Latest news with #EllenJohnsonSirleaf
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Africa Day: celebrating the continent's heritage and future every May 25
The history of Africa Day is deeply rooted in the liberation movements that marked the 20th century. The starting point was in 1958, when the Congress of African States was held for the first time, a historic gathering where representatives from various countries across the continent came together with an unwavering determination: to free themselves once and for all from colonial rule. During this pioneering conference, African leaders proposed the creation of an "African Freedom Day", laying the foundations for what would later become a continental tradition. The meetings continued to take place year after year, strengthening ties between African nations and consolidating a common vision of independence and development. The high point came on 25 May 1963, when the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), later transformed into today's African Union, was officially born. This date was marked in history as Africa Day, symbolising not only the continent's political unity, but also its shared commitment to social, economic and cultural progress. The African continent of the 21st century presents a radically different picture from that of previous decades. Economic transformations have been particularly remarkable, with sustained growth that has placed several African nations among the fastest developing economies in the world. Countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire have experienced growth rates that exceed the global average, demonstrating the continent's economic potential. Women's participation in the economy represents one of the most significant developments in recent decades. African women have taken leading roles in business development, from small local entrepreneurs to executives of large corporations. In countries such as Rwanda, women hold more than 60% of parliamentary seats, setting a global example in terms of women's political representation. In the area of gender equality, Africa has seen revolutionary advances. African women now occupy leadership positions in politics, science, technology and culture. Figures such as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia's first female president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, or Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the World Trade Organisation, exemplify the growing role of African women on the international stage. The decolonisation process, significantly supported by the United Nations, culminated in the successful independence of all African nations. This historic achievement not only represented political liberation, but also opened the door for each country to shape its own destiny and develop its natural and human resources according to its own visions and needs. The seventh art has served as an invaluable cultural bridge to bring African realities to the rest of the world. Film productions have captured both the continent's natural beauty and its complex social and historical realities. Remains an iconic film work that transports viewers to the Kenyan landscape through Karen Blixen's experience. This commercially successful adaptation not only showcased the majesty of African landscapes, but also explored universal themes such as love, loss and the search for identity in distant lands. It dealt with the conflicts that ravaged Sierra Leone during the 1990s with rawness and honesty. The film exposed to the world the devastating consequences of the civil war, including the plight of child soldiers and the exploitation of natural resources, contributing significantly to international awareness of these issues. Immortalised as one of the most inspiring moments in modern South African history, the film masterfully recreated how Nelson Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup as a tool for national reconciliation, demonstrating the power of sport to unite a society divided by decades of apartheid. Other notable productions include 'Hotel Rwanda' (2004), which chronicled the Rwandan genocide with extraordinary sensitivity, 'The Last King of Scotland' (2006), which portrayed Idi Amin's regime in Uganda, and 'Beasts of No Nation' (2015), which explored the impact of civil war on African children. More recently, 'Black Panther' (2018) presented a futuristic and hopeful vision of Africa, inspiring millions of people around the world. The commemoration of Africa Day has evolved with the times, adapting to new forms of communication and citizen participation. African countries organise annual cultural events, academic conferences, art exhibitions and food festivals that celebrate the continent's diversity. Citizen participation through social media has democratised this celebration, allowing people from all over the world to come together using hashtags such as #AfricaDay to share experiences, knowledge and reflections on the continent. This digital connectivity has facilitated cultural exchange and has contributed to demystifying stereotypes, presenting a more complete and nuanced image of contemporary African reality.
Euronews
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Africa Day: celebrating the continent's heritage and future
The history of Africa Day is deeply rooted in the liberation movements that marked the 20th century. The starting point was in 1958, when the Congress of African States was held for the first time, a historic gathering where representatives from various countries across the continent came together with an unwavering determination: to free themselves once and for all from colonial rule. During this pioneering conference, African leaders proposed the creation of an "African Freedom Day", laying the foundations for what would later become a continental tradition. The meetings continued to take place year after year, strengthening ties between African nations and consolidating a common vision of independence and development. The high point came on 25 May 1963, when the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), later transformed into today's African Union, was officially born. This date was marked in history as Africa Day, symbolising not only the continent's political unity, but also its shared commitment to social, economic and cultural progress. The African continent of the 21st century presents a radically different picture from that of previous decades. Economic transformations have been particularly remarkable, with sustained growth that has placed several African nations among the fastest developing economies in the world. Countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire have experienced growth rates that exceed the global average, demonstrating the continent's economic potential. Women's participation in the economy represents one of the most significant developments in recent decades. African women have taken leading roles in business development, from small local entrepreneurs to executives of large corporations. In countries such as Rwanda, women hold more than 60% of parliamentary seats, setting a global example in terms of women's political representation. In the area of gender equality, Africa has seen revolutionary advances. African women now occupy leadership positions in politics, science, technology and culture. Figures such as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia's first female president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, or Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the World Trade Organisation, exemplify the growing role of African women on the international stage. The decolonisation process, significantly supported by the United Nations, culminated in the successful independence of all African nations. This historic achievement not only represented political liberation, but also opened the door for each country to shape its own destiny and develop its natural and human resources according to its own visions and needs. The seventh art has served as an invaluable cultural bridge to bring African realities to the rest of the world. Film productions have captured both the continent's natural beauty and its complex social and historical realities. Remains an iconic film work that transports viewers to the Kenyan landscape through Karen Blixen's experience. This commercially successful adaptation not only showcased the majesty of African landscapes, but also explored universal themes such as love, loss and the search for identity in distant lands. It dealt with the conflicts that ravaged Sierra Leone during the 1990s with rawness and honesty. The film exposed to the world the devastating consequences of the civil war, including the plight of child soldiers and the exploitation of natural resources, contributing significantly to international awareness of these issues. Immortalised as one of the most inspiring moments in modern South African history, the film masterfully recreated how Nelson Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup as a tool for national reconciliation, demonstrating the power of sport to unite a society divided by decades of apartheid. Other notable productions include 'Hotel Rwanda' (2004), which chronicled the Rwandan genocide with extraordinary sensitivity, 'The Last King of Scotland' (2006), which portrayed Idi Amin's regime in Uganda, and 'Beasts of No Nation' (2015), which explored the impact of civil war on African children. More recently, 'Black Panther' (2018) presented a futuristic and hopeful vision of Africa, inspiring millions of people around the world. The commemoration of Africa Day has evolved with the times, adapting to new forms of communication and citizen participation. African countries organise annual cultural events, academic conferences, art exhibitions and food festivals that celebrate the continent's diversity. Citizen participation through social media has democratised this celebration, allowing people from all over the world to come together using hashtags such as #AfricaDay to share experiences, knowledge and reflections on the continent. This digital connectivity has facilitated cultural exchange and has contributed to demystifying stereotypes, presenting a more complete and nuanced image of contemporary African reality.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Factbox-World leaders who studied at Harvard
(Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday revoked Harvard University's ability to enrol international students and is forcing current foreign students to transfer to other schools or lose their legal status in the United States. Below is a list of some of the world leaders who studied at Harvard, with their time in office and the scope of their studies: AFRICA ** Duma Gideon Boko, president of Botswana since November 2024: Law, master's degree ** Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of Liberia in 2006–2018: Public Administration, master's degree AMERICAS ** Pierre Elliott Trudeau, prime minister of Canada in 1968–1979, 1980–1984: Political Economy, master's degree ** Mark Carney, prime minister of Canada since 2025: Economics, bachelor's degree ** Sebastián Piñera Echenique, president of Chile in 2010–2014, 2018–2022: Economics, master's degree, PhD ** Juan Manuel Santos, president of Colombia in 2010–2018: Public Administration, master's degree; Journalism, Nieman fellow ** Álvaro Uribe Vélez, president of Colombia in 2002–2010: Management and Administration, postgraduate certificate ** Edward Seaga, prime minister of Jamaica in 1980–1989: Social Sciences, bachelor's degree ** Carlos Salinas de Gortari, president of Mexico in 1988–1994: Public Administration, master's degree; Political Economy and Government, PhD ** Vicente Fox Quesada, president of Mexico in 2000–2006: Top Management, diploma ** Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, president of Mexico in 2006-2012: Public Administration, master's degree MIDDLE EAST, ASIA ** Tshering Tobgay, prime minister of Bhutan since January 2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Donald Tsang, chief executive of Hong Kong in 2005-2012: Public Administration, master's degree ** Shankar Dayal Sharma, president of India in 1992-1997: Brandeis fellow ** Shimon Peres, prime minister of Israel in 1984-1986, 1995-1996, president of Israel in 2007-2014: Advanced Management course ** Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel in 1996-1999, 2009-2021, since 2022: Political Science ** Jafar Hassan, prime minister of Jordan since 2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Elbegdorj Tsakhia, president of Mongolia in 2009-2017: Public Administration, master's degree ** Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrain, prime minister of Mongolia since 2021: Public Policy, master's degree ** Lee Hsien Loong, prime minister of Singapore in 2004-2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Lawrence Wong, prime minister of Singapore since 2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Syngman Rhee, president of South Korea in 1948-1960: master's degree ** Han Duk-soo, prime minister of South Korea in 2007-2008, 2022-2025, acting president of South Korea in 2024, 2025: Economics, master's degree, PhD ** Ma Ying-jeou, president of Taiwan in 2008-2016: Law, PhD ** Lai Ching-te, president of Taiwan since January 2024: Public Health, master's degree EUROPE ** Kyriakos Mitsotakis, prime minister of Greece since July 2019: Business Administration, master's degree ** Mary Robinson, president of Ireland in 1990-1997: Law, master's degree ** Maia Sandu, president of Moldova since 2020: Public Administration, master's degree
Reuters
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Which world leaders studied at Harvard?
May 23 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday revoked Harvard University's ability to enrol international students and is forcing current foreign students to transfer to other schools or lose their legal status in the United States. Below is a list of some of the world leaders who studied at Harvard, with their time in office and the scope of their studies: ** Duma Gideon Boko, president of Botswana since November 2024: Law, master's degree ** Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of Liberia in 2006–2018: Public Administration, master's degree AMERICAS ** Pierre Elliott Trudeau, prime minister of Canada in 1968–1979, 1980–1984: Political Economy, master's degree ** Mark Carney, prime minister of Canada since 2025: Economics, bachelor's degree ** Sebastián Piñera Echenique, president of Chile in 2010–2014, 2018–2022: Economics, master's degree, PhD ** Juan Manuel Santos, president of Colombia in 2010–2018: Public Administration, master's degree; Journalism, Nieman fellow ** Álvaro Uribe Vélez, president of Colombia in 2002–2010: Management and Administration, postgraduate certificate ** Edward Seaga, prime minister of Jamaica in 1980–1989: Social Sciences, bachelor's degree ** Carlos Salinas de Gortari, president of Mexico in 1988–1994: Public Administration, master's degree; Political Economy and Government, PhD ** Vicente Fox Quesada, president of Mexico in 2000–2006: Top Management, diploma ** Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, president of Mexico in 2006-2012: Public Administration, master's degree MIDDLE EAST, ASIA ** Tshering Tobgay, prime minister of Bhutan since January 2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Donald Tsang, chief executive of Hong Kong in 2005-2012: Public Administration, master's degree ** Shankar Dayal Sharma, president of India in 1992-1997: Brandeis fellow ** Shimon Peres, prime minister of Israel in 1984-1986, 1995-1996, president of Israel in 2007-2014: Advanced Management course ** Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel in 1996-1999, 2009-2021, since 2022: Political Science ** Jafar Hassan, prime minister of Jordan since 2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Elbegdorj Tsakhia, president of Mongolia in 2009-2017: Public Administration, master's degree ** Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrain, prime minister of Mongolia since 2021: Public Policy, master's degree ** Lee Hsien Loong, prime minister of Singapore in 2004-2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Lawrence Wong, prime minister of Singapore since 2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Syngman Rhee, president of South Korea in 1948-1960: master's degree ** Han Duk-soo, prime minister of South Korea in 2007-2008, 2022-2025, acting president of South Korea in 2024, 2025: Economics, master's degree, PhD ** Ma Ying-jeou, president of Taiwan in 2008-2016: Law, PhD ** Lai Ching-te, president of Taiwan since January 2024: Public Health, master's degree EUROPE ** Kyriakos Mitsotakis, prime minister of Greece since July 2019: Business Administration, master's degree ** Mary Robinson, president of Ireland in 1990-1997: Law, master's degree ** Maia Sandu, president of Moldova since 2020: Public Administration, master's degree
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Helen Clark Applaud Historic Pandemic Agreement
20 May 2025 Geneva: Today the Co-Chairs of The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response applaud the adoption of an historic pandemic agreement by the World Health Assembly, calling it a crucial step towards a world safer from pandemic threats. 'This agreement, bound by principles of equity and solidarity, recognizes that even in uncertain times, the only way to prevent and mitigate the impact of pandemics is to work together, to protect everyone and leave no one behind,' said Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Co-Chair of The Independent Panel and former President of Liberia. The pandemic agreement text addresses critical gaps exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, sets the rules and lays a foundation for collaboration to prevent, prepare for and respond to future pandemic threats. " We congratulate WHO Member States for remaining steadfast through some three years of negotiating difficult but crucial provisions that should give all regions access to the tools they need to stop outbreaks before they become pandemics," said the Right Honourable Helen Clark, Co-Chair of The Independent Panel and former Prime Minister of New Zealand. " Consider this agreement a foundation from which to build, starting today,' said Helen Clark. 'Many gaps remain in finance, equitable access to medical countermeasures and in understanding evolving risks. Don't wait to get started. Dangerous pathogens are looming, and they certainly will not wait." Four years ago, following its review of the international response to WHO, The Independent Panel recommended that a Framework Convention be adopted under Article 19 of WHO's Constitution, in order to fill gaps in pandemic preparedness and response. Given the grave inequities in access to vaccines and other medical countermeasures, The Independent Panel recommended the agreement include research and development and technology transfer, areas that remained contentious over the course of negotiations. The Co-Chairs note that language on these core provisions remains too narrow, and that pandemic prevention must include stopping outbreaks where and when they occur. This will require a public health, global commons-oriented approach to research and development and a measurable transfer of technology and knowledge to build regional self-reliance. The Co-Chairs urged a successful and efficient negotiation of the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing Annex, which is the next phase towards completion of the agreement. ' We want nothing more than to see this pandemic agreement open for signature following the World Health Assembly in 2026,' said Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The Co-Chairs also recommend that Member States and donors ensure the funds required, including for the World Health Organization, to both pay for the process and preparations leading to a first Conference of the Parties, and to find ways to finance pandemic preparedness and response. ' Pandemic preparedness and response remain vastly underfunded. Countries, regions and the global system must urgently think differently, and think big about how to finance this crucial public good,' said Helen Clark.
