Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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African ministers, representatives from continental institutions, the private sector, and development partners have called for Africa’s critical minerals to drive a new era of economic transformation, industrialisation and job creation – especially for young people and women, through value addition, regional value chains and beneficiation.

They made the call at the Ministerial Forum on Critical Minerals, Value Chains, and Beneficiation, held in Abidjan on Friday, 10 July 2026.

In a statement released at the end of the Forum organised by the African Development Bank Group, participants emphasised that the continent must extract more value from its abundant mineral resources by developing regional value chains, local processing capacities, and competitive industries, rather than continuing to primarily export raw materials.

Africa holds about 30% of the world’s most critical mineral deposits, including cobalt, lithium, graphite, rare earths, platinum group metals, copper, manganese, and nickel. Yet, the continent continues to export raw and unprocessed minerals, capturing only a negligible share of the total economic value of its own resources.

This situation perpetuates an extraction model that shifts job creation, industrial capacities, and technological know-how outside the continent. Fragmentation due to national approaches further weakens Africa’s bargaining power in global mining value chains, reducing its strategic influence when it should be maximised by building regional value chains.

Participants stressed the need to establish a favorable environment for local processing of critical minerals, notably through investments in energy and transport infrastructure, better knowledge of geological resources, coherent public policies, a regulatory framework conducive to investments, and stronger governance of natural resources.

Titled “Ministerial Forum on Critical Minerals, Value Chains, and Beneficiation: Pathways to Transformation for Africa,” the meeting brought together African ministers responsible for Mines, Energy, Industry, Natural Resources, and the Green Economy.  There were also representatives of the African Union Commission, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, regional development banks, the private sector, and technical partners.

Dr Hanan Morsy, Deputy Executive Secretary of UNECA; Mr Jeremy Wiggins, Deputy Secretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and Shuichi Hosoda, Deputy Vice Minister for International Affairs at the Japanese Ministry of Finance, also joined the meeting.

“By bringing together African governments, investors, development financing institutions, technical and financial partners here in Abidjan, we have opened a new chapter in relations between Africa and the rest of the world regarding the exploitation and management of critical minerals,” said Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group.

He set the tone at the opening of the event, emphasising that Africa needs to make a paradigm shift to establish a new partnership for the continent so it can better manage its resources and derive all necessary benefits for its populations.

The Abidjan meeting focused on regional cooperation as an essential path to connect mineral deposits, energy systems, transport corridors, ports, industrial zones, skills, financing, and markets, thereby creating integrated and viable African production systems.

“Africa is ready to make critical minerals a lever for industrial transformation,” said Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly, Ivorian Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, who read the Forum’s declaration.

“The world is entering an era that is built on critical minerals,” said Hanan Morsy at the opening. “For Africa, this presents an opportunity that is as significant as independence 60 years ago.  But opportunities don’t transform economies.  Strategy does.”

Morsy said Africa’s comparative advantage lay not in competing national strategies, but in an integrated value chain system under AfCFTA where countries specialise according to their comparative advantage while collectively capturing far greater value.

Jeremy Wiggins said : “Africa has the human capital, the resources, and the opportunity to become the greatest industrial growth story of the 21st century.”  But he emphasised the importance of good governance, saying the opportunity offered by Africa’s critical minerals require transparent, predictable and well-governed regulatory regimes.  “Good governance is not an obstacle to investment.  It is what makes it endurable”, Wiggins said.

Forum participants emphasised the importance of strengthening African partnerships, promoting technology transfer, developing local skills, and ensuring greater transparency and traceability in supply chains so that the benefits of critical minerals can sustainably support African economies.

They insisted that the African Development Bank Group can play a key role in assisting African countries with the preparation of bankable projects, risk reduction, infrastructure financing, and mobilising investments needed to develop competitive and sustainable value chains, particularly within the framework of the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD).

As the leading development finance institution in Africa, the African Development Bank Group aims to play a major role in transforming critical minerals in Africa by contributing to large-scale capital mobilisation, identifying priority segments of value chains that can be localised in Africa, and securing national commitments for reforms, infrastructure, and project preparation.

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

Media contact:
Department of Communication and External Relations
media@afdb.org

Source: APO

On July 15, Mr. ONISHI Yohei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the Egypt National Day Reception, which was held in the Ambassador’s residence of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

1. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI congratulated on the National Day of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Ambassador Ragui Eletreby on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, referring to the amicable bilateral relations between Japan and Egypt.
2. Ambassador Eletreby explained displays of a uniform and a ball of the Egypt National Team, and praised Japan National Team’s valiant effort during the FIFA World Cup 2026, while Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI congratulated on Egypt National Team for the historic achievement of the best 16.
3. Both had a talk on displays of Egyptian civilization and traditional national food , and reaffirmed the need to further strengthen bilateral relations.

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

Source: APO

• landmark maternal health project launched
• as faith leaders endorse family-strengthening initiative

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening families, empowering young people and supporting community development in Africa as it hosted the 8th annual Strengthening Families Conference (https://StrengthenFamily.org/) in Monrovia, Liberia. This represented the first time the pan-African gathering had been held in the country. Thousands of Liberians, including government officials, traditional authorities, faith leaders, educators, youth advocates and development partners, participated in the two-day conference held on June 19 and 20, 2026, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex.

The event, held under the theme ‘Strengthening Families, Empowering Youth, and Building Resilient Communities’, was organised by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and made available free to participants both physically and through livestream.

The conference formed the centrepiece of a week of activities highlighting the Church’s humanitarian and community development efforts in Liberia, including the groundbreaking of a new 116-bed maternity hospital in Paynesville and an endorsement from the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia. Together, the activities demonstrated the Church’s approach of combining dialogue on social challenges with practical investments aimed at improving lives and strengthening communities.

Church highlights role of families in Africa’s future

Addressing participants, Elder Adeyinka A. Ojediran of the Africa West Area Presidency, First Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said the conference reflected the Church’s belief that strong families are fundamental to building resilient societies. “The strength of every nation begins with the strength of its families. When families are supported, when parents are empowered, and when young people are given the values, skills and opportunities they need, communities become stronger and more resilient.”

Elder Ojediran highlighted the importance of supporting young people through values-based education, mentorship, skills development and opportunities that enable them to contribute meaningfully to their communities. He pointed to initiatives supported by the Church, including educational pathways such as BYU–Pathway Worldwide, as part of efforts to expand access to learning and economic opportunities for young Africans.

“Africa’s young people represent one of the continent’s greatest strengths. But potential must be matched with opportunity. That is why we emphasise education, mentorship, skills development and values that prepare young people not only to succeed personally but also to contribute to their families and communities,” he said.

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that service is at the heart of our responsibility to others. Our efforts in Africa are focused on supporting communities through education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance and initiatives that help individuals and families become more self-reliant,” Elder Ojediran added. The convergence of seasoned speakers from Liberia and beyond served to address issues affecting families, including parenting, education, leadership, youth development, social responsibility and community resilience.

Nobel laureate calls for protection and empowerment of children

Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Leymah Gbowee, delivered one of the conference’s keynote addresses, urging families and communities to create environments where children can thrive. She said strong families give children “voice, choice and space” to develop their potential, drawing from her personal experiences and advocacy work supporting vulnerable girls.

Ms. Gbowee highlighted the importance of protecting girls from harmful practices and ensuring they have access to education and opportunities to shape their futures. “When we protect our girls, educate our children and invest in their future, we are investing in the future of our nation. Every child deserves the opportunity to dream, to learn and to become the best version of themselves, and it is our shared responsibility as families and communities to make that possible,” she said.

She challenged families and communities to view investment in children not only as a social responsibility but as a foundation for national development.

Interfaith leaders endorse family-strengthening initiative

Ahead of the conference, the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia (IRCL) endorsed the gathering, describing it as an initiative focused on shared values and national development rather than religious instruction. In a statement delivered by Rev. Dr. Christopher Wleh Toe, General Secretary of the Liberia Council of Churches, the Council said its review found no connection between the conference and doctrinal or proselytising activities.

Representatives from both Christian and Muslim institutions participated in the endorsement, a reflection of the broad-based support for an initiative centred on family wellbeing and community development. The Council noted that Liberia’s history, including years of civil conflict and social disruption, had affected traditional family structures and created new challenges for many households.

It said efforts to strengthen families must recognise Liberia’s realities while addressing challenges such as poverty, gender-based violence, maternal mortality, teenage pregnancy and substance abuse. “If we are to strengthen families in Liberia, we must first acknowledge the realities many of our households face today. Addressing poverty, gender-based violence, maternal mortality, teenage pregnancy and substance abuse requires a collective commitment from government, faith communities, civil society and families themselves,” it noted.

The endorsement reinforced the conference’s positioning as a platform for collaboration among faith communities, government institutions, civil society organisations and families.

Church begins construction of 116-bed maternity hospital

As part of its humanitarian commitment to Liberia, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, broke ground for a new 116-bed maternity hospital on Duport Road in Paynesville, Montserrado County. The facility will transform the existing Duport Road Health Center into a modern maternity hospital equipped with delivery suites, operating theatres, laboratories and a neonatal intensive care unit. The hospital is expected to expand access to quality maternal and newborn care in one of Greater Monrovia’s fastest-growing communities, where demand for healthcare services has increased significantly.

Liberia’s First Lady and Maternal and Neonatal Health Champion, Kartumu Y. Boakai, described the project as a major step towards improving healthcare outcomes for mothers and newborns. “Today transcends a groundbreaking ceremony. What once represented hope is now becoming a symbol of transformation,” she said, adding that “True faith gives. True faith builds. True faith transforms. When we invest in maternal health care, we are strengthening the future of our nation.”

Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto said the project aligns with Liberia’s efforts to reduce preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. “If there is one project that I could complete before my tenure is over, this Duport Road Maternal Center should be that project,” she said, thanking the Church for its partnership and said the facility would contribute significantly to improving access to specialised maternal healthcare.

Representing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Senior Presidential Advisor Prof. Dr. Augustine Konneh described the project as a milestone in Liberia’s healthcare transformation agenda. “Protecting mothers and newborns is not only a health priority; it is a governance imperative and a moral duty,” he said.

Government and community leaders call for collective action

The conference also featured contributions from government representatives, faith leaders, educators and youth advocates who stressed that strengthening families requires collective action.

A message from First Lady Kartumu Boakai reaffirmed her commitment to maternal health, child welfare and family development, linking the maternity hospital project with the broader objectives of the conference.

Deputy Minister for Children and Social Protection Gahme Tokpa highlighted the vulnerability facing many Liberian children and called for stronger collaboration among government, families, faith communities and development partners. He said addressing challenges affecting children requires tackling the economic and social pressures that weaken households. “The challenges facing Liberia’s children cannot be addressed by the government alone. We must strengthen collaboration among families, faith communities, development partners and other stakeholders while tackling the economic and social pressures that continue to place many households under strain,” he said.

Former Vice President, Jewel Howard-Taylor, participated as a panellist, while Archbishop Gabriel Jubwe and other faith leaders contributed perspectives on the moral responsibilities of communities in supporting families.

Youth advocate Abigail Freeman provided insights into the aspirations and challenges facing young Liberians, including education, employment opportunities and migration pressures.

Recognising contributions and expanding regional reach

The conference recognised individuals and organisations contributing to family and child welfare, including Abdul Manaf Kemokai, who received recognition associated with the 2025 Family Values Award for his advocacy and support for Liberian children. Organisers said the conference has continued to grow as a pan-African platform for dialogue and action on family wellbeing and youth empowerment. Previous editions have been held in Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone, with each host country bringing local perspectives to discussions on strengthening families and communities.

Organisers announced that the 2027 edition of the conference will be held in Cotonou, Benin, extending the initiative’s reach into francophone West Africa. “Strengthening families is not the responsibility of one institution alone. It requires governments, faith communities, civil society, families and individuals working together. When we unite around shared values and practical solutions, we can build communities where every person has the opportunity to flourish,” Elder Ojediran insisted.

The Liberia edition of the Strengthening Families Conference highlighted the importance of partnerships among faith organisations, governments and communities in addressing social challenges and creating opportunities for future generations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Strengthening Families Conference (SFC).

About The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in West Africa:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been present in West Africa for more than five decades, with its first congregations emerging in Nigeria and Ghana before the Church was formally organised in the region following 1978. Today, West Africa is among the fastest-growing regions of the global Church, which reports a worldwide membership of approximately 17.8 million. The Church’s Africa West Area, headquartered in Accra, Ghana, oversees operations across 16 countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Mali and The Gambia.

The region is served by a network of stakes, wards, districts, branches and missions, alongside temples in Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. Beyond worship, the Church sustains an extensive humanitarian and community-development programme in West Africa, supporting maternal and child health, clean-water initiatives, education and vocational training, family-history services and emergency relief, often in partnership with governments and local organisations.

Source: APO

Today, the Council for the Examination of Atrocities in the DRC (https://CEADRC.org/) has launched.

Co-chaired by prominent Congolese human rights activist Julienne Lusenge and Sir Howard Morrison KC, one of the UK’s foremost specialists in international criminal and humanitarian law, the Council will advise two Congolese institutions – the National Fund for Reparations for Victims of Sexual Violence (FONAREV) and the Interministerial Commission for Victim Assistance and Reform Support (CIA-VAR) as they work towards transitional justice for the people of the DRC.

Examining the findings of the 2010 UN mapping report (https://apo-opa.co/4yp6wVu) and recent human rights violations in the ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC, the Council will provide expert insight on the legal and diplomatic processes required to secure formal recognition of atrocities committed over the last three decades, and accountability for their perpetrators.   

It is made up of leading figures from across international law, diplomacy and academia.

Alongside its co-chairs, the Council’s members are:

• Patrick Hayford, former Ghanaian career diplomat and Director of the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa.
• Stephen Rapp, former United States Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues.
• Nina Jørgensen, British-Norwegian international judge at The Hague and leading academic at the University of Southampton.
• Pascal Turlan, French expert in international criminal justice and accountability, and former official in the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

The Council held its inaugural meeting on Monday 13^th July 2026. During the meeting, members were presented with an update on FONAREV and CIA-VAR’s work – specifically their Plus Jamais Seuls; Nos Voix Pour Elles; Ne Pas Oublier advocacy campaigns – as well as their programmes on access to transitional justice, urgent provisional measures in areas still affected by conflict, and rehabilitation initiatives for victims where violence has had lasting impacts.

At UNGA 80 in September 2025, President Tshisekedi used his keynote address (https://apo-opa.co/4pGPsqd) to call on UN member states to recognise a “silent genocide” in the DRC over the past three decades. He called for an independent international commission of inquiry to help “break the cycle of impunity”, and for UN sanctions against the perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in the east of the country.

In the initial meeting, Julienne Lusenge echoed this domestic sentiment, stating that “the first mission of the Council will be to break the silence”.

Last month, the DRC filed (https://apo-opa.co/4f4FsDq) a petition in the ICJ accusing Rwanda of breaking the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. The Council members also discussed this, noting that although the Council is independent and separate from this process, it will play a key role advising FONAREV and CIA-VAR on navigating the proceedings as they progress.

Director General of FONAREV, Patrick Fata Makunga:

“The formation of the Council for the Examination of Atrocities in the DRC marks a further major step in the quest for truth, justice and reparation for the victims of grave crimes committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Following the government’s filing before the International Court of Justice, the Council is more important than ever; it will provide vital guidance to FONAREV and CIA-VAR as we navigate the ICJ process ahead and any other legal or diplomatic avenues. With the guidance of these eminent international figures, we reaffirm that lasting peace cannot be built without recognition of suffering, responsibility and full reparation for victims.”

Executive Coordinator of CIA-VAR, François Kakese Kimaza:

“The establishment of this Council for the Examination of Atrocities in the DRC ahead of the third annual Genocost Day reflects the shared mission of FONAREV and CIA-VAR to bring before the international community the voice of victims and the demand for truth. We are honoured by the calibre of expertise this Council brings together, spanning human rights, international law and diplomacy. For CIA-VAR, this step is part of an essential struggle for the international recognition, accountability and reparation of grave crimes committed on our territory, in direct alignment with the national strategy of which CIA-VAR ensures the technical implementation.”

Co-chairs of the Council for the Examination of Atrocities in the DRC, Julienne Lusenge and Sir Howard Morrison KC:

“For the last three decades, atrocities have been inflicted on the Congolese people at a scale reminiscent of the darkest incidents in human history.

“And yet, the stories of victims and survivors – their names and suffering – for too long have been ignored.

“Perpetrators of war crimes were able to act with impunity, shrouded by a veil of apathy amongst the international community who, for 30 years, have failed to provide recourse to formal recognition and justice.

“We are immensely proud to be leading this joint international effort to help find a path to transitional justice for the Congolese people.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CEADRC.

Notes to Editor:

• Council for the Examination of Atrocities in the DRC website: https://CEADRC.org/
•  Full biographies of Council members:

Julienne Lusenge, Co-Chair

Julienne Lusenge is one of Africa’s most prominent advocates for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, with over four decades of frontline experience in the DRC.

She is co-founder and President of Solidarité Féminine pour la Paix et le Développement Intégral (SOFEPADI), a coalition of forty women’s organisations, and founder and Executive Director of the Fonds pour les Femmes Congolaises (FFC), which channels international donor resources to more than 250 women-led local organisations across fourteen DRC provinces.

Her work has directly supported the prosecution of over 800 perpetrators of gender-based violence and war crimes, and SOFEPADI’s medical centre has treated more than 7,500 survivors.

In 2020 the World Health Organization appointed her co-chair of an independent commission investigating sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian workers during the 2018 Ebola outbreak in the DRC.

Her recognition includes the US State Department’s International Women of Courage Award (2021), the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity (2021) and inclusion in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People (2024).

Sir Howard Morrison KC, Co-Chair

Sir Howard Morrison KC is one of the United Kingdom’s foremost specialists in international criminal and humanitarian law, with a legal career spanning nearly five decades.

He began as a UK barrister before serving as a Senior Circuit Judge and Senior Justice of the UK Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, then as UK judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, where he presided over the trial of Radovan Karadžić, and subsequently as UK judge at the International Criminal Court, serving two terms as President of the Appeals Division.

In recognition of his services to international law he was appointed OBE, CBE and KCMG. He holds academic appointments as Visiting Professor at Northumbria University, Honorary Professor at Leicester University, an honorary doctorate of law, and is a Senior Fellow of the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law at Cambridge University.

He currently serves as the UK’s Independent Advisor to the Ukrainian Prosecutor General and President of the Court of Appeal of the British Indian Ocean Territories, training judges in Iraq and Ukraine on war crimes cases and lecturing worldwide on international criminal and humanitarian law. He is a special advisor to the UK Ministry of Defence on the laws of armed conflict and a Master of the Bench of Gray’s Inn.

Patrick Hayford

Patrick Hayford is a retired Ghanaian career diplomat with five decades of experience in international diplomacy mainly on multilateral issues.

Between 2006 and 2012 he served at the United Nations headquarters Secretariat in New York as the Director , Office of the Special Adviser on Africa  before which time he was the Director for Africa and Regional Affairs in the Executive Office of United Nations Secretary- General Kofi Annan (1999-2005 ).

Ambassador Hayford served between 1996 and 1997 as Ghana’s Acting High Commissioner (Ambassador), to the U.K. and then as Ghana’s High Commissioner (Ambassador) to South Africa, Mauritius, Lesotho, the Comoros, and the Seychelles (1997-1999). 

His career in international affairs began in September, 1974 . He also served tours of duty in New York and in Cairo. At the Accra headquarters of Ghana’s Foreign Ministry he held multiple responsibilities including head of the International Organizations and Conferences Department.

Stephen Rapp

Stephen J. Rapp is a leading figure in international accountability, having served as the fourth United States Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues, leading the Office of Global Criminal Justice from 2009 to 2015 under President Obama.

He previously served as Chief Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) from 2007 to 2009 and Chief of Prosecutions at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) from 2001 to 2007.

At the ICTR, Rapp led the prosecution in the Nahimana case, securing the first convictions of media figures for direct and public incitement to genocide, and he also led the prosecution at the SCSL of former Liberian President Charles Taylor. His prosecutorial approach is recognised for its victim-centred strategy and for advancing the recognition of sexual and gender-based violence as an international crime.

Since 2015 he has held a portfolio of academic and advisory roles, including Global Prevention Fellow at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Senior Fellow at Georgetown Law’s Center on National Security, Fellow of Practice of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics, Law, and Armed Conflict, Distinguished Fellow at the Hague Institute for Global Justice, and Chair of the Commission for International Justice and Accountability (CIJA).

Nina Jørgensen

Professor Nina Jørgensen is a British and Norwegian academic and sitting international judge whose career bridges scholarship and international criminal justice.

She has served as Professor of Public International Law at the University of Southampton since 2019 and as a Judge on the Appeals Chamber of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague since 2020. She is a barrister in England and Wales, called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn in 1999.

Her career of approximately twenty-five years spans international criminal tribunals including the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, the ICTY and the ICTR, alongside academic posts at Leiden University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Southampton. She obtained her doctorate from the University of Oxford and has published widely in international law, including two monographs, an edited collection and numerous peer-reviewed articles.

Pascal Turlan

Pascal Turlan is a French international lawyer with over 25 years of experience in international criminal justice, international human rights law, and international cooperation. A leading expert in international criminal law, he has dedicated his career to advancing justice and accountability on the global stage.

Based in The Hague, he spent nearly two decades at the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), rising from Situation Analyst to Adviser and Head of Judicial Cooperation, and began working on the Democratic Republic of the Congo situation as early as 2003.
Earlier in his career, he played a pivotal role in establishing international justice mechanisms, including working at the French Ministry of Justice and the Sierra Leone Ministry of Justice, where he contributed to the setting up of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and in humanitarian contexts, collaborating with Médecins Sans Frontières and Médecins du Monde.

In recent years, he has served as Legal and Programme Director for Project Expedite Justice’s Ukraine programme. Currently, he combines high-level consultancy work on accountability and justice sector reform with organizations such as the International Development Law Organization, the EU Pravo-Justice project, and Truth Hounds International, with academic roles at Sciences Po Paris and France’s École Nationale de la Magistrature.

Source: APO

• Merck Foundation Celebrated their 9th Anniversary and 14 Years of Development Programs and Impact.

• Merck Foundation marked World Infertility Awareness Month During their Annual Conference.

• Link to Live Stream of Inaugural Session of 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026: https://apo-opa.co/454bmdb

​Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 on 18th and 19th June, through an online videoconference. The annual conference was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary along with The First Ladies of 12 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. The First Ladies who joined were:

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

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation, President of “More Than a Mother” and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary emphasized, “I am very proud to conduct the 13th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary together with our Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, the First Ladies of 12 African and Asian countries, who are the Ambassadors of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. Together, we shared experiences and discussed the impact of our programs in transforming patient care and raising awareness about a wide range of sensitive and critical social issues, including breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending child marriage and FGM, stopping gender-based violence, empowering women, and promoting awareness of important health issues such as diabetes and hypertension.

As we also mark World Infertility Awareness Month, I am pleased to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 800 scholarships supporting fertility, embryology, reproductive and sexual health, out of the total 2,600+ scholarships provided for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.”

Watch the speech of Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, 2026 here: https://apo-opa.co/4wBOfCs

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees emphasized “It was great hearing from the First Ladies of Africa and Asia about the remarkable progress they have achieved in their respective countries through Merck Foundation programs. Their achievements are integral to our shared success and the lasting impact of our programs.”

Watch the speech of Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp during the inaugural program of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, 2026 here: https://apo-opa.co/4w5lNZR

During the Inauguration Session of the Luminary, the First Ladies delivered their keynote speeches to share the impact of their partnership journey with Merck Foundation, in their countries.

H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, First Lady of the Republic of Angola & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother emphasized, “I highly appreciate the Merck Foundation ‘Educating Linda’ Program, which reflects our shared belief that educating girls is one of the most powerful investments in a nation’s future. We look forward to launching this important initiative in Angola soon. I also sincerely appreciate the support provided through essential school items and sanitary pads, which will help our girls continue their education with dignity, confidence, and hope. Together, we also continue to address important and critical social and health issues.” Watch the Video of The First Lady of Angola from the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 here: https://apo-opa.co/4aXBCtb

H.E. Mrs. KAONE BOKO, First Lady of the Republic of Botswana & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother shared “It’s an honor to be part of this esteemed platform. I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided 58 scholarships for our young Botswanan healthcare providers in various critical and underserved specialties. Moreover, Merck Foundation has also provided specialized psychometric and diagnostic assessment tools, helping us bridge the gap for our children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” Watch the Video of The First Lady of Botswana from the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 here: https://apo-opa.co/4aXBCtb

H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother said, “Education is the foundation of a brighter future for every child and every nation. Through the ‘Educating Linda and Lindo’ program, we are providing annual scholarships to 35 deserving children, helping both boys and girls continue their education and achieve their dreams. I particularly appreciate the inclusion of boys in this initiative, as it addresses an important challenge in our country. I also sincerely value the support provided through 200,000 sanitary pads, which will help our girls stay in school with dignity and confidence. I am proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation.” Watch the Video of The First Lady of Cabo Verde from the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 here: https://apo-opa.co/4bKeEWJ

H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, First Lady of the Central African Republic & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother expressed “As one of the early members of this esteemed platform, I remain committed to working closely with Merck Foundation to build healthcare capacity, support girl education and break infertility stigma. Through the ‘Empowering Berna’ program we are transforming the lives of infertile women by providing training and support to build small businesses, fostering confidence, independence, and economic empowerment. Moreover, through ‘Educating Linda’ program, we are providing annual scholarships for 40 high performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls in our country.” Watch the Video of The First Lady of Central African Republic from the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 here: https://apo-opa.co/4vxbHjw

H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, First Lady of the Gabonese Republic & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother shared, “I am proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation, through which we are advancing healthcare capacity, supporting girl education, and addressing critical social and health challenges in Gabon. 16 scholarships have been provided for our young healthcare providers in key underserved specialties, helping us build the next generation of medical experts. Additionally, through ‘Educating Linda’ program, we are providing annual scholarships to 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, supporting them until they graduate, enabling them to reach their full potential.” Watch the Video of The First Lady of Gabon from the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 here: https://apo-opa.co/4aQRrlt

H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of Republic of The Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother emphasized, “Together with Merck foundation, we are transforming the public healthcare sector in The Gambia. To date, Merck Foundation has provided 97 scholarships for our young Gambian healthcare providers in many critical and underserved medical specialties. We are making history by training our country’s first specialists in Oncology, Fertility, Embryology, Reproductive Care, Diabetes, and more. We are proud of this significant achievement. Also, we are providing annual scholarships to 40 brilliant Gambian schoolgirls, as a part of Educating Linda program, giving them an opportunity to complete their education and fulfill their dreams.” Watch the Video of The First Lady of The Gambia from the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 here: https://apo-opa.co/4gYqssb

H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother shared, “I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided 328 scholarships for Kenyan healthcare providers, an extraordinary milestone that will leave a lasting impact on the quality and accessibility of healthcare across our nation. Around 50% of these scholarships have been awarded to female healthcare providers. Moreover, 69 scholarships have been provided for the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition across all 47 counties of Kenya, supporting our Feeding and Food Security Program and promoting healthier lifestyles among our population. We are also providing annual scholarships to 47 high-performing yet underprivileged Kenyan schoolgirls through the ‘Educating Linda’ program, supporting them until they graduate and empowering them to achieve their full potential.” Watch the Video of The First Lady of Kenya from the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 here: https://apo-opa.co/4fBxy4p

H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother expressed, “We are proud of our long-term partnership with Merck Foundation, through which 58 scholarships have been provided for our young healthcare providers in many critical and underserved specialities including Fertility, Embryology, Sexual & Reproductive Care, Women’s Health, Oncology, Diabetes care, Endocrinology, Acute Medicine, Paediatrics, Infectious Diseases and Dermatology. Together, we are also supporting girl education by providing annual scholarships to 40 deserving Liberian schoolgirls, empowering them to fulfill their dreams, through Educating Linda program.” Watch the Video of The First Lady of Liberia from the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 here: https://apo-opa.co/4poe3Ql

H.E. Madam SAJIDHA MOHAMED, First Lady of the Republic of Maldives & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother emphasized, “Although our partnership with Merck Foundation began only in 2024, we have already witnessed a meaningful impact in a relatively short period of time. To date, 13 scholarships have been provided for our young healthcare providers in various critical and underserved specialties. As the Ambassador of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” campaign, I am committed to empowering women through access to information, health, education, and change of mindset.” Watch the Video of The First Lady of Maldives from the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 here: https://apo-opa.co/4fGp3UT

H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother shared, “I am pleased to share that the Merck Foundation has to date provided 34 scholarships for our Mozambican healthcare providers in many critical and underserved specialties, including Diabetes, Endocrinology, Acute Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Oncology, Radiology, and more. We are deeply grateful for this support, which is helping us transform the public healthcare sector of our country. Moreover, we are also working together on the “Educating Linda” program, through which we are supporting the education of 40 highly talented yet underprivileged schoolgirls in Mozambique. We are providing them with annual scholarships and will continue to do so until they graduate. When we educate a girl, we empower a generation and create a brighter, more prosperous future for our nation.” Watch the Video of The First Lady of Mozambique from the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 here: https://apo-opa.co/4fGpbDR

H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother expressed “Through our long-term partnership with Merck Foundation, we are transforming patient care, breaking infertility stigma, and supporting girl education in our country. I deeply appreciate the 91 scholarships provided for our healthcare providers in many critical and underserved specialties. This is an impressive and significant number for us. Each of these scholarships is crucial for our country. Also, through Educating Linda program, we are providing annual scholarships to 71 underprivileged yet deserving Nigerian schoolgirls by covering their school fees and other essentials until they graduate. The objective of this program is to enable them to reach their full potential and pursue their dreams.” Watch the Video of The First Lady of Nigeria from the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 here: https://apo-opa.co/4wKGVVs

H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother shared, “I am proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation, through which we are empowering our young girls and strengthening our healthcare sector. Together, we are providing annual scholarships to 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, helping them continue their education and build brighter futures. I also sincerely appreciate the provision of 100,000 sanitary pads, which will help girls stay in school with dignity and confidence. Moreover, Merck Foundation has provided scholarships for our local healthcare providers in critical specialties such as Oncology, Embryology, and Diabetes Care, helping us build local medical expertise and improve access to quality healthcare for our people.” Watch the Video of The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe from the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 here: https://apo-opa.co/3T6h8Z8

The 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was 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/4gzV2Ih), X (https://apo-opa.co/4pkLrr0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4wO7yJ6), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4fChcZp).

@Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4fAkaxw), X (https://apo-opa.co/4flUq6U), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4gFWsAZ), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/44wlQ52).

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

• 2600+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers 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:
• 4000+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained by Merck Foundation to 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.
• 9 Children’s Storybooks in four languages – English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili.
• 6 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
• 1550+ Annual Scholarships provided to African schoolgirls from 21 countries, covering school fees and other essential educational expenses, enabling them to complete their education and reach their full potential.
• 15 Social Media Channels with more than 9 million Followers.

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/4gzV2Ih), X (https://apo-opa.co/4pkLrr0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4wO7yJ6), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4fChcZp), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4fgxTYT) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4fAkRXE).

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.