Kampala (Agenzia Fides) – Ugandan authorities have identified one of the two people killed this morning, June 3, in the failed attack near the Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs in Munyonyo.Security forces have published a photograph of a young woman, without revealing her name, stating that she is one of the two suspected terrorists intercepted aboard a motorcycle by an anti-terrorist unit, who died in the explosion of the device they were transporting. According to Ugandan police, the young woman is believed to be the daughter of the suicide bomber who blew himself up at the Kampala Central Police Station (CPS) during the series of coordinated terrorist attacks in November 2021 (see Fides, 17/11/2021), also carried out by suicide bombers arriving on motorcycles.The attacks were later claimed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a jihadist group affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS). Intelligence officials claim that the young woman was wearing an explosive vest and was trying to access the basilica before being intercepted by UPDF anti-terrorism officers. “After being hit, the explosive vests detonated,” a security source reports. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 3/6/2025)
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The number of people who have fled Sudan since the beginning of its civil war in 2023 has surpassed four million, U.N. refugee agency officials said on Tuesday, adding that many survivors faced inadequate shelter due to funding shortages.
“Now in its third year, the 4 million people is a devastating milestone in what is the world’s most damaging displacement crisis at the moment,” U.N. refugee agency spokesperson Eujin Byun told a Geneva press briefing.
“If the conflict continues in Sudan, thousands more people, we expect thousands more people will continue to flee, putting regional and global stability at stake,” she said.
Sudan, which erupted in violence in April 2023, shares borders with seven countries: Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Central African Republic and Libya.
More than 800,000 of the refugees have arrived in Chad, where their shelter conditions are dire due to funding shortages, with only 14% of funding appeals met, UNHCR’s Dossou Patrice Ahouansou told the same briefing.
“This is an unprecedented crisis that we are facing. This is a crisis of humanity. This is a crisis of … protection based on the violence that refugees are reporting,” he said.
Many of those fleeing reported surviving terror and violence, he added, describing meeting a seven-year-old girl in Chad who was hurt in an attack on her home in Sudan’s Zamzam displacement camp that killed her father and two brothers and had to have her leg amputated during her escape. Her mother had been killed in an earlier attack, he said.
Other refugees told stories of armed groups taking their horses and donkeys and forcing adults to draw their own family members by cart as they fled, he said.
An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde concluded three-day visit to Liberia on Monday, reinforcing India’s global campaign against terrorism and strengthening bilateral ties with the West African nation.
The delegation held meetings with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The delegation conveyed appreciation for President Boakai’s statement of condolence and condemnation addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. They also acknowledged Liberia’s upcoming tenure as non-permanent member of UNSC for the term 2026-27 and its role from the platform in advancing the fight against terrorism.
The Liberian leadership, in turn, reaffirmed its support for India’s principled response through “Operation Sindoor”, and emphasised the need for unified international efforts to combat terrorism.
In his address to the Liberian Senate, first time by any Indian MP, Shinde spoke about India’s firm stand against cross-border terrorism and underlined the need for international solidarity in confronting the global menace.
The delegation also met Liberian parliamentarians, think tanks, and members of the local media. The Liberian parliamentarians observed a moment of silence in memory of the Pahalgam terror attack victims.
According to the Indian Embassy in Liberia, “The visit not only reflected the enduring friendship between India and Liberia, but also highlighted the two nations’ shared, unwavering stance against terrorism.”
The Liberia visit concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to work together in building a peaceful, secure, and terror-free world.
Apart from Shinde, the delegation included Bansuri Swaraj, Atul Garg, Manan Kumar Mishra, Sasmit Patra, E.T. Mohammed Basheer, S.S. Ahluwalia, and former Ambassador Sujan Chinoy.
An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule called on League of Arab States Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit on Tuesday, underscoring India’s unified stance and collective determination to combat terrorism.
The leaders stressed that countering terrorism is a priority for both the Arab League and India. The discussions focused on India’s wide-ranging political, economic, and cultural engagement with the Arab States.
The delegation also had an engaging interaction with the vibrant Indian community in Egypt.
“The community welcomed the visit of the delegation and the message carried by them to combat terrorism,” said the Indian Embassy in Cairo.
On Monday, the delegation was briefed by Indian Ambassador to Egypt Suresh Reddy on the India-Egypt Strategic Partnership, Egypt’s strong stance against terrorism, solidarity with India after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, and the close bilateral collaboration on counter-terrorism.
Later, the delegation had a fruitful engagement at the Egyptian Senate House with Senator Hossam Al-Khouly of Mostaqbal Watan Party and MP Hazem Omar, including the Chairpersons and members of other Parliamentary Committees.
The Senate reaffirmed solidarity with India and reiterated the importance attached to the close strategic partnership between India and Egypt.
This was followed by productive discussions with Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman MP Karim Darwish and other distinguished members of the Egyptian House of Representatives.
The Indian parliamentarians also had insightful discussions with key interlocutors in Egypt, including former Ministers, distinguished authors and thought leaders. The discussions facilitated an enhanced understanding and appreciation of India’s commitment to economic growth, equitable development, and zero tolerance to terrorism.
The delegation also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the Al-Horreya Park in Zamalek, Cairo.
The delegation, a part of India’s diplomatic outreach on Operation Sindoor and carrying forth India’s strong message on zero-tolerance against terrorism, reached Egypt after concluding a successful visit to Ethiopia, South Africa, and Qatar.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
ACCRA, Ghana, June 3, 2025/APO Group/ —
Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, outlined a five-pillar strategy for the country’s mining industry at the Mining in Motion 2025 summit. The strategy is aimed at reforming the sector while empowering artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) initiatives.
In a presentation during the opening of the summit, Minister Buah underscored how the strategy is designed to address illegal mining, which has significantly impacted the environment. Illegal mining occupies over 16% of the nation’s forests, degrading more than 5,500 hectares. As such, the strategy seeks to address this issue by enhancing ASGM developments. ASGM operations have grown to account for 52.1% of Ghana’s total gold exports in 2025, and the strategy aims to further optimize the industry’s expansion.
“Of the $4 billion in goods shipped from Ghana in Q1, 2025, 52.1% is from artisanal and small-scale miners – hence the need to ensure that mining is done in a sustainable manner,” stated Minister Buah.
The first pillar of the strategy focuses on reforming the licensing regime. According to Minister Buah, the Ministry is currently overhauling the existing Minerals and Mining Act to attract new investments and bring in fresh ASGM players. This includes reviewing and restructuring licenses to ensure they align with Ghana’s national development agenda.
“The strategy came into implementation four months ago and we want to ensure we do mining right,” stated Minister Buah.
The second pillar centers on enhancing law enforcement. The Ministry is collaborating with various government agencies to intensify the arrest and prosecution of those engaged in illegal mining. This includes the creation of an independent Anti-Illegal Mining Military Task Force and the reorganization of security operations at both district and community levels.
Environmental restoration is also a key priority. Under the third pillar, the Ministry has reclaimed eight out of nine forest reserves previously designated as red zones for illegal mining within just four months. Reforestation programs are now underway to restore these degraded areas and ensure long-term environmental sustainability.
The fourth pillar emphasizes stakeholder engagement and public education. The Ministry is working closely with traditional authorities, lawmakers, civil society organizations and the general public to promote sustainable practices and encourage collective responsibility in preserving Ghana’s natural resources.
“Lack of jobs and skills has been the main cause of illegal mining and we are dealing with this directly by diversifying employment. We want to create over 150,000 new jobs,” stated Minister Buah.
The fifth pillar aims to provide alternative livelihoods and job opportunities, especially for youth and individuals previously involved in illegal mining. Through programs such as the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Program for Illegal Miners; the 1 Million Coders Program; and initiatives by the Youth Employment Agency, the government is offering skills training and employment placement. These efforts are designed to reduce reliance on illegal mining and diversify economic opportunities across the country.
The pillars will be achieved through various strategies such as the Ghana Gold Board, the Minerals Development Fund, the Minerals Income Investment Fund, Geofencing of Excavators, the Investment in Geological Investigations of Mineralized Areas, Small-Scale Mining Cooperatives, the Blue Water Initiative, the Tree for Life Initiative and the Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat.
Organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative – led by Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of Ghana’s Ashanti Kingdom – in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, World Bank, and the World Gold Council, with the support of Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the summit offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry leaders.
President Van der Bellen, thank you for your leadership.
And my thanks to Arnold Schwarzenegger.
It is fitting that the world’s one and only Terminator is focussing our attention on terminating pollution – continuing his history of political leadership and action.
Unfortunately, our world looks less like an action hero movie and increasingly more like a horror show.
We face a triple-whammy of woe:
Pollution clogging rivers, contaminating land, and poisoning our ocean;
Biodiversity destroyed at record pace;
And record levels of greenhouse gases catastrophically disrupting our climate.
We salute the real-life heroes on the front-lines when these crises strike:
The firefighters taking-on infernos…
The rescuers saving lives as floods sweep communities…
And the United Nations staff providing food, shelter, and care when crops fail, hurricanes hit, or people are forced from their homes.
No country – whether rich or poor – can escape these crises.
And no country can solve them alone.
But together, we can reap the rewards of action – from cheap, secure power, to better health.
The science is on our side. The economics are behind us.
Almost everywhere, solar and wind are the cheapest source of new electricity.
The world now invests almost twice as much in clean energy as it does in fossil fuels.
An energy revolution is underway across the globe.
We must unite for action to accelerate it, and drive down global emissions:
With new national climate plans from countries this year and new transition plans from business.
These must align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius – to avoid the worst of climate change.
We must unite in action to drive finance to developing countries so they can make the leap to renewables, adapt to our changing climate, and respond to disasters.
And we must unite in action to end biodiversity loss and pollution.
Particularly, countries must agree a new global treaty this year to end plastic pollution.
Friends,
United in action we can terminate pollution and protect people and planet.
Niger’s authorities should immediately release civil society activist and human rights defender Moussa Tchangari and stop using terrorism-related charges to silence dissent, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), in the framework of the Observatory for the protection of human rights defenders, said today.
On 3 December 2024, men claiming to be policemen arrested Moussa Tchangari at his home in Niamey, Niger’s capital. On 3 January 2025, the Niamey High Court charged him with several serious offences, including “criminal conspiracy in connection with a terrorist enterprise,” “undermining national defence,” and “plotting against the authority of the state through intelligence with enemy powers.” If convicted of plotting with enemy powers, he could face the death penalty.
We urge the authorities to immediately release Moussa Tchangari and drop all charges.
Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa
On the same day, Tchangari was remanded to Filingué prison, 170 kilometres from Niamey, where he remains arbitrarily held in pre-trial detention. Since then, he has not been interviewed on the merits of the charges against him before a judge.
“Moussa Tchangari is being detained solely for the exercise of his human rights. We urge the authorities to immediately release him and drop all charges. We are deeply concerned about the use of charges like these to silence critics of the government,” said Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa.
Three weeks before his arrest, on 12 November 2024, Tchangari criticized on social media the decision of Niger’s interior minister to revoke the licenses of two humanitarian nongovernmental organizations. He also criticized the establishment of a terrorism database, a move that further undermines the human rights of the people of Niger. Moussa Tchangari risks being stripped of his Nigerien nationality on terrorism charges, based on an August 2024 ordinance establishing a database for individuals and groups associated with terrorism and national defence offences.
Under Niger’s penal code, terrorism-related charges can result in up to four years’ non-renewable preventive detention. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, FIDH and OMCT have examined the charges and can confirm that none of them relate to internationally recognisable offences as each relates to the legitimate exercise of the right to freedom of expression.
“Tchangari’s arrest is part of a wider trend of repression by the Nigerien authorities, who target and subject to constant judicial harassment all those who publicly criticize them, with the aim of silencing them,” said Drissa Traoré, Secretary general of FIDH.
“His arrest and subsequent detention send a chilling message to anyone who may dare to criticize Niger’s regime slide towards autocracy,” said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch.
“Tchangari’s arrest is a grave mistake and counterproductive. For decades, he has embodied the Nigerien people’s call for democracy, security, resource sovereignty, and independence. Any government that respects the peoples’ will must release him”, said Isidore Ngueuleu, Head of the Africa Regional Desk at OMCT.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
KAMPALA, June 3 (Xinhua) — Ugandan troops said on Tuesday they killed two suspected terrorists carrying explosive devices in the country’s capital.
Army spokesman Chris Magezi told Xinhua by telephone that the bomb exploded while two suspects were being detained.
“One of the suspects was actually a suicide bomber, a woman,” said K. Magezi, adding that the suspects were riding a motorcycle in Munyonyo, a suburb of Kampala. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CAIRO, June 3 (Xinhua) — Egypt’s New Urban Communities Authority and a Chinese-Egyptian joint venture have signed an agreement on the comprehensive operation and maintenance of the Central Business District (CBD) in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital.
Under the agreement, Horizon Operations Management /Egypt/ will be responsible for the implementation of the project in the CBD, initially focusing on property management and municipal administration.
According to a statement from the Egyptian cabinet, during preliminary talks on the signing, Egyptian Housing Minister Sherif El-Sherbini said the agreement covers the maintenance and management of important facilities, as well as the provision of comprehensive urban services to residents, tourists and businesses in the CBD.
Sh. El-Sherbini stressed that this step represents a significant change in Egypt’s approach to managing public facilities – from traditional models to results-oriented management based on quality and sustainability.
Also present at the signing ceremony on Sunday were Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, China’s Vice Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Dong Jianguo and representatives of China State Construction Engineering Corporation, which oversaw the construction of the Central Business District.
Situated in the heart of the desert, about 50 km east of the capital Cairo, the Central Business District is one of the key projects jointly built by China and Egypt under the Belt and Road Initiative. The project includes 20 commercial and residential skyscrapers, as well as supporting municipal infrastructure, including the 385.8 m Iconic Tower, the tallest building in Africa. –0–
The 8th Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 (GPDRR2025) began with preparatory events on Monday, 2 June, ahead of the upcoming official programme with highlevel meetings from 4-6 June in Geneva, Switzerland. GPDRR 2025 is organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and hosted by the Government of Switzerland. Two parallel events took place on Monday: the Third Stakeholder Forum and the Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) MultiStakeholder Forum.
Third Stakeholder Forum
Opening
The Third Stakeholder Forum opened with statements by the Governments of Switzerland and Indonesia and senior UN leaders under the theme “United for Resilience.” Speakers highlighted progress on the Bali Agenda for Resilience, an outcome of the 7th Global Platform in 2022, and the opportunities for inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR).
Mirjam Macchi, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, appreciated stakeholders’ solidarity around the evacuation and assistance to the historic village of Blatten, destroyed last week by a glacial landslide 200 km from Geneva. She noted that even livestock were cared for-a powerful reminder that “resilience begins with local people” and inclusive solutions are more effective when those directly affected by disasters bring vital knowledge to action.
Achsanul Habib, Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the UN, reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to risk-informed policies and inclusive approaches. He encouraged all participants to use the Stakeholder Forum as “not only a platform to listen and share, but a platform to act together.”
The event also showcased the Sendai Framework Voluntary Commitments online platform (SFVC), where stakeholders can register their commitments, and users can identify areas of activity as well as gaps. Yuki Matsuoka, Head, UNDRR Office in Japan, noted that 729 individual organizations so far have registered their commitments.
Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organisation
Whole-of-society approach for the Sendai Framework on DRR: A collective responsibility
Sarah Wade-Apicella, UNDRR, moderated the session. On effective methods to implement inclusive DRR, Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability, underscored the need for people with disabilities to be involved early in co-development of disaster risk strategies, and for foresight processes to incorporate diverse voices. Major Hamad Sabah Al-Sawar, Director of Crisis and Disaster Management, Bahrain, described Bahrain’s communication platform providing diverse modes of information sharing in multiple languages, the use of a phone application, and a common hashtag used to mobilize public action.
On intersectional and intergenerational knowledge sharing, Tom Colley, HelpAge International, drew attention to the wide network of older people associations worldwide as opportunities to engage this age group in DRR. He noted these associations can also harness and serve as channels for bringing Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge into DRR strategies. Barrise Griffin, Disaster Risk Management Authority, The Bahamas, emphasized moving away from one-off, extractive approaches to information gathering, and instead facilitating ongoing dialogue. Josefina Miculax Sincal, Huairou Commission, called for frameworks and trainings to strengthen good practices at the community level.
A slide showing the numbers of internal displacement by hazard for 2015- 2024.
Participants then heard comments and questions from the floor on the role of national DRR platforms in community-level participation, engagement, and school programs for children; managing conflicts of interest; looking beyond immediate impacts of DRR; measuring the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement; shifting risk ownership to local communities to handle disasters; and securing resources.
Data and financing for disaster displacement as loss and damage
Steven Goldfinch, Asian Development Bank (ADB), moderated this session.
Christelle Cazabat, Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, explained that research into Hurricane Milton’s impacts in the US shows how people’s aspirations change when displacement stretches into the long term. She noted 2024 saw the highest number of people displaced in a single year globally (45.8 million), as well as the highest number of people continuing to live in displacement (9.8 million).
Noralene Uy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippines, noted that her country ensures children have access to child-friendly spaces during displacement, and that national protocols guide national and local assessments and reporting. Isoa Talemaibua, Ministry for Maritime and Rural Development, Fiji, highlighted Fiji’s risk assessment activities and stressed the value of financial tools such as green and blue bonds, and parametric insurance that enables rapid payouts based on environmental triggers.
Hoang Phuong Thao, ActionAid Vietnam, highlighted the organization’s work with marginalized and remote communities to use smartphones for receiving early warnings, as well as for reporting on local conditions, thereby informing the government’s trend analysis. Catalina Díaz Escobar, Corporación Antioquia Presente, emphasized that data collection itself is a political process and should be conducted in an ethical and respectful manner.
From Paris to Sendai: the fundamental connection of climate and DRR
Jamie Cummings, Sendai Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism, moderated the session. Animesh Kumar, UNDRR, underlined that risk is a common denominator across the Sendai Framework, Paris Agreement, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating that all these global frameworks share the goal of resilience. He encouraged the institutionalization of the agreements at the national level and highlighted the need to localize them. On technical assistance, he stressed that funding applications under the Santiago Network -a mechanism to support countries recovering from loss and damage due to climate change -should be designed to catalyze downstream impacts. Hisan Hassan, National Disaster Management Authority, Maldives, described his country’s focus on EW4All and slow-onset losses. Manon Robin, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, discussed integration of national adaptation plans and DRR strategies and emphasized, supported by Le-Anne Roper, UNDRR, the need to focus on coordinating actors on different aspects of climate resilience. Amber Fletcher, University of Regina, emphasized that slow-onset disaster management and funding are crucial for food producers, and stressed the significance of non-economic loss and damage.
View of the panel during the “From Paris to Sendai: the Fundamental Connection of Climate and DRR” event.
Innovative financing and private sector leadership in DRR
Camila Tapias, UNDRR ARISE Global Board Member, moderated the session. Manisha Gulati, ODI Global, noted that most funding goes toward emergency response after disasters occur. She highlighted that when the private sector invests in critical services, DRR becomes an outcome, not only a target.
Yezid Niño, Private Sector Liaison, UNDRR Americas, emphasized the relevance of understanding that DRR is part of the development of the countries and pointed toward the role of regulatory frameworks in involving the private sector in financing DRR. Terry Kinyua, Co-Chair of the ARISE Global Board, stressed that the resilience of communities amounts to the resilience of a country.
Through digital interaction, attendees identified cost-benefit analysis, data gaps, and trust as the major barriers to private sector investment in DRR. Among the actions leaders can take to accelerate investment in resilience, attendees mentioned political incentives, regulatory alignment, resilience as a national priority, and the involvement of local leaders.
View of the panel during the “Innovative Financing and Private Sector Leadership in DRR” event.
Implementation of climate and DRR gender action plans at the national level-Synergies and strategies
Mwanahamisi Singano, Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO), moderated this panel discussion unpacking synergies between the different Gender Action Plans (GAPs) under multiple conventions and frameworks, including the Sendai GAP. She noted the need to avoid duplication and ensure cost effectiveness.
Mary Picard, Humanitarian and Development Consulting, gave a keynote address describing the actions leading to the launch of the Sendai GAP in 2024. Panelists mentioned key lessons from their experiences with governments in implementing the GAPs, including the challenge of competing priorities and political preferences among different ministries when attempting to coordinate the different GAPs. Other interventions focused on holding governments and agencies accountable for implementing GAPs and enhancing communication among women’s networks, particularly those involved in DRR. Following interventions on regional mapping tools and GAP observatories that monitor implementation progress, Singano invited participants to provide inputs towards developing a universal DRR gender equality observatory.
Community-led action for resilience, building partnerships for inclusive action
Maité Rodríguez, Fundación Guatemala, moderated this session. The panel featured grassroot women leaders and related international organizations. Godavari Dange, Swayam Shikshan Prayog, a women-led organization of farmer-producers, highlighted women farmers’ work in drought preparedness to cultivate and stockpile animal fodder. She also highlighted technology training conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic for women to use online platforms. Norma Choc Botzoc, Community Practitioners’ Platform for Resilience in Guatemala, described grassroot women’s own development of risk and vulnerability assessments, which, she noted, are being used as tools for advocacy to local authorities to direct resources appropriately. Speakers from ADB and the Centre for Coordination of Disasters in Central America and the Dominican Republic (CEPREDENAC) affirmed the central importance of cooperation and co-design of programs for climate resilience and recovery after disasters.
Disaster preparedness and risk reduction in urban areas—Building back better
Ladeene Freimuth, The Freimuth Group, moderated the session. Guilherme Simões, National Secretary for Peripheries, Ministry of Cities, Brazil, outlined the Live Peripheries program, which provides access to better urban infrastructure, social services, and opportunities; and the Peripheries Without Risk strategy, a community-based risk reduction and climate adaptation plan.
Marcie Roth, World Institute on Disability, highlighted EWS as one of the best-proven and cost-effective methods for reducing disaster deaths and losses. She drew attention to “Infinite Access,” a communication platform designed to deliver emergency alerts in multiple accessible formats.
Mario Flores, Habitat for Humanity International, discussed the challenges and opportunities of urban environments, stressing the need to build better in the first place; to have risk-informed development; and to consider housing as a platform for a peoplecentered resilience approach.
Debbra Johnson, ARISE-US Network, addressed the report “Navigating the sustainability-resilience nexus,” which brings together the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and the DRR Sendai Framework.
Breaking the DRR financing silos: A systematic shift in DRR financing for localization of inclusive resilience
Camila Tapias, UNDRR ARISE Global Board Member, moderated the session. Noting that financial capital existed but is not reaching local levels, Tanjir Hossain, Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism, called for breaking down silos so funding is not sitting around while millions of people suffer. Steve Goldfinch, ADB, described the National Disaster Management Fund of Pakistan that finances projects with high economic benefits using a 70% – 30% funding model from provincial governments. He also highlighted the National Disaster Risk Management Fund of the Philippines that encourage local governments to invest in disaster response, relief, preparedness and risk reduction measures. Emma Haight, UNDRR Investor Advisory Board, described the adoption of a green sewer design, first developed in Washington DC, which proved so successful that the design was replicated in London, UK, Cape Town, South Africa, and Quito, Ecuador, highlighting its environmental and financial risk reduction, and over USD 200 million in cost savings. Michelle Chivunga, Global Policy House, discussed using artificial intelligence to shift DRR responses, optimize data utilization in local governments, track and mobilize funding, and to use digital capital during humanitarian crisis to make up for funding shortfalls. Sara Hoeflich, United Cities and Local Government, recommended investment in basic services such as water supply, street cleaning, and sewer solutions to ensure clean cities as an investment and risk mitigation measure. Marcos Concepción Raba, Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction, discussed effective localization.
Global Early Warning for All (EW4All) Multistakeholder Forum
Opening
Julien Thöni, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Switzerland, said timely early warning action should provide critical time to act and respond, and noted that innovation better predicts and reaches people faster. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), suggested key criteria for improving early warning systems (EWS), including that science must connect people; and systems and partnerships must include actors “outside the DRR tent,” especially those most at risk. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Head of UNDRR, said EWS should not be regarded as a once-off intervention. He said national ownership must be strengthened, and the concept of leaving no one behind should be embedded into all efforts. Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition, via video, suggested EWS is the most basic tool for saving and protecting lives, and called for high-level political support, a boost in technology access, and public and private finance at scale.
Fireside chat: The state of EWS
Johan Stander, WMO, drew attention to national ownership, stakeholder engagement, and the involvement of funding partners when investing in EW4All. Sujit Kumar Mohanty, Chief of Branch, UNDRR, emphasized co-design and co-ownership approaches to meaningfully engage stakeholders for successful EW4All.
Good practices: Stakeholder perspectives on EWS
Interventions during this panel session included: calls to integrate women and youth in all decisions focused on EWS; investing in women’s leadership, particularly those with disabilities; ensuring young people are equitably involved; reaching those living in remote rural areas and conflict zones; and leveraging the communication power of mobile networks through private-public partnerships.
UNDRR Disability Leaders gather at the end of the day.
Perspectives from across regions on EWS
Panelists in this session focused on: successful collaboration and EWS progress in Zimbabwe after the 2019 Cyclone Idai; institutionalization of the community-based approach to EWS in Barbados; main challenges to integrate scientific tools and remote sensing into EWS in Lebanon; integration of the private sector in EWS decision-making process in Makati, the Philippines; and the role of cross-border cooperation, knowledge sharing, and educating people for effective EWS in Poland.
Thematic Sessions
Four thematic sessions took place during the day. These were:
VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has officially launched the second year of its Anti-Scam Month, a global initiative run to spread crypto security awareness. In a world where scams have become as sophisticated as the technologies meant to prevent them, Bitget is taking a cultural stand: security is no longer just a backend function; it’s a mindset shared between platforms and people.
Blockchain and Web3 have evolved rapidly, but so have the threats. From phishing links disguised as giveaways to malicious smart contracts concealed behind social media hype, scams have become increasingly creative and less detectable. In 2024 alone, cryptocurrency-related scams resulted in losses exceeding $9.9 billion, representing a 24% annual growth since 2020, according to reports.
Despite Bitcoin reaching new all-time highs and crypto adoption accelerating, the darker corners of the space remain dangerous for the unprepared. This surge of crypto scams, fueled by AI-generated deception and advanced social engineering tactics, shows the urgent need for heightened security awareness and more proactive defenses across the crypto ecosystem.
Since 2024, Bitget has marked every June as Anti-Scam Month to raise security awareness and protect users’ digital assets and personal data. Throughout this June, Bitget is flipping the script, from fear to empowerment. Under the theme Smarter Eyes, Stronger Shields, Bitget’s Anti-Scam Month campaign combines gamified education, community storytelling, and high-engagement content to cultivate a culture of vigilance. The campaign features the launch of the Bitget Anti-Scam Hub, a dedicated microsite that houses interactive resources, the “PFP Smarter Glasses” social media movement, a multi-part Security Blog Series, and the “Smarter Eyes Challenge” mini game.
But this isn’t a solo mission. Bitget has teamed up with a growing network of security experts to amplify the message and build a safer blockchain future. Key collaborators in this initiative include top-tier security firms such as GoPlus, SlowMist, OneKey, BlockSec, and Security Alliance—leaders in identifying vulnerabilities, analyzing on-chain threats, and building protective infrastructure.
In parallel, the campaign is supported by strategic collaborations with other prominent Web3 players such as Bitget Wallet, Morph, and Tapswap. These platforms represent the wider ecosystem’s commitment to a safer Web3, ensuring that users across wallets, apps, and social experiences are empowered with knowledge and protected by design.
But this isn’t just about tools—it’s about trust. “Scams may adapt, but so will we,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “We’re building for a Web3 future where security isn’t something users hope for—it’s something they’re part of. Anti-Scam Month aligns with our belief that protecting users isn’t just a technical mandate, it’s a shared mission.”
In addition to user-focused engagement, Bitget will publish its 2025 Anti-Scam Report with partners, cybersecurity firm Slowmist, and compliance intelligence platform Elliptic, providing a data-driven examination of the evolving fraud landscape, common attack vectors, and how Bitget’s internal systems are being upgraded to address these threats effectively.
Anti-Scam Month signifies Bitget’s long-term commitment: safety is foundational to the future of cryptocurrency. And in the “dark forest” of Web3, awareness may be the strongest armor we have. The industry is growing, and it’s time our approach to security did too.
During its inaugural Anti-Scam campaign in 2024, Bitget released a report on how Deepfakes may account for 70% of crypto crimes in two years, in addition to running social campaigns in Vietnam to warn about crypto scams and risks. This year, as the cryptospace hits a new benchmark for scams and adoption at the same time, Bitget pledges to work with the global community and renowned security institutions to spread awareness and education.
To join the campaign, visit the Bitget Anti-Scam Hub here.
About Bitget
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YEMEN
This June we mark a grim milestone. It’s been one year since the arbitrary detention of dozens of personnel from the United Nations, national and international NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions, these detentions by the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen. The Secretary-General renews his call for their immediate and unconditional release, including those held since 2021 and 2023, and most recently, detentions in January.
He also reiterates his strongest condemnation of the death in detention of a World Food Programme colleague that took place earlier this year. The Houthi de facto authorities have yet to provide an explanation for this deplorable tragedy, and he renews his call for an immediate, transparent and thorough investigation and accountability. Mr. Guterres says he stands in solidarity with all detained colleagues in Yemen and their families and pays tribute to their essential work and their families’ perseverance.
We and our humanitarian partners should never be targeted, never be arrested and never be detained while carrying out our mandates for the benefit of the people we serve. The continued arbitrary detention of our colleagues is a profound injustice against those who dedicate their lives to providing life-saving assistance and support to the people of Yemen. It has placed additional constraints on our ability to operate effectively and undermined mediation processes to secure a path toward peace.
The Secretary-General urges the Houthis, yet again, to immediately release all those arbitrarily detained. Particularly on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, this is a time to show compassion. It is a time to end the ordeal of families who face celebrating yet another holiday without their loved ones. To our detained colleagues, the Secretary-General wants them to know that they are not forgotten.
We will continue to work through all possible channels to secure their safe and immediate release, and he calls upon Member States to continue expressing their solidarity with those detained and intensify advocacy for their release.
Finally, we welcome the collective support of international partners, NGOs and all those working to support the people of Yemen in these efforts.
SECRETARY-GENERAL/ GENERAL ASSEMBLY
This morning, the Secretary-General spoke at the General Assembly, where he congratulated Annalena Baerbock of Germany on her election as the President of the General Assembly for the 80th Session.
He said that President-elect Baerbock’s vision, “Better Together”, is an inspiring rallying cry for today’s world and the global problem-solving system embodied by the United Nations to address the challenges we face.
He told President-elect Baerbock that she can count on his full support as she takes on this important responsibility.
The Secretary-General also thanked the current President of the General Assembly, Philemon Yang, for his leadership during the 79th session – which still has some ways to go.
As we look ahead to the end of the 79th session, and prepare for the start of the 80th, the Secretary-General said, let us strive to live up to the values of solidarity and collaboration that have defined this organization from its very start.
DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, is currently in Marrakech, in Morocco, where she is attending the 2025 Ibrahim Governance Weekend, which is as you may know a high-level gathering of African political and business leaders, civil society, multilateral organizations, and international partners focused on financing for Africa’s development.
While in Marrakech, the Deputy Secretary-General is also meeting with senior Moroccan government officials and key stakeholders to discuss Africa’s development priorities, the acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), challenges to Middle Income Countries, and the implementation of the Pact for the Future.
Tomorrow, she will travel to Geneva to participate in the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025).
It is the main global forum for reviewing progress and sharing good practices in reducing disaster risk and building resilience.
Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=02%20June%202025
The Commission currently does not possess any information regarding the ‘63 George Soros-linked NGOs’ mentioned by the Honourable Member.
As for any funding awarded to entities, reference is being made to the publicly accessible Financial Transparency System (FTS)[1] where information is available on beneficiaries of funding from the EU budget implemented directly by the Commission and other EU bodies such as executive agencies.
The Commission received United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding as a contribution through external assigned revenues for the following projects:
— Under the European Development Fund, USD 7 million (EUR 6.52 million) in 2016-2017 for the project TZ/FED/2016/023-851, ‘EU Support programme to the South Agriculture Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) Initiative’;
— Under the EU General Budget, USD 9.5 million (EUR 8.5 million) in 2016, for the project ENERGY/2014/37651, ‘GPGC — Delivering access to modern, affordable and sustainable energy/renewable energy to 6 million people’.
In well-functioning democracies, transparent and accountable representation of interests is a fundamental and legitimate activity. Ensuring transparency about these activities and entities involved is essential for maintaining both EU citizens’ trust in the democratic process and decision-makers’ ability to exercise their responsibilities.
In 2023, the Commission introduced the Defence of Democracy package[2] which includes a legislative proposal designed to improve transparency and democratic accountability of interest representation activities on behalf of third countries seeking to influence policies, decision making and the democratic space. This proposal is currently under discussion by the co-legislators.
[1] https://ec.europa.eu/budget/financial-transparency-system/index.html ; the annual publications are based on Article 38 of the Financial Regulation (OJ L 2024/2509, 26.9.2024, p. 1-239), and in accordance with the third paragraph of the article, information on recipients is not disclosed in specific cases outlined therein.
On 2 April 2025 the United States (US) announced a 10% across-the-board additional tariff on most EU exports to the US as of 5 April, including on table olives from Greece, to be increased to 20% as of 9 April.
On 9 April 2025, the US, however, suspended the 20% additional tariff for a 90-day period, while keeping an additional 10% tariff in place. These additional 10% US tariffs also apply to US imports from Egypt, Türkiye, Morocco and other countries.
The EU adopted countermeasures against the US tariffs on steel and aluminium[1] but suspended those for 90 days[2] to allow sufficient space and time for negotiations towards a mutually satisfactory solution. Should these negotiations not be successful, the adopted countermeasures can automatically enter into force again.
Also, the EU continues preparatory work for possible further proportionate countermeasures in response to other additional US import tariffs.
The EU has at its disposal several instruments to address impacts on EU agricultural producers from situations of market disturbance.
The EU has successfully challenged at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) the countervailing duties imposed by the US on imports of ripe olives from Spain.
This is in the context of trade defence procedures. The US has not imposed any anti-dumping or countervailing duties on table olives from Greece and no specific challenge at the WTO against US tariffs on table olives from Greece is therefore envisaged at this stage.
[1] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/778 of 14 April 2025 on commercial rebalancing measures concerning certain products originating in the United States of America and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/886, OJ L, 2025/778, 14.4.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2025/778/oj.
[2] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/786 of 14 April 2025 suspending commercial rebalancing measures concerning certain products originating in the United States imposed by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/778 and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2882, OJ L, 2025/786, 14.4.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2025/786/oj.
In a historic moment ahead of World Environment Day, Greenpeace Africa, civil society groups, interfaith leaders, youth movements, and the Maasai community from Kajiado County have joined forces to urge the government of Kenya to support the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty — a bold, justice-centered global mechanism aimed at phasing out fossil fuels and accelerating a fair, financed transition to renewable energy.
At a press conference held today in Nairobi, stakeholders rallied behind the call for Kenya to join the bloc of 16 nations currently participating in discussions for the Treaty. The event follows the release of a joint press statement which highlights growing multi sectoral support within Kenya for a global commitment to phase out coal, oil and gas.
“Our African nations are bearing the brunt of a climate crisis they didn’t cause,” said Fred Njehu, Pan African Political Strategist at Greenpeace Africa. “Kenya has already shown climate leadership through its renewable energy goals — now is the time to go further. We need global mechanisms like the Fossil Fuel Treaty that support African nations with the finance, technology, and justice they deserve.”
In a landmark move, the Maasai community of Kajiado became the first Indigenous Peoples outside of Latin America to publicly back the Fossil Fuel Treaty, joining 11 Amazonian Indigenous nations. Their support underscores the growing momentum for a legally binding mechanism to end fossil fuel expansion and deliver a just energy transition.
“As the Maasai community, we have lived in harmony with nature for generations,” said Moses Ole Kipaliash, Maasai community leader and environmentalist. “But now, the rains are unpredictable, the land is drying up, and our livestock are perishing. We support the call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty because we want to protect our land and our future from further damage.”
The proposal for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is built on three pillars:
End new fossil fuel expansion everywhere,
Phase out existing fossil fuel production in a fair and equitable manner,
Enable a just transition that is financed and prioritizes vulnerable communities.
Support for the Treaty is growing globally, with 16 nation states, over 130 cities and local governments, including Lilongwe, Freetown, Dar es Salaam, and Lusaka, backing the initiative. It is also endorsed by over 600 parliamentarians, 4,000 organizations, including the World Health Organization, the European Parliament, and trade unions representing over 30 million workers.
“With its track record of climate leadership and a bold target of 100% renewable energy, Kenya is uniquely positioned to lead the continent,” said Prince Papa, Africa Campaigner for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. “Backing the Treaty would align with Kenya’s national ambitions, help unlock international finance and technology, and ensure Africa’s needs are prioritized in shaping this global solution.”
As the global movement builds momentum, Greenpeace Africa and its partners call on the Kenyan government to:
Publicly support and engage in Fossil Fuel Treaty discussions;
Halt new fossil fuel licenses and expansion projects;
Develop a national just transition plan with clear timelines, community protections, and investment in clean energy.
“This is not just about emissions; it’s about equity,” concluded Njehu. “We have a responsibility to ensure a liveable future, not just for Kenya, but for the whole world. The Fossil Fuel Treaty offers us a seat at the table to do exactly that.”
Two inspiring days of inclusive sport and achievement are set to take place in the district.
Winchester Personal Bests will take place in Winchester Sport & Leisure Park and the University of Winchester sports stadium on Thursday 4 September 2025.
The event, which was previously known as Paralympic Personal Bests, is for adults with a wide range of learning and physical disabilities. It offers them the opportunity to try accessible sports and challenge themselves while creating connections and having fun in a supportive environment.
Each participant will have an opportunity to try a range of different sports including squash, athletics, low level circuits, rugby, football, cricket, yoga and boxing, and they will receive a T-shirt, reusable water bottle, certificate and a medal for taking part.
Winchester Personal Bests is the first event of its kind to be officially recognised as Autism Friendly by the National Autistic Society.
Then on Thursday 30 October 2025, brand-new event Winchester Aqua Bests in Winchester Sport & Leisure Park will offer adults with learning disabilities an opportunity to take part in various inclusive and fully accessible water-based activities.
Betty Chadwick, Executive Director of Active LD, said: “We know how important being active is for people with learning disabilities. Taking part in regular physical activity builds confidence, grows social networks and supports good physical and mental health. Access to inclusive and enjoyable physical activity is absolutely key to having a happy, healthy life.
“We’re so excited about this year’s event, and that Personal Bests continues to grow. Aqua Bests has come about because of valued feedback from our past participants, and we can’t wait to witness the achievements in the pool.
“We’d like to send huge thanks to all the coaches, participants, volunteers and event management team for making these events happen.”
Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities Cllr Kathleen Becker said: “Personal Bests helps its participants to build lasting connections with different sports and their coaches, highlighting pathways to, and encouraging people with learning disabilities to engage in, regular physical activity.
“By championing them for taking part and doing their best, it also helps to build confidence, grow their social networks, and support their mental health. I’d encourage anyone thinking about signing up to join in and give it a go – you’ll have a great time!”
Alison Lewis, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “Winchester Sport & Leisure Park is proud to host the upcoming events, Personal Bests and Aqua Bests, reflecting our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessible sport. These events embody our dedication to providing meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities to participate, achieve, and thrive.”
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing over 8 million people a year globally.
In February 2025, WHO marked the 20th anniversary of its Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), providing a legal framework and comprehensive package of tobacco control measures. The WHO FCTC now has 182 Parties covering more than 90% of the world’s population.
In 2007, WHO introduced a practical, cost-effective initiative to scale up implementation to reduce tobacco use called MPOWER. Today, 5.6 billion people are covered by an MPOWER measure which includes: monitor tobacco use and prevention policies; protect people from tobacco use; offer help to quit tobacco use; warn about the dangers of tobacco; enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and raise taxes on tobacco.
MPOWER has helped to reduce global deaths from tobacco use and created a global partnership on tobacco control focused on supporting the highest burden countries in the world, with WHO recognized as a global leader.
Thanks to commitment and powerful action in countries, and with support from key donors, tobacco use is declining across all WHO regions. Here are some stories from across the WHO regions demonstrating the impact of WHO’s work in this area.
Tobacco free farms in Kenya and Zambia
Tobacco free farmer from Migori County, Kenya. Photo by: WHO
A record 349 million people are facing acute food insecurity globally. Food insecurity is further exasperated by tobacco production. Tobacco is grown in over 124 countries, taking up 3.2 million hectares of fertile land that could be used to grow food. Tobacco farmers often lack the confidence to shift away from tobacco due to market variability for alternative crops.
WHO, in collaboration with partners, launched the Tobacco-Free Farms initiative in 2021 in Kenya and 2023 in Zambia.
The initiative has supported over 8 600 farmers in Kenya and over 500 farmers in Zambia.
The initiative seeks to move smallholder farmers away from tobacco growth and into nutritious food crops, by creating an ecosystem which could improve household food security and income generation. It may simultaneously add value to farmers’ land through rehabilitation of climate smart and other good agricultural practices.
First ever WHO treaty marks 20 years of saving millions of lives worldwide
Since the entry into force of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and the MPOWER technical package that supports it, global tobacco use prevalence has dropped by one-third. The WHO FCTC has helped to save millions of lives through strengthened tobacco control measures around the world.
Up to 5.6 billion people are now covered by at least one tobacco control policy and studies have shown a decline in global smoking rates. 138 countries require large pictorial health warnings on cigarettes packages because of the Convention and dozens more countries have implemented plain packaging rules on cigarette packages. Both measures serve as powerful tools to reduce tobacco consumption and warn users about the dangers of tobacco use.
Over a quarter of the world’s population is now covered by smoke free policies which require bans in indoor and workspaces, saving millions of lives from the dangers of the second-hand smoke.
More than 66 countries have implemented bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship which include bans on tobacco advertising in the media and sponsorship deals.
In 2022, WHO trained 157 law enforcement officers and 15 national trainers from five districts in Uganda to raise awareness and help enforce the smoking ban in public places. Photo by: WHO
In 2007, Uganda signed the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a legally binding treaty that requires countries to implement evidence-based measures to reduce tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. In 2015, the country passed its Tobacco Control Act, which regulates tobacco products and their use, including in public places.
These dual interventions have delivered notable results. Between 2014 to 2022, Uganda saw a 51% drop in the prevalence of tobacco use.
WHO played a key role in supporting the Ugandan government’s efforts, building the capacity of tobacco control focal people in government entities since 2015.
Legal measures drive down rates of tobacco use in Mauritania
“Quitting smoking is the best decision I’ve ever made for my health and I’m very proud of it,” says Ifrah. “Giving up smoking is difficult, but not impossible. With willpower and determination, it can be done.” Photo by: WHO
In 2018, Mauritania introduced legislation in line with WHO recommendations stipulating that all tobacco products on sale in Mauritania must carry a health warning covering at least 70% of the surface area of both sides of the packaging.
These legal steps to introduce graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging are changing the status quo. The 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) shows that between 2012 and 2021, tobacco use in Mauritania has declined by 8%, from 18% to 10%. Nearly 25% of smokers in Mauritania first noticed health warnings on cigarette packages, while 14% of smokers thought about quitting because of warning labels.
With WHO support, Mauritania’s Health Ministry has provided tobacco control training to 15 regional governors. Mauritania is also implementing awareness campaigns around the dangers of tobacco consumption, a ban on smoking in public places, and the introduction of tobacco taxes.
Pan American Health Organization hosts regional workshop to implement effective tobacco tax policies
Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in Latin America, contributing to high rates of non-communicable diseases. Despite clear evidence that tobacco taxation is one of the most effective public health interventions to reduce consumption, its use is still limited in many Latin American countries.
PAHO/WHO, with partners brought together policymakers from 15 countries to participate in the 3-day workshop, “Advancing Tobacco Taxes in Latin America”.
The meeting focused on addressing the ongoing public health and economic challenges posed by tobacco consumption in Latin American countries, emphasizing the potential of tobacco taxes as a cost-effective tool to reduce the burden of tobacco use. Participants included delegates from ministries of health and finance from Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Ministry of Health and WHO release Global Adult Tobacco Survey Indonesia Report
The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Indonesia Report 2021 presents detailed information on tobacco use and key tobacco control indicators, using globally standardized protocols and methodologies. The report found that 34.5% of adults – 70.2 million people – used tobacco. Use of electronic cigarettes increased by 10 times in the last 10 years, from 0.3% in 2011 – when the last GATS was conducted – to 3% in 2021.
Across Indonesia, WHO continues to advocate for implementation of strong tobacco control measures. This includes increased taxation of tobacco products, expansion of subnational bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and stronger, more effective implementation and enforcement of smoke-free policies.
WHO encourages policy makers and public health researchers in Indonesia and globally to access and utilize the GATS Indonesia Report 2021, to better control tobacco and achieve a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
World No Tobacco Day 2024 in Thailand: protecting children from tobacco industry interference
Every year on 31 May, World No Tobacco Day highlights the dangers of tobacco use, exposes harmful business practices of tobacco companies, and empowers individuals to claim their right to health and protect future generations.
In Thailand, a troubling trend is rising among the youth: the growing popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping, driven by aggressive marketing and appealing designs. A sharp rise in e-cigarette use was observed amongst Thai school-aged children (13–15 years), with prevalence increasing from 3.35% in 2015 to 17.6% in 2022, despite the sale of e-cigarettes being banned in Thailand. Children and young people are aggressively targeted through marketing that relies heavily on social media and influencers.
The campaign exposed the tobacco industry’s deceptive practices and the real dangers of e-cigarettes, aiming to empower Thai youth to resist the lure of smoking and vaping. WHO urged all stakeholders – readers, parents, educators, policymakers – to unite in this fight, support anti-smoking campaigns, advocate for strict regulations, and educate communities to protect youth and secure a smoke-free future.
Towards a tobacco-free Jordan: launch of national strategy to combat tobacco and smoking
Minister of Health in Jordan delivering speech at the National Strategy to combat tobacco and smoking in all its forms launch. Photo by: WHO
Jordan’s Ministry of Health, with support from WHO, officially launched the National Strategy to Combat Tobacco and Smoking in All Its Forms 2024–2030 and an accompanying action plan for 2024–2026. The landmark launch event was held on 6 June 2024 under the patronage of His Excellency Prime Minister of Jordan Dr Bisher Khasawneh.
A startling 66.1% of males in Jordan are smokers, according to the 2019 Jordan National Stepwise Survey. A further 15.9% of males use electronic cigarettes. According to the WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2030, published in 2023, Jordan is one of just 6 countries globally where tobacco use is still growing.
The Ministry of Health developed the strategy in collaboration with the WHO Country Office in Jordan and incorporated contributions from various ministries, nongovernmental organizations and international experts. This approach has ensured that the strategy is a comprehensive, evidence-based road map tailored to the Jordanian context.
WHO Director-General congratulates the Philippines on its progress in tobacco control, 10 years since the signing of the Sin Tax Reform Law
In January 2023 in Manila, legislators of the Philippine Government, members of the Action for Economic Reforms and the Sin Tax Coalition, and representatives from WHO, development partners and civil society organisations marked the 10th anniversary of the passage of Republic Act 10351 or the Sin Tax Reform Law.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated the Philippines on putting this tax reform and other measures in place for tobacco control. As a result of the many measures taken, tobacco use has dropped from 30% in 2009 to 20% in 2021.
“The taxes are having a clear impact. More smokers are trying to quit because of the high price of cigarettes. The Philippines is a great example for other countries of how raising tobacco taxes can save lives, reduce health costs, and raise revenues”, said Dr Tedros.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Hung Nguyen-Viet, Program Leader (ai), HEALTH at ILRI / CGIAR, International Livestock Research Institute
The world is facing daunting health challenges with the rise of zoonotic diseases – infections that are transmissible from animals to humans. These diseases – which include Ebola, avian flu, COVID-19 and HIV – show how the health and wellbeing of humans, animals and ecosystems are closely connected.
Zoonotic diseases have become more and more common due to factors such as urbanisation, deforestation, climate change and wildlife exploitation. These dangers are not limited by borders: they are global and demand a coordinated response.
By looking at health holistically, countries can address the full spectrum of disease control – from prevention to detection, preparedness, response and management – and contribute to global health security.
The World Health Organization has a basis for such an approach: One Health. This recognises the interdependence of the health of people, animals and the environment and integrates these fields, rather than keeping them separate.
I lead the health programme at the International Livestock Research Institute, where we are looking for ways to effectively manage or eliminate livestock-related diseases, zoonotic infections and foodborne illnesses that disproportionately affect impoverished communities.
My work focuses on the link between health and agriculture, food safety, and infectious and zoonotic diseases.
For example in Kenya we are part of an initiative of the One Health Centre in Africa to roll out canine vaccination and have so far vaccinated 146,000 animals in Machakos county.
In Ethiopia and Vietnam we worked in a programme to improve the hygiene practices of butchers in traditional markets.
In another project we work in 11 countries to strengthen One Health curricula in universities.
The lessons from the One Health projects implemented with partners across Asia and Africa are that there’s an urgent need for action on three fronts. These are: stronger cross-sectoral collaboration; greater engagement with policymakers to translate research findings into actionable strategies; and the development of adaptable and context-specific interventions.
But, having been active in this area for the last decade, I am impatient with the slow pace of investment. We know that prevention is better than cure. The cost of prevention is significantly lower than that of managing pandemics once they occur. Urgent steps, including much higher levels of investment, need to be taken.
What’s in place
In 2022 the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Organisation for Animal Health developed a joint One Health plan of action. They identified key areas to respond more efficiently to health threats. These included:
Reducing risks from emerging and re-emerging zoonotic epidemics. Actions include, for example, tightening regulations around farming and trade in wildlife and wild animal products.
Controlling and eliminating endemic, zoonotic, neglected tropical and vector-borne diseases by understanding the attitudes and knowledge of communities bearing the greatest burdens of these diseases. And boosting their capacity to fight them.
Strengthening action against food safety risks by monitoring new and emerging foodborne infections.
Curbing the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance, one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.
Other collaborations include the Prezode (Preventing Zoonotic Disease Emergence) initiative to research all aspects of diseases of animal origin. This was launched in 2021 by French president Emmanuel Macron.
One Health has gained traction globally. But there’s still a great deal to be done.
The cost of inaction
According to a 2022 World Bank estimate, preventing a pandemic would cost approximately US$11 billion per year, while managing a pandemic can run up to US$31 billion annually. So the investment return of 3:1 is an important reason to call for investment in One Health.
The Pandemic Fund was launched in November 2022 by leaders of the Group of 20 nations and hosted by the World Bank Group to help low- and middle-income countries prepare better for emerging pandemic threats. US$885 million has been awarded to 47 projects to date through the two rounds in the last three years.
However, relative to the US$11 billion per year required for prevention, this investment is modest. Urgent investment in One Health needs to be made by countries themselves, in particular low- and middle-income countries.
The last two World One Health congresses (in Singapore in 2022, and in Cape Town in 2024) called for investment in One Health. There were also calls for investment in One Health at regional level to prevent zoonotic diseases and the next pandemic.
At the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) formally adopted by consensus the world’s first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is major global progress in One Health and disease prevention.
But the lessons of COVID-19 have shown us that the cost of inaction is incalculable in terms of lives lost, economic turmoil and societal disruption. To date, there have been over 777 million cases of COVID-19, including more than 7 million deaths worldwide.
According to estimates by the International Monetary Fund, COVID will have caused a cumulative production loss of US$13.8 trillion by 2024.
The choice is clear: invest today to prevent tomorrow’s pandemics, or pay a heavy price in the future.
– Preventing the next pandemic: One Health researcher calls for urgent action – https://theconversation.com/preventing-the-next-pandemic-one-health-researcher-calls-for-urgent-action-255229
June 3, 2025, N’Djamena: In the Tine transit camp and the nearby refugee camps in eastern Chad, close to the border with Sudan, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is scaling up its assistance to the newly arrived Sudanese refugees. They are fleeing escalating attacks and violence in North Darfur. Since the end of April an estimated 40,000 refugees, the vast majority coming from El Fasher and its surrounding camps for displaced people, have arrived in Tine, in Wadi Fira province. These extremely vulnerable people now face harsh overcrowded conditions and limited access to basic services.
On arrival in Tine, some are malnourished and experiencing profound psychological distress due to the horrific violence in North Darfur and on the roads leading to Chad. The overwhelming majority are women and children coming from El Fasher and Zamzam camp for internally displaced people. They have already endured starvation as the Rapid Support Forces laid siege to these areas and famine conditions have been prevalent for months in Zamzam camp according to the Famine Review Committee.
“We’ve walked a long way to get here. We passed through several villages to get to Tine to take refuge from the violence and bombings. We’ve been here for several days but we’re struggling to find food and water. We’ve been wearing the same clothes for days”, said a 20-year-old refugee woman. The Tine transit camp is currently hosting over 18,000 people, many of whom are sleeping on the bare ground in 40°C heat, with no shelter and severely limited access to water and food despite support from the host communities.
MSF has scaled up its medical and humanitarian activities in the transit camp and at the Tine border to increase availability of primary healthcare services. Apart from nutrition screenings and vaccination at the border point, over the past weeks, MSF has carried out over 900 consultations per week in the health post at the transit camp. At the health post, the global rate of malnutrition among children under five is as high as 29% with 9% being severely malnourished. Routine vaccination efforts remain a priority in the camp as cases of measles have been detected. A mass vaccination campaign is ongoing. Finally, care for pregnant women and for survivors of sexual violence is also being provided at the health post. MSF teams set up referrals of critical patients to hospitals and will build an additional 50 emergency latrines. MSF is also preparing further distribution of therapeutic food and essential items. The organisation is also distributing 60,000 liters of water per day but this is only half of what is currently needed.
‘Sudanese refugees arrive exhausted, many malnourished and require immediate assistance. We ask donors, the UN and other humanitarian organisations to increase the mobilisation to provide or scale up support in terms of food, shelter, sanitation and medical care including mental health services. The current humanitarian response is insufficient and the upcoming rainy season it is likely to worsen living conditions, spread disease and exacerbate food insecurity and lack of sanitation.” says Claire San Filippo, MSF’s emergency coordinator for Sudan.
Despite the immense needs in Tine transit camp and other refugee camps in Wadi Fira, MSF is witnessing very limited aid distribution despite solidarity from the host community and grassroot organisations. The financial crisis affecting the entire humanitarian sector is clearly being felt in eastern Chad. The war continues unabated in Sudan and more people are hoping to reach Chad.
MSF is also present in refugee camps in Wadi Fira, such as Iridimi camp, where refugees from the Tine transit camp are being relocated. To help improve the dire situation in Iridimi camp which has reached its maximum capacity, MSF recently started supporting the Iridimi health center. The activities focus on the continuity of primary healthcare, vaccination, strengthening epidemiological surveillance, improving patient flow, reinforcing the referral system, and improving hygiene conditions at the health center. We also run mobile clinics in Chad, along the Sudanese borders including in Kulbus and Birak.
The humanitarian situation at the border between Chad and Sudan has again reached a tipping point, with over 70,000 new refugees arriving in Chad since April 2025. Chad is already hosting over one million refugees, including more than 800,000 Sudanese who have arrived since the conflict began over two years ago.
VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, will participate as one of the Major Sponsors at the upcoming Solana Summit APAC 2025, taking place June 5-7 in Da Nang, Vietnam. The summit will showcase MEXC’s deepening commitment to the Solana ecosystem and introduce innovative community engagement initiatives designed to strengthen partnerships with builders and developers across the region.
Building Strategic Partnerships in the SOL Ecosystem
MEXC’s participation at Solana Summit APAC will reinforce the exchange’s position as a trusted partner for Solana builders and innovators. The company’s presence at the summit embodies their core message: “Build on SOL, grow with MEXC.” This strategic positioning will set the stage for an upcoming SOL ecosystem promotion campaign scheduled to launch in late July 2025.
The three-day summit will attract developers, founders, venture capitalists, and crypto enthusiasts from across the global Solana ecosystem, providing MEXC with a premier platform to engage with key stakeholders and expand its presence within the developer community.
Interactive On-Site Activations and Community Engagement
MEXC will launch an innovative Treasure Hunt Activation during the summit, featuring five unique sticker designs incorporating the MEXC logo and QR codes linking to the company’s official social media channels. Participants who locate all five stickers hidden throughout the event venue will be eligible to redeem exclusive co-branded merchandise at the MEXC booth. This gamified approach reflects MEXC’s commitment to fostering meaningful community interactions and creating memorable experiences for summit attendees while amplifying the company’s regional presence.
Thought Leadership and Industry Expertise
On June 5, Yuky Tran, COO of MEXC Vietnam, will participate in a panel discussion addressing critical industry challenges. The session, scheduled from 11:05-11:35 AM, will explore “What roles do DEX’s or launchpads play in protecting retail investors from scams?” Tran will join industry leaders including representatives from Outlaw, HawkFi, SecondSwap, and Meteora to discuss investor protection strategies and platform responsibilities.
Additionally, YY, Head of Listing of MEXC Ventures, will be at the exclusive VC Demo Day on June 7, a curated four-hour event designed to explore Vietnam’s emerging role as a launchpad for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN). The invite-only gathering will bring together 70-100 attendees, including DePIN builders, Solana ecosystem leaders, venture capitalists, and Web2 companies from AI, IoT, energy, logistics, and XR sectors seeking to integrate real-world DePIN applications.
Strengthening the Global Solana Community
MEXC’s major sponsorship of the Solana Summit APAC demonstrates the exchange’s strategic commitment to supporting the broader Solana ecosystem while establishing stronger connections with the developer community across Asia-Pacific markets. The summit participation will serve as a launching pad for expanded regional initiatives and partnerships throughout 2025.
The Solana Summit APAC 2025 will bring together the region’s most innovative blockchain projects, developers, and industry leaders, making it an ideal venue for MEXC to showcase its dedication to fostering growth within the Solana ecosystem.
About MEXC Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding. MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC
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Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Hung Nguyen-Viet, Program Leader (ai), HEALTH at ILRI / CGIAR, International Livestock Research Institute
The world is facing daunting health challenges with the rise of zoonotic diseases – infections that are transmissible from animals to humans. These diseases – which include Ebola, avian flu, COVID-19 and HIV – show how the health and wellbeing of humans, animals and ecosystems are closely connected.
Zoonotic diseases have become more and more common due to factors such as urbanisation, deforestation, climate change and wildlife exploitation. These dangers are not limited by borders: they are global and demand a coordinated response.
By looking at health holistically, countries can address the full spectrum of disease control – from prevention to detection, preparedness, response and management – and contribute to global health security.
The World Health Organization has a basis for such an approach: One Health. This recognises the interdependence of the health of people, animals and the environment and integrates these fields, rather than keeping them separate.
I lead the health programme at the International Livestock Research Institute, where we are looking for ways to effectively manage or eliminate livestock-related diseases, zoonotic infections and foodborne illnesses that disproportionately affect impoverished communities.
My work focuses on the link between health and agriculture, food safety, and infectious and zoonotic diseases.
For example in Kenya we are part of an initiative of the One Health Centre in Africa to roll out canine vaccination and have so far vaccinated 146,000 animals in Machakos county.
In Ethiopia and Vietnam we worked in a programme to improve the hygiene practices of butchers in traditional markets.
In another project we work in 11 countries to strengthen One Health curricula in universities.
The lessons from the One Health projects implemented with partners across Asia and Africa are that there’s an urgent need for action on three fronts. These are: stronger cross-sectoral collaboration; greater engagement with policymakers to translate research findings into actionable strategies; and the development of adaptable and context-specific interventions.
But, having been active in this area for the last decade, I am impatient with the slow pace of investment. We know that prevention is better than cure. The cost of prevention is significantly lower than that of managing pandemics once they occur. Urgent steps, including much higher levels of investment, need to be taken.
What’s in place
In 2022 the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Organisation for Animal Health developed a joint One Health plan of action. They identified key areas to respond more efficiently to health threats. These included:
Reducing risks from emerging and re-emerging zoonotic epidemics. Actions include, for example, tightening regulations around farming and trade in wildlife and wild animal products.
Controlling and eliminating endemic, zoonotic, neglected tropical and vector-borne diseases by understanding the attitudes and knowledge of communities bearing the greatest burdens of these diseases. And boosting their capacity to fight them.
Strengthening action against food safety risks by monitoring new and emerging foodborne infections.
Curbing the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance, one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.
Other collaborations include the Prezode (Preventing Zoonotic Disease Emergence) initiative to research all aspects of diseases of animal origin. This was launched in 2021 by French president Emmanuel Macron.
One Health has gained traction globally. But there’s still a great deal to be done.
The cost of inaction
According to a 2022 World Bank estimate, preventing a pandemic would cost approximately US$11 billion per year, while managing a pandemic can run up to US$31 billion annually. So the investment return of 3:1 is an important reason to call for investment in One Health.
The Pandemic Fund was launched in November 2022 by leaders of the Group of 20 nations and hosted by the World Bank Group to help low- and middle-income countries prepare better for emerging pandemic threats. US$885 million has been awarded to 47 projects to date through the two rounds in the last three years.
However, relative to the US$11 billion per year required for prevention, this investment is modest. Urgent investment in One Health needs to be made by countries themselves, in particular low- and middle-income countries.
The last two World One Health congresses (in Singapore in 2022, and in Cape Town in 2024) called for investment in One Health. There were also calls for investment in One Health at regional level to prevent zoonotic diseases and the next pandemic.
At the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) formally adopted by consensus the world’s first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is major global progress in One Health and disease prevention.
But the lessons of COVID-19 have shown us that the cost of inaction is incalculable in terms of lives lost, economic turmoil and societal disruption. To date, there have been over 777 million cases of COVID-19, including more than 7 million deaths worldwide.
According to estimates by the International Monetary Fund, COVID will have caused a cumulative production loss of US$13.8 trillion by 2024.
The choice is clear: invest today to prevent tomorrow’s pandemics, or pay a heavy price in the future.
Hung Nguyen-Viet does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
“Digital Industry of Industrial Russia” (CIPR) is the main business event on the digital economy and technologies in Russia. For many years, it has been a key platform for dialogue between business and government representatives on issues of digital transformation of society and various sectors of the economy.
This year, the main track of the business program will be “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”. “CIPR-2025” will be visited by delegations from more than 30 countries: China, Serbia, Cuba, India, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the Philippines and others.
Drive
The conference business program will include more than 100 sessions covering the digitalization of key economic sectors and interaction with partner countries in the global market. International sessions will be held in partnership with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. The event will also feature bilateral panel discussions with representatives of the Republic of Belarus and the PRC.
The exhibition of technological solutions will occupy three pavilions, including solutions from international participants from the BRICS and EAEU countries. International solutions from Chinese, Indian, Cuban and Belarusian companies will be presented here. In addition, for the second time, the CIPR site will feature a specialized stand of “digital attachés” – employees of Russian trade missions abroad who are engaged in the promotion of Russian IT products (the stand will reflect the experience of international cooperation in this area).
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 3, 2025/APO Group/ —
APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading Pan-African communications and media relations consultancy, has earned two major accolades at the prestigious 2025 Davos Communications Awards held on 11 April 2025, in Davos, Switzerland: a Gold Award for Canon’s ‘World Unseen’ campaign at GITEX Africa and a Bronze Award for the ‘10 Years of Miraisha’ celebration. The Davos Communications Awards, presented by the World Communications Forum Association (WCFA), recognise exceptional communications firms, experts, and internal teams that have produced excellence and achieved quantifiable impact worldwide.
Canon’s World Unseen Experience, which won Gold, was a PR event that broke new ground. It launched at GITEX Africa, enabling individuals who have lost their sight or are visually impaired to experience the power of photography, unlike ever before. By providing an opportunity to engage with photography through various sensory inputs, Canon challenged societal perceptions and broke new ground in the field of inclusive technology.
The Miraisha campaign, which earned Bronze, marked 10 years of Canon’s youth programme in Africa. It did this through stories, getting people involved and grabbing attention from big media outlets.
These awards add to a growing list of international accolades for APO Group in the past year, including:
Africa’s Leading PR Agency 2025 – Brands Review Magazine
Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025 Bronze Stevie® Awards category – Rania El-Rafie, Vice President, PR & Strategic Communications at APO Group
Five Awards at the 2023 SABRE Awards Africa – including wins for excellence in reputation management, brand building, and social media strategy
Founder and Chairman of APO Group Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard added: “From Canon to many other remarkable partners, these accolades reflect the strength of our collaborations and our commitment to promoting positive narratives across the continent. APO Group continues to lead the way in shaping Africa’s communications landscape.”
Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA), commented:
“At Canon, we are driven by a purpose that goes beyond imaging—it’s about creating stories that inspire, empower, and drive positive change. ‘World Unseen’ is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, bringing to light perspectives that are often overlooked, while ‘10 Years of Miraisha Programme’ represents a decade of empowering African talent, nurturing creativity, and providing opportunities across the continent”.
“Our partnership with APO Group has been instrumental in bringing these stories to life. Their deep understanding of the African media landscape, combined with their strategic storytelling approach, has helped amplify our vision and connect with diverse audiences across the region. These award-winning campaigns are not just milestones; they are proof of the impact we can achieve together.
“We are proud of what we have accomplished with APO Group and look forward to continuing this journey, creating initiatives that leave a lasting impact and drive meaningful change for Canon and the communities we serve”.
As APO Group continues to elevate African stories to the global stage, these awards strengthen its standing as the top pan-African PR and communications firm, trusted by multinational corporations, organisations, governments, NGOs and the media.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 3, 2025/APO Group/ —
The African Mining Week (AMW) conference – Africa’s premier event for the mining sector, scheduled for October 1–3, 2025 in Cape Town – will feature a dedicated session titled Invest in Angola’s Mining Sector, sharing insight into the vast investment opportunities across the country’s mineral landscape. The session will showcase the immense, untapped potential of Angola’s diverse mineral resources, providing investors with strategic insights and actionable pathways to capitalize on this burgeoning market.
Rich in a variety of minerals, including diamonds, copper, gold, lithium, rare earths and more, Angola offers significant growth opportunities for mining companies. As such, the Angolan session seeks to unlock these opportunities by connecting stakeholders under the broader event theme: From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth.
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
In the diamond sector, the session will provide insight into strategic investment opportunities. A global leader in diamond production, Angola already presents a compelling investment case, backed by over 732 million carats of untapped diamond reserves valued at more than $140 billion. The country is pursuing both upstream expansion and downstream beneficiation. Key developments include a new pilot production and processing facility at Luachimba, launched by ENDIAMA – the national diamond company – and ongoing feasibility studies at the Xamacanda site. Global mining firm De Beers is also advancing exploration across eight new diamond project targets. AMW will link these promising projects with global investors and strategic partners, in line with Angola’s ambitions to leverage its diamond wealth for sustainable economic growth.
Beyond diamonds, Angola is making substantial strides in its critical minerals sector as part of its long-term strategy to become a leading exporter of processed critical minerals – essential for the global energy transition. The government has identified 34 critical minerals, with key projects like Pensana’s Longonjo Rare Earth Project driving the market expansion. In March 2025, Pensana secured $268 million in funding to begin phase one of development. The project will enable Angola to supply 5% of the world’s high-grade rare earth carbonate, significantly boosting its role in the global rare earth sector. AMW will make a strong case for Angolan critical minerals, providing a platform where partners, investors and mining corporation can engage and sign deals.
Meanwhile, AMW 2025 will bring together global stakeholders to explore Angola’s copper, lithium and manganese landscape. The country is advancing projects in these industries and new investment would fuel growth even further. China’s Shining Star is set to begin commercial production at its 40-million-ton Mavoio-Tetelo copper project in northern Angola in 2025, while Ivanhoe Mines is undertaking extensive copper exploration. Mining companies Tyranna Resources and ST New Materials are unlocking new frontiers in lithium and manganese, while Rio Tinto is exploring for base metals under an agreement signed in 2024. These efforts underscore increasing international interest in Angola’s critical mineral potential.
KINSHASA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announces its partnership with rising Congolese music star Sista Becky (Rebecca Kalonji) as a High-Level Supporter, advocating for nutrition and healthy eating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
With 28 million people facing severe hunger and 4.75 million children suffering from acute malnutrition in the country, Sista Becky’s influence and support will be instrumental in inspiring young people to take action against food insecurity and participate in community development.
“Through my voice and my work, I want to challenge young people to not only raise their voices but also to take action on the issues that directly impact their future, including access to nutritious food and better opportunities for women and girls,” said Sista Becky.
Sista Becky is gaining increasing recognition in the global music scene, with her socially conscious lyrics. Her debut single “Mr Rap” launched her career in 2016, while her album “Apéritif” (2021) established her as a leading artist in Congolese music. She has recently released a new single, “Kimpa vita”, adding to her growing reputation as a voice for social change in the DRC.
As a High-Level Supporter, Sista Becky joins Innoss’B and Distel Zolain playing a key role in furthering WFP’s mission to do more on school feeding, support healthy foods and prevent malnutrition across the country.
“We are thrilled to have Sista Becky join us in our mission to combat hunger and promote nutrition in DRC,” said Elvira Pruscini, WFP’s Representative and Country Director a.i. in DRC. “Her influence and dedication to social issues align perfectly with WFP’s objectives, and we look forward to the impact we can achieve together.”
Sista Becky joins WFP at a critical time as the organization continues to face a severe funding shortfalls. WFP needs US$433 million over the next six months to meet the growing humanitarian needs in the DRC.
Note to the editor: For more about Sista Becky, please visit @sista_becky
# # #
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media @wfpdrc
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
At the headquarters of a fireworks company in Liuyang City, central China’s Hunan Province, Hu Yichuang guided clients through the dozens of fireworks on display in the showroom.
This photo taken on Dec. 28, 2024 shows people watching a fireworks show in Liuyang City, central China’s Hunan Province. (Xinhua)
From time to time, he scanned QR codes on the packaging with his smartphone, instantly bringing the dazzling spectacle of each firework to life on screen.
“These videos give clients a clearer visual understanding of how the products perform,” Hu said.
Born in the 1990s, Hu took over the family business after completing his studies abroad. He now serves as general manager of Happy Fireworks Export Trading Co., Ltd., which has exported more than 500 types of fireworks products to over 60 countries worldwide.
An experience abroad gave Hu a fresh perspective on the fireworks industry in his hometown of Liuyang.
“During my time in Britain, I witnessed how fireworks displays became the highlight of London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, with spectators reserving premium viewing spots up to six months in advance,” Hu recalled.
What truly astonished him was the discovery that the majority of these dazzling pyrotechnics originated from Liuyang, which filled him with both pride for his hometown and professional inspiration.
“This revelation showed me how highly sought-after our hometown’s fireworks are overseas,” Hu said. “Liuyang’s pyrotechnics have tremendous potential in the global market.”
The discovery steeled his resolve to return home, join the family business, and expand its international footprint in the fireworks industry.
Liuyang, acclaimed as China’s fireworks hub, is currently home to 431 fireworks production enterprises with annual output exceeding 50 billion yuan (about 6.96 billion U.S. dollars). The city’s fireworks account for approximately 70 percent of China’s total exports, reaching consumers across the world.
With traditional Western markets nearing saturation, Liuyang’s fireworks industry is increasingly focusing on emerging markets, including Africa, according to Wen Guanghui, chairman of a local fireworks industry association.
“Africa’s booming population, vibrant festival culture, and rising purchasing power are driving rapid growth in the fireworks market,” Hu said.
He added that his company has identified Africa as a strategic growth engine for its global operations and has established partnerships with enterprises in seven countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Uganda. “Our fireworks exports to Africa are on track to hit 10 million yuan this year.”
Liuyang fireworks are gaining steady recognition across Africa. Sebunya Hussien, a Ugandan pyrotechnics distributor who has long been engaged in fireworks sales and displays, recalled how “China’s Liuyang” kept appearing during his online searches for premium suppliers when he was working on expanding his import channels.
After viewing a series of production process demonstration videos released by Hu’s company, along with vlogs documenting their staff’s participation in international trade exhibitions and market research trips across global markets, Hussien promptly reached out to the company. This initial contact ultimately led to his 40-hour cross-continental journey to conduct an on-site inspection in Liuyang.
Witnessing firsthand how simple paper tubes are transformed into breathtaking aerial displays — and learning about Liuyang’s advanced pyrotechnic manufacturing processes — left Hussien deeply impressed. He said this experience has cemented his commitment to forging long-term partnerships with Liuyang’s fireworks producers.
To better align with African market preferences, local fireworks manufacturers are continuously refining their product strategies.
“African clients favor fireworks with vibrant colors and high-intensity bursts,” Hu explained. “Building on China’s popular ‘viral fireworks’ trends, we’ve developed innovative products that deliver stunning visual impact alongside exceptional cost-performance.”
Hu noted that the company has also launched a new line of daytime fireworks specifically designed to meet the needs of African consumers for sporting events, weddings, and other daytime celebrations.
Samoa’s Parliament has been formally dissolved, and an early election is set to take place within three months.
After months of political instability and two motions of no confidence, Prime Minister Fiāme Naomi Mata’afa said she would call for the dissolution of Parliament if cabinet did not support her government’s budget.
MPs from both the opposition Human Rights Protection Party and Fiāme’s former FAST party joined forces to defeat the budget with the final vote coming in 34 against, 16 in support and 2 abstentions.
Fiāme went to the Head of State and advised him to dissolve Parliament, and her advice was accepted.
This all came from a period of political turmoil that kicked off shortly after New Year.
A split in the FAST Party in January saw Fiāme remove FAST Party chairman La’auli Leuatea Schmidt and several FAST ministers from her cabinet.
In turn, he ejected her from FAST, leaving her leading a minority government.
Minority government defeated Earlier this year, over a two-week period, Fiāme and her minority government defeated two back-to-back leadership challenges.
On February 25, with La’auli’s help, she defeated a no-confidence vote moved by Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, 34 votes to 15.
Then on March 6, this time with Tuilaepa’s help, she defeated a challenge mounted by La’auli, 32 votes to 19.
Parliament now enters caretaker mode, until the election and the formation of a new government.
Samoa’s Electoral Commissioner said his office has filed an affidavit to the Supreme Court, seeking legal direction and extra time to complete the electoral roll ahead of an early election.
A hearing on this is set to be held on Wednesday.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
A Papua New Guinea minister has raised concerns about “serious issues” at the PNG-Indonesia border due to a lack of proper security checkpoints.
Culture and Tourism Minister Belden Namah, who is also the member for the border electorate Vanimo-Green, voiced these concerns while supporting a new Biosecurity for Plants and Animals Bill presented in Parliament by Agriculture Minister John Boito.
He said Papua New Guinea was the only country in the Pacific Islands region that shared a land border with another nation.
According to Namah, the absence of proper quarantine and National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA) checks at the border allowed people bringing food and plants from Indonesia to introduce diseases affecting PNG’s commodities.
Minister Namah, whose electorate shares a border with Indonesia, noted that while the PNG Defence Force and police were present, they were primarily focused on checking vehicles coming from Indonesia instead of actively patrolling the borders.
He clarified the roles, saying, “It’s NAQIA’s job to search vehicles and passengers, and the PNGDF’s role is to guard and patrol our borders.”
Namah expressed concern that while bills were passed, enforcement on the ground was lacking.
Minister Namah supported the PNG Biosecurity Authority Bill and called for consistency, increased border security, and stricter control checks.
Republished from the PNG Post-Courier with permission.
An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by NCP MP Supriya Sule reached Cairo on Monday to convey India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and further strengthen bilateral ties with Egypt, the League of Arab States, and other key stakeholders.
During their 3-day visit from June 2 to 4, the delegation will meet senior members of the Egyptian Senate, the House of Representatives, and hold a dialogue with the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs (ECFA).
They are also scheduled to meet Egypt Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Badr Abdelatty and Secretary General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
According to a statement by the Indian Embassy in Cairo, the delegation will also interact with members of the Indian community and Egyptian opinion makers, including senior editors, scholars, and strategic thinkers. The programme includes floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s bust at El-Horreya Park and a visit to Heliopolis War Memorial.
Apart from Sule, the delegation includes BJP leaders Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Anurag Thakur and V. Muraleedharan, Congress leaders Manish Tewari and Anand Sharma, Telugu Desam Party’s Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Aam Aadmi Party leader Vikramjeet Singh Sawhney, and former diplomat Syed Akbaruddin.