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Hyatt annonce ses projets pour le Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Hyatt (www.Hyatt.com) a annoncé aujourd’hui que l’ouverture du Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom est prévue pour fin 2027, suite à la signature d’un accord de gestion entre une filiale de Hyatt et une entité d’Albwardy Investments LLC. Situé à Victoria Falls au Zimbabwe, région qui abrite les célèbres chutes d’eau du même nom, cet établissement deviendra le deuxième hôtel de la marque Hyatt dans le pays.

Construit à l’origine en 1966 et réaménagé en 1999, l’établissement fera l’objet d’une vaste rénovation et d’une transformation de son design en accord avec la marque Grand Hyatt. Cela créera une destination captivante au sein même de la région, célébrant des moments à la fois emblématiques et intimes grâce à des détails soignés et des expériences grandioses. L’hôtel offrira aux membres du programme World of Hyatt et à ses clients l’opportunité de visiter et de séjourner dans une autre destination de loisirs de renommée mondiale. Dès son ouverture sous le nom de Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom, les membres du programme World of Hyatt pourront accumuler et utiliser leurs avantages.

Niché au cœur de Victoria Falls, un site classé au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO et connu localement sous le nom de Mosi-oa-Tunya (« la fumée qui gronde »), le futur Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom offrira une porte d’entrée unique vers l’une des destinations les plus emblématiques au monde. L’emplacement de l’hôtel placera les clients au sein d’un centre touristique dynamique et compact, à seulement cinq minutes de marche de la forêt tropicale des chutes Victoria, avec un accès facile aux circuits de safari régionaux, aux visites guidées, aux restaurants et aux expériences culturelles.

« Nous sommes ravis de collaborer avec Albwardy Investments pour introduire la marque Grand Hyatt à Victoria Falls », a déclaré Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President, Development, Middle East and Africa, Hyatt. « Avec son emplacement emblématique à quelques pas de la forêt tropicale des chutes Victoria, cette propriété offre un cadre véritablement exceptionnel. Cette signature marque une étape importante dans l’expansion continue de Hyatt à travers l’Afrique. Elle renforce notre engagement à accroître la présence de notre marque dans la région et à offrir aux membres World of Hyatt davantage de choix de voyages dans des destinations inspirantes. »

« Nous sommes fiers de collaborer avec Hyatt sur le projet d’introduction de la marque Grand Hyatt à Victoria Falls », a ajouté M. Ali Albwardy, Chairman, Albwardy Investments. « En tant que l’un des points de repère hôteliers les plus établis de la destination depuis plus de 60 ans, la propriété possède un héritage et un potentiel importants au Zimbabwe. Grâce à sa transformation sous la marque Grand Hyatt et avec une réouverture prévue pour fin 2027, nous visons à créer une expérience d’hospitalité de haut niveau qui célèbre la culture, l’énergie et l’importance des chutes Victoria, renforçant ainsi notre engagement envers le secteur de l’hospitalité en Afrique. »

L’établissement devrait proposer 245 chambres soigneusement aménagées ainsi qu’une vaste gamme d’installations, dont 1 800 mètres carrés d’espaces de réunion et d’événements, trois restaurants, un spa, un centre de remise en forme et un grand salon-hall. L’hôtel offrira un mélange dynamique d’expériences culinaires, de loisirs et de bien-être, accompagné d’un service accueillant qui crée une expérience de haut niveau pour tous les clients. Étant l’hôtel le plus proche de l’entrée du parc national des chutes Victoria du côté zimbabwéen de la frontière, la propriété est idéalement située à proximité des principales attractions de la région. Elle se trouve également à seulement 20 minutes en voiture de l’aéroport international de Victoria Falls, ce qui la rend parfaitement adaptée aux voyageurs de loisirs, d’événements et d’affaires.

Pour en savoir plus sur Hyatt, visitez www.Hyatt.com.

Le terme « Hyatt » est utilisé dans ce communiqué par commodité pour désigner Hyatt Hotels Corporation et/ou une ou plusieurs de ses filiales.

Distribué par APO Group pour Hyatt.

CONTACT PRESSE :
Chloe Duncan
Hyatt, Moyen-Orient et Afrique
Chloe.duncan@hyatt.com

À propos de Grand Hyatt :
À travers le globe, les hôtels Grand Hyatt incarnent l’esprit du voyage en sublimant chaque détail et en magnifiant chaque instant, célébrant ainsi l’exceptionnel dans les moindres détails. Implantés au croisement entre la culture locale et les enjeux internationaux des principales métropoles et destinations touristiques, chaque hôtel Grand Hyatt est conçu de manière unique pour devenir une destination en tant que telle au cœur même de son emplacement. Les hôtels Grand Hyatt offrent un service accueillant et de qualité, un hébergement de première classe et une multitude d’options dans un cadre multiculturel à l’architecture spectaculaire et au design audacieux. Les hôtels Grand Hyatt proposent des restaurants inventifs, des spas haut de gamme, des centres de remise en forme et des salles de réunion et d’affaires.

Pour plus d’informations ou pour effectuer une réservation, veuillez consulter le site www.GrandHyatt.com. Suivez @GrandHyatt sur Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4vVj8SG), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4vSYCCc) et taguez vos photos avec #GrandHyatt.

À propos de Hyatt Hotels Corporation :
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, dont le siège social est situé à Chicago, est un leader mondial de l’hôtellerie guidé par son objectif : prendre soin des gens afin qu’ils puissent donner le meilleur d’eux-mêmes. Au 31 mars 2026, le portefeuille de la Société comprenait plus de 1 500 hôtels et établissements tout compris, répartis dans 83 pays, sur six continents. L’offre de la Société comprend des marques dans le Portefeuille Luxury, dont Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, et The Unbound Collection by Hyatt® ; le Portefeuille Lifestyle, dont Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX®, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, et Me and All Hotels ; la Collection Inclusive, dont Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid® Hotels & Resorts, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, et Sunscape® Resorts & Spas ; le Portefeuille Classics, dont Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, et Hyatt® ; ainsi que le Portefeuille Essentials, dont Caption by Hyatt®, Unscripted by Hyatt, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios®, Hyatt Select, et UrCove. Les filiales de la Société gèrent le programme de fidélité World of Hyatt®, les services de gestion des destinations ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith™, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC ainsi que les services technologiques Trisept Solutions®.

Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur www.Hyatt.com.

Déclarations prospectives :
Les déclarations prospectives contenues dans ce communiqué de presse, qui ne constituent pas des faits historiques, sont des déclarations prospectives au sens du Private Securities Litigation Reform Act de 1995. Ces déclarations portent notamment sur les plans et stratégies de la Société, ses perspectives, le nombre d’établissements qu’elle prévoit d’ouvrir à l’avenir, le calendrier et le versement prévus de dividendes, les perspectives de la Société pour 2026, incluant la croissance attendue du RevPAR des hôtels à l’échelle du système, la croissance nette du nombre de chambres, le résultat net, les commissions brutes, les charges générales et administratives ajustées, l’EBITDA ajusté, les dépenses d’investissement et le flux de trésorerie disponible ajusté, les retours en capital attendus pour les actionnaires, les performances financières, les événements futurs ou envisagés, ainsi que des risques connus et inconnus difficiles à anticiper. En conséquence, les résultats, performances ou réalisations réels de la Société peuvent différer sensiblement de ceux exprimés ou sous-entendus par ces déclarations prospectives. Dans certains cas, vous pouvez identifier des déclarations prospectives par l’utilisation de termes tels que « peut », « pourrait », « s’attend à », « entend », « prévoit », « cherche à », « anticipe », « croit », « estime », « prédit », « potentiel », « continue », « probable », « va », « devrait » et leurs variantes ou expressions similaires, ou la forme négative de ces termes ou d’expressions similaires. Ces déclarations prospectives reposent nécessairement sur des estimations et des hypothèses qui, bien que considérées comme raisonnables par la Société et sa direction, sont par nature incertaines. Les facteurs susceptibles d’entraîner des écarts significatifs entre les résultats réels et les attentes actuelles comprennent, sans s’y limiter : l’incertitude économique générale sur les principaux marchés mondiaux et une dégradation des conditions économiques mondiales ou une faible croissance économique ; le rythme et la cadence de la reprise économique après les ralentissements ; les contraintes et interruptions des chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales, la hausse des coûts de main-d’œuvre et de matériaux dans la construction, ainsi que les augmentations de coûts dues à l’inflation ou à d’autres facteurs qui pourraient ne pas être entièrement compensés par les hausses de revenus dans nos activités ; les risques affectant les segments de l’hôtellerie de luxe, des resorts et des établissements tout compris ; les niveaux de dépenses dans les segments affaires, loisirs et groupes, ainsi que la confiance des consommateurs ; les baisses du taux d’occupation et du tarif journalier moyen ; la visibilité limitée sur les réservations futures ; la perte de personnel clé ; les conditions politiques et géopolitiques nationales et internationales, notamment les troubles politiques ou civils ou les modifications des politiques commerciales ; l’impact des politiques tarifaires mondiales ou des réglementations ; les sanctions économiques ou autres restrictions gouvernementales susceptibles de limiter notre capacité à exercer nos activités ou à recevoir des paiements ; les hostilités, ou la crainte d’hostilités, y compris le conflit militaire en cours au Moyen-Orient et les perturbations liées à la sécurité au Mexique, ainsi que les attentats terroristes ou autres actes de violence affectant les voyages ; les accidents liés aux voyages ; les catastrophes naturelles ou provoquées par l’homme, les événements météorologiques et climatiques tels que les ouragans, tremblements de terre, tsunamis, tornades, sécheresses, inondations, incendies de forêt, marées noires, incidents nucléaires et pandémies ou maladies contagieuses mondiales, ou la crainte de tels événements ; l’impact des avis de voyage émis par les gouvernements, des fermetures d’espaces aériens ou des suspensions de vols sur les arrivées internationales et les réservations hôtelières dans les régions concernées ; notre capacité à atteindre les niveaux de bénéfices d’exploitation spécifiés dans les hôtels soumis à des tests de performance ou à des garanties en faveur de nos propriétaires tiers ; l’impact des rénovations et réaménagements d’hôtels ; les risques liés à nos plans d’allocation du capital, à notre programme de rachat d’actions et aux versements de dividendes, notamment une réduction, suppression ou suspension des rachats ou des dividendes ; la nature saisonnière et cyclique des activités immobilières et hôtelières ; les modifications des accords de distribution, notamment via les intermédiaires de voyage en ligne ; les évolutions des goûts et préférences de nos clients ; les relations avec les collaborateurs et les syndicats, ainsi que les modifications du droit du travail ; la situation financière de nos propriétaires tiers, franchisés et partenaires de coentreprise hôtelière, et nos relations avec eux ; l’éventuelle incapacité des propriétaires tiers, franchisés ou partenaires de développement à accéder aux capitaux nécessaires au financement des opérations courantes ou à la mise en œuvre de nos plans de croissance ; les risques liés aux acquisitions et cessions potentielles et notre capacité à intégrer avec succès les acquisitions réalisées aux opérations existantes ou à réaliser les synergies anticipées ; l’échec à mener à bien des transactions envisagées, notamment en raison du non-respect des conditions de clôture ou de l’absence des approbations requises ; notre capacité à maintenir un contrôle interne efficace sur l’information financière et les procédures de contrôle de la communication ; les baisses de valeur de nos actifs immobiliers ; les résiliations imprévues de nos contrats de gestion, de services hôteliers ou de franchise ; les modifications du droit fiscal fédéral, étatique, local ou étranger ; la hausse des taux d’intérêt, des salaires et des autres coûts d’exploitation ; les fluctuations des taux de change ou les restructurations monétaires ; les risques liés à l’introduction de nouveaux concepts de marques, notamment le manque d’acceptation de nouvelles marques ou innovations ; la volatilité générale des marchés de capitaux et notre capacité à y accéder ; les évolutions de l’environnement concurrentiel dans notre secteur, la consolidation du secteur et les marchés sur lesquels nous opérons ; notre capacité à développer avec succès le programme de fidélité World of Hyatt et à gérer le programme d’adhésion payante Unlimited Vacation Club ; les incidents cybernétiques et les défaillances des systèmes d’information ; les issues des procédures judiciaires ou administratives ; les violations des réglementations ou des lois relatives à nos activités de franchise et de licence ainsi qu’à nos opérations internationales ; ainsi que d’autres risques évoqués dans les documents déposés par la Société auprès de la SEC, notamment les rapports annuels sur formulaire 10-K et les rapports trimestriels sur formulaire 10-Q, disponibles auprès de la SEC. Toutes les déclarations prospectives attribuables à la Société ou aux personnes agissant en son nom sont expressément qualifiées dans leur intégralité par les mises en garde énoncées ci-dessus. Nous vous mettons en garde contre toute confiance excessive accordée à ces déclarations prospectives, qui ne sont valables qu’à la date du présent communiqué. Nous n’assumons aucune obligation de mettre à jour publiquement ces déclarations prospectives pour refléter des résultats réels, de nouvelles informations ou des événements futurs, des changements d’hypothèses ou d’autres facteurs affectant les déclarations prospectives, sauf dans la mesure requise par la loi applicable. Si nous mettons à jour une ou plusieurs déclarations prospectives, aucune déduction ne devra être faite quant à la réalisation de mises à jour supplémentaires concernant celles-ci ou d’autres déclarations prospectives.

  

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SA, UN collaborate to push towards Sustainable Development Goals

Source: Government of South Africa

SA, UN collaborate to push towards Sustainable Development Goals

The Government of South Africa and the United Nations in South Africa will on Friday sign a five-year Cooperation Framework Agreement aimed at supporting South Africa’s national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The Cooperation Framework sets out the strategic direction for collaboration between Government and the United Nations system from 2026 to 2030.

“It reaffirms a shared commitment to promoting inclusive economic growth, reducing inequality, strengthening institutions, protecting the environment, and ensuring that no one is left behind,” Government said.

The Cooperation Framework will be signed by the Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, on behalf of the Government of South Africa, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa, Nelson Muffuh.

The event will also be attended by senior representatives from the national government, civil society organizations, foundations, members of the diplomatic corps, United Nations entities, and development partners. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Department convenes disability rights machinery meeting

Source: Government of South Africa

Department convenes disability rights machinery meeting

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) is convening the National Disability Rights Machinery (NDRM) meeting to strengthen the implementation of disability rights in South Africa.

The meeting, which will be held in Durban from 8 – 10 July, brings together government departments, constitutional institutions, organisations of persons with disabilities, civil society, academia, the private sector, and development partners to ensure that people with disabilities remain at the centre of policy development, service delivery, and community empowerment programmes.

The meeting forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to accelerate the implementation of the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, advance the constitutional rights of persons with disabilities, and promote an inclusive society in line with South Africa’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

The National Disability Rights Machinery serves as South Africa’s primary coordination platform for disability rights. It enables stakeholders to review progress in implementing disability policies, identify challenges and develop collaborative solutions aimed at improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities.

The meeting is expected to review progress made in mainstreaming disability inclusion across government, strengthen intersectoral coordination and identify practical measures to improve access to education, healthcare, employment, transport, justice, and other essential services for persons with disabilities.

The White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, approved by Cabinet in 2015, provides South Africa’s comprehensive policy framework for advancing the rights and socio-economic inclusion of persons with disabilities.

The policy framework is built on nine pillars aimed at advancing disability inclusion. It includes, among others, the removal of barriers to access and participation, the support of sustainable, integrated community life, and the reduction of economic vulnerability.

Through the implementation of the White Paper, government aims to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal opportunities, accessible public services, reasonable accommodation, protection from discrimination and meaningful participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives. – SAnews.gov.za

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Select Committee embarks on Free State, KZN oversight visits 

Source: Government of South Africa

Select Committee embarks on Free State, KZN oversight visits 

Parliament’s Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration (Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements and Water and Sanitation) is visiting the Ngwathe Local Municipality in the Free State today as part of efforts to ensure service delivery to the area.

This as Section 139 of the Constitution has been invoked in the municipality. Section 139 of the Constitution speaks to provincial intervention in local government.  

According to the Constitution, when a municipality cannot or does not fulfil an executive obligation in terms of the Constitution or legislation, the relevant provincial executive may intervene by taking any appropriate steps to ensure fulfilment of that obligation. 

This includes issuing a directive to the Municipal Council, describing the extent of the failure to fulfil its obligations and stating any steps required to meet its obligations and dissolving the Municipal Council and appointing an administrator until a newly elected Municipal Council has been declared elected, if exceptional circumstances warrant such a step, among others.

The committee’s visit to the Ngwathe Local Municipality follows the court-mandated invocation of Section 139(1)(c) of the Constitution.

Section 139(1)(c) empowers a provincial executive to dissolve a municipal council and appoint an administrator where a municipality has failed to fulfil its executive obligations.

“The intervention follows a ruling by the Bloemfontein High Court (and confirmed by the Constitutional Court), which found that the municipality had failed to meet its constitutional, legal and administrative obligations to residents. The court highlighted several challenges, including debt exceeding R1.5 billion, deteriorating infrastructure that has resulted in widespread sewage spills and water shortages, as well as chronic financial and administrative mismanagement,” the Committee said ahead of Wednesday’s visit.

The committee will engage political parties represented in the municipal council, business organisations, civil society organisations, and women and youth representatives to obtain their views on the intervention. It will also meet the Provincial Executive to assess progress made since the court order.

Visit to KZN 

In addition to the Ngwathe visit, the committee will also meet with the Office of the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and the Provincial Public Service Commission on Thursday as part of its programme to assess the state of the public service across provinces.

The committee has resolved to engage provincial Public Service Commissions to evaluate the effectiveness of provincial administrations and identify areas requiring improvement.

“It is important that the public service achieves its intended objectives and that the necessary measures are in place to ensure provincial administrations are functional and deliver quality services to the people. Our engagement with the Public Service Commission will help us understand where challenges exist and whether appropriate interventions are being implemented to strengthen service delivery,” Committee Chairperson Mxolisi Kaunda said. 

On Friday, 10 July, the committee will visit Impendle Local Municipality following the invocation of Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution.

The intervention was implemented due to persistent failures in financial management, prolonged vacancies in critical senior management positions, and ongoing political instability within the municipality.

During the visit, the committee will engage political parties represented in the municipal council, business organisations, civil society organisations, and women and youth representatives to obtain their views on the intervention. The committee will also meet the Provincial Executive to assess progress made since the intervention was implemented.

“As representatives of the people, it is essential that the committee engages directly with communities and organisations affected by these interventions. The committee has adopted a standard framework that requires any decision to support or reject an intervention to be informed by the views of those directly impacted. Parliament also has a constitutional obligation to facilitate meaningful public participation,” Kaunda said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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UNHRC in Geneva Unanimously Adopts Resolution Submitted by Qatar on Protecting Healthcare in Armed Conflict

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva | July 7, 2026

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva unanimously adopted the resolution entitled “Protecting Healthcare in Armed Conflicts” during its 62nd session on Tuesday.

This is the first resolution that the State of Qatar has drafted entirely on its own, led the negotiations on, and submitted to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, garnering broad consensus among member states, with 62 countries from various geographical groups joining in its sponsorship. This reflects the growing role that the State of Qatar plays in leading initiatives within the Human Rights Council and building consensus on priority issues at the international level.

Introducing the resolution for adoption, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah affirmed that the resolution was submitted in response to the unprecedented escalation in attacks on health facilities and health workers in situations of armed conflict, and the resulting grave humanitarian consequences that threaten the lives of civilians and undermine health systems in conflict zones.

Her Excellency indicated that the decision is based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, international human rights law, and international humanitarian law. She stressed that providing health care is a fundamental right and an inalienable human duty, even in times of armed conflict and occupation.

Her Excellency highlighted the need for States and parties to armed conflicts to comply with their international obligations, respect and protect medical facilities, medical transport and health workers, and ensure that all those affected have access to safe and high-quality health services without discrimination, in addition to strengthening the protection of health systems and ensuring unhindered access to humanitarian and medical aid, which are the principles enshrined in the resolution.

Her Excellency added that armed conflicts have far-reaching effects on public health, including the collapse of basic health services, the spread of diseases, increased rates of malnutrition and mortality, and the impact on maternal and child health and mental health services, with serious consequences for the most vulnerable groups, such as women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities and displaced persons, issues to which the resolution pays special attention.
Her Excellency also affirmed that the resolution emphasizes that protecting hospitals and other medical facilities is a legal obligation incumbent upon all parties to the conflict, and that targeting them or obstructing access to them constitutes a serious violation of international law, and may in some cases amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity, which necessitates strengthening monitoring, documentation and accountability mechanisms, and ensuring that victims receive justice and reparation.

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva indicated that the resolution stipulates holding a panel discussion with the participation of experts during the 66th session of the council in September/October 2027, in addition to preparing a report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to be presented at the 67th session of the council in February/March 2028.

Her Excellency noted that during the drafting of the resolution, the State of Qatar was keen to adopt a consensual and constructive approach, through holding a series of informal consultations and conducting bilateral contacts with various delegations and relevant international organizations, with the aim of reaching a balanced formula that takes into account the integration between the provisions of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and accommodates as many opinions and positions as possible. She thanked all the countries and organizations that contributed their observations and suggestions during the consultations.

During the session to adopt the resolution, several representatives of states and groups made statements supporting it. They commended the initiative put forward by the State of Qatar and the consensual and transparent approach it adopted throughout the negotiation process. They emphasized the importance of strengthening the protection of healthcare in armed conflicts and called on the council to adopt the resolution unanimously, which was achieved by its adoption without a vote. Statements included remarks delivered by Kuwait on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as by Egypt, Iraq, Indonesia, and other countries.

This decision comes within the framework of the efforts made by the State of Qatar to promote and protect human rights globally, and to contribute to the development of international standards related to responding to urgent humanitarian challenges, in line with its priorities in the Human Rights Council.

The broad support for the resolution is attributed to the intensive diplomatic efforts led by the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar in Geneva, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the openness and constructive dialogue with various regional groups and member states that characterized the negotiation process, which contributed to reaching a broad consensus on the text of the resolution and its unanimous adoption.

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Qatar Participates in Ministerial Meeting on Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, NATO Member States

Source: Government of Qatar

Ankara | July 7, 2026

The State of Qatar participated in the ministerial meeting of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) and NATO member states, held on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkiye.

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi led the State of Qatar’s delegation at the meeting.

In his remarks, His Excellency indicated that the meeting comes at a pivotal stage, in which security and political challenges have become more interconnected and intertwined, and international interests have become more overlapping, which makes it necessary to unify efforts and enhance coordination to confront these challenges, which affect the security of Middle Eastern countries and threaten the foundations of regional and international stability.

His Excellency pointed out that the Middle East region has recently witnessed a dangerous escalation, highlighting the grave risks involved in military escalation. He stressed the urgent need to prioritize diplomacy, dialogue, and collective efforts aimed at maintaining regional peace and stability.

HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar’s commitment to the path of dialogue and diplomacy, and the pursuit of de-escalation, and building on the gains achieved under the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a way that contributes to strengthening security and stability regionally and internationally. He noted that, following the ceasefire and in close coordination with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and other regional and international partners, Qatar intensified its mediation efforts to help maintain the ceasefire, facilitate the continuation of dialogue, and encourage confidence-building measures between the parties.

His Excellency affirmed the State of Qatar’s belief that sustainable security cannot be achieved by military means alone, but rather through diplomacy, direct dialogue, and the creation of political pathways, stressing its commitment to playing the role of a trusted mediator and facilitator of dialogue.

His Excellency added that based on its conviction that diplomacy is the most effective path to resolving disputes, the State of Qatar continues to engage constructively with all parties, maintaining open channels of communication even during times of heightened tension. This approach has enabled Qatar to contribute to mediation efforts both regionally and internationally, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in conflict prevention, de-escalation, and peacebuilding. In this context, Doha is hosting meetings between representatives of both sides to continue their dialogue and move forward towards resolving their differences through negotiation and peaceful means, thereby enhancing the prospects for achieving sustainable peace and economic growth at both the regional and international levels.

His Excellency noted that the State of Qatar attaches great importance to strengthening its cooperation with NATO within the framework of the ICI, which was launched in 2004. He indicated that Qatar has consistently supported efforts to enhance practical cooperation with NATO and remains committed to promoting dialogue, building capacities, and contributing to joint initiatives that address mutual security concerns.

HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that an agreement had been reached regarding the Individually Tailored Partnership Program (ITPP) between the State of Qatar and NATO.

His Excellency also announced that the final stage of establishing a regional center for peace support operations in the State of Qatar, under the auspices of the NATO, is nearing completion.

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Nigerian Operators Strengthen Africa-Wide Energy Collaboration at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: APO – Report:

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Leading Nigerian oil and gas operators are set to play a major role at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, bringing upstream expertise, project development experience and investment momentum to Cape Town as Africa seeks to accelerate regional energy collaboration. Their participation reflects a growing push by Nigerian producers to engage more closely with regional and international stakeholders on new field development, gas commercialization and long-term energy investment.

TotalEnergies’ Nigeria Managing Director and Country Chair Matthieu Bouyer will attend alongside former TotalEnergies Managing Director Adewale Fayemi. A strategic player in the country’s upstream market, TotalEnergies continues to operate key deepwater assets in Nigeria and is among the international majors that have maintained offshore investment even as onshore and shallow-water positions have shifted to indigenous firms.

First E&P – which produces approximately 57,000 barrels per day (bpd) – has emerged as an increasingly more prominent player in Nigeria’s oil and gas market. The company has built its portfolio through direct asset development and positioning across the Niger Delta, contributing to the broader expansion of indigenous upstream capacity.CEO and MD Ademola Adeyemi-Bero and Chief Strategy Officer George Toriola will represent First E&P at AEW 2026 as the company assesses opportunities beyond Nigeria’s borders.  

Meanwhile, Emadeb E&P continues to increase its portfolio through strategic acquisitions and project advancements. The company achieved first oil at the Ibom Field in 2025, marking the first new shallow-water offshore development in Nigeria in more than 15 years. The company has invested more than $100 million and has further drilling campaigns planned. MD Oluwasegun Ogunsanya and COO Sheriff Adeeyo will both participate at AEW 2026.

SunTrust Atlantic Energies has produced more than 54 million barrels of crude from the Umusadege field in OML 56 since 2008, sustaining output of approximately 10,000 bpd. Founder and Chief Executive Ugo Okafor and Executive Director Rachel Akhuetie will attend AEW. The company’s sustained production from a single marginal field over nearly two decades demonstrates the long-term value available in Nigeria’s upstream portfolio when operators commit capital and operational continuity.

Lekoil will be represented by Company Secretary and General Manager of Legal Gloria Iroegbunam and Chief Technical Officer Sam Olotu. Through its Otakikpo asset, the company commissioned Nigeria’s first indigenous onshore crude export terminal in nearly five decades while expanding gas-to-power infrastructure and advancing commercialization of additional discoveries including OPL 310.

Energia MD and CEO Oladimeji Bashorun and Pan Ocean & Newcross CFO Seyi Oladapo have also joined the conference. Pan Ocean and the Newcross have expanded across producing assets, gas infrastructure and export logistics, and will contribute to discussions on project financing and the capital structures required to sustain Nigeria’s upstream growth. For its part, Energia continues to support Nigeria’s production goals through a growing portfolio of operated and partnered assets across the Niger Delta. 

“These operators are drilling new wells, building export terminals and financing offshore developments that did not exist five years ago. Nigeria’s upstream sector is growing not only through asset transfers but through new investment and new production,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

As African energy markets become increasingly interconnected, collaboration between leading operators will be critical to accelerating project development and unlocking new investment. Through their participation at AEW 2026, Nigerian operators are bringing valuable expertise, capital and project execution capabilities to the regional dialogue, reinforcing their role in shaping Africa’s next phase of upstream growth.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Operadores nigerianos reforçam a colaboração energética a nível africano na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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As principais operadoras nigerianas de petróleo e gás estão preparadas para desempenhar um papel de destaque na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, trazendo conhecimentos especializados na área do upstream, experiência no desenvolvimento de projetos e dinamismo de investimento para a Cidade do Cabo, numa altura em que África procura acelerar a colaboração energética regional. A sua participação reflete um esforço crescente por parte dos produtores nigerianos no sentido de se envolverem mais estreitamente com as partes interessadas regionais e internacionais no desenvolvimento de novos campos, na comercialização de gás e no investimento energético a longo prazo.

O Diretor-Geral e Presidente Nacional da TotalEnergies na Nigéria, Matthieu Bouyer, estará presente juntamente com o antigo Diretor-Geral da TotalEnergies, Adewale Fayemi. Ator estratégico no mercado a montante do país, a TotalEnergies continua a operar ativos-chave em águas profundas na Nigéria e está entre as grandes empresas internacionais que mantiveram o investimento offshore, mesmo com as posições em terra e em águas pouco profundas a terem passado para empresas locais.

A First E&P — que produz aproximadamente 57 000 barris por dia (bpd) — tem-se destacado como um interveniente cada vez mais proeminente no mercado de petróleo e gás da Nigéria. A empresa construiu o seu portfólio através do desenvolvimento direto de ativos e do posicionamento em todo o Delta do Níger, contribuindo para a expansão mais ampla da capacidade nacional no setor a montante. O CEO e Diretor-Geral, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, e o Diretor de Estratégia, George Toriola, representarão a First E&P na AEW 2026, numa altura em que a empresa avalia oportunidades para além das fronteiras da Nigéria.

Entretanto, a Emadeb E&P continua a aumentar o seu portfólio através de aquisições estratégicas e do avanço de projetos. A empresa alcançou a primeira produção de petróleo no campo de Ibom em 2025, marcando o primeiro novo desenvolvimento offshore em águas pouco profundas na Nigéria em mais de 15 anos. A empresa investiu mais de 100 milhões de dólares e tem previstas novas campanhas de perfuração. O diretor-geral, Oluwasegun Ogunsanya, e o diretor de operações, Sheriff Adeeyo, participarão ambos na AEW 2026.

A SunTrust Atlantic Energies produziu mais de 54 milhões de barris de crude no campo de Umusadege, na OML 56, desde 2008, mantendo uma produção de aproximadamente 10 000 bpd. O fundador e diretor executivo, Ugo Okafor, e a diretora executiva, Rachel Akhuetie, estarão presentes na AEW. A produção sustentada da empresa a partir de um único campo marginal ao longo de quase duas décadas demonstra o valor a longo prazo existente no portfólio de atividades a montante da Nigéria, quando os operadores comprometem-se com o investimento de capital e a continuidade operacional.

A Lekoil será representada pela secretária da empresa e diretora-geral do departamento jurídico, Gloria Iroegbunam, e pelo diretor técnico, Sam Olotu. Através do seu ativo de Otakikpo, a empresa colocou em funcionamento o primeiro terminal de exportação de crude terrestre de origem nigeriana em quase cinco décadas, ao mesmo tempo que expandiu a infraestrutura de conversão de gás em energia e avançou na comercialização de descobertas adicionais, incluindo a OPL 310.

O Diretor-Geral e CEO da Energia, Oladimeji Bashorun, e o Diretor Financeiro da Pan Ocean & Newcross, Seyi Oladapo, também participaram na conferência. A Pan Ocean e a Newcross expandiram-se em ativos de produção, infraestruturas de gás e logística de exportação, e contribuirão para as discussões sobre o financiamento de projetos e as estruturas de capital necessárias para sustentar o crescimento do setor a montante da Nigéria.

Por seu lado, a Energia continua a apoiar os objetivos de produção da Nigéria através de um portfólio crescente de ativos operados e em parceria em todo o Delta do Níger.

«Estas operadoras estão a perfurar novos poços, a construir terminais de exportação e a financiar desenvolvimentos offshore que não existiam há cinco anos. O setor a montante da Nigéria está a crescer não só através de transferências de ativos, mas também através de novos investimentos e nova produção», afirmou NJ Ayuk, presidente executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia.

À medida que os mercados energéticos africanos se tornam cada vez mais interligados, a colaboração entre os principais operadores será fundamental para acelerar o desenvolvimento de projetos e atrair novos investimentos. Através da sua participação na AEW 2026, os operadores nigerianos estão a trazer conhecimentos especializados valiosos, capital e capacidades de execução de projetos para o diá. regional, reforçando o seu papel na definição da próxima fase de crescimento do setor de exploração e produção em África.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Les opérateurs nigérians renforcent la collaboration énergétique à l’échelle africaine lors de l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Les principaux opérateurs pétroliers et gaziers nigérians sont appelés à jouer un rôle majeur lors de l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, apportant au Cap leur expertise en amont, leur expérience en matière de développement de projets et leur dynamique d’investissement, alors que l’Afrique cherche à accélérer la collaboration énergétique régionale. Leur participation reflète la volonté croissante des producteurs nigérians de collaborer plus étroitement avec les acteurs régionaux et internationaux sur le développement de nouveaux gisements, la commercialisation du gaz et les investissements énergétiques à long terme.

Matthieu Bouyer, directeur général et président national de TotalEnergies au Nigeria, y participera aux côtés de l’ancien directeur général de TotalEnergies, Adewale Fayemi. Acteur stratégique sur le marché en amont du pays, TotalEnergies continue d’exploiter des actifs clés en eaux profondes au Nigeria et figure parmi les grandes sociétés internationales qui ont maintenu leurs investissements offshore, alors même que les activités onshore et en eaux peu profondes ont été transférées à des entreprises locales.

First E&P – qui produit environ 57 000 barils par jour (b/j) – s’est imposée comme un acteur de plus en plus important sur le marché nigérian du pétrole et du gaz. La société a constitué son portefeuille grâce au développement direct d’actifs et à son implantation dans le delta du Niger, contribuant ainsi à l’expansion globale des capacités en amont des entreprises locales. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, PDG et directeur général, et George Toriola, directeur de la stratégie, représenteront First E&P lors de l’AEW 2026, alors que la société évalue des opportunités au-delà des frontières du Nigeria.

Parallèlement, Emadeb E&P continue d’étoffer son portefeuille grâce à des acquisitions stratégiques et à l’avancement de ses projets. La société a réalisé sa première production de pétrole sur le champ d’Ibom en 2025, marquant ainsi le premier nouveau développement offshore en eaux peu profondes au Nigeria depuis plus de 15 ans. La société a investi plus de 100 millions de dollars et prévoit de nouvelles campagnes de forage. Le directeur général, Oluwasegun Ogunsanya, et le directeur des opérations, Sheriff Adeeyo, participeront tous deux à l’AEW 2026.

SunTrust Atlantic Energies a produit plus de 54 millions de barils de brut depuis 2008 sur le gisement d’Umusadege, situé dans la zone OML 56, en maintenant une production d’environ 10 000 barils par jour. Le fondateur et directeur général, Ugo Okafor, ainsi que la directrice exécutive, Rachel Akhuetie, participeront à l’AEW. La production soutenue de la société à partir d’un seul gisement marginal pendant près de deux décennies démontre la valeur à long terme que recèle le portefeuille en amont du Nigeria lorsque les opérateurs s’engagent à investir des capitaux et à assurer la continuité opérationnelle.

Lekoil sera représentée par Gloria Iroegbunam, secrétaire générale et directrice juridique, ainsi que par Sam Olotu, directeur technique. Grâce à son actif d’Otakikpo, la société a mis en service le premier terminal d’exportation de pétrole brut terrestre d’origine locale au Nigeria depuis près de cinq décennies, tout en développant les infrastructures de conversion du gaz en électricité et en faisant progresser la commercialisation de nouvelles découvertes, notamment l’OPL 310.

Oladimeji Bashorun, directeur général et PDG d’Energia, ainsi que Seyi Oladapo, directeur financier de Pan Ocean & Newcross, ont également rejoint la conférence. Pan Ocean et Newcross ont étendu leurs activités aux actifs de production, aux infrastructures gazières et à la logistique d’exportation, et contribueront aux discussions sur le financement des projets et les structures de capital nécessaires pour soutenir la croissance du secteur amont au Nigeria.

De son côté, Energia continue de soutenir les objectifs de production du Nigeria grâce à un portefeuille croissant d’actifs exploités en propre ou en partenariat dans le delta du Niger.

« Ces opérateurs forent de nouveaux puits, construisent des terminaux d’exportation et financent des développements offshore qui n’existaient pas il y a cinq ans. Le secteur en amont du Nigeria se développe non seulement grâce à des transferts d’actifs, mais aussi grâce à de nouveaux investissements et à une nouvelle production », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

À mesure que les marchés énergétiques africains s’interconnectent de plus en plus, la collaboration entre les principaux opérateurs sera essentielle pour accélérer le développement des projets et débloquer de nouveaux investissements. Grâce à leur participation à l’AEW 2026, les opérateurs nigérians apportent au dialogue régional une expertise précieuse, des capitaux et des capacités d’exécution de projets, renforçant ainsi leur rôle dans l’orientation de la prochaine phase de croissance du secteur amont en Afrique.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Black women academics in my study said their main allies were White men – what this reveals

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Sally K Ledwaba, Academic Excellence Coordinator, Tshwane University of Technology

Universities have a role in challenging the status quo on issues such as gender, race, nationality and sexuality. But all too often, they replicate societal inequalities.

For example, a recent study notes that globally, only one-third of senior academics are women. In the US, universities have twice as many male professors as female.

Culture is one driver of these intersecting inequalities in higher education.

In South Africa, a report noted that in 2017, Black women made up 16% of university academics and 40% of the population, making them the most underrepresented group. There’s an imbalance by seniority as well as gender and “race”: most Black senior academics are male, and most female senior academics are White or Indian.

Trends like these raise an important question: how do the few African women who become professors navigate institutions where they are a small minority?

This was the research question at the centre of my PhD in social work, supervised by professors Adrian van Breda and Thobeka Nkomo. My research explored African female academics’ career motivations, challenges in that career and personal resilience strategies, as well as what their institutions had done to support their journey towards leadership.

The findings echoed my own experience, but also challenged some common assumptions.

I found that academic advancement is often shaped not only by individual effort, but also by those who are willing to create opportunities for others. Many participants credited White male professors for enabling their academic advancement by encouraging doctoral studies, nominating them for leadership roles, supporting their promotions, and increasing their visibility in influential networks. Few participants identified Black female mentors as enabling their rise, and references to Black male academics were largely absent.

The relative absence of Black mentorship in these accounts raises difficult but important questions about how support networks form within universities and who sponsors the next generation of scholars.

The challenge for universities is to go beyond depending on personal goodwill and to systematically embed sponsorship into their cultures and practices.

Experiences of African female professors

For my PhD research, I conducted in-depth narrative interviews with 21 African female professors in three universities in South Africa’s Gauteng province. The aim was to understand how they had advanced to senior positions.

I was struck by the similarities in their stories.

There was a complex interplay between motivation, resilience and community in the academic journey of these individuals.

Intelligence, intellectual curiosity and the quest for knowledge were the main motivations for entering the academy. As one participant put it:

I was performing well.

Another said:

I was always attracted to understanding.

Staying motivated depended on both personal strengths and supportive environments.

All participants demonstrated strong resilience. They were determined not to be excluded, navigated complex institutional environments, pursued qualifications despite obstacles, and created opportunities for themselves. Their career success was the result of years of personal sacrifice, persistence and a pursuit of excellence, often extending back into childhood.

Participants recalled barriers they faced when entering the academy:

So, everything that you do, you must do twice, because you’re being doubted and there are questions about whether you know what you’re doing.

I wasn’t promoted … and I felt it was because I was female, because my male counterparts were promoted, who I felt had the same profile as me, or even lower, and they got promoted.

Unexpected sources of social capital

However, personal resilience was not enough. Social capital was also vital: progress often occurred when people decided to open doors for others.

This participant said a senior White male in her department advised her:

… think about the project that is going to set you apart from your supervisor … if you want to succeed in this career.

Another participant spoke of a White male professor who was willing to help her get established as a researcher.

Participants’ stories showed that advancement often occurred when influential colleagues broke long-standing patterns of exclusion in academia.

Although public discourse often portrays White males as obstacles to Black advancement, this research reveals a more complex reality. The unexpected allyship of White men suggests that institutional change often progresses through relationships that bridge divides of race, gender and historical privilege.

As this participant said:

I also had a great [White, male] supervisor, who was committed to transformation, in the sense that he went overseas and used his networks to amass these resources. And he wanted to grow from the grassroots.

The role of White male academics in these stories was not uniformly positive. Some participants recalled instances in which White male colleagues impeded progress, limiting access to opportunities and upholding institutional hierarchies.

One described the difficulty she faced:

There were challenges … and [the department] had old people at the time and White males. I was replacing a male colleague … I didn’t have an environment. The office that I had was not a conducive office at all.

These findings highlight an aspect of how power operates in universities. Although merit, expertise and consistent effort are vital for academic growth, it matters for senior academics to identify potential in junior colleagues, support them and connect them to networks.

There are many possible explanations for why White male professors featured so prominently in participants’ accounts. Historically, White male professors have occupied a greater proportion of senior academic and leadership positions. They have had better access to networks, resources and influence that affect academic careers. By contrast, many Black academics have had to navigate institutions that were not designed for their success.

The study findings, therefore, tell us as much about the distribution of institutional power as about individual acts of mentorship.

Embedding the culture

As a new PhD (Ledwaba) and as a senior academic (van Breda), we both argue that transformation in higher education cannot rely solely on demographic change, such as increasing the number of African female academics. While representation is essential, it does not shape women’s academic careers or transform the academy. Rather, transformation requires a personal and institutional commitment to a culture of enabling talented scholars from historically marginalised groups to thrive.

– Black women academics in my study said their main allies were White men – what this reveals
– https://theconversation.com/black-women-academics-in-my-study-said-their-main-allies-were-white-men-what-this-reveals-285167