Category: English

Source: APO

VUKA Group (www.WeAreVUKA.com) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Searle, a 4× founder, community builder, communications & AI advisor and speaker, as its new consultant Head of AI Enablement & Human Systems.

The creation of this role takes place at a critical inflection point in the conferencing and media sector, where the impact of AI-driven automation, shifting audience expectations and exponential technologies is rapidly transforming how events are conceived, produced and experienced.

Alex and CEO David Ashdown first collaborated across South African ventures nearly 10 years ago, where their shared passion for exponential technologies and the power of human-centered AI was first born.

‘All business, irrelevant of industry verticals are at the point of disruption, and that is driven by the role of AI. It has become very real to me that if we fail to embrace AI now, we risk becoming obsolete, and I will not allow that to happen to VUKA Group’ says David Ashdown. ‘That sounds like a strong statement, but I observe the world around me, and the approach to business is evolving fast and it’s driven by technology. I have been in the conference industry for over 25 years and for 23 of those years we have seen incremental change in operating process. In contrast, in the last 2 years we have witnessed exponential shifts in how we operate and the Board at VUKA Group has made a conscious decision to accelerate AI adoption and redeploy our human capital around a balanced blend of human and digital capability. It is critical to our evolution. This allows our people to focus on what they do best: creating the space for connection and innovation to flourish.’

VUKA Group’s digital transformation now has an existential purpose: to harness AI as an opportunity – not a threat – to cement its position as Africa’s leading conferencing and media innovator.

Alex’s appointment is a clear reflection of the VUKA Group’s commitment to defining its own digital future rather than being subjected to external forces. Guided by the exponential models and principles of Open ExO, Alex will spearhead this ambitious transformation. Ashdown comments ‘I am grateful that Alex joins us at this critical time, and I know he will create a deployment model that blends human skills with AI platforms that change the nature of work output. Alex is passionate about the importance of humanising AI and we are excited to work with him.’

‘I’m genuinely thrilled to join VUKA at this pivotal moment,’ adds Alex. ‘Together, we’ll harness AI to amplify human creativity, reimagine how events are experienced and build a future-proof playbook that keeps VUKA and its clients many steps ahead in a rapidly evolving world.’ t: +27 21 700 3500 f: +27 21 700 3501 e: info@wearevuka.com w: www.WeAreVUKA.com

From introducing new AI tools and interconnecting rich organisational intelligence to embedding AI fluency as a core business capability, this new initiative will ensure that every team benefits from greater consistency, better time management and higher-quality output – all of which will translate into more impactful conference & exhibition experiences.

As the founder of Humble Mind, Alex also comes with rich strategy and execution experience across communications, media, community-building. He is the host of The Humble Mind Podcast, which has welcomed CEO David Ashdown and Dominic Wilhelm, Executive Director, of The Global Trust Project (a VUKA Group venture)

A respected thought leader with a substantial LinkedIn following, Alex advises on the human-AI synthesis driving leadership, company culture, trust and how the elements come together to drive outcomes.

‘I’m confident that, together, we will evolve our business model, empower our teams and coach our people to be career secure in an evolving disrupted marketplace. We are confident AI will further contribute to creating unforgettable experiences across Africa and beyond for our attendees and trusted clients.’ notes David Ashdown.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations to information and each other, across Africa’s energy, mining, infrastructure, mobility, green economy and technology sectors through innovative events, content, and strategic networking. By integrating industry introductions, curated events, and digital engagement, the group empowers businesses to navigate complex markets, forge valuable connections, and drive sustainable success.

Venture partners to The Global Trust Project, Founders of WomenIN empowerment platform and leaders of NPO, Go Green Africa. The VUKA Group’s diverse portfolio acts to contribute to its purpose of ‘Connecting Africa to the World’s Best, to Influence Sustainable Progress’

Discover more at www.WeAreVUKA.com

About Alex Searle:
Alex Searle is a 4x entrepreneur, speaker, community builder and advisor in human-AI collaboration, communication and community-building. Known for empowering leaders and organisations to harness AI effectively without losing sight of human strengths, Alex’s approach combines practical tools with curiosity-driven innovation.

He is also the founder of Humble Mind, which is a community-building consultancy that helps individual professionals and organisations cultivate high-value online communities built around social learning and meaningful connection.

Learn more at: https://Alex-Searle.com/ https://HumbleMind.co/

Source: APO

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The country’s poor state of road infrastructure and rising fatalities dominated the plenary sitting in Parliament, with MPs demanding urgent action from government to address funding gaps, stalled road works and worsening road safety conditions.

During plenary on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, led the call for a more proactive and comprehensive approach to both road maintenance and safety, following a series of tragic road accidents including one along the Hoima–Buliisa Road in Kigorobya on Tuesday night that claimed the lives of at least 20 traders and left others injured.

“As we strive to improve the state of roads, we should also emphasise road safety,” said Among.

She cited the 2024 Annual Crime Report by the Uganda Police Force, which recorded 25,107 road crashes and 25,808 casualties. Among warned that unsafe road conditions combined with reckless behaviour and weak enforcement have created a deadly combination.

Lawmakers expressed alarm over the state of roads across the country, citing dilapidated stretches, stalled projects, delayed compensation, and failure by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to utilise allocated budgets.

Kyaka Central MP Hon. Bright Amooti lamented the state of the Kyegegwa–Kakumiro Road, where over 15 trucks remain parked due to impassable conditions.

“That road has been controlled by the Fort Portal station of UNRA and it is no longer in action,” he said.

Hon. Gorreth Namugga (NUP, Mawogola South) demanded immediate funding for critical needs, including Shs1.1 trillion in arrears and Shs850 billion for periodic maintenance.

“We are here for money. We are not here to lament,” she stressed.

Responding to the concerns, Minister for Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, warned of escalating fiscal losses if the maintenance backlog is not addressed urgently.

“Rehabilitation costs about Shs2.59 billion per kilometer, three times the cost of periodic maintenance. Failure to act could result in a preventable loss of up to Shs180 billion,” Katumba said.

He revealed the Ministry faces a Shs2.472 trillion funding gap for the financial year 2025/2026, including Shs1.071 trillion in arrears and Shs443 billion needed for land acquisition. As of July 2025, 27 road projects; 18 government-funded and nine donor-supported—have stalled or slowed due to delayed payments and lack of counterpart funding.

Contractors, he added, have now been engaged for roads including Mityana–Mubende, Nebbi–Arua, Ishaka–Mbarara, and Mpondwe. In response to complaints about Kyegegwa–Kyenjojo Road, a road unit previously working on Jinja Road has been redeployed to rehabilitate the affected stretch.

Speaker Among, however, raised broader concerns about road quality and Uganda’s dependency on external funding.

“Most roads we have do not last. And by the time we are rehabilitating them, we are still paying loans for their construction,” she said, referencing a recent presidential directive against over-reliance on donor financing.

Among listed several once functional roads now in disrepair including Mityana–Mubende, Mukono–Jinja, Ibanda–Mbarara and Mbarara–Ishaka, and revealed that President Museveni had directed the Minister of Finance to allocate Shs3.2 trillion specifically for these roads.

Minister Katumba also noted that 23 regional stations had become operational following staff absorption issues, and these are expected to bolster ongoing road maintenance efforts.

The conversation quickly turned to road safety, with MPs warning that poor infrastructure, reckless driving, inadequate signage, and unregulated transport systems were exacerbating the crisis.

Kalungu West MP, Hon. Joseph Ssewungu, called on the Committee on Physical Infrastructure to prioritise road markings and signage to improve visibility, especially at night.

Rakai District Woman MP, Hon. Juliet Kinyamatama, proposed the development of a more affordable and reliable transportation system for traders, blaming current business transport costs for dangerous improvisation.

State Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. David Muhoozi, acknowledged serious gaps in road safety enforcement and promised a multi-faceted strategy.

“There are good traffic officers, but also bad apples. We are considering a road safety inspection unit and expanding CCTV coverage to monitor rogue behaviour,” he told the House.

Speaker Among said that it is now Parliament’s role to make a follow-up and ensure that the issue of the roads are worked on.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO

• Merck Foundation CEO met the H.E. MR. DHARAMBEER GOKHOOL, The President of Republic of Mauritius to share the impact of their 100 Scholarships for Mauritian Doctors in partnership with Ministry of Health.
• Dr. Rasha Kelej also met Hon’ble Ms. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mauritius to share the impact of their programs and underscore their long-term commitment to address critical social issues in Mauritius and launch their Educating Linda project to support the education of 20 high-performing yet underprivileged Mauritian schoolgirls.  

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany conducted the Fourth Edition of their “Merck Foundation Health Media Training” in partnership with Ministry of Gender Equality & Family Welfare, Mauritius. The training session was co-chaired by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Hon’ble Ms. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mauritius.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign shared, “I strongly believed in the power of media, and that role it plays a significant role in shaping our society. I have always said that Media enters every home, even without an invitation. Therefore, journalists can make a difference through their day-to-day work and create a cultural shift by raising awareness about social and health issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage, Stopping GBV and raising awareness about early detection and prevention of Diabetes & Hypertension.”

Through our Health Media Training we aim to empower the journalists to break the silence and be the voice of the voiceless, by providing them access to information.”

Merck Foundation Health Media Training is a part of ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Community Awareness Program. The training was addressed by a panel of eminent personalities from the fields of Fertility, Psychiatry, Diabetes, and media stalwarts and was attended by Mauritian journalists from Print, TV, Radio, and Online media platforms. The esteemed panel also addressed queries from the attendees.

During her visit, she also met H.E. MR. DHARAMBEER GOKHOOL, The President of Republic of Mauritius, to share the impact of their 100 Scholarships for Mauritian Doctors in 42 critical and under-served specialties, in partnership with Ministry of Health.

“It was a great honor to meet H.E. MR. DHARAMBEER GOKHOOL, The President of Republic of Mauritius and share with him the impact of our partnership and programs since 2017 that aim to transform patient care, build healthcare and media capacity, to empower women in STEM, support girl education and raise awareness about social and health issues in Mauritius and the rest of Africa. We are strongly committed to work closely with Ministry of Health to improve access to innovative and equitable healthcare solutions”, shared Dr. Kelej. 

She also met Hon’ble Ms. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mauritius.

“I am very happy to share that together with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, we are launching our Educating Linda Program in the country, as a part of which we will be supporting the education of 20 high performing yet underprivileged Mauritian schoolgirls, till they graduate. Through this, we will be empowering them to complete their studies and reach their full potential.” She shared.

The 100 scholarships for local Mauritian Doctors have been provided for One-Year PG Diploma and Two-year Master Degrees in many critical specialties including Fertility, Embryology, Sexual & Reproductive Care, Oncology, Preventative Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Acute Medicine, Respiratory, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Neuroimaging for Research, Sexual & Reproductive Care, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Ophthalmology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, Critical Care, Neonatal Medicine, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Advanced Cytopathology and many more.

Merck Foundation has so far provided more than 2280 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, with many of them becoming the first specialists in their countries.

During the Merck Foundation Health Media Training session, the Call for Application for 8 important Merck Foundation Awards were announced for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

The award announced are:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025, in partnership with Media Trust Board, Mauritius: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2025.

2.  Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025, in partnership with Academy of Design and Innovation, Mauritius: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2025.

3. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2025.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30^th September 2025.

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”, in partnership with Media Trust Board, Mauritius: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2025.

6. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”, in partnership with Academy of Design and Innovation, Mauritius: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2025.

7. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2025.

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30^th October 2025.

Entries for the above awards can be submitted to us at:
submit@merck-foundation.com

For information on the above awards, please visit our website:
www.Merck-Foundation.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
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Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4foQguF
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4mxyhEG

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3J6zTGO), X (https://apo-opa.co/3J4wuZ6), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4fzeIcQ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4mwWQ4z), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3Uhy38A) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4foQguF).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

Source: APO

Radisson Blu has once again secured top honors at the World Travel Awards Africa, taking the title of “Africa’s Leading Hotel Brand” for 2025. This win marks the fourth consecutive year the upperupscale brand has claimed the region’s most prestigious hospitality award, reinforcing its position as an industry leader across the continent. At the same ceremony, Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) properties picked up 14 more trophies, led by Africa’s Leading Conference Hotel for Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Kigali and swept country awards in Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, and Senegal. 

A heritage of design, service, and growth 

The Group’s journey began in 1960 with the opening of the world’s first designer hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark. That hotel, now the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen, is still operating successfully. Since then, Radisson Hotel Group has expanded to ten distinctive brands, with Radisson Blu at its core. In Africa, the Group entered in 2000 with the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Waterfront in Cape Town. which has now transitioned to Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town. 

Accelerating across Africa 

Over the past fifteen months, the Group has signed eleven hotels and opened seven, bringing its African portfolio to 100 hotels in more than 30 countries and cementing its status as the continent’s most active international operator.  Radisson Blu continues to drive much of that momentum, from Casablanca to Cape Town. Recent highlights include the opening of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Conakry, just three months after signing, as well as new signings, including the Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Yaoundé. Scheduled to open by the end of 2026, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa is opening late 2026 

“Our teams live and breathe purposeful hospitality, and this award shows how consistently they deliver,” says Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia Pacific at Radisson Hotel Group. “Winning four years in a row isn’t luck. It reflects a clear strategy, strong local partnerships, and a brand culture that turns every stay into a memorable moment. We’re already the most diverse hotel company on the continent, operating in more than 30 African countries, and we’re just getting started. Africa sits at the heart of our growth plans, and guests can expect even more thoughtfully designed Radisson Blu hotels to open their doors soon.” 

Looking ahead 

Across its ten brands, Radisson Hotel Group, is on track to reaching 150 hotels by 2030 in Africa and will continue to pair global standards with genuine local insight. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Caroline Jonsson
Area Manager, Corporate PR, Middle East, Africa, Mediterranean & Southeast Asia Pacific
Radisson Hotel Group
caroline.jonsson@radissonhotels.com

Connect with Radisson Hotels on: 
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3J5Sjru
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3JllhDy
X: https://apo-opa.co/4lbT3bH
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4maTC78
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/46Hf6DH 
TikTok: https://apo-opa.co/3UNjJ7N 

RADISSON HOTEL GROUP:
Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with over 1,575 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. 

The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art’otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.  

Radisson Rewards (https://apo-opa.co/3UhserD) is Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting more than 20 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. 

Radisson Meetings (https://apo-opa.co/3HnrXR1) provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely Carbon Compensated.  

At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet (https://apo-opa.co/4fomVjM) and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as carbon compensated Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics. 

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members. 

For more information, visit our corporate website (https://apo-opa.co/4fnvuLH).

Source: APO

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President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory message to President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, dispatched similar messages to President Ouattara and to Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO

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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen cooperation in the field of economic development with Ms. Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam during the summit held by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, with his counterpart, H.E. Luong Cuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The MoU comes in recognition of the importance of cooperation in economic development as a driving force to promote social and economic development in both countries, based on economic development and the mutual commitment to sustainable development by both sides, and a desire to strengthen the bonds of friendship and enhance cooperation between the two countries, create favorable conditions for achieving sustainable development, and diversify economic and international cooperation, especially strengthening bilateral cooperation in economic, trade, and investment fields.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized the importance of the Joint Committee between Egypt and Vietnam as a mechanism for cooperation in promoting economic development and international cooperation between the two countries. During the past five sessions, the Committee has played an important role over the past five sessions in consolidating bilateral economic relations as a platform for constructive dialogue between the governments and the business communities on both sides.

H.E. explained that the signed MoU opens new avenues, in light of the comprehensive partnership between the two countries, to enhance and deepen bilateral economic and trade relations, and to develop cooperation in several fields including digital economy, climate change and green development, renewable energy, localizing industry, and logistics services, with the effective participation of the private sector, forming a promising platform for joint initiatives.

Moreover, the agreement includes working in the areas of policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and sharing successful policies and practices in the agreed-upon fields, which comes within the framework of strong cooperative relations between the two countries and in light of the two sides’ interest in the importance of knowledge as the cornerstone that links the two countries, and within the framework of South-South economic cooperation.

During the visit, the Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation held a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, where the two sides discussed mechanisms for implementing the outcomes of the meeting between the leaders of the two countries to strengthen bilateral economic relations, as well as preparations for holding the 6th session of the Joint Committee.

It is worth noting that Egyptian-Vietnamese relations date back to the 1960s. In 1997, an agreement was signed to form a joint ministerial committee between the two countries, within the framework of which 5 sessions have been held to date. Vietnam is one of the founding members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). In 2017, H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, visited Vietnam as the first visit of an Egyptian president to the Republic of Vietnam, and the visit witnessed the signing of several joint cooperation documents.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

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Hopes for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been shaken by a surge in brutal attacks on civilians by armed groups, including the Rwandan-backed M23 militia, in the country’s troubled eastern region.

The UN human rights office (OHCHR) said it had received first-hand accounts indicating that at least 319 civilians were killed by M23 fighters, aided by members of the Rwanda Defence Force, between 9 and 21 July in North Kivu province.

Most of the victims, including at least 48 women and 19 children, were local farmers camping in their fields during the planting season.

Stop attacks immediately

Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemned the “surge of deadly violence”.

“I am appalled by the attacks on civilians by the M23 and other armed groups in eastern DRC amid continued fighting, despite the ceasefire that was recently signed in Doha,” he said in a news release on Wednesday.

“All attacks against civilians must stop immediately and all those responsible must be held to account.”

The latest massacre marks one of the highest civilian death tolls documented since the M23 – a group largely composed of Congolese Tutsi fighters established over 15 years ago – re-emerged as a major military threat in 2022.

Peace agreement faltering

The spike in violence comes just weeks after two high-level peace initiatives appeared to offer a path forward.

On 27 June, Rwanda and the DRC signed a bilateral peace agreement in Washington, followed by the so-called Doha Declaration between the DRC Government and M23 rebel leaders on 19 July, which committed both sides to a ceasefire and further negotiations.

However, humanitarian NGOs say little has changed on the ground.

“I urge the signatories and facilitators of both the Doha and Washington agreements to ensure that they rapidly translate into safety, security and real progress for civilians,” Mr. Türk said.

Attacks from all sides

Meanwhile, other armed groups continue to terrorise civilians across eastern Congo. In July alone, the UN documented deadly attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Coopérative pour le développement du Congo (CODECO) and Raia Mutomboki/Wazalendo militias in Ituri, South Kivu and North Kivu.

On 27 July, ADF fighters attacked a Christian congregation in Ituri’s Komanda village, killing at least 40 worshippers – including 13 children – and torching homes, shops and vehicles. Earlier in the month the same group killed at least 70 civilians in a single attack on Pikamaibo village.

Women and girls are also enduring systematic sexual violence as a weapon of war. On 27 July, eight women were raped by Raia Mutomboki/Wazalendo fighters in South Kivu’s Busolo village.

Worsening humanitarian crisis

The growing insecurity is fuelling what humanitarians describe as one of the world’s most acute humanitarian crises.

According to UN figures, over 7.8 million people are now internally displaced (IDPs) in eastern DRC – the highest figure on record – while 28 million people are facing food insecurity, including nearly four million at emergency levels.

Adding to the strain, more than 30,000 refugees from South Sudan have fled into Ituri province since April, escaping a wave of killings and active hostilities across Central Equatoria State.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that funding shortfalls may soon force it to suspend lifesaving assistance to hundreds of thousands.

Health services are also collapsing under pressure. In the first half of 2025, 33 attacks were recorded on health workers and facilities – a 276 per cent increase from the previous six months, according to the UN reproductive health agency, UNFPA.

– on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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Anseba Elementary, Junior, and High School has recognized 24 outstanding students who qualified for degree and diploma programs in the 2024/2025 National School Leaving Examination.

At the event held on 5 August, Mr. Mohammed Salah, Director of the school, said that encouraging outstanding students significantly contributes to motivating them to strive for higher achievements in their college education and in inspiring their peers to follow their example and become competitive students.

Mr. Kiflai Andemicael, Head of the Education Office in the region, noted that this practice of recognizing outstanding students has become a tradition and plays a vital role in encouraging others to work hard and excel in their education. He also urged the awardees to continue working diligently for even better results in their college education.

During the event, a briefing was provided on the background of higher education institutions in the country and the guidelines students are expected to follow.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.