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- Chinese President Xi Jinping's remarks at a just-concluded meeting of the leaders of 21 regional economies elaborated on the historical experience and global inspirations of the "Asia-Pacific Miracle" as well as the opportunities and contributions of modernization China, observers say.
Xi delivered a speech at the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting on Friday in the Thai capital Bangkok, calling for building an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future.
The Chinese president's proposal echoed his pledge in a written speech delivered at the APEC CEO Summit on Thursday that China is committed to promoting such a community and will do more to enhance the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific.
China's vision of building an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future will further boost cooperation in the region, according to observers.
INSPIRATIONAL "ASIA-PACIFIC MIRACLE"
Reviewing the past decades of strong economic cooperation and remarkable growth in the region, Xi said, "The Asia-Pacific miracle has been created by all of us working hand in hand and overcoming difficulties and obstacles."
The region owes decades of its rapid growth to a peaceful and stable environment, Xi said. "History has shown time and time again that only openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation is the right path for humanity," she said.
Herman Tiu Laurel, founder of the Manila-based think tank Philippine BRICS Strategic Studies, said he identified with Xi's call for the Asia-Pacific to follow "a path of peaceful development," "a path of openness and inclusiveness" and "a path of solidarity", which is exactly what the Chinese government has been practicing.
These important experiences are a solid foundation for various parties to promote dialogue and cooperation, maintain solidarity and face challenges, he said.
"Thanks to a peaceful and stable environment, the Asia-Pacific region has made remarkable achievements in development," said Kwon Ki-sik, director of the Korea-China Cities Friendship Association of South Korea.
In the context of growing uncertainties in the world economy and the impact on global industrial and supply chains, the pursuit of peaceful development and joint efforts to safeguard regional stability are the prerequisite for further prosperity and development in Asia-Pacific. , which is of great practical significance, Kwon said.
Chen Gang, deputy director and senior fellow at the East Asia Institute at the National University of Singapore, noted that the Asia-Pacific region has shown the fastest economic development and a very high degree of economic integration in the world over the past two years. or three decades.
One of the fundamental reasons for this, he said, is “the openness and inclusiveness of the Asia-Pacific region, where countries and regions with different social systems and cultures coexist and thrive together. In this process, regional integration in the Asia-Pacific region has played a very important role."
Low Kian Chuan, Chairman of the Malaysian China Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said "the Asia-Pacific miracle" is the result of efforts by all regional economies to promote trade and economic integration, as well a good example of joint drive to achieve sustainable development and share economic prosperity.
"Asia-Pacific is no one's backyard and must not become an arena for a great power contest. Neither the people nor the times will allow any attempt to wage a new Cold War," Xi said.
Similarly, Anna Malindog-Uy, vice president of the Asian Century Philippine Institute for Strategic Studies, a Manila-based think tank, said that "powers outside the region should not act as if the region is their backyard." rear, where they can just step in and do their thing. without respect for the internal dynamics of the region”.
FOR A BETTER FUTURE
In his speech on Friday, Xi called on regional economies to uphold international fairness and justice and build an Asia-Pacific region of peace and stability, remain committed to openness and inclusiveness, and bring prosperity to all in the Asia-Pacific. , always strive for green and low-carbon development and ensure a clean and beautiful Asia-Pacific, as well as keep in mind a shared future and make Asia-Pacific a region where everyone is willing to help each other.
Those proposals reaffirmed China's commitment and sincerity regarding economic cooperation and partnership with other Asia-Pacific economies, which are "quite timely given the various economic and geopolitical challenges in the Asia-Pacific region." said Malindog-oops.
"Opening brings progress, while closing the door can only leave one behind. Any attempt to disrupt or even dismantle the industrial and supply chains formed in the Asia-Pacific for many years will only lead Asia-Pacific economic cooperation to a dead end," Xi said. he said in his APEC CEO Summit speech.
China's pledge to work together with other Asia-Pacific economies to stabilize supply chains is "really reassuring," rendering the West's "decoupling" hype pointless, said Azman Ujang, former chairman of the national news agency of Malaysia, Bernama, and honorary chair of Malaysia-China Insight. .
Ignacio Martínez Cortés, an academic at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said that building a beautiful and inclusive Asia-Pacific "will allow countries around the world to gradually achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030."
Xi's vision to build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future defines the concept of "Asia-Pacific" beyond nationality, borders and ideology, said Tang Zhimin, director of China ASEAN Studies at the Bangkok-based Panyapiwat Institute of Management.
In facing governance challenges, countries should discard political biases and learn from each other, Tang said, citing China-ASEAN cooperation as a vivid example.
If the Asia-Pacific region upholds the principle of mutual benefit and common development and puts development back at the center of global development, it will not only benefit from such cooperation and development, but also contribute to global development, he said. Gu Qingyang, associate professor. at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.
CHINESE MODERNIZATION BRINGS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES
"We will advance a broader agenda of opening up in more areas and in greater depth, follow China's path to modernization, implement new systems for a higher-level open economy, and continue to share our development opportunities with the world, particularly with the region of Asia and the Pacific," Xi promised.
David Olsson, national chairman and chairman of the Australia China Business Council, said he sees China's modernization as "opportunities for all," saying it means "opportunities to supply high-quality energy, resources, food and services to China's markets." .
Chinese modernization offers inspiration for many developing countries to explore their own modernization path, said Fernando Fazzolari, president of the Argentine engineering and technical assistance company IATASA.
China's modernization, characterized by common prosperity for all, material and cultural-ethical advancement, and harmony between mankind and nature, will usher in new ideas for worldwide poverty alleviation and global development. higher quality and more balanced, Fazzolari said.
Lin Boming, director of the Brunei Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said China's pursuit of common prosperity for all is inspiring for Asia-Pacific as the region faces uneven development and multiple challenges.
Noting that China has provided talents and technologies to many developing countries to help alleviate poverty, Lin said China's remarkable achievements in poverty reduction reflect the great importance of China's modernization to the world.
"We must overcome the rift between civilizations with exchanges, avoid their clash with mutual learning, and overcome a false sense of superiority with coexistence," Xi said.
Fernando Reyes Matta, former Chilean ambassador to China and director of the Center for Latin American Studies on China at the Andrés Bello University of Chile, said that in the 21st century mentality "it is necessary to think about integrating various development projects into peaceful coexistence." ."
Asia-Pacific should, as its name indicates, be a region of peace, where cooperation channels remain open as long as competition does not compromise relations between peoples and nations, he said. ■
- Chinese President Xi Jinping's remarks at a just-concluded meeting of the leaders of 21 regional economies elaborated on the historical experience and global inspirations of the "Asia-Pacific Miracle" as well as the opportunities and contributions of modernization China, observers say.
Xi delivered a speech at the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting on Friday in the Thai capital Bangkok, calling for building an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future.
The Chinese president's proposal echoed his pledge in a written speech delivered at the APEC CEO Summit on Thursday that China is committed to promoting such a community and will do more to enhance the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific.
China's vision of building an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future will further boost cooperation in the region, according to observers.
INSPIRATIONAL "ASIA-PACIFIC MIRACLE"
Reviewing the past decades of strong economic cooperation and remarkable growth in the region, Xi said, "The Asia-Pacific miracle has been created by all of us working hand in hand and overcoming difficulties and obstacles."
The region owes decades of its rapid growth to a peaceful and stable environment, Xi said. "History has shown time and time again that only openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation is the right path for humanity," she said.
Herman Tiu Laurel, founder of the Manila-based think tank Philippine BRICS Strategic Studies, said he identified with Xi's call for the Asia-Pacific to follow "a path of peaceful development," "a path of openness and inclusiveness" and "a path of solidarity", which is exactly what the Chinese government has been practicing.
These important experiences are a solid foundation for various parties to promote dialogue and cooperation, maintain solidarity and face challenges, he said.
"Thanks to a peaceful and stable environment, the Asia-Pacific region has made remarkable achievements in development," said Kwon Ki-sik, director of the Korea-China Cities Friendship Association of South Korea.
In the context of growing uncertainties in the world economy and the impact on global industrial and supply chains, the pursuit of peaceful development and joint efforts to safeguard regional stability are the prerequisite for further prosperity and development in Asia-Pacific. , which is of great practical significance, Kwon said.
Chen Gang, deputy director and senior fellow at the East Asia Institute at the National University of Singapore, noted that the Asia-Pacific region has shown the fastest economic development and a very high degree of economic integration in the world over the past two years. or three decades.
One of the fundamental reasons for this, he said, is “the openness and inclusiveness of the Asia-Pacific region, where countries and regions with different social systems and cultures coexist and thrive together. In this process, regional integration in the Asia-Pacific region has played a very important role."
Low Kian Chuan, Chairman of the Malaysian China Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said "the Asia-Pacific miracle" is the result of efforts by all regional economies to promote trade and economic integration, as well a good example of joint drive to achieve sustainable development and share economic prosperity.
"Asia-Pacific is no one's backyard and must not become an arena for a great power contest. Neither the people nor the times will allow any attempt to wage a new Cold War," Xi said.
Similarly, Anna Malindog-Uy, vice president of the Asian Century Philippine Institute for Strategic Studies, a Manila-based think tank, said that "powers outside the region should not act as if the region is their backyard." rear, where they can just step in and do their thing. without respect for the internal dynamics of the region”.
FOR A BETTER FUTURE
In his speech on Friday, Xi called on regional economies to uphold international fairness and justice and build an Asia-Pacific region of peace and stability, remain committed to openness and inclusiveness, and bring prosperity to all in the Asia-Pacific. , always strive for green and low-carbon development and ensure a clean and beautiful Asia-Pacific, as well as keep in mind a shared future and make Asia-Pacific a region where everyone is willing to help each other.
Those proposals reaffirmed China's commitment and sincerity regarding economic cooperation and partnership with other Asia-Pacific economies, which are "quite timely given the various economic and geopolitical challenges in the Asia-Pacific region." said Malindog-oops.
"Opening brings progress, while closing the door can only leave one behind. Any attempt to disrupt or even dismantle the industrial and supply chains formed in the Asia-Pacific for many years will only lead Asia-Pacific economic cooperation to a dead end," Xi said. he said in his APEC CEO Summit speech.
China's pledge to work together with other Asia-Pacific economies to stabilize supply chains is "really reassuring," rendering the West's "decoupling" hype pointless, said Azman Ujang, former chairman of the national news agency of Malaysia, Bernama, and honorary chair of Malaysia-China Insight. .
Ignacio Martínez Cortés, an academic at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said that building a beautiful and inclusive Asia-Pacific "will allow countries around the world to gradually achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030."
Xi's vision to build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future defines the concept of "Asia-Pacific" beyond nationality, borders and ideology, said Tang Zhimin, director of China ASEAN Studies at the Bangkok-based Panyapiwat Institute of Management.
In facing governance challenges, countries should discard political biases and learn from each other, Tang said, citing China-ASEAN cooperation as a vivid example.
If the Asia-Pacific region upholds the principle of mutual benefit and common development and puts development back at the center of global development, it will not only benefit from such cooperation and development, but also contribute to global development, he said. Gu Qingyang, associate professor. at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.
CHINESE MODERNIZATION BRINGS GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES
"We will advance a broader agenda of opening up in more areas and in greater depth, follow China's path to modernization, implement new systems for a higher-level open economy, and continue to share our development opportunities with the world, particularly with the region of Asia and the Pacific," Xi promised.
David Olsson, national chairman and chairman of the Australia China Business Council, said he sees China's modernization as "opportunities for all," saying it means "opportunities to supply high-quality energy, resources, food and services to China's markets." .
Chinese modernization offers inspiration for many developing countries to explore their own modernization path, said Fernando Fazzolari, president of the Argentine engineering and technical assistance company IATASA.
China's modernization, characterized by common prosperity for all, material and cultural-ethical advancement, and harmony between mankind and nature, will usher in new ideas for worldwide poverty alleviation and global development. higher quality and more balanced, Fazzolari said.
Lin Boming, director of the Brunei Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said China's pursuit of common prosperity for all is inspiring for Asia-Pacific as the region faces uneven development and multiple challenges.
Noting that China has provided talents and technologies to many developing countries to help alleviate poverty, Lin said China's remarkable achievements in poverty reduction reflect the great importance of China's modernization to the world.
"We must overcome the rift between civilizations with exchanges, avoid their clash with mutual learning, and overcome a false sense of superiority with coexistence," Xi said.
Fernando Reyes Matta, former Chilean ambassador to China and director of the Center for Latin American Studies on China at the Andrés Bello University of Chile, said that in the 21st century mentality "it is necessary to think about integrating various development projects into peaceful coexistence." ."
Asia-Pacific should, as its name indicates, be a region of peace, where cooperation channels remain open as long as competition does not compromise relations between peoples and nations, he said. ■
Read and Earn Federation for UNESCO (UNESCO REF) has partnered with Sonic Foundry Global Learning Exchange USA to develop a new education and training program for Nigerian youth.
The president of the UNESCO REF, Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu, made the announcement at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said the partnership would give young people a competitive advantage in acquiring high-quality education, as well as updating target 4 of the UN SDGs.
According to him, the association is a training program in Nigeria for young Nigerians through 'The August Project (TAP) Category 2.9' in accordance with the United Nations goal 17 guidelines.
“This synergy is so important to us because there is no sharper revelation of the soul of society than how it treats its youth because to discourage youth is at the same time to destroy the nation's prosperity.
“And to achieve our goals, to encourage young people to achieve their goals, the UNESCO REF considers it essential to work with relevant stakeholders globally who share our priority to foster the intersection of fresh ideas among our young people.
“They do this by developing practical skills that would be available through SONIC FOUNDRY's GLOBAL LEARNING EXCAHNGE education center across the federation.
“Without a doubt, this will give our youth a competitive advantage to integrate high-quality education in the actualization of goal 4 of the UN SDGs in Nigeria,” he said.
Ladigbolu also said that the partnership was needed to play a critical role towards a formidable strategic implementation to achieve a level playing field for young people to explore and achieve their goals at their own pace.
The group's Executive Director, Joe Mozden, said the goal of the program was to provide quality education, facilitate youth development, invest and promote industry and infrastructure development.
Mozden also said it would help facilitate connections and partnerships that would promote economic growth and innovation.
He said the program would help provide the best possible learning experience for all students while using its presence to facilitate connections and networks that would bring significant benefits to the local economy and the Nigerian community as a whole.
” Global Learning Exchange™ is not your typical commercial enterprise. The business and official aspect needs to be sustainable, of course, but the concept grew out of Sonic Foundry's commitment to leveraging our global presence and expertise in communication technology and higher education to help solve long-standing, large-scale challenges around the world. the world.
“We believe that our goals are fundamentally aligned with those of The August Project and more broadly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals to provide quality education.
“We are excited about what our team can bring to the table, which is strong relationships with universities around the world, expertise in video communications technology, and an organizational model that makes good business sense.
“But we are also aware of the fact that we cannot do this alone. Therefore, one of our main areas of focus in the early stages of launching the Global Learning Exchange has been developing partnerships.
“We know that in order to achieve what we hope to achieve on a truly global scale, we need great partners,” he said.
He added that one of the focal points of the association was the introduction of scholarships to TAP participants.
Therefore, he said that TAP students who apply for a matriculated degree program through the Global Learning Exchange will receive a scholarship that covers 100 percent of the cost of the first course of the program.
He said that, however, if they maintain continued enrollment in the program, the scholarship would also cover 100 percent of the cost of the final course, and said that any student who registers for TAP in 2023 would be eligible.
Along the same lines, the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM-UNESCO), Mr. Lateef Olagunju, said that the association would go a long way to strategically expose young Nigerians to social dynamics.
Olagunju said he would also encourage them to be active participants in the government as responsible citizens of the country.
” Read and Earn has established itself as a vibrant multi-stakeholder body to discuss and build consensus on trends in development, cooperation for our younger generation in Nigeria.
“This initiative has also come at a particularly exciting time, as part of their contributions to the development and empowerment of youth in Nigeria.
"The collaboration between Read and Earn and the relevant international organizations will definitely help the nation because youth are the main instruments for the development of any nation and for that nation and its youth population to be relevant in the community of nations in the future" , said. said.(www..news.ng)
Edited /Julius Toba-Jegede
Source Credit: NAN
South African Singer, Elaine, has been selected by Spotify, an online streaming platform to join the EQUAL AFRICA programme aimed at spotlighting female artists across the continent.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for sub-Saharan Africa, in a statement, said Elaine had become Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artiste for the month of October.
Okumu said this was coming days after celebrating the fourth anniversary of Elaine’s debut extended play (EP) “Element”.
She noted that the programme extended resources and opportunities to women artistes, amplified their music, and exposed their music to a global listenership through EQUAL AFRICA and EQUAL GLOBAL playlists.
” RADAR Africa Alumni, Elaine is one of the talented female artistes from Africa who are making notable inroads across the continent, and around the world.
” As an artiste who is steadily building an audience as a global recording company signee, we are glad to have her join the EQUAL programme.
” And we are happy to be able to provide her with valuable resources, tools and support that we hope will further bolster her career.
” Elaine’s new single features on Spotify’s EQUAL Africa playlist,” she said.
Elaine in her response, said the biggest motivator had been watching women flourish, in a world full of standards and expectations that were meant to limit and box them in.
” We carry the culture and play a huge role in transforming the way music is received and consumed.
” It feels great to be a woman and it feels great to be in this industry.
” Moreover, I am grateful to the EQUAL Africa programme for amplifying the voices of game-changing African women.
Elaine’s entry into the music industry was through her 2019 soulful RnB track, “You’re The One” off the Elements EP.
The song helped to bring South African RnB back into the spotlight.
Elaine managed to captivate listeners with her sultry voice while also relating stories that transcended the South African borders.
Released while she was studying law at the University of Witwatersrand, Elaine’s debut offering went on to become a multi-platinum record seller.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his official working visit to the United States at the invitation of President Joseph Biden.
The two leaders deliberated on a variety of critical issues of national, regional and global importance during their bilateral meeting, where trade, investment, global peace and stability, health, as well as climate change and energy transition were discussed.
fair.
TRADE AND INVESTMENT On trade and investment, there was agreement on the need to create a more attractive environment for US companies to invest in South Africa, where some 600 US companies are already doing business in a variety of sectors.
A joint working group on trade and investment will be established to expand bilateral economic ties.
In 2023, South Africa will host the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum, which will chart the next phase of trade between Africa and the US.
President Ramaphosa welcomed the additional commitment from the US to improve the volumes of investment and bilateral trade, which will create much-needed jobs and economic growth in South Africa.
President Ramaphosa expressed South Africa's concerns about US tariffs on South African steel and aluminum products, which South Africa views as unfair and punitive.
JUST ENERGY TRANSITION Leaders affirmed their commitment to the Just Energy Transition and agreed that South Africa will require more funding to achieve a just and effective transition that leaves no one behind and protects workers and communities who would be affected by the energy transition.
fossil fuels.
to clean energy.
Work on the investment plan for the Just Energy Transition Partnership between South Africa and the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the European Union is expected to be completed by the United Nations Climate Change Conference ( COP 27) in November 2022 in Egypt.
REGIONAL STABILITY AND GLOBAL SECURITY Discussions on global security and stability focused on attacks by insurgents in Mozambique.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged the assistance currently being provided by the United States to respond to the insurgent threat in Mozambique.
President Ramaphosa called for more US support in providing skills and resources to counter terrorist activities that are causing great suffering in Mozambique and threatening the stability of the SADC region.
FOOD SECURITY IN AFRICA Food security in Africa featured prominently in the meeting with both Heads of State.
"After discussions at the G7 meeting held in Germany this year, there is a consensus to support Africa's efforts towards fertilizer manufacturing, which will strengthen Africa's independence to ensure the continent's food security," said President Ramaphosa.
.
BIIL ON RUSSIAN MALIGNANT ACTIVITIES President Ramaphosa expressed concern about the bill to combat Russia's malign activities in Africa, which is currently before the US Congress.
President Ramaphosa said that if signed into law, the law would unfairly marginalize and punish African countries for exercising their sovereignty in their pursuit of development and economic growth.
President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for an urgent end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and emphasized the leadership role that United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres can provide in leading a peace process.
HEALTH AND HEALTH SYSTEMS TRAINING President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for US support in training health services and preparing for future pandemics.
This includes continued support for PEPFAR's programs to combat HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, and support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Ramaphosa applauded the leadership role played by President Biden in helping developing economies strengthen their health systems and for supporting the WTO's TRIPS exemption for vaccine manufacturing.
UNITED NATIONS REFORMS AND MULTILATERALISM Africa's representation in key multilateral institutions was highlighted by President Ramaphosa.
This includes the proposal for Africa's entry through the African Union (AU) into the Group of 20 countries (G20).
“The lack of representation of Africa's 1.3 billion people on the United Nations Security Council remains a blight on the global democratic order,” said President Ramaphosa.
Both leaders agreed on the need for broader reforms of the United Nations.
BUILDING STATE CAPACITY President Ramaphosa submitted a proposal for a partnership with the US to support South Africa's efforts to develop public servants, especially women.
In this regard, the South African National School of Government will work closely with leading US institutions in designing training programs for South African civil servants.
Prior to meeting with President Biden, President Ramaphosa met with Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris at her official residence, where they discussed women's empowerment, health and safety, partnership in technology and space exploration.
Spotify, global online music streamimg platform, has announced South African singer, Siobhan King, popularly called “Sio” as Spotify Equal Africa artiste for the month of August.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s head of music for sub-Saharan Africa disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
Okumu said that Sio had joined other remarkable African women making waves in music.
She said that Spotify was proud to announce that Sio had been selected to join the EQUAL Africa programme, aimed at spotlighting female artists across the continent.
According to her, through EQUAL, a cross-section of female artistes in Africa were given the tools needed to advance their careers and close the gender gap in the music industry.
She said artistes featured on Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme were exposed to a global listenership, and were also provided with off-platform support and tools to bolster their careers.
“Sio is a breath of fresh air and a welcome addition to the EQUAL programme.
“Sio’s effortless contribution to several genres has put her in a class of great contemporary African artists actively creating on the continent today.
“It is our hope that other young women creators see this as proof that their talents can and will be recognised and supported,” she said.
Okumu noted that the 31-year-old Sio was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, a storyteller through music, poems, performance space, design, and interpretation.
She said Sio’s adaptable voice and distinct ability to switch between musical styles such as Dance, Deep House, and Electro distinguished her as a spectacular artiste in a new era of music.
According to her, the genre-fluid and award-winning multi-hyphenate told deep, dark, difficult and sweet stories through many mediums.
She said Sio grew up listening to artistes like Sade, Boyz II Men, Kenny G, The Bee Gees, and South Africa’s own, Brenda Fassie.
“Her music is inspired by these artistes, and is influenced by her life experiences, literature and the world around her,” she said.
Sio, reflecting on her career and the difficulties she had faced as a female singer breaking the mould, she said, “As a female artiste, it is difficult to carve your own path in a world where that it has already been dictated to you.
“To be nonconforming and true to yourself is an act of rebellion.
I have learned that that is the only way to navigate the male-dominated world, especially the music world – to be a woman as defined by me.
“I have taken it upon myself to challenge the ways women are marginalised in the music industry.
“That is why I am honoured to be an Ambassador of EQUAL, I am excited about the spotlight it gives me and my music, as well as the many doors and opportunities it will afford me.
”
Sio has made hits with a slew of acclaimed producers including Charles Webster, Ralf Gum, Jullian Gomes, Fka Mash and Dwson, to name a few.
Affectionately dubbed the ‘career builder’ by fellow long-time collaborator, Kid Fonque, her collaborations have catapulted many musical names.
Her voice and words are highly sought after in House, Electronic, Alternative and Soul music circles.
To tune into Sio’s unique Electro sound, listeners can stream her tracks featured on the EQUAL AFRICA and EQUAL GLOBAL playlists.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
RegTech Africa (https://RegTech.Africa) is set to enhance Africa's digital future through better collaboration to unlock greater potential for technological innovation.
It is pioneering this movement by bringing together regulators, leading industry experts, decision-makers and government officials, among others, for the inaugural edition of its Africa-focused immersive conference (https://bit.ly/3sdjUvc) which will have taking place between May 25 and 26, 2022. The event will seek to harness the potential of innovation and technology to solve real-world challenges.
With the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the correctly themed two-day high-level virtual event 'REGULATORY INNOVATION: STRENGTHENING AFRICA'S ROLE IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY', will provide platforms for industry-changing discussions with executives from level C, financial regulators, and policymakers globally. This will create opportunities to engage, connect and forge collaborations with organizations within the financial value chain.
The conference will promote inclusion and diversity for more than 1,000 attendees through sessions in English, Arabic and French. All participants will benefit from the comprehensive conference, particularly due to the diverse topics that will be explored by the versatile speakers and panelists. In each phase of the event, discussions will range from spotting business opportunities, trends, industry forecasts, implementing viable marketing strategies, and promoting sustainable solutions that foster inclusive development in Africa's financial ecosystem.
Conference chairman and co-founder of SWIFT's innovation arm, Matteo Rizzi, a dynamic senior executive in the financial industry with two decades of experience in financial services, will join more than 50 highly experienced speakers and more than 500 seasoned executives from the C-level suite to address fundamental topics. Topics Some of the opportunity areas that will be explored in more than 10 highly interactive breakout sessions/panels include: "Privacy and data protection in digital financial services and beyond", "The intersection of regulation and consumer protection and "Innovative regulatory developments in the financial and insurance ecosystem in Africa."
A major side effect of the Corona virus pandemic is the rapid adaptation of digital tools to facilitate business processes and financial systems, creating an urgent need for regulations in the sector to ensure that consumers are protected and the ecosystem remains being sustainable. To make regulations possible as organizations continue to scale, featured speakers include James Claude, CEO of Global Voice Group, a global provider of ICT and RegTech solutions to governments and regulatory agencies; Ritesh Jain, Advisor to the G20 Initiative for Financial Inclusion; Professor Olayinka David-West, Associate Dean of the Lagos Business School; among other executives, he will delve into central topics of the industry, such as financial inclusion, financial crimes, consumer protection and social inclusion, among others.
The key highlight of the conference that seeks to harness the potential of innovation and technology to solve real-world challenges is the RegTech4Good Challenge, a focused Hackathon designed to raise awareness of the potential of Regulatory Technology (RegTech) adoption. to sustain thriving local ecosystems.
The steady rise of technological innovation in the banking and financial sector in Africa is still in its infancy, and RegTech Africa is well positioned to lead the conversation that spans industry segments such as telecom, technology, healthcare, banking and finance. . This conference will create a domino effect and introduce an exciting chapter of regulation and established systems in the financial orbit. RegTech Africa is at the helm of this vessel, bringing about a transformative approach to building a sustainable digital society that thrives with formidable partnerships and strengthened impact in Africa. Looking ahead, we can expect to see an Africa well positioned to harness the tools, build systems and birth solutions that will transcend the continent and impact the world.
To register for the conference and partner with RegTech Africa, visit www.RegTech.Africa or email [email protected]
WE CAN MAKE THE COMMONWEALTH A REAL GLOBAL POWER
Why should our 54 countries not lend weight to each other in international bodies, compounding our influence as the EU does?
Muhammadu Buhari
What becomes of the Commonwealth should one of its 15 members that is not a republic join those 39 others which are? With Jamaica considering such a move, this question is being asked. But it is misplaced: the modern Commonwealth was constituted in 1949 specifically to accommodate a republic – newly independent India – precisely after such constitutional change.
Still, it is right to debate the Commonwealth’s future. Though perfectly sustainable in its current form, it would be a disservice to its members should current levels of co-operation be the limit of our aspirations.
For a start, we should strive to reduce trade barriers, given the unity nearly all of us hold through the English language, jurisprudence and education systems. We might explore grouping more readily together at intergovernmental forums such as the United Nations to deliver outcomes for one member individually or all collectively. We should work closer on defence interoperability and mutual support in the fight against global terrorism – now centred on Africa, and which threatens new waves of refugees into the West.
Some will point to factors such as Commonwealth countries’ membership of regional trade blocs, UN ballots with members voting in opposite ways and a lack of military compatibility as proof that closer cooperation cannot be achieved. It is possible to prove these people wrong – but only if we attempt to do so.
The forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this June should be a moment when the potential for our club is reimagined. This bi-annual senior decision-making body is being hosted by Rwanda: a republic no less, and prescient, when the largest contingent of Commonwealth countries is African.
Not far from the official agenda will be the question of how Brexit will continue to affect us all.
Already the U.K. Global Tariff (UKGT) has reduced, removed or simplified tax on thousands of imported goods, which is an important step in reconfiguring Commonwealth trade. When the club’s largest economy was unable to practice the free trade it long preached, others had little incentive to lower barriers. Association within their own trade blocs is not prohibitive. There is still much more that members can do inside their respective frameworks.
A number of the Commonwealth’s African members have now signed product-based trade agreements with the UK. But a potential deal with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), set to become the world’s largest free trade area, heralds the greatest opportunity.
The UK signed the world’s first memorandum of understanding with the nascent bloc last year, with a future deal securing free trade simultaneously with nineteen African Commonwealth members, collectively representing the majority of Africa’s GDP. It would likely presage further agreements between AfCFTA and other members, further opening intra-Commonwealth trade.
With trade could come greater defence cooperation. African Commonwealth members are active in many theatres across the continent, whether battling ISIS-affiliated militants across the Sahel region in the West, the Horn of Africa in the East, or Mozambique in the South. Arms and defensive equipment are part of the solution.
There is no reason why one of the world’s foremost military manufacturers should not sell more widely to our association when it is a group of allies. When Britain does not, they must look elsewhere. Today we have a mosaic of incompatible systems. But particularly in Africa, where members find themselves on the same missions, interoperability would make a material impact on the ground.
And in diplomacy, when trade and defence ties are drawn closer, so too do geopolitical interests. The EU’s 27 members tend to have each other’s backs in, for instance, UN votes. Why should the 54 Commonwealth partners not similarly organise, lending weight to each other in such bodies and wielding more influence?
At CHOGM, these new opportunities can be grasped. What holds us back is only the limit of our ambition. For those who say this cannot be done, I say we will never know until we try.
Muhammadu Buhari is President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
(NAN)
We have diverse and profitable packages to guarantee participation with assured ROI
LAGOS, Nigeria, January 20, 2022/APO Group/ --The inaugural edition of the annual Regtech Africa conference (www.RegTechAfrica.com) is scheduled for Wednesday, May 25, 2022.
The RegTech Africa Conference (www.RegTech.Africa) is the premier gathering for regulators, innovation ecosystem builders, investors, businesses and government representatives to engage, collaborate and share knowledge on new technologies and practices that support better regulation.
The conference with the theme 'REGULATORY INNOVATION: STRENGTHENING AFRICA'S ROLE IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY', which will act as a very good catalyst for the African digital economy, with high commercial and economic value, will be driven by stellar members of the advisory council with purpose and proven track record in advancing innovative regulation in Africa.
With an expansive lineup of more than 50 inspiring speakers, targeting more than 1,000 participants in more than 75 countries, the two-day virtual conference will provide the perfect platform with the power to influence change.
The conference will draw on the experience, knowledge and tools of different global players in terms of technology providers/companies, governments, academic institutions, regulators and the private sector.
The conference agenda unifies eight main tracks with a focus on live case studies, information exchange, presentation platform focused on solutions to real challenges, and cutting-edge insights; all curated after intense market research and feedback from key industry stakeholders.
Commenting on the execution strategy, Joy Dieli (Regtech Africa Growth Director) said: “We have diverse and cost-effective packages to ensure engagement with a guaranteed return on investment, including speaking spaces and virtual booths to create a strong impact. We also offer customized packages that best fit the organization's requirements and budget."
Participating organizations will have an excellent opportunity to interact with a high target audience in the industry, allowing them to not only lobby for their interests, but also network and take advantage of the resources available in Africa. The event will seek to strengthen networks between African regtech companies with their different counterparts globally by sharing knowledge and technology to bridge gaps and share opportunities and encourage greater local participation in research, innovation and skills development programs.
Speaking further, Cyril Okoroigwe, CEO of RegTech Africa, stated that “We believe in the transformative power of INNOVATIVE REGULATION as a force to drive growth and shape a prosperous digital society. The RegTech Africa Conference aims to achieve this by creating a better world for Africa and by Africans.”
In furtherance of the conference's broader goal of improving quality and strengthening the ecosystem, the Advisory Council was recently launched.
Advisory council members are consummate industry leaders with a shared purpose and proven track record in advancing innovative regulation in Africa, with a responsibility to provide high-level guidance and direction to improve the overall quality of planning and implementation. conduct of the conference.
The announcement comes at such a crucial time when the world is slowly recovering from the impact of the pandemic that has significantly accelerated digitization, making it a priority for regulators and operators to rethink and adapt to new strategies.
Inaugural members include:
Osioke Ojior is a prominent cybersecurity leader and technology executive with global management consulting experience focused on technology innovation for economic development. He served as a cybersecurity leader at a US federal health care agency and a national security company; he was a technology executive at a major US consulting firm; to senior positions in the leading pan-African fintech business and the national payments system for Africa's largest economy. Chuma Qwalela is an experienced board director leading truly impactful programs within the public, private, and non-profit sectors. He led the implementation of the Prudential Authority program at the South African Reserve Bank and subsequently served as Head of Strategy and Exchange at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Portia Ndlovu brings deep experience in strategy and execution of legislative reforms and is responsible for securities law enforcement at the Zimbabwe Securities and Exchange Commission. She also worked in the Zimbabwe Attorney General's Office, where she drafted legislation and provided legislative advice to government ministries and departments. Kojo Dougan is a highly experienced business operations and strategy executive with a passion for skills development, mentoring, and a proven track record of working in the information technology and services industry. As a member of GARIA, (Ghana Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Advisors), Kojo played a key role in turning the Ghana South African Chamber (GSABC) profitable in 3 years (2016-2019) and positioning Interpay, a fintech Ghanaian for acquisition by a US firm in 2018. Arnold Karanja is a respected Kenya-based attorney with experience in data protection compliance, digital M&A, AML, betting and gaming regulation. He represents and advises the Global Systemic Major Financial Institutions (G-SIFIs) on emerging technology regulations and standards. Arnold is certified by the International Board of IT Governance Qualifications (IBITGQ) in EU-GDPR. Nolwazi Hlophe is a recognized leader in the theory and application of financial regulation and supervision, capacity building, partnerships, and customer experience design that improve efficiency and shape customer behavior. Nolwazi had previously worked for Cenfri and the Central Bank of Eswatini and is currently Deputy Director of Financial Regulation and Supervision at Digital Frontiers. He is a financial regulation lead for the Certified Digital Finance Professional (CDFP) for the Anti-Money Laundering Compliance, Digital Identity, Digital Financial Services Regulation, and IIP Systems Regulation and Governance course in the Instant and Inclusive Payments Program ( IIPS).“The advisory council brings world-leading experience to achieving the broader goals and this lends credence to our efforts to put on a world-class conference. We are extremely fortunate to have such a distinguished group of incredible and diverse professionals. We look forward to working closely with them as we continue to execute on our strategic corporate goals,” said Cyril Okoroigwe, CEO of RegTech Africa.
According to him, “These highly experienced individuals bring unparalleled experience in advancing digital innovation and we are excited that they see our vision as achievable and an important step forward for the future of innovative regulation. Therefore, they will be a critical piece of our work to restore trust and transparency between regulators and the regulated.”
For registration and partnership opportunities, visit www.RegTech.Africa or email [email protected]
Criminalization of drug use and severe penalties discourage uptake of HIV services
GENEVA, Switzerland, November 1, 2021 / APO Group / -On the International Day of the Drug Users, UNAIDS calls for urgent action against the criminalization of people who use drugs, to redress the negative effects of criminalization on HIV, viral hepatitis and 'other health issues, for respect for human rights and for more funding for community-led harm reduction programs.
“UNAIDS is committed to supporting countries on their journey to decriminalize drug possession and scale up harm reduction programs,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. “UNAIDS calls for the full involvement of drug user communities in achieving legal reform aimed at decriminalization and in organizing harm reduction programs at country level. It will help us end inequality and end AIDS.
People who use and inject drugs are among the groups most at risk of contracting HIV, but remain marginalized and often denied access to health and social services. In 2020, 9% of all new HIV infections were among people who inject drugs. Outside of sub-Saharan Africa, this figure rises to 20%. Although women represent less than 30% of the number of people who use drugs, women who use drugs are more likely to be living with HIV than their male counterparts.
Timely introduction and large-scale implementation of accessible harm reduction programs can prevent HIV infections, as well as many cases of viral hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis and drug overdose. The United Nations system is united to promote harm reduction services and the decriminalization of personal drug possession, based on the evidence that harm reduction and decriminalization provide substantial public and personal health benefits and n do not increase the number of drug addicts. Despite this position, reflected in the common position of the United Nations system supporting the implementation of international drug control policy through effective interagency collaboration, in reality less than 1% of people who inject drugs live in of countries with levels of coverage of needles, syringes and opioid substitution therapy, and the funding gap for harm reduction in low- and middle-income countries stands at a dismal 95%.
Even where harm reduction services are available, they are not necessarily accessible. Punitive drug control laws, policies and law enforcement practices have been shown to be among the major barriers to healthcare in many countries. Criminalization of drug use and severe penalties (such as incarceration, high fines, or removal of children from their parents) discourage the use of HIV services, drive people underground and lead to criminalization. unsafe injection practices, and increase the risk of overdose. Women who use drugs face higher conviction and incarceration rates than men who use drugs, which contributes to the increased levels of stigma and discrimination they face in health facilities. Indeed, the criminalization of the use and possession of drugs for personal gain has a significant and negative impact on the realization of the right to health.
Earlier this year, United Nations member states set bold global goals on decriminalizing personal drug possession and eliminating stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs. drugs and other key populations. To achieve these goals by 2025, strategic actions at country level must begin today.
THE GLOBAL AIDS SOCIAL FACILITATION GOALS 2025
Less than 10% of countries criminalize drug use and possession of small amounts of drugs. Less than 10% of people who use drugs report experiencing stigma and discrimination. Less than 10% of people who use drugs lack mechanisms for people living with HIV and key populations to report abuse and discrimination and seek redress. Less than 10% of people who use drugs do not have access to legal services. Less than 10% of health workers and law enforcement officials report negative attitudes towards people who use drugs. Less than 10% of people who use drugs experience physical or sexual violenceGLOBAL PREVENTION GOALS 2025
90% of people who inject drugs have access to comprehensive harm reduction services including or related to hepatitis C, HIV and mental health services 80% of service delivery for prevention programs HIV for people who use drugs will be provided by organizations led by people who use drugsInternational Drug Users Day November 1 is International Drug Users' Day, when the global community of drug users comes together to celebrate its history and assert the rights of drug users. The International Network of People Who Use Drugs (INPUD) marks the day by celebrating the achievements of its diverse and vibrant communities, while recognizing that their work is more critical than ever.
UNAIDS The Joint United Nations Program on HIV / AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 United Nations organizations — UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank — and works closely with global and national partners to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
