Latest news with #capacitybuilding
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's Ministry of Trade and Industry, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Join Forces to Build National Capacity for African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation
The Ministry of Trade and Industry of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), is conducting a four-day capacity building workshop for the National Implementation Committee (NIC) on the AfCFTA. Taking place from 10 to 13 June 2025 in Freetown, with hybrid participation, the workshop aims to equip key national stakeholders with the knowledge, tools, and coordination mechanisms required to implement the AfCFTA effectively. This collaborative effort reflects Sierra Leone's strong commitment to leveraging the opportunities of the AfCFTA, which brings together a market of over 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. As the national coordinating body for AfCFTA implementation, the Ministry is leading efforts to ensure that Sierra Leone's institutions are fully prepared to operationalize the Agreement in alignment with national development priorities. The workshop will focus on critical areas of the AfCFTA Agreement and its protocols, including: Rules of Origin Digital Trade Intellectual Property Rights Women and Youth in Trade Trade Facilitation Key findings from Sierra Leone's AfCFTA Readiness Assessment Participants include representatives from the public and private sectors, civil society, and development partners. The training is designed to strengthen institutional coordination, enhance technical understanding of AfCFTA instruments, and promote inclusive trade practices. 'This workshop is a crucial step in ensuring that Sierra Leone is not only ready to trade under the AfCFTA, but also strategically positioned to benefit from it,' said a representative of the Ministry of Trade and Industry. 'Our collaboration with ECA and the AfCFTA Secretariat is key to building the technical foundation and partnerships we need to succeed.' The AfCFTA Secretariat and ECA are providing technical support, facilitating knowledge-sharing, and delivering expert insights based on continental experiences and best practices. This initiative also supports broader national policy goals, including export diversification, digital transformation, and inclusive growth, as outlined in Sierra Leone's National Trade Strategy and Medium-Term National Development Plan. The workshop underscores the collective commitment of the three institutions to ensuring that AfCFTA implementation is locally owned, technically sound, and inclusive, laying the groundwork for sustainable development through trade. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Ghana, Japan Sign ¥402 Million Grant Agreement to Boost Human Capital Development
The Government of Ghana and the Government of Japan have signed a grant agreement valued at ¥402 million under the Japanese Grant Aid for the Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Programme. The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Finance in Accra, marks the launch of the third batch of the fourth phase of the programme. Speaking at the event, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson expressed Ghana's appreciation to the Government and People of Japan for their consistent support. He noted that the programme aligns with Ghana's ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and build a resilient, knowledge-driven public sector. Dr. Forson also provided updates on Ghana's economic outlook. He stated that Ghana's sovereign credit ratings are expected to improve soon, reflecting the country's progress toward economic recovery. Executive Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Miyazaki Katsura who led the Japanese delegation, acknowledged Ghana's request and reaffirmed Japan's commitment to long-term development cooperation. She emphasised the strategic importance of the JDS Programme in preparing Ghanaian professionals for leadership and institutional reform. The ceremony concluded with the signing of the grant agreement, reinforcing the strong bilateral partnership between Ghana and Japan and paving the way for expanded cooperation in both human capital and infrastructure development. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance - Republic of Ghana. Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an 'as is' and 'as available' basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release. The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Asian American Foundation Launches $1 Million+ Initiative to Empower San Francisco's Grassroots Asian American Organizations
Project with local co-funders to provide grants for capacity building to strengthen community-serving organizations promoting safety and opportunity in the city. SAN FRANCISCO, May 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) today announced the launch of the Asian American Voices in San Francisco, a new strategic initiative to unlock and invest more than $1 million into Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)-serving grassroots community organizations in San Francisco. Small, community-embedded grassroots organizations play a critical role in promoting safety, belonging, and prosperity in San Francisco. But despite their outsized impact, these groups often struggle to ensure their services are sustainable due to limited resources and lack of support. Through Asian American Voices in San Francisco, TAAF will bring together a coalition of grassroots organizations and Asian industry leaders in San Francisco to tackle these challenges head on and in collaboration with other organizations. In the initiative's first year, TAAF will distribute grants to strengthen organizations across the city, with the aim of bolstering a healthy ecosystem of community-serving nonprofits. As part of TAAF's commitment to unlock unprecedented resources through cross-sector collaboration and strategic grantmaking, the initiative will also encourage the development of long-term partnerships and solutions to promote safety and economic prosperity for Asian community members across San Francisco. "TAAF is proud to work with co-funders in the Bay Area to support Asian American Voices in San Francisco, which furthers our commitment to invest in solutions that are community-led and people-centered," said Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF. "In addition to our Anti-Hate National Network and partnership with local Bay Area based grantees, we believe that this initiative has the power to further support the San Francisco Asian community. By providing these vital grassroots groups with significant resources to support their collaborative efforts, we hope to empower local community members as they work to create a safer and more prosperous future for their city." "The TAAF grant allows us to continue driving meaningful and tangible change that are aligned with our shared vision," said Amy Lee, Founder and President of Dear Community, a local grassroots collective of young Asian American activists building pride and power through community events, small business support, and culture-driven organizing. "It empowers Dear Community and other organizations to actively shape and advance priorities that reflect our community's core values and tackle the challenges we face head-on. This initiative is unique as it brings together a coalition of newer generation nonprofit leaders that want to change the status quo and are eager to collaborate with community and City leaders to bring positive change to San Francisco's Asian American community. It is time we take ownership of our own narrative and tell our stories." About The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)TAAF serves the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities by promoting safety, fostering belonging, and advancing prosperity. Launched in 2021 in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and to address the long-standing underinvestment in Asian communities, we invest in initiatives to combat anti-Asian hate, integrate Asian studies into school curricula, elevate authentic Asian storytelling, and expand resources and representation for our communities. Through our high-impact initiatives, events, and investments in national and local nonprofits, we're creating a permanent and irrevocable sense of belonging for millions of Asians in the United States. For additional information about TAAF, please visit or follow @TAAForg on Instagram, LinkedIn, X or Facebook. Contact: Sam Singer, Singer Associates Public Relations San Francisco Tel: 415.227.9700 email: singer@ View original content: SOURCE The Asian American Foundation Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Times of Oman
22-05-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
Oman, Philippines ink MoU to enhance health cooperation
Geneva: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed today in Geneva by the Ministry of Health of the Sultanate of Oman and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of the Philippines to upgrade health cooperation in accordance with the two countries' mutual interests. The MoU includes the exchange of useful information, expertise and best practices, health technology updates, standard primary care mechanisms and medical equipment. The MoU also provides for the exchange of research and studies and the promotion of capacity building for human resources operating in the health sector. The MoU was signed by Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health, and Dr. Teodoro Javier Herbosa, Minister of Health of the Philippines.
Malay Mail
19-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia and Japan cement legal partnership with MoU to boost arbitration and dispute resolution efforts
TOKYO, May 19 — The Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) and the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen legal cooperation in the field of arbitration, according to the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department (BHEUU). BHEUU, in a statement, informed that the signing of the MoU was witnessed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said during a high-impact official working visit to Japan for three days starting from May 15. The signing of the MoU, among other things, formalises cooperation in the areas of commercial arbitration, capacity building, and joint training initiatives between AIAC and JCAA, which will be further strengthened at the ministerial level during the Special Malaysia-Japan Dialogue on Legal Cooperation next August. 'This dialogue, which brings together several government-recognised arbitration institutions from both countries, aims to create deeper cooperation in the MADANI Government's efforts to translate the outcomes of the dialogue into actual implementation,' the statement said here tonight. Azalina was quoted in the statement as saying that Malaysia and Japan agree that the real success in legal cooperation is determined through action. She said that through knowledge sharing within institutions, Malaysia is moving towards creating a regional legal ecosystem that supports the commercial sector, enhances investor confidence, and promotes sustainable regional development to serve the people and regional economic development. 'Malaysia and Japan have deep bilateral ties, especially in legal cooperation. In conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, this visit reflects Malaysia's continued commitment to strengthen legal institutions that support sustainable development and regional integration,' she said. BHEUU informed that the visit also demonstrated the international community's confidence and recognition regarding Malaysia's legal and institutional reform agenda, as Azalina was invited to present Malaysia's comprehensive legal reform agenda, which garnered interest from stakeholders in Japan. Among the matters presented were the Drafting of the Online Safety Act (2024), Amendments to the Arbitration Act (2024), Amendments to the Mediation Act 2012, Ratification of the Singapore Convention on Mediation, Reinstatement of the Parliamentary Services Act (2025), and efforts to implement the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency. The statement also informed that the Malaysian delegation discussed the MADANI Government's plan to establish a Special Mediation Task Force, with an emphasis on mediation as a core for dispute resolution, improving access to justice, reducing the burden of litigation, and providing cost-effective alternatives. 'Discussions with the Japan International Mediation Center (JIMC) in Kyoto and a visit to the Faculty of Law at Doshisha University further reinforced this strategic priority,' the statement said. The strategic mission to Japan builds on the momentum of broader ASEAN-Malaysia legal diplomacy efforts, as a continuation of Azalina's recent visits to Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In addition, Azalina held a bilateral meeting with the Japanese Minister of Justice, Keisuke Suzuki, where both sides discussed shared priorities, including the legal reform agenda, digitalisation of the justice system, and capacity building in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. She also met several key Japanese legal and parliamentary figures, legal practitioners, and arbitration experts to strengthen Malaysia's ties with Japan, especially in the areas of law and justice. 'This mission marks an important step towards translating shared commitments into effective implementation, strengthening mutual trust, and laying the foundation for a resilient and future-ready legal architecture across the region,' the statement said. — Bernama
