Day: March 15, 2023

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Open Society Announces $1.7 Million to Support Middle East and North Africa Debt Swap for Sustainable Development

Amman, March 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Open Society Foundations today announced that they are giving $1.7 million to a United Nations initiative in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) that seeks to catalyze increased public spending on achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by negotiating reduced national debt service payments. Importantly, the initiative provides a channel for MENA civil society organizations to have a voice about where such kinds of innovative financing is needed most.

The two-and-a-half-year project partnership, which will last from April 2023 through September 2025, will support work by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) with interested member states and civil society to identify investment projects that prioritize the most urgent needs of MENA societies. ESCWA will support member states in reaching agreements with their creditors to redirect scheduled debt service payments into sustainable local investments.

An emphasis on robust project monitoring and evaluation provides an incentive to creditors who are ready to deliver on their own commitments to climate and sustainable development goals financing in MENA. The initiative is further strengthened by the role of ESCWA’s Advisory Committee, made up of experts with experience implementing debt swaps and providing economic policy advice on inclusive growth in other parts of the world.

Heavily indebted MENA countries have pressing financing needs to address climate adaptation and sustainable development goals, while struggling to recover from fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic and repercussions of the war in Ukraine, including growing food insecurity. As middle-income countries, they are both excluded from debt relief frameworks and find it difficult to access the financing they need.

The combined public debt burden of Arab countries was $1.5 trillion, equivalent to about 54 percent of the region’s GDP in 2021. In addition, the Arab region continues to suffer disproportionately from climate change and 90 percent of the population resides in water-scarce countries. Conflicts in the region have devastated institutions and infrastructure and some 66 million persons in Arab countries affected by conflict are dependent on humanitarian aid.

“The ESCWA initiative is a win-win strategy for all stakeholders involved,” said Issandr Amrani, executive director for Open Society–Middle East and North Africa. “As a multilateral institution with a commitment to human rights and civil society engagements, ESCWA provides a new opportunity for civil society to engage with governments on borrowing, spending, and development priorities. Open Society is committed to backing innovative projects that can help deliver economic justice.”

Yamide Dagnet, Open Society’s director for Climate Justice, added: “Climate disruption poses exponential risks to MENA’s economic and political challenges. Open Society’s pro-climate and fiscal-forward support can pave the way for catalytic investment in a just and inclusive climate transformation. From spurring dynamic and higher quality, green new employment opportunities that spark optimism among youth, women, and other marginalized communities, to addressing adaptation issues such as water scarcity that risks amplifying conflict. The fiscal space and just opportunities this pledge creates expands how we must put climate justice into action.”

Open Society’s president announced the launch of the grant during a high-level plenary session of the Arab Forum on Sustainable Development in Beirut, Lebanon, on March 15, 2023.

Office of Communications
Open Society Foundations 
212-548-0378
media@opensocietyfoundations.org

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8789008

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ACAMS Launches Scholarship Program for Korean Professionals Seeking Anti-Money Laundering Training

CAMS Scholarship recipients will train on strategies to identify, trace, and report criminal activity threatening financial institutions across the globe

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As part of its efforts to support the fight against financial crime throughout the Asia Pacific region, ACAMS is launching a new scholarship program for South Korean compliance professionals seeking to become Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (CAMS). Under the initiative, ACAMS will award the CAMS Scholarship to 10 Korean compliance practitioners in the anti-financial crime (AFC) space, granting them a one-year membership to the association and a full waiver of all fees for the CAMS exam package.

As part of the program, scholarship winners will train on a broad array of skills and strategies to detect, track, and report illicit financial activity, including global best practices on the effective implementation of anti-money laundering (AML) and counterterrorism financing (CTF) policies and procedures, risk-mitigation controls, and suspicious transaction reporting. Widely recognized as the global standard for AML/CTF credentials, the CAMS program helps to shield financial institutions around the world from criminal exploitation, regulatory fines, and reputational harm.

“This scholarship is a reflection not only of our mission to fight illicit finance around the globe, but also of our commitment to the talented professionals in Korea’s dynamic anti-financial crime sector,” said ACAMS CEO Scott Liles. “As South Korea’s financial markets continues to grow, it’s critical that compliance professionals are prepared to meet evolving regulatory expectations and face emerging criminal threats.”

“For compliance practitioners, CAMS is pathway to becoming part a global community of dedicated men and women around the world who are applying their knowledge and skills to protect the private sector and save lives,” said ACAMS Advisory Board Member Jean Chung who is also Managing Director, Asia Head over Conduct, Financial Crime and Compliance Advisory for Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking at Standard Chartered Bank. “This is a credential that will open doors for professional development throughout a recipient’s career.”

The initiative is the third of its kind for ACAMS following the launch in 2021 of the CAFCA Scholarship and CCAS Scholarship in 2022. The CCAS Scholarship attracted entries from AFC professionals from over 100 countries around the world.

Applicants can apply for the CAMS Scholarship through 11:59 pm GMT April 28, 2023. Winners will be announced in June.

Find out more about the scholarship’s criteria and application process here:
https://www.acams.org/cams-scholarship

About ACAMS®

ACAMS is a leading international membership organization dedicated to providing opportunities for anti-financial crime (AFC) education, best practices, and peer-to-peer networking to AFC professionals globally. With over 100,000 members across 180 jurisdictions, ACAMS is committed to the mission of ending financial crime through the provision of anti-money laundering/counterterrorism-financing and sanctions knowledge-sharing, thought leadership, risk-mitigation services, ESG initiatives, and platforms for public-private dialogue. The association’s CAMS certification is the gold-standard qualification for AFC professionals, while its CGSS and CCAS certifications are for sanctions professionals and AFC practitioners working in the crypto space, respectively. ACAMS’ 60+ Chapters globally further amplify the association’s mission through training and networking initiatives. Visit acams.org for more information.

Media Contact:
Lashvinder Kaur
lkaur@acams.org
+44 7388 264478

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8788561

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SA calls for appointment of first female UN Secretary General

South Africa’s Parliamentary delegation to the Inter Parliamentary Union’s 146th Assembly in Bahrain has called for the appointment of the first-ever female Secretary General of the United Nations.

If a female is elected, it would be the first time in the international body’s 75-year history.

The recommendation by the South African delegation was made to the Standing Committee on United Nations affairs at the Assembly.

House Chairperson for Committees, Oversight and ICT in the National Assembly, Cedric Frolick, said that despite the UN’s commitment to women’s rights, actual transformation has been slow.

“The General Assembly of the UN has been pioneering women’s rights as human rights since 1948 through the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that recognises… all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

“[Some] 75 years after the adoption of this milestone document, only four women have been elected as Assembly presidents and the male-female ratio for the Secretary General stands at nine to zero.

“In September 2022 when the UN’s High Level meeting of world leaders concluded, among the 190 speakers, there were only 23 women,” Frolick said.

Parliament reported that Frolick also told the committee that gender parity is imperative in leadership positions.

“Mr Frolick also told the committee that research has proven that the majority of countries with female leadership are making a difference at the national level, as they focus on laws and policies that foster gender equity and do much better in terms of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“He said this is a fact that should motivate parliamentarians and politicians to go back to their countries to campaign for the development of policies to advance gender parity, particularly in their political parties.

“South Africa is one of the 51 founding members of the United Nations since 1945. It appointed the first woman to serve as South Africa’s Ambassador to the UN since re-joining in 1994. This is a testament to the efforts the country is making to ensure there is gender equality in the UN,” Parliament said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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MEC Tertuis Simmers hands over houses in Worcester

Earlier today, the Provincial Minister of Infrastructure handed over the first 44 units of the much anticipated 190 houses at the Transhex Housing project in Worcester. Joined by the Executive Mayor of Breede Valley Ald. Antoinette Steyn, the Minister ceremoniously commenced the handover of the houses.

Today’s ceremony saw 44 qualifying beneficiaries, receive keys to their brand-new homes. Mrs. Dinah Sibala (75), the first beneficiary on the day said: “I would like to thank everyone who was involved in making this day possible. I prayed every day for this moment and finally, I can say my prayers have been answered. I would like to encourage those citizens still waiting on an opportunity, not to lose hope as we have a government that delivers. I look forward to cooking my first meal for my grandson in this kitchen.”

The R370 Million budget project will see the complete handover of 190 houses over the next couple of days. It will benefit backyarders, people with disabilities, and those living in informality with adequate housing opportunities. Earmarked to create 3231 housing opportunities at the end of all the phases. During this first phase, the project has been a beacon of hope for the greater Breede Valley. It has rejuvenated the economic activity by appointing 21 Small, Medium, and Macro Enterprises (SMMEs), and created 47 jobs for local job seekers.

The Provincial Minister said: “The wait is now over for these beneficiaries as they look to spend their first night in their homes. A significant milestone for the two spheres of government and the local community. A time for all to reflect on what has been achieved here and the lasting impact this will have for Breede Valley. Indeed, we have restored the hope of the citizens and economy in this region through this project. I look forward to returning and deliver the entire 3231 housing opportunities.”

The handover of the 190 houses is scheduled as follows:

• 15 March 2023 – 44 x houses

• 17 March 2023 – 60 x houses

• 22 March 2023 – 37 x houses

• 24 March 2023 – 49 x houses

The Western Cape Government continues to restore the hope and dignity of the citizens while building our economy.

Source: Government of South Africa

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North West Legislature continues Taking Legislature to the People Programme

The North West Provincial Legislature concluded the second day of the Taking the Legislature to the People programme in the Legislature Chamber where community members raised various service delivery issues ranging from scholar transport challenges; lack of sports facilities in schools and communities; high teenage pregnancy and drug abuse in schools; lack of social workers in schools, and shortage of health professionals and medicine in health centres.

The programme focusing on Ngaka Modiri Molema District themed: “Facilitating Service Delivery and Accountability through effective citizenry participation,” is aimed at creating a platform where Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) engages with community members to hear their concerns on various service delivery issues and discuss possible solutions as well as allow Members of the Executive Council (MECs) from various provincial departments to respond to such issues.

The second day of the programme focused on service delivery issues concerning the Department of Health, Department of Social Development, Department of Culture, Arts and Sports Recreation and Department of Education.

Communities raised issues such as health facilities that are not operating 24 hours and 7 days a week, shortage of medication and personnel; social workers that are not deployed in schools to deal with social challenges of learners; dilapidated infrastructure of schools, health facilities and arts, culture and sports facilities and shortage of classrooms and teachers.

Ms. Tshegofatso Molome from Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality said patients are suffering because health centres are not operating at night and during the weekend. “People cannot be sick only during the day and the week but our clinics are turning away sick patients at night and weekend. There is also a shortage of ambulances especially in villages where road conditions are also bad and damage those vehicles as well,” said Ms. Molome.

Ms. Kedibone Matlhomola from Tswaing Local Municipality informed the communities that classrooms in rural communities and some townships are overcrowded and that learner drop out rate is very high due to drug abuse and teenage pregnancy. “Although the department is providing mobile classrooms, there is no plan to maintain them when damaged. Some learners who come from child headed families are also struggling to attend school due to social problems in their families hence they end up dropping out of school,” said Ms. Matlhomola.

Mr. Clarence Gaanakgomo from Ratlou Local Municipality informed the attendees that the Department of Arts, Culture and Sports Recreation is not maintaining sports facilities and arts centres in communities. “We have talented youth that need facilities that are fully functional but municipalities and the departments are not maintaining them regularly. The state of recently built multipurpose centres is deteriorating due to lack of regular use and maintenance. Our community libraries including those in schools don’t have internet and relevant material and resources,” said Gaanakgomo.

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, Hon. Gavin Edwards informed the attendees that during the recent oversight programme of the legislature in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, the Committee witnessed various challenges such as dilapidated health centres without personnel and medication; poor records management in health facilities which results on patients files being misplaced, and victim empowerment centres that are not fully funded and supported with resources. “There are instances where patients in clinics or hospitals have more than one file, and instances where operations theatres and other facilities in hospitals are not working. Often medical doctors and nurses knock off at 4pm thus leaving patients stranded and unattended without receiving any medical attention,” said Hon. Edwards.

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Education, Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Hon. Paul Sebego said schools that were built by communities before 1994 need serious renovations as the infrastructure is dilapidated and not conducive for teaching and learning. “Other concerning issue is the scholar transport where buses used to transport learners are not roadworthy as we have seen in recent times where traffic authorities have impounded them. Education department must engage the Transport Management department to ensure that learners are transported on roadworthy vehicles.

“The Arts and Culture department should also address challenges of libraries and sports facilities that are not maintained regularly,” said Hon. Sebego.

Department of Health MEC, Madoda Sambatha said the department plans to renovate 44 clinics on each financial year and upgrade 10 clinics to 24 hour/7 days a week operations. “We are also planning to build a state of the art hospital that will cater for Tswaing and Ratlou local municipalities; have budgeted R170 million to upgrade Motswedi clinic to a community healthcare centre and have changed the method of procuring ambulances to accommodate the growing population,” said MEC Sambatha.

MEC for the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Keneetswe Mosenogi said the department has agreed with municipalities to provide maintenance support to libraries and install internet. “As municipalities are not paying librarians the same as the ones from the department, we planning to incorporate them into the department so that they can be on the same salary scale. We will ensure that municipalities utilise their 15% of Municipal Infrastructure Grant to maintain sports facilities and will work with sports federations to address their issues,” said MEC Mosenogi.

Department of Social Development MEC, Boitumelo Moiloa said non-profit organisations are funded based on services rendered and are financially supported yearly with 2 trench payments. “We are trying to support the NPOs and other organisations with necessary resources. The department will resolve the issue of transport for social workers in Ratlou and other affected areas,” said MEC Moiloa.

MEC for the Department of Education, Viola Motsumi said the department has recently engaged Office of the Premier to resolve schools infrastructure challenges. “Our plan involves building additional classrooms as temporary mobile classrooms are not helping to mitigate the problem. We have about 20 schools projects that are incomplete due to poor project management and community unrests on projects. Some science labs in schools were vandalised and we urge our communities to stop burning our schools as that affects the schools infrastructure budget,” said MEC Motsumi. She also said the department will review the post provisioning model in schools so that there can be recruitment of additional teachers including through Fundza Lushaka Programme.

On Thursday, 16 March 2023, the programme will focus on service delivery issues relating to economic development, environment, conservation and tourism, and agriculture and rural development Members of the Executive responsible for those departments will be there to respond to issues raised. Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA) led by Hon. Job Dliso will also present on the status of Financial Compliance in terms of Audit Findings.

Section 118 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, provincial legislatures are mandated to facilitate public involvement on an open manner and holding its sittings and committees in public.

Source: Government of South Africa

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Court dismisses attempt to review SIU COVID-19 investigation report

The Eastern Cape High Court has dismissed an application by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to review and set aside a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation report which found possible wrongdoing in a R24.6 million COVID-19 procurement contract.

The investigation into the contract was kicked off after a whistleblower reported possible wrongdoing to the SIU.

According to SIU Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago, the investigation found that proper procurement processes were not followed during the awarding of the contract.

“The SIU investigation report…revealed that processes governing public procurement were not followed when the municipality appointed HT Paletona Projects Pty Ltd to construct 2000 toilets and 2000 standpipes with aerators in informal settlements within its municipal boundaries.

“The Municipality used the declaration of the National State of Disaster to circumvent proper procurement processes, which resulted in the award of a contract to the value to the R24.6 million.

“Only 200 toilets were built when the SIU issued a letter to the municipality to stop payment, as the unit had referred the contract to the Special Tribunal for review. Two disciplinary referrals were made against two senior officials for their role in the awarding of the contract,” he said.

Kganyago explained that in its application, the municipality told the court that the corruption busting unit’s report was “irrational and arbitrary and influenced by material errors of law”, which the court dismissed.

“In dismissing the rather unusual application brought by an organ of State, Acting Judge Kruger said that the challenge of the report was based simply on its aversion or dislike of the findings in the report. That is not a reason enough for the report to be set aside, Judge Kruger said.

“Though the SIU welcomes the dismissal of the review application and respect rights of implicated parties to challenge its reports, it is worried by the step taken by the municipality as an organ of the State.

“SIU investigations in State intuitions also identify lapses in governance and processes which exposes the State to irregular and wasteful expenditure and make recommendations to ensure such lapses do not recur,” Kganyago said.

Source: South African Government News Agency