Category: MIL-OSI

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Sexual harassment policy announced for the Judiciary

Source: Government of South Africa

Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has announced the introduction of a Sexual Harassment Policy for the South African Judiciary.

According to the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ), the policy is aimed at “safeguarding the integrity of the courts and protecting the dignity of all who serve within them”.

Key principles of the policy are:
•    Zero tolerance for sexual harassment by or against any judicial officer, staff member, or individual engaging with the Judiciary.
•    Clear, confidential, and fair procedures for reporting and addressing complaints, with protections against retaliation.
•    Accountability, with disciplinary consequences for offenders.
•    A safe and respectful workplace, free from discrimination and intimidation.

“This policy reiterates the Judiciary’s unwavering commitment to the Constitutional values of human dignity, equality, and justice, and sends a clear message: sexual harassment has no place in the halls of justice.

“As custodians of the Constitution, Judges and Magistrates bear a profound responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity. The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct and South Africa’s own Judicial Codes of Conduct demand nothing less. 

“Yet, where sexual harassment occurs within the Judiciary, it is not only a personal violation; it is also an affront to the rule of law itself, eroding public trust and betraying the very principles the institution exists to defend and uphold,” the OCJ said in a statement.

The policy is also aimed at entrenching a culture of accountability and respect.
The Chief Justice described the policy as a “necessary and urgent intervention”.

“The Judiciary cannot dispense justice to society if it does not first ensure it within its own ranks. Sexual harassment is a gross abuse of power, a denial of equality, and a stain on the legitimacy of the courts. We are going to tackle it head on and this Policy will be a very useful mechanism in that battle.

“This is not merely a document; it is a covenant with the people of South Africa. We must lead by example,” she said.

The policy can be accessed on : https://www.judiciary.org.za/index.php/judiciary/legal-instruments 
– SAnews.gov.za

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Raise women’s voices during National Dialogue – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that women must be at the forefront as the country holds the first National Convention of the National Dialogue set to be held this week. 

The President was addressing the nation through his weekly Presidential newsletter on Monday.
The convention, which forms part of the National Dialogue process, will bring together 200 organisations from 33 different sectors across the country.

“On Friday this week, organisations from across South Africa will gather at the National Convention in Pretoria to kickstart the National Dialogue process.

“Given the history of women’s struggles in our country, it is therefore to be expected that at this critical moment in our history, women will once again come to the fore and participate actively National Dialogue process,” he said.

President Ramaphosa noted that women make up more than half of South Africa’s population – making their contributions critical to the dialogue.

“Women are affected by every political, social and economic issue in the country. Likewise, every crisis, whether it is unemployment, crime or climate change, affects women equally and, in some instances, more than men.

“Recognising that the lives of women are bound up with the future of the nation as a whole, we are counting on women’s groups and organisations to mobilise around the National Dialogue process.

“As government, working in partnership with the various stakeholders, we have committed to ensuring women are equally represented across the structures supporting and guiding the process,” the President said.

He emphasised that “we have to ensure that all women are represented” during the process if every sector’s voice is to be heard.

“This means a concerted effort to mobilise young and old, urban and rural dwellers, women from different ethnic and linguistic communities, women with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ [ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex+] people.

“The reality is that women’s struggles are not all the same and we should not assume they are. Although they may be similar in certain respects, the issues and challenges facing rural women and women in traditional communities differ vastly from those of women in urban areas with access to education, resources and public services.

“This was one of the points made at last year’s South African Women’s Pre-National Dialogue convened by the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation. It emphasised that the National Dialogue process should focus on all issues affecting and impacting women, and that diverse perspectives and priorities of all South African women must be reflected,” he said.

Uplifting women 

With the country commemorating Women’s Month in August, President Ramaphosa noted that women have consistently “organised to ensure that their voices, consent and participation remained central to all decisions affecting them either directly or indirectly”.

“The inclusion of the gender equality clauses in the Freedom Charter was heavily influenced by the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) formed in 1954. More than three decades later, the Women’s National Coalition, which was formed in 1992, played a formative role in ensuring that these passages were reflected in South Africa’s democratic constitution.

“From the protests against the pass laws, to the so-called beer-hall protests of 1959, to the rent boycotts of the 1980s, to the contemporary protest movements against gender-based violence, South African women have a proud history of standing up and being counted,” he said.

The President called on all of society to uplift the voices of women during the dialogue in recognition of the 20 000 women – led by struggle heroes Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn – who marched to the Union Buildings in protest against the apartheid government’s introduction of pass laws against black women this month in 1956.

“With the first National Convention taking place during Women’s Month, we call on all sectors of society to come together to ensure the full participation of all women in the National Dialogue. 
“This would be the most fitting and powerful tribute to the legacy of the pioneers of 1956,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA reaffirms support for global treaty to tackle plastic pollution

Source: Government of South Africa

With the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.2) on Plastic Pollution underway in Geneva, Switzerland, South Africa has reaffirmed its support for a legally binding global treaty to tackle plastic pollution.

Plastic pollution is already harming communities, economies and ecosystems – from land to rivers to oceans.
“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue. It affects public health, sustainable development and the future of our oceans. We must act now,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said on Monday.

The Minister is leading the South African delegation that is attending the second part of the INC 5.2 on Plastic Pollution.

This session is a critical opportunity to finalise a legally binding global treaty to tackle plastic pollution.
George reaffirmed South Africa’s strong support for urgent and coordinated international action to end plastic pollution across its full life cycle.

Global plastic production has grown rapidly, from two million tonnes in 1950 to 475-million tonnes in 2022. Without urgent intervention, South Africa’s plastic pollution is expected to nearly double by 2040 compared to 2020 levels.

In response, South Africa has moved to ban plastic microbeads. Draft regulations have been signed and are set to be published for public comment. 

READ | Have your say on draft plastic pollution regulations

These regulations aim to prohibit the manufacture, import, export, sale and distribution of microbeads and products containing them.

“South Africa is acting with urgency to address this crisis. But no country can solve it alone. We need global cooperation, innovation and ambition,” George said.

The INC process was established by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2022, following the adoption of a resolution to develop a treaty addressing plastic pollution, including marine plastic. 

While the first part of INC 5 took place in Busan, Republic of Korea in November 2024, a final agreement was not reached, and negotiations have resumed in Geneva.

The expected treaty will cover the full life cycle of plastics, from production and design to disposal.
It will also align with existing global commitments on climate change, biodiversity and chemical safety. –SAnews.gov.za

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AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) 2025 closes with over USD 300 million in deals and bold commitments to integration, mobility and investment

Source: APO – Report:

The Fourth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) has concluded with over US $300 million in investment and trade deals signed and a robust  communiqué affirming both regions’ commitment to deeper collaboration. The two-day event, co-hosted by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) and the Government of Grenada, brought together more than 2,100 delegates, from 80 countries, including 11 Heads of State and Government, representatives of governments, private sector leaders, and development partners.

A total of eight major deals and memoranda were announced over the course of the forum, spanning infrastructure, tourism, digital transformation, and trade finance:

  • A USD 100 million Receivables Discounting Facility with Bahamas Striping Group of Companies Ltd for road and infrastructure works.
  • A USD 50 million Education Construction and Rehabilitation Climate-Linked Facility signed with The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
  • A USD 61.25 million Term Loan for the Homewood Suites by Hilton Barbados.
  • A USD 40 million Receivables Facility for Cat Island Infrastructure Company Ltd in The Bahamas.
  • A USD 40 million commercial port development agreement involving Gemini Integrated Commodities Trading Company Ltd and the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
  • A Memorandum of Understanding with the Grenada Development Bank to promote SME development and trade flows.
  • A strategic cooperation MOU with the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) to advance digital transformation.
  • The Bank of The Bahamas Ltd was also appointed as an Afreximbank Trade Finance Intermediary, strengthening the financial ecosystem to support cross-border transactions.

In a profound closing statement, Grenada’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, reiterated the region’s resolve to institutionalise its collaboration with Africa:

“We have to be very deliberate about creating institutions that will, in fact, recreate the type of trade, investment, banking, and financial relationships that we want to build for ourselves. The reality is, what was created before was meant to entrap us.”

He also urged for unrestricted people-to-people movement between the regions:

“We are not here to prevent our people from moving. I see no valid reason for maintaining the visa systems… Biometrics allows us to move past that.”

From a financial and institutional standpoint, Dr. George Elombi, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank and incoming President, emphasised:

“The next phase is not about justifying our vision, it should be about conviction. Believing further in who we are, where we want to be, and acting decisively. Finance is the lifeline of trade. Once we integrate the payment systems and get them to see the Caribbean as the unique opportunity it is, the rest will follow.”

The official ACTIF2025 Communiqué welcomed the endorsement of the Global Africa Commission, by Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and other OECS states, and called for its formal adoption at the upcoming AU-CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa in September. The Commission is expected to accelerate trade, culture, and investment frameworks across the diaspora and continent.

Participants also committed to the establishment of a Free Trade Arrangement, elimination of visa restrictions, support for air and maritime links, and expansion of digital, sports, and creative economy partnerships. The communiqué recognized ACTIF2025 as a pivotal moment in building “resilient cross-regional value chains” and affirmed the continuation of the ACTIF platform with the announcement of ACTIF2026.

Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah, who is completing his term this year, was celebrated at the event for his vision and leadership. A symbolic tree-planting ceremony was held at Camerhogne Park in St. George’s, Grenada in his honour for his visionary leadership and enduring contributions to Africa-Caribbean relations. The Flamboyant tree, native to Madagascar and widely rooted across the Caribbean and Africa, was chosen for its vibrant red blooms and symbolic resonance of vitality, peace, and growth. The forum paid tribute to his contributions and reaffirmed his legacy as a foundational force in building Global Africa.

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa’s (SA) Fibre TechCelerate Programme continues to celebrate and empower Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) with essential digital and business skills

Source: APO – Report:

Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid) (https://Liquid.Tech/), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, has announced the successful completion of its 2024 Fibre TechCelerate Programme in South Africa. The first cohort of 20 SMMEs and 10 female ICT students from Walter Sisulu University received their certifications at a graduation ceremony facilitated in East London. Twenty-five new SMMEs were welcomed into the 2025 programme at the same time.  

This initiative equips small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with the technical, business, and digital skills required to actively contribute to projects, including but not limited to the Eastern Cape Provincial Government’s fibre and broadband rollout project.  

“As we honour the achievements of the first Fibre TechCelerate graduates and welcome our next intake, we’re reminded that this programme is more than just a skills accelerator; it’s a catalyst for transformation. Working alongside the Provincial Government and supported by our implementation partner, Cortex Hub, we are proud to be empowering local businesses, especially youth and women, as well as investing in a digitally inclusive future for the Eastern Cape and beyond,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies in South Africa and Botswana.  

Structured around modules such as business management, fibre optics installation, occupational health and safety, digital skills, and mentorship, the initiative prepares SMMEs to thrive in South Africa’s digital economy and fosters inclusive economic growth.  

“The Liquid Fibre TechCelerate Programme is so much more than a local enterprise and supplier development programme. Offering SMMEs in the Eastern Cape a comprehensive and sustainable business development and ICT training prepares these enterprises for success in the digital economy. As the programme’s implementing agency, the Cortex Hub is proud to witness the success of the participants, and we look forward to working closely with Liquid South Africa, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, and all other contributors in supporting the 2025 cohort,” added Dr Andile Ngcaba, Patron, Cortex Hub.  

The current fibre network installation in the province has created over 7,000 permanent and temporary jobs. Liquid’s involvement through the Fibre TechCelerate Programme reflects its commitment to providing best-in-class connectivity and digital solutions to local enterprises, government, and individuals in the Eastern Cape, empowering them on their digital transformation journeys.  

Partnering with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government on the Fibre TechCelerate Programme highlights the importance that Liquid South Africa places on public-private partnerships in accelerating the country’s digital transformation and ensuring a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind.  

?> – on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies (Cassava), a technology company of African heritage with operations in 40-plus markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava group companies operate. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent. For more information, visit https://www.Liquid.Tech/.  

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Forum Afrique-Caraïbes sur le commerce et l’investissement (ACTIF) 2025 s’achève avec plus de 300 millions de dollars US de transactions et d’engagements audacieux en faveur de l’intégration, de la mobilité et de l’investissement

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le quatrième Forum Afrique-Caraïbes sur le commerce et l’investissement (ACTIF2025) s’est achevé avec la signature de contrats d’investissement et de commerce d’une valeur de plus de 300 millions de dollars US. L’ACTIF a également été sanctionné par l’adoption d’un communiqué fort réaffirmant l’engagement des deux régions à approfondir leur collaboration. Cet événement de deux jours, co-organisé par la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) et le gouvernement de la Grenade, a réuni plus de 2 100 délégués provenant de 80 pays, dont 11 chefs d’État et de gouvernement, des représentants de gouvernements, des dirigeants du secteur privé et des partenaires de développement.

Au total, huit accords et protocoles d’accord majeurs ont été annoncés au cours du forum, couvrant les domaines des infrastructures, du tourisme, de la transformation numérique et du financement du commerce :

  • Une Facilité d’escompte de créances de 100 millions de dollars US accordée à Bahamas Striping Group of Companies Ltd pour des travaux routiers et d’infrastructure.
  • Une facilité liée au climat de 50 millions de dollars US pour la construction et la réhabilitation d’établissements scolaires, signée avec le gouvernement de Saint-Kitts-et-Nevis.
  • Un prêt à terme de 61,25 millions de dollars US pour le Homewood Suites by Hilton Barbados.
  • Une Facilité de créances de 40 millions dollars US en faveur de Cat Island infrastructure Company Ltd aux Bahamas.
  • Un accord de développement portuaire commercial de 40 millions de dollars US entre Gemini Integrated Commodities Trading Company Ltd et le Gouvernement de Saint-Kitts-et-Nevis.
  • Un protocole d’accord avec Grenade Development Bank pour promouvoir le développement des PME et les flux commerciaux.
  • Un protocole d’accord de coopération stratégique avec l’Union des télécommunications des Caraïbes (CTU) pour faire progresser la transformation numérique.
  • La Bank of The Bahamas Ltd a également été désignée comme intermédiaire d’Afreximbank pour le financement commercial, renforçant ainsi l’écosystème financier de soutien aux transactions transfrontalières.

Dans une déclaration de clôture marquante, le Premier ministre de la Grenade, Dickon Mitchell, a réaffirmé la détermination de la région à institutionnaliser sa collaboration avec l’Afrique.

« Nous devons faire preuve d’une grande détermination pour créer des institutions qui permettront, en fait, de recréer le type de relations commerciales, d’investissement, bancaires et financières que nous souhaitons établir pour nous-mêmes. La réalité est que ce qui a été créé auparavant avait pour but de nous piéger ».

Il a également appelé à la libre circulation des personnes entre les régions :

« Nous ne sommes pas ici pour empêcher nos populations de se déplacer. Je ne vois aucune raison valable de maintenir les systèmes de visas… la biométrie nous permet de dépasser cela ».

D’un point de vue financier et institutionnel, Dr George Elombi, Vice-président exécutif d’Afreximbank et Président entrant, a souligné :

« La prochaine étape ne consiste pas à justifier notre vision, mais à la défendre avec conviction. Il s’agit de croire davantage en qui nous sommes, en notre objectif et d’agir avec détermination. La finance est le moteur du commerce. Une fois que nous aurons intégré les systèmes de paiement et que nous leur aurons fait comprendre que les Caraïbes représentent une opportunité unique, le reste suivra ».

Le communiqué officiel de l’ACTIF2025 a salué l’adhésion à la Commission pour l’Afrique mondiale de la Grenade, de Saint-Kitts-et-Nevis et d’autres États de l’OECO (Organisation des États de la Caraïbe orientale), et a appelé à son adoption officielle à l’occasion du prochain Sommet UA-CARICOM à Addis-Abeba en septembre. La Commission devrait accélérer les cadres de commerce, de culture et d’investissement dans toute la diaspora et sur le continent.

Les participants se sont également engagés à établir un accord de libre-échange, à éliminer les restrictions en matière de visas, à soutenir les liaisons aériennes et maritimes et à élargir les partenariats dans les domaines du numérique, du sport et de l’économie créative. Le communiqué a reconnu l’ACTIF2025 comme un moment charnière dans la construction de « chaînes de valeur transrégionales résilientes » et a souligné la poursuite de la plateforme ACTIF avec l’annonce de l’édition de 2026.

Le Président d’Afreximbank, le Professeur Benedict Oramah, qui termine son mandat cette année, a été honoré lors de l’événement pour sa vision et son leadership. Une cérémonie symbolique de plantation d’arbres a eu lieu au parc Camerhogne à St. George’s, à la Grenade, en son honneur pour son leadership visionnaire et ses contributions durables aux relations entre l’Afrique et les Caraïbes. Le flamboyant, arbre originaire de Madagascar et largement implanté dans les Caraïbes et en Afrique, a été choisi pour ses fleurs rouges éclatantes et sa forte portée symbolique de vitalité, de paix et de croissance.Le forum lui a rendu hommage pour ses contributions et a réaffirmé son héritage en tant que force fondatrice dans la construction de l’Afrique mondiale.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact Presse :
Vincent Musumba
Responsable de la communication et de la gestion événementielle (Relations presse)
Courriel : press@afreximbank.com

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À propos d’Afreximbank :
La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) est une institution financière multilatérale panafricaine dédiée au financement et à la promotion du commerce intra et extra-africain. Depuis 30 ans, Afreximbank déploie des structures innovantes pour fournir des solutions de financement qui facilitent la transformation de la structure du commerce africain et accélèrent l’industrialisation et le commerce intrarégional, soutenant ainsi l’expansion économique en Afrique. Fervente défenseur de l’Accord sur la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), Afreximbank a lancé les le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) qui a été adopté par l’Union africaine (UA) comme la plateforme de paiement et de règlement devant appuyer la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf. En collaboration avec le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et l’UA, la Banque a mis en place un Fonds d’ajustement de 10 milliards de dollars US pour aider les pays à participer de manière effective à la ZLECAf. À la fin de décembre 2024, le total des actifs et des garanties de la Banque s’élevait à environ 40,1 milliards de dollars US et les fonds de ses actionnaires s’établissaient à 7,2 milliards de dollars US. Afreximbank est notée A par GCR International Scale, Baa2 par Moody’s, AAA par China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), A- par Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) et BBB par Fitch. Au fil des ans, Afreximbank est devenue un groupe constitué de la Banque, de sa filiale de financement à impact appelée Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA), et de sa filiale de gestion d’assurance, AfrexInsure, (les trois entités forment « le Groupe »). La Banque a son siège social au Caire, en Égypte.

Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez visiter www.Afreximbank.com

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Participates in Women Leaders Forum in Turkmenistan

Source: Government of Qatar

Awaza, August 07 

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad participated in the Women Leaders Forum, held on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, taking place in the city of Awaza, Turkmenistan, with the presence of HE Vice President of the Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care Oguljahan Atabayeva.

In her speech at the forum, HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation emphasized that speaking about justice for women anywhere is incomplete without speaking about justice for the women of Gaza, stressing that women in all conflict zones deserve protection, safety, and a peaceful life.

Her Excellency added that she cannot speak about women’s rights without referring to the women of Gaza who endure unimaginable suffering, stressing that they are deprived of the most basic human needs, including education, safety, sanitation, and dignity, they face the threat of famine, and their children go to sleep hungry, burdened by trauma, with their childhoods stolen from them.

Her Excellency pointed out that the State of Qatar fully understands that empowering women is not merely a matter of justice and fairness, but a fundamental pillar of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development.

Her Excellency affirmed that women do not wait for an invitation to participate; rather, they are already playing leadership roles across various sectors including government, diplomacy, education, business, and innovation.

Her Excellency explained that Qatar’s national strategy was designed to enable women to realize their full potential through progressive policies that ensure protection for mothers, equal pay, pathways to leadership, and work environments that respect and support women.

Her Excellency explained in this context that one of the most inspiring examples of this is the vision of HH Chairperson of the Education Above All Foundation Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, whose pioneering work through the foundation has enabled millions of children deprived of education, especially in the least developed countries, to access their right to education, while preserving their dignity and opening new horizons for their future, noting that Her Highness’s leadership embodies a profound truth: When women participate in development, entire societies rise.

Her Excellency underscored that nearly half of the population in landlocked developing countries are women, yet for a long time, they have been asked to achieve more with fewer resources.

The time has come to change that, Her Excellency added, stressing that if they are serious about achieving the goals of the Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries, they must invest in women and support their passion, because the future we build with them will be stronger and more prosperous. 

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets UN Official

Source: Government of Qatar

Awaza, August 07 

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met with HE United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Rabab Fatima. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, being held in Awaza, Turkmenistan.

The meeting dealt with discussing the strong partnership between the State of Qatar and the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries,آ Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets President of UN Economic and Social Council

Source: Government of Qatar

Ashgabat, August 07 

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, met with HE President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Lok Bahadur Thapa, on the sidelines of the UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, currently taking place in Awaza, Turkmenistan.

The meeting reviewed avenues of cooperation between the State of Qatar and ECOSOC, highlighted Qatar’s leading role in supporting developing countries, and discussed preparations for Qatar’s hosting of the Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled for November.

The two sides affirmed that the upcoming summit will serve as a valuable opportunity to review various mechanisms and benefit from the experiences of developing countries that have made notable progress in social development.

During the meeting, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to remaining a strategic partner to the United Nations in addressing developmental challenges.

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South Africa: Presidency statement on National Dialogue costs

Source: APO


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The Presidency has noted media reports on the cost of the National Dialogue and specifically the first National Convention set to take place on 15-16 August 2025. 

The Presidency wishes to confirm that all budgetary processes regarding the National Convention are consistent with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

The Inter-Ministerial Committee, which is chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and comprises all relevant government departments to coordinate government’s contribution towards the National Dialogue, has been working to mobilise resources for the convention and manage costs. 

As a response to the call for collaboration with other stakeholders to reduce the costs of the National Dialogue, UNISA has offered to host the first National Convention and provide associated goods and services free of charge.

As it stands, venues have been secured for the plenary, two overflow venues with livestreaming, 10 breakaway venues, dining area and work areas. In addition, UNISA is providing facilities for an Operations Centre, which has been running over the past week, catering, ushers, AV services, printing of discussion documents, signage, conference bags, notepads, pens and WiFi. 

The costs of the first convention are being funded from the existing budgets of NEDLAC and the Presidency for secretariat support, communications and logistics. The provisions in the Appropriation Act and the PFMA will be used to reimburse the Department of Employment and Labour and NEDLAC in the Adjustments Budget later this year.

All procurement and management of public funds will adhere to the PFMA and applicable Treasury Regulations. All funds will be accounted for through the normal public finance mechanisms.

Donations have been received for the National Dialogue digital platform. Some goods and services, such as the venue, screens for public viewing, and rail and road transport, are being provided at no cost. 

The reduced costs associated with the hosting of the National Dialogue and the funding plan are done with the intention to reduce the cost to the fiscus.

The Presidency is committed to supporting the first National Convention to kick-start the citizen-led and inclusive National Dialogue.

The total budget for the National Dialogue will be developed as the structure and form of the community dialogues are finalised by the Convention, and will depend on in-kind contributions, donations and other resources that can be mobilised. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.