Category: Africa

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Junior Achievement (JA) Africa and Prudence Foundation Further Expand Cha-Ching Program to Reach 275,000 Children Across Five African Nations

Source: APO

JA (Junior Achievement) Africa (www.JA-Africa.org) and the Prudence Foundation today mark the launch of the 2026 Cha-Ching Curriculum Implementation Program, their most expansive collaboration since the partnership began in 2016 across five sub-Saharan African countries and running through March 2027. This decade-strong partnership scales its most ambitious cycle yet, equipping primary school children in Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and Zambia with lifelong financial skills and pressing governments to make financial literacy a permanent part of every child’s education.

The Cha-Ching program, developed by Prudence Foundation for children aged 7 to 12 years old, will deliver structured, teacher-led financial literacy education to 275,000 primary school children, building the knowledge and habits that will shape how an entire generation manages money, saves with purpose, and contributes to the economic life of their communities.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, young people are gaining access to financial tools, mobile money, digital payments, and savings accounts faster than they are building the knowledge to use them wisely. Financial education remains absent from primary school curricula in most countries, leaving millions of children to reach adulthood without the foundational skills to earn confidently, save deliberately, spend responsibly, and give generously.

The Cha-Ching curriculum addresses this gap at its core. Using animated storytelling, interactive classroom activities, and competitive learning events, the program teaches students four core money concepts: Earn, Save, Spend, and Donate. It is engaging by design, culturally adaptable by nature, and proven in impact. Since the JA Africa partnership began, over 250,000 young Africans have participated in the program across seven countries.

The 2026 cycle is the most ambitious yet. In Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya, 1,750 trained and accredited teachers will deliver the curriculum in 1,200 schools, reaching 100,000 children. In parallel, JA Zambia, which has been operating the teacher-led Cha-Ching model across all ten provinces since 2022, is expected to expand its reach to 175,000 students across 875 schools in 60 districts, with the goal of celebrating its 500,000th cumulative student before year-end.

“Across sub-Saharan Africa, young people are gaining access to financial tools faster than they are building the knowledge to use them wisely. This renewed partnership with Prudence Foundation gives us the resources to close that gap at scale in classrooms with trained teachers, and with government partners who recognize that financial literacy must be part of every child’s education. We are not just running a program; we are building the foundation for a financially empowered generation.” – Simi Nwogugu, President & CEO, JA Africa

Classroom delivery is only part of the ambition. The 2026 cycle places government engagement at its strategic core. JA Africa and Prudence Foundation will co-host the second edition of the National Financial Literacy Forum in Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda, convening ministries of education, central banks, curriculum assessment authorities, and civil society organizations to advocate for the formal integration of Cha-Ching into national school systems.

This work is already bearing fruit. In Uganda, the Cha-Ching curriculum has been adopted by teacher training colleges with credit earned towards Continuing Professional Development. In Ghana, engagement with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) is advancing the pathway to formal curriculum review. In Kenya, financial capability has already been embedded in the national financial inclusion strategy, creating a receptive policy environment for deeper integration.

The program cycle will conclude with nationwide Cha-Ching “Money Bee” competitions — interactive, inter-school quiz events that test and celebrate students’ mastery of the four core money concepts. These events bring together schools, families, communities, and policymakers, transforming financial education into a visible, celebrated public good.

“Financial literacy is a critical foundation for lifelong resilience. Cha‑Ching has now reached more than 3.9 million children across Asia and Africa, including over 560,000 in Africa, with the support of more than 7,600 trained teachers. Together with JA Africa, we are scaling our impact to equip even more children with essential money skills and contribute towards the financial well-being of the next generation.” – Nicole Ngeow, Executive Director, Prudence Foundation

The evidence is clear: children who learn to earn, save, spend, and give wisely grow into adults who build more resilient households, more productive enterprises, and more inclusive economies. The Cha-Ching program offers African governments a tested, curriculum-aligned, cost-effective model that is ready to scale.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Junior Achievement (JA) Africa.

Media Contact:
Ellen Ukpi
Director, Marketing & Communications
JA Africa
info@ja-africa.org

​About JA Africa:
JA Africa is one of Africa’s largest organizations working on youth economic empowerment and a member of JA Worldwide, one of the world’s largest youth-serving nonprofits operating in more than 110 countries. Through hands-on, immersive learning in financial health, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, JA prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. JA Africa operates in 23 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, reaching more than 1 million young people annually through partnerships with local ministries of education and the private sector in more than 3,000 schools.

www.JA-Africa.org

About Prudence Foundation:
Established in 2011 in Hong Kong, Prudence Foundation is the community investment and philanthropic arm of Prudential plc.

The Foundation builds financial well-being, and climate and health resilience for underserved Asian and African communities. We are committed to sustainable, long-term solutions that empower individuals and communities to make informed financial decisions, access affordable financial products, as well as be more prepared and protected against climate-related health risks. We actively engage in public-private partnerships, collaborate with governments, NGOs, communities, and other private sector entities to build collective efforts for lasting change. To date, our programs are implemented across 16 markets in Asia and Africa, reaching millions of people.

For more information: www.PrudenceFoundation.com.

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Call for balanced approach to undocumented migration

Source: Government of South Africa

Call for balanced approach to undocumented migration

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for a balanced, lawful and sustainable migration framework, urging South Africans to address undocumented migration without compromising the country’s constitutional values or human dignity.

Speaking at the Engangeni Ngesango Summit on Undocumented Foreign Nationals in Durban on Thursday, Ntuli rejected attempts to portray South Africans as xenophobic or Afrophobic, saying concerns about undocumented migration should not be confused with prejudice against foreign nationals.

“Our challenge is not a rejection of fellow Africans or foreign nationals. Our challenge is how to manage migration in a manner that is lawful, humane, orderly and sustainable, while protecting the rights, security and socio-economic interests of all who live within our borders,” said the Premier.

The summit was convened to develop practical solutions to migration challenges and move beyond what the Premier described as “slogans, stereotypes and political posturing”.

Ntuli emphasised that undocumented migration is a global issue requiring coordinated responses, including stronger border management, improved registration systems, regional cooperation and effective governance.

“Durable solutions require effective border management, stronger cooperation between countries, and migration systems that are lawful, efficient and credible.”

The Premier said South Africa’s approach must remain grounded in constitutional principles, international law and regional cooperation, while acknowledging the pressures undocumented migration places on communities, public services and local economies.

Reflecting on the provincial government’s Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla programme, launched in 2024, Ntuli said the administration had prioritised direct engagement with communities, workplaces, border facilities and international stakeholders.

“We did not approach this matter from boardrooms alone,” he said. “We went into communities, factories and strategic points of entry because effective leadership requires direct engagement with realities on the ground.”

According to Ntuli, these engagements revealed that communities were not motivated by hostility towards foreign nationals but were instead demanding accountability and enforcement of the law.

The Premier confirmed that the provincial government had engaged diplomatic representatives, international organisations and civic groups involved in migration issues, including organisations planning demonstrations later this month. 

He welcomed assurances that any protests would remain peaceful and lawful.

“The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, but it must always be exercised responsibly, with due regard for the rights, safety and dignity of all who live in our province,” he said.

He noted that legislative reviews, expert panel discussions and commission sessions had been structured to develop a Programme of Action with clear responsibilities and measurable targets.

The Premier stressed that the success of the summit would be judged by the implementation of its recommendations rather than the speeches delivered during the event.

He called on government, business, labour, civil society, diplomatic partners and communities to work together in developing migration policies that safeguard both citizens’ interests and South Africa’s democratic values. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency to attend the 10th Ephraim Mogale Career Expo

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister in the Presidency to attend the 10th Ephraim Mogale Career Expo

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli will on Friday attend the 10th Ephraim Mogale Career Expo at the Laerskool Sports Ground in Marble Hall, Limpopo.

“The career expo will bring together learners, government departments, higher education institutions, SETAs, and industry stakeholders to provide young people with information on career opportunities, skills development programmes, bursaries, entrepreneurship, and pathways to employment,” the Presidency said in a statement.

As part of the programme, the Deputy Minister will interact with exhibitors, engage with learners, and deliver remarks on government interventions aimed at improving youth employment outcomes through initiatives such as SAYouth.mobi, implemented in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), and the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI).

The PYEI is South Africa’s flagship initiative to create meaningful employment and economic opportunities for young people, aiming to integrate two million youth into the economy over the next decade.

The PYEI is coordinated by a Project Management Office (PMO) in the Presidency and combines the know-how of leading experts, government departments, the private sector, social partners and young people themselves. – SAnews.gov.za

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Acting Police Minister to address parade ahead of 30 June 2026

Source: Government of South Africa

Acting Police Minister to address parade ahead of 30 June 2026

The Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia will on Friday address a parade as law enforcement agencies intensify operational readiness ahead of the planned demonstrations scheduled for 30 June 2026 at the FNB stadium.

“The parade forms part of the SAPS’ nationwide state of readiness and operational mobilisation, following recent briefings by police management and assurances that the constitutional right to peaceful protest will be protected, while acts of violence, intimidation and criminality will not be tolerated,” the police said in a statement.

The Acting Minister will be joined by the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, the Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, Co-Chairpersons of the NATJOINTS, Provincial Commissioners and senior management of the South African Police Service. – SAnews.gov.za

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Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento e Francofonia assinam acordo de parceria para promover o emprego dos jovens na África francófona

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) e a Organização Internacional da Francofonia (OIF) celebraram, na quarta-feira, uma parceria estratégica para fortalecer as competências digitais, a empregabilidade e o empreendedorismo dos jovens e das mulheres em cinco países africanos: Benim, Camarões, Guiné, República Democrática do Congo e Madagáscar.

O acordo foi assinado durante um encontro entre a secretária-seral da Francofonia, Louise Mushikiwabo, e o presidente do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, em Paris, França. O acordo irá abordar um grande desafio enfrentado pelos países do mundo francófono e em toda a África: proporcionar aos jovens acesso às oportunidades oferecidas pela economia digital e fomentar o surgimento de uma nova geração de empreendedores.

A parceria prevê a implementação de programas de formação em profissões digitais e empreendedorismo, em áreas como o desenvolvimento web e móvel, a cibersegurança, a inteligência artificial e a análise de dados. Os participantes receberão também formação para o emprego e o trabalho por conta própria, bem como apoio à inovação e à criação de empresas, nomeadamente através de campos de formação, atividades de prototipagem e parcerias com incubadoras e aceleradoras.

O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento e a OIF irão também colaborar com as autoridades nacionais destes cinco países e com instituições de formação para reforçar de forma sustentável as capacidades locais e promover a apropriação dos programas por parte das partes interessadas nacionais. Será lançada uma fase-piloto inicial, com uma duração de 12 a 24 meses, nos cinco países parceiros, seguida de uma expansão gradual a outros Estados-Membros, em função dos resultados alcançados.

O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento está a prosseguir uma agenda ambiciosa baseada nos ‘Quatro Pontos Cardeais’, cujo ponto é ‘Transformar a demografia num trunfo’. Trata-se de converter estrategicamente a população africana, em rápido crescimento e predominantemente jovem, num motor decisivo do crescimento inclusivo, da produtividade e da inovação, através de investimentos em grande escala no capital humano — em particular nos jovens e nas mulheres.

Esta abordagem posiciona a dinâmica demográfica não como um risco, mas como um ativo estratégico fundamental, que pode ser aproveitado através de políticas integradas e investimentos catalisadores que aceleram a criação de emprego, promovem a expansão das micro, pequenas e médias empresas, formalizam a atividade económica informal e desenvolvem competências preparadas para o futuro.

Ao investir em grande escala na educação e nas áreas da Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática (STEM), na formação técnica e profissional, no empreendedorismo, no acesso ao financiamento, na adoção de tecnologia e nas capacidades empresariais, África pode capacitar a sua população para liderar a transformação económica, manter a competitividade e impulsionar um crescimento resiliente a longo prazo.

A OIF afirmou que o acordo marcou o primeiro passo concreto na sua iniciativa para mobilizar financiamento inovador e adicional para os seus projetos de maior impacto.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Sobre a OIF:
A OIF é composta por 90 Estados e governos: 53 membros, 5 membros associados e 32 observadores. Para mais informações sobre a Francofonia: www.Francophonie.org

Sobre o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

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Government invests in tourism infrastructure to boost growth, jobs

Source: Government of South Africa

Government invests in tourism infrastructure to boost growth, jobs

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says government is demonstrating confidence in the tourism sector through continued investment in tourism infrastructure, aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation, which remain central priorities of government.

“To date, 22 projects from both the public and private sectors have been submitted and are currently undergoing screening to ensure they are investment-ready,” De Lille said on Wednesday in Cape Town while delivering the Department of Tourism’s Budget Vote.

The Department of Tourism has been allocated R2.54 billion for the 2026/27 financial year. In the reporting period, the department will hand over various infrastructure tourism projects that it has invested in.

According to Statistics South Africa’s Tourism Satellite Account, tourism sustained over 954 000 direct jobs in 2024 and contributed 4.9% to gross domestic product (GDP), outperforming sectors such as agriculture, utilities and construction.

De Lille said last year her department launched the Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit, showcasing eight bankable projects with a combined investment value of approximately R1 billion.

“Building on this momentum, we have opened submissions for the second Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit, which will take place in Gauteng on 30 September and 1 October this year.

“The private sector is equally demonstrating confidence in South Africa’s tourism future. This investment is a powerful vote of confidence in South Africa and in the long-term prospects of our tourism economy,” she said.

The Minister emphasised that domestic tourism remains the foundation of a resilient tourism sector. 

“Through our annual Sho’t Left Travel Week campaign, tourism businesses submit discounted travel offers aimed at encouraging South Africans to explore their own country,” the Minister said.

De Lille said with 719 deals last year, this campaign continues to stimulate travel demand while supporting tourism businesses across all provinces.

“In 2025, South Africans undertook 44.7 million overnight trips, generating R111.6 billion in tourism revenue. What is particularly encouraging is that some of our traditionally lesser-visited provinces are recording the strongest growth.

“The Northern Cape recorded the highest growth of 58.4%, reaching 1,9 million overnight trips, followed by the Northwest, which achieved 34% growth, with 4.2 million overnight trips.

“These figures demonstrate that collaboration between national government, provincial authorities, municipalities and the private sector is beginning to unlock new tourism opportunities beyond our traditional destinations,” the Minister said.

The Department of Tourism has been allocated R2.54 billion for the 2026/27 financial year. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Goma : les équipes anti-incendie de la MONUSCO et de la Protection civile de la mairie sauvent trois enfants de deux incendies dans les quartiers Les Volcans et Himbi

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Deux incendies se sont déclarés le lundi 22 juin dans les quartiers Les Volcans et Himbi, en ville de Goma au Nord-Kivu.

Le premier incendie s’est déclaré à la mi-journée sur la rue Lin Lusi au quartier Les Volcans. Selon les premières informations recueillies, trois enfants coincés dans un immeuble en flammes ont été sauvés de justesse grâce à l’intervention des équipes anti-incendie de la MONUSCO et de la Protection civile. Cet incendie aurait été provoqué par un court-circuit électrique.

Les équipes de secours ont également réussi à maîtriser le feu et à empêcher sa propagation aux habitations voisines. Toutefois, une dizaine de ménages ont perdu leurs biens.

Denise Bahati, qui a vécu la scène au quartier Les Volcans indique que la rapidité de l’intervention a permis d’éviter une grande catastrophe.

« Nous étions paniqués en voyant le feu gagner plusieurs maisons d’une même parcelle. Lorsque les pompiers de la MONUSCO et de la Protection civile de la mairie sont arrivés, ils ont rapidement pris la situation en main. Le plus important est que les enfants ont été sauvés et qu’il n’y a eu aucune perte en vie humaine. Nous les remercions, car sans leur aide, le feu aurait atteint davantage de maisons et aurait pu causer des pertes en vies humaines », a-t-elle témoigné.

Un autre habitant, qui a souhaité garder l’anonymat, est encore sous le choc après avoir vu sa maison et tous ses biens partir en fumée.

« J’ai tout perdu dans cet incendie. Les flammes se sont propagées très vite et nous n’avons presque rien pu sauver. Je n’étais pas à la maison lorsque cela est arrivé. Tous nos biens, nos vêtements, nos documents et les affaires des enfants sont partis en fumée. Nous avons vraiment besoin d’aide de la part des personnes des bonnes volonté », fait savoir ce sinistré de la rue Lin Lusi.

Le deuxième incendie s’est déclaré vers 20 heures, heure de Goma, sur l’avenue Alindi, au quartier Himbi toujours à Goma. Les circonstances exactes de cet incendie ne sont pas encore connues. Toutefois, des sources non officielles évoquent l’explosion d’une bouteille de gaz.. Les sapeurs-pompiers de la MONUSCO sont rapidement intervenus et ont réussi à limiter les dégâts.

Ces interventions illustrent l’engagement continu de la MONUSCO à soutenir les populations de Goma et à apporter une assistance rapide en cas d’urgence, notamment à travers ses équipes spécialisées dans la lutte contre les incendies.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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High Representative/Vice-President (HRVP) visits Nigeria, co-chairs Ministerial Dialogue

Source: APO

The HR/VP Kaja Kallas was in the country on March 23, 2026 as the EU and Nigerian took decisive steps to further strengthen their existing long-standing partnership; pursue their common interests; and defend their shared values in the current geopolitical context.  

While in Abuja, the HR/VP co-chaired the 8th EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar.  Before the Ministerial, Ms Kallas has met with members of the European Business Chamber (Eurocham) Nigeria, youth representatives and EU Heads of Mission. She also met with staffers of the EU Delegation and the leadership of the ECOWAS Commission before a bilateral with Ambassador Tuggar. 

At the Ministerial Dialogue, the EU and Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment consolidating their strategic partnership on security, trade, and development. “In the current geopolitical context, the European Union is keen to enhance its partnership with Nigeria. Bringing more EU investment to Nigeria, aligning with the Renewed Hope agenda for the Nigerian Federal Government is a key priority for both sides in this regard,” the HR/VP stated.  

After the Ministerial, the HR/VP and her team headed to Lagos for a bilateral with President Bola Tinubu. The President stressed the need for the EU and Nigeria to strengthen their partnership and “stick together” to defend their common interests. The HRVP identified the stability of Nigeria and West Africa as a key interest of the EU, even as President Tinubu called for closer EU cooperation in Nigeria’s fight against violent extremism.  

Several Global Gateway  projects were announced at a dedicated event by the sidelines of the Ministerial, in a separate event co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the Director for Africa, INTPA, Stefano Signore. Representatives of Nigerian institutions and partners organisations, including the Bank of Industry, Presidential Healthcare Value Chain initiative, Gates Foundation, attended the event. Representatives from Austria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia and the EIB stood in for Team Europe.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS.

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Northern Cape ramps up service delivery with Operation Vala Zonke

Source: Government of South Africa

Northern Cape ramps up service delivery with Operation Vala Zonke

Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, has launched Operation Vala Zonke Pothole Patching and Road Maintenance Programme and the province’s R98 million Yellow Fleet at the Sol Plaatje Municipality in Kimberley.

The Premier led the launch alongside provincial MEC for Roads and Public Works Fufe Makatong, Frances Baard District Municipality Executive Mayor Wende Marekwa and the Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, Martha Bartlett.

The Yellow Fleet consists of bright yellow machines, including graders, pavers, trucks and other road maintenance equipment to give maintenance teams teams the tools they need to work faster and more effectively.

“The pothole patching and road maintenance intervention will be implemented over a three-month period across all wards of Sol Plaatje Municipality, while the cleaning programme will continue on an ongoing basis as part of broader efforts to enhance service delivery and restore civic pride. 

“The intervention forms part of the provincial government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure, creating work opportunities and strengthening municipal service delivery through the Operation Vala Zonke and Rooting Out the Dust programmes,” the provincial government said.

Furthermore, the initiative “represents a decisive step towards restoring Sol Plaatje Municipality into a modern, clean, functional and economically vibrant city”.

“Speaking during the launch, Premier Saul…emphasized that the government is committed to addressing infrastructure backlogs, improving the quality of life of residents, and rebuilding public confidence through visible and practical service delivery interventions.

“The programme demonstrates the power of cooperative governance, with provincial and local government working together to deliver tangible improvements to communities across Kimberley, Galeshewe, Roodepan and surrounding areas,” the provincial government said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The international legal order is broken: 2 key shifts needed to fix it

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Danny Bradlow, Professor/Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria

The international legal order that was created after the second world war is no longer fit for purpose. Its response to urgent global problems like climate, poverty and pandemics is inadequate. Its key institutions like the United Nations are incapable of restoring peace in Ukraine, Iran, Sudan or the Democratic Republic of Congo or stopping genocides in places like Myanmar or Palestine.

The World Trade Organization is paralysed because its most powerful member states have lost confidence in the trading system that they created. The international community is unable to reform the global financial system so that it provides adequate development finance to Africa and other parts of the global south.

These developments lead many people to conclude that international law is merely nice-sounding words that hide a more cynical truth: the only effective international legal rule is (and has always been) that “the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must”, as the ancient Greek historian Thucydides put it.

There is indeed a history of international law being used by the strong for evil purposes. For example, international law was used to justify slavery and colonialism. It was also used to force newly liberated Haiti to compensate its French colonisers for the loss of their slaves.

The International Court of Justice initially relied on legal technicalities to uphold South Africa’s unlawful post-second world war control of Namibia.

My experience as a scholar and practitioner of international law convinces me that this view ignores the many ways in which international law is essential for the functioning of the world. Without it, for example, planes would be unable to fly people around the world. Ships could not carry goods across the globe. And the services on which we all rely, such as the internet and cross- border payments, would not function efficiently. Governments could not be held accountable when they abuse the human rights of their citizens. Multilateral development banks would be able to avoid responsibility when they fail to comply with their own policies and procedures, causing harm in their borrower countries.

Although international law has failed to stop the current illegal wars, at least two of their perpetrators – Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Russia’s Vladimir Putin – have been charged with international crimes. They now find it difficult to travel outside their home states.

Most states know that without widely understood and accepted international laws and principles it would be harder to resolve their disagreements peacefully or to structure their international economic transactions with confidence. Their own sustainable development would proceed more slowly and unpredictably.

Consequently, they continue advocating for a world based on international legal principles. For example, this view motivated South Africa and The Gambia to bring cases to the International Court of Justice seeking to stop alleged genocides. It inspired students in Vanuatu to advocate for an advisory opinion from that court on the legal implications of climate change.

They seem to accept a more optimistic view of international law, originally articulated by the legal scholar Louis Henkin:

Almost all nations observe almost all principles of international law and almost all of their obligations almost all of the time.

Henkin’s qualified endorsement cautions that international law is an imperfect instrument. States will ignore it when they think it does not suit their purposes. Over time, the gap between the state of the world and the content of international law expands. Eventually it becomes too large and, to remain credible, the law is forced to adapt.

We are approaching such a tipping point.

But the current breakdowns can’t be fixed easily. There are two complex challenges that must be addressed if a new international legal regime is to be formulated, agreed and respected. It requires the international decision making process to become more inclusive. States must also accept that there are some issues that they cannot control alone because the issues do not respect national borders.

What needs to change

First, global decision-making arrangements must change so that they reflect the interests and concerns of the whole international community. The existing global institutions need to more completely incorporate those who were not present when the current legal order was created. These include the many states that only gained their independence in the past 70 years and are not fully part of the structures of global governance. Non-state actors like corporations, civil society organisations and international organisations that are influential in international affairs should also be brought in.

The need for these changes drives states in the global south to promote more inclusive governance in institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund and to advocate for reform of the UN Security Council. It inspires both states and civil society organisations to try to make businesses more respectful of human rights and their tax obligations to their host states.

All these actors must accept that they have international responsibilities and obligations towards the communities and individuals that are affected by their decisions and operations.

Second, the international community must adjust to the fact that states are no longer fully sovereign. To be sure, states can close their borders. They can refuse to allow goods, services or people from other countries into their territory. They can refuse to participate in the global financial system and can break off diplomatic relations. However, there is at least one problem, climate change, that they cannot stop on their own. It transcends national borders. Resolving it requires collaboration among all state and non-state actors that are affected by and that influence climate change.

The new international order must rethink sovereignty so that it respects the agency of states and their citizens to the extent feasible.

But it must not allow states to use sovereignty as the excuse to avoid their global responsibilities. The new international law must acknowledge that individuals, communities, corporations, sub-national and national governments and supranational organisations all have an impact on the climate and are affected by it.

– The international legal order is broken: 2 key shifts needed to fix it
– https://theconversation.com/the-international-legal-order-is-broken-2-key-shifts-needed-to-fix-it-285844