Author: scriptech

The ECA acting Executive Secretary, Mr. Antonio Pedro, noted that the African region is well represented in the new leadership team, and looks forward to partnering with IPCC on regional climate science and research issues

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, August 3, 2023/ — The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) welcomes the election of Jim Skea, of the of the United Kingdom, as the new Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The ECA also congratulates Prof. Skea and all the new members of the IPCC Bureau on their election. We note that this election marks the beginning of the 7th Assessment Cycle of the IPCC, which comes at a particularly critical juncture when the existential threat posed by climate change to our planet are starkly pronounced, especially for Africa where adverse climate change impacts are estimated to be costing the continent an average of 5% of GDP per year. At the same time, the challenges posed by climate change, together with the right support and partnerships, can be a growth opportunity for Africa, capitalizing on its abundant clean energy resources and transition minerals.The ECA acting Executive Secretary, Mr. Antonio Pedro, noted that the African region is well represented in the new leadership team, and looks forward to partnering with IPCC on regional climate science and research issues in the context of the 7th Assessment Report.  ECA notes that in their approval of the sixth cycle IPCC assessment synthesis report, many governments emphasized the need for alignment of the IPCC assessment cycle with the UNFCCC global stocktake. We therefore anticipate that the seventh assessment cycle scheduled for the next five to seven years starting July 2023, will focus on improving the implementation of the Paris Agreement to ensure achievement of the 1.5 degrees target of global climate policy, and that the seventh assessment report will feed into the second GST in 2028. In this regard, ECA notes that Africa remains the most vulnerable continent to the accelerating impacts of climate change, and that to address this situation, the continent requires greater and more consistent access to sustainable climate finance to build resilience and also to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals in the context of its Agenda 2063. ECA’s African Climate Policy Centre (ACPC) – in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), and with the support of partners such as the Embassy of Sweden in Ethiopia, the Africa Climate Foundation, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK-FCDO), the World Bank, the Nordic Development Fund, the NDC Hub and other partners – continues to support African member States with the implementation of enhanced NDCs and on policies that integrate climate resilience in development planning. On behalf of the Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources Management Division of ECA, Mr. Nassim Oulmane called on the IPCC’s new leadership team to ensure that its 7th Assessment Report produces outcomes that better inform efforts to shield the region’s economic development from the increasingly devastating climate extremes.ECA calls upon the incoming Chair of the IPCC to work with his bureau to advance the scientific basis of climate change policy, building upon the key findings of the 6th Assessment Report, specifically that: The pace and scale of climate action are insufficient to tackle climate change.Multiple, feasible, and effective options are available to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to human-caused climate change.Enabling conditions include finance, technology, capacity building, and international cooperation. The ECA recognizes that Africa’s contributions to the IPCC assessment reports continues to be marginal, due to low investments in research and development, limited access to scientific publication processes, and other capacity challenges. That is why, together with WMO, AUC, AfDB and the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) and in collaboration with the African Academy of Sciences(AAS), with initial funding support from the UK-FCDO, ECA operationalised the Climate for Development in Africa (CR4D) programme to enhance the quantity and quality of climate research from Africa feeding into the IPCC process (see https://www.uneca.org/cr4d).  We therefore look forward to supporting Africa’s contributions to the IPCC process and urge the IPCC Chair to urgently address these shortcomings to enhance the contributions of African scientists and policy analysts to global climate policy and governance, and thereby contribute to resilience building on the continent.  In this regard, ECA assures Prof. Skea of our continuing support towards achieving his priorities which he outlined to delegates at the IPCC elections, “…. I will pursue three priorities – improving inclusiveness and diversity; shielding scientific integrity and policy relevance of IPCC assessment reports; and making effective use of the best available science on climate change. My actions as the Chair of the IPCC will ensure that these ambitions are realized.”Finally, your term of office coincides with the implementation of the African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032) The successful implementation of this strategy, which will undergird the continent’s efforts towards building resilience over the next decade, will depend on the availability of relevant and accessible scientific information.  ECA will support the IPCC’s seventh assessment cycle to ensure it backstops this strategy as a contribution towards its successful implementation.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). SOURCE United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

#Africa #UN #PRTIMESAFRICA #CLIMATECHANGE #

JOINT PRESS RELEASE

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura to Receive the World Football Summit Lifetime Achievement Award

FIFA’s first female and non-European Secretary General, Fatma Samoura, will be concluding her role in December 2023

Access Multimedia Content

SEVILLE, Spain, August 3, 2023/ — The World Football Summit (WFS) (www.WorldFootballSummit.com), the biggest platform dedicated to the football industry, and APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, are proud to announce that FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural World Football Summit Lifetime Achievement Award. Samoura will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming World Football Summit event in Sevilla, Spain, scheduled for September 20-21. This recognition is in honor of her remarkable achievements and influence on the future of football, as well as her significant contributions to the global game through sustainable progress, innovative excellence, and societal impact.Before making history as FIFA’s first-ever African and female Secretary General, Senegal-born Fatma Samoura dedicated 21 years to United Nations projects. She will conclude (https://apo-opa.info/3Oo0sGu) her role in December 2023.This marks the very first time anyone will receive the World Football Summit Lifetime Achievement Award, and the award ceremony promises to be a truly remarkable occasion, celebrating Fatma Samoura’s exceptional contributions to football. Her work has enriched both the sport and society as a whole, highlighting the power of football as a catalyst for positive change.”Fatma Samoura has placed an enormous effort into shaping the future of the football industry we need. We have witnessed that first-hand at World Football Summit, where she has also been a reliable advisor. We could not think of a better person to receive our first WFS Lifetime Achievement Award, and we hope it will inspire other upcoming leaders to follow in Fatma’s footsteps,” said Jan Alessie, Co-Founder, and Director of World Football Summit.”The World Football Summit Lifetime Achievement Award will not only celebrate Fatma’s exceptional contributions to the football industry but also her role as a symbol of hope and empowerment for African women and girls. Her journey exemplifies the potential of African leaders to drive positive change on the global stage. She is an exceptional role model for Africa’s daughters and an inspiring global leader,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder, and Chairman of APO Group.More information about the World Football Summit (WFS): www.WorldFootballSummit.comThis is a joint press release by the World Football Summit (WFS) and APO Group. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group. Media contact: For APO Group: marie@apo-opa.comFor World Football Summit: press@worldfootballsummit.com About World Football Summit: World Football Summit www.WorldFootballSummit.com) is the premier platform connecting the football industry worldwide. Through conferences, events, and digital platforms, WFS provides opportunities for stakeholders to network, discuss trends, and collaborate to shape the future of football. Since its first event was held in 2016, WFS has brought together more than 90,000 stakeholders, 557 football clubs, and 3,000+ companies .About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. We assist private and public organisations in sharpening their reputation and increasing their brand equity in target countries across Africa. Our role as a trusted partner is to leverage the power of media and build bespoke strategies that enable organisations to produce a real, measurable impact in Africa and beyond. The trust and recognition granted to APO Group by global and multinational companies, governments, and NGOs inspires us to continuously enhance our value proposition within Africa to better cater to our clients’ needs. We have prestigious clients and are honoured to represent such entrenched brands: Facebook, Dangote Group, Nestlé, GE, FIFA, Canon, Coca-Cola, DHL, Marriott Group, Ecobank, Siemens, Standard Chartered, Orange, Jack Ma Foundation, African Development Bank, World Health Organization, Islamic Development Bank, Liquid Telecom, Rotary International, Kaspersky, Greenpeace, and more. Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland | Offices in Senegal, Dubai and Hong KongFor further information, please visit our website: https://www.APO-opa.com SOURCE APO Group

Bola Tinubu surfaced as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) on the 9^th of July, 2023. He took over the seat of power from the President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissoco.

In a statement made by the Chairman, he promised to bear the responsibility of the office and called for collective action of member states, and assured the countries that his leadership will bring harmony and actualize the dreams of ECOWAS. He also made mention of the issues affecting the region such as terrorism and insecurity and urged the countries of the region to work collectively to have an effective regional counterterrorism measure.

 As the President of Nigeria, he spoke confidently on making sure the Nigerian masses are going to be carried along in the whole reform process of the entire country. He stated that one of the ways he is going to achieve this is by letting the citizens in on the policies he laid down and is going to execute.

In a statement made by the President, he outlined the key sectors of the country that the following policies will be properly implemented. They are Security, Agriculture, Economy, Infrastructure, and Job Creation.

For the Security sector, the President said he is set to put the safety of the citizens at the top of the list in his administration and promised to invest more in security officials and not just increasing their numbers. He also talked about an increase in pay, firearms, and necessary equipment that will help the officers carry out their duties effectively.

 On the 21^st of June, 2023, Olukayode Egbetokun was appointed as the Acting Inspector General of Police, and on the 26^th of June, 2023, the President appointed Nuhu Ribadu as the new National Security Adviser.

Following these new appointments are also the Service Chiefs which are as follows:

Major General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defense Staff.

Major General Taoreed Lagbaja as the new Chief of Army Staff.

Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as the new Chief of Naval Staff.

Air Vice Marshall Hassan Abubakar as the Chief of Air Staff.

Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye as the Chief of Defense Intelligence.

On Agriculture, the President promised that there will be an increase in agricultural centers to increase production and reduce spoilage and waste. He also mentioned the livestock sector will be introduced to modern practices. He assured Nigerians that if all these are properly put in place, food shall be made plentiful and less cost. He also included the farmers and promised them huge earnings in their agricultural endeavors.

On Economy, the President stated that the main focus is to get a higher GDP growth and drastically reduce unemployment. To achieve this, he mentioned a few points like making electricity more accessible and affordable and encourage states to develop local sources as well, utilizing fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import deficiency, amongst others.

On Infrastructure, the President mentioned to continue crucial work by making sure there is progress towards networks of road, rail and ports.

Lastly on Job Creation, the President expressed his love for the youths and promised that his administration will open opportunities for them. He said he is set to fulfill his promise of one million jobs in the digital economy. He also mentioned collaborating with the National Assembly to fashion an Omnibus Jobs and Prosperity bill that will provide improved social services for the poor, elderly and anyone in need.

In recent times, we have witnessed the signing of the Student Loan Act,, the Electricity Act, Judicial Officers Law, and the  Data Protection Law.

With all these being implemented, we can only hope that this is the start of the Better Nigeria that is being hoped for by all.

Sam-Sedi Agbodesi Favour,

PR Times Africa TV

This exercise is part of a broader effort by the EU to accompany Zimbabwe in its shared goal of increasing trade and investment and to support local economic development
HARARE, Zimbabwe, July 18, 2023/ — The Delegation of the European Union in Zimbabwe in collaboration with EU Member States is embarking on an exercise to assess the interest of potential EU investors in the Zimbabwean market. This exercise will be conducted via an online survey (https://apo-opa.info/3Q1VHVM) and its results will be used to better support EU businesses operating in Zimbabwe through tailored dialogue on the investment climate with the Government. Speaking about the survey, H.E Jobst von Kirchmann, Ambassador of the European Union said, “Zimbabwe offers many opportunities for European investors to work alongside local investors to contribute towards an active and successful private sector.” This exercise is part of a broader effort by the EU to accompany Zimbabwe in its shared goal of increasing trade and investment and to support local economic development.

All European firms operating in Zimbabwe, or potential investors in the country, are encouraged to participate by completing a 5-minute survey online (https://apo-opa.info/3Q1VHVM) available on the website of the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe, as well as on our social media by 30 September 2023.

By “European,” we consider any firm that has European shareholding, capital, registration, Headquarters, trade (imports or exports). Geographically, firms from the EU 27 Member States are covered. All answers will be handled discretely and in line with the existing EU data protection rules and regulations and only presented at an aggregated level (as a whole, not mentioning individual companies) and will not be shared with third parties.

Participants, who need further information or would like to add input not covered by the survey, are free to contact Ms Ines Escudero (Ines.ESCUDERO@ec.europa.eu), who is coordinating this project on behalf of the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe.

The EU has a long history of supporting Zimbabwean trade, which includes preferential trade access to the markets of 27 countries of the European Union in a duty-free and quota-free manner, since May 2012. The European Union is a noteworthy trading partner of Zimbabwe as it is the number one destination for Zimbabwe’s horticultural exports (42% of Zimbabwe’s horticulture exports were destined to the EU market in 2021). The EU sells machinery and chemical inputs to Zimbabwe that support local industry by encouraging greater efficiencies largely in the agro-processing, transport and leather processing sectors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Zimbabwe.
SOURCE
Delegation of the European Union to Zimbabwe

The scope of the revised Child Policy is predicated on a number of core factors issues in relation to the rights of children in West Africa, including the problems of multi-dimensional child poverty
BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau, July 17, 2023/ — The ECOWAS Commission under the directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs organized a two 2-day Online Evaluation Meeting on implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy with the Directors Responsible for Child Protection from Member States, 12th to 13th July 2023. The considered the validation of the draft ECOWAS Child Rights Information Systems (ECRIMS), assessment of levels of implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy by Member States, building the capacities of Member States Directors in charge of Child Rights on implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy and related child rights instruments and facilitation of the determination of key priorities and formulation of plans by Member States in advancing the rights of the Child in West Africa.

The scope of the revised Child Policy is predicated on a number of core factors issues in relation to the rights of children in West Africa, including the problems of multi-dimensional child poverty
BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau, July 17, 2023/ — The ECOWAS Commission under the directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs organized a two 2-day Online Evaluation Meeting on implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy with the Directors Responsible for Child Protection from Member States, 12th to 13th July 2023. The considered the validation of the draft ECOWAS Child Rights Information Systems (ECRIMS), assessment of levels of implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy by Member States, building the capacities of Member States Directors in charge of Child Rights on implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy and related child rights instruments and facilitation of the determination of key priorities and formulation of plans by Member States in advancing the rights of the Child in West Africa.

At the Opening Ceremony, the ECOWAS Director for Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, recalled the adoption of the initiail ECOWAS Child Policy in 2008 and the revised policy 2019 to 2023. The scope of the revised Child Policy is predicated on a number of core factors issues in relation to the rights of children in West Africa, including the problems of multi-dimensional child poverty, the Impact of climate change, natural disasters and environmental hazards on children; crises, conflicts and children in emergencies; gender inequalities affecting children and other cross-cutting vulnerabilities and issues. The Policy also encompasses the situation of children in the region with special needs and vulnerabilities that need to be addressed include those with disabilities, those affected by HIV/AIDS, children on the move including forcibly displaced children, and children in contact with the law. The Director called on all participants to actively participate in the meeting and recommit the collective vision for the welfare all children. The Representative of the Child Development Department , Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in Nigeria, Mrs Mariam Shaibu in her opening address stated that the meeting was timely and congratulated ECOWAS for its various initiatives dovoted to improving the rights of the child.

The Meeting featured the presentation of the Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2019-2030, the draft ECOWAS Child Rights Information Management System( ECRIMS), the Template for reporting on Implementation of Child Policy by Member States and other initiatives and activities on Child Rights by the ECOWAS Commission. Member States also presented the status of implementation of the ECOWAS Child Policy in thier countries and highlighted key areas of priority for the future.

In her Closing Remarks, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, represented by Mr. Olatunde Olayemi thanked the participants for the keen insights brought to the fore in the meeting and the commitment of the Member States, including in thier agreement to submit all Country Reports for 2023 and continued collaboration in the establishment of the ECRIMS.

Participants at the workshop, in addition Officers from the ECOWAS Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs and Member States Directors responsible for Child Rights, included a number of member organizations of the the Regional Working Group on Child Protection (RWGP), namely : UNICEF, MAEJT,SSI-AO,SOS Village d’enfants.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
SOURCE
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)