Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, participated in a session organized by Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity as part of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held under the title:

“From Copenhagen to Doha and Beyond: Building Social Resilience for Inclusive Social Development and a Dignified Life for All.”

The session was attended by H.E. Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity; Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt; H.E. Dr. Sima Bahous, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women; H.E. Mr. Haoliang Xu, UN Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of UNDP; and Dr. Mourdada Wahba, Acting Executive Secretary of ESCWA.

Dr. Al-Mashat’s participation came as part of the Egyptian delegation headed by H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister, representing H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, at the Summit. The event is convened by the United Nations General Assembly in collaboration with the Government of Qatar and coordinated by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), taking place from 4 to 6 November 2025.

In her remarks, Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed that thirty years after the Copenhagen Declaration, Egypt today stands as a model for a country that has transformed its social protection framework from a short-term safety net into a long-term strategy for strengthening national resilience and empowering people.

She noted that despite global and regional challenges and tensions, Egypt continues to advance on its path toward comprehensive economic and social development, achieving notable progress in recent years while simultaneously reinforcing social protection systems through a broad set of integrated policies and programs.

Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that social protection is not merely a slogan, but a tangible reality reflected in numerous national initiatives, foremost among them the “Takaful and Karama” (Solidarity and Dignity) cash transfer program, which has become a nationwide umbrella for low-income groups. Through this initiative, the government aims to move from protection to empowerment by increasing household income and facilitating entry into the labor market.

She added that the Presidential Initiative “Decent Life (Hayah Karima)” stands as one of Egypt’s most significant development programs, working to enhance public services, improve living standards, and expand investment in human capital.

Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted that 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of the “Takaful and Karama” program, Egypt’s flagship social protection initiative. She also referred to the “Decent Life” initiative, which supports sustainable rural development and benefits more than 50 million citizens across 4,700 villages, describing these programs as the backbone of Egypt’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the development process.

She further explained that Egypt’s approach to building social resilience is based on an integrated and inclusive framework that combines economic empowerment, digital inclusion, healthcare coverage, and local development — forming a coherent system designed to ensure that every household can not only withstand shocks but also transform vulnerabilities into capabilities.

On the topic of innovation, partnerships, and the future of social resilience, Dr. Al-Mashat stated that Egypt is now entering a new phase — shifting from program expansion to innovation-driven approaches. She added that, in terms of financing, Egypt continues to develop innovative financial mechanisms that expand fiscal space for investments in education, health, and human development, thereby reinforcing the country’s social infrastructure.

In this context, the Minister highlighted the launch of the Integrated National Financing Strategy (INFF), which outlines Egypt’s approach to financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The strategy establishes a comprehensive national framework that brings together various financing initiatives aimed at accelerating SDG progress.

Through collaboration between national institutions and development partners, the INFF provides a context-specific, actionable roadmap and a robust monitoring and evaluation framework. Dr. Al-Mashat concluded that the strategy supports efforts to bridge the financing gap, increase financial flows to key sectors, enhance innovative financing instruments, and encourage private sector participation in achieving sustainable development.

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

Source: APO

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President John Dramani Mahama has assured that the Big Push project, aimed at transforming Ghana’s economy through extensive road and infrastructure development, is rooted in fairness and equity to ensure both the northern and southern regions of Ghana develop together.

The President, speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Wenchi-Sawla-Wa highway, said the first set of roads selected are the most important at risk across all regions, and the immediate objective is to connect regional and district capitals and other key corridors.

“We are here to cut sod to cover three regions, Bono East, Savannah, and Upper West regions. Today’s sod cutting marks the commencement of reconstruction for the road from Wenchi to Wa. It will be a new road, very well constructed as an international route to the landlocked countries in Burkina Faso and Mali,” the President said.

This sod cutting, he added, “also marks the beginning of a rehabilitation of the Fufolsu – Sawla Road, which was funded under my past administration with a loan from the African Development Bank.”

The President explained, “The Wenchi-Wa Road is not an ordinary route. It is part of what we call the National Route N12, and it extends from Wenchi in the Bono region, passes through Bamboi, through Bandan Nkwanta and Tinga, to Sawla, to Tuna and eventually to Wa in the Upper West Region.”

This, he said, will open a new corridor of progress to reconnect regions, markets, and families, renewing the promise of inclusive development and affirming that every part of Ghana deserves modern infrastructure, dignity, and opportunity.

The project covers 195 kilometres and is divided into seven lots to facilitate concurrent execution for completion within two years.

“We expect compliance with the highest technical standards, environmental protection and transparent oversight by the Ghana Highway Authority and the Ministry of Roads and Highways”, he cautioned.

It is estimated that between 2,000 and 2,500 vehicles pass through the Wenchi-Sawla-Wa corridor, now under construction, carrying nearly 4,000 tons of grain, yams, cashews, and livestock from the middle belts to the north.

“This road handles a significant volume of Ghana’s agri-freight traffic”, – the President emphasised, explaining that it remains a vital support to the country’s grain and livestock economy, connecting rich farmlands of the Bono East Region to the Sahel trade routes via Hamile on Ghana’s Northern border.

“The whole of Ghana is going to be a construction site for the next two years, accept the inconvenience”, the President added.

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, assured contractors that, under the Big Push Agenda, there would be no delay in payments for work done.

Bolewura Sarfo Kutuge Feso I used the occasion to praise the President’s steadfast dedication to national infrastructure development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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President John Dramani Mahama has commended The Church of Pentecost for assisting the Ghana Prisons Service with three modern facilities at Ejura, Nsawam, and Damongo.

The President was speaking when he commissioned a 300-capacity correctional centre built by the Church at Damango, the Savana regional capital, on Wednesday.

He said the event marks not only the opening of a correctional facility, but also the unveiling of a very powerful symbol of hope, redemption, and partnership for national renewal.

“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when the state, the Church, and the community come together in service to humanity.”

President Mahama added, “It affirms a timeless truth that nation building is not the sole responsibility of government, but a collective moral endeavour of all who believe in the inherent dignity and potential of every human being”.

He reiterated the government’s decision to expand the Ghana Prisons Service’s contribution to national development by providing logistics to undertake large-scale farming, poultry, and vegetable production as part of a wider prison reform programme.

This, he said, will not only increase food production but generate income to sustain the Service and equip inmates with practical skills for life after their incarceration.

“The Ghana Prisons Service will actively contribute to the 24-hour economy by running prison industries around the clock. This will include manufacturing, sewing school uniforms, producing furniture, agro-processing, and other goods, both for government use and for the open market,” he added.

The President announced an increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates.
“We’ve increased the daily feeding rate for inmates from GHS 1.80 to GHS 5.00. This will provide better nutrition for those incarcerated. This is not charity, it is justice. It reflects our belief that dignity should never be dependent on one’s circumstances.”

President Mahama also announced that he would provide the Damongo Camp Prisons with a 66-seater bus to facilitate staff movement.

“On behalf of the Government and People of Ghana, I wish to express our deep gratitude to Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, the leadership and members of the Church of Pentecost, for your faith in humanity, your partnership with the state, your belief in Mandela’s dictum, that ‘society’s greatness is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens.”

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, said their primary objective is to raise disciples of Christ, who would impact their world with righteousness. He added that the Church regards the prison camps as a ‘Kingdom Project’, designed not only to save souls but also to foster the transformation of society.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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Open Day on Women, Peace and Security

BACKGROUND:

Somalia has shown steadfast commitment to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda through the adoption of national and local action plans aligned with UNSCR 1325 and is now developing its second National Action Plan. Long before the Resolution’s adoption, Somali women were already advancing its principles, most notably through the historic “sixth clan” movement that secured their place in peacebuilding and political processes. While progress has been made, significant efforts are needed to ensure lasting peace and security amidst continuing security challenges. Addressing conflicts and improving safety and security in Somalia requires women’s increased participation in peace processes and in the security sector while also building on achievements so far – women’s increased representation in legislatures and leadership roles, and a constitutional amendment mandating a 30% quota for women in electoral laws. 

CALL TO ACTION:

As the world marks 25 years since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), we, the undersigned, reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing women’s leadership and participation in peacebuilding, security, and governance across Somalia. We call upon the Federal Government of Somalia, the United Nations, and all development and humanitarian partners to strengthen their efforts toward the meaningful inclusion of women and girls in all peace and security processes.

We urge:

• Expanded roles for women in political, peace and security processes at local, regional, and national levels to ensure that decision-making reflects the voices and priorities of women and communities.
• Increased investment in localizing the WPS agenda, ensuring that women in remote, conflict-affected, and marginalized areas directly benefit from peacebuilding, security, and recovery initiatives.
• Transparent, inclusive and accountable implementation of Somalia’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, including regular public reporting and mechanisms for community and civil society feedback.
• Full inclusion of women in the security sector reform’s decision-making processes, peace negotiations, and post-conflict reconstruction, recognizing their vital contributions to building sustainable peace and security.
• Strengthened coordination and resource mobilization, led by the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development in collaboration with relevant Somali authorities and local and international partners, to ensure coherent national implementation of the WPS agenda at all levels of government.
• Enhanced protection and support mechanisms for women human rights defenders, peacebuilders, and survivors of conflict-related violence, ensuring access to justice, sexual and reproductive health and rights and psychosocial services, and economic reintegration opportunities.

As we commemorate this milestone, we reaffirm that sustainable development and peace are only possible when women and girls are equal partners in shaping the future of Somalia.

Signed:

1. Mohamed Bashir Omar, Director General, Federal Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development

2. El-Khidr Daloum, Acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, UN Somalia

3. Nelli Mikkola, Deputy Head of Mission to Somalia, Embassy of Finland

4. Gertrud Kümmel Birk, Deputy Head of Mission to Somalia and Head of Cooperation, Embassy of Denmark

5. Zahra Mohamed Ahmed, AWLN Somalia Chapter Chairman/SWDC Executive Director/Civil Society Organizations-CSOs/Women-led Organizations Representative

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

Source: APO

The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) (https://TheACG.org/) institutions gathered in Baku for a High-Level Roundtable with the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, hosted by H.E. Mr. Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy, to explore new avenues for cooperation and advance joint development initiatives.

The Roundtable brought together the leadership of the ACG member institutions:

• H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group
• H.E. Mr. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD)
• H.E. Mr. Waleed Shamlan Al-Bahar, Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED)
• H.E. Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, President of the OPEC Fund for International Development
• H.E. Mr. Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD)

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in infrastructure development, energy transition, digital connectivity, and the water and transport sectors as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth under Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development. Senior representatives from Azerbaijan’s ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Economy, State Water Resources Agency, Azerbaijan Railways, Baku Metropolitan, Baku City Executive Power, the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads, and the Ministry for Digital Development and Transport (AZCON), presented investment priorities and project proposals for potential ACG support.

The ACG institutions commended Azerbaijan’s progress in sustainable development and reaffirmed their commitment to delivering impact-driven partnerships that advance infrastructure, resilience, and shared prosperity.

The Roundtable concluded with the signing of a Statement of Intent between the Ministry of Economy and ACG member institutions, establishing a framework for joint action to identify, prepare, and finance high-priority infrastructure projects in Azerbaijan. The agreement underscores a shared vision to mobilize development finance, enhance regional connectivity, and accelerate sustainable growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Arab Coordination Group (ACG).

About the Arab Coordination Group (ACG):
The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is a strategic alliance that provides a coordinated response to development finance. Since its establishment in 1975, the ACG has been instrumental in developing economies and communities for a better future, providing more than 13,000 development loans to over 160 countries around the globe. The ACG works across the globe to support developing nations and create a lasting, positive impact. The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is considered one of the most important and effective development partnerships at the international level. The group actively works to adopt the best global practices in sustainable development work. It also aims to align the efforts of these institutions to achieve convergence and harmonization in the policies governing their financing operations.

The Group comprises 10 national, Arab regional, and international institutions, including the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development,  the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development.

https://TheACG.org/

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Germany, in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, released a new children’s storybook and its animation film adaptation titled “Ray of Hope” to raise awareness about cancer, with a special focus on early detection, prevention and access to quality cancer care specially in childhood cancer. The storybook and animation film were launched by Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, together with First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, The Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe and Senegal, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Committee Meeting. The MFFLI Committee Meeting was organized as part of the 12^th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, which took place in The Gambia.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “I am very proud to release today our new children’s storybook and animation film on cancer awareness, in partnership with my dear sisters, African First Ladies.

While Childhood cancer is one of the most difficult journeys, not only for young patients but also for their families and communities. Yet, with early detection and timely treatment, there is a good chance of recovery and the possibility of a long and healthier future as majority of Pediatric cancer are treatable. Therefore, I made sure that providing scholarships of cancer care for African healthcare providers is a main part of our strategy. Not only this but also to focus on Pediatric oncology training as much as we can.”  

“Our storybook, “Ray of Hope” highlights this objective via sharing the journey of a young girl named Hope, who faces cancer with courage, resilience, and, above all, hope. The story also raises awareness about the importance of having access to a well-trained cancer care team to recognize early warning signs which you will know about when you read this storybook. These signs should never be ignored, as early detection saves lives,” she added.

Read ‘Ray of Hope’ storybook here:

https://apo-opa.co/495sLpi#

Watch ‘Ray of Hope’ animation film here:

https://apo-opa.co/43eNm6N

Cancer is now a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, with the disease among the three leading causes of premature death.

Dr. Rasha Kelej further shared, “It is important to note that nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be treated if diagnosed early, and as many as one-third can be prevented by reducing risk factors such as exposure to radiation, certain infections, lifestyle-related causes, and more. The story raises awareness about the importance of early detection and having access to a well-trained cancer care team to recognize early warning signs. “

Dr. Rasha Kelej further shared, “It is important to note that nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be treated if diagnosed early, and as many as one-third can be prevented by reducing risk factors such as exposure to radiation, certain infections, lifestyle-related causes, and more. The story raises awareness about the importance of early detection and having access to a well-trained cancer care team to recognize early warning signs.”

As a part of their Cancer Access Program, Merck Foundation provided 239 scholarships for healthcare providers from 35 countries as per the following;

Merck Foundation is establishing Multidisciplinary Oncology Care teams in many African countries by providing scholarships of One year clinical training in most of oncology sub- specialties such as; Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Pediatrics Oncology, Gynecology Oncology, Breast Oncology, Haemato-Oncology, Orthopedic Oncology, Palliative Care, Pathology Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Research in Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Genital Urinary oncology, Advanced Cytopathology Training, Interventional Radiology, Radiation Technician, Laboratory Technician, Oncology Nursing.

Moreover, Merck Foundation provides one year and two year Post Graduate Diploma and Master Degree of Cancer and Clinical Oncology, Medical Oncology and Pain Management from reputed Universities in UK like University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Cardiff University.

“We are proud to be making history in Africa by training the first Oncologists and building the first cancer care teams in several nations, ensuring that patients receive the care they deserve.” Dr. Kelej added.

Merck Foundation has over all provided more than 2400 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

“The storybook and animation film are currently available on our social media and website and will be distributed soon in our partner countries. I believe that education through storytelling and animation is a powerful tool to build a more informed, empathetic, and healthier generation,” added Dr. Kelej.

The storybooks will have a special message from Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, and African and Asian First Ladies for their respective countries. Each storybook will be available in three languages English, French and Portuguese. The copies of these books will be distributed to young readers.

Merck Foundation together with Agrican and Asian first Ladies has previously launched several storybooks and their adapted animation films addressing various health and social issues like ‘More Than a Mother’ to break infertility stigma; ‘Jackline’s Rescue’ to focus on the importance of Girls’ Education and highlight the immoral practices of society including child marriage and the dowry system; ‘Educating Linda’ & ‘Ride into The Future’ to emphasize on the importance of empowering girls through education; ‘Not Who You Are’ to teach boys to love and respect their future wives and eliminate domestic violence and ‘Sugar Free Jude’ for Diabetes Awareness, ‘Mark’s Pressure’ for Hypertension Awareness.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

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

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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/43b7LK4), X (https://apo-opa.co/43JAsxO), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/43LyuwS), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/43gNhj7), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4oq3lr4) and Flickr ( https://apo-opa.co/4oodVyJ).

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.