The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed the decision of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to approve three FAO-led projects in five countries, totalling $18 million in funding.
The three new projects – in Nigeria, Venezuela and a regional initiative encompassing Malawi, Mozambique, and Uganda – will improve the management of protected areas, protect biodiversity in lowland forests, and build water security and resilience.
“Resilient and productive land and aquatic ecosystems are the foundation of sustainable agri-food systems transformation,” said FAO Deputy Director-General Maria Helena Semedo. “The approval of these three projects strengthens our ability to help countries move on a path of sustainability that leaves no one behind”.
The biodiversity conservation project in Venezuela will address key barriers to the sustainable use of biodiversity in order to support the effective management of five existing Protected Areas in the Caroni River Basin in the Guiana Massif, one of the most pristine and biodiverse areas on the planet.
Aerial photo taken on June 17, 2022 shows the headquarters building of the New Development Bank (NDB), also known as the BRICS bank, in east China’s Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
As the world grapples with a series of challenges, it is looking forward to listening to the voices of the BRICS countries as well as other emerging economies at the upcoming gathering.
BEIJING, June 21 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to host the 14th BRICS Summit and the High-level Dialogue on Global Development, and attend the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum in virtual format later this week.
As the world grapples with a series of challenges, it is looking forward to listening to the voices of the BRICS countries as well as other emerging economies at the upcoming gathering.
At the opening of the BRICS Business Forum in 2017, the last time China was the BRICS chair, Xi delivered a keynote speech titled, Working Together to Usher in the Second “Golden Decade” of BRICS Cooperation, outlining an optimistic future for BRICS cooperation.
In the first half of the second “golden decade” of BRICS cooperation, China has put forward practical proposals and plans and contributed its wisdom and strength.
Five years have passed since 2017, with China again assuming the BRICS chairmanship.
The medical supplies donated by China arrive at Or Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, April 14, 2020. (Chinese Embassy in South Africa/Handout via Xinhua)
While the COVID-19 pandemic and major changes both unseen in a century pose grave challenges to global security and development, China is promoting a BRICS more focused on high-quality development, opening-up and cooperation, deepening the group’s partnership and working toward a future of equity, justice, peace and prosperity for the world.
Under China’s chairmanship, the international community expects that any consensus reached at the BRICS Summit and other relevant events will be the “golden key” to helping all countries, especially developing ones, better address challenges and bolster development.
“The BRICS countries in the year 2022 become all the more important,” said Herman Tiu Laurel, founder of Philippine BRICS Strategic Studies, stressing that the mechanism allows the BRICS countries “to lead the world out of this quagmire of conflict, and tension, and focus again the attention of the global community on development.”
The international community also expects the mechanism to become more open and inclusive and push for a more just and equitable global governance system.
Photo taken on Nov. 22, 2021 shows wind turbines of the De Aar wind power project in De Aar, South Africa. (Xinhua/Lyu Tianran)
Since the BRICS mechanism was established 16 years ago, cooperation has been vital. Member countries and other developing nations benefited from an expansion in energy infrastructure, green finance and the digital economy.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that a number of other countries wanting to join in BRICS “speak volumes about the confidence that many of other countries are having in BRICS.”
“People see BRICS as a very attractive bloc,” he noted.
In recent years, the BRICS mechanism has witnessed several achievements, including establishing the New Development Bank and the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement.
In 2021, the total volume of trade in goods of BRICS countries increased 33.4 percent year on year. Launched in December 2020, the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution Innovation Center has provided more than 120,000 training opportunities in 28 countries and carried out over 100 pilot projects.
Since the beginning of the year, China has continuously promoted the “BRICS Plus” cooperation model, epitomizing China’s adherence to the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation.
The high expectations of China’s chairmanship stem from the international community’s appreciation for China’s global governance philosophy, which emphasizes extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.
An elderly person receives a dose of China’s COVID-19 vaccine in Brasilia, Brazil, Jan. 22, 2021. (Photo by Lucio Tavora/Xinhua)
Since assuming the BRICS chairmanship earlier this year, China has held more than 70 conferences and activities, covering politics, security, trade and finance, people-to-people exchanges, sustainable development and public health.
China’s continuous contribution to the BRICS, which cover over 40 percent of the world’s population and about a quarter of the global economy, has boosted global confidence in the mechanism.
Kin Phea, director-general of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, told Xinhua the next five years of BRICS collaboration could benefit the world.
The ‘BRICS Plus’ and the initiatives China proposed “will be catalysts for global economic growth, sustainable common development and an equitable security system,” Kin said.
BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) — The 14th BRICS Summit is slated to be held under China’s chairmanship this week, at a time when the emerging markets and developing countries are coping with an increasingly volatile world.
The summit and two other related high-level events — the High-level Dialogue on Global Development and the BRICS Business Forum, running from Wednesday through Friday, will gather online the leaders of the world’s five prominent emerging markets — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — as well as leaders from other developing countries.
Global watchers will be keeping tabs on the events, as BRICS countries are home to nearly 42 percent of the world’s population and account for about a quarter of the global economy. Their interaction and cooperation play a crucial role in shaping the world’s political and economic landscapes.
Over the years, Chinese President Xi Jinping has used at least three catchphrases to describe BRICS cooperation. These pearls of wisdom may offer some insights into the workings of this mechanism underpinned by five heavyweight developing countries.
– FINGERS AND FIST
During the seventh BRICS Summit in 2015, Xi likened the five BRICS countries to five fingers, different in length when stretched out, but making a clenched fist when drawn together.
Xi’s remarks vividly expound on the respective potential and advantages of the five countries, and the solidarity and synergy that BRICS exudes.
Over the years, BRICS countries have blazed a path of forging partnerships rather than alliances, while upholding mutual respect and common progress.
The closer ties among BRICS countries have been manifested in the joint fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
— NOT A TALKING SHOP, BUT A TASK FORCE
In 2017, Xi pointed out that “BRICS is not a talking shop, but a task force that gets things done.”
BRICS cooperation has been upgraded from a foreign ministers’ meeting mechanism to the mechanism of BRICS leaders’ meeting, and in the meantime established a number of cooperative mechanisms, such as the New Development Bank (NDB), the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, and the BRICS Business Council, to propel pragmatic collaboration in multiple areas.
The goods trade among BRICS countries reached 8.55 trillion U.S. dollars in 2021, up 33.4 percent year on year. The establishment of the NDB is another fine example. Since the beginning of its operations, the bank has approved about 80 projects and handed out 30 billion U.S. dollars in loans.
Earlier this month, BRICS economic and trade ministers pledged to deepen cooperation in fields including digital economy, trade investment and sustainable development, the supply chain and multilateral trade mechanisms.
Deepened cooperation has also been nailed down in areas such as aerospace, information and communications, environment, new energy, and biotechnology.
The BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution will be taken as the starting point to promote BRICS economic cooperation in the next phase. China has been actively leading and boosting the partnership, focusing on cooperation in the digital industry and transforming industries with digital technologies, and setting up an innovation center in Xiamen, east China’s Fujian Province.
— A BIGGER PIE
BRICS cooperation is already about more than the five countries. Since its inception, the cooperative mechanism has closely related its future to the fortunes of the emerging markets and developing countries.
“The development of emerging markets and developing countries is not intended to move the cheese of anyone but to make the pie of the global economy bigger,” Xi said in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum in 2017.
At the BRICS Xiamen Summit in 2017, the well-received “BRICS Plus” approach was adopted. It is designed to strengthen the unity and coordination among BRICS members for greater cohesion, and to keep broadening the BRICS “circle of friends” in a joint pursuit of shared development and prosperity for all emerging markets and developing countries.
The approach explores cooperation within the United Nations, the G20, and other frameworks to advance the common interests and boost
the common interests and boost the development space for emerging markets and developing countries, thus contributing more to world peace and development through broader partnerships.
The High-level Dialogue on Global Development will be held virtually on Friday. BRICS leaders and leaders of relevant emerging markets and developing countries will attend the meeting on fostering a global development partnership for the new era to jointly implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Aerial photo taken on June 17, 2022 shows the headquarters building of the New Development Bank (NDB), also known as the BRICS bank, in east China’s Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) BRICS member countries have achieved fruitful results in cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, politics, security, technological innovation, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
BEIJING, June 21 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping will host the 14th BRICS Summit and the High-level Dialogue on Global Development, and attend the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum in virtual format later this week. The BRICS mechanism features five major emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Since it was forged more than a decade ago, the member countries have achieved fruitful results in cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, politics, security, technological innovation, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Over the years, President Xi has contributed his insights to the mechanism, promoting the development of the global platform for multilateral cooperation. The following are some highlights of his remarks in this regard.
ON POLITICAL AND SECURITY COOPERATION
“We are in a great era of development, transformation and adjustment. Although conflict and poverty are yet to be eliminated globally, the trend toward peace and development has grown ever stronger,” Xi said at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum on Sept. 3, 2017.
“Our world today is becoming increasingly multipolar; the economy has become globalized; there is growing cultural diversity; and the society has become digitized. The law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak and the zero-sum game are rejected, and peace, development and win-win cooperation have become the shared aspiration of all peoples,” he said.
Photo taken on Dec. 8, 2020 shows the launch ceremony of the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution innovation center in Xiamen, southeast China’s Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)
ON WORLD ECONOMY
“We should promote the building of an open global economy, advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, jointly build new global value chains, and rebalance economic globalization,” Xi said at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum in 2017, noting: “Doing so will bring benefits to people across the world.”
“We five countries should open more to each other, expand converging interests in this process, take an inclusive approach and share opportunities, so as to create even brighter prospects for growing the economies of the five countries,” Xi added.
At the 12th BRICS Summit on Nov. 17, 2020, Xi said: “COVID-19 is a challenge we have to face head-on. We need to call on the international community to place the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the heart of international development cooperation. Poverty eradication must be made a primary goal, and more resources must be channeled to poverty reduction, education, health and infrastructure development.”
“We need to support the UN’s coordinating role and foster global development partnerships that are more equal and balanced, so that the fruits of development will spread to more developing countries and the needs of underprivileged groups will be better addressed,” he also stressed.
A visitor views photos during the third edition of the BRICS Media Joint Photo Exhibition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Oct. 30, 2019. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)
ON PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGES
“The successful cooperation of the BRICS countries proves that different social systems can accommodate each other, that different development models can work with each other and that different values can draw on the strength of each other. We should stay open and inclusive so as to learn from each other and make progress together through seeking common ground while putting aside differences,” Xi said at the Seventh BRICS Summit on July 9, 2015.
“We the BRICS countries boast great civilizations. When it comes to cultural and people-to-people exchanges, there is a lot we can do together,” the president said at the plenary session of the BRICS Johannesburg Summit on July 26, 2018.
“We should aim at greater people-to-people connectivity and more popular support for BRICS cooperation through extensive exchanges in cultural, educational, health, sports, tourism and other areas,” he added.
At the plenary session of the BRICS Brasilia Summit on Nov. 14, 2019, Xi noted: “We need to sustain and build up this momentum to take our people-to-people exchanges to greater breadth and depth. On that basis, we can leverage ‘BRICS Plus’ cooperation as a platform to increase dialogue with other countries and civilizations and win BRICS more friends and partners.” ■
Kenya’s GDP projected to grow by 4.9% in 2022, says NCBA Economic Outlook report
Staff Reporter
Nairobi, June 20th 2022: Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to expand by 4.9 %in 2022, says NCBA Economic Outlook Report; a 0.3 percentage point decline from their initial 5.2% forecast in November 2021.
The downgrade reflects the negative spillover effects of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, an uncertain external landscape, tightening local and external credit markets, domestic election jitters, and climate-related concerns, according to the NCBA Group research.
The research also argues that the third quarter will be most challenging due to a combination of election-induced lull and the full effects of the lingering external shocks especially the knock on effects of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. The bank, however, is optimistic about prospects for the final quarter, boosted by prospects of a trend reversal in business investments from the much expected transition dividends.
Rising inflation and interest rates have been a major concern for Kenyans as food and energy costs hit record highs. Elevated inflation is eroding household real income, lowering standards of living and dampening consumption. The growing threat of a cost of living crisis comes against a backdrop of limited fiscal space, suggesting that scope for government intervention is significantly limited.
According to the report, supply chain shocks will be prolonged by the Russia-Ukraine crisis, whose end is still not in sight, with negative ramifications for production and distribution of food and energy and consequently, prices.
“Food inflation is expected to remain in double digits this year, owing to long-term disruptions in global food supply networks, domestic weather shocks, high input costs, and growing transportation and value-addition costs,” says NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora, Energy prices will continue to rise with the uncertainty around Russia’s output, OPEC+ production decision and the ability of the US and other energy producers to scale up output. For Kenya, the report argues that the elimination of gasoline subsidies will accelerate inflation towards double digits. The threat of excessive inflation will be exacerbated by a weak shilling, the report adds.
According to the report, NCBA does not foresee any significant post-election disruption owing to Kenya’s demonstrated institutional capability to manage election disputes in a way that limits any disruptions to the economy. However, the report attributes the election anxiety to the ongoing combination of global economic and social challenges.
The report also discusses the shilling’s continued weakness against the dollar, which can be ascribed to the balance of payment shocks from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and capital reversal due to rising global interest rates and a strong US dollar.
“We expect the deteriorating global sovereign credit outlook, along with other highly leveraged and frontier economies, to underpin further capital reversal and diversion away from Kenya in the short term,” says Raphael Agung’, NCBA’s Chief Economist. “So far, domestic interest rates are still significantly low relative to the premium being demanded by investors.”
Government of DRC Calls on Prime Minister Johnson at ‘ Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Rwanda 2022’ to Compel Kagame to End Attacks
Staff Reporter
Yesterday, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo considered the potential suspension of all bi-lateral agreements with the Government of Rwanda, following an extraordinary meeting of the Security Council that included the Presidents of both Chambers of Parliament and the Heads of National Security.
“M23 terrorists backed by Rwanda have occupied and pillaged the city of Bunagana in the territory of Rutshuru, province of Nord-Kivu, killing young children and forcing hundreds to flee in terror. The security situation in the East of the country continues to deteriorate, and fundamentally because Rwanda seeks to occupy our land, rich in gold, coltan and cobalt, for their own exploitation and profit. This is an economic war for the battle of resources, fought by Rwanda’s terrorist gangs.” said President Felix Tshisekedi.
President Felix Tshisekedi called on all international leaders to support the DRC, and pressure the Rwandan leader Paul Kagame to end all violence towards Congo and recall their military troops which have invaded the eastern territory of Congo, and caused deaths, refugees, and war crimes against women in particular.
“We have the right to demand that our neighbours respect our territory. The people of DRC want peace, seek security in their homeland. Eastern Congolese civilians are innocents under brutal attack from our neighbour. We ask our international partners, in Africa, the US and especially the UK to condemn this invasion, and pressure Rwanda to withdraw its troops from our land. Given the UK’s recent $150 Million immigration deal struck with Rwanda, we hope that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be able to leverage his influence.”, said President Felix Tshisekedi.
In his opening speech to Congo’s political representatives and civil society on 9 June, King Philippe of Belgium underlined “the preservation of the territorial integrity of the Congo is a major concern” shared by Belgium. Alexander De Croo, the Prime Minister of Belgium, also stated during the Royal visit that “Each country has the right to defend the integrity of its territory” and that Belgium was ready to play a role in bringing stability and peace to Eastern Congo, where attacks from the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, have escalated in recent weeks. The United Nations Security Council called in May for foreign armed groups to disarm and return to their own countries. The African Union has called for dialogue.
Hybrid Event with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Melinda French Gates By staff reporter
Staff Reporter
In a time when responding to health challenges is of the highest importance, AFRICA.COM is hosting a hybrid event discussing ways to promote health, science and technological innovation in Africa, while also highlighting how innovation can remove barriers facing African women and girls.
The discussion features Melinda French Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Author. They will be joined by a panel of women making an impact across health, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development, including Dr. Shivon Byamukama, Managing Director of Babyl Rwanda and Dr. Corine Karema, former Director of the Rwanda National Malaria Control Programme.
On the side-lines of the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda, and the Kigali Summit on Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases, the hybrid event is an opportunity for audiences across Africa and the Diaspora to join the conversation. The 45-minute panel discussion will be moderated by Kenyan media personality & author Janet Mbugua while the virtual audience will be hosted by Africa.com Chair & CEO Teresa Clarke.
Government Communication on state of readiness for the funeral of King Zanozuko Tyelovuyo Sigca
Staff Reporter
Government advises the nation on the arrangements of the late King of amaMpondo, Zanozuko Tyelovuyo Sigcau who has been accorded a special official funeral Category 1 by President, Cyril Ramaphosa.
King Zanozuko Tyelovuyo Sigcau was inaugurated as a King of the amaMponda Nation in 2018. During his tenure, he actively championed the development and progress of amaMpondo Kingdom, and united the people to become active citizens. King Zanozuko Tyelovuyo Sigcau was an activist, a sports enthusiast, and a cultural curator who played a significant role to make a difference in the lives of people through various initiatives to address the social issues such as Gender-Based Violence.
Funeral status
In line with this category, President Ramaphosa has instructed that the National Flag fly at half-mast at every flag station in the country from the morning of Wednesday, 15 June 2022, to the evening of the burial.
Official memorial service
Memorial service of the King Zanozuko Tyelovuyo Sigcau is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 18 June 2022 at Enqanaweni AFM church – 50 meters from Flagstaff square. The service will start at 10h00 in the morning.
Funeral service
The funeral service of King Zanozuko Tyelovuyo Sigcau will take place on Tuesday, 21 June 2022 at Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape Province. The service will commence at 10h00am. His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a eulogy.
Condolence books
Condolence books have been placed at various government and municipal buildings across the Eastern Cape Province. Members of the public, who would like to convey their message of condolences to the amaMpondo Kingdom, are encouraged to write their messages in the condolence books.
