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NEWS & INSIGHTS

Making the World Better for Future Generations

Bishop Munib A. Younan's Call for Peace and Justice in the Holy Land

Bishop Dr. Munib A. Younan, 2020 Sunhak Peace Prize Laureate, shares his heartfelt message from Jerusalem, addressing the ongoing conflict and violence in the Holy Land. He emphasizes the need for peace based on justice, the sanctity of every human life, and the importance of promoting reconciliation and human rights. His message calls for an end to violence, the illegal occupation, and a lasting solution that ensures peace, justice, and equality for both Palestinians and Israelis.What Does God Demand of You, but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8) A Word from a Palestinian Christian Bishop Dr. Munib A. YounanI write to you, dear friends, from the Holy City of Jerusalem. I write to you with anguish and grief as this Holy Land is gripped by yet another war threatening the wellbeing of all who call it home. The Hamas attack of October 7 and the resulting war have resulted in many statements about the tragic situation. Many of these statements are either pro or against one “side” or another. Some of the Western Christians are seeing the war through apocalyptic lenses, suggesting it is a religious war. Many of us who live in Jerusalem see it differently, praying with David: “I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord who makes heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1). I speak to you as a Palestinian Christian Evangelical Lutheran bishop amid ongoing violence and the war on Gaza. Believing in the sanctity of every life regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, political or denominational affiliation, I affirm that because every human bears God’s image, both Palestinians and Israelis have equal dignity. Jesus’ promise—“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10)—is for all. Every human being is loved by God and deserving of life with dignity. Our Holy Land is today stricken by the sin of violence, the sin of hatred, the sin of war, the sin of dehumanization, the sin of oppression, the sin of occupation and the sin of denying human rights to other humans. Amid this sin and the tragedy that results, the Church is called to speak a word. It must be a word that champions freedom, promotes responsibility, encourages justice, inspires hope, makes room for mercy and calls for accountability. As a Palestinian, I cry to you from Jerusalem: -enough of violence and killing of human lives that are created in God’s image -enough of hatred -enough of dehumanization -enough of using religion for political agendas -enough of violence -enough of illegal Israeli occupation -enough of bloodshed -enough of war (C) Mint We are people of life; we are never people of death. This is the reason, God meant that every human being whatever is their nationality or race must enjoy God’s given life with dignity, including full human rights. I always believed in a peaceful non-violent struggle. There will be a time when those who lead wars will be forgotten by history, but that peaceful, nonviolent believers will be written in the history books. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Bishop Zephania Kameeta, Bishop Manas Buthelezi, Dorothy Day, Mother Teresa, Archbishop Romero and many others challenged injustice, racial discrimination, and colonialism with the power of the word. I have always believed in a peaceful, nonviolent struggle for justice. They spoke truth to power and have given a true vision for justice, peace, living together, harmony, equity, and reconciliation. They interpreted the teachings of religious tradition to promote love of the neighbor, even going as far to love the neighbor by protecting their human rights. While those in power were disturbed, these leaders guided their people in times of injustice and wars to see that peace based on justice is stronger than any war, oppression, racial discrimination or violence. Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s wise words still ring in our ears: “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do it. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do it.” Even in catastrophic events when too many Palestinians and Israelis are killed, the light of God shines in our hearts. According to today’s numbers, in past few weeks, more than 1400 Israelis and over 10 000 Palestinians have been killed. These figures include approximately 4000 children, as well as medical personnel and international aid workers. I unequivocally condemn any killing of civilians, both Israelis and Palestinians. Even in these dark days, we can never allow hatred to consume us. We instead carry the light of peace based on justice for the sake of all people living in this Holy Land. The peoples of this land are tired to live through another war every eighteen months; another attack, another revenge and another counter revenge. Our people ask: why does not God hear our prayers for peace based on justice? We have prayed for 75 years, including 56 years of illegal occupation. Why does not God hear us? The story of Exodus teaches us that God hears the groaning of the people and the prayers of the oppressed (Exodus 2:24). (C) UNICEF God hears our prayers, our yearning for freedom and justice. It seems, however, that the Pharaohs of the world still do not. As in Exodus, their hearts are hardened and they do not see the truth or seek the liberation of every nation. The western powers are among those Pharaohs and are equally responsible for where we are today. They have heard neither the cries of occupied Palestinians nor the cries of many peace-loving Israelis. They care only for their political power, arms sales and economic interests, not for justice in the Holy Land. Together, we must call on these worldly powers to immediately stop this war in Gaza. The attack in Israel and the war in Gaza must be the last ones in Palestine and Israel. If only the world leaders would invest half as much money and energy into peacemaking as they invest in war. It is time to end violence over the Holy Land. It is time to end Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territories along with all of Israel’s unjust policies against Palestinians. It is time to establish two states solution where the State of Palestine along 1967 borders will live with State of Israel in peace, justice, equity, and equality. Christians in the Holy Land are disappointed to see some Christians elsewhere using biblical interpretations that justify Palestinian suffering. Christians believe that the fulfillment of prophecy has been in Jesus Christ alone. People should therefore not use the Old Testament texts to identify the present situation with biblical events. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is neither religious, nor biblical, nor eschatological. It is a modern conflict about the colonization of land. It must be seen as political conflict that needs a political solution achieved through the just application of United Nations resolutions and international law. In the Appeal for a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land published on Oct 19, 2023, and written by the Roman Catholic Patriarch Emeritus Michel Sabbah, The Anglican Bishop Emeritus Riah Abu Assal, Orthodox Archbishop Atallah Hanna and myself : “We appeal to the UN an international community and those who consider themselves friends of Israel and Palestine, to use your influence to stop the ethnic cleansing, implement the rule of international law and uphold the fundamental human rights of Palestinians as well as Israelis, to live as equals with justice, dignity and security in their historic lands.” Additionally, the Sabeel Center for Liberation Theology has said: “The non-violent majority of Palestinians, along with our Israeli and International friends, should continue to harness creativity and courage as the primary tools, and it is imperative for all who seek liberation, justice and peace in Palestine and Israel to uplift and support each other.” HH Pope Francis has said: “The Middle East does not need war but a peace built on justice, dialogue and the courage of fraternity.” Let us also be mindful of the recently departed former President of the Republic of Finland, Mr. Martti Ahtisaari, who said in his speech for the Noble Peace Prize: “We cannot go on, year after year, simply pretending to do something to help the situation in the Middle East.” He knew that while “religion has been used as a weapon or as an instrument for prolonging the conflict,” they can “also be a constructive force in peacebuilding.” Following President Ahtisaari’s lead, we must draw on every possible resource to seek peace based on justice in Palestine and Israel, and also for the Middle East as a whole. We must honor these calls for peace by demanding an immediate cessation of the war and all the atrocities in Gaza, allowing the humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. Do not allow extremists to determine the path forward. Instead, urge the international community to hold an international conference where Palestinians and Israelis negotiate all final status issues. Now is the Kairos for justice in Palestine and Israel. As a Palestinian Christian friend who spent many formative years in Finland, please hear me when I say I ask you to be neither pro-Palestinian nor pro-Israeli. I instead ask you to be pro-truth, pro-life, pro-justice, pro-freedom, pro-peace, and pro-reconciliation. I ask you to pray for all victims of the attack and the resulting war, for all the bereaved, for all the injured, for all the traumatized, for all the prisoners of war, for all the displaced, for all whose homes were demolished, for all the children that live in fear. Please pray that God may touch the minds of the politicians to work for justice in Palestine and Israel so we can realize the vision of St. John, who wrote that “God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). God bless you. Bishop Dr. Munib A. Younan Bishop Emeritus of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land Former President of the Lutheran World Federation The Honorary President of Religions for Peace International

731

9 November 2023
Waris Dirie Features in the 2024 Lavazza Calendar, "More Than Us."

Waris Dirie, the renowned Somali-born supermodel, writer, and unwavering anti-female genital mutilation (FGM) activist, features prominently in the 2024 Lavazza Calendar, \"More Than Us,\" celebrating Africa through photography. This collaboration highlights not only her captivating beauty but also her resolute commitment to an important cause. While her remarkable journey from the Somali desert to international runways is well-known, Dirie\'s true impact lies in her fight against FGM through the Desert Flower Foundation. In a recent interview with \'La Republica,\' she emphasized the role of education in combating this brutal practice, noting global progress in awareness and FGM reduction. However, Dirie cautioned that the fight is far from over, particularly in Europe, where FGM often remains concealed. She advocated for stricter laws and medical safeguards for at-risk girls. Dirie\'s return to the world of modeling in the context of the Lavazza Calendar symbolizes the resilience of African women. She proudly represents them in a project that acknowledges their contributions and strength.Source: 2024 Lavazza Calendar

102

25 October 2023
Ban Ki-moon urges compliance with the laws of war in Gaza

Ban Ki-moon, Deputy Chair of The Elders and former UN Secretary-General, said: \"The killing of Israeli citizens and hostage taking by Hamas are shocking war crimes. But any military operation by Israel must be limited in scope, compliant with the laws of war, and take all possible measures to protect civilians. Israel responding to the atrocities committed by Hamas with more war crimes will generate more hatred and violence against Israelis. At this terrible time, I urge all parties to remember their common humanity. Palestinian and Israeli lives are of equal worth.\"

112

24 October 2023
Africa’s ‘optimist-in-chief’ on the continent’s renaissance: ‘Don’t just believe me,...

In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), shares his optimism about Africa\'s prospects and the need to dispel misconceptions. This insightful discussion took place ahead of the World Bank meetings in Morocco, where Adesina highlighted key factors shaping Africa\'s path forward. Adesina emphasized Africa\'s demographic advantage, pointing to its youthful population as a valuable global workforce. He stressed the importance of moving away from raw material exports and focusing on adding value through participation in global value chains, a shift that promises economic growth and prosperity. The AfDB, founded in 1964 and Africa\'s sole AAA-rated financial institution, aligns its goals with Adesina\'s \"high fives.\" These priorities encompass universal electricity access, improving quality of life, fostering industrialization, achieving food self-sufficiency, and integrating Africa\'s 54 countries to create more robust markets. Adesina also discussed the bank\'s recent achievements, including a significant increase in capital from its shareholders, enabling it to swiftly respond to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and food shortages resulting from geopolitical events. At the heart of Adesina\'s message is a call for fairer international financial systems, ensuring African nations receive equitable access to reserves and liquidity. He will advocate for this at the World Bank summit. Adesina challenged the perception of corruption in Africa, highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible resource management. He cited examples of countries like Eritrea, where corruption is minimal, and emphasized the AfDB\'s commitment to good governance. Lastly, Adesina addressed the urgent climate crisis, urging increased climate finance for Africa, which experiences substantial annual losses due to climate change impacts. He also advocated for reevaluating Africa\'s wealth based on its natural capital, emphasizing the continent\'s role in providing global environmental benefits. In closing, Adesina\'s optimism is grounded in data, as reflected in Africa\'s low default rates on infrastructure investments, setting the stage for global investments to land successfully on the continent.

112

17 October 2023
Dr. Sakena Yacoobi Urgently Appeals for Support as Afghanistan Grapples with Earthquake Aftermath

(© REUTERS)Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, the Founder and Executive Director of the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL), has issued an urgent appeal for international assistance in the wake of a devastating earthquake that struck Herat and nearby provinces in Afghanistan on October 7th. The natural disaster has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in the country, leaving thousands dead and many more without homes or basic necessities. AIL has been actively providing aid in the form of shelter, medical care, and food, but the scale of the disaster necessitates a larger, international response. (© UNICEF)Dr. Yacoobi emphasizes that Afghanistan is in a state of \"unimaginable crisis,\" worsened by ongoing conflict, displacement, and economic instability. She urges donors, philanthropic organizations, and governments worldwide to provide immediate and substantial support to help the affected communities recover. AIL has a 30-year history of serving Afghan communities, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare for women and children, and is now leading the relief efforts in the earthquake-hit areas. Your support, Dr. Yacoobi says, can make a meaningful difference in alleviating suffering and aiding recovery.Donate to Sakena Fund

115

12 October 2023
Akinwumi Adesina Urges Stronger Korea-Africa Collaboration at KOAFEC Conference

In the bustling city of Busan, South Korea, an echo for strengthened ties and unified strides toward sustainable future resonated prominently as the 7th Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Ministerial Conference commenced. The call for solidarity was led by Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank Group, as he encouraged delegates to harness the conference as a pivotal juncture to catalyze support for Africa\'s transformation into a global breadbasket and a hub of universal energy access. Adesina highlighted the pressing need to galvanize additional resources for the attainment of these lofty goals. A key facet of this ambition involves the prospective reallocation of the International Monetary Fund\'s Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to the African Development Bank, a move he posits could potentially be a \"game changer for Africa\'s development\". He passionately called upon Korea to align with other countries in contributing to this pivotal reallocation, which promises to spearhead unprecedented development in Africa. As discussions unfolded at the conference, co-hosted by the African Development Bank Group and the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea, the air was charged with anticipation and optimism for the mutually beneficial partnerships on the horizon. The theme of the event, “Embracing a Sustainable Future: Just Energy Transition and Agricultural Transformation in Africa,” echoes the critical development priorities of the continent, setting the stage for a synergy between Korea\'s technological prowess and Africa\'s vibrant young demographic and abundant resources. Emphasizing the considerable untapped agricultural potential of the continent, Adesina remarked, \"Africa must be a solution to feeding the world, as it has 65% of the uncultivated arable land left in the world.\" He underscored that Africa\'s trajectory in the agricultural sector would play a decisive role in shaping the global food landscape in the coming years. The conference also served as a platform for the unveiling of several collaborative initiatives, including the Korean government\'s K-Rice Belt project which aims to assist eight African nations in cultivating 30 million tons of rice. This initiative resonates with the African Development Bank’s Feed Africa strategy and echoes the outcomes of the Dakar 2 Food Summit held earlier this year, both endeavoring to lead Africa to food self-sufficiency within a half a decade. Addressing the energy crisis that plagues the continent, where nearly 600 million individuals lack access to electricity, Adesina underscored Africa\'s vast renewable energy potential. He highlighted that the continent is home to an impressive 11 terawatts of solar potential, of which only a fraction is currently utilized. Despite the significant strides in renewable energy investments, Adesina cautioned against an exclusive reliance on renewables due to their inherent variability, advocating for a judicious utilization of Africa\'s newly discovered abundant natural gas resources as part of a balanced energy portfolio. The African Development Bank, under Adesina\'s stewardship, has embarked on an ambitious journey to foster collaborations with global partners in fostering a just energy transition. This involves substantial partnerships with nations including the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, focusing on sustainable energy initiatives in African nations like South Africa and Senegal. As the conference drew to a close, Adesina\'s optimistic note left an indelible mark on the attendees. He envisaged a radiant future for Africa, powered by a robust partnership with South Korea. Together, they aspired to forge a path of accelerated growth and development, working hand in hand to realize a vision of a prosperous, self-sufficient, and sustainable Africa, making strides toward a brighter tomorrow for all its inhabitants.

170

21 September 2023
Akinwumi Adesina calls on Oxford MBA graduating class to be change-makers

In the 2023 commencement address at Oxford University\'s Saïd Business School, the African Development Bank President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, urged the graduating MBA students to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge to address pressing global issues such as climate change and world hunger. He emphasized the unacceptable reality of 2.3 billion people facing hunger daily and underscored the graduates\' responsibility as change-makers equipped with world-class education. He highlighted various global challenges, including the lack of access to essential amenities such as electricity, clean water, sanitation, and basic financial services that billions face worldwide. Adesina urged graduates to work towards ensuring a better future for the 244 million children not attending school, including 129 million girls. Adesina insisted on the need for a restructured global financial system to address these challenges more effectively and urged the graduates to lead efforts in directing the $145 trillion managed by global pension funds and institutional investors towards the collective good. He also encouraged them to be selfless, promote transparency and inclusion, and avoid corporate greed\'s corruptive influences.In addition to Adesina, Saïd Business School faculty members encouraged the graduates to dream big, take up leadership roles, and make positive impacts in the world. They were also advised to forge their paths confidently, while promoting unity and addressing global issues such as the looming new Cold War and global warming.At the end of the event, Adesina engaged with some of the African graduates, discussing leadership, the future of Africa, and the role of youth in its development.

172

20 September 2023
Climate adaptation finance to Africa must increase tenfold, research shows

Countries forced to choose between climate resilience, fighting poverty and paying debts, says Ban Ki-moon. Former UN Secretary-General and current chair of the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), Ban Ki-moon, stressed the pressing need to augment climate adaptation finance to Africa by up to ten times by 2035, during the ongoing Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi. This escalation is deemed essential to address the rapidly worsening impacts of the climate crisis in the region. Ban Ki-moon emphasized that no country should be in a position where they have to choose between combating poverty, fostering climate resilience, and fulfilling their debt obligations, a predicament that many African countries are currently facing. According to GCA\'s recent research, without an investment surge of around £80m annually until 2035, Africa stands to forfeit approximately £4.8tn in economic benefits over the next decade. Ban Ki-moon noted that earlier assessments of Africa\'s contributions to climate resilience were gross underestimates, conceived during a time when the impending climate repercussions were not anticipated to manifest as swiftly and severely as they are unfolding presently. Ban Ki-moon\'s comments come in the backdrop of an array of extreme weather phenomena exacerbating the continent\'s vulnerability, with several regions grappling with lethal cyclones, catastrophic floods, and extended periods of drought, escalating food insecurity amongst millions. These adversities are attributed to heightened likelihoods due to climate change. The summit also saw discussions surrounding the shifting focus from the historical liability regarding carbon emissions to exploring other avenues for funding and innovative solutions. Kenyan President, William Ruto, advocated for exploring business solutions to the climate dilemma, including the implementation of global carbon taxes and financial reforms to avail more climate funding, alongside advocating for debt alleviation for African nations. While concerns remain about the reliance on private financing for addressing climate issues, the consensus underscores the dire necessity for amplified climate financing in Africa to prevent further hardships and a potential cascade of societal issues stemming from climate impacts. Activists and agricultural organizations are also tirelessly working on the ground to assist communities in adapting to the changing climate conditions.Ban Ki-moon, chair of the Global Center on Adaptation, at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi

165

13 September 2023
Akinwumi Adesina: Why Africa’s GDP must be revalued

Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), says Africa’s carbon sequestration capacity must be accounted for in its overall gross domestic product (GDP).Carbon sequestration is the capturing and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) in plants, soils, geologic formations, and the ocean.Speaking on Tuesday at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, Adesina said Africa has a rich natural wealth and the largest carbon mass, yet the emissions it sequesters are not being accounted for.“We must revalue the wealth of Africa by accounting for the proper valuation of our abundant natural resources, including the diverse forests that sequester the carbon,” he said“The Congo forest basin is the world’s largest carbon mass, larger than the Amazon forest. Yet Africa’s rich nature wealth and the global value of this carbon it sequesters for the world are not accounted for, in the estimation of its GDP.“It is not enough to praise Africa for its rich natural capital, its GDP must take that into consideration. Africa’s GDP must therefore be revalued based on its carbon sequestration and biodiversity to provide global public goods.“If this is done, the test to adjust the GDP ratio of several African countries must offer more funds to support their economy, including investing in the greening of their economies.“We must therefore turn Africa’s economies green, not because others asked us to do so but because it is in our interest to do so. Africa must develop its own carbon markets, properly drive it and turn its vast carbon sinks into new sources of enormous wealth.”FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE IN AFRICAAdesina enumerated initiatives that the AfDB will be financing to tackle climate change in Africa.The AfDB president said the bank hopes to address issues bordering on food insecurity, power, marginalised groups, youth entrepreneurship and climate disasters.He said addressing the climate crisis requires action at three levels – meeting the $100 billion climate finance pledge at the global level; changing the global climate financial architecture to prioritise the needs of Africa; and accelerating action on climate adaptation at the national level.“That is why the African Development Bank has committed to providing $25 billion towards climate finance by 2025,” he said.“We have also launched the African adaptation acceleration programme together with the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA), the largest climate adaptation programme in the world.“We must fully unlock Africa’s renewable energy potential. That is why the African Development Bank is implementing a $20 billion designated power programme to harness the power of solar and deliver electricity for 250 million people.“We must power every home, every school, every hospital and provide stable, affordable and reliable power.”Adesina also announced a $1 billion initiative to support youth-led solutions as well as a $72 billion to support African countries in ensuring food security within the next five years.African Development Bank President Adesina with former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, other global climate champions and African youth at the University of Nairobi’s Wangari Maathai Institute of Peace and Environment.

168

13 September 2023
Akinwumi Adesina receives Nigerian diaspora awards

July 28, 2023African Development Bank GroupAfrican Development Bank Group President Dr Akinwumi Adesina has been honoured by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) with the prestigious National Diaspora Merit Award in recognition of hi selfless service and contributions as a Nigerian Diaspora Global Icon.Other recipients in the Global Icon category are United Nations Deputy Secretary General Amina J. Mohammed, and Director General of the World Trade Organization Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.NIDCOM is an agency under Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for engaging with the Nigerian diaspora community. The award ceremony took place on Wednesday 26 July 2023 at the State House Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja during National Diaspora Day 2023 organised under the theme “Consolidating Diaspora Engagement for National Development”.Guests included Bank Group Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management Professor Kevin Chika Urama, as well as Dr Adesina’s Adviser on Stakeholder Engagement, Ms Lola Visser-Mabogunje. Also present at the award ceremony in Abuja were executives and members of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) from across the world, senior government, officials, captains of industry and members of the diplomatic community.Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa said the conferment of a National Diaspora Merit Award on Dr Adesina was “in recognition of his selfless service and contributions as a Nigerian Diaspora Global Icon. Dr Dabiri-Erewa said NIDCOM appreciated Dr Adesina’s “unflinching love and contributions to national development”. “This award is predicated upon the importance of recognising and celebrating Nigerians in the diaspora who have excelled in their various fields of endeavour and contributing to the development of Nigeria,” Dr Dabiri-Erewa said. “These exceptional Nigerians have, over time, contributed to making Nigeria a better place in their own capacities. It is thus important that the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Commission, recognises their remarkable feats,” she said.Receiving the award on behalf of the President, the Director General of the African Development Bank Group’s Nigeria Country Department, Lamin Barrow, expressed gratitude to NIDCOM for the great recognition of President Adesina’s outstanding achievements and contributions to Nigeria and the continent’s development efforts. “The award will inspire him further to continue his unrelenting efforts for Nigeria and Africa’s transformation,” Mr Barrow said.Dr Adesina thanked NIDCOM in a written statement. “I am pleased to accept the award with humility. I am deeply touched by this acknowledgement of my modest contributions to finance and economics and my recognition as a role model to other Nigerians in the diaspora,” Dr Adesina stated. Often described as “Africa’s Optimist-in-Chief”, Dr Adesina is widely lauded for his visionary leadership and passion for Africa’s transformation. His bold reforms as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture turned the sector around in four years, benefiting 15 million farmers through an electronic wallet system. As President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Adesina achieved the highest-ever capital increase and led swift responses to the Covid-19 pandemic. He has received numerous accolades, including the World Food Prize and African of the Year.More than 20 other Nigerians in the diaspora, including Emeritus Professor Augustine Esogbue, Professor Mobolaji Aluko and Professor Rotimi Jayesimi, received awards in various categories on Wednesday, including education, politics, information and communications technology, leadership development, medicine and healthcare, automobile, philanthropy and sports.

197

7 August 2023
More African countries to receive lifesaving malaria vaccine

July 5, 2023UN NewsTwelve African countries will receive 18 million doses of the first-ever vaccine against malaria over the next two years, care of global vaccine alliance GAVI, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced on Wednesday. The RTS,S vaccine has been administered to more than 1.6 million children in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi since 2019 and has been shown to be safe and effective.It has resulted in a substantial reduction in severe malaria and a fall in child deaths. A top killer WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said malaria remains one of Africa’s deadliest diseases, killing nearly half a million children under the age of five every year, and accounting for approximately 96 per cent of global malaria deaths in 2021.“With the climate crisis changing weather patterns, mosquitoes that carry these diseases are increasing in density and spreading further afield,” said Tedros, speaking during his regular media briefing from Geneva. Rollout in 2024 The initial 18 million dose allocation will enable nine more African countries to introduce the vaccine into their routine immunisation programmes for the first time.Those nations are Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone and Uganda.The first doses are expected to arrive during the last quarter of the year, with rollout set to start by early 2024. “This vaccine has the potential to be very impactful in the fight against malaria, and when broadly deployed alongside other interventions, it can prevent tens of thousands of future deaths every year,” said Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director of Country Programmes Delivery at Gavi, in a press release.The partners said at least 28 African countries have expressed interest in receiving the RTS,S vaccine, while a second malaria vaccine is currently under review for pre-qualification, and if successful provides additional supply in the short term. Concern for PalestineDuring his briefing, the WHO chief also expressed deep concern over the renewed violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the past few days across the West Bank city of Jenin, which has left 12 people dead, hundreds injured, and thousands displaced. He said roads have been destroyed, which has made it difficult to reach those who have been wounded.“Across the occupied Palestinian territory, WHO has been using contingency funds for emergencies to train medical staff for mass casualty events and pre-positioning supplies to help health systems and health workers,” he told journalists.Tedros added that the UN agency also calls for a de-escalation of tension and for talks to maintain peace in the long-term, so that health systems can recover.

201

11 July 2023
Kettering-born Covid-19 vaccine developer Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert honoured with locally-nomi...

June 13, 2023Northants TelegraphThe Kettering-born professor who created a life-changing vaccine has accepted an international award from a worldwide women’s organisation at a homecoming lunch in her honour.Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, co-developer of the Oxford–AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, was nominated by Kettering Inner Wheel lunchtime group members for the Margarette Golding Award to mark her achievement.Inner Wheel members gathered alongside members of Kettering High School Old Girls Association, church representatives and members of Kettering Operatic Society to welcome the Kettering-educated scientist ‘home’ yesterday (Monday) at Kettering Park Hotel.Much in demand, Professor Gilbert squeezed in the ceremony and a talk about her work before jetting off to the USA to teach in Boston.And it was one of her Kettering teachers who inspired her and holiday jobs based in Kettering that she says are her fondest memories.She told the Northants Telegraph: “I had a very inspirational teacher called Mrs Slater. She didn’t always stick to what we were supposed to be learning – she was an inspiration for me.\"It’s quite a long time since I’ve been back to Kettering. My mum passed away in 2017 and my father lived in Corby.\"I have fond memories of Wicksteed Park. I worked there in the holidays for two seasons selling fish and chips and ice creams.”My dad used to be a manager at Loake so I also did some work in the factory. I always wanted to be a skiver but I wasn’t allowed. I can still remember the smell of the leather.”Awarded a Damehood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021 for her ground-breaking work, she was also awarded the Albert Medal by the Royal Society of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce – her name now standing alongside Marie Curie, Winston Churchill and Stephen Hawkins.Thanking The Inner Wheel at the awards ceremony event, Professor Gilbert said: “It’s quite overwhelming. We just did our jobs.”Joint presidents Pat Smith and Lesley Johnson welcomed Professor Gilbert and handed over the certificate and a special lapel badge. She will also receive a special rose.Mrs Smith said: “We are really really delighted that Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert is here. We are very proud of the fact that she was educated in Kettering.”Mrs Johnson added: “It shows that it doesn’t matter where you come from. She came from a very ordinary family and she has achieved all this – it’s about tenacity. She’s very keen to say it’s about a team effort. When you think about how many people have had the vaccine, it’s incredible.”The first Margarette Golding Award (MGA) – an award be created in honour of the founder of the Inner Wheel – is awarded for highly commendable personal service through Inner Wheel or in the community.The award has been available since September 2001 and more than 200 people have now received an MGA.Ann Buckby, secretary of Kettering Inner Wheel, said: “Sarah is a woman whose life work is determined to help other. We at Kettering Inner Wheel are so proud of this daughter of our town.”She is now wholly engaged on working on vaccines, to keep check on the many variants that are appearing throughout the world.”

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21 June 2023

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Sunhak Peace Prize

Future generations refer not only to our own physical descendants
but also to all future generations to come.

Since all decisions made by the current generation will either positively
or negatively affect them, we must take responsibility for our actions.