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CGTN:G20 pushes for global cooperation to eradicate hunger and poverty

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G20 Summit

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 November 2024 – The first-ever Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty will be officially launched at the upcoming 19th G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, marking a further step towards the goal of eliminating extreme hunger worldwide by the United Nations’ 2030 deadline.

The nascent initiative was pre-launched by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the Ministerial Meeting of the G20 Task Force in July 2024. The idea for this initiative was proposed at the previous G20 summit by Lula, who stated that eradicating hunger and poverty is one of the three central tasks of Brazil’s G20 presidency. 

Due to factors ranging from natural disasters to regional conflicts, the poverty issue has become increasingly noticeable in recent years. Between 713 and 757 million people may have faced hunger in 2023, meaning one in every 11 people in the world, according to the annual report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World released by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization in July.

The report highlights a clear trend of rising undernourishment in Africa, while progress is being made in Latin America and the Caribbean. It also showed that the prevalence of undernourishment in Brazil fell to 3.9 percent in 2023, marking the first year of Lula’s new administration.

At the ministerial meeting, Lula stated that nothing in the 21st century is as absurd and unacceptable as the persistence of hunger and poverty, adding that addressing this issue through the global alliance is a priority for Brazil’s G20 presidency.

Amid the ongoing hunger crisis worldwide, especially in developing countries, the upcoming G20 summit – where eradicating hunger and poverty is one of the top priorities – is expected to be of great practical significance.

Xu Feibiao, director of the Center for BRICS and G20 Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, stated that the G20 summit could provide global solutions, noting that both Brazil and China have made significant achievements in the fight against hunger and poverty.

In 2023, Lula launched the Brazil Without Hunger program. With 20 different actions and projects, the program, which has a total investment of more than $70 billion, reduced the number of people in Brazil suffering from severe food insecurity from 33 million to 8.7 million in just one year, said Valeria Burity, special secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger of Brazil, in an interview with a Chinese news portal in November.

China has not only achieved its goal of eliminating extreme poverty by 2020, improving the living standards of hundreds of millions of people over decades of development, but it has also contributed to helping other countries, particularly developing ones, fight poverty. This has been done through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, which provide advanced agricultural technology and cooperation projects aimed at eradicating poverty and improving local well-being.

For example, under the Belt and Road Initiative, China has supported numerous infrastructure projects, including the Hungarian-Serbian Railway, the China-Laos Railway and the Chancay Port project in Peru. These projects not only enhance local transportation but also create jobs and boost residents’ incomes.

“China’s poverty eradication model and experience can provide strong support for relevant G20 programs,” Xu said.

Echoing Xu, Fernando Brancoli, an international relations expert from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, told China Media Group that from the perspective of poverty alleviation, the G20 Rio Summit offers an ideal platform for Brazil and China to cooperate. The two countries continue to lead global efforts to reduce poverty by showcasing their respective poverty alleviation experiences, tailored to their national conditions and proven effective.

In addition to offering global solutions based on experiences from China and Brazil, Xu noted that sustainable development has been a key agenda for the G20, with eliminating hunger and poverty being an integral part of this agenda.

Xu pointed out that G20 members, which represent the world’s largest developed and developing economies, account for more than 80 percent of global GDP. “Once the G20 members reach consensus and put forward solutions, the G20 can be a key propeller for global consensus and action against hunger and poverty,” he said.

Hailing the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty as a critical first step in global action, Xu stated that the upcoming G20 summit is expected to launch initiatives, plans and roadmaps for combating hunger and poverty, integrating them with the broader agenda on health, education, infrastructure, financial inclusion, and other key issues to create more feasible and comprehensive solutions.

Brancoli emphasized that the global alliance will bring together global funds, resources and poverty reduction experience to jointly support the global poverty reduction cause.

Acknowledging that there will be some differences between countries in addressing this issue, Xu remarked that while it is impossible to solve it overnight, the G20 has prioritized it as a top issue, signaling that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-11-10/G20-pushes-for-global-cooperation-to-eradicate-hunger-and-poverty-1yq3GnCUfGo/p.html

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Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Leads up to €2 Billion Syndicated Facility in Largest-Ever Global Loan Syndication for Bank of Industry

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Africa Finance Corporation

The transaction is a record global loan syndication for BOI, and marks the largest capital raise in its history, setting a new standard for developmental finance across Africa

LAGOS, Nigeria, December 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, today announced its role as Global Coordinator, Lead Co-Arranger, Underwriter, Bookrunner, and Guarantor in the successful syndication of an up to €2 billion facility for Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigeria’s largest and most impactful development finance institution. The transaction is a record global loan syndication for BOI, and marks the largest capital raise in its history, setting a new standard for developmental finance across Africa.

Proceeds of the facility will be used for general corporate purposes including to finance trade and trade related projects of eligible corporates in Nigeria. The facility was syndicated at two levels with AFC, Standard Chartered Bank, African Export-Import Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, FirstRand Bank Limited, acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division (London Branch), Mashreqbank PSC, SMBC Bank International PLC, Absa Bank (Mauritius) Limited, Absa Bank Limited (acting through its Corporate and Investment Banking division) and Export-Import Bank of India London Branch acting as part of a senior syndicate, together raising an initial €1.43 billion. Following this, AFC led a general syndication, through which an additional €447 million was raised, bringing the total transaction to €1.9 billion, representing an oversubscription of 87%. The facility is expected to further grow to €2 billion.

This landmark global loan syndication is significant for Nigeria and BOI, as the institution was able to successfully tap the international capital market at a time when credit is scarce and prohibitively expensive. It also highlights market confidence in BOI and AFC as leading financial institutions, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation between African financial institutions. 

This successful syndication is a significant milestone achievement, not only for BOI but for Africa’s financial landscape as a whole

“This successful syndication is a significant milestone achievement, not only for BOI but for Africa’s financial landscape as a whole. We are proud to have played a central role in this historic global loan syndication, solidifying AFC’s position as a trusted bridge between global investors and infrastructure projects in Africa,” said Banji Fehintola, Executive Board member & Head of Financial Services at AFC. “Our sincere appreciation also goes to our Joint Coordinator and partner Standard Chartered Bank and all other banks that participated in making this transaction a huge success,” he added.

“This financing, the sixth international capital raising for BOI, is the largest fundraising in our history and the largest syndication in the history of African development finance institutions. A key constant in achieving this success is the continued support of our international funding partners, including AFC. We are grateful for the unique role that AFC played to make this transaction a success,“ said Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the Managing Director of BOI.

As part of the syndication, AFC leveraged its A3 (stable outlook) investment-grade rating, recently affirmed by Moody’s, to bring together an international consortium of financial institutions. The transaction aligns with the Corporation’s mission to provide pragmatic solutions that close the continent’s infrastructure gap, accelerate industrialisation, and enhance Africa’s economic resilience against global economic challenges.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

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Board Accepts Carlos Tavares’ Resignation as Chief Executive Officer

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Stellantis

The process to appoint the new permanent Chief Executive Officer is well under way, managed by a Special Committee of the Board, and will be concluded within the first half of 2025

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, December 3, 2024/APO Group/ —

  • Creation of Interim Executive Committee to be chaired by John Elkann
  • New CEO will be appointed in the first half of 2025
  • Full year 2024 financial guidance confirmed

Stellantis’ success since its creation has been rooted in a perfect alignment between the reference shareholders, the Board and the CEO

Stellantis N.V. (“Stellantis” or “the Company”) (www.Stellantis.com) announces that the Company’s Board of Directors, under the Chairmanship of John Elkann, accepted Carlos Tavares’ resignation from his role as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect.

The process to appoint the new permanent Chief Executive Officer is well under way, managed by a Special Committee of the Board, and will be concluded within the first half of 2025. Until then, a new Interim Executive Committee, chaired by John Elkann, will be established.

Stellantis confirms the guidance it presented to the financial community on October 31, 2024, in respect of its full year 2024 results.

Stellantis’ Senior Independent Director, Henri de Castries, commented: “Stellantis’ success since its creation has been rooted in a perfect alignment between the reference shareholders, the Board and the CEO. However, in recent weeks different views have emerged which have resulted in the Board and the CEO coming to today’s decision.”

Chairman John Elkann said: “Our thanks go to Carlos for his years of dedicated service and the role he has played in the creation of Stellantis, in addition to the previous turnarounds of PSA and Opel, setting us on the path to becoming a global leader in our industry. I look forward to working with our new Interim Executive Committee, supported by all our Stellantis colleagues, as we complete the process of appointing our new CEO. Together we will ensure the continued deployment of the Company’s strategy in the long-term interests of Stellantis and all of its stakeholders.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.

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Shakwa Nyambe Ranked as a Highly Regarded Lawyer for Oil and Gas in Namibia by IFLR1000 2024 Rankings

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Shakwa Nyambe

IFLR1000 is an internationally esteemed guide that ranks leading lawyers and firms based on their expertise and impact across practice areas

WINDHOEK, Namibia, December 3, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Shakwa Nyambe, the Managing Partner of SNC Incorporated (www.SNCLawGroup.com), has been recognised as a Highly Regarded Lawyer for Oil and Gas in Namibia by the IFRL1000 rankings of 2024. He is specifically recognised for his exceptional work in the practice area of Projects: Energy, with a focus on the Oil and Gas industry, further cementing his reputation as a world-renowned Energy, Oil and Gas, Natural Resource and Commercial Lawyer.

IFLR1000 is an internationally esteemed guide that ranks leading lawyers and firms based on their expertise and impact across practice areas. Being ranked as a Leading Lawyer for Oil and Gas by this global institution places Shakwa among the most influential individuals in Namibia’s Oil and Gas sector and highlights his invaluable contributions to the field.

Shakwa Nyambe’s recognition is a reflection of his understanding of the complexities of the Oil and Gas industry and his ability to provide innovative solutions to clients navigating the challenges of this sector. As the Managing Partner of SNC Incorporated, a full-service energy, natural resources, corporate & commercial law and dispute resolution law firm, Shakwa has built a legacy of excellence in the legal and commercial sectors. His experience encompasses, advising international corporations, state-owned enterprises, governments, and individuals in oil & gas, renewable energy, and mining projects, and provision of legal services in matters ranging from mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, and corporate governance to project financing as well as rendering advisory services on general commercial matters.

To be acknowledged as a Highly Regarded Lawyer by IFLR1000 in Namibia for my work in Energy and Oil & Gas is a profound honour

Shakwa is the President-Elect of the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN) for the period 2024 – 2025 and will take over the Presidency for the period 2025 – 2026. His qualifications include, amongst others, a Master of Laws (LLM) in Oil and Gas Law with Professional Skills from the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom, a Postgraduate Diploma in Drafting and Interpretation of Contracts from the University of Johannesburg and an Executive Diploma in Global Business (Master’s Level) from the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

His expertise and strategic guidance have made him the go-to advisor for international oil companies, energy companies, mining companies. multinational corporations and local entities engaged in Namibia’s energy development.

This acknowledgment comes at a critical moment for Namibia, as the country is emerging as a significant player in the global energy market, driven by transformative discoveries in the Orange Basin by major international companies. Shakwa’s legal and strategic leadership has been instrumental in helping stakeholders capitalize on these opportunities while ensuring compliance with Namibia’s regulatory landscape.

Commenting on the rankings, Shakwa Nyambe stated, “To be acknowledged as a Highly Regarded Lawyer by IFLR1000 in Namibia for my work in Energy and Oil & Gas is a profound honour. It reflects not just my efforts but the dedication of the team at SNC Incorporated and the trust of our clients. This motivates me to continue raising the bar for legal and business excellence in Namibia’s oil and gas sector.”

As a globally recognized thought leader, he frequently engages in high-level dialogues on energy, corporate and resource law, sharing insights that shape policy and practice in Namibia and internationally.

As Namibia continues its rise as a frontier oil and gas producer, Shakwa Nyambe exemplifies excellence, driving the sector forward with vision, expertise and an unwavering commitment to his clients.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SNC Incorporated.

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