Latest news with #globalcooperation
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Astana International Forum 2025 Opens with Resounding Call for Global Cooperation
Astana, Kazakhstan--(Newsfile Corp. - May 30, 2025) - The Astana International Forum (AIF) 2025 opened today with a high-level ceremony that set the stage for two days of strategic dialogue and cross-border collaboration. Held under the auspices of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, this year's Forum gathers global leaders to address some of the world's most urgent challenges under the theme "Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future." To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: In his opening remarks, President Tokayev emphasized the urgency of restoring multilateralism in an increasingly fragmented world: "The post-war global order is fragmenting. Protectionism is rising. Multilateralism is faltering. In this emerging disorder, the task before us is clear: to preserve cooperation where it still exists, and to restore it where it has broken down... That's what we in Kazakhstan strongly pursue: 'The unity in diversity'." The Forum welcomed several high-profile speakers, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Qu Dongyu, and Ban Ki-moon, Chair of the Global Green Growth Institute and former UN Secretary-General. The session was moderated by Julia Chatterley. Reflecting on the progress that Kazakhstan has made, President Kagame noted that "Kazakhstan's prosperity is the reflection of its leadership, resilience and its people." President Siljanovska-Davkova addressed how to resolve current global crises, stressing that, "We need to use the collective wisdom and experience to think fast, or faster, in order to cope with the pressing challenges of our time." Alain Berset emphasized democratic values as central to global security, stating: "We gather here... to discuss security, energy, climate, and the economy. But let us be honest, these cannot be secured if democracy fails." Meanwhile, Ban Ki-moon praised Kazakhstan's role as a convener: "This year's theme reflects the kind of leadership we need today. One that is collaborative, forward-looking, and rooted in shared responsibility." Qu Dongyu highlighted the role of Central Asia and Kazakhstan in ensuring global food security. "Central Asia stands at the crossroad geopolitically, economically, and climatically," he said, adding: "Kazakhstan's territory is 2,800 square kilometres. With proper management, investments and new technologies - Kazakhstan can easily feed 1 billion people worldwide." The agenda featured action-oriented sessions on climate change, energy security, and conflict resolution. In a one-on-one with journalist Tony Barber, former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz welcomed growing attention to Central Asia: "Europe is now seeing the need for deeper cooperation with this part of the world." UN-backed discussions were a highlight of the Forum, with the organization serving as a strategic partner. Sessions marked the UN's 80th anniversary and addressed priorities like the Pact for the Future, migration, and water security. A standout was a conversation between CNN's Max Foster and Amy E. Pope, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on migration's role in sustainable development. As day one concluded, AIF reaffirmed its mission to elevate the role of middle powers, reinforce the value of multilateralism, and accelerate practical global solutions. Day two will continue to foster partnerships and dialogue that aim to shape a more stable, inclusive, and interconnected world.
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
For China to be an education power, Hong Kong universities must stay free
China has laid out its most ambitious education road map to date. The Education Power Construction Plan Outline aims to transform the country into a global education powerhouse by 2035. As the mainland's universities climb up global rankings and research output surges, Hong Kong's role in advancing this vision deserves greater attention. Advertisement Amid rising geopolitical tensions – exacerbated by moves such as US universities cutting ties with select Chinese institutions – Hong Kong's globally connected, academically credible universities stand out. They can serve as platforms for international cooperation that maintain legitimacy in both Chinese and Western contexts. The University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology feature among the world's top 100 . But what sets them apart is their ability to operate bilingually, attract global faculty and forge research partnerships across ideological and geopolitical divides. These capabilities have taken on new importance as governments elsewhere reassess academic collaboration with China. Unlike most mainland institutions, Hong Kong's universities offer familiar legal protections, relatively autonomous governance and robust international networks. This makes them uniquely positioned as credible mediators in scientific, technological and cultural exchanges. China's education strategy emphasises cultivating high-level talent and innovation capacity, especially in strategic sectors like artificial intelligence semiconductors and biotechnology. Hong Kong's institutions are already contributing. HKUST , for instance, plays a key role in robotics and digital technology while HKU advances biomedical research. Advertisement Their partnerships with Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport create collaboration channels vital to the Greater Bay Area's ambition of becoming a global innovation hub.
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Global Water Crisis Knows No Borders: Malaysia Leads Call For Urgent Cooperation
PARIS, FRANCE - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 May 2025 - Malaysia calls on the international community to strengthen cooperation in addressing the global water crisis – a transboundary challenge impacting nations of rich and poor alike. Strategic partnerships and coordinated policy actions are essential to securing a sustainable and resilient water future for all. Sharing Malaysia's experience at the Global Water Summit 2025 in Paris, Deputy Prime Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof said, it is time for the global community to recognise water as an invaluable resource to human survival and development While sharing Malaysia's experience at the Global Water Summit 2025 in Paris, Deputy Prime Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof said, it is time for the global community to recognise water as an invaluable resource to human survival and development. 'Water, the lifeblood of our planet, unites us in a shared responsibility. The global water crisis, transcending borders and economies, demands urgent collaboration,' he said in his speech during the Opening Plenary: 'Delivering the Economics of Water' here today. Sharing the nation's progressive approach to sustainable water management, Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), highlighted both its successes and lessons learned, reaffirming Malaysia's commitment to offering its expertise as a model for countries facing similar water security issues. In his address, he outlined key milestones in Malaysia's water management journey, emphasising reforms that have transitioned the country from fragmented state governance to a more coordinated federal-state partnership. He also underscored Malaysia's ongoing efforts to manage growing demands, including urbanisation, climate change and industrial water use. Key Highlights from Malaysia's Water Sector Transformation 2040 Agenda: Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah also added that Malaysia's active role in regional efforts, particularly within ASEAN, while extended an invitation to global innovators to invest in and collaborate on the next generation of water technologies. The Malaysian government remains committed to fostering sustainable water management practices through continuous innovation, partnerships and shared global solutions. Meanwhile, Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer, Narendran Maniam stated that resource recovery has shifted from a discretionary measure to a policy imperative, driven by the pressing need to enhance environmental resilience and ensure sustainable resource management amid escalating economic and ecological pressures. Narendran added that for IWK, resource recovery has evolved from being a nice-to-have to a necessity, with a focus on three main drivers behind this journey: 'Our message to the broader ecosystem is simple – bring value into the equation. The door is open for collaboration. As the national sewerage company, all collaborations will be subject to transparent open tenders and due diligence,' he said at the roundtable talk 'Delivering the Capex Surge' during the summit. Hashtag: #GlobalWaterSummit #Sustainability #IWK #NewLifeForWater #EraBaharuAir #PETRA The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK) Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK), is a sewerage services company owned by Minister of Finance Incorporated, Malaysia. IWK is responsible for providing sewerage services, operating and maintaining 9,133 existing sewage treatment plants and network pump stations, as well as more than 22,000 km networks of sewerage pipelines serving 32 million Connected Population Equivalent (cPE). Our core expertise spans Operations and Maintenance, Refurbishment, Planning & Policy Strategy, Engineering and Process Review, Project Planning and Management, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), as well as Research & Development, and Training Services including module development. IWK has been recognised to lead capacity building projects via mentorship programme by UN Habitat and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The company has completed two projects: UN Habitat's Global Water Operators' Partnerships & Water Organization Partnerships (WOP) Project in Banjarmasin, Indonesia, and ADB's Water Organization Partnerships for Resilience (WOP4R) Programme in Baguio City, the Philippines. For more information, visit
