From September 5th to 6th, 2024, in Toamasina (Tamatave), AU-IBAR was an active participant in the second edition of Madagascar’s Blue Economy Celebrations. The Malagasy Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy organised the event to highlight the country’s dedication to developing a blue economy that can last. The festival highlighted the significance of fisheries and aquaculture as important drivers of economic growth and environmental sustainability through a comprehensive program of events, including conferences, workshops, culinary competitions, fashion displays, and exhibitions.

Mr Rafik Nouaili, an expert in the area of fisheries and aquaculture resource management, represented AU-IBAR at the event. He commended Mr. Paubert Tsimanaoraty Mahatante, Minister of Fisheries and the Blue Economy of Madagascar, for presiding over such a crucial meeting and expressed the group’s appreciation. As part of the blue economy plan for the continent, Mr. Nouaili emphasised the need for close cooperation between the African Union and Madagascar to achieve common objectives in the creation of sustainable aquaculture and fisheries. While serving as a panellist for multiple sessions, Mr. Nouaili also highlighted important accomplishments of the African Union and AU-IBAR in promoting sustainable practices in the African fisheries industry.

The signing of the MoU between the Republic of Madagascar and the Pan-African Youth Organisation for the Blue Economy (OPJEB) was a major event of the gathering. As a result of this agreement, the African Youth Forum on the Blue Economy, which AU-IBAR has been invited to assist, will be held in Madagascar in 2025. The purpose of the forum is to encourage young people from Africa to participate in blue economy projects and activities that are environmentally friendly.

With the support of AU-IBAR, Madagascar has been working on a national strategy to grow its fisheries and aquaculture sector as part of the blue economy from 2021. This collaboration has centred on informing important players about the blue economy’s function in boosting the economy and quality of life in Madagascar, especially in island and coastal areas.

Minister Mahatante was presented with the esteemed “Blue Economy Champion: SIDS Category” award in honour of his remarkable achievements in promoting the blue economy across Africa. In the context of SIDS, this award highlights Madagascar’s dedication to blue economy projects and its leadership in the field.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

On the sidelines of Madagascar’s Blue Economy celebrations, AU-IBAR together with the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy organised a National Stakeholders Consultative and Validation Workshop in Antananarivo from September 9 to 11, 2024. The workshop aimed to align Madagascar’s agricultural investment plans and fisheries and aquaculture strategies with the African Union’s Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS). In addition, it focused on climate change adaptation and the integration of global instruments to enhance Madagascar’s resilience in these sectors.

Representing Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, Mr. Rafik Nouaili emphasized the crucial need for harmonizing national policies with continental frameworks such as the PFRS and global initiatives. He commended the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, including the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, the University of Toliara’s Institute of Fisheries Sciences and Marine Sciences, private sector partners, and NGOs, for their significant contributions to advancing Madagascar’s fisheries sector.

Mr. Nouaili also acknowledged the work of Dr. Nessan Désiré Coulibaly, the national consultant, whose recommendations have been essential in guiding the alignment process. He highlighted the importance of the PFRS and the EU-funded FishGov2 initiative, which support AU member states in achieving sustainable fisheries and aquaculture as part of Agenda 2063. These frameworks are designed to enhance environmental sustainability, food security, and the livelihoods of those reliant on the sector.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Tilahy Désiré, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, stressed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in accelerating the implementation of strategies that align with national, regional, and continental objectives. He also underscored the need for strong regional and international collaboration to ensure the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems.

Key Sessions and Outcomes
The workshop agenda included focused discussions on:
– Climate change adaptation strategies
– Aligning national fisheries and aquaculture strategies with the PFRS
– Integrating agricultural investment plans with climate change policies
– Domestication of relevant global instruments

Participants engaged in breakout sessions and collaborative discussions to develop actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening Madagascar’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The workshop concluded with plenary sessions to adopt consultancy reports and finalize key recommendations.

In closing, Minister Paubert Tsimanaoraty Mahatante emphasized the importance of promptly and effectively implementing the workshop’s recommendations. He expressed his gratitude to AU-IBAR for their ongoing support and commitment to advancing Madagascar’s blue economy and fisheries management.
By aligning its policies with the PFRS and focusing on climate resilience, Madagascar is well-positioned to make significant progress in sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture development. These efforts contribute to broader continental and global sustainability goals, reinforcing the critical role of the blue economy in ensuring the prosperity and resilience of small island states like Madagascar.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

World Football Summit (WFS) (www.WorldFootballSummit.com), the premier platform for the global football industry, has announced Real Madrid’s newly renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium as the recipient of its prestigious Best Venue Award for 2024. This accolade recognizes the stadium’s groundbreaking features and its ambitious vision to redefine not only the sports venue landscape but also Madrid’s cultural and economic fabric.

The revamped Santiago Bernabéu stands out with its unique innovations, including:

A state-of-the-art retractable pitch system with an underground greenhouse
A 360-degree video screen enveloping the entire stadium interior
An exterior digital skin transforming the stadium into a dynamic urban landmark
Advanced sustainability features and energy-efficient systems

Beyond its technological marvels, the Santiago Bernabéu has positioned itself as a cultural and tourism hub in Madrid.

Over the last year, it has hosted major international acts like Taylor Swift, Karol G., and Luis Miguel, cementing its status as a premier concert destination. Moreover, the venue has been chosen by the NFL as its home for expanding its footprint in Spain, further diversifying its sporting portfolio with international rights holders.

Above all, by attracting visitors and hosting various events, the stadium is creating significant employment opportunities and driving economic activity in the city.

“Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu is not just a stadium; it’s a glimpse into the future of sports and entertainment venues,” said Jan Alessie, Co-Founder of World Football Summit. “Its blend of cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and multi-functionality sets a new standard for what a modern stadium can be. It’s a true game-changer in the industry and a vital asset for Madrid’s economy.”

The award, previously won by Tottenham Hotspur for their innovative stadium in London, underscores Real Madrid’s ambition to become a reference point in the sports industry. The club’s vision extends beyond football, positioning the Santiago Bernabéu as a year-round destination and a vital part of Madrid’s urban fabric.

Tristán López-Chicheri, CEO&Senior Partner at L35 Architects reflected: “The main intention of our design was to align a “number one team” with a “number one stadium”, so the image of the stadium could easily be identified with the Real Madrid and become a symbol, a memorable image. At the same time, such a major building becomes a symbol of the city as well.”

José María Arrabal, General Secretary of Sport at La Junta de Andalucía, will hand out the award during the WFS Awards Ceremony on September 18 in Sevilla as part of WFS Europe. This landmark event is set to bring together over 2,500 football industry professionals and decision-makers from around the world. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from an impressive lineup of speakers, including Italian football legend Giorgio Chiellini, Hammad Albalawi (Head of the Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup™ 2034 bid), Maheta Molango, Chairman of the PFA and Toni Nadal, amongst many others. WFS Europe is proudly supported by key partners such as Turkish Airlines, Junta de Andalucía, The Football Business Academy, Scoreplay, Meltwater, Radisson Hotel Group, and LALIGA, with additional representation from leading brands and institutions like Deloitte, the British Embassy, and CaixaBank. The event will also welcome representatives from major football organizations and clubs, including the European Club Association, UEFA, Atlético de Madrid, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC, Real Betis Balompié, Liverpool FC, and Juventus Football Club, alongside hundreds of other influential entities.

WFS Europe truly embodies the convergence of the entire football industry ecosystem, offering unparalleled networking and insights for all attendees. For more information about the WFS Awards and WFS Europe, please visit Europe.WorldFootballSummit.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Football Summit.

For press accreditation and media inquiries, please contact:
Jaime Dominguez
Communications Director,
World Football Summit
press@worldfootballsummit.com

About World Football Summit:
World Football Summit is the premier international event for the football industry, gathering the most influential professionals in the game to address the industry’s most pressing issues and generate business opportunities.

For more information, visit World Football Summit (www.WorldFootballSummit.com).

His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a message of congratulations to H.E. Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria on his re-election as President of that country. According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Boakai extended warmest congratulations to his Algerian counterpart on the occasion of his re-election, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia and in his own name. 

“As you have been given another mandate from your compatriots in shaping the future of your great country, it is my fervent hope that the Almighty Allah will continue to endow Your Excellency with abundant wisdom and strength as you lead your people to noble heights”, President Boakai stated. The Liberian Leader stressed that he will work along with President Tebboune to promote international peace and economic development under the ambits of the African Union and the United Nations. He then assured his Government’s willingness to continue the cordial relations subsisting between the two countries and peoples. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.