TheAfricanDream® is a media and consulting entity that focuses on showcasing the positive stories, achievements, and potential of Africa and its diaspora. It was founded by Oral Ofori, a Ghanaian-American entrepreneur and journalist.

The company aims to challenge stereotypes and promote a balanced and accurate narrative about Africa through various media platforms, events, and initiatives. In this late August 2023 question (Q) and answer (A) interview with its Founder, the company shared the driving force behind its work culture, successes and what some of their values are…

Q: How does your company foster a positive and innovative work culture? 

A: TheAfricanDream LLC promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our teams are from different backgrounds; they are valued and included into our ‘work-family’. We encourage a culture where failure is seen as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. We provide flexible work arrangements like remote work options and flexible hours. This has helped our teammates balance their work and personal lives, and boost their morale. 

We believe everyone’s mind is valuable, and here at TheAfricanDream everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. We have been able to implement diverse innovative ideas through this approach. We value training and mentorship programs to keep ourselves updated with the latest industry trends and ideas. We believe in a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Q: What are the latest forward-thinking theories in management consulting for you?

A: Digital transformation consulting has always been an essential bedrock for what we do here at TheAfricanDream. The idea behind it is to help companies use the latest digital technologies to improve efficiency, agility, and competitiveness. Clients are taken through a deep understanding of digital trends and how we can help apply them to their various business functions. Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) is also becoming central in consulting. Data-driven insights and recommendations are usually more accurate since they are based on real-time data or relatable statistics. Consultants are now using this to augment their clients’ decision making processes, and optimize their operations.

With the advent of a global pandemic like the COVID-19, there has been a shift to remote working and virtual collaboration. Consultants are now taking companies through ways to manage remote teams effectively and redesign business processes to fit and make profit. This notwithstanding, TheAfricanDream as a consultancy still makes room for our existing and potential clientele who prefer the human touch and sentimental values in fast changing world by discovering ways to effectively accommodate this group too.

Q: What are some of your most notable accomplishment in the last 5 years?

A: TheAfricanDream is a multi-award-winning Ghanaian-American and Pan-Africanist organization. In the last quarter of 2023 we provided digital consultancy services for the government of Loudoun County in Virginia and the Metropolitan Authority in Tema of the United States and Ghana respectively, this service was very crucial in the successful signing of a sister city agreement. We have consulted for and with African Ambassadors and Embassies accredited to the U.S. (in the Washington DC areas), including the Embassies of Botswana; Ghana; Benin; Georgia; and Sri Lanka. TheAfricanDream was also featured on Update-1 Podcast of the National Press Club of the United States in September 2022.

We have also worked with Events DC of the District of Columbia US, one time African Union permanent representative to the US, and the Voice of America; the Washington Diplomat newspaper; and The Afrikan Post, all respected news media outlets (in the Washington DC metro area of the US) respectively too.

In 2017, we helped initiate and organize the first official ‘Jollof Festival in Washington DC’, celebrating one of West Africa’s favorite culinary delicacies with global acclaim – Jollof. A year after in 2018, we helped coordinate and organize the first-ever forum at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC to advocate for the passage of the Right to Information (RTI) bill of Ghana into law.

By the last quarter of 2023, the firm had produced over 87 episodes of #TheAfricanDream — a human-interest 30-minute TV chat show broadcast on Fairfax Access Public Television – in the US that is viewed by an approximate 250k households annually and shared online via YouTube with a larger global community.

Q: What’s the meaning behind your logo?

A: Our new logo’s primary color is green. The logo unravels a simple shape of the continent of Africa, like the former but featuring three prongs that gets thicker as they rise. Then a semi-thickened circle bordering around the shape of the continent. The three prongs on the new logo represent an Africa that is working at rising together as one people with a unity that gets thicker at every pace of the journey. The semi thickened circle around the shape represents a half baked advancement that will only become a full circle when we rise together in unity. An idea boldly represented in our new catchphrase — “We Rise Together…”

Q: Is there anyone you want to appreciate?

A: We’ve been able to chalk all the above successs thanks to the excellent efforts of our team here at the Consultancy and TheAfricanDream is honored to mention just a few of them as we say a big THANK YOU to: Kwame Asante Ofori, Daisy Mina Antwi, Rexford Nkansah (KhoPhi), Edward Asare and Abeeb Lekan Sodiq. We are also thankful to our clients for trusting us with their businesses.

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Follow them on social media as theafricandreamdotnet on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok or visit their website at www.theafricandream.co or trail their work with these hashtags below to learn more or do business with them:

#theafricandreamconsult

#theafricandreamdotnet

#theafricandreamllc

The Honourable Minister of State Gas, Petroleum Resources, 𝗢𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺 𝗘𝗸𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗽𝗲 𝗘𝗸𝗽𝗼 today visited Rivers and Abia States on a working visit to ascertain the state of Pipelines and the activities of illegal refineries that is threatening the asset of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corperation – NNPC and the host community.

Ekpo was accompanied by his counterpart in the Oil Petroleum Ministry, 𝗦𝗲𝗻. 𝗛𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝗸𝗽𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗶 and top officials from the two ministries, alongside senior executives and directors of the corporation.

Speaking on the state of the illegal refineries and pipeline vandalization, Ekpo fumed at the activities of some unscrupulous elements who are bent on ensuring low productivity and collapse of the Oil and Gas sector.

The former national lawmaker said the current administration of 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗮 𝗧𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗯𝘂, will leave no stone unturned in making sure that vandals and their activities are completely obliterated, while the nation regain full control of its major assets across the country.

Ekpo commended staff of the corporation for their dedication and commitment to ensuring the protection of the national major asset and of course, productivity. He said his team were impressed with what is on ground, which indicates that everyone is committed to the success of the project.

He noted: “I’m comfortable with what I have seen. The people here are committed and dedicated to their work. Why we are here is that Mr. President has given Nigerians a hope for a renewed nation and it is our task to ensure that Mr. President succeeds. And we can’t get the work done from the comfort of our offices.

“If what is on ground isn’t encouraging enough, of course, we will speak out and hold the people accountable. But so far, what we have seen is quite encouraging. It shows everyone are committed to seeing to the success of this goal, which is, a better Nigeria.”

GODWIN GREEN
Niger Delta Correspondent

Major expansion as economic bloc that includes Russia and China attempts to provide counterweight to the US and Western allies.

The Brics group of big emerging economies has announced the admission of six new members, in an attempt to reshape the global world order and provide a counterweight to the US and its allies.

From the beginning of next year, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Argentina, the UAE and Ethiopia will join the current five members – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – it was announced at a summit in Johannesburg on Thursday.

PR TIMES AFRICA IN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH OUR GUEST

Qstn. Sir, how did you find career path in sports management?

Ans.

My background as a lawyer lured me into Sports law and that got me closer to taking a key decision in getting involved in sports administration and management to improve sports as an industry.

Qstn. What are the lessons learned so far in sports management?

Ans.

Sport is a result-based industry, so finding solutions to achieving results is a fundamental skill for

– Crisis management

– Managing players, staff members, and fans.

– Understanding the organization, politics, and socio-economic foundations of football at local, national and

international levels.

Qstn.What is the most challenging parts in your current job?

Ans.

Competition is a fundamental basis for sports, so succeeding in each chance to compete and achieve the

club’s goal is recurring demand.

Qstn. What are your personal contributions to the success of Enugu Rangers international football club ?

Ans.

Ongoing efforts to restructure the economic framework of the club. To ensure the financial viability of the

club. Ongoing efforts to restore the club’s relationship with its teeming fans globally

Efforts to generally ensure best practices across all aspects of the club’s operations including recruitment,

daily operations, technical and administrative aspects.

Qstn. As the Administrative head of this club Enugu Rangers, how do you motivate your team?

Ans.

(1) Ensuring that all entitlements are paid and when due

(2)Application of the performance base contract factor to improve and stabilize player performances

(3)Ensuring quality working conditions for all staff members also by

Awarding the player of the month for each month

Renewal of the insurance policies of the club As well as staff of the month

Qstn. Sir, what excites you about the future of Nigeria football leagues and Enugu Rangers football club in particular?

Ans.

The steps to the league body to partner with a media company for Live streaming matches across match venues in each match day. This will improve the marketability of clubs and the league.

– Efforts of the league body to review and encourage good performances of referees as well as sanction poor

performances

– Increasing the league prize money to N150m

– Realigning the league calendar with major leagues in Europe to encourage followership of the league, balance

players transfer windows and ensure that clubs representing the country in CAF tournaments are in good match form.

As for Rangers, we are on course to restore the club’s tradition of winning both domestic and continental trophies Ensuring that the club attains its great commercial potential

Qstn.What are the Enugu Rangers plans for the club’s football Academy?

Ans.

The Rangers Academy is the club’s great pathway for both sporting and financial success.

The club is on course to set up a viable U13, U15, U17 and U19 Academy structure with quality coaches, modern training curriculum, equipment, and operational practices,

The Academy is to promote players progressively up to senior teams and also produce high-quality players for transfers to the international football market. The club is already negotiating a partnership with two clubs in mainstream Europe as a transfer pathway and to

enhance the technical aspects of the Academy.

Qstn.

Government aside, how does Enugu Rangers International Football Club generate revenue?

Ans

The club has launched a club membership platform that enables fans to officially register their membership with the club at various fees and categories. The aspect of the commercial dividends of the Youth team has already been elaborated

Benefits from the media rights from the partnership between the league body and GTI And also the plans to sell replica jerseys

Qstn. Africa Football in general and youth development

Ans.

Article 8 , Section 1 of the CAF Club licensing regulations demands a functional and well-managed Youth

section from each club as a condition for licensure. So, CAF is deliberate about Youth development.

An improved quality in the organization of CAF u17 and u20 tournaments in Morocco and Egypt

respectively further indicates the milestone that youth football development is achieving in Africa

Football generally offers an invaluable platform for youths to be meaningfully engaged as playing and non

playing staff, fans, the press and beyond there by distracting them from social vices and drugs.

Qsn. And finally any partnership with an European Football Club and which ?

Asn.

FINALLY – As mentioned, Rangers is in active negotiations with 2 clubs in Europe and this will amount to

technical, media and commercial benefits for both the senior and youth teams. As soon as the partnership is concluded, our fans will be the first to know.

Conclusion

Thank you so much, Barr. Ferdinand Ugwuarua for making out time for this exclusive and exciting

discussions with the PRtimes Africa.

From Diplomacy to General Secretary of FIFA: Fatma, The First Female Scribe of Football’s Governing Body Has Always Been Guaranteed a Place Among The Stars

From Diplomacy to General Secretary of FIFA: Fatma, The First Female Scribe of Football’s Governing Body Has Always Been Guaranteed a Place Among The Stars

FATMA SAMOURA: A TRAILBLAZER TO ALL WOMEN

The Secretary General of FIFA, Fatma Samoura is a woman that has been adored my all in the past months. She recently broke the news to the world as she plans on stepping down from her current position in the world of football.

The 60-year-old was a former United Nations official who hails from Senegal.

Madam Samoura has held her high-ranking position since 2016 and has decided to take a step back by the end of the year. Her appointment is one that left the world shocked as she was the chosen one for her current role amongst others. What made her stand out is the fact that she was selected despite the availability of qualified men to handle the position.

She is leaving this prestigious role as the first black individual, first Muslim, first Non-European and of course, the first woman to be a major administrator in FIFA.

She has helped to supervise the Men’s World Cup played in Qatar and Russia, she is currently overseeing the present Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

She stated that” I will leave FIFA with a high sense of pride and fulfillment”. She also said “FIFA today is a better governed, more open, more reliable and more transparent organization.”

Fatma Samoura is definitely a woman for the books and can be seen as a role model to young women in Africa and the world at large.

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

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

#Africa #UN #PRTIMESAFRICA #CLIMATECHANGE #

JOINT PRESS RELEASE

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

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

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

Public Relations has been an established industry for many years. As the world develops, brands also develop and look for better means to expand their reach by collaborating with channels such as newspapers, magazines, and others to shape perceptions. In this digital world, PR has followed suit and has made changes such as promoting brands through online news sources, blogs, and websites.

Of recent, Content Marketing just became prominent. It is also in the business of raising brand awareness for a company through strategic approach and this is achieved through infographics, influencers, testimonials, and customer reviews, etc.

In the end, Public Relations and Content Marketing both aim to increase brand exposure and gain mentions of the company.

When choosing between Public Relations and Content Marketing, it is important to know that combining both can be the most effective approach for achieving exactly what you want for your business.

While Content Marketing can help right away, Public Relations can take things to the next level by providing journalists and writers with stories they can use right away.

Instead of competing, Content Creators and Public Relations professionals can collaborate to maximize a brand’s potential and increase awareness.

Next generation leaders from the global North and South come together to work on pragmatic approaches to the environmental crisis in a bespoke Climate Challenge Leadership Programme launched by the Africa Finance Corporation in partnership with Common Purpose

LONDON, United Kingdom, July 26, 2023/ — Pressure to reduce carbon emissions and regenerate biodiversity is increasing as the global climate crisis intensifies. However, a clear distinction must be drawn between the starting point for the global South and that of the global North.Africa, for example, produces less than 3.8% of carbon emissions, yet the continent has been disproportionately impacted by climate change, with frequent droughts, heavy rains and severe heatwaves.[1] Conversely, many of the highest emitting nations are feeling relatively little impact, undermining the sense of urgency. These differing positions need to be bridged if we are to reduce emissions and drive the regeneration of biodiversity.In response, the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (https://www.AfricaFC.org/), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, is collaborating with Common Purpose (https://CommonPurpose.org/), an international leadership development organisation, to launch the Climate Challenge Leadership Programme which will offer a different approach. The programme will aim to strengthen the capacity of a cohort of 50 dynamic emerging leaders from Africa and the rest of the world, who – as they progress in their careers – will build bridges between the global North and South and find new ways to address the environmental crisis. The programme will be funded by AFC and run by Common Purpose and will take place later this year.”In order to address the climate crisis, we need leaders who can cross boundaries and collaborate to transform the systems that support our way of life,” said Adirupa Sengupta, Chief Executive of the Common Purpose Charitable Trust (UK). “The next generation of leaders will be at the heart of tackling these issues and we want to equip them to lead a different conversation between the global North and South. AFC is a natural partner for us because of their knowledge of, and ambition for, Africa and the global South.”The programme is the latest iteration of the Common Purpose Innoventure Leadership Development Programme, which for the past 13 years has assembled young changemakers from across the globe to tackle everything from the reduction of the cost of surgery to the optimization of societal benefits derived from new technologies. This latest edition will focus squarely on the practical challenge of bridging the gap in positions and perspectives on climate between leaders from the global North and South.”The programme will be fertile ground for innovative solutions to be crafted by the next generation of leaders from Africa and beyond,” said AFC´s President and CEO, Samaila Zubairu.”For far too long, Africa has been viewed by the rest of the world as a place of ‘problems’ – and yet Africa holds the solutions to many of the fundamental problems facing the world today, particularly in relation to climate change,” said Mr. Zubairu. “This is why we are supporting Common Purpose in the development of a rising generation of leaders from Africa and beyond who are enabled and empowered to offer global solutions to the climate challenge.”AFC, through its investments and project advisory function, has a three-pronged approach to supporting Africa’s contribution to combating climate change: localising production to minimise emissions from shipping and other forms of transport; rebuilding infrastructure in a way that will be resilient to changing climate conditions and that anticipates, prepares for, and adapts to climate risk; and using financial innovation to crowd-in investment to support everything from reforestation to renewable power plants. AFC’s white paper, ‘A Pragmatic Path to Net Zero’ (https://apo-opa.info/3N68VNN), calls for African leaders to engage in a unified narrative with the rest of the world to assert the continent’s role in combating global warming and its impacts.[2]Successful applicants to the Climate Challenge Leadership Programme will be emerging leaders with at least five years of professional experience and will come from different sectors, countries, and communities across Africa, the wider global South and the global North. By the programme’s end, the participants will have increased their ability to ‘Lead Beyond Authority’ (https://apo-opa.info/3OhdPZg),  a pre-requisite to solving any complex problem, and will have made new connections with leaders across the global North and South. They will have developed their analytical and creative skills and enhanced their influence by tackling a complex challenge within a diverse group. Applications are now open via the Common Purpose website. Apply at CommonPurpose.org.  [1] Africa accounts for the smallest share of global greenhouse gas emissions, at just 3.8 per cent, https://apo-opa.info/3Q8wN6M [2] Roadmap to Africa’s COP: A pragmatic path to net zero,  https://apo-opa.info/3N68VNNDistributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). Find out more: Alison Coburn Chief Executive Common Purpose International Mobile: +44 (0)7852 914 670 Email: alison.coburn@commonpurpose.orgMedia Enquiries: Yewande Thorpe Communications Africa Finance Corporation Mobile : +234 1 279 9654 Email : yewande.thorpe@africafc.orgGavin Serkin New Markets Media & Intelligence Telephone: +44 20 3478 9710 Email: gserkin@newmarkets.media About Common Purpose: Common Purpose is a leadership development organization that specializes in cross-boundary leadership. The not-for-profit organization runs programmes in over 100 cities worldwide. Founded in 1989, Common Purpose has over 115,000 alumni globally. The organization’s leadership development programmes inspire and equip people to work across boundaries. This enables them to solve complex problems in organizations and in society. https://CommonPurpose.org/About AFC: AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for private sector-led infrastructure investment across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.Sixteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 40 member countries and has invested US$11.5 billion across Africa since inception. www.AfricaFC.orgSOURCE Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)

The findings contain the Committee’s main concerns and recommendations on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

GENEVA, Switzerland, July 26, 2023/ — The UN Human Rights Committee (https://apo-opa.info/3O6ja5r)  today issued its findings on Brazil, Burundi, Colombia, Cyprus, Lesotho, the State of Palestine and Uganda, after examining the seven States parties in its latest session. The findings contain the Committee’s main concerns and recommendations on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (https://apo-opa.info/3Y74ZBy) , as well as positive aspects. Highlights include: Brazil The Committee was concerned about racial profiling and the lack of accountability for excessive use of force and extrajudicial killings by law enforcement officers. It called upon Brazil to redouble its efforts to investigate all such allegations, prosecute perpetrators and compensate victims, including cases relating to the Complexo da Maré neighbourhood raid and the police operations in Jacarezinho and Vila Cruzeiro. The Committee expressed concern over the lack of an effective land demarcation process, which has led to growing land conflicts, illegal encroachment and resource exploitation, as well as attacks and killings of indigenous peoples. The Committee also raised concern about the Temporal Landmark that limits indigenous peoples’ recognition of ancestral land only to territories they occupied on the Constitution promulgation date in 1988. It regretted the slow pace of land titling for Quilombola communities and urged Brazil to expedite the demarcation and titling of indigenous and Quilombola lands, particularly by upholding indigenous peoples’ entitlement to the lands they have traditionally owned or occupied.BurundiThe Committee regretted the Burundi delegation’s withdrawal from the meeting (https://apo-opa.info/4537ebg)  in the presence of certain human rights activists. The Committee proceeded to review Burundi in the absence of the delegation. It was alarmed by reports of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, torture and sexual violence committed by members of the National Intelligence Service, police, security forces and members of Imbonerakure, the ruling party’s youth league, against political opponents. The Committee noted that the situation was intensified during the 2015 demonstrations, the 2018 constitutional referendum and the 2020 elections. It urged Burundi to take all measures to combat impunity and ensure that all these violations are promptly and thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are prosecuted and sentenced to penalties commensurate with the seriousness of the offence. The Committee was also alarmed by political violence and incitement to political and ethnic hatred by State agents and members of the Imbonerakure, targeting opposition candidates, human rights defenders and journalists, during and after the 2015 and 2020 elections and the 2018 constitutional referendum. It recommended that Burundi take all necessary steps to prevent such violence and intimidation before the elections of 2025 and 2027, guarantee electoral rights to all, including opposition candidates and supporters, and ensure that all political parties can conduct a free and equal electoral campaign.ColombiaConcerning the rise in violence during internal armed conflict due to the expansion of non-State armed groups and criminal organisations, the Committee underlined the need to strengthen actions against impunity for such crimes, particularly those occurring in rural areas. It asked the State party to intensify efforts to implement the 2016 Peace Agreement, investigate all rights violations before the Attorney General’s Office and the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, and continue the dialogue with non-state armed groups on immediate action to reduce violence and mitigate its impacts.The Committee remained concerned about the frequent attacks on human rights defenders and social leaders and the high level of impunity in these cases. It called upon Colombia to enact a national policy to protect human rights defenders, including those advocating environmental rights and the rights of indigenous and Afro-descendant people, social and community leaders, and journalists who face threats, violence and intimidation, and to guarantee that they can carry out their activities in safe conditions.Cyprus The Committee voiced concern over continued overcrowding, poor material conditions in detention facilities and the fact that migrants awaiting deportation orders are held alongside detainees charged with criminal offences. It asked Cyprus to improve detention conditions and alleviate overcrowding. The Committee also recommended that Cyprus enforce statutory limits to pretrial detention duration and guarantee that people awaiting deportation are detained for the shortest possible period, and that pretrial detainees are kept apart from convicted prisoners.Regarding the rights of minorities, the Committee mentioned the small number of Turkish Cypriots in the State party’s civil service, including the police force and the courts, and that no specific policies aimed at changing this situation were planned. It recommended that Cyprus continue its efforts to eradicate the economic, social, linguistic and cultural barriers faced by Turkish Cypriots and other minorities, including taking specific measures to integrate Turkish Cypriots into the civil service and the judiciary.LesothoThe Committee noted with grave concern the high degree of violence against women and girls, including domestic violence and child marriage. The Committee was also concerned that victims are mostly reluctant to report these incidents for fear of stigmatisation or losing financial support. The Committee called upon Lesotho to investigate all such abuses and encourage women and girls to report domestic and sexual violence. It also asked Lesotho to expand shelters nationwide and provide adequate free legal aid to those in need.Following the killing of a student by the Police at the National University of Lesotho during a student demonstration in June 2022 and the shooting of a factory worker during strike protests in 2021, the Committee raised the alarm about the use of live ammunition and excessive force by law enforcement officers in dispersing demonstrations. It was also concerned about the lack of effective investigations and prosecutions into these cases. The Committee urged Lesotho to ensure that allegations of excessive use of force during peaceful assemblies are thoroughly investigated, that responsible officers are prosecuted and that victims are compensated.State of PalestineThe Committee was concerned that domestic violence, including marital rape, is still not explicitly criminalised in national legislation. The Committee was further alarmed by reports that women are pressured by their families, often through violence, torture or threats, to commit suicide to protect the so-called family’s “honour”. It urged the State party to adopt and enforce a comprehensive law criminalising all violence against girls and women, explicitly addressing domestic violence, marital rape and crimes committed in the name of so-called “honour”.The Committee expressed concern over the Presidential Decree issued in April 2021 that postponed parliamentary and presidential elections. It was also concerned about cases of attacks, arbitrary arrests and detention, and killings of opposition candidates and politicians in the West Bank earlier that year before the postponement of the elections. It called on the State party to review the legal and institutional framework governing the holding of elections to ensure that the delay of elections is in line with the Covenant. The Committee also requested that the State of Palestine take all necessary measures to prevent intimidation, assault, arbitrary arrests and killings of opposition candidates, and ensure that such cases are promptly investigated.UgandaThe Committee expressed deep concern about discrimination and persecution based on sexual orientation and gender identity, including the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act in May 2023, which criminalises consenting sexual relations between adults of the same sex and provides severe sanctions, including the death penalty, for related ‘offences.’ The Committee urged Uganda to repeal the Act urgently, address the stigmatisation based on sexual orientation or gender identity and ensure remedies for victims. The Committee also raised concern about persistent reports of arbitrary arrest and detention of political opponents, journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders, violating fundamental procedural safeguards. It was also concerned by the high proportion of the prison population in pretrial detention. The Committee called on Uganda to ensure that fundamental procedural safeguards are respected and that statutory limits to the duration of pretrial detention are strictly enforced.A review of Somalia was also scheduled for this session but was postponed at the last minute. The above findings, officially known as Concluding Observations, are available on the session page (https://apo-opa.info/3ObfvTL) . Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). SOURCE Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)