Latest news with #Dialogue
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa calls for a cost-effective National Dialogue
Cogta Minister and IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa urges a cost-effective National Dialogue focused on real solutions, not excessive spending, to address South Africa's deepening inequality and unresolved national issues. Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says the upcoming National Dialogue must not be a costly talk shop, but rather a serious, inclusive, and solution-driven process to address South Africa's long-standing social, political, and economic challenges. Speaking in his capacity as part of the cabinet preparatory team for the Dialogue, Hlabisa expressed concern over the excessive budget allocated for the process and called for a comprehensive review of its costs. The IFP views the National Dialogue, set to take place on August 15, 2025, as a continuation of the CODESA talks that ushered in political freedom in 1994 but left many key issues unresolved. 'We are opposed to the excessive cost in relation to the National Dialogue,' said Hlabisa. 'It must not be done at an exorbitant price.' He specifically raised alarm over the reported R700 million earmarked for the Dialogue, calling it unjustifiable in a country grappling with deep poverty and inequality. 'In our meeting, we expressed our disquiet in terms of the figure that was mentioned,' Hlabisa said.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Cyberport 'AI x Data Forum' Concludes Successfully Joining Hands with Industry to Drive AI and Data Innovation and Unlock New Value for Enterprises
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 July 2025 - Cyberport successfully hosted the 'AI x Data Forum' today. Centered on the theme 'AI in Action, Data at the Core: Unlocking Infinite Potential', the forum brought together over 450 participants from government, finance, innovation and technology, cybersecurity sector, and academia to explore innovative artificial intelligence and data-driven strategies and practical experiences. During the forum, Cyberport, the Canton Data Exchange and China Unicom Global signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The three parties will jointly promote and implement a 'Mainland incubation, Hong Kong deployment' collaboration model, introducing mature data application scenarios and enterprises from Mainland China into Hong Kong. The collaboration covers areas such as financial risk management, healthcare, cross-border trade, and the low-altitude economy, and will provide technology platforms and compliance support. These efforts will help enterprises expand into both local and overseas markets, while jointly organizing incubation, investment promotion, and exchange activities, further strengthening Hong Kong's position as a demonstration hub for data applications. Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry delivered the opening remarks at the forum and stated 'Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a major engine for global economic growth, with data as its essential driving force. The two elements are complementary. This year, the HKSAR Government has developed AI as a core industry for Hong Kong, aiming for all sectors to focus on its development and spearhead a new wave of economic growth for the city. The Government will fully leverage Hong Kong's edges as an international data hub, encouraging the industry to pursue innovation and breakthroughs in AI. With unique advantages under the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle, Hong Kong is well positioned to serve as a vital base for AI development, both locally and across the Greater Bay Area, enabling AI and data to create broader and more positive value in the region.' In his welcoming speech, Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, stated 'Data is the cornerstone of the digital economy, driving the transformation of smart cities and serving as a vital foundation for AI development. Cyberport is dedicated to building a diverse innovation and technology ecosystem, fostering the safe, efficient, and compliant growth of AI and data applications through cross-sector collaboration. Our partnership with the Canton Data Exchange and China Unicom Global represents a significant milestone in promoting collaborative development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong data industry. Cyberport will continue to serve as Hong Kong's digital tech hub and AI accelerator, harnessing innovative technologies to drive economic transformation and reinforce Hong Kong's status as a global hub for innovation and data.' The Leaders Dialogue sessions moderated by Dr. Crystal Fok, Director of AI Applications at Cyberport, brought together representatives from various organizations, including the Hong Kong Police Force, the Spatial Data Office, Canton Data Exchange, and China Unicom Global. The panel engaged in an in-depth discussion on advancing data security and improving the transparency of cloud data flows, providing fresh perspectives to organizational data management strategies. During the discussion, experts shared valuable insights in promoting data security and data application and ensuring compliance. Initiatives included developing platforms with multilingual and context-aware capabilities to enhance service quality and continually reviewing and enhancing system security to ensure a safe and compliant flow of information. The panel also underscored that the establishment of compliant and scalable data platforms will facilitate cross-sector collaboration and industry co-creation, helping smart enterprises seize new opportunities and achieve high-quality growth. As Hong Kong's digital tech hub and AI accelerator, Cyberport is committed to building a responsible and trustworthy AI ecosystem in collaboration with various sectors. Last year, Cyberport launched Hong Kong's largest Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre (AISC) and established an AI Lab to provide comprehensive support to start-ups from research and development to market entry, creating a valuable platform for technology demonstration and commercial application. Additionally, the HKSAR Government allocated HK$3 billion to launch the three year Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme (AISS) through Cyberport, which has received approximately 20 applications. As of the end of June this year, the committee has approved nearly 10 projects covering areas such as local large language models, new materials, synthetic biology, and medical large models, with total grants of about HK$300 million. Since January, approved projects have gradually begun utilising the AISC, with more than 90% of its computing capacity now in use. With the completion of Cyberport 5 expected for this year, the new building will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a dedicated, Tier-III+ standard sustainable data centre. Together with the adjacent AISC and the Hong Kong Internet Exchange (HKIX), the new facility will create a high-performance technology corridor. This will provide stronger and highly reliable data storage and computing support for industry, academia, and government, accelerating digital transformation across industries. Currently, Cyberport is home to more than 400 start-ups focusing on AI and data science, and has attracted several leading AI enterprises. Cyberport has fostered strategic partnerships with major technology leaders, expanding support for start-ups while advancing talent cultivation, R&D, and technology adoption, driving Hong Kong's evolution into an International AI and innovation hub.
Business Recorder
17-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Islamabad, EU agree to enhance cooperation across key sectors
Pakistan and the European Union (EU) on Thursday held the 10th round of their Political Dialogue in Brussels, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen the broad-based partnership and expand cooperation across key sectors, including diplomacy, security, trade, and multilateral engagement. Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch led the Pakistani delegation, while the EU side was headed by Ambassador Olaf Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office. Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan sign rail link agreement under UAP corridor The meeting reviewed progress under the Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) signed in 2019, covering all its pillars. Both sides discussed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and agreed to explore incorporating enhanced security-related aspects into the existing framework of the Political Dialogue. Regional and global developments of mutual interest, including situations in South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, were also discussed in depth. EU and Pakistan hold talks on global, regional peace and strategic stability The two sides noted areas of strategic convergence and expressed commitment to diplomacy, multilateralism, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. They also agreed to deepen collaboration in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, and to build on the momentum of recent high-level exchanges to further institutionalise and expand engagement under structured dialogue mechanisms.
Al Jazeera
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Progress, Secularism and the Orientalist Gaze
Centre Stage Olivier Roy, a professor of Orientalism, joins Centre Stage to talk about the roots of Orientalism and the enduring myth of how only the West represents progress. From colonial-era narratives to modern-day politics, Roy explores how the Global South is still perceived through a Eurocentric lens — and what that says about our civilisation, modernity and the West's ongoing struggle with pluralism. This episode is produced in partnership with the International Conference on Orientalism, an intellectual and academic platform that brings together leading scholars in the field to foster informed dialogue towards a balanced civilizational engagement. Video Duration 20 minutes 47 seconds 20:47 Video Duration 24 minutes 13 seconds 24:13 Video Duration 17 minutes 38 seconds 17:38 Video Duration 23 minutes 28 seconds 23:28 Video Duration 20 minutes 11 seconds 20:11 Video Duration 24 minutes 25 seconds 24:25 Video Duration 18 minutes 40 seconds 18:40
IOL News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
National Dialogue: The good, the shortfalls and all the mounting criticism unpacked
President Cyril Ramaphosa has since assured the public that efforts are underway to reduce the overall cost. Image: ANC/X Despite mounting criticism and growing calls to halt the National Dialogue, several experts and civil society groups are weighing in, defending the initiative but also sharing their own critiques. Since its announcement, the Dialogue has sparked heated debate, especially after its estimated R700 million cost drew widespread backlash. President Cyril Ramaphosa has since assured the public that efforts are underway to reduce the overall cost. 'We are going to make sure that it is driven down. It is just an estimate.' Ramaphosa said they are going to make sure that they spend as little as possible, but at the same time, have as much consultation as possible. 'What has been put [forward] as the budgeted amount is going to be looked at. I have said to my colleagues that the cost that has been put out must be driven down, and we must get to the bare bones and make sure that we have a very rich process of giving South Africans an opportunity of coming up with a very good outcome of the dialogue,' he said. Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, who was appointed by the president to be among the Eminent Persons Group, said that a successful outcome of the National Dialogue depends on the process becoming everyone's business. The Eminent Persons Group is made up of leading figures in society with a proven commitment to advancing social cohesion and nation-building. 'The churches support the dialogue, having called in 2017 for a national conversation aimed at confronting societal fragmentation, moral deterioration and the loss of trust in public institutions. But as we have told President Ramaphosa, it is critical for the credibility of the dialogue for it to be free from manipulation by political and economic elites,' Makgoba said. Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers Makgoba added that the Eminent Persons Group and the dialogue's steering committee need to be able to act independently, without being dictated to by politicians. 'The relevance of the dialogue will depend on how representative its deliberations are of the full spectrum of South African society.' A crime and policing expert from Stellenbosch University, Professor Guy Lamb, said that the process is important and feels that the debate at the moment is largely around how to do this and what is the appropriate means of doing this. 'Government has gone for the 'celebrity' type/high-level approach, which has happened many times before, whereas it might be better to do it sector by sector, focusing on what plans exists, how do we improve on them, how do we change them, and how do we have a conversation about climate change, and a conversation about crime. 'We need to develop the architecture, the systems and the processes to get it done, and we need to be reflecting on why we haven't made progress? We have to look at the nature of government. 'So, conversations are happening surrounding red tape, and reducing it to get other issues done, but really, we should also be looking at what the problems are with government procurement, and why there are delays there? Why, when you look for service providers, do you not get quality? All of these kinds of issues, tied into how to improve governance, is a more important conversation.' Since its announcement, the Dialogue has sparked heated debate, especially after its estimated R700 million cost drew widespread backlash. Image: Picture: Henk Kruger/ Independent Newspapers Power and energy expert Professor Vally Padayachee says that beyond the immediate need for dialogue in times of political and economic change, it is essential for rebuilding trust between the government and citizens, promoting transparency, and addressing systemic inequalities. 'By bringing diverse voices to the forefront, it ensures that policies reflect the multifaceted nature of society, making governance more effective and responsive. Although we are more than 31 years into our democracy, in my opinion, SA reflects a serious trust deficiency, and this is not sustainable going forward,' Padayachee said. Padayachee added that he feels its common knowledge that the power and energy sectors underpin all other sectors, therefore 'the president should also give priority and credence and focus to further enhancing the performance and outputs from these sectors noting that SA is currently experiencing an energy security crisis mainly with regards to electricity and the poor performance of Eskom and the municipal electricity utilities'. The crime scene in Kanana Informal Settlement, Gugulethu. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers Spokesperson for anti-GBV organisation, Ilitha Labantu, Siyabulela Monakali, echoed the experts' sentiments that far too often, dialogues and engagements are mere tick-box exercises, where commitments are made but seldom realised in practice. 'As Ilitha Labantu, we recognise the idea of a National Dialogue as a symbolic gesture to bring South Africans together. However, symbolism does not address the urgency of our reality. 'The country is grappling with unprecedented levels of inequality and poverty, a 62% youth unemployment rate, and a sustained crisis of violence against women and children. 'The most recent national crime statistics covering January to March 2025 paint a bleak picture: 5,727 people were murdered, and more than 24,000 sexual offences were recorded, including 13,452 sexual offences in general and 10,688 cases of rape. 'These are not simply numbers; they are the lives of women, children, and families shattered by violence,' Monakali said. 'There is a pattern in South Africa of high-profile engagements that result in lengthy declarations but little follow-through. To avoid repeating this, the government must set specific commitments tied to clear deadlines, with budget allocations transparently published. Outcomes must be monitored and reported publicly, and failures must carry consequences.' Monakali said that the proposed R700 million price tag is indefensible in the current climate. 'South Africa regularly claims it cannot afford essential developmental investments, resources for community-based organisations, adequate funding for shelters, or even basic infrastructure to keep courts functioning without interruption from load shedding. Yet it can suddenly mobilise hundreds of millions for a dialogue. 'South Africa has never lacked vision. The problem has always been implementation. The National Development Plan promised an inclusive economy and social transformation, yet more than a decade later, nearly one in two adults has no work, and food insecurity is widespread. 'It is no longer credible to insist that more plans or dialogues will fix what is broken if there is no commitment to action. Communities are not asking for perfect outcomes; they are asking for functioning institutions and delivery that can be trusted. A dialogue that ends in another report will simply confirm the growing belief that the government has lost the capacity to lead,' Monakali said. DA leader John Steenhuisen. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers Apart from the Democratic Alliance (DA) announcing last month that it has pulled out of the endeavour, just this week, civil rights group #NotInMyName called on the government to shelve its plans, and the Labour Party of South Africa headed to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, on Wednesday to urgently halt it. The DA claims that instead of upholding the wishes of the people by working respectfully and collaboratively with all partners inside the GNU, the ANC has repeatedly undermined these principles. 'Time after time, it has slapped away the hand of substantive cooperation and co-creation, in favour of arrogant and narrow political self-interest.' #NotInMyName said public trust in the government has reached new lower levels, just below zero. President of #NotInMyName Siyabulela Jentile insisted the government has no moral imperative to convene the dialogue, 'at least not while it lacks the political will to address widespread reports of corruption' and mismanagement of state resources. The Labour Party of South Africa said the National Dialogue is not a genuine democratic exercise, but a costly and dangerous duplication of the national legislature. Advocate Margaretha Enbelbrecht SC argued that the National Dialogue Preparatory Committee estimates that the initiative will cost over R700 million, according to an announcement dated 12 June. This amount only covers the expenses of the National Convention on 15 August, along with provincial and community engagements, as well as logistical costs such as venues, travel, and accommodation. 'In other words, significantly more than R700 million can be anticipated to be spent on implementing the decision to have a National Dialogue,' she said, pointing out that 'there isn't a budget, there isn't a number or a cost that the government has committed to. All we have is what has been communicated as a proposal'. [email protected]
