Category: English

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Mr. Sherif Fathy, and the Board Member of the United Media Services Company and General Supervisor of the Grand Egyptian Museum’s opening ceremony Mr. Mohamed Al-Saadi.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the President followed up on the ongoing preparations for the major celebration that will be held on the occasion of the Grand Egyptian Museum’s opening, scheduled for November 1st. The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities offered a presentation on the procedures and preparations being undertaken in coordination with various ministries and concerned authorities, including logistical aspects and proposed event segments, as well as the associated organizational arrangements.

President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of ongoing cooperation and coordination among the relevant parties to ensure the organization of an opening ceremony that reflects Egypt’s status and showcases its leadership in the fields of museums and global culture, contributing to the promotion of tourism in the country.

The President also reaffirmed the need for the celebration’s image to reflect not only the grandeur of this global landmark but also the scale of achievements and progress Egypt is experiencing in various fields, in line with its cultural status on the world stage. The meeting also tackled the implementation of development projects around the museum area, as part of the ongoing preparations for the opening.

The meeting touched on several other topics related to the work of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and the President was briefed on the latest developments in the tourism sector’s development plans.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO

Mozambique received a $2 million insurance premium for drought protection covering the 2025-2026 agricultural season, marking the country’s third consecutive year of coverage under the African Development Bank’s disaster risk financing programme (www.AfDB.org).

The premium was announced during the 2025 Climate and Disaster Risk Financing Forum (CDRFI), held from October 14 to 16 under the theme “Building Africa’s Resilience through Transformative Climate and Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance.” The forum was jointly organised by the government of Mozambique and the African Development Bank to advance ADRiFi’s disaster risk financing on the continent.

The Africa Disaster Risk Financing Programme (ADRiFi) strengthens country’s financial preparedness against climate shocks by supporting sovereign risk insurance, enhancing risk modelling, and integrating disaster risk financing into national policy frameworks across Africa.

Under ADRiFi, the African Development Bank provides financing and subsidises insurance premiums for participating African countries while strengthening their capacity to manage climate risks. The African Risk Capacity Group (ARC) delivers the sovereign risk insurance and rapid payouts when disaster thresholds are triggered, while donor countries including the UK, Switzerland, Canada, Norway, and the Netherlands contribute funding through the Multi-Donor Trust Fund to support program implementation.

To mark Mozambique’s receipt of premium funds, a ceremonial cheque was presented to Albertina Fruquia Fumane, Permanent Secretary at Mozambique’s Ministry of Finance. She described the country’s risk insurance policies as “a strategic instrument of anticipation that enables the state to protect the most vulnerable, maintain social stability, and mitigate the economic impacts of recurring climate shocks.”

The African Development Bank Group’s Lead for De-Risking Agricultural Finance and Climate Resilience Andrew Mude emphasised the urgency of putting climate insurance programs in place: “Climate impacts are intensifying across Africa,” he said. “The Africa Disaster Risk Financing Programme has mobilized over $150 million in support of 16 African nations, safeguarding more than six million people and demonstrating the transformative potential of strategic financial solutions in safeguarding lives and livelihoods.”

Ambassador Elsbeth Akkerman of the Netherlands, representing the ADRiFi Multi-Donor Trust Fund donors, said: “Most importantly, it is the government of Mozambique, through the Minister of Finance, that champions of ADRiFi- together with other African governments, the African Development Bank and the African Risk Capacity. It is the African leadership that enables success.”  ADRiFi donors include the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland.

Vice-President of the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), Gabriel Belem Monteiro, the executing agency, called the 2025 Climate and Disaster Risk Financing Forum “a strategic opportunity to strengthen capabilities, align policies, and consolidate African leadership in disaster risk management.”

Anthony Mothae Maruping, Board Chairperson of the African Risk Capacity, a partner in the ADRiFi program, framed Mozambique’s experience as a model for the continent. “This sends a powerful message to the rest of the continent: when Africa leads with foresight and unity, Africa wins,” Maruping said.

Country Director of the World Food Programme in Mozambique, Ms. Claire Conan, emphasized the urgency of acting early: “Parametric insurance is more than a financial instrument—it’s a commitment to proactive action. In a world where resources are increasingly limited, acting early, efficiently, and based on evidence is not just good practice—it is a moral and economic imperative.”

Forum attendees took the time to make a field visit to drought-affected communities in Magude District, Maputo Province, enabling them to observe directly how insurance premiums deliver tangible support to hard hit communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Elisângela Cristo
email: media@afdb.org

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has told the principal of Milnerton High School, along with members of the school governing body (SGB) and management team to ensure that the school has an effective anti-bullying policy in place as a matter of urgency.

The committee also, in the presence of senior officials of the Western Cape Department of Education, parents of the bullied learners and representatives of the Western Cape provincial office of the Human Rights Commission, called on the school leadership to ensure that there is a concrete turnaround strategy in place to eliminate, among other things, the deeply entrenched culture of intolerance among the school’s learners.

The committee visited the school yesterday in the wake of the horrific assault on a 16-year old learner by several other boys, who used various objects, including a hockey stick, hose pipe and belt to beat the boy. Before the committee reached the school, it visited the home of the victim at Parklands as a gesture of support to the traumatised family.

The parents told the committee that their trauma has been deepened by the death threats their son has received for telling his parents about the assault.

In the committee’s engagement with the school’s leadership team and SGB, the principal noted that there is anti-bullying policy in place, but when he was asked to show it to the committee, he was unable to do so, leading the committee to conclude that it does not exist. The school’s code of conduct, which was provided by the principal, mentioned anti-bullying in a paragraph but with no tangible plan to address the problem.

When she explained the purpose of the meeting, the Chairperson of the committee, Ms Joy Maimela, said after the committee was aware of this horrendous act from social media, it had asked the office of the provincial Department of Education for a preliminary report on the matter, but it never received it.

The committee welcomed the update that there will be a disciplinary hearing on Saturday, 25 October. It urged the principal to share the outcomes of the disciplinary hearings with the committee the following day. The Human Rights Commission representatives told the committee that their office will also conduct investigations on the matter and share the report of their findings with the committee.

Ms Maimela, said a second session will be convened on the matter, away from the school grounds. She linked the culture of bullying to rugby first team and urged the school to investigate that possibility and uproot it if it exists. Ms Maimela also called on the school to develop an anti-bullying policy with speed, expedite the disciplinary hearing process, and ensure that there is transformation that uproots all the tendencies that stifle change in the school.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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On the occasion of United Nations Day, the Republic of Seychelles reaffirms its profound respect for the persistent role of the United Nations (UN) in promoting peace, fostering multilateral cooperation, and advancing global sustainable development. This day serves as a reminder of the United Nations’ enduring commitment and instrumental contributions to building an inclusive, just, and resilient global community.

The UN continues to serve as a vital platform for dialogue and collective action, enabling all nations to work together in addressing the complex and interconnected challenges of our time. Seychelles reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the fundamental values and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Over the years, the UN has consistently upheld, supported, and championed the unique needs and priorities of Small Island Developing States, recognising their vulnerabilities and particular development needs. Aligned with these efforts, Seychelles remains dedicated to advocating for climate justice, as well as promoting ocean governance and peace.

Recent significant advancements in securing ceasefires and building consensus across conflict-affected regions, supported by the United Nations, offer a renewed sense of hope and reaffirm the power of diplomacy and dialogue. These positive steps not only underscore the potential of collective commitment to resolving differences peacefully but also highlight the success of multilateralism as a core pillar for international peace and security.  We remain confident that through continued cooperation and solidarity, the international community can overcome challenges and realise the enduring peace that is so earnestly sought by all nations and peoples.

In this pivotal year, we call upon the international community to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to global solidarity and to strengthen multilateral cooperation. The complex challenges confronting humanity demand our collective resolve, guided by mutual empathy, shared responsibility, and a steadfast dedication to the common good.

As we commemorate United Nations Day, let us renew our shared pledge to advance the noble pursuit of a just, inclusive, and sustainable world—one that upholds the dignity and well-being of all people, and endures for the benefit of present and future generations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO

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“In the ashes of broken promises and hope, the light blue and white came in 1945, 80 years ago. They did not come with swords nor with arrows, but with peace upon their wings and trust in shades of the sky. They gather meaning to every life. UNMISS, standing tall like a wall between faith and fear, holding dreams that tremble in the night, holding peace like a candlelight.”

On a burning hot day in Juba, amidst a vibrant celebration, a young dreamer passionately expresses her hopes for her own future as well as that of her country.

Ten-year-old Aluel Mochnom Wuor, inspired the large crowds gathered at a commemorative event in the capital with her deeply moving poem calling for collective action for peace.

As a true ambassador for positive change, she embodies the hope for a brighter future for the world’s newest nation.

“Silence is not surrender, and strength is shaped by every pain that we face,” she continued.

On 24 October, the courtyard of the University of Juba vibrated with the collective spirit and energy of hundreds of young people who gathered to celebrate United Nations Day, reaffirming a mutual commitment to fostering partnerships between the international community and people across South Sudan in the pursuit of peace.

Under the UN global theme of “Building Our Future Together,” participants pledged to collectively shape a brighter and more prosperous future for the conflict-affected country.

“Here in South Sudan, the UN has worked in partnership with the people and the Government to provide humanitarian assistance, support for the peace process, protection of civilians, improve livelihoods, and build resilience. There has been progress,” emphasized Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer in Charge and Special Representative of the Secretary-General, voicing the collective stance of the UN family in South Sudan.

South Sudan stands at a pivotal moment in its history, as it grapples with rising tensions and political violence and confronts the potential collapse of the peace deal. While the United Nations is needed more than ever at this volatile time, humanitarians and peacekeepers are facing significant new financial constraints which are impacting their support. Despite these challenges, the United Nations family is committed to staying and delivering alongside the people it serves.

On the 80th anniversary, the focus was on the United Nations’ contribution to peace, recovery and development and the strong partnerships it has forged with the host government and communities across the country.

“South Sudan as a country in transition looks to the United Nations for continued technical, economic, and development cooperation, and we particularly urge one, sustained support to the peace roadmap and preparations towards credible, peaceful elections,” stated Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, Minister of Cabinet Affairs. 

A photo exhibition highlighted the strong, steadfast support of the United Nations efforts to South Sudan, since its independence in 2011 through to the signing of the landmark peace deal in 2018 and today, as the country continues to struggle to secure peace and stability. 

But together, the UN and people of South Sudan continue to plant the seeds of hope and work together to ensure peace flourishes.

“This organization — your organization, can think of no better time to recommit to South Sudan’s vision: a vision of a peaceful, a prosperous and a stable nation where no one, especially young girls, are left behind.,” added Ms. Gbeho.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO

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Your Excellency, Ambassador Romana Königsbrun
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Distinguished Guests,

It is a great honour to represent the Government of the Republic of South Africa on this special occasion as we celebrate the National Day of the Republic of Austria. On October 26, 1955, the Austrian Parliament passed the constitutional law on permanent neutrality, which has been celebrated as the Austrian National Day since 1965.

This historic moment marked the end of foreign occupation and affirmed Austria’s place among the community of free, independent, and peaceful nations.

In the words of the Preamble to South Africa’s Constitution, a united and democratic Austria was “able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.”

Since then, Austria’s steadfast commitment to peace, neutrality, and diplomacy has remained a defining feature of its national identity.

Austria’s National Day is not only a commemoration of history but also a celebration of enduring values — peace, dialogue, and cooperation.

In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, these principles have never been more relevant.

Austria’s pivotal role in fostering international diplomacy, as host to key multilateral institutions such as the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stands as a testament to its dedication to global peace, stability, and security.

Beyond diplomacy, Austria’s contributions to the arts, sciences, culture, cuisine and, for me especially, coffee – are celebrated across the world.

From the immortal music of Mozart, Schubert, Strauss and Schoenberg to the literature of Rainer Maria Rilke, Bertha von Suttner, and Elfriede Jelinek to the architecture and artistic splendour of Vienna and beyond, Austria continues to inspire humanity.

It is also the cradle of some of the world’s most profound thinkers — among them Ludwig Wittgenstein, whose reflections on language, logic, and the limits of human understanding remind us of the enduring power of thought to shape our moral and intellectual worlds and Erwin Schrödinger, who reminded us through both physics and philosophy that reality is at once interconnected and mysterious.

Their legacies speak to a nation that has never been afraid to ask the deepest questions about existence, knowledge, and human responsibility.

It is, therefore, no surprise that its leadership in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and innovation reminds us that true progress must always be grounded in respect for people and the planet alike.

As the Nobel Laureate Bertha von Suttner put it:
“One of the eternal truths is that happiness is created and developed in peace, and one of the eternal rights is the individual’s right to live.”
And also that: “After the verb ‘to Love’, ‘to Help’ is the most beautiful verb in the world.”

In this regard, today, we also celebrate the warm and enduring partnership between Austria and South Africa.

Our countries share strong diplomatic and economic ties, as well as a rich record of cultural exchange and mutual respect.

A highlight of our relationship this year was the State Visit of President Alexander Van der Bellen to South Africa in July, which deepened our bonds of friendship and cooperation.

We look forward to continuing this momentum through our ongoing Bilateral Consultations, the next round of which will be held in Pretoria in the first half of 2026.

Excellencies, distinguished guests –
Before I request you to raise your glasses, I must share with you the fruit of some of the research that I did on the relative merits of the sparkling wine produced by our two great nations.

A highly informative website, austria.info, describes in tantalising detail Austrian sparkling wines from the Schlumberger, Szigeti, Bründlmayer, Gobelsburg Castle, Jurtschitsch, Christian Madl, and Hannes Harkamp estates.

However, in the interests of avoiding the risk of souring South Africa and Austria’s excellent relations, I have decided, for today at least, to adopt a Law of Permanent Neutrality on this vexed question.

Nonetheless, I think we can all agree on the following statement that:
“The grape is a great little fruit: it refreshes and is sweet and sour at the same time.

It is blue-purple or greenish-white and likes to grow in Austria.

Here it has fresh air, lush soil, plenty of sun and silence, interrupted only by the people who take great care of the precious vines.

The small berry is the essence of the best wines and sparkling wines.

What would weddings, New Year’s Eve and the ball season in Vienna be without the sparkle in the slender glass?”
And indeed, what would Austria’s National Day be without the sparkle in the slender glass?

So may I now invite you to raise your glasses in a toast to Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Alexander Van der Bellen, to the people of South Africa and Austria, and to the continued friendship and partnership between our two nations.

I thank you.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.