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IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
SA wants bold financial reforms to end Africa's debt crisis ahead of UN financing conference
Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, said that debt must be sustainable and international development finance needs to be reimagined so that 'no school, clinic or innovator's dream is sacrificed on the altar of debt or indifference'. Image: Katlholo Maifadi / DIRCO News South Africa is calling for the upcoming 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) to be a catalyst for change in how international development finance is structured so that no African nation suffers crippling aid debt. Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, said that debt must be sustainable and international development finance needs to be reimagined so that 'no school, clinic or innovator's dream is sacrificed on the altar of debt or indifference'. FfD4, to be held in Seville, Spain between June 30 and July 3, 'must close the financial divide, attack inequality at its root and operationalise the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact,' said Botes. FfD4, to be held under the auspices of the United Nations, seeks to address the urgent need to fully implement Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and support reform of the international financial architecture. Speaking at an event on illicit financial flows, mobilising domestic resources, and financing for development, hosted at SGN Grant Thornton's offices towards the end of last week, Botes also said that the global financing landscape is in disrepair. 'The G20 Common Framework has stalled, multilateral development banks deliver net negative flows, and unsustainable debt crowds out SDG spending,' the Deputy Minister said. South Africa, currently Presiding over the G20 until it hands the baton to the United States at the end of November, is ready to champion developing nations when it comes to their economic plight and unsustainable debt, said Botes. He noted that 43 of the world's 47 emerging nations are in Africa. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'The age of incrementalism has ended; the era of decisive, equitable and bold action begins now. South Africa is ready to lead, to support and to walk alongside every partner committed to justice, equity and shared progress,' Botes said. South Africa aims to use its Presidency to have the G20's Common Framework overhauled some five years after its creation during the COVID-19 pandemic as a mechanism to help relieve the economic impact caused by the plague. 'South Africa chairs this G20 year resolved to turn analysis into action and global consensus into ground-level change,' said Botes. Current international development financial frameworks are throttling emerging countries, which end up with unsustainable debt that 'crowds out' SDG spending, said Botes. He added that emerging markets need to 'participate equally in global decisions'. Botes also called for multilateral development banks to honour country ownership, credit rating agencies to reflect each country's fundamentals in their assessments and not prejudice them, and for developed economies to finally meet their Overseas Development Assistance and climate-finance commitments.
Shafaq News
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Justice threatened: UN flags dangers to press freedom
Shafaq News/ Journalists across the globe are facing growing threats, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Saturday. Marking World Press Freedom Day, Guterres highlighted an alarming surge in censorship, intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and violence targeting media workers—especially in conflict zones like Gaza, where at least 205 journalists have been killed by Israel this year. 'When journalists are unable to work, we all lose.' He described free and independent journalism as 'an essential public good,' underscoring its role in defending justice, human rights, and accountability. Guterres also addressed the dual-edged impact of artificial intelligence. While acknowledging its potential to strengthen free expression, he cautioned against the dangers of unregulated digital platforms and opaque algorithms that fuel disinformation, hate speech, and public manipulation. 'Accurate, verifiable, fact-based information is the best tool to defuse them.' The Secretary-General referenced ongoing UN initiatives aimed at strengthening online protections, including the Global Digital Compact and the Global Principles for Information Integrity—frameworks designed to promote responsible digital governance while safeguarding human rights. Press freedom faces an unprecedented intelligence can support freedom of expression — or stifle algorithms, outright lies, and hate speech are landmines on the verifiable, fact-based information is the best tool to defuse them. — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 3, 2025 Guterres concluded with a call for global cooperation, 'Let's commit to make this a reality and safeguard the press everywhere.'
Scoop
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Journalism Facing New Threats From AI And Censorship
' Amidst spiraling conflict, climate chaos, growing divisions, and a rapidly changing digital landscape, a freepressis more vital than ever,' said Volker Türk. Furthermore, 'the media help us understand theworldaround us and encourage critical thinking and dialogue.' Threats and deaths Free and independent media are the best antidote to disinformation but press freedom is under threat in every region of the world, he warned. ' States harass, detain, torture and even kill media workers, simply for doing their jobs ' while 'in some conflict zones, warring parties restrict or deny access to journalists.' He noted that since January, at least 20 people who work in media have been killed and impunity for crimes against journalists remains widespread, with more than 80 per cent of killings going unpunished. AI rewards…and risks Mr. Türk said this year's observance of press freedom is a reminder that media repression is increasing while artificial intelligence (AI) is entirely overhauling how information is produced, distributed, and consumed. Although AI can be a useful tool for journalists, it also carries significant risks for press freedom, he warned. ' AI-based algorithms often dictate what we see, shaping our opinions and perceptions of reality. Politicians use AI to weaponize disinformation and advance their own agendas,' he said. 'States are also using AI tools to monitor journalists and their sources online, violating their right to privacy. This has a chilling effect on media workers everywhere. And women journalists are disproportionately targeted.' Concentration of power Furthermore, 'a small group of corporations and individuals have almost total control over AI technology and influence on the global media landscape.' UN Secretary-General António Guterres also highlighted the opportunities and risks posed by AI in his message on press freedom. ' Biased algorithms, outright lies, and hate speech are landmines on the information superhighway. Accurate, verifiable, fact-based information is the best tool to defuse them,' he said. He pointed to the Global Digital Compact adopted last year by UN Member States, which includes 'concrete steps to strengthen international cooperation to promote information integrity, tolerance and respect in the digital space.' Change course now Mr. Türk said WorldPressFreedomDay is an opportunity for everyone to urgently commit to changing course now, starting with States. They must ensure that journalists are safe from attacks, hate campaigns and surveillance, as well as physical and legal harassment. ' It is crucial to have more transparency in how data is used, how content is curated, and how algorithms are designed.' Media concentration laws – that is, legislation around ownership of mass media outlets – also must be updated to reflect the power of AI and tech platforms and promote a diverse media landscape that secures space for independent journalism. Meanwhile, tech companies have a crucial role. In this regard, Mr. Turk announced that his Office and UN educational and cultural agency UNESCO are offering guidance to help tech companies assess the risks their tools pose to journalists and civil society. 'Afree, independent, and diverse media can help to heal the divisions in our societies. We must do everything in our power to protect it and allow it to flourish,' he said.
See - Sada Elbalad
02-05-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
UN Chief Warns of Rising Threats to Press Freedom on World Press Freedom Day
Ahmed Emam On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a powerful statement highlighting the growing threats facing journalists around the globe and the urgent need to safeguard the essential role of a free press. 'In a world plagued by conflict and division, World Press Freedom Day highlights a fundamental truth: Freedom for people depends on freedom of the press,' said Guterres. He emphasized that independent journalism is not just a profession but a vital public good that supports accountability, justice, equality, and human rights. The Secretary-General warned that press freedom is under increasing pressure, with journalists facing escalating threats including censorship, harassment, imprisonment, violence, and even death — simply for doing their jobs. He noted with particular concern the rising number of journalists killed in conflict zones, especially in Gaza. 'This is becoming more difficult every year. And more dangerous,' Guterres said. This year's theme brings attention to the double-edged impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on press freedom. While AI has the potential to advance freedom of expression, it also poses unprecedented risks. The Secretary-General cautioned against the dangers of biased algorithms, disinformation, and online hate speech, describing them as "landmines on the information superhighway." Guterres reiterated the importance of reliable, fact-based information to counter these threats. He pointed to the Global Digital Compact, adopted in 2024, which outlines steps to promote integrity, tolerance, and respect in the digital space. Moreover, he highlighted the Global Principles for Information Integrity, introduced last year, as a framework to ensure AI and digital technologies uphold human rights and prioritize truth. 'On this World Press Freedom Day, let's commit to make this a reality and safeguard press freedom and the press everywhere,' Guterres concluded. The Secretary-General's remarks serve as a reminder that a free press is not a luxury, but a necessity — one that must be protected now more than ever. Would you like this news story formatted for publication or adapted for a specific audience? 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 Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
TECHx
08-03-2025
- Politics
- TECHx
Guterres: Equality for Women Essential for Prosperity - TECHx Media Guterres: Equality for Women Essential for Prosperity
Ahead of International Women's Day 2025, the United Nations urged the international community to take firm action toward making rights, equality, and empowerment a reality for women and girls everywhere. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of unlocking equal opportunities for women and girls, stating, 'When women and girls can rise, we all thrive.' However, Guterres pointed out that instead of advancing equal rights, there has been a rise in misogyny. He stressed that opening the doors of equal opportunity for women and girls leads to a more prosperous and peaceful society, laying the foundation for sustainable development. Reflecting on thirty years since the groundbreaking 1995 United Nations conference in Beijing, Guterres highlighted the progress made while calling for further action. 'We need action to unlock finance for countries to invest in equality, open-up opportunities for decent work, close the gender pay gap, and address care work challenges,' he added. The UN Secretary-General also emphasized the need to strengthen laws to end violence against women and girls, increase women's participation in decision-making—including peacebuilding efforts—and remove barriers to women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The UN's Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact offer blueprints to guide these critical actions. 'When women and girls can rise, we all thrive,' Guterres concluded. This year, International Women's Day 2025 will be celebrated under the theme, 'For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.' The theme calls for collective efforts to secure equal rights, power, and opportunities for everyone, with a particular focus on empowering youth, especially young women and adolescent girls, as agents of lasting change.
