Diplomatic representatives from the Small Group of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS convened in Rome today, hosted by the Italian Republic. The meeting, presided over by Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli, saw discussions led by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Political Director Pasquale Ferrara and co-host United States Deputy Special Envoy for the Coalition Ian McCary. The coalition, committed to countering ISIS in various regions, emphasized the adaptation of counterterrorism strategies to address the evolving threat landscape. During the meeting, it was agreed to update the Guiding Principles, acknowledging the increasing regionalization of efforts and emphasizing the pivotal…
Author: Editor Francis
Tyler Beckelman, Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Africa at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), provided insights into the current state of U.S. policy in Ethiopia. Beckelman highlighted the historical success of USAID’s development partnership with Ethiopia, emphasizing the significant improvements in living conditions for millions of Ethiopians over the past two decades. However, the devastating two-year war in northern Ethiopia has posed unprecedented challenges, leading to hundreds of thousands of casualties and the displacement of millions. Beckelman acknowledged the impact of the conflict on the gains achieved in poverty reduction, increased life expectancy, and improved…
In a significant move toward bolstering sustainable energy solutions, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has unveiled its commitment to a feasibility study grant for REV-UP Solar Ventures Zambia (REV-UP). This grant is poised to support the development of an expansive solar power project in Zambia’s North-Western Province, aiming to provide clean and stable electricity to both Zambian communities and industries. USTDA Director Enoh T. Ebong highlighted the agency’s partnership with REV-UP Solar Ventures as a strategic step towards achieving the Zambian government’s ambitious goal of universal electricity access by 2030. “U.S. companies are well-positioned to provide technologies and…
At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), in Dubai, the United States, represented by U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Bonnie Jenkins and U.S. Export-Import Bank Chair Reta Jo Lewis, has revealed strategic measures aimed at accelerating the adoption of advanced nuclear energy systems worldwide. These initiatives are designed to bolster climate and energy security objectives while reinforcing the nation’s commitment to achieving net-zero goals. To meet the escalating global interest in U.S. small modular reactor (SMR), nuclear energy systems, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and the U.S. Department of State have…
Enoh T. Ebong, Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), arrives in Dubai for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) with groundbreaking announcements poised to reshape climate infrastructure development across emerging economies. USTDA is set to unveil fresh commitments, including a pioneering global partnership aimed at harnessing institutional investor finance for climate-centric projects. Director Ebong emphasizes the critical role of deploying sustainable infrastructure solutions in combating the climate crisis. “USTDA’s endeavors focus on igniting finance and collaborations pivotal in materializing projects from inception to implementation,” stated Ebong. “U.S. industry offers innovative climate technologies, and USTDA is dedicated…
Eight prominent international organizations and development finance institutions have come together during COP28 to announce a collaborative initiative aimed at amplifying financial instruments for sustainable climate and nature-linked sovereign financing. The joint declaration, unveiled at the annual U.N. climate summit, reflects a concerted effort to explore diverse financial solutions, leveraging private sector capital through mechanisms like debt swaps and green or sustainability-linked bonds. The coalition comprises the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Inter-American Development…
In a bold move at COP28, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has unveiled a staggering $100 million pledge over the next two years towards the CGIAR, a global research consortium dedicated to ensuring a food-secure future. This significant funding boost underscores USAID’s intensified efforts under the Feed the Future initiative to fortify food systems against climate change impacts. This recent commitment builds upon USAID’s prior contributions to the Agriculture Innovation Mission (AIM) for Climate. Initially committing $215 million across five years during AIM for Climate’s launch at COP26, USAID has already surpassed this figure, propelling numerous smallholder…
In a groundbreaking series of announcements at the 28th U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, the Biden-Harris Administration has underscored its commitment to climate action, positioning the United States as a global leader in addressing the paramount threat of climate change. President Biden and Vice President Harris are set to present the nation’s unprecedented momentum in climate action, backed by a $3 billion pledge to the Green Climate Fund, signaling a significant push for urgent international climate initiatives. Ambitious Domestic Climate Action: The administration showcased the success of its domestic climate agenda, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and…
In a significant development at the United Nations Climate Conference, COP28, in Dubai, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken made a groundbreaking announcement that the United States is joining the Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action, representing a pivotal commitment by over 130 countries to align efforts on agriculture and food systems with climate action. Secretary Blinken emphasized the urgency of the global hunger crisis, revealing that around 700 million people are chronically undernourished, with half facing acute food insecurity. He highlighted the worsening impact of climate change and extreme weather events, such as…
Matthew Miller, the Department Spokesperson for the United States, praised the Malagasy people for actively participating in the presidential elections held on November 16. The United States has expressed its commitment to collaborating with President-elect Rajoelina, the government, and the citizens of Madagascar to foster the nation’s development while emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights. While acknowledging the overall calm and peaceful conduct of election day in most areas, the United States highlighted serious concerns regarding the electoral process. Various stakeholders, including Malagasy citizens and both domestic and international election observers, have raised alarms about irregularities during the elections.…
Tthe United Nations Security Council, Ambassador Robert Wood, the Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs from the United States, expressed the country’s support for a resolution concerning Somalia. Ambassador Wood commended the UK for its efforts as the penholder and thanked Council members for their engagement in the resolution. The resolution focused on extending the mandate of the Panel of Experts and renewing measures such as the arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze in Somalia. The United States cast its vote in favor of the resolution, emphasizing the critical role these measures play in promoting peace and stability in…
In a striking projection, it is anticipated that by the year 2040, Africa will boast a total of 31 cities with populations exceeding 5 million people, marking a significant increase of 19 cities compared to the present scenario. This revelation stems from a comprehensive report underlining Africa’s status as the world’s fastest urbanizing region, with a noteworthy emphasis on the pivotal role played by its primary cities in this dynamic shift. Despite 57 percent of Africa’s population residing in rural areas as recently as 2019, the continent has been urbanizing at an unparalleled pace, outstripping the urban growth rates observed…