Latest news with #BMZ
See - Sada Elbalad
5 days ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
German Development Min. Holds High-Level Talks in Egypt on Gaza Reconstruction
Ahmed Emam The German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali-Radovan, arrived in Cairo today (Sunday) to hold critical talks with the Egyptian government on the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, according to a statement from the Embassy of Germany in Egypt. The visit comes in the wake of a recent Arab-led proposal for the future of Gaza, which has suffered immense destruction amid ongoing conflict. Egypt has played a central role in shaping this regional initiative. In a statement released ahead of her meetings, Minister Alabali-Radovan said: 'The Arab plan offers a realistic path toward rebuilding Gaza. It could serve as a strong starting point to give the people of Gaza renewed hope. As Germany's Development Minister, I want to be engaged from the early stages. Germany will also contribute to Gaza's reconstruction. Even though the situation remains catastrophic, we must begin discussing how to make this enormous task a success.' She stressed that several key conditions are necessary for meaningful progress: a secure humanitarian situation, a permanent ceasefire, and a political framework that supports long-term peace and security. 'There must be no role for Hamas in Gaza and no threat to Israel. Forced displacement, land reduction, or expulsions in Gaza or the West Bank are unacceptable,' she added. During her visit, the Minister is scheduled to hold talks with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, and Arab League Deputy Secretary-General Hossam Zaki. The discussions will focus on the implementation of the Arab reconstruction plan and the potential support from Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The embassy emphasized that rebuilding Gaza is a monumental, decade-long mission that requires close coordination and burden-sharing among the international community, including regional partners and the United Nations. Once conditions on the ground allow, BMZ is prepared to launch immediate relief projects, such as restoring water and energy supplies and providing temporary housing. The Ministry has previously contributed to development in Gaza, notably in drinking water access, wastewater infrastructure, and sustainable economic development. 'Reconstruction must be part of a broader, negotiated process toward a two-state solution,' the German embassy concluded. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
DW
01-07-2025
- Business
- DW
Germany slashes development aid to boost defense spending – DW – 06/30/2025
Germany is ramping up defense spending — while cutting funds for development cooperation. Aid organizations warn of the consequences for millions of people in a world beset by wars and crises. Germany's draft federal budget for 2025 includes sweeping cuts. The Economic Cooperation and Development Ministry (BMZ) is set to receive €10.3 billion ($12.1 billion) — nearly €1 billion less than in 2024. It's the second consecutive year that the budget has been reduced. A glance back at 2022 underscores the scale of the decline: At that time, Germany was still spending €13.8 billion on development aid. Michael Herbst, chair of the umbrella organization VENRO, which represents about 140 development NGOs in Germany, illustrated the human cost of these dramatic cuts amid growing global conflict. "More than 100 million people are displaced," Herbst said. "At the same time, more and more donor countries are pulling back." That's why, he said, Germany needs to ensure stable funding for development cooperation and humanitarian aid. But the opposite is occurring. Germany's cuts come at a time when US President Donald Trump, early in his second term, has also initiated deep reductions in development aid, reportedly slashing about 80% of funding. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The North Atlantic Treaty Organization agreed at its recent summit on June 25, 2025, that each NATO member state should spend 5% of its gross domestic product on defense annually. Against this backdrop, the global decline in development aid stands out all the more. The consequences are already becoming clear, especially in the field of humanitarian assistance. The United States has completely withdrawn its support for the UN-administered relief fund. Faced with sweeping international cutbacks, emergency aid coordinator Tom Fletcher says he is being forced to shut down numerous programs for the world's poorest. Weeks ago, Fletcher warned that the impact on people in need and suffering from hunger would be devastating. Instead of the originally projected $44 billion, Fletcher now expects just $29 billion to be available for distributing food, water, medicine, shelter, and other essential aid. Fletcher said the reduced funding would enable 114 million people to be reached — down from the 180 million originally planned. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Because of the sharp reduction in the BMZ budget, Germany's official development assistance ratio fell below its self-imposed goal of 0.7% of gross national income in 2024. It had consistently remained above that threshold since 2020. Humanitarian emergency aid is being slashed by 53%, to about €1 billion. VENRO chair, Herbst, says the move is short-sighted: "As the world's third-largest economy, Germany can and must take responsibility here. It cannot continue cutting budgets in these areas." However, his push for a reversal was unsuccessful. As an export-driven nation, Germany depends on strong international ties and global stability. "The German economy benefits from a solid reputation and reliable relationships in countries of the Global South. That helps secure jobs here at home, as well," Herbst points out. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The NGOs Welthungerhilfe and Terre des Hommes give the federal government a poor overall assessment. However, the coalition agreement between the governing center-right Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and center-left Social Democratic Party describes the cuts to development and humanitarian aid as "appropriate." In response, the aid organizations counter: "That contradicts the government's own stated goal of ensuring sustainable humanitarian funding — especially at a time when other donor countries are pulling out." All the same, Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan, a Social Democrat, said Germany remained committed to its global responsibilities — "despite painful budgetary constraints on development spending imposed by the coalition agreement."While you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter, Berlin Briefing.
DW
30-06-2025
- Business
- DW
To prioritize defense, Germany to cut development aid – DW – 06/30/2025
Germany is ramping up defense spending — while cutting funds for development cooperation. Aid organizations warn of the consequences for millions of people in a world beset by wars and crises. Germany's draft federal budget for 2025 includes sweeping cuts. The Economic Cooperation and Development Ministry (BMZ) is set to receive €10.3 billion ($12.1 billion) — nearly a €1 billion less than in 2024. It's the second consecutive year that the budget has been reduced. A glance back at 2022 underscores the scale of the decline: At that time, Germany was still spending €13.8 billion on development aid. Michael Herbst, chair of the umbrella organization VENRO, which represents about 140 development NGOs in Germany, illustrated the human cost of these dramatic cuts amid growing global conflict. "More than 100 million people are displaced," Herbst said. "At the same time, more and more donor countries are pulling back." That's why, he said, Germany needs to ensure stable funding for development cooperation and humanitarian aid. But the opposite is occurring. Germany's cuts come at a time when US President Donald Trump, early in his second term, has also initiated deep reductions in development aid, reportedly slashing about 80% of funding. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The North Atlantic Treaty Organization agreed at its recent summit on June 25, 2025, that each NATO member state should spend 5% of its gross domestic product on defense annually. Against this backdrop, the global decline in development aid stands out all the more. The consequences are already becoming clear, especially in the field of humanitarian assistance. The United States has completely withdrawn its support for the UN-administered relief fund. Faced with sweeping international cutbacks, emergency aid coordinator Tom Fletcher says he is being forced to shut down numerous programs for the world's poorest. Weeks ago, Fletcher warned that the impact on people in need and suffering from hunger would be devastating. Instead of the originally projected $44 billion, Fletcher now expects just $29 billion to be available for distributing food, water, medicine, shelter, and other essential aid. Fletcher said the reduced funding would enable 114 million people to be reached — down from the 180 million originally planned. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Because of the sharp reduction in the BMZ budget, Germany's official development assistance ratio fell below its self-imposed goal of 0.7% of gross national income in 2024. It had consistently remained above that threshold since 2020. Humanitarian emergency aid is being slashed by 53%, to about €1 billion. VENRO chair, Herbst, says the move is short-sighted: "As the world's third-largest economy, Germany can and must take responsibility here. It cannot continue cutting budgets in these areas." However, his push for a reversal was unsuccessful. As an export-driven nation, Germany depends on strong international ties and global stability. "The German economy benefits from a solid reputation and reliable relationships in countries of the Global South. That helps secure jobs here at home, as well," Herbst points out. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The NGOs Welthungerhilfe and Terre des Hommes give the federal government a poor overall assessment. However, the coalition agreement between the governing center-right Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and center-left Social Democratic Party describes the cuts to development and humanitarian aid as "appropriate." In response, the aid organizations counter: "That contradicts the government's own stated goal of ensuring sustainable humanitarian funding — especially at a time when other donor countries are pulling out." All the same, Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan, a Social Democrat, said Germany remained committed to its global responsibilities — "despite painful budgetary constraints on development spending imposed by the coalition agreement."While you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter, Berlin Briefing.
DW
30-06-2025
- Business
- DW
Germany to cut development aid – DW – 06/30/2025
Germany is ramping up defense spending — while cutting funds for development cooperation. Aid organizations warn of the consequences for millions, amid a world beset by wars and crises. Germany's draft federal budget for 2025 includes sweeping cuts. The Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is set to receive just €10.3 billion ($12.1 billion) — nearly a billion less than in 2024. It's the second consecutive year of reductions. A glance back at 2022 underscores the scale of the decline: at that time, Germany was still spending €13.8 billion ($16.2 billion) on development aid. Michael Herbst, chair of the umbrella organization VENRO, which represents around 140 development NGOs in Germany, illustrated the human cost of these dramatic cuts amid growing global conflict: "More than 100 million people are displaced. At the same time, more and more donor countries are pulling back." That's why, he argues, Germany needs to ensure stable funding for development cooperation and humanitarian aid. But the opposite is occurring. Germany's cuts come at a time when US President Donald Trump, early in his second term, has also initiated deep reductions in development aid, reportedlyslashing around 80% of funding. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) agreed at its recent summit on June 25, 2025, that each member state should spend 5% of its economic output on defense annually. Against this backdrop, the global decline in development aid stands out all the more starkly. The consequences are already becoming clear, especially in the field of humanitarian assistance. The US has completely withdrawn its support for the UN-administered relief fund. Faced with sweeping international cutbacks, emergency aid coordinator Tom Fletcher says he is being forced to shut down numerous programs for the world's poorest. Just weeks ago, the UN representative warned that the impact on those in need and suffering from hunger would be devastating. Instead of the originally projected $44 billion, Fletcher now expects just $29 billion to be available for distributing food, water, medicine, shelter, and other essential aid. According to him, the reduced funding will only enable 114 million people to be reached — down from the 180 million originally targeted. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Due to the sharp reduction in the BMZ budget, Germany's so-called ODA ratio (Official Development Assistance) fell below its self-imposed goal of 0.7% of gross national income in 2024. It had consistently remained above that threshold since 2020. Humanitarian emergency aid is being slashed by 53% to around €1 billion ($1.2 billion). VENRO chair, Herbst, says the move is short-sighted: "As the world's third-largest economy, Germany can and must take responsibility here. It cannot continue cutting budgets in these areas." However, his push for a reversal was unsuccessful. As an export-driven nation, Germany depends on strong international ties and global stability. "The German economy benefits from a solid reputation and reliable relationships in countries of the Global South. That helps secure jobs here at home, as well," Herbst points out. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The NGOs Welthungerhilfe and Terre des Hommes give the federal government a poor overall assessment. However, the coalition agreement between the governing center-right Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) describes the cuts to development and humanitarian aid as "appropriate." In response, the aid organizations counter: "That contradicts the government's own stated goal of ensuring sustainable humanitarian funding — especially at a time when other donor countries are pulling out." All the same, German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan (SPD) affirmed that Germany remains committed to its global responsibilities – "despite painful budgetary constraints on development spending imposed by the coalition agreement."While you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter, Berlin Briefing.
Zawya
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and partners strengthen Ghana's capacity to monitor and report on women, peace and security commitments through the continental results framework
The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs (DHSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection of the Republic of Ghana, successfully hosted a three-day national capacity-building workshop on the Continental Results Framework (CRF) for Women, Peace and Security (WPS) from the 10th to 12th of June 2025, in Accra. The workshop was part of ECOWAS's continued efforts to support Member States in institutionalizing robust, data-driven mechanisms for tracking and reporting on the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and related WPS commitments. It forms part of the broader ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) Project, co-financed by the European Union and the German Government (BMZ), and implemented by GIZ. Delivering remarks on behalf of Dr Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, the Director, Humanitarian and Social Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Olatunde Olayemi welcomed participants and reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to inclusive peace and security. 'Ensuring the full-fledged contributions of women is sine qua non,' he noted. He emphasized that ECOWAS's adaptation of the African Union CRF into a simplified regional framework is key to achieving more effective monitoring, implementation, and reporting on WPS across West Africa. Mrs. Josiane Sombo, representing the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), highlighted the role of civil society as co-creators of peace and custodians of accountability. She noted that the CRF is not merely a technical tool; but a moral and political commitment and as civil society, they remain committed to ensuring that evidence-based, inclusive, and collaborative reporting is embedded in WPS monitoring systems. Speaking on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Ms. Paulina Hawkins reiterated Germany's strong support for feminist development cooperation. She highlighted that the workshop represents a vital step in localizing regional frameworks and enhancing national ownership of the WPS agenda. 'For the CRF is not just a reporting mechanism, but a strategic instrument for institutional transformation,' she added. The European Union Delegation to Ghana, represented by Davide Messina, emphasized that the EPSG Project reflects the EU's long-standing partnership with ECOWAS to promote inclusive governance and gender-responsive peacebuilding. He highlighted that the training is more than capacity-building but should be seen as an investment in a stable, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa. Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ms. Faustina Acheampong Akua Frempomaa underscored Ghana's leadership in WPS implementation. With the GHANAP II and the Gender Equity Act of 2024, Ghana is setting new standards for institutional accountability. 'This workshop provides a timely opportunity to enhance our national reporting systems and align with regional WPS frameworks,' the representative affirmed. Over 40 participants, including government officials, civil society representatives, security sector personnel, and technical working group members, were trained on the application of the simplified CRF tool and questionnaire. Through participatory sessions and practical exercises, stakeholders strengthened their capacity to monitor WPS indicators, track progress, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana's national and regional WPS reports. The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to inter-agency collaboration and institutionalizing the CRF within national monitoring and evaluation systems. Ghana joins seven other Member States – Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Benin, Liberia, The Gambia, Senegal and Togo that have hosted similar national CRF trainings as part of ECOWAS's regional strategy to enhance WPS accountability mechanisms. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
