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The Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia, in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), have formally entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance diplomatic training and institutional collaboration. The signing ceremony was held at UNITAR Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, May 13, 2025. The agreement was signed by Amb. Reginald B. Goodridge, Sr. Director General of the Foreign Service Institute, and Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, United Nations Assistant Secretary General and Executive Director of UNITAR.

In his remarks, Director General Goodridge highlighted the mission of the FSI and outlined several flagship programs of the Institute, including: The foundational academic curriculum for prospective diplomats; A 6-week refresher program for foreign service officers and newly appointed ambassadors designated by the President of Liberia; The 10-month All-Female Diplomatic Training Program, the first of its kind in Africa, aimed at promoting women’s leadership in diplomacy. Director General Goodridge further noted that the dialogue leading to this partnership between the FSI and UNITAR was initiated by Mr. Charles Allen, whose efforts were instrumental in establishing this collaboration. He also shared that he is reviewing a number of agreements signed by his predecessors—including those with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Cameroon, Morocco, Guinea and Egypt—with a view to developing a distinctly African framework for diplomacy rooted in inter-African cooperation.

Speaking on behalf of UNITAR, Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, Assistant UN Secretary General and Executive Director of UNITAR, welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed UNITAR’s commitment to a robust and impactful collaboration with the FSI, particularly in co-developing relevant and responsive foreign service training programs tailored to Liberia’s needs. Mr. Philippe Aubert, Senior Program Specialist in the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy, presented an overview of UNITAR’s offerings, including: An 18-month Master’s Program delivered in hybrid and online formats for diplomats; Targeted training linked to the national priorities of host countries; and Various fellowship opportunities, some open to all applicants and others coordinated with academic institutions. He also highlighted UNITAR’s long-standing relationships with countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and mentioned Qatar’s recent proposal to establish a UNITAR Academy. Also forming part of the Liberian delegation were Permanent Representative (Amb.) Paul Wolokollie Tate and Counselor Abraham Kamara, representatives of the Permanent Mission of Liberia to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva. This landmark MOU represents a critical step forward in enhancing the professional development of Liberian diplomats and reaffirms Liberia’s commitment to global standards in foreign service training and diplomacy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

CityBlue Hotels (www.CityBlueHotels.com), Africa’s fastest-growing local hotel chain, today announced the unveiling of Kilua Residences by CityBlue in Mombasa, Kenya. This significant milestone marks CityBlue Hotels’ second property in the vibrant coastal city, further solidifying its commitment to expanding its footprint in key East African destinations and offering diverse accommodation options to travelers.

The opening of Kilua Residences by CityBlue, nestled along the pristine shores of Shanzu, offers an exquisite blend of luxury and comfort for both short- and long-term stays. This 4-star beachfront aparthotel features elegantly furnished 1 and 2-bedroom apartments, designed to provide guests with a serene and upscale coastal retreat. Each residence is meticulously crafted to international standards, ensuring a premium living experience.

Guests at Kilua Residences by CityBlue will have access to an extensive array of world-class amenities, including a sparkling outdoor swimming pool, a rejuvenating full-service spa, a state-of-the-art gym, and a dedicated playground for families. The property boasts stunning sea views and a tranquil terrace, perfect for unwinding. With its prime location, Kilua Residences by CityBlue offers convenient access to Mombasa’s popular attractions, making it an ideal choice for leisure and business travelers seeking an unforgettable stay.

“The announcement of Kilua Residences by CityBlue marks a proud moment for us, further strengthening our presence in the dynamic city of Mombasa,” said Jameel Verjee, CEO of CityBlue Hotels. “Following the success of CityBlue Creekside Hotel & Suites, our first property in Mombasa, Kilua Residences represents our continued commitment to providing diverse and high-quality accommodation options in key African markets. This new property embodies our dedication to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences, combining luxurious living with the unparalleled beauty of Kenya’s coast.”

“We are incredibly proud to see Kilua Residences by CityBlue come to fruition, a project that embodies our commitment to developing high-quality, desirable properties in prime locations,” said Samir Shahbal, Director of Gulf Homes Management Limited. “Our partnership with CityBlue Hotels has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, combining our development expertise with their renowned hospitality management. Kilua Residences by CityBlue offers a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience, and we are confident it will become a cherished destination for residents and visitors alike in Mombasa.”

CityBlue Creekside Hotel & Suites, located on the tidal Tudor creek, has been a cornerstone of CityBlue Hotels’ operations in Mombasa since its opening in December 2017. With 100 rooms and suites, a bar, restaurant, fitness center, and pool, it has consistently provided a superior experience for guests. The addition of Kilua Residences by CityBlue, with its focus on serviced apartments and beachfront living, complements CityBlue Hotels’ existing offerings, catering to a broader range of traveler preferences and solidifying its position as a leading hospitality provider in Mombasa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CityBlue Hotels.

About CityBlue Hotels:
CityBlue Hotels is Africa’s fastest-growing customer-centric hotel chain, renowned for its commitment to providing world-class hospitality across Eastern and Southern Africa’s major cities. With a focus on seamless, tech-supported experiences, CityBlue Hotels aims to redefine comfort and convenience for business and leisure travelers alike. The brand is dedicated to expanding its footprint and diversifying its offerings to meet the evolving demands of the African hospitality market.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the National Investment Commission (NIC) and the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC), is proud to announce the upcoming Liberia Trade and Investment Conference under the theme “Bridge to Prosperity.” Scheduled to take place from June 17 to 21, 2025 in Monrovia, the five-day event will bring together a delegation of prominent U.S. investors and business leaders to explore trade and investment opportunities across Liberia’s key economic sectors. This flagship initiative is a hallmark of the Ministry’s economic diplomacy agenda, under the leadership of H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, and is closely aligned with the Trump Administration’s renewed commercial diplomacy efforts in Africa. The five-day conference will welcome a delegation of prominent U.S. investors and business leaders, targeting companies with interest in key sectors across Liberia’s economy.

A special reception will be hosted in their honor by the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, underscoring the significance of this bilateral investment initiative. As part of the U.S. business delegation’s visit, participating companies will engage in sector specific site visits, project briefings, and one-on-one meetings with public and private sector leaders. The event will feature a dynamic lineup of panel discussions, business-to-business networking sessions, site visits, and government briefings, all designed to provide U.S. investors with comprehensive insights into Liberia’s economic potential and investment friendly climate. This conference underscores Liberia’s commitment to expanding its economic frontiers by leveraging international partnerships to drive sustainable development, job creation, and infrastructure growth. Key sectors to be showcased include agriculture, energy, infrastructure, tourism, mining, and digital economy, among others.

The “Bridge to Prosperity” conference is also a strategic pillar of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), Liberia’s national development framework. The event underscores the government’s commitment to mobilizing international investment as a means to accelerate job creation, infrastructure development, and economic transformation. Participants will include senior government officials, international development partners, private sector leaders, U.S. trade delegations, and representatives from multilateral institutions. The event aims to generate concrete commitments that will translate into job creation, technology transfer, and inclusive development. With this initiative, Liberia continues to chart a forward looking path in economic diplomacy, positioning itself as a gateway for U.S. investors into West Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

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Since the outbreak of conflict on 15 April 2023, Sudan has witnessed one of the world’s fastest-growing displacement crises. Over 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes as of 16 June 2025, including more than 2 million women and girls, many of whom are now living in overcrowded shelters or with host communities across the country. In Gadaref State, hundreds of thousands have sought refuge, placing immense pressure on services and resources—particularly for women facing heightened protection risks.

When the war broke out, 35-year-old Marwa—­­­not her real name—left Khartoum to seek refuge and safety. Like ­many internally displaced persons (IDPs), she found herself in Hay Al-Malik, a densely populated neighborhood in the heart of Gadaref State, sheltering thousands of displaced people by the ongoing conflict. Here, IDPs and host community members live side-by-side, often sharing houses due to soaring rents and limited resources.

Marwa’s early days were marked by intense psychological stress. Living ­­­­­with more than ten people in a small house without privacy, especially for women, left her feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Cultural differences deepened her sense of displacement, and she struggled to adapt. “I rarely left the house or spoke to other women,” she shared. “I didn’t know how to adjust or where to turn.”

A turning point came when Marwa heard about a new women’s safe space established by Hope and Friendship for Development Organization (HOPE), in partnership with UN Women, and supported by the Government of Japan. Encouraged by outreach efforts in the community, she visited the Al-Malik Safe Space and immediately felt a sense of belonging. It was a space created by and for women—a place to talk, share, heal, and grow.

With each visit, Marwa’s confidence grew. She joined a life skills training and received psychosocial support that helped her regain emotional balance. She also participated in awareness sessions on harmful traditional practices, gaining tools to inform and uplift others. Over time, she became actively involved in managing activities alongside social workers, transforming herself from a participant into a leader.

“From the first day, I felt that this space belonged to us,” she said. “It’s our duty to protect it and keep it going.”

Now, Marwa supports other displaced women and girls in accessing the safe space and envisions expanding it further. She emphasizes the need to include children, especially those with special needs, in future programming. She also expresses a strong desire to help sustain the space beyond the program’s timeline, working with other women to preserve what they’ve built together.

Marwa’s story illustrates how access to a safe, inclusive space—combined with psychosocial and life skills support—can plant the seeds for long-term empowerment and resilience. With continued support from the Government of Japan and implementing partners, women like Marwa are not only rebuilding their own lives but helping others do the same.

*Marwa’s name has been changed to protect her privacy

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

• “Ten years without clean water: erased! Ten years without hope: forgotten! Ten years of suffering: over!”—Adesina to residents of Libreville’s outlying neighborhoods.
• Adesina Receives Gabon’s Highest Civilian Honor

Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema and African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (www.AfDB.org) on Monday jointly inaugurated a new drinking water pumping station, marking the end of a decade-long water crisis in PK5, a densely populated district of Libreville.

The new PK5 pumping station, with a daily capacity of 57,600 cubic meters, is designed to deliver clean water to 128,000 residents across seven northern districts of the capital.

“These past few weeks, we’ve finally felt like citizens of real capital. Water is flowing from our taps at last,” said Sandrine Onanga, a 33-year-old mother living in PK5. “It has been eight years since we last saw a drop of water. We had even forgotten what a tap looked like,” added Astrid Momboukou, who joined the crowd to witness the inauguration of the facility.

For years, taps had run dry in parts of Libreville. “That’s all behind us now. No more lugging water jugs for kilometers. No more waiting late into the night for police tankers to deliver water every two or three days,” said Sandrine, smiling under the light rain that fell over Libreville that Monday.

The new station was inaugurated in the presence of senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, and an enthusiastic local population. It forms part of the Integrated Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Program for Libreville (PAIEPAL). The program, with a total investment of €117.4 million, is financed through a €75.4 million loan from the African Development Bank and a €42 million loan from the Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF), backed by the People’s Bank of China and administered by the Bank.

The program aims to improve access to potable water and sanitation services in Libreville, strengthen sector governance, and build capacity for long-term transformation.

The initiative ensures that more than 300,000 people—approximately 31% of Libreville’s 967,095 residents—now have sustainable and permanent access to clean water. The beneficiary communes include Libreville, Akanda, Owendo, and Ntoum.

Adesina emphasized the life-changing impact of the new pumping station: “Ten years without drinking water: erased! Ten years without hope: forgotten! Ten years of suffering: ended!”

The Bank, a reliable and strategic partner for Gabon

Adesina also highlighted the Bank’s unwavering development support for Gabon during his ten-year tenure. “From 1974 to 2014, the Bank approved $1 billion in financing for Gabon. Since my election in 2015, we have committed an additional $1.5 billion—1.5 times the previous 40-year total,” he said.

According to Philippe Tonangoye, Gabon’s Minister for Universal Access to Water and Energy, the project has significantly improved water infrastructure. It involved renewing 150 kilometers of pipelines, upgrading and extending another 150 kilometers of distribution networks, building and rehabilitating multiple water towers, and installing around 60 public standpipes across Libreville and surrounding areas.

“The African Development Bank spared no effort to make this program a reality,” said Minister Tonangoye. “Some of these installations had not seen a single drop of water in ten years. My gratitude goes to the Bank for its commitment to Gabon.”

President Adesina receives top Gabonese honor

Ahead of the inauguration, Gabonese President Oligui Nguema conferred on Adesina the insignia of Grand Officer of the Order of the Gabonese Merit, one of Gabon’s highest civilian honors, in a ceremony witnessed by his wife, Grace Adesina.

Recognized for his visionary leadership, Akinwumi Adesina—dubbed “Africa’s Chief Optimist”—will complete his second and final ten-year term as President of the African Development Bank Group on 31 August. Since 2015, he has led transformative projects across Africa under the Bank’s five strategic priorities, the “High 5s” (https://apo-opa.co/4n9ysad).

Through these priorities, 565 million people have seen their lives transformed. In the water sector alone, 63 million people gained access to clean water and 34 million to sanitation services.

Flagship projects in Gabon

For decades, the Bank has supported Gabon’s socioeconomic development by helping diversify strategic sectors. It is now Gabon’s leading infrastructure partner.

Among flagship projects, the Bank financed the New Owendo International Port. With a capacity of four million tonnes per year, this multi-purpose port (minerals, timber, containers) has reduced handling costs by 30% and become a critical link in Gabon’s logistics chain. In this context, the Gabonese President took Dr. Adesina on a tour of the La Baie des Rois Special Investment Zone, located 18 km from the port. The maritime façade of the Gabonese capital aims to be modern to attract international real estate investors to revitalize the country’s economy and create wealth for the population.

The Bank is also helping Gabon develop the Kinguélé Aval hydroelectric power station—the country’s first energy PPP—which will add 40 megawatts of reliable, affordable, and clean energy. It is also financing the Ndende-Doussala road, a key segment of the Libreville-Brazzaville corridor that will connect Gabon and Congo and boost regional integration.

With an active portfolio of $61.26 million, the African Development Bank Group’s strategy in Gabon focuses on two priority areas: supporting the development of sustainable infrastructure to drive industrialization, and strengthening economic governance and the business climate to promote social inclusion.

Following the inauguration, President Oligui Nguema and Akinwumi Adesina visited two families in separate districts that were once severely impacted by water shortages. They also toured the National School for Hearing-Impaired Children, which serves hundreds of students. Since gaining access to clean drinking water, the school has seen a significant improvement in hygiene conditions.

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

• Dr. Adesina’s speech (French) (https://apo-opa.co/3FMhbmO)
• Pictures (https://apo-opa.co/4n5syH0)

Contact: 
Romaric Ollo Hien
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 44 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states.

For more information: www.AfDB.org

FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa Abebe Haile-Gabriel met today with the Minister for Food and Agriculture of Ghana, Honourable Eric Opoku, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Accra.

The FAO Assistant Director-General assured FAO’s continued close collaboration with the Government of Ghana.

Discussions covered key upcoming global and regional milestones including the FAO 80th anniversary throughout 2025, the 44th  Session of the FAO Conference to be held in Rome from 28 June to 4 July 2025, the World Food Forum scheduled for October 2025, FAO’s global exhibition ‘From Seeds to Foods’ and the launch of the FAO Museum, both also scheduled in October during the World Food Forum, and the ongoing Country Office strengthening process to enhance FAO’s delivery as One FAO.

The pair reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between FAO and Ghana and exchanged views on collaborating on priority areas for joint action, particularly the Feed Ghana Programme, launched by the Government with a view to boosting agricultural production, creating jobs, and reducing food imports.

“The two of us have a common goal: achieving food security and nutrition for everybody,” the Minister said.

FAO and Ghana have a special relationship because the FAO regional headquarters for Africa is based in Accra, as well as the FAO Ghana country office. This makes FAO the largest UN agency in Ghana.

“We see FAO’s Regional Office for Africa as a huge blessing to the nation. This is an opportunity for us to impact on the lives of the people,” the Minister said. 

FAO is currently supporting a range of initiatives in Ghana, including improving food security response in northern Ghana in partnership with the European Union, supporting women fonio producers, strengthening the soybean value chain under the One Country One Priority Product initiative, enhancing fisheries governance, and preventing transboundary animal diseases, among others.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

Today marks 500 days to go until the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026 – the first Olympic event to take place on African soil. To mark the milestone, the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee (YOGOC) is rolling out a series of cultural and community-led initiatives across Senegal, blending sport, art and youth engagement in a uniquely local celebration of global spirit.

A love letter to Africa: Dakar 2026 official video launched

At the heart of the 500-days-to-go celebration is the release of the official Dakar 2026 promotional video – a powerful piece of storytelling and poetic imagery that sets the tone for what lies ahead. The video is a tribute to the power of sport, the strength of youth and the diversity of Africa.

Narrated with emotional depth and featuring a special appearance by Senegalese Olympic silver medallist Amadou Dia Ba (400m hurdles, Seoul 1988), the film also showcases young athletes from across Senegal and teases the 35 sports featured on the YOG programme. It offers a vibrant look at the host sites – Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly – and reflects the values that will define these historic Games.

Street art connects Games to communities

To bring the Olympic spirit into public spaces, a national graffiti campaign will see 10 young artists create murals in Dakar, Diamniadio, Saly, Ziguinchor and Saint-Louis. Each artwork will weave the Dakar 2026 logo and motto – “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates” – into vivid expressions of local identity and pride. This initiative will bring the Games into the streets and aims to connect directly with Senegalese youth.

Olympic Day to shine a spotlight on youth and sport

Looking ahead, the Dakar 2026 celebrations will continue on Olympic Day, 23 June, with a half-day event bringing together more than 1,000 schoolchildren in Dakar. The programme will feature sports demonstrations across 12 disciplines, a group fitness session and interactive educational spaces celebrating the Olympic values.

The YOG Dakar 2026 will take place over two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world’s best young athletes up to the age of 17. The Games will be held across three host sites (Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly).

– on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

• Link to Live Stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025: https://apo-opa.co/3G1Afxo

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7^th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 on 19^th and 20^th June in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of 14 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative” emphasized, “It is my great honor to welcome our esteemed Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, and Ambassadors of our ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign to the 7^th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit.

Through this important platform, we have collectively exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, which are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues.”

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, “At Merck Foundation, our goal is improving overall health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and by providing access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in the Africa, Asia and beyond. I would like to sincerely thank our Ambassadors and partners. Together, with your unwavering support and collaboration, we will continue to work towards our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.”

The First Ladies of 14 countries, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, joined as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. They are:

• H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola
• H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde
• H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of the Central African Republic
• H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of the Gabonese Republic
• H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia
• H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana
• H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya
• H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia
• H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, The First Lady of the Republic of Maldives
• H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique
• H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
• H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
• H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal
• H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej stated, “I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2280 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties. Many of our Merck Foundation Alumni are becoming the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and Partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa and beyond. Many of them are becoming the first specialists in their countries.”

“During our Conference, we also marked together the World Infertility Awareness Month, observed in June, through our signature campaign “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, which aims to empower infertile and childless women by providing access to information, education, and change of mindset. I am happy to share that out of the total 2280 scholarships, more than 700 scholarships have been provided for training in Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine, to improve access to fertility care and women’s health”, she further added. 

During the 7^th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked; the 8^th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation’s development programs that started in 2012.

On the first day, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe.

The Day 2 of the conference will have three key parallel session will be held- Two medical and scientific sessions covering Oncology and Fertility Topics, and a community awareness session, Merck Foundation Health Media Training. This session will emphasize the critical role of the media in influencing communities and driving cultural change, with regards to a wide range of social and health issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls’ Education, Stopping GBV, Ending Child Marriage & FGM, Empowering Women, Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness.

The conference is being conducted in a hybrid format, enabling over 6,000 audiences from more than 70 countries to benefit, meet and discuss strategies and solutions for the health and social challenges in their countries safely and effectively.

Countries participating in the 7^th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative:

Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.

The 7^th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative is streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation:

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4edCwCi), X (https://apo-opa.co/4n8k2qI), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3G4ZQ8w), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4kQbVOf).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3ZBhIi7), X (https://apo-opa.co/3FT5D13), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3HNpOOr), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3ZF3Xiq).

Link to the Facebook live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/3G1Afxo

Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

• 2280+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for doctors from 52 Countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.  

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

• 3700+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues

• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs

• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa

• 8 Children’s Storybooks in three languages – English, French, and Portuguese

• 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes & Hypertension and supporting girl education.

• Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community

• 950+ Scholarships provided to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls to empower them to complete their studies

• 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8 Million Followers.

– on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
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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/4edCwCi), X (https://apo-opa.co/4n8k2qI), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3G4ZQ8w), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4kQbVOf), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/460CnzW) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/460Conu).

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.