Moscow hosted the BRICS Climate Agenda in Modern Conditions Forum focused on the development of public-private and inter-country partnerships within the BRICS climate agenda. More than 250 delegates took part in the forum, including members of government authorities, the corporate sector, and expert and scientific communities from BRICS countries. The event was held under the auspices of Russia’s chairmanship of BRICS.

One of the key discussion tracks was the role of business in implementing climate projects and developing effective public-private partnership instruments. The discussion participants believe that close interaction between the scientific community, business, and the state is vital to implementing large-scale cross-industry projects, as is cross-country collaboration.

“The BRICS countries have all it takes to lead the global climate agenda: the scientific capabilities and the demand for green technologies. Currently, we have the support of relevant ministries in coordinating interaction with leading scientific teams from BRICS countries to launch joint developments. In addition to Russia, we engage with scientific teams from China and the UAE and plan to further expand the geography of our collaboration. For its part, the Palladium Centre is willing to serve as a pilot platform for testing new initiatives and tools,” said Dmitry Izotov, Head of Nornickel’s Palladium Centre.

During the discussion, the Palladium Centre pointed out potential focus areas for promoting public-private collaborations within BRICS. Key initiatives proposed by the Centre include:

– aligning state programmes devoted to scientific research with the current technology needs of the private sector so as to increase the share of in-demand developments

– developing universities by setting up new specialised departments and equipping laboratories to promote competition in the scientific sphere

– promoting interaction between businesses and foreign universities to accelerate the development of applied sciences overall across BRICS countries.

Nornickel’s Palladium Centre is a leading innovation centre engaged in researching and developing new palladium-based materials for the green economy of the future. Its project portfolio includes new technologies for energy transition sectors such as hydrogen, solar, and biofuels. Nornickel plans to leverage the Centre’s capabilities to bring over 100 new materials to market by 2030.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nornickel’s Palladium Centre.

Contact:
Carolyn Li
carolyn.li@sprg.com.cn

The Central Bank of Lesotho has closed today a four-day Cyber Incidents Response Training, facilitated by the European Union’s (EU) CyberNet experts. This training, an integral part of a broader EU partnership with the Government of Lesotho, aims to enhance the cybersecurity capabilities of the Central Bank of Lesotho and strengthen national financial stability.

The training, organised in collaboration with the Central Bank of Lesotho management, marks a significant step in reinforcing the nation’s cybersecurity posture. EU CyberNet, an EU-funded facility implemented by the Estonian Information System Authority, plays a crucial role in this initiative. The network’s mission is to enhance the global delivery and coordination of the EU’s external cyber capacity-building projects and to provide technical assistance to partner countries like Lesotho in cybersecurity and countering cybercrime.

“In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity is crucial for the Lesotho Central Bank and its role in the nation’s financial stability” noted HE Paola Amadei, the Ambassador of the European Union to the Kingdom of Lesotho, in her closing remarks. “Strong cybersecurity measures would lead to strengthening and preservation of sensitive financial data, uptime of essential services, and strengthen public trust in the financial system. Ensuring robust cybersecurity is not just about protecting an institution; it is about safeguarding the financial well-being and security of every citizen.”

This training is a key component of a broader support programme to the Central Bank of Lesotho that includes strategic partners such as the European Union and the World Bank. Launched in May 2024, the EU’s technical assistance programme has already invested LSL 6 million (EUR 300,000) to enhance the Central Bank of Lesotho’s capabilities in areas including Financial Sector Development Strategy (FSDS), policy and regulatory reforms, increasing Electronic Payment Acceptance (EPA), and strengthening the Credit Reporting System (CRS).

Over the next 4 days, the participants will engage in a comprehensive agenda, starting with practical exercises on choosing security standards and managing risks, followed by sessions on IT security best practices, monitoring, threat detection, exploit and malware analysis, information security management, audits, testing, and security awareness.

The training underscores that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility vital to national security. Active participation is crucial as the value of this training lies not just in the knowledge imparted by expert trainers but also in the shared experiences and insights from all participants.

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

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany has launched the Fifteenth Episode of their First-ever TV program – ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ on their social media handles.

‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa.

The TV program is currently broadcasting on KTN Home in Kenya, every Saturday at 5 pm and repeated every Thursday at 6:30 am.

It has also been broadcasted on prime TV stations of many countries like BTV (Botswana) Mashariki TV (Burundi), GHOne &TV3 (Ghana), QTV (The Gambia), LNTV (Liberia), Mibawa Limited (Malawi), Defi Media (Mauritius), AYV TV (Sierra Leone), NTV (Uganda), ZNBC TV (Zambia) and it immediately captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa. “Our Africa” TV Program will soon be broadcast on GTV in Ghana, NBC in Namibia, and ZTN in Zimbabwe. “Our Africa” TV Program is also currently on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3AUcvs4), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/47kY5xd), X (https://apo-opa.co/47hf7fK) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4evRGSv)) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/47izh97), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/47iiNxQ), X (https://apo-opa.co/3AVsVR6) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/47jcvhh)).

Watch the Promo of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ here:

https://apo-opa.co/3MzYNxe

The Fifteenth Episode is focused on Summary of “Our Africa” TV Program, emphasizing on social and health issues in Africa.

Watch the Fifteenth Episode promo here: https://apo-opa.co/4dQcZhD

Watch the Fifteenth Episode here: https://apo-opa.co/3MwdRMi  

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “I would like to thank our viewers and Social Media followers for the outstanding feedback we have been receiving for our TV program – ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’. I am deeply touched by all the messages we have been getting on our Social Media appreciating the TV program. The Fifteenth Episode is a summary of all the topics we have been discussing on the TV program so far. ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ TV program aims to contribute to sensitizing communities about different social and health issues such as ending FGM, ending child marriage, stopping GBV, breaking the Infertility stigma, supporting Girl Education, Diabetes awareness and healthy lifestyle, coronavirus awareness, sustainable fashion and more.

I would also like to thank our viewers for the amazing response we have been receiving, this is indeed very inspiring and encouraging. Moreover, I would especially like to acknowledge the love we have been receiving from our social media followers, it is phenomenal.”

The Fifteenth episode of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” summarized all the previous discussions that have taken place on the TV program. Senator, Dr. Rasha reminisced her conversations with the guests and designers who have been featured in the previous episodes. This episode also featured Merck Foundation’s song “Girl Can” by artists Irene and Cwezi from Liberia and Ghana respectively.

Watch and listen to this song here: https://apo-opa.co/3MxSASv

“‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ TV program has been our effort to reach out to youth and other members of our urban and rural communities with the aim to address and raise awareness about a wide range of pressing social and health issues that are relevant to our continent. I am very excited to bring to you more seasons of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ TV program, stay tuned. Be ready to Get informed, Get healthy, and Get entertained!”, concluded Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Watch Episode 1 here: https://apo-opa.co/4dQjC3b

Watch Episode 2 here: https://apo-opa.co/4eaLij3

Watch Episode 3 here: https://apo-opa.co/47jFYYM

Watch Episode 4 here: https://apo-opa.co/3MBNpku

Watch Episode 5 here: https://apo-opa.co/4dIXzeV  

Watch Episode 6 ere: https://apo-opa.co/47fERck

Watch Episode 7 here: https://apo-opa.co/47fESNq

Watch Episode 8 here: https://apo-opa.co/3MV6b6B 

Watch Episode 9 here: https://apo-opa.co/4dQSLUV

Watch Episode 10 here: https://apo-opa.co/4dUwMwg

Watch Episode 11 here: https://apo-opa.co/3AVsWo8

Watch Episode 12 here: https://apo-opa.co/47dL5cR

Watch Episode 13 here: https://apo-opa.co/3AQEvgn

Watch Episode 14 here: https://apo-opa.co/3MzumHj

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

More Images: https://apo-opa.co/3ASqBdr

Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard
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YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3AVsWEE
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3AMtGM3
X: https://apo-opa.co/4dUwV2M 
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/3MBWMAy
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3MBNq82
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/47kY6Bh

About Merck Foundation:
Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit: www.Merck-Foundation.com; Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/47jcw4P), X (https://apo-opa.co/4dUwV2M), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3AMtGM3), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3AVsWEE), Thread (https://apo-opa.co/3MBNq82) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3MBWMAy).

The United States Government through its Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the Kefeta National Youth Saving and Credit Cooperatives (SACCO) on September 5, a youth-led, youth-managed and youth-owned financial institution that will provide financial solutions friendly to young people and will support young entrepreneurs. The launch took place during the two-day Youth Development Learning Forum held September 5 and 6 at the Skylight Hotel.

Kefeta’s SACCO mobilizes savings and provides access to affordable credit to assist the economic well-being of young people with a creative mix of youth-tailored financial products. The National SACCO puts their member’s interest first and provides a level of service generally unavailable to young people at other financial institutions.

Knowledge of financial concepts like saving, investing, spending and borrowing is the foundation of financial literacy and contributes to a sense of financial security for all people, but most needed by young people as they seek careers and independence. The National Youth SACCO, with branches in 18 Ethiopian cities, has over 7,800 youth members who own more than 38,900 shares and 59,007,640 Birr (USD 531,800) in savings.

The Youth Development Learning Forum brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, youth representatives, and development experts to discuss challenges, opportunities, and best practices around youth access to finance in Ethiopia. The Forum featured panel discussions with successful young entrepreneurs and digital literacy influencers, sharing their experiences and insights.

USAID Mission Director Scott Hocklander, who gave the keynote address at the launch, said that with access to credit and finance, “there will no longer be the kind of hurdles that keep youth from participating in Ethiopia’s future.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia.