB9,263
million as of December 31,2023 and June 30, 2024,
respectively)

49,342

45,392

6,246

Goodwill

59,372

59,381

8,171

Other long-term assets

688

538

74

Deferred tax asset

2,576

2,598

358

Total assets

219,137

247,823

34,102

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities:

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt

25,857

39,530

5,440

Accounts payable

16,459

19,189

2,640

Advances from customers

13,380

16,561

2,279

Other current liabilities

16,715

16,836

2,317

Total current liabilities

72,411

92,116

12,676

Deferred tax liability

3,825

3,477

478

Long-term debt

19,099

20,034

2,757

Long-term lease liability

477

545

75

Other long-term liabilities

319

259

36

Total liabilities

96,131

116,431

16,022

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Total Trip.com Group Limited shareholders’ equity

122,184

130,500

17,957

Non-controlling interests

822

892

123

Total shareholders’ equity

123,006

131,392

18,080

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

219,137

247,823

34,102

 

 

Trip.com Group Limited

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income

(In millions, except share and per share data)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2024

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2023

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2024

RMB (million)

RMB (million)

RMB (million)

USD (million)

RMB (million)

RMB (million)

USD (million)

Revenue:

Accommodation reservation 

4,285

4,496

5,136

707

7,765

9,632

1,325

Transportation ticketing 

4,814

5,000

4,871

670

8,970

9,871

1,358

Packaged-tour 

722

883

1,025

141

1,108

1,908

263

Corporate travel

584

511

633

87

1,029

1,144

157

Others

857

1,031

1,123

154

1,601

2,154

296

Total revenue

11,262

11,921

12,788

1,759

20,473

24,709

3,399

Less: Sales tax and surcharges

(15)

(16)

(16)

(2)

(28)

(32)

(4)

Net revenue

11,247

11,905

12,772

1,757

20,445

24,677

3,395

Cost of revenue

(2,007)

(2,238)

(2,312)

(318)

(3,644)

(4,550)

(626)

Gross profit

9,240

9,667

10,460

1,439

16,801

20,127

2,769

Operating expenses:

Product development *

(2,953)

(3,109)

(2,993)

(412)

(5,627)

(6,102)

(840)

Sales and marketing *

(2,355)

(2,312)

(2,835)

(390)

(4,110)

(5,147)

(708)

General and administrative *

(955)

(931)

(1,077)

(148)

(1,846)

(2,008)

(276)

Total operating expenses

(6,263)

(6,352)

(6,905)

(950)

(11,583)

(13,257)

(1,824)

Income from operations

2,977

3,315

3,555

489

5,218

6,870

945

Interest income 

513

592

634

87

954

1,226

169

Interest expense

(555)

(499)

(514)

(71)

(1,041)

(1,013)

(139)

Other (expense)/income

(1,961)

759

(183)

(25)

(309)

576

79

Income before income tax
expense and equity in income of
affiliates

974

4,167

3,492

480

4,822

7,659

1,054

Income tax expense

(562)

(664)

(693)

(95)

(903)

(1,357)

(187)

Equity in income of affiliates

236

822

1,089

150

103

1,911

263

Net income

648

4,325

3,888

535

4,022

8,213

1,130

Net income attributable to non-
controlling interests

(17)

(13)

(55)

(8)

(16)

(68)

(9)

Net income attributable to
Trip.com Group Limited

631

4,312

3,833

527

4,006

8,145

1,121

Earnings per ordinary share 

– Basic

0.97

6.62

5.84

0.80

6.14

12.46

1.71

– Diluted

0.94

6.38

5.57

0.77

5.98

11.93

1.64

Earnings per ADS 

– Basic

0.97

6.62

5.84

0.80

6.14

12.46

1.71

– Diluted

0.94

6.38

5.57

0.77

5.98

11.93

1.64

Weighted average ordinary shares
outstanding 

– Basic

653,392,956

651,349,707

655,857,569

655,857,569

652,625,256

653,603,638

653,603,638

– Diluted

671,942,381

675,933,592

687,977,626

687,977,626

670,838,392

682,766,701

682,766,701

* Share-based compensation included in Operating expenses above is as follows:

  Product development 

234

214

322

44

413

536

74

  Sales and marketing 

44

38

55

8

75

93

13

  General and administrative 

219

198

297

41

387

495

68

 

 

Trip.com Group Limited

Unaudited Reconciliation of  GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

(In millions, except %, share and per share data)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2024

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2023

June 30, 2024

June 30, 2024

RMB (million)

RMB (million)

RMB (million)

USD (million)

RMB (million)

RMB (million)

USD (million)

Net income

648

4,325

3,888

535

4,022

8,213

1,130

Less: Interest income

(513)

(592)

(634)

(87)

(954)

(1,226)

(169)

Add: Interest expense

555

499

514

71

1,041

1,013

139

Add: Other expense/(income)

1,961

(759)

183

25

309

(576)

(79)

Add: Income tax expense

562

664

693

95

903

1,357

187

Less: Equity in income of affiliates

(236)

(822)

(1,089)

(150)

(103)

(1,911)

(263)

Income from operations

2,977

3,315

3,555

489

5,218

6,870

945

Add: Share-based compensation

497

450

674

93

875

1,124

155

Add: Depreciation and amortization

204

209

207

29

405

416

57

Adjusted EBITDA

3,678

3,974

4,436

611

6,498

8,410

1,157

Adjusted EBITDA margin

33 %

33 %

35 %

35 %

32 %

34 %

34 %

Net income attributable to Trip.com Group Limited

631

4,312

3,833

527

4,006

8,145

1,121

Add: Share-based compensation

497

450

674

93

875

1,124

155

Add: Loss/(gain) from fair value changes of equity securities
investments and exchangeable senior notes

2,351

(679)

435

60

703

(244)

(34)

Add: Tax effects on fair value changes of equity securities
investments and exchangeable senior notes

(45)

(28)

43

6

(85)

15

2

Non-GAAP net income attributable to Trip.com Group Limited

3,434

4,055

4,985

686

5,499

9,040

1,244

Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding-
 Diluted-non GAAP 

672,031,445

675,933,592

687,977,626

687,977,626

670,838,392

682,766,701

682,766,701

Non-GAAP Diluted income per share 

5.11

6.00

7.25

1.00

8.20

13.24

1.82

Non-GAAP Diluted income per ADS 

5.11

6.00

7.25

1.00

8.20

13.24

1.82

Notes for all the condensed consolidated financial schedules presented:

Note 1: The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into U.S. dollars (USD) is based on the certified exchange rate of USD1.00=RMB7.2672 on June 28, 2024 published by the Federal Reserve Board.

 

 

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SOURCE Trip.com Group Limited

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Supreme Court Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin Joins Elementary Students for Live Virtual Q&A and Chapter One Storybook Reading on Sep. 24

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The Honourable Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin, the first Indigenous person appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, will join elementary students in a live virtual Q&A on September 24, from 1:00-2:15 pm ET, following a reading of the children’s storybook, “Daanis the Judge.” This event is hosted by Chapter One, a children’s literacy charity, to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Lawyer Victoria Perrie, writer of “Daanis the Judge,” will read aloud the inspiring story, which is based on Justice O’Bonsawin’s remarkable journey. Illustrator EJ Miller-Larson will join Justice O’Bonsawin and Perrie in a moderated Q&A session with over 1900 elementary students.

TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Honourable Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin, the first Indigenous person to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, will join elementary students in a live virtual Q&A following a live online reading of the original children’s storybook “Daanis the Judge,” on September 24, from 1:00-2:15 pm ET. The event will be hosted by Chapter One to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Chapter One is a children’s literacy charity that provides 1:1 high-impact reading tutoring and co-creates original storybooks with participating communities nationwide.

“I am very humbled and proud to be a part of the book, “Daanis the Judge.” My hope is that this book will inspire youth to dream big and know that anything is possible. I am evidence of that!” – Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin

Métis-Cree lawyer Victoria Perrie, who wrote “Daanis the Judge,” will lead the live reading. Students will ask questions during a moderated Q&A with Justice O’Bonsawin, Perrie, and illustrator EJ Miller-Larson, of the Fond du Lac Band and Oneida Nation.

“Daanis the Judge” was inspired by Justice O’Bonsawin’s trailblazing career. It tells the story of a young student, Daanis, who dreams of becoming a judge after learning about Justice O’Bonsawin’s achievements.

The story is part of Chapter One’s growing collection of original children’s e-storybooks, co-created with Indigenous writers, illustrators and communities. The e-storybooks celebrate Indigenous experiences and perspectives, and feature audio clips of Elders pronouncing foundational words in their communities’ first languages. All e-storybooks are provided for free through the Global Free Library.

About Chapter One

Chapter One (chapterone.org/ca) is a global nonprofit and registered Canadian charity that provides one-on-one early literacy tutoring programs to 2,300 children in eight provinces and territories across Canada. Its proven “short burst” high-impact tutoring approach—five-minute sessions, three to five times a week—is ideally suited to young children’s attention spans and aligns with the Science of Reading. In one of the largest randomized control trials conducted on early literacy instruction, researchers from Stanford University found that 7 out of 10 students receiving Chapter One high impact tutoring achieved phonics benchmarks by the end of Kindergarten, compared to 32% in the control group.

Children at risk of reading failure receive 1:1 reading support from trained, paid paraprofessional tutors through Chapter One’s online reading platform and custom software. Programs are delivered in-person and virtually in classrooms through agreements with schools and school boards, and at home on families’ smartphones, connecting struggling readers with individualized reading support—regardless of location and circumstance, even in some of the most geographically remote communities in Canada.

In addition to its tutoring programs, Chapter One collaborates with Indigenous communities to co-create children’s stories that represent the communities’ priorities and experiences and advance language revitalization efforts. The e-storybooks are provided for free online, as part of the Global Free Library.

Event details

The Live Virtual Q&A and Reading of “Daanis the Judge” with the Honourable Justice O’Bonsawin takes place on Tuesday, September 24, from 1:00-2:15 pm ET via Zoom. The event is open to elementary classes (Grades 1-6). Teachers/principals must register their classes in advance using this link.

Media Contact

Denise Orosa, Chapter One Canada, 1 4374224825, denise.orosa@chapterone.org, chapterone.org/ca

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SOURCE Chapter One Canada

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PEAC Institute Launches “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert”

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24 Hour Pause for Peace Will Be the Largest Peace Initiative Ever Worldwide, Unifying 96 Countries on Six Continents Through Music

MONTCLAIR, N.J., Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — On this International Day of Peace, PEAC Institute, part of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize winning team, has launched “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert,” the largest peace initiative ever organized worldwide through music.

“Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.”

On October 4, 2025, this ground-breaking program will activate a massive network of youth ensembles that spans 96 countries and territories across six continents and host two 24-hour commercial festivals featuring some of the biggest acts in music and entertainment. This extraordinary day-long event will be live-streamed globally, allowing millions to participate simultaneously.

“It has been 40 years since Live Aid and We Are the World historically unified and changed the world through music,” said Rebecca Irby, president and CEO of PEAC Institute. “With our planet riddled with post-pandemic fatigue, climate chaos, unsettling wars and more, we believe it is time to create a new trajectory for humanity by inviting everyone around the globe to a 24 hour pause for peace to enjoy the sounds of music and feel the transformative power of human connection,” Irby explained.

Additionally, 24 Hour Pause for Peace plans to amass more than 100 million ambassadors to sign an appeal to the United Nations calling for a 24 hour ceasefire during the children’s concerts and commercial music events. All countries are welcome to participate with no exceptions. One of Pause for Peace’s core beliefs is everyone has the right to be equally respected and heard, particularly in collectively calling for peace.

“Achieving this ambitious global endeavor requires the support and participation from the most impactful brands, organizations, and influential leaders, artists and celebrities,” said Jennifer McKenna, 24 Hour Pause for Peace CEO.

Pause for Peace is a $165 million global initiative. Currently, it is in its first phase of raising seed capital through consumer brand-aligned sponsorships and private donors. Funding for the program is tax-deductible through PEAC’s 501(c)(3) status.

“We have assembled an exceptional executive team of change agents in entertainment, production, consumer marketing, charitable development and global security to make this extraordinary, worldwide peace event happen.” McKenna added. “Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.” To become involved in 24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert as a sponsor, partner or donor, sign up to be an Ambassador, or for more information, go to www.24hourpauseforpeace.org.

About PEAC Institute

PEAC Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. PEAC stands for peace, education, art and communication. It was formed in 2016 through a campaign with partner organization, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which garnered a 2017 Nobel Peace Prize. PEAC now holds special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and has a global presence working with countries and territories worldwide to reach the most marginalized youth through art and communication activities to help them explore and express. For more information on PEAC Institute, go to www.peacinstitute.org.

Media Contact

Chadwick Boyd, Pause for Peace, 1 4046060611, chadwick@24hourpauseforpeace.org, www.24hourpauseforpeace.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/peac-institute-launches-24-hour-pause-for-peace-a-global-concert-302254527.html

SOURCE Pause for Peace

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Global Times: China opens 12 nuclear research facilities to global scientists

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The involved facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

VIENNA, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — China will open 12 nuclear research facilities and testing platforms to international scientists and institutions to enhance global cooperation, a senior Chinese official said here on Monday.

These include the China Advanced Research Reactor, the new-generation tokamak device Huanliu-3, and the Beishan Underground Research Laboratory, Liu Jing, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), said at a meeting on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) annual general conference.

The facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

Monday’s meeting, themed “Share for Development,” was organized by the CAEA to promote international cooperation in nuclear technology research and development, as China marks the 40th anniversary of its accession to the IAEA.

Yu Jianfeng, chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation, said at the event that the company aims to deepen cooperation with the IAEA and expand international collaboration. He expressed hope that opening China’s nuclear research facilities will contribute to advancing nuclear technology globally.

IAEA’s Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov commended China’s remarkable achievements in nuclear energy development and highlighted the long-standing, fruitful relationship between the IAEA and the CAEA.

Welcoming China’s decision to open up more of its nuclear research and development facilities, Chudakov said the move will further strengthen the agency’s technical capacity to support its member states.

On Monday evening, the CAEA and China’s permanent mission to the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations in Vienna jointly held a reception at the UN headquarters in Vienna to celebrate the 40th anniversary of China’s accession to the IAEA. More than 200 participants, including IAEA representatives and foreign envoys to Vienna, attended the event.

Li Song, China’s permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, said at the reception that China and the IAEA have expanded practical cooperation and jointly promoted the development of nuclear energy over the past 40 years.

China, he said, will continue to strengthen collaboration with the IAEA and its member states to address emerging challenges in international security, safeguard the global non-proliferation regime, and promote the use of nuclear energy and technology for the benefit of the Global South.

At the reception, Liu, Li and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi jointly unveiled a bronze statue of Qian Sanqiang, a renowned Chinese nuclear physicist and one of the founders of China’s nuclear industry.

The statue, donated by China, will be permanently displayed at the IAEA headquarters, alongside sculptures of Polish-French physicist Marie Curie and other prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Contact: xutianshu@globaltimes.com.cn

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-china-opens-12-nuclear-research-facilities-to-global-scientists-302254830.html

SOURCE Global Times

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