Latest news with #StrategicPlan
Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Burlington library branch reopens after fire-related closure
Burlington Public Library's Aldershot Branch reopened Monday, June 2 after a nearly month-long closure for flooding repairs. It was the second closure this year, after the 550 Plains Rd. E. branch suffered water damage during a small stove fire in Halton Community Housing's Aldershot Village seniors apartment building above the branch on Feb. 6. The fire was extinguished by the building's sprinkler system. The branch closed for preliminary repairs immediately following the fire, then temporarily reopened with reduced services and some areas closed to the public from Feb. 21 to May 3. It closed again for 29 days from May 4 to June 1 to complete repairs. Burlington Public Library spokesperson Lauren Arkell confirmed Monday, June 2 the branch had reopened at 9 a.m., resuming regular hours and services. Arkell said there are no changes or additions to previous branch programs or services. 'But the refreshed interior colours and deep cleaning throughout make the branch look and feel brand new,' Arkell said. Final repair costs were not yet available. Visit the Aldershot branch web page for details on branch services, programs and events. On Monday, Burlington Public Library also launched a two-week Customer Satisfaction Survey, which can be accessed at the library's website . Feedback from the survey will help guide the library's 2026-2027 Strategic Plan. Paper copies of the survey are also available at all library locations. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
UN Launches Urgent Global Housing Strategy at Nairobi Assembly
Israa Farhan The resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly opened today at UN-Habitat Headquarters in Nairobi with a resounding call for immediate global action to address the escalating housing crisis affecting billions worldwide. Hosted by the Government of Kenya, the Assembly brought together 193 Member States to shape the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026–2029. The plan prioritizes affordable housing, secure land tenure, and access to basic services as key pillars of sustainable urban development. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach emphasized the urgency of the crisis, citing nearly three billion people lacking adequate housing and essential services such as clean water and sanitation. The new strategic framework aims to directly confront this humanitarian emergency by focusing on vulnerable populations, particularly those living in slums and informal settlements. The High-level Dialogue on Adequate Housing, taking place on the Assembly's opening day, will provide governments a platform to coordinate efforts and mobilize resources for transformative urban solutions. Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Alice Wahome, reiterated the host country's commitment to UN-Habitat's agenda, highlighting the critical role of housing in promoting equity, dignity, and sustainable development. Enrique Javier Ochoa Martínez, President of the Habitat Assembly, called on nations to transform dialogue into actionable policies, stressing the importance of international cooperation, inclusive governance, and equitable resource distribution to close global housing gaps. The proposed Strategic Plan 2026–2029 centers on three impact areas: inclusive prosperity, climate and environmental resilience, and post-crisis recovery. It builds on resolutions passed in the Assembly's 2023 session, which reaffirmed the right to adequate housing and initiated the creation of an Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group to develop a global housing data platform. According to UN-Habitat, more than 1.1 billion people currently reside in slums or informal settlements, with over 300 million experiencing homelessness. The Strategic Plan offers a comprehensive roadmap to reverse these trends by supporting evidence-based policymaking, data sharing, and locally driven action. UN-Habitat, the UN agency dedicated to sustainable urbanization, operates in more than 90 countries. It works to build socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and economically vibrant cities through technical assistance, policy development, and capacity building. 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 Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content 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 Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
Malaysia Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysia Sun
Roundup: UN-Habitat Assembly ends with adoption of strategic plan to tackle housing crisis
NAIROBI, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly concluded late Friday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with the adoption of a bold strategic plan aimed at tackling the global housing crisis. More than 1,300 delegates, including ministers, city mayors, urban planners, innovators, donors, campaigners, and entrepreneurs, attended the premier event that ran from Thursday to Friday. Held every four years, the assembly is the world's highest decision-making body on sustainable urbanization and human settlement, composed of 193 UN member states. Kenyan President William Ruto hailed the consensus-based adoption of the United Nations Human Settlements Program's (UN-Habitat) Strategic Plan 2026-2029, saying it will guide the establishment of climate-smart and inclusive cities in the future. "The adoption of this strategic plan reaffirms our commitment to urban renewal through equitable and adequate access to housing," Ruto said, urging UN member states to establish global champions for affordable housing. Besides adopting the strategic plan for tackling the global housing crisis, the two-day meeting elected a new presidency of the assembly to be shared by Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 2025 to 2029 alongside 36 members of the Executive Board of the UN-Habitat. During the assembly, it was also announced that the 13th session of the World Urban Forum will be held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on May 17-22, 2026, under the theme "Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities." The UN-Habitat's strategic plan seeks to boost access to housing, land, and basic services, such as clean drinking water and sanitation, aligning with the global quest for converting cities into hubs for green innovation, prosperity, and resilience. Anaclaudia Rossbach, executive director of the UN-Habitat, said the plan is rooted in the bold vision of transforming cities through upgrading informal settlements, improving land governance, accelerating climate action, and eradicating poverty. Rossbach stressed that political goodwill, innovative financing, partnerships, and targeted use of technology will be key to hastening the implementation of the strategic plan, ensuring that urbanization is both resilient and sustainable. Alice Wahome, Kenya's cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, who read Ruto's speech, said the strategy presents a solid blueprint for realizing urban renewal through increased access to decent shelter, safe drinking water, sanitation, and waste management. In addition, the plan will boost post-recovery efforts in cities reeling from conflicts, poverty, inequalities, and fragilities linked to the climate crisis, Wahome said.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
University of Johannesburg launches UJ Digital initiative for flexible learning
UJ Vice-Chancellor Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi unveils UJ Digital, a bold initiative aimed at expanding access to flexible, future-focused online education across Africa. The University of Johannesburg has launched its UJ Digital project, a digital learning initiative that positions the institution as Africa's leader in industry-relevant, flexible, and accessible online education. This strategic initiative aligns with UJ's 2035 Strategic Plan, addressing the growing demand for innovative learning solutions that empower learners across the continent and beyond. With universities facing increasing pressure to accommodate a rising number of students, many aspiring learners struggle to secure admissions. UJ Digital presents a timely solution by providing alternative pathways to higher education through Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) and non-subsidised Whole Programmes (WPs). These programmes, offered in high-demand fields such as communications, business, engineering, health, IT, law, and languages, equip graduates with highly sought expertise, enhancing employability and addressing Africa's critical skills gaps. In addition, UJ's free-to-the-public online SLPs offer a range of topics, from upskilling in the workplace to enhancing general knowledge in fields such as financial literacy, the sustainable development goals, and artificial intelligence. Highlighting the significance of the project, UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, says: 'UJ Digital is a testament to our commitment to delivering inclusive, flexible learning opportunities that equip students with future-ready skills while meeting industry demands. "As global demand for online higher education continues to grow, UJ is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation.' Beyond local impact, UJ Digital leverages the increasing global demand for online education, expected to surge significantly by 2035. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, UJ aims to establish itself as a key player in the international education market while driving social and economic development across Africa. Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi is upbeat about the transformative role of UJ Digital in the higher education sector. 'This bold initiative ensures that UJ remains at the forefront of educational innovation, creating accessible pathways to higher education and equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy. UJ Digital is not just a step forward for UJ but a leap for higher education in Africa.' For more information about the UJ Digital Initiative and its upcoming programmes, please visit
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Elysian Fields ISD Superintendent Monica Simmons resigns
WASKON, Texas (KETK) — Elysian Fields ISD Superintendent Monica Simmons announced her resignation from the position last week after serving the district since 2002. Tyler Public Library to host Summer Kick-Off event for all ages Simmons spent her time at Elysian Fields ISD as both an administrator and teacher, where she started out as a student teacher before becoming a first grade teacher. Simmons has worn many hats at EFISD including curriculum director, federal programs director, testing coordinator, teacher, assistant principal and principal. In 2022, Simmons took over the superintendent position after Maynard Chapman's retirement and she accomplished many feats. Her role in developing EFISD's Strategic Plan laid down a new vision for the district's future by helping pass the 2024 bond that secured resources for facility and transportation upgrades. 'I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished together,' Simmons said. 'The progress we've made is a direct reflection of the unwavering dedication of our students, staff, families, and community. It has been an honor to work in partnership with each of you in support of a shared vision for excellence.' Smith County ESD2 holds 'push in' ceremony for new fire engine According to EFISD, the bond allowed the construction of a new elementary school that is currently being built and is expected to open in Fall 2026. Simmons will continue as the superintendent until the end of July when the district is expected to find a new person for the job. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
