Hello Everyone,
It’s been another one of those busy weeks! As you know, it’s my mission to build a fairer Newham. It’s why I’m so passionate about securing as many opportunities as possible to support our residents to get good quality and well-paid jobs. Especially for young people at a time when rising youth unemployment is worrying. It was the subject of discussion at a meeting I had with colleagues from the Department for Work and Pensions on Monday because youth unemployment in Newham is higher than the London average. I am going to delve into that, because I want to find out why. I know that our youngsters are capable and bright, so that’s why I’m locking in more strategic partnerships with a range of different organisations so we can collaborate to address higher than average unemployment amongst our young people. Because it must be reversed. This week, I also hopped over to Amsterdam for a short stop as part of an Opportunity London delegation to see first-hand the way in which the city is addressing the challenges of affordable housing, good jobs and preparing locals for the future world of work. As well as a stop-over to an impressive urban regeneration scheme called Jamestown, I also went to visit the new Switch Data Centre over at Amsterdam’s Science Park, ahead of two being built in Newham soon! Data Centres are facilities providing IT infrastructure for data processing, storage, and distribution. Why are they significant? Well because of the explosion of data being generated - driven by increased online services, social media and the demand for AI - the UK's data centre market is experiencing significant growth and investment, leading to new construction projects and increased demand for power and skilled personnel. And that demand will continue to grow because the world's digital data is being created as an unprecedented rate. That’s because every day, billions of people create or consume data through social media, video streaming, gaming and the like. Known as the global datasphere, its projected to grow to 180 zettabytes (ZB) by the end of 2025. What’s a zettabyte? Well, it’s a massive unit of digital information storage –175 zettabytes is basically data that could circle the Earth 222 times if stored on DVDs. Mind blowing, isn’t it? That’s why we’ve been driving our Newham Data Economy agenda to make our borough one of the leading destinations for businesses, innovators, and investors – and to create jobs. By 2035, we forecast at least 1,200+ new jobs in the data sector and a £104m boost to Newham’s economy. We’ve already trained 2,000+ residents in digital and data skills; including 700 girls taking part in ‘Data inspiration sessions’; and supporting 100 young people to think about data and AI careers at our International Youth Day event last month. Feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with 88% of participants reporting they felt inspired and more confident about their digital futures. We are winning on this agenda too! I was over-the-moon to find out this week that our Newham Data Economy work has been shortlisted for the Tech Impact Awards 2025 in the Inspiring the Next Generation category! This nomination recognises our pioneering work, using data to improve outcomes for our young people and build digital confidence in our schools. At the Full Council meeting this week, I talked about the antisemitic terrorist attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation on Yom Kippur; and the subsequent Islamophobic and racist arson attack on the Peacehaven Mosque in Sussex - one of several attacks against Mosques across the country in recent months. Despite a separation by geography, the two incidents in Manchester and Peacehaven are connected by a hatred that seeks to divide people by faith, background, and identity. Here in Newham, we are proud to be one of the most diverse boroughs in the country. People of all faiths, and of none, live, work, and worship side by side. But when violence like this occurs elsewhere, it reverberates here, shaking confidence and causing anxiety. We must not allow that to happen. No one in Newham should ever feel unsafe walking to their place of worship, wearing a symbol of their faith, or expressing who they are. Newham’s message is simple and firm: we reject hate, we protect each other; and we’ll be united not divided by people who want to tear us apart. That’s why celebrating identity, creativity and contribution across generations and through culture is so important. Throughout October, there will be a range of Black History Month 2025 events taking place across the borough and you can find out more here, including what’s coming up this weekend. Talking of which, there’ll also be free Tennis sessions today and tomorrow over at Central and Plashet parks! In collaboration with the National Tennis Association, the sessions are open to everyone – but you’ll have to book fast. Until next week, stay happy and stay well!
Best wishes, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz | 
