Latest news with #APSA
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab Seed Corporation becomes Member of Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance
LAHORE: Punjab Seed Corporation (PSC) has been selected as a member of the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA), marking a significant milestone for the organization. Managing Director Ali Arshad Rana and Deputy Managing Director Mahboob Alam described the membership as a major achievement, highlighting APSA as a highly important platform that supports the promotion, research, and marketing of high-quality seeds both regionally and globally. They stated that APSA represents the largest network of seed-related companies, organizations, and government institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. It serves as a collaborative platform for the exchange of ideas and research, fostering better understanding, mutual cooperation, and business development. Ali Arshad Rana and Mahboob Alam emphasized that Punjab Seed Corporation will fully utilize this platform to provide farmers in Punjab with high-quality seeds. They added that formal planning has already begun in this regard. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PSC becomes Member of Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance
LAHORE: Punjab Seed Corporation (PSC) has been selected as a member of the Asia and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA), marking a significant milestone for the organization. Managing Director Ali Arshad Rana and Deputy Managing Director Mahboob Alam described the membership as a major achievement, highlighting APSA as a highly important platform that supports the promotion, research, and marketing of high-quality seeds both regionally and globally. They stated that APSA represents the largest network of seed-related companies, organizations, and government institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. It serves as a collaborative platform for the exchange of ideas and research, fostering better understanding, mutual cooperation, and business development. Ali Arshad Rana and Mahboob Alam emphasized that Punjab Seed Corporation will fully utilize this platform to provide farmers in Punjab with high-quality seeds. They added that formal planning has already begun in this regard. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
African Union's Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) hosts training to equip Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with advocacy tools to influence peace and security policy across Africa
The African Union's Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) has concluded a three-day training session in Accra, Ghana, aimed at equipping Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with advocacy techniques and strategic policy engagement within the Conflict Management Cycle. This initiative, part of the EU-APSA IV Programme, reflects growing momentum to ensure civil society's structured involvement in African Union peace and security policy formulation and implementation. The high-impact initiative was designed to equip CSOs with advocacy and policy engagement skills necessary to influence decision-making at regional and continental levels and to strengthen their understanding of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the Conflict Management Cycle. The training, which drew participants from across the continent, underscored ECOSOCC' s commitment to empowering civil society as a cornerstone of Africa's peace and security agenda, in line with the Livingstone Formula. Officially opening the training, the Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative of Ghana to the African Union, Dr. Robert Afriyie, shared his experiences from a global perspective, highlighting Accra's historical legacy as a cradle of Pan-African unity and democratic participation, and the critical role of CSOs. 'I have seen firsthand how CSOs shape narratives and influence peace processes. CSOs have demonstrated their immense power to foster peace. Our training here is about more than technical skills; it is about nurturing an unwavering commitment to objective, consistent advocacy for Africa's future,' Amb. Afriyie stressed. Amb. Afriyie stressed the need for objective observation, careful separation of short-term narratives from long-term truths, and the importance of working collectively ('our' vs. 'theirs'), in approaching peace and development efforts. He quoted Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma's visionary 'Email from the Future,' emphasizing that the peace of Africa is not only a precondition but a determinant of its development. Mr. William Carew, Head of ECOSOCC Secretariat, stressed the importance of collective effort in peacebuilding, saying, 'The scourge of conflict constitutes a major obstacle to Africa's socio-economic development. Peace, security, and stability are prerequisites for integration and growth. This training is not just timely; it is critical. We are here to equip CSOs with practical advocacy techniques and policy engagement strategies to ensure your voices are heard, your evidence is valid, and your solutions are integrated into policy frameworks.' Mr. Carew also highlighted how civil society actors are central to bringing life to the principles of intervention, resolution, and reconstruction embedded within the APSA, stressing, 'Conflicts in Africa are complex, rooted in deep historical, political, and economic realities. Those most affected — the communities — must not be excluded from the solutions.' Mr. Emmanuel Nzunda, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), reinforced the call for inclusive conflict prevention and resolution, stating: 'Africa continues to grapple with security challenges with marginalized groups like women and children suffering the most. Inclusive peacebuilding is not optional; it is essential for achieving the goals of the AU's Agenda 2063. Trade unions and CSOs must be recognized as pivotal players in policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.' He referenced concrete examples where CSO involvement led to successful conflict prevention outcomes and stressed the need for multi-stakeholder partnerships across Member States and AU organs. Adding to the discussion, Mr. Boniface Cheembe, ECOSOCC Peace and Security Cluster Chair, emphasized the evolving security threats facing Africa, from asymmetric warfare to violent extremism. 'As civil society, we must strengthen our expertise to engage effectively within existing continental frameworks. Popular participation is not a privilege; it is a right. We are the fourth estate, providing alternative voices for peace, security, and social justice across the continent,' he emphasized. The three-day training included sessions on stakeholder mapping, evidence-based advocacy, AU policy entry points, and message framing for impact. Participants also developed practical action plans for influencing AU and Member State policy, to be integrated into a workshop outcome document. This training combined theoretical and practical sessions to ensure that participating organizations leave empowered to contribute to Africa's peace and security goals. As part of the training, the participants also paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) on the third day, welcomed by Secretary General Mr. Arezki Mezhoud. This visit underscored ECOSOCC's commitment to fostering collaboration and enhancing civil society engagement within Africa's peace and security architecture. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
Daily Telegraph
25-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
Surprise fortune Pope Francis left behind revealed
Pope Francis' net worth has been revealed following the news of his death at 88. The pontiff died from a stroke and heart failure in Rome on Easter Monday. The head of the Roman Catholic Church stepped into his role in 2013, but his fortune isn't as massive as you might think it would be despite the Vatican's substantial real estate holdings around the world. MORE: Horror find inside Hackman's death house Trump's 'garish' White House plan slammed What was Pope Francis' Net Worth and salary? Hello! reports Pope Francis had a personal net worth of £16 million ($A33 million), with assets associated with his office such as his cars, home and clothing. According to the outlet, the late pontiff was able to draw a yearly salary of £384,000 ($A801, 000). However, the Pope actually turned down his salary to live a modest life. It's believed that he donated this money to separate funds and trusts. But, Francis' wealth has been disputed. According to Celebrity Net Worth, his net worth was estimated to be around £100 ($A208) at the time of his death. The Argentina-born Pope's salary was $0. His basic needs, such as living expenses, food, clothing and travel, are paid for by the Vatican. MORE: Amazon boss Bezos signs new mega deal Shock amount Bill Gates plans to leave kids What is the Vatican's net worth? According to TIME, the Vatican's net worth is staggering, with bankers estimating that it is worth anywhere from $US10 to $US15 billion ($A15 billion to $A23 billion). How many properties does the Vatican own? Back in 2021, The Vatican released information on its real estate holdings for the first time. Multiple media outlets reported the Holy See owns more than 5,000 church and investment properties around the world. According to a report from the church-run Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See (APSA), the papacy holds 4,051 properties in Italy and 1,120 abroad. Records show APSA owns investment properties in Paris, Geneva and Lausanne, as well as in London, where the purchase of one property in South Kensington led to huge losses in 2014. According to Reuters, a majority of the Vatican's properties in Italy are rented at reduced rates to Church staff. Around 40 per cent are institutional buildings such as convents, but also schools and hospitals Where did Pope Francis Live? Traditionally, popes have resided in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican — a suite of ten rooms including a private study, bedroom, dining room, chapel, medical suite, and offices for the papal secretary. However, Pope Francis broke tradition and chose to live in the modest Vatican guesthouse, Casa Santa Marta, a residence used by visiting clergy. In addition to his Vatican home, the Pope also had access to the Papal summer retreat, Castel Gandolfo, a historic estate located on the site of the ancient city of Alba Longa.
News.com.au
24-04-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Surprise fortune Pope Francis left behind revealed
Pope Francis' net worth has been revealed following the news of his death at 88. The pontiff died from a stroke and heart failure in Rome on Easter Monday. The head of the Roman Catholic Church stepped into his role in 2013, but his fortune isn't as massive as you might think it would be despite the Vatican's substantial real estate holdings around the world. What was Pope Francis' Net Worth and salary? Hello! reports Pope Francis had a personal net worth of £16 million ($A33 million), with assets associated with his office such as his cars, home and clothing. According to the outlet, the late pontiff was able to draw a yearly salary of £384,000 ($A801, 000). However, the Pope actually turned down his salary to live a modest life. It's believed that he donated this money to separate funds and trusts. But, Francis' wealth has been disputed. According to Celebrity Net Worth, his net worth was estimated to be around £100 ($A208) at the time of his death. The Argentina-born Pope's salary was $0. His basic needs, such as living expenses, food, clothing and travel, are paid for by the Vatican. What is the Vatican's net worth? According to TIME, the Vatican's net worth is staggering, with bankers estimating that it is worth anywhere from $US10 to $US15 billion ($A15 billion to $A23 billion). How many properties does the Vatican own? Back in 2021, The Vatican released information on its real estate holdings for the first time. Multiple media outlets reported the Holy See owns more than 5,000 church and investment properties around the world. According to a report from the church-run Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See (APSA), the papacy holds 4,051 properties in Italy and 1,120 abroad. Records show APSA owns investment properties in Paris, Geneva and Lausanne, as well as in London, where the purchase of one property in South Kensington led to huge losses in 2014. According to Reuters, a majority of the Vatican's properties in Italy are rented at reduced rates to Church staff. Around 40 per cent are institutional buildings such as convents, but also schools and hospitals Where did Pope Francis Live? Traditionally, popes have resided in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican — a suite of ten rooms including a private study, bedroom, dining room, chapel, medical suite, and offices for the papal secretary. However, Pope Francis broke tradition and chose to live in the modest Vatican guesthouse, Casa Santa Marta, a residence used by visiting clergy. In addition to his Vatican home, the Pope also had access to the Papal summer retreat, Castel Gandolfo, a historic estate located on the site of the ancient city of Alba Longa.
