The National Initiative for Smart Green Projects held an introductory seminar in Giza as part of a series of seminars and training workshops being conducted in various governorates. The aim is to raise awareness about the initiative’s goals, categories, and the criteria for project nomination in the third cycle, for which applications are currently open on the initiative’s website, www.sgg.eg.

During the workshop, Lamia Sameh, Senior Evaluation Officer at the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects at the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, outlined the project evaluation criteria. These include the green component, the smart technological component, economic feasibility and financing capability, scalability and replicability, sustainable impact, and empowerment and equal opportunities. She also highlighted the key stages of the third cycle of the initiative, which will culminate in the selection of 18 winning projects.

Omar Bibars, Project Officer at the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects at the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, discussed the categories of the initiative. He noted that the categories are divided into large-scale projects, medium-sized projects, small local projects (Decent Life), startup projects, non-profit community initiatives and participations, and developmental projects related to women, climate change, and sustainability. He also explained the participation conditions and mechanisms.

Essam Osman, Digital Training Officer at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, explained the concepts of smart projects, smart green projects, and the characteristics that should be present in smart green projects.

Hossam Amin, Head of the Central Department for Greater Cairo at the Ministry of Environment, pointed to green projects and their economic and social dimensions, as well as the efficiency of natural resource use.

Yasmin Sherif, representative of the National Council for Women, highlighted the female winners in the women’s category of the initiative’s first cycle, pointing to the target categories in the initiative.

Riham Karat, Director of the Non-Financial Services Unit at the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, reviewed the classification of medium, small, and micro projects. She highlighted the pillars of the law governing medium, small, and micro enterprises and the importance of a comprehensive business plan and its components.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning and Economic Development – Egypt.

The EU and its Member States stand firm in our commitment to defending freedom of expression across the country in Libya and the protection of journalists and media workers. The freedom of media is crucial to democratic transition. We echo UNSMIL’s concern about the increasing nationwide trend of arbitrary detention of individuals who peacefully express their political views and promote the right to freedom of expression. The growing climate of fear and deteriorating civic space highlighted by UNSMIL’s reports demands immediate attention and action from all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and respect human rights in Libya.

We are concerned by the reported arrest on 11 July of journalist Ahmed Sanussi. We join UNSMIL in calling for his immediate release and swift action from Libya’s judicial and law enforcement authorities to ensure the safety and rights of individuals, journalists and media workers.

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

In a significant and pivotal event, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., today officially launched the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) at the Monrovia City Hall.

The launch signifies an unwavering commitment to combat the epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, which have posed significant challenges to the nation’s health care delivery system.

Addressing a distinguished gathering including the Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, representatives of the NGO community, Global Health Partners, partner governments, foreign diplomats, and esteemed guests, President Boakai expressed immense pride and gratitude for the support of the Global Fund in addressing critical healthcare challenges faced by Liberia.

The GC7 grant in the sum of one hundred and seventeen million, five hundred and forty-six thousand, six hundred and seventy United States dollars (US$117,546,670), represents a renewed dedication to improving health care outcomes for Liberia.

The President acknowledged the invaluable partnership of the Global Fund, emphasizing its crucial role in supporting Liberia’s development agenda by contributing to the healthcare system and providing crucial assistance in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.

Highlighting the achievements made with previous grants, President Boakai emphasized the need for continued progress and the importance of the GC7 grant in further strengthening and accelerating the national response to these diseases.

He outlined the comprehensive approach that will be undertaken through the GC7 grant, focusing on key areas such as expanding access to essential health services, increasing the availability of life-saving medications, and improving healthcare infrastructure.

He reiterated the commitment to prioritizing the training and capacity-building of healthcare professionals and strengthening supply chain management systems to ensure timely and efficient distribution of medications and medical supplies.

The fight against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, the President noted, will be approached with innovative strategies to reach key populations, reduce stigma, and promote community engagement.

Specific interventions for each disease were highlighted, including scaling up antiretroviral therapy and HIV testing and counseling services for high-risk population groups, strengthening diagnostic capacity for tuberculosis, and intensifying efforts in malaria prevention and control particularly for vulnerable populations.

The GC7 grant will further support resilient and sustainable health systems, with integrated interventions aligned with government policies and priorities. The comprehensive vision encompasses strengthening the supply chain system, network of laboratories, community systems strengthening, health financing systems, monitoring and evaluation systems, and overall healthcare delivery.

President Boakai concluded by reaffirming the unwavering commitment of Liberia to improving healthcare and expressed gratitude to all funding donors of the Global Fund for their indispensable support in making lives healthier and longer.

The launch of the GC7 grant marks a critical milestone for the Sanitation and Healthcare Pillar of the ARREST (Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Sanitation&Tourism) Agenda and Liberia’s efforts to combat HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and sets the stage for enhanced healthcare resilience and accessibility for all Liberians.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

The UAE Embassy in Rabat and the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco organized an international seminar titled ‘Moroccan-Emirati relations: a prosperous reality and promising prospects,’ to mark the 52nd anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Morocco.

The seminar commenced with a speech delivered by His Excellency Al Asri Saeed Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, along with His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Fatwa Council and Head of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, and His Excellency Abdeljalil Lahjomri, Permanent Secretary of the Kingdom of Morocco’s Academy.

During his speech, H.E. Al Dhaheri highlighted that the celebration of 52 years of productive contributions and achievements since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries embodies deep-rooted and close fraternal ties.

His Excellency added that economic and trade relations between the two countries are strong, and are making further progress towards achieving an advanced economic partnership, leveraging the strengths of integration between both the Emirati and Moroccan economies.

The seminar aimed to discuss the vision regarding the fundamentals and achievements of UAE-Morocco relations, their geopolitical significance, and their promising future prospects.

The event witnessed the participation of several government officials, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions in the Kingdom of Morocco, academic experts, university professors from the UAE and Morocco, in addition to local and international media outlets.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs&International Cooperation.