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Qatar Affirms Keenness to Enhance Cooperation with Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, July 4

The State of Qatar has affirmed keenness to enhance its cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and support it in fulfilling its mandate with regard to providing technical assistance and capacity building.

This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Abdulaziz Al Mansouri, during his participation in the annual panel discussion on technical cooperation and capacity building during the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, entitled “Technical assistance and capacity building – item 10.”

Al Mansouri highlighted the State of Qatar’s keenness to contribute to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to implement several programs, including the work of the United Nations Training and Documentation Centre in Doha.

He emphasized the importance of giving equal attention to all human rights, political, civil, economic, social, cultural, and the right to development, and treating them equally, within the framework of objective dialogue and positive, constructive cooperation.

He highlighted the importance of basing technical support and capacity building on countries’ priorities and needs, taking into account their national and regional specificities.

He considered the opening of the United Nations House in Doha, which houses a number of UN offices and agencies, an important step in strengthening multilateral international cooperation through the implementation of programs focused on technical cooperation and capacity building in various fields.

Abdulaziz Al Mansouri highlighted the importance of technical cooperation and capacity building in assisting countries and relevant national mechanisms, particularly national human rights institutions, to support their efforts and enhance their capabilities to carry out their mandates in promoting and protecting human rights.

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Orange supports the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and affirms its commitment to inclusion and the visibility of women in African football

Source: APO


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As an official partner of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Orange Africa and Middle East (OMEA) (www.Orange.com) reaffirms its commitment to a more inclusive, equitable, and connected African football through its celebration of the TotalEnergies 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, taking place from July 5 to 26 in Morocco.

Women’s football is experiencing remarkable growth in Africa, with over 83 million viewers during the last edition of the competition. This year, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations held in five cities across Morocco marks a new milestone in the visibility of women’s football in Africa. Among the 12 participating countries, six from the Orange network have qualified and are represented this year (Morocco, Mali, Senegal, Tunisia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Botswana), demonstrating the increasing momentum of women’s football that the company actively supports.

Since 2018, Orange has implemented the 50/50 rule in its sports sponsorship actions to ensure equal representation between men’s and women’s disciplines. This principle is reflected on the ground through support for women’s national teams, as well as local initiatives such as training young girls in clubs, working with high-profile ambassadors such Fatima Tagnaout, a Moroccan international footballer, and creating content that celebrates women’s careers in sport.

To promote the sport and further enhance the visibility of women in football, Orange Morocco also launched the “Broadcast Cafés” initiative, equipping cafés across the country to broadcast the WAFCON and encourage social engagement around the tournament. Indeed, according to a recent study*, 80% of Moroccans have watched women’s football on television, but 31% face difficulties finding ways to watch the matches.

A historic partner of the CAF since 2008, Orange renewed its commitment to the development of African football in December 2023, notably through its initiatives during major CAF competitions. Beyond its technical expertise and contributions to connectivity, Orange also implements various actions aimed at promoting gender equality and inclusion. This partnership strengthens Orange’s strategy, which leverages sport to encourage equality, support digital education for youth, and ensure reliable connectivity across Africa.

To enhance the visibility of the Group’s commitment during this tournament, several media campaigns have been produced. A pan-African campaign (https://MasterMedia.Orange.com) will be broadcast across all participating Orange countries, while another will be aired locally in Morocco (https://MasterMedia.Orange.com).

Yasser Shaker, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, said: “Being a partner of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is much more than a sports commitment: in its role as a responsible operator in Africa, it is a way to support countries in positive societal dynamics. Sport, and in particular women’s football, is a powerful lever for national pride, inclusion and freedom.”

Caroline Guillaumin, Executive Vice President of Communications at Orange, said: “This partnership is built to send out a strong signal demonstrating a concrete commitment to greater equity in sport. The 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is an opportunity to highlight the careers of inspiring women, both on and off the field, and to amplify their voices through our content and local initiatives.”

* Orange/ Two Circles, “Harnessing the power of women’s football”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.

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United States (U.S.) Government Supports Regional Emergency Management Strengthening

Source: APO


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Today the first cohort of the Regional Public Health Emergency Management Training graduated in Abuja.  The intermediate level training was hosted by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Seventeen public health emergency operations center staff members from countries across the region (Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Liberia, and Mali) participated in the two-week training.  They learned and strengthened the skills needed to effectively operate incident management systems for outbreak preparedness and response.  As a result, the region is now better equipped to prepare for and respond to epidemics and pandemics.

In her remarks at the graduation ceremony, the U.S. CDC Division of Global Health Protection Acting Program Director Asmau Aminu-Alhaji thanked the graduates for their dedication to public health both at home and across the region and highlighted the importance of public health collaboration and communication across borders.

The Public Health Emergency Management Professional Certification Program is part of the U.S. Government’s support for global health Security in Nigeria and globally. It provides emergency operations staff and other public health experts with specialized training in public health emergency management, operations, and other critical preparedness and response skills.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

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Budget allocation to enable GCIS to serve the nation

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has affirmed that the budget allocated to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will enable it to carry out its mandate.

“We hope that it will assist funding campaigns aimed at fighting gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and building social cohesion. We hope that, with the support of government, it will achieve all that,” Morolong said.

The GCIS is an agency of government charged with coordinating, managing, and advising on all government communication with the public, including media liaison. It is a unit in the Office of the President and falls under the political authority of the Minister in the Presidency.

Speaking to SAnews after Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni presented the GCIS Budget Vote in Parliament on Friday, the Deputy Minister explained that part of the budget will be used to fund community media.

“It is part of our plans to fund the work of community televisions and radio stations, we will have to find better funding models, especially with our advertising,” Morolong said.

He had hoped more funds could be allocated to the GCIS but assured the public that the GCIS would render the required services to them.

“We will be able to carry out our mandate as expected and we will be able to run our campaigns as expected, however, we will continue to engage the National Treasury for additional funding,” he said.

The total budget allocation to the GCIS over the 2025 MTEF period (2025/26 to 2027/28 financial years) amounts to R2.468 billion, which is spread as follows:

• In 2025/26: R820. 281 million

• In 2026/27: R805. 731 million

• In 2027/28: R842.171 million.

During her Budget Vote speech, Ntshavheni said the GCIS continues to prioritise radio as a pervasive communication channel to reach South Africans in a language of their preference and to ensure that communities engage with government.

“In the last financial year, 1 086 radio products were used to inform citizens through differentiated formats,” Ntshavheni said.

The Minister said the GCIS of the future requires an extensive capital budget to accelerate digital transformation technologies and ensure that the department remains relevant, agile and productive as the Fourth Industrial Revolution rolls into the fifth.

“I table this budget for your support, and I undertake that we will use it diligently to serve the nation. I say this particularly … as South Africa prepares to hold a National Dialogue. The GCIS and its agencies stand ready to ensure South Africans have access to information that will enable their effective participation and feedback,” the Minister said.  

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that government would host a National Dialogue that will enable South Africans to participate in engagements that will confront the country’s challenges and forge a path into a better future.

It will be a people-led, society-wide process to reflect on the state of the country, with people from all walks of life who will come together and help shape the next chapter of South Africa’s democracy.

All South Africans will have an opportunity to participate as individuals or through organised formations. – SAnews.gov.za

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Rio de Janeiro gears up for BRICS Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

By Gabi Khumalo

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – All eyes are on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as the city prepares to welcome Heads of State and delegations from across the world for the 17th BRICS Summit.

The Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) nations will converge in the metro for high-level engagements at the Summit taking place on 6 and 7 July 2025.

Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has since expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. The new members were invited to join during the Johannesburg BRICS Summit, held in South Africa, in August 2023.

BRICS brings together major emerging economies, collectively representing around 49.5% of the global population, around 40% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and around 26% of global trade.

In preparing for the upcoming event, Rio has heightened security measures. On Friday afternoon, military personnel were deployed at strategic venues and sites, including hotels and museums.

Trucks delivering furniture and vehicles transporting international delegates were also seen entering and exiting the summit venue.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to arrive in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to participate virtually.

Representing the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, will lead the UAE delegation on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Brazil assumed the BRICS Chairship on 1 January 2025 with the theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for more Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”.

Brazil’s Presidency will focus on two priorities, including Global South Cooperation and the BRICS Partnerships for Social, and Economic and Environmental Development.

The flagship priorities of the Brazilian Chairship include global health cooperation; trade, investment, and finance; climate change; Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance; promoting global reform of the multilateral peace system and security architecture; and institutional development.

The key objectives of BRICS include strengthening economic, political, and social cooperation among its members, as well as increasing the influence of Global South countries in international governance.

Among its ambitions are reforms to global institutions such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with a focus on improving legitimacy, equity, and operational efficiency.

The group also seeks to improve the legitimacy, equity in participation, and efficiency of global institutions, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). – SAnews.gov.za

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Egypt: Ambassador meets with the Thai Student Association (TSA70)

Source: APO

On 1 July 2025, His Excellency Mr. Thanawat Sirikul, Ambassador of Thailand to Egypt, met with members of the Thai Student Association in Cairo under the Royal Patronage (TSA in Cairo), 70th Committee, at the Royal Thai Embassy in Cairo. During the meeting, the Ambassador highlighted the Thai Government’s student-related policy to enhance national competitiveness through the promotion of digital skills and Artificial Intelligence (AI). He also underscored the importance of foreign language proficiency—particularly in English and Arabic—as these skills are increasingly in demand in Thailand’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Furthermore, in light of the current fragile security situation in the region, the Ambassador emphasized the need for students to stay informed and updated on regional developments by following the news regularly.

On this occasion, the Embassy also introduced a new online certificate issuance system designed to streamline and expedite the processing of official documents. This system will be especially useful for students requiring certificates for purposes such as academic applications or scholarship requests. Additionally, members of the TSA in Cairo presented their planned activities for the upcoming semester break. These include more than ten initiatives covering areas such as academics, sports and recreation, and the overall well-being of Thai students in Cairo. In response, the Embassy expressed its continued commitment to supporting the initiatives of the TSA in Cairo.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Royal Thai Embassy, Cairo, Egypt.

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Liberia to Continue Supporting Morocco’s Territorial Integrity, Sovereignty Over All its Territory Including Sahara Region, Autonomy Initiative as Only Solution

Source: APO


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The Republic of Liberia, as a new non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council starting 2026, reaffirmed on Friday in Rabat, its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and its sovereignty over all its territory, including the Sahara region.

This stance was expressed by Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sara Beysolow Nyanti during a press briefing following her meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita.

Nyanti also reiterated her country’s full support to Morocco’s autonomy plan as “the only credible, serious and realistic solution” to the dispute.

The Liberian Foreign Minister pointed out that her country, as a new non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council starting 2026, will continue to support this position.

The Republic of Liberia, she added, also welcomes the growing international consensus and dynamic driven by HM King Mohammed VI, in support of the autonomy plan and the sovereignty of Morocco over its Sahara.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

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Morocco: Ecuador Inaugurates Its Embassy in Rabat

Source: APO


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Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, and Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, Mrs. Gabriela Sommerfeld, inaugurated the Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador in Rabat on Friday.

In an address delivered during the ceremony, Mr. Bourita said the inauguration follows Ecuador’s historic decision to sever all ties with the so-called “sadr” on October 22, 2024, and to further strengthen its relations with the Kingdom of Morocco.

He highlighted that Morocco is home to 165 diplomatic missions, including 50 representations of international organizations. With 14 Latin American embassies now established in Rabat, Morocco is well-positioned to serve as a “bridge” between Latin America and Africa, offering unique advantages—cultural, geographic, and strategic. This growing diplomatic presence, he added, reflects the importance Morocco attaches to its ties with Latin America within the framework of its foreign policy.

The emerging “win-win” partnership between Morocco and Ecuador aims to set an example of effective and solidarity-based South-South cooperation, Mr. Bourita stressed, emphasizing that the two countries are committed to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, aspiring to build a strong and dynamic South-South partnership that serves the shared interests of their peoples.

On this occasion, Mr. Bourita also congratulated the Government of Ecuador on the appointment of an ambassador to lead its diplomatic mission in Morocco.

For her part, Sommerfeld stated that the opening of the embassy marks the beginning of a new era of dynamism in Morocco-Ecuador cooperation. She reaffirmed her country’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, strengthening ties across strategic sectors, and facilitating the exchange of expertise in various fields.

She pointed out that this is Ecuador’s first diplomatic mission in the Maghreb region.

Sommerfeld added that the embassy in Rabat is intended to serve as a “gateway to African markets” and reflects her government’s determination to elevate bilateral cooperation with Morocco.

The inauguration took place following talks between Mr. Bourita and Mrs. Sommerfeld, during which the Ecuadorian foreign minister reiterated her country’s support for the Autonomy Initiative presented by Morocco in 2007, which Ecuador views as the basis for a lasting solution to this regional dispute.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

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All set for the 4th East African Community (EAC) World Kiswahili Language Day in Kigali, Rwanda

Source: APO


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Preparations are in high gear for the 4th EAC World Kiswahili Language Day scheduled for 6th and 7th July, 2025 in Kigali, Republic of Rwanda.`

The two-day event convened under the theme; Kiswahili, Inclusive Education and Sustainable Development  aims to celebrate and promote the Kiswahili language as a vital tool for regional unity, cultural exchange, and development within the East African Community.

The objective of the 4th EAC World Kiswahili Language Day is to provide a platform for Partner States, development partners and other Kiswahili stakeholders to interrogate the relationship between Kiswahili, inclusive education, and sustainable development.

The celebrations, organised by the East African Community (EAC) together with the Republic of Rwanda as a host, will bring together Government representatives from the EAC Partner States; Academia; Media personnel; Authors, publishers and distributors of Kiswahili materials; civil society, private sector; youth groups and representatives of EAC Organs and Instltutions.

Speaking ahead of the celebrations of the EAC World Kiswahili Language Day celebrations, the EAC Secretary General H.E Veronica Nduva expressed enthusiasm about the significance of Kiswahili in strengthening regional ties.

“Kiswahili is not just a language but a bridge that unites our diverse communities across the East African region. Its promotion aligns with our broader goals of fostering unity, economic integration, and shared cultural identity among Partner States,” said the Secretary General.

“We are delighted to host the 4th EAC World Kiswahili Language Day in Kigali and look forward to vibrant celebrations that highlight the beauty and importance of Kiswahili,” she added.

The Secretary General further emphasised the EAC’s commitment to promoting Kiswahili as an official language of the region, urging Partner States to continue investing in its dissemination and teaching at all levels of education.

The celebrations of 4th EAC Kiswahili Language Day will feature Panel discussions; Youth mentorship and engagements with other stakeholders; Media engagement; Cultural performances; Exhibitions and Awareness creation activities all aimed at exhibiting Kiswahili as a for inclusive education and sustainable development for the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

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The Gambia’s Good Market is now open: A pop-up event empowering Gambian entrepreneurs

Source: APO

The Gambia’s Good Market was officially opened today at UN75 Kotu Park through a collaborative effort led by the European Union Youth Empowerment Project – Tourism and Creative Industries and the International Trade Centre. 

The Gambia`s Good Market is an initiative that gives Gambian youth and women entrepreneurs, especially those in the tourism and creative industries, a platform to showcase and sell their products. It aims to promote Made-in-The-Gambia products and services, strengthen market access for small businesses in the tourism and creative industries and connect entrepreneurs to customers. The initiative seeks to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism and was made possible in partnership with the Gambia Start-up Chamber of Commerce, Gambia Women’s Chamber of Commerce, ITC SheTrades Gambia Hub, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

The Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Hon. Baboucarr O. Joof, emphasized the importance of the market during his remarks. He said, “The Gambia’s Good Market is a landmark initiative. It is designed to drive sustainable growth in The Gambia’s tourism and trade sectors, provide economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and elevate the visibility of ‘Made in The Gambia’ products on both regional and global stages.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the European Union Ambassador to The Gambia, Her Excellency Immaculada Roca i Cortés, highlighted that the EU Youth Empowerment Project – Tourism and Creative Industries is a flagship programme for the EU, delivering the EU/The Gambia join  agenda on inclusive economic growth through partnerships with the private sector and promotion of innovation and translating the ambitious objectives of the National Development Plan into concreate actions. She also underscored the focus of the platform on empowering Gambian youth and women – who are priority beneficiaries for the EU. “Through initiatives like the EU YEP Tourism and Creative Industries Programme, the European Union aims at expanding access to skills, tools, and markets for young innovators. Our goal is clear: to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs and unlock sustainable employment,” she shared.

The Senior Technical Expert on Tourism and Creative Industries at the International Trade Centre, Daouda Niang, highlighted that market access remains one of the biggest barriers for small businesses and reaffirmed ITC’s commitment to curbing this challenge.

“The Gambia’s Good Market is one of our flagship initiatives designed to provide young people and women with a platform to access markets, build networks, make sales and expand their customer base. This market, which is 100% made in The Gambia, provides a unique opportunity for both locals and tourists an opportunity to experience the creativity and products of Gambian youth and women entrepreneurs,” Niang stated.

Also speaking at the event, Kumbale Goode, Board Chairperson of the Gambia StartUp Chamber of Commerce (GSCC), stressed the market’s role in promoting local enterprise and economic development. “The Gambia’s Good Market fosters business growth, generates decent employment and deepens cross-sectoral linkages within the economy. We have about 30 businesses showcasing Made in The Gambia products,” she said

The Gambia Good Market will be held every last Saturday of the month, coinciding with key festive events such as Koriteh, Easter, and Christmas.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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