27.7 C
Vientiane
Saturday, June 28, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 142

The World Must Respond to Africa’s Forgotten Crises

Education is a humanitarian lifeline for the world’s most vulnerable children. Our investment in their education today is an investment in global security, economic stability and continued growth in the 21st century.

The following content is by Yasmine Sherif, Education Cannot Wait Executive Director

NEW YORK, May 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ –The challenges facing many parts of the African continent today are vast and immense. From the surge in violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to all-out-war in Sudan, years of progress are being obliterated by bombs, killings and other grave violations of international law.

Estimates from UNESCO indicate that, worldwide, there is a US$100 billion funding gap to reach the goal for universal education as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with US$70 billion of this gap found in sub-Saharan Africa.
Estimates from UNESCO indicate that, worldwide, there is a US$100 billion funding gap to reach the goal for universal education as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with US$70 billion of this gap found in sub-Saharan Africa.

The single best investment we can make in addressing these multiplying humanitarian crises is an investment in the vast potential and talents of Africa’s younger generations. By investing in their education, we empower them to prevent conflicts, end extreme poverty and ensure economic development, peace and stability. Without investing in education as part of this broader vision, none of these imperatives will be materialized.

The returns on investment are significant. As noted by the World Bank, foundational learning has the potential to double the GDP per capita in sub-Saharan Africa by 2050.

Responding to the education funding gap

Many traditional donor countries have dramatically reduced humanitarian aid in the past year, with recent analysis from UNESCO revealing a concerning drop of 14% in global aid to education. Yet, we all want to see a stable and prosperous Africa – a continent that deserves no less.

Still, Africa is falling even further behind. Estimates from UNESCO indicate that, worldwide, there is a US$100 billion funding gap to reach the goal for universal education as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with US$70 billion of this gap found in sub-Saharan Africa.

Learning poverty is a concerning global trend. Nowhere is this more pressing than across Africa. Around four out of five African children cannot read or understand a simple text by age 10, according to UNESCO, and many struggle with basic numeracy skills.

Compounding challenges like conflict, climate change and forced displacement are derailing development gains and impeding access to life-saving education in humanitarian crises – an investment that is indispensable to achieve peace and economic prosperity. According to the recent global estimates study by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), about half of the world’s 234 million crisis-impacted school-aged children reside in sub-Saharan Africa.

An entire generation is being left behind. “Although 75 million more African children are enrolled in school today compared to 2015, the number of out-of-school children has increased by 13.2 million to over 100 million during the same period,” according to the 2025 Transforming Learning and Skills Development in Africa report. 

You cannot have sustainable economic growth without stability. And you cannot achieve stability without education. Africa is a continent on the move, a continent of forced displacement as a consequence of armed and violent conflicts, as well as climate change. 

“In 2020, 21 million Africans were living in another African country. Since 1990, the number of African migrants living outside of the region has more than doubled, with the growth in Europe most pronounced. In 2020, most African-born migrants living outside the region were residing in Europe (11 million), Asia (nearly 5 million) and North America (around 3 million),” according to the World Migration Report.

Our collective failure to respond to this pressing education crisis will have dire global consequences.

The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Just look at the terrifying situation unravelling in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This region has been plagued by violence for decades, but it’s gotten much, much worse in recent months.

In all, there are an estimated 3.5 million forcibly displaced children in DRC today. Millions risk unimaginable violations of their human rights, including killing, maiming, abduction and forced recruitment into armed groups. There are also unconscionable accounts of sexual violence against girls. In eastern DRC, a child is reported raped every half an hour, according to UNICEF.

How can we tolerate the magnitude and depth of young girls and boys being systematically raped and killed? “More than 79 million girls and women – over 1 in 5 – across sub-Saharan Africa have experienced rape or sexual assault before turning 18,” according to UNICEF. Let’s put that number in perspective. That’s more than the total population of Australia and Spain combined. 

For the children living in the midst of this chaos and fear, the options are limited. For girls, it’s a future as a child bride, continued poverty and early pregnancies. For boys, it might look like forced recruitment into terrorist organizations and other armed groups, forced labour or migration. For the world, this means growing forced displacement and migration, deeper and more widespread insecurity across the Global South, unstable markets, unstable populations and unstable futures.

The consequences of the war in Sudan

The situation in Sudan is soul-shattering and must end now. Recent estimates indicate that 30 million people require humanitarian assistance, including 16 million children. More than 12 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan since April 2023, straining education systems, budgets and capacity in neighbouring countries.

In all, the conflict and continuing challenges – including forced displacement, climate change, poverty and other factors – have left about 16.5 million children out of school in Sudan.

Education is the solution
As the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises in the United Nations, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and its strategic partners are making a value proposition to increase humanitarian funding for education in Africa and beyond. In doing so, we contribute to joint programming on education, hence the broader goal of peace, stability and economic development.

There is a strong economic argument to be made. Africa is the youngest, fastest growing continent on earth – 6 out of 10 people are under the age of 25.

Within all that youth and energy lies opportunity. According to the World Bank, there is a 10% increase in hourly earnings for every extra year of schooling.

At the same time, taken at a macro-economic level, the opportunity costs are unprecedented. “This generation of students now risks losing a combined total of US$21 trillion in lifetime earnings in present value, or the equivalent of 17% of today’s global GDP – a sharp rise from the 2021 estimate of a US$17 trillion loss.” 

The returns on investment in sub-Saharan Africa may be even more substantial, with some analyses indicating that every US$1 invested in tripling pre-primary education enrolment can generate up to US$33 in returns.

A lasting legacy
Education – as a transformative, immediate, life-saving and long-term investment –breaks cycles of poverty, displacement and conflict. Only then can we achieve peace, stability and economic development.

Deep inside us, we all agree that we can do better as a global community. We all know, instinctively, that the world would be a better place if we reduced global military spending – topping US$2.7 trillion – and instead invested in education, health, governance, infrastructure and livelihoods. We do know that we can be creative and turn vision into practical results. All it takes is investing just 0.02% (US$600 million) of this into education – and similar amounts into other sectors – which, together, provide the transformational power to build stability, spread peace and generate significant economic returns. This is not just logic. This is a legacy worth living.

 

Xinhua Silk Road: China (Chongqing)-UAE Economic and Trade Investment Promotion Conference Convened in Chongqing

CHONGQING, China, May 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The China (Chongqing)-UAE Economic and Trade Investment Promotion Conference, themed “Shared Vision, Shared Future,” convened in Chongqing, bringing together over 400 delegates from government, industry, and academia. The event was co-hosted by the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, Chongqing Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in China.

China (Chongqing)–UAE Economic and Trade Investment Promotion Conference Convened in Chongqing
China (Chongqing)–UAE Economic and Trade Investment Promotion Conference Convened in Chongqing

Key Attendees:

  • UAE delegation led by the Crown Prince of Ajman
  • Representatives from UAE government agencies, investment institutions (100+ delegates)
  • Chongqing municipal departments, district officials, and enterprises (nearly 300 delegates)

Strategic Report Launch:

In recent years, Chongqing and the UAE have significantly expanded cooperation across industry, trade, and technology. The conference spotlighted the release of the Chongqing-UAE Economic and Investment Cooperation Report, a comprehensive case study collection showcasing the outcomes of collaboration between the two sides, which highlights:

  • Complementary Strength: High complementarity in industrial structures between the UAE and Chongqing
  • Shared Benefits: High dividends in China’s market prospects and high-tech growth
  • Strategic Gateway: UAE as one of the top choices for Chongqing Smart Manufacturing’s going-global
  • Synergy Potential: Promising results in deeper “Chongqing Smart Manufacturing-UAE Capital” integration

Investment Promotion Highlights:

  • UAE Side: Presentations by Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Dubai Chambers Shanghai Office, Ajman Chamber of Commerce, and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
  • Chongqing: Project showcases by Liangjiang New Area (advanced manufacturing), Yuzhong District (financial hub), and Fengjie County (eco-tourism)

12 Strategic MoUs have been signed to deepen cooperation. Among them was the Memorandum of Cooperation on Establishing Friendly Exchange Cities between Chongqing and the Emirate of Ajman, UAE. Further MoUs were signed between Chongqing and Ajman in a variety of sectors, including industry, commerce, logistics, education, and tourism.

Laos Sees Huge Drop in Dengue Fever Cases in 2025

Laos Sees Huge Drop in Dengue Fever Cases in 2025
A blood-engorged female Aedes albopictus mosquito feeding on a human host. (photo credit: Animalia)

Laos reported a notable decrease in dengue fever infections this year, with just over 1,000 cases recorded so far, a sharp decline from more than 6,000 cases reported during the same period last year.

Laos, Thailand Partner to Boost Buddhist Education for Monks

Laos, Thailand Partner to Boost Buddhist Education for Monks
(Photo credit: MCU TV Channel)

Laos and Thailand have signed a new agreement to enhance Buddhist education for Lao monks through scholarships, academic exchanges, and institutional support.

Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 Global Final Concludes: AI Empowers Education Transformation and ICT Talent Development

SHENZHEN, China, May 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Closing & Awards Ceremony of the Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 Global Final was successfully held today in Shenzhen. In its 9th edition, the event has reached a record-breaking scale this year, attracting over 210,000 students and instructors from more than 2,000 colleges and universities in over 100 countries and regions. Following national and regional competitions, 179 teams from 48 countries and regions made it to the Global Final.

Through intense competition across three major tracks, Practice, Innovation, and Programming, top honors were awarded to 18 outstanding teams from 9 countries: China, Algeria, Brazil, Philippines, Morocco, Nigeria, Serbia, Tanzania, and Singapore.

The Grand Prize winners of the Innovation Competition were teams from the Bulacan State University in the Philippines, Beijing University of Technology in China, Faculty of Technical Sciences Čačak of the University of Kragujevac in Serbia, and the Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Errachidia – Moulay Ismail University in Morocco.

In the Practice Competition – Network Track, Grand Prizes were awarded to teams from the Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology in China, Instituto Federal do Tocantins in Brazil, Federal University of Technology Minna in Nigeria, and a joint team from Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, University of Dar es Salaam, and University of Dodoma in Tanzania.

In the Practice Competition – Cloud Track, Grand Prize winners included teams from iACADEMY in the Philippines, University of Batna 2 and the Higher National School of Computer Science Algiers in Algeria, Tianjin University of Technology and Education in China, and Singapore University of Social Sciences.

In the Practice Competition – Computing Track, the Grand Prizes went to teams from Guilin University of Electronic Technology in China, Federal University of Technology Minna in Nigeria, University of Bejaia and Higher National School of Computer Science SBA in Algeria, and Cebu Institute of Technology – University in the Philippines.

The Grand Prize in the Programming Competition was awarded to a team from Shenzhen Polytechnic University in China.

To recognize outstanding contributions beyond technical excellence, the competition also presented special honors. The Women in Tech Award was granted to four all-female teams from Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Kenya. The Green Development Award went to a team from Ghana. The Most Valuable Instructor Award recognized 18 distinguished instructors from 10 countries – China, Algeria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Hungary, and Türkiye – for their contributions to ICT education.

Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 Global Final Closing & Awards Ceremony
Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 Global Final Closing & Awards Ceremony

In his opening speech, Ritchie Peng, Director of the ICT Strategy & Business Development Dept at Huawei, mentioned, “To achieve the goal of learning through competition and inspiring innovation through competition, we have continuously evolved the design of competition topics. The Practice Competition aligns with our vision for an Intelligent World 2030 and encourages students to master cloud computing, big data, and AI to drive social progress. The Innovation Competition focuses on green development and digital inclusion, motivating participants to solve real-world challenges in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education through ICT.”

As digital transformation is accelerating globally, the demand for skilled professionals in fields such as AI, big data, and cybersecurity continues to grow. However, the shortage of talent in these critical areas is becoming increasingly evident. To help tackle this challenge, the Huawei ICT Competition features multiple tracks — including Practice, Innovation, and Programming — alongside initiatives such as industry-academia collaboration and tailored curriculum development. These efforts aim to equip students with in-demand skills and foster the next-generation tech talent who will stand out in an increasingly intelligent and digital world.

During this year’s competition, Huawei also hosted the AI Accelerating Education Transformation Summit, where experts explored the pivotal role of AI in smart education. In addition, Huawei officially announced the AI Capability of the Huawei ICT Academy Intelligent Platform, making it easier and more efficient for educators and students to use. This marks another step forward in advancing educational digitalization.

For more details about the Huawei ICT Competition, visit us at https://www.huawei.com/minisite/ict-competition-2024-2025-global/en/index.html.

Hong Kong and Middle East: Partnering for Success


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 May 2025 – Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), John Lee, hailed as a “success” his recent visit to the Middle East (May 10-15), where he led a delegation of more than 50 business leaders and entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and Mainland China on a visit to Qatar and Kuwait.

Hong Kong-Middle East: Partnering for Success

“This Middle East visit has elevated Hong Kong’s relations with Qatar and Kuwait to a new level, bringing more business opportunities to Hong Kong,” Mr Lee said.

Summing up the trip, the Chief Executive said the delegation had achieved three key objectives: to strengthen government-to-government relations; to find new areas of collaboration; and to make friends and extend networks in the region.

“We share a common commitment to deepening bilateral co-operation in trade, investment and cultural exchanges,” Mr Lee said, noting his roundtable discussion with senior Kuwaiti officials hosted by the Acting Prime Minister of Kuwait His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah.

The Chief Executive highlighted six particularly successful areas of the trip.

First, strengthening relations with the governments of Qatar and Kuwait, and building consensus for collaboration.

Second, reaching a total of 59 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and agreements (35 in Qatar and 24 in Kuwait), laying a diversified foundation for multifaceted co-operation.

Third, leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths under “one country, two systems” as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, bridging global opportunities and linking the Mainland and the world.

Fourth, bolstering ties between Hong Kong and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The Chief Executive, together with his previous Middle East mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in 2023, has visited four of the six GCC member states. “The HKSAR Government is now actively exploring a free trade agreement with the GCC to further access this vital market,” Mr Lee said.

Fifth, deepening mutual understanding and strengthening business networks and connections by promoting the strengths and opportunities of Hong Kong and Mainland China to partners in Qatar and Kuwait.

Sixth, advancing cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections with GCC countries.

“Middle East countries are seeking diversification of risks and looking for opportunities in (Mainland) China and the HKSAR in order to join the tide of the global economic shift towards the East,” Mr Lee said.

“In this, Hong Kong has boundless opportunities.”
Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #collaboration #partnering #middleeast #beltandroad #kuwait #qatar





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

COMPUTEX 2025: MiTAC Powers Sustainable AI Data Centers with New Server & Cooling Tech

TAIPEI, May 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At COMPUTEX 2025, MiTAC Computing Technology Corp., a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings Corp. (TWSE: 3706), unveiled its bold new vision: from hardware provider to full-solution AI and data center innovator. With future-ready solutions covering AI training and inference, high-performance computing (HPC), rack-level liquid cooling, GPU resource management, and real-time data mobility, MiTAC delivers an integrated platform for next-generation data centers.

MiTAC Computing - COMPUTEX 2025 booth M1110 - AI HPC servers
MiTAC Computing – COMPUTEX 2025 booth M1110 – AI HPC servers

Rick Hwang, President of MiTAC Computing, emphasized the company’s commitment to open innovation. By aligning with global tech partners and Open Compute Project (OCP) standards, MiTAC now delivers full-spectrum solutions—from server to rack—featuring advanced liquid cooling technology. This simplifies data center operations and improves computing performance and energy efficiency—all driving the vision of smarter, high-performance, and sustainable infrastructure.

“This marks our first appearance at COMPUTEX since the MiTAC brand integration,” Hwang noted. “We’re excited to bring customers a more open, flexible, and deeply integrated portfolio of solutions—reinforcing our role as a trusted partner for AI and data center innovation worldwide.”

Empowering AI with Sustainability and Real-World Solutions

MiTAC Computing is embracing the future of AI with the theme “Empowering Unlimited Possibilities: AI x Sustainability, spotlighting real-world application and introducing a suite of new solutions designed to enable smarter, greener, and more scalable AI ecosystems.

At COMPUTEX, MiTAC Computing displayed an impressive range of cutting-edge AI inference servers. The spotlight is on the MiTAC G4527G6 (MGX™ 4U), featuring eight latest-generation NVIDIA RTX PRO™ 6000 Blackwell server GPUs, the first-ever debut of the NVIDIA MGX™ PCIe Switch board with ConnectX®-8 SuperNIC, and dual Intel® Xeon® 6767P processors. Additionally, the MiTAC G8825Z5 (8U) is equipped with two AMD EPYC™ 9005 series processors and eight newly revealed AMD Instinct™ 350 series GPUs, designed specifically for generative AI, inference workloads, and large language model processing.

MiTAC Computing - AI and liquid cooling solutions at COMPUTEX 2025
MiTAC Computing – AI and liquid cooling solutions at COMPUTEX 2025

Introducing Full-Rack Liquid Cooling Solutions

MiTAC Computing also introduced its full-rack liquid cooling systems, featuring both Liquid-to-Air and Liquid-to-Liquid cooling options. Showcasing the latest in-row Coolant Distribution Units (CDUs) from top-tier global partners, these systems deliver over 2000 kW of cooling power—engineered for intense thermal demands of AI and HPC workloads. Designed for easy integration and customization, these systems include MiTAC’s own monitoring software for optimized management.

Additionally, MiTAC also debuted its Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) multi-node HPC server, the MiTAC C2820Z5. Built for extreme high-performance computing, this server’s DLC system efficiently cools high-power CPUs and fits within ORv3 standard racks powered by 48VDC – delivering significant energy savings vs. traditional air-cooling technology.

Partnering with AMD for Next-Gen Performance

On May 21st, MiTAC Computing welcomed long-term partner Ted Marena, AMD GPU Market Development Director, who shared the latest trends in AI GPU development and product offerings between MiTAC and AMD. Ken Lin, Senior Vice President of Commercial Business at AMD Taiwan, remarked, “MiTAC and AMD have continuously launched high-performance server platforms integrating AMD EPYC™ processors with AMD Instinct™ GPUs. We are also actively developing the MI350 GPU series with liquid cooling systems to support even more demanding AI cluster workloads, fully addressing the modern data center’s need for both AI computing power and energy efficiency.”

Rick Hwang added that AI technology is rapidly accelerating. MiTAC is committed to enabling future AI applications with solutions that combine high performance, low power consumption, and intelligent management. By optimizing data center infrastructure, MiTAC aims to assist global customers in advancing efficient and sustainable development in key sectors such as AI, HPC, and cloud computing, promoting the widespread adoption of next-generation AI technologies.

Learn more: https://www.mitaccomputing.com/en/campaign/computex2025

About MiTAC Computing Technology Corp.

MiTAC Computing Technology Corp., a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings, delivers comprehensive, energy-efficient server solutions backed by industry expertise dating back to the 1990s. Specializing in AI, HPC, cloud, and edge computing, MiTAC Computing employs rigorous methods to ensure uncompromising quality not just at the barebone level but, more importantly, at the system and rack levels—where true performance and integration matter most. This commitment to quality at every level sets MiTAC Computing apart from others in the industry. The company provides tailored platforms for hyperscale data centers, HPC, and AI applications, guaranteeing optimal performance and scalability.

With a global presence and end-to-end capabilities—from R&D and manufacturing to global support—MiTAC Computing offers flexible, high-quality solutions designed to meet unique business needs. Leveraging the latest advancements in AI and liquid cooling, along with the recent integration of Intel DSG and TYAN server products, MiTAC Computing stands out for its innovation, efficiency, and reliability, empowering businesses to tackle future challenges.

Website: https://www.mitaccomputing.com/

 

“Made-in-Shanghai” Blossoms in Umeda, Celebrating Creativity & Innovation

OSAKA, Japan, May 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the Chinese solar term “Grain Buds” kicked in, a fashion summer breeze carried “Made-in-Shanghai”, an official five-day multi-format event, exhibition and forum series created by Shanghai, to Grand Green Osaka of Umeda, north of JR Osaka Station, the largest transportation hub and a super popular commercial destination in Japan.

This is not just a showcase of Shanghai’s fashion superpower, but an intimate encounter of Shanghai’s fashion ecosystem with local visitors. As FANG Wei, China’s Vice Consul General in Osaka remarked at the event’s grand opening on May 21st, “Made-in-Shanghai” took the Shanghai-Osaka ties to a new level through showcasing tech-savvy and Shanghai-style fashion, beauty and creative products to local and international visitors, while fostering business cooperation amidst the shift from “Made-in-China” to “Created-in-China”.

This overseas debut of Shanghai’s fashion and beauty parks and communities appeals greatly to Osaka’s business community. CREATER, a Shanghai-based property operator shared the experience of transforming the historic Yuyuan Road into a fashion and creative hub, featuring worldwide launches of products and a shining cluster of creative companies. Likewise, Fengxian District’s Oriental Beauty Valley, hailed as China’s beauty and cosmetic industry capital, stunned discerning Japanese consumers with leading Chinese beauty brands and innovation.

As an intimate encounter with Shanghai lifestyle, the Public Open Days attracted KOLs and Japanese consumers to a China market with fashion, home furnishings, beauty products, and even a tea-sake oriental tea house. Shanghai Chicmax exhibited its new products and introduced its Japanese R&D center and factory. Shanghai brand “nice rice” offered to consumers simple-lifestyle apparels. Hankyu Department Store opened “WINDow of EAST” pop-up stores with works from six Chinese young designers, curated by Shanghai Fashion Designers’ Association.

The event went deeper to a “Shanghai-Osaka Forum”, featuring a panel on “Evolution of Consumer Culture”, consisting of WWD China chief content officer, founders of Herbeast and RichandRare Jewellery, Confis’ senior partner and a journalist from WWD Japan. Another forum delved deep into sustainable urban renewal and green design, a common challenge for Shanghai and Osaka, featuring Dezeen’s China editor, famous Japanese architects, Aedas’s global design principal and UNS’s director.

The event is guided by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, hosted by Shanghai Commissions of Economy & Informatization and Commerce, and Administration for Market Regulation, and executed by Commission of Commerce in Changning District, Shanghai Design Week, Shanghai Fashion Designers’ Association and the Paper.