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Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and The Gambia First Lady welcomed First Ladies of Africa, Ministers and participants at 12th Africa Asia Luminary...
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, recently conducted the 12th Edition of their annual conference, “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”, in partnership with the Government of The Gambia. The conference was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of More Than a Mother. The First Ladies of Burundi, Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Senegal joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) said, “It was an honor to co-chair the 12th Edition of our annual conference with my dear sister H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of The Gambia. During our meeting, we discussed our joint programs to break infertility stigma, support girl education and build healthcare capacity and media capacity. I am proud to share that till now we have provided 94 scholarships for local healthcare providers in many critical and underserved specialties. Together we are making history by providing trainings for first specialists in the country.”
H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia & Ambassador of ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother' emphasized, “Our partnership with the Merck Foundation began in 2017, since then, we have worked hand in hand to accomplish outstanding milestones that are often very difficult to achieve within such a short period of time. Merck Foundation is helping us transform our public healthcare landscape by so far providing 94 scholarships for our doctors. Together we are making history by providing my country with first specialists in many critical fields.
I am also excited to share about Educating Linda program, through which we are providing annual scholarships to support the education of 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls, till they graduate.”
Watch the Video of The First Lady of The Gambia & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/43GmRHz
On Day 1 of the conference, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025 took place, featuring keynote speeches of First Ladies of Africa. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was also held with African Ministers to discuss the Merck Foundation African Research Summit MARS strategy to build scientific research capacity and empower women in STEM with special focus on scientific research.
On Day 2 of the conference, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.
Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/3X4UG1i
Together with The Gambia First Lady, Merck Foundation has provided 94 scholarships for local doctors in The Gambia in many critical and underserved specialties. Out of 94 scholarships:
- 29 Scholarships have been provided in the vital field of oncology, so that the patients can receive quality and equitable cancer care in their home country.
- 26 Scholarships have been provided for our doctors for hands-on training in Fertility and Embryology, as well as for One-Year Postgraduate and Two-Year Master's Degrees in Sexual and Reproductive Care.
- 10 Scholarships have been provided for Diabetes Care. This has and will continue to significantly contribute to advancement of women's health and revolutionize the Reproductive and Fertility care in The Gambia.
- Additionally, 29 Scholarships have been provided for our doctors in specialized fields of Respiratory Care, Acute medicine, Infectious Diseases, Neonatal Care and more.
“Merck Foundation has always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and has been working for it since 2012. We have so far provided more than 2400 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. We will continue to provide scholarships of doctors from The Gambia and beyond,” added Dr. Kelej.
Merck Foundation has also conducted 3 editions of their Online Health Media Training in partnership with the Office of First Lady, to emphasize on the important role of media to address these critical social and health issues and be the voice of the voiceless. A special Merck Foundation Health Media Training session was also organized for all Gambian journalists during the conference.
Moreover, Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.
Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of The Gambia, Merck Foundation has also launched children's storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline's Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, and “Ray of Hope”, “Mark's Pressure”. The storybooks address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, and diabetes, hypertension and cancer awareness.
The 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4o5Vga2), X (https://apo-opa.co/3LMZpT6), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/48nlOPq), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3LFJ2HU).
@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4i61VzE), X (https://apo-opa.co/3X1Aa1F), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4oP54GR), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3JSIlKJ).
Link to the YouTube live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/49ZdHK3
Summarizing Merck Foundation's initiatives and impact:
Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:
- 2400+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:
- 3700+ Media Representatives from more than 35 countries trained by Merck Foundation to raise awareness about different social and health issues
- 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, film, song and fashion.
- Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa
- 9 Children's Storybooks in four languages - English, French, Portuguese, and Swahilli
- 6 Awareness Animation films in five languages - English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education and prevention and early detection of Diabetes, Hypertension & Cancer.
- Pan African TV Program "Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community
- 1040+ Scholarships provided to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls to empower them to complete their studies
- 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8.5 Million Followers.
Additional images: https://apo-opa.co/47Pqn55
Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4o5Vga2
X: https://apo-opa.co/3LMZpT6
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/48nlOPq
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3LFJ2HU
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4ic0ShK
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/3X6TlXT
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4oOrhEN
About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4o5Vga2), X (https://apo-opa.co/3LMZpT6), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/48nlOPq), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3LFJ2HU), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4ic0ShK) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3X6TlXT).
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Egypt: Her Excellency (H.E.) Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Holds Extensive Talks with Her German Counterpart During the Joint Governmental Negotiations...
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- H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat: The success of the Egyptian–German negotiations reflects the strength of economic relations between both countries.
- The Egypt–EU Strategic Partnership provides a broad framework for deeper cooperation with European nations.
- Egypt is discussing with Germany the expansion of the Debt Swap Program for Development and Climate Action.
- Germany is a key partner in supporting Egypt's green transition in the energy sector.
- Development cooperation has opened major avenues for increased foreign investment in renewable energy.
- Egyptian–German relations offer promising opportunities for joint cooperation across all sectors.
- Egypt looks forward to more German investments and stronger commercial partnerships.
- Germany is a principal partner for Egypt within the broader strategic relations with the European Union.
- Greater coordination is expected in the coming period to implement signed agreements and widen the scope of cooperation.
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Ms. Reem Alabali-Radovan, Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, on the sidelines of the Egyptian–German Governmental Negotiations held in Berlin. The meeting included extensive discussions on all aspects of bilateral partnership in development cooperation, as well as economic, trade, and investment relations.
At the outset of the meeting, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized the depth and longstanding nature of the partnership between Egypt and Germany, noting that the Egyptian–German Governmental Negotiations are not only an important milestone in a decades-long relationship, but also a strategic dialogue shaping the next phase of development cooperation. She expressed Egypt's appreciation for Minister Alabali-Radovan's visit to Cairo in July 2025—her first bilateral visit following the formation of the new German government—reflecting Egypt's prominent position on Germany's development agenda.
The talks reviewed the latest developments in bilateral cooperation in areas including the green transition, renewable energy, industrial localization, education, and water, while exploring new opportunities within financial cooperation agreements and the Egyptian–German Debt Swap Program. The two sides also discussed progress in ongoing programs and joint projects in priority sectors aligned with Egypt's national development plans.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat commended the Debt Swap Program for Development between Egypt and Germany, which continues to witness the signing of new tranches, highlighting its pioneering role in promoting innovative financing mechanisms in Egypt and advancing the transition to renewable energy and a green economy. She noted that further discussions will take place with the German side to expand the program in the coming period.
The Minister explained that debt swaps have evolved into an increasingly important innovative financing tool globally due to their role in enhancing financial sustainability, stimulating investment, and redirecting part of external debt toward development projects with direct impact on key sectors—particularly the green transition, infrastructure, and efforts to ease fiscal pressures on the state budget.
She added that development cooperation with Germany has contributed significantly to attracting foreign direct investment, especially in the renewable energy sector. Given the promising opportunities across various fields, Egypt is looking forward to increased German investment and greater trade exchange. She affirmed that the coming period will witness intensified coordination to activate signed agreements and expand cooperation frameworks.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that Egypt is working to broaden international partnerships beyond traditional development cooperation to include wider frameworks for investment, joint economic efforts, and shared development goals.
The Minister also reviewed the positive developments in Egypt's economic performance, noting that GDP growth reached approximately 5% in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024/2025—up from 2.4% in the same quarter of the previous year—marking the highest quarterly growth rate in three years. This improvement was driven by structural reforms and the shift to medium-term planning under the Unified Public Finance Law. She added that fiscal reforms under the IMF program helped reduce inflation, improve external financing inflows, and modernize the tax system and targeted social protection mechanisms.
During the meeting, she highlighted Egypt's Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience, which offers a comprehensive framework linking Egypt's Vision 2030 with economic and sectoral policies. The narrative provides greater clarity and transparency for development partners, enabling Germany to contribute more effectively to improving the investment climate, creating jobs, and achieving inclusive growth.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also referenced the Egypt–EU Summit, co-chaired by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the President of the European Commission, as an affirmation of the depth of Egypt–EU relations and the importance of the strategic partnership as a broad platform for enhanced cooperation with individual European states.
The two sides also discussed the current portfolio of Egyptian–German development cooperation, which exceeds €1.8 billion, in addition to progress in the NWFE Program and ongoing collaboration in green hydrogen, energy efficiency, and water.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation - Egypt.Foreign Minister Nyanti Briefs Diplomatic Corps on Liberia’s Preparedness for United Nations (UN) Security Council Non-Permanent Seat
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Liberia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, convened a high-level meeting with members of the diplomatic corps accredited near Monrovia to brief them on Liberia's ongoing preparations and aspirations for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the period 2026–2027.
Welcoming Ambassadors, Heads of Mission, and Chargés d'Affaires, Minister Nyanti expressed profound appreciation for the support and cooperation that the diplomatic community continues to extend to Liberia's development and peacebuilding efforts. She underscored that Liberia's election to the Security Council reflects both its historical legacy as a founding member of the United Nations and its enduring commitment to global peace, multilateralism, and international cooperation. She affirmed that Liberia is fully prepared to assume its first full mandate at the UNSC.
Minister Nyanti shared Liberia's thematic focus on the nexus between climate, natural resources and conflict, women peace and security, UNSC reforms as well as dealing with regional blocs such as the MRU, AES and youth peace and security.
“Liberia's vision for its tenure on the UN Security Council is to amplify Africa's voice, strengthen ECOWAS representation, and promote collaborative solutions to the challenges confronting our continent,” Minister Nyanti stated. “We recognize that conflicts across Africa are complex and interconnected, and Liberia intends to contribute to sustainable peace by addressing their root causes through dialogue, diplomacy, and inclusive governance.”
The Minister also highlighted the need for capacity building and institutional strengthening to enhance Liberia's readiness for effective participation at the Security Council. She called on friendly nations and development partners to continue supporting Liberia in building the technical and diplomatic expertise necessary for the country to serve meaningfully during its tenure.
Minister Nyanti further noted that Liberia's approach to global engagement is anchored in shared humanistic values, emphasizing respect for human rights, conflict prevention, and humanitarian cooperation. She reaffirmed Liberia's commitment to working with all partners to promote international peace and security, guided by principles of justice, equity, and respect for state sovereignty.
“Our aspiration is not just to sit at the table but to bring meaningful perspectives rooted in Liberia's own history of peacebuilding, resilience, and reconciliation to discussions that shape global stability,” she added.
In response, the Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Amb. Beng'yela A. Gang, Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to LIberia, speaking on behalf of the assembled ambassadors, commended Liberia for its proactive diplomacy and reaffirmed the collective willingness of the diplomatic community to support Liberia's efforts. He described Liberia's prospective presence on the Security Council as timely and commendable, noting that the country's post-conflict recovery and consistent advocacy for peace make it a credible voice on matters of security, democracy, and development.
“We thank the Government and people of Liberia for their continued engagement and leadership in regional and global affairs,” Amb. Gang said. “The diplomatic community stands ready to explore ways to assist Liberia at the Security Council and in strengthening its institutional capacity.”
The meeting concluded with renewed assurances of partnership and collaboration, as Liberia continues to consolidate its diplomatic engagements ahead of the 2026 UN Security Council non-permanent seat.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.Parliament to Host 58th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Forum, 30 November to 6 December 2025, in Kwazulu-Natal
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The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa will host the 58th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, from 30 November to 5 December 2025.
Convened under the theme “The Impact of Climate Change on Women and Youth in the SADC Region and the Role of Parliaments in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation”, the plenary will bring together presiding officers, Speakers and Members of Parliament (MPs) from 15 SADC member states.
This year's plenary focuses on the growing threat of climate to Southern Africa's development. Delegates will examine how extreme weather patterns are reshaping agriculture, water resources, energy systems and human livelihoods, and explore the legislative and oversight measures needed to strengthen national and regional climate response strategies.
The programme features:
- A high-level opening ceremony with regional and international keynote speakers;
- Presentations on progress, challenges and emerging priorities in climate mitigation and adaptation;
- Side events and youth-focused engagements on climate innovation, activism and resilience; and
- The adoption of a resolution signaling the forum's collective commitments to coordinated parliamentary action.
The 58th Plenary Assembly will draw participation from Speakers and MPs from across the SADC region, government ministries, the Pan-African Parliament, the African Union Commission and several development and climate-related partners, including the United Nations Environment Programme, UN Development Programme and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Representatives of the private sector, business associations, civil society organisations, regional universities and youth groups are also expected to participate in the week-long programme.
The Plenary Assembly will be held as follows:
Date: 30 November 2025
Venue: Durban International Convention Centre, Durban, South Africa
Date: 1 to 5 December 2025
Venue: Coastlands Hotel in Durban, South Africa
South Africa is a founding member of the SADC PF, launched in 1996 as the parliamentary institution of SADC in line with Article 9(2) of the SADC Treaty. Approved by SADC heads of state and government in 1997 as an autonomous body of the community, the forum brings together the national assemblies of SADC member states to advance regional integration through parliamentary collaboration. The forum continues to work towards its long-term objective of transforming into a fully-fledged regional Parliament.
MEDIA ACCREDITATION
Media wishing to cover the 58th SADC-PF are requested to submit their accreditation details by 17:00 on 21 November 2025. A media centre will be operational at the Coastlands Hotel from 30 November to 5 December 2025.
Accreditation requests may be directed to the following Media Relations Unit officials:
- Malentsoe Magwagwa at mmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za on 081 716 5824
- Masego Dlula at mdlula@parliament.gov.za on 081 715 9398
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson
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