On July 3rd, Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended the symposium “Empowering Lesotho: Unlocking Finance to Drive the Energy Transition in a Land-Locked Developing Country”, co-hosted by the United Nations University and the Embassy of Lesotho in Japan, with the presence of the H.M. Letsie III, King of the Kingdom of Lesotho and H.M. Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, who are in Japan to participate in the National Day events of the Osaka-Kansai Expo. She delivered a speech on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The outline of the speech is as follows.
At the outset, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI welcomed the visit of H.M. Letsie III and H.M. Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso to Japan, and stated that, since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, Japan and Lesotho have built cordial relations through cooperation in areas such as food security, renewable energy, education, and health.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI mentioned Japan’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and expressed her hope to work with Lesotho, which is actively promoting the transition to renewable energy by leveraging its abundant water resources and high-quality renewable energy resources, to lead global efforts for climate change measures and promote economic development.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI mentioned that the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) will be held in Yokohama in August this year, and concluded her remarks by expressing her hope to take this opportunity to create innovative solutions that will lead to the prosperity of both Japan and Africa by leveraging Japanese technology and expertise on various topics including the renewable energy sector, which was discussed in this symposium.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
The Togolese authorities must put an end to unnecessary and excessive use of force against protesters, said Amnesty International, amid the latest violent crackdown on protests in the capital, Lomé, since 26 June.
The organization spoke with 18 victims and witnesses. Thirteen described a pattern of unlawful use of force and mistreatment by police and security forces against protesters and passers-by.
“These cases must be independently and transparently investigated as a matter of urgency.” Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa
These protests, considered illegal by the authorities, are the latest in a series of demonstrations since the beginning of June against the repression of dissent, the high cost of living and changes to the constitution. Last month, Amnesty International documented allegations that protesters had been tortured or subjected to ill-treatment.
“In recent days, we have interviewed people who have alleged that men identified as security forces carried out unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, acts of torture and other ill-treatment, and several cases of abduction. These cases must be independently and transparently investigated as a matter of urgency,” said Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa.
Reports of unlawful use of force by security forces
Thirteen people interviewed by Amnesty International said that men in uniform, suspected to be members of security forces and people described as ‘militiamen’ used unnecessary and excessive force and violence.
A man living in Avénou said: “On 30 June, everything was quiet in our neighbourhood. Suddenly three pick-ups and a car came speeding down our street. Everyone started running away. Men forced their way into our house. They made us get out and told us to kneel down. They were all in civilian clothes. They pointed their guns at us and then they beat us. They left, saying they were going to come back.”
A 38-year-old man said: “On 26 June at around 3pm, I was taking part in a protest in Attiégou, when a group of soldiers attacked me. They hit me hard. I ended up losing consciousness and some young people took me for treatment.”
A 17-year-old teenager said he was arrested on 26 June by gendarmes and held for five days, first at the Zorobar gendarmerie station, then at the former national gendarmerie headquarters and the Avepozo gendarmerie camp. “They put us on our knees with our arms raised. If we lowered our arms, they hit us with cords […]. All day long, we only drank one sachet of water”.
The teenager says he is still suffering from back pain. According to him, more than 40 people were detained with him at the gendarmerie on 30 June, including other children.
Two men and a woman have been missing since 27 June. They were allegedly abducted by unidentified men from a house in the Adidogomé neighbourhood. In a video broadcast live on Tik Tok on 27 June by one of the victims, people were seen bursting into the room, and then the video cut. In the preceding days, he had published several videos in support of the protests and denouncing arbitrary arrests.
“All light must be shed on these deaths and the whereabouts of those who have disappeared.” Fabien Offner, researcher at Amnesty International’s regional office for West and Central Africa
At least seven people found dead, including children
The parents of a 16-year-old boy found dead in the Bè lagoon on 27 June told Amnesty International that members of the security forces in black uniforms had entered the neighbourhood the previous day and that tear gas shots had been heard. The boy’s body was found along with that of another child.
In a statement shared on 29 June, Togolese civil society organizations reported the deaths of seven people, whose bodies were found in rivers in Lomé, and mentioned ‘beatings’ and ‘arbitrary arrests of passers-by, youth, and older people’, and ‘chases […] of young people, sometimes children, forced to take refuge in the lagoon’.
The statement also mentioned ‘bullet holes in three bodies found in the Bè lagoon on 27 June […] and testimonies of local residents who reported gunshots’.
“All light must be shed on these deaths and the whereabouts of those who have disappeared. Those detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must be released,” said Fabien Offner, researcher at Amnesty International’s regional office for West and Central Africa.
The government announced on 29 June that the bodies found were those of people who had ‘drowned’, citing ‘the results of forensic analyses’.
“We don’t know the exact number of people brought before the court and those still in custody”, lawyer Darius K. Atsoo said to Amnesty International. According to him, as of 30 June, 18 people arrested on 26, 27 and 28 June had been released and 31 were still being held in custody following hearings before the public prosecutor.
On 2 July, at least six people had not been found by their families, according to testimonies.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.
The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), through the Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA), has awarded a $1 million grant to South Africa’s National Business Initiative (NBI) to strengthen efforts to build a dynamic, demand-led skills ecosystem that enables South Africans, particularly young people, to access emerging job opportunities in the green economy.
South Africa continues to face significant challenges in youth employment, with StatisticsSA (http://apo-opa.co/3I92YRD) reporting that 46.1% of young people aged 15 to 34 were unemployed in the first quarter of 2025.
The funding will support the country’s Just Energy Transition Skilling for Employment Programme (JET SEP), led by the National Business Initiative in partnership with the management consultancy Boston Consulting Group. The initiative coordinates private sector efforts to prepare the workforce for the energy transition, in tandem with the government’s JET Skilling Implementation Plan, focused on inclusive workforce development and sustainable job creation.
Specifically, the grant will finance the programme’s first phase, including feasibility studies for the design of skills development zones and capacity building within the public technical and vocational education and training system. Skills development zones will anchor the delivery of inclusive skills and foster local economic growth during the country’s just-energy transition.
Launched in 2024 and endorsed by the JET Project Management Unit under the presidency of the Government of South Africa, JET SEP has garnered support from over 30 influential South African CEOs, public sector leaders, and civil society leaders in the past year.
Of the grant, Kennedy Mbekeani, African Development Bank Director General for Southern Africa, said: “By linking a strong private sector coalition – the engine for job creation – with government, academia, and NGOs, the FAPA grant will play a catalytic role to support informed policy decisions in skills development and labour market programmes. It will also strengthen skills development efforts for the growth of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and the creation of jobs for youth in South Africa’s green economy.”
The grant builds on the African Development Bank’s significant investment in South Africa’s energy sector. Since 2007, the Bank has invested $3.4 billion to support energy infrastructure, including renewable energy. The current grant will support the government’s efforts to identify the skills needed for the sector, with a particular focus on renewable energy.
Shameela Soobramoney, CEO of the National Business Initiative, said: “This grant from the African Development Bank is a critical step toward turning vision into action, strengthening the national skills system, and ensuring that all South Africans are equipped to seize new opportunities in the green economy. We are proud to continue working alongside our partners and stakeholders to build an inclusive future-ready workforce and to stimulate local economies in a way that leaves no one behind.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media contact:
African Development Bank:
Emeka Anuforo,
Communication and External Relations Department, media@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) (www.Orange.com) unveils its 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report. Entitled “Cultivating Impact”, the report illustrates Orange’s commitment to a sustainable, inclusive transformation grounded in the realities of the 17 countries in which the brand operates.
A transformation rooted in usage, skills, and territories
The report comes at a pivotal time for Africa and the Middle East, where digital, energy, economic and financial transitions are driving deep and progressive societal shifts. One clear guiding principle emerges: human-centered digital technology. It takes shape in everyday uses, built on access to resilient, optimized, and low-carbon digital infrastructure, and a strong commitment to the circular economy through the recovery, refurbishment, and recycling of network and mobile equipment allowing millions to fully experience the digital age, even in the most remote areas. This transformation is accelerated by solutions such as Max it, OMEA’s super-app as a new lever for inclusion, Orange Money and Orange Bank Africa for financial inclusion, and Orange Energies for energy inclusion.
A commitment rooted in the realities of Africa and the Middle East
Throughout the report, OMEA’s role as a key player in regional transformation is reflected in a clear and committed vision: a development model that combines economic performance with social responsibility. In the 17 countries where the Group operates, Orange works closely with local realities to meet the specific needs of each territory.
Driven by its 18,000 employees, this shared ambition is embodied in the company’s operations and in the #OrangeEngageforChange program, which rallies employees around high-impact, socially driven projects. This culture of impact is also reflected in the millions of opportunities made available to youth, women, and entrepreneurs through free inclusion initiatives like the Orange Digital Centers, which have already trained and supported 1.2 million people. The company’s commitment also translates into concrete actions in health, culture, ecosystem preservation, and community resilience.
Yasser Shaker, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, comments: “Cultivating impact means anchoring our mission in people’s daily lives by turning our commitments into meaningful, lasting actions. In 2025 we will continue, together, to accelerate this positive transformation to build a fairer, more inclusive, and more resilient future.”
Asma Ennaifer, Executive Director, CSR, Orange Digital Center and Communications for Orange Middle East and Africa, concludes: “Our responsibility is to act in a way that is concrete, measurable, and aligned with local challenges. Every action we take only matters if it brings tangible progress for women, youth, entrepreneurs, and the communities we serve.”
To discover and download Orange Middle East and Africa’s 2024 CSR report: Rapport RSE OMEA 2024 – EN (https://apo-opa.co/4lGtGzz)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.
Orange Afrique et Moyen-Orient (OMEA) (www.Orange.com) dévoile son rapport de responsabilité sociétale d’entreprise 2024. Intitulé « Cultiver l’impact », ce rapport illustre l’engagement d’Orange en faveur d’une transformation durable, inclusive et ancrée dans les réalités des 17 pays dans lesquels la marque est présente.
Une transformation qui s’incarne dans les usages, les compétences et les territoires
Le rapport s’inscrit dans une période charnière pour l’Afrique et le Moyen-Orient, à la croisée des transitions numérique, énergétique, économique et financière, sources de mutations progressives et profondes de la société. Une ligne directrice se dégage clairement : celle d’un numérique à visage humain. Elle se matérialise dans les usages du quotidien, avec pour socle l’accès à des infrastructures numériques résilientes, optimisées et sobres en carbone et un engagement fort en matière d’économie circulaire, à travers la récupération, le reconditionnement et le recyclage des équipements du réseau et des terminaux mobiles, permettant à des millions de personnes de vivre pleinement l’ère du digital, et cela même dans les zones les plus reculées. Cette transformation est amplifiée par des solutions telles que Max it, la super-application d’OMEA, levier d’inclusion inédit, Orange Money et Orange Bank Africa pour l’inclusion financière et Orange Energies pour l’inclusion énergétique.
Un engagement au cœur des réalités de l’Afrique et du Moyen-Orient
Au fil des pages du rapport, le rôle d’OMEA en tant qu’acteur clé de la transformation est présenté à travers une vision claire et assumée : celle d’un modèle de développement qui conjugue performance économique et responsabilité sociétale. Dans les 17 pays où le groupe est implanté, Orange agit au plus près des réalités locales pour répondre aux besoins spécifiques de chaque territoire.
Portée par ses 18 000 collaborateurs, cette ambition collective s’affirme à travers les activités opérationnelles de l’entreprise et le programme #OrangeEngageforChange, qui mobilise les salariés autour de projets concrets à fort impact sociétal. La culture de l’impact se reflète par ailleurs à travers les millions d’opportunités pour les jeunes, les femmes et les entrepreneurs, auxquelles donnent accès des initiatives gratuites d’inclusion telles que les Orange Digital Centers, qui ont à ce jour formés et accompagnées 1,2 million de personnes. L’engagement de l’entreprise se traduit enfin dans des actions concrètes pour la santé, la culture, la préservation des écosystèmes et la résilience des communautés dont elle partage le quotidien.
Yasser Shaker, Directeur général d’Orange Afrique et Moyen-Orient, commente : « Cultiver l’impact, c’est ancrer notre mission dans le quotidien des populations en traduisant nos engagements en actions utiles et durables. Nous continuerons en 2025 à accélérer cette transformation positive, pour bâtir ensemble un avenir plus juste, inclusif et résilient. »
Asma Ennaifer, Directrice Exécutive RSE, Orange Digital Center et Communication d’Orange Afrique et Moyen-Orient, conclut : « Notre responsabilité, c’est d’agir de manière concrète, mesurable et alignée sur les enjeux locaux. Chaque action que nous menons n’a de sens que si elle permet un progrès tangible pour les femmes, les jeunes, les entrepreneurs et l’ensemble des communautés que nous accompagnons. »
Pour découvrir et télécharger le rapport RSE 2024 d’Orange Afrique et Moyen-Orient : Rapport RSE OMEA 2024 – FR (https://apo-opa.co/3GuzRrn)
Distribué par APO Group pour Orange Middle East and Africa.
À propos d’Orange Afrique et Moyen-Orient (OMEA) :
Orange est présent dans 18 pays en Afrique et au Moyen Orient et compte plus de 161 millions de clients au 31 décembre 2024. Avec 7,7 milliards d’euros de chiffre d’affaires en 2024, Orange MEA est la première zone de croissance du groupe Orange. Orange Money, son offre de transfert d’argent et de services financiers, est disponible dans 17 pays et compte plus de 100 millions de clients. Orange, opérateur multi-services, partenaire de référence de la transformation digitale apporte son expertise pour accompagner le développement de nouveaux services digitaux en Afrique et au Moyen-Orient.
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) et le Programme des Nations unies pour les établissements humains (ONU-Habitat) ont signé le 1er juillet 2025 en marge de la quatrième Conférence internationale sur le financement du développement (FfD4) à Séville, en Espagne, un protocole d’accord visant à renforcer leur collaboration et à accélérer les actions en faveur de la transformation urbaine durable à travers le continent.
Dans le cadre de cet accord, les deux organisations développeront conjointement des plans d’action combinant l’assistance technique, le soutien politique, le renforcement des capacités et le partage de connaissances pour les gouvernements locaux dans quatre domaines clés : la gouvernance urbaine, le logement, les finances municipales et le développement des infrastructures.
Ce protocole d’accord renouvelle un accord de collaboration signé en 2006 par les deux institutions dans le secteur de l’eau et de l’assainissement.
La Banque africaine de développement et ONU-Habitat prévoient également de coordonner leurs efforts pour exploiter les principales plateformes régionales et mondiales afin de mobiliser des ressources pour le développement urbain en Afrique, notamment le Forum urbain mondial et l’Africa Investment Forum.
« Je suis convaincu qu’il existe des moyens d’utiliser les marchés financiers pour améliorer considérablement le développement des villes, a déclaré Akinwumi Adesina, président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement. Je suis ravi que la Banque et ONU-Habitat s’associent pour le développement des villes ; je suis très enthousiaste à propos de ce partenariat. »
« Les villes sont le moteur de la croissance, et nous devons mobiliser davantage de capitaux privés pour leur développement, ce qui nécessitera une approche différente des capitaux publics traditionnels », a-t-il ajouté.
« L’urbanisation en Afrique peut être, soit un moteur de prospérité, soit un facteur d’aggravation de la pauvreté et de l’exclusion. Grâce à cette collaboration renouvelée avec la Banque africaine de développement, nous souhaitons aider les villes à devenir des moteurs de résilience, d’équité et d’action climatique, en ne laissant personne de côté », a déclaré, la directrice exécutive d’ONU-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach.
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement a considérablement élargi son portefeuille urbain ces dernières années, notamment par la création d’une division dédiée au développement urbain et du Fonds de développement urbain et municipal, afin d’aider les villes africaines à fournir des solutions urbaines transformatrices et résilientes sur le plan climatique. Plus récemment, ONU-Habitat et la Banque ont signé un accord de service pour la préparation du Plan directeur de l’EcoCity d’Eswatini, dans le cadre d’une initiative urbaine et agricole intégrée visant à fournir des logements durables et à créer des opportunités économiques pour plus de 100 000 personnes en Eswatini.
La croissance et l’urbanisation rapides de l’Afrique — la population du continent devrait atteindre 2,4 milliards d’habitants d’ici 2050 — présentent à la fois des opportunités et des défis. Avec plus de la moitié des citadins vivant dans des quartiers informels, dépourvus de services de base, de logements adéquats et d’infrastructures résilientes au climat, les collectivités locales sont soumises à une pression croissante. Grâce à ce partenariat renouvelé, la Banque africaine de développement et ONU-Habitat unissent leurs forces pour aider les villes à relever ces défis et à exploiter la croissance urbaine comme moteur du développement durable.
Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Banque africaine de développement
Olufemi Terry
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures media@afdb.org
À propos d’ONU-Habitat :
ONU-Habitat est l’entité des Nations unies qui œuvre pour une urbanisation durable. Avec des programmes dans plus de 90 pays, elle aide les décideurs politiques et les communautés à créer des villes et agglomérations durables sur le plan social et environnemental. ONU-Habitat encourage les changements transformateurs dans les zones urbaines grâce à des connaissances, à des conseils en matière politique, à une assistance technique et à des actions concertées. Pour en savoir plus, visitez le site https://UNHabitat.org/ ou suivez-nous sur les médias sociaux @ UNHABITAT.
As the Third Technical Meeting of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) draws to a close, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Steve Letsike has called for G20 members to transform commitments into lasting action.
Delivering closing remarks on Thursday, the Deputy Minister applauded the depth of deliberations held over the past days and called for greater accountability to drive tangible progress in the global pursuit of gender equality.
“This meeting has been a powerful space of shared purpose. We have engaged in thoughtful and sometimes difficult conversations, recognising that the path toward gender equality requires not only commitment, but concrete action and accountability.
“Through collective commitment and action, G20 members can make significant strides in promoting gender equality and achieving sustainable development,” Letsike said.
Framed around three interlinked priority areas – care economy, financial inclusion, and gender-based violence – the EWWG discussions drew attention to the complex and deeply rooted inequalities that continue to hinder the advancement of women and girls globally.
The Deputy Minister emphasised the economic and social significance of care work, both paid and unpaid, which is often overlooked, despite being “the backbone of our societies and economies”.
She highlighted the importance of elevating care work and ensuring decent wages and equitable conditions, underscoring that these are “not just gender issues but they are economic imperatives”.
On the issue of financial inclusion, Letsike welcomed the early outcomes under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, including a newly proposed action plan aimed at increasing access to financial tools and opportunities for women and girls.
“I am happy that we are beginning to see the tangibles that will emerge from the South African G20 Presidency. One of these is the action plan on financial inclusion, which starts to define the key strategic focus or pillars, action areas and initiatives that we could adopt as G20 members to drive financial inclusion.
“This action plan or framework will assist to ensure systemic reform, institutional accountability, and policy innovation grounded in lived realities and rigorous evidence,” the Deputy Minister said.
The meeting also took a firm stand on the global scourge of gender-based violence and femicide, calling for decisive action through prevention, protection and prosecution.
“No society can claim to be just or equal while women continue to live in fear, or worse, lose their lives simply because they are women.
“We reaffirmed the urgent need for prevention, protection and prosecution anchored in survivor-centred policies and a culture of zero tolerance,” Letsike stressed.
Policy briefs on the care economy and gender-based violence, along with global frameworks, such as the 5R [Recognise, Reduce, Redistribute, Represent and Reward unpaid and paid care work] and SIGI [Social Institutions and Gender Index], are expected to guide G20 members toward national policy development and implementation.
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to a G20 approach built on consensus and inclusive growth, adding that the knowledge products generated during this technical meeting would contribute to the legacy of the country’s Presidency.
“The South African G20 Presidency is committed to the principles of G20 based on consensus, which is a cornerstone of our collective efforts. Through open dialogue and collaboration, we have reaffirmed our shared vision of a more inclusive and accessible world,” she said.
Looking ahead, the Ministerial Declaration resulting from these engagements will be presented to the Ministers for adoption in October 2025.
The gathering brought together senior government officials, G20 partners, civil society, academics, and international organisations strengthening global momentum toward a more just and equitable world for women and girls.
The closed sessions that took place on Wednesday and continues today focused onthe global context of gender-based violence, emphasising the need for private sector engagement and legislation to protect women.
Key points included the criminalisation of certain behaviours, the creation of codes for daily access, and the importance of community-driven sustainability in health provisions.
The speakers also stressed the importance of international support, governance, and the need for a comprehensive approach to address gender-based violence effectively. – SAnews.gov.za
The North West Provincial Government has disputed claims regarding its budget expenditure for the 2024/25 financial year, after reports indicated that it would return R383 million to the National Treasury.
This is after an opposition party noted that while most provincial departments spent between 98% and 99% of their allocated budgets, which aligns with acceptable spending norms, the province’s underspending still amounts to a significant R383 million.
According to the party, this underspending includes considerable shortfalls in key departments.
The party has called on the North West Provincial Government to account for the R383 million in underspending for the 2024/25 financial year.
However, the provincial government confirmed that, according to the preliminary audit outcomes for 2024/25, 99.29% of its R54.2 billion budget was spent, which translates to a total expenditure of R53.9 billion.
“This is a much-improved performance compared to the previous financial year, with only two departments spending below a threshold of 95%.
“The under-expenditure of R383 million, which is made up of R176 million of the equitable share, will be retained by the province.”
The provincial government stated that the remaining amount, approximately R207 million, will roll over into the 2025/26 financial year.
“Already, National Treasury has approved R172 million, which will be re-appropriated through the November adjustment budget. These funds will be used for various infrastructure projects to address service delivery challenges and create various socio-economic opportunities for locals.
“Therefore, there is no R383 million which is going to be returned to National Treasury, as alleged by some in the mainstream and social media platforms.” – SAnews.gov.za
Esteemed Members of the Tipperary Peace Convention,
Distinguished Guests,
It is with deep humility and immense gratitude that I accept the Tipperary International Peace Award, not as a personal honor, but on behalf of the State of Qatar—its people, its principles, and its leadership. It is a recognition of what Qatar represents in the world today: a steady voice for peace, a defender of dialogue, and a nation that does not waver in the face of hardship.
To stand here in Ireland—a country whose peace was earned through reconciliation and moral courage—is profoundly meaningful. Your journey affirms what we in Qatar have always believed: peace is not given, it is built.
I am reminded of the late John Hume, who said: “The basis of peace and stability, in any society, has to be the fullest respect for the human rights of all its people.”
However, today, I speak to you not about my story, but the story of the proud people of Qatar.
I am often asked, What guides Qatar’s efforts, from Gaza to Afghanistan, from Lebanon to Ukraine, Some have claimed that Qatar does this for its own gain. This cannot be further from the truth.
Our work is not transactional; it is transformational. It is not a tactic; it is a national identity shaped by culture, driven by faith, enshrined in the constitution, and inspired by leadership.
His Highness the Amir is a model of leadership rare in today’s world. He does not simply govern—he feels, putting his heart and soul in every duty, from the needs of his citizens, to regional and international peace. He sees the people of the region, and innocent people around the world, as his own, grieves for every life lost, and envisions peace as his legacy.
Words cannot express my pride in His Highness. I had the honor to serve my country under his leadership for over ten years, and will be honored to do so for as long as I am able to. It is his wisdom, passion, and determination that I personally draw from the inspiration to propel me forward.
This award comes at a moment of great significance.
Just a week ago, our country came under direct missile attack, a direct result of recklessness concerning the peace and stability of our region. But even as our air defences were falling, our diplomats were doing theirs, securing a ceasefire by dawn. Most importantly, dawn broke with no lives lost and no human cost. That realization led to the choice of restraint rather than retaliation. At that difficult moment, while we were discussing with the Emir options of what our next move will be, he decided that as long as thankfully no lives were lost in the attack, none shall be lost. The choice was restraint. And I must be clear: Qatar chose restraint from a position of strength, not weakness, because we prioritized regional stability and the well-being of all in our region, over rhetoric and pity show of force.
And frankly speaking, we do not want to be among the countries who are in the club preaching something and doing something else. So we are trying to at least practice what we preach.
We have long warned of the dangers of regional spillover and of how the reckless behavior of Israel risked widening the conflict beyond repair. The price of ignoring those warnings is being paid not only in Gaza but across the region.
The ever-expanding conflicts in our world today have put to the test the ideals and principles that are supposed to secure international peace, the blatant violations of international law, and especially international humanitarian law that are ongoing, with very little accountability and complete impunity perpetrated by members of the United Nations are increasing every day. The erosion of trust in the international order and norms. Nowhere is it safe.
Nowhere is that tragedy more visible than in Gaza. The images from there are unbearable. The loss is unspeakable. Yet in the face of devastation, His Highness the Amir has remained unwavering in his commitment to the people of Gaza, whether it be through continuous aid, actively working towards peace, or defending their dignity in the international arena.
In the international arena, not only the people of Gaza, but we remain committed to freeing the remaining Israeli hostages despite the Israeli government’s apathy towards a peaceful outcome. A human life to us is sacred, regardless of political or any other identity.
Their suffering weighs heavily on our conscience and strengthens our resolve.
Even when provoked, even when attacked, we remain committed to peace—not as a slogan, but as a duty. Our armed forces protect our sovereignty with courage. Our diplomats build bridges in silence. And through it all, our people stand united.
As our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Shall I not tell you what is better than the rank of prayer, fasting, and charity? It is reconciling people.”
To the next generation—those watching from afar: do not believe that peace is naïve. It is harder than war. But it is worth every effort. It is stronger than cynicism and louder than violence.
On behalf of the people of Qatar, I thank the Tipperary Peace Convention for this recognition. And on their behalf, I accept it with humility and with renewed commitment—that Qatar will remain a voice of calm, a partner in peace, and a friend to all who believe that dialogue must triumph over destruction.
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $50 million Trade Finance Transaction Guarantee facility to support to trade finance activities of Awash Bank S.C. (Awash) (https://apo-opa.co/44ecHyL), in Ethiopia.
This facility will enable the Bank to provide a guarantee of up to 100 percent to confirming banks for the non-payment risk arising from the confirmation of Letters of Credit and similar trade finance instruments issued by Awash. The facility will provide much needed import trade finance requirements to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and local corporates in Ethiopia. It will also support intra-Africa trade, thus directly contributing to the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) (https://apo-opa.co/44J2Sc1) agenda.
Following the approval, African Development Bank Head of Trade Finance, Lamin Drammeh said: “Supporting Trade in Africa is a key priority at the African Development Bank. Trade finance is an important driver of economic growth and is critical for cross-border trade, particularly in emerging markets. We are delighted to work with Awash, a strong partner with extensive knowledge and network in Ethiopia, on a shared ambition to support the region’s Trade.”
Commenting on the approval, Tsehay Shiferaw, CEO of Awash Bank S.C., said: “The Trade Finance Transaction Guarantee facility approved to our bank by the African Development Bank will ease the burden of arranging cash collateral with banks, thereby improving our liquidity and enabling us to support more trade customers.” He added: “The facility will enhance our trade relationships with other International and African confirming banks.
Awash looks forward to further strengthening its partnership and benefiting more from the resources and extensive capabilities of the African Development Bank and its partners, Shiferaw said.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations Department
email: a.mpoke-bigg@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states.
