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Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) Meets Key Indonesian Institutions to Bolster Partnerships for Development

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The meeting highlighted IsDBI’s Sukuk Development Program (SDP), which aims to enhance the role of sukuk in supporting development in IsDB Member Countries

JEDDAH, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, November 2, 2023/APO Group/ — 

A delegation from the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (www.IsDBInstitute.org) held separate meetings with four major public institutions in Indonesia to strengthen partnerships in various areas of mutual interest.

The meetings with the Financial Services Authority (OJK), PT Sarana Multi Infrastructure, Bank Indonesia, and Nusantara Capital City Authority, were part of the Institute’s series of engagements in Indonesia that included participation in the 10th Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF) held in Jakarta from 25-29 October 2023.

The IsDBI team comprised Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, the Acting Director General, and Dr. Hylmun Izhar, a Senior Economist.

OJK Chairman, Mr. Mahendra Siregar, hosted the IsDBI team on 24 October 2023 at the OJK headquarters for discussions focusing on the Islamic finance ecosystem.

The meeting highlighted IsDBI’s Sukuk Development Program (SDP), which aims to enhance the role of sukuk in supporting development in IsDB Member Countries. The program focuses on three main components, namely Sukuk Enhancement Fund (SEF), Sovereign Finance Corporation (SFC), and Cash Waqf Linked Sukuk (CWLS).

Boosting Development Financing

At PT Sarana Multi Infrastructure (SMI) headquarters in Jakarta, the President Director, Mr. Edwin Syahruzad, welcomed the IsDBI team on 24 October 2023 to discuss development financing using Islamic instruments.

The SMI, a ‘special mission vehicle’ under the Indonesian Ministry of Finance, is engaged in development and infrastructure financing

The SMI, a ‘special mission vehicle’ under the Indonesian Ministry of Finance, is engaged in development and infrastructure financing. Among other functions, it serves as the activator in fostering social, economic, and environmental growth in Indonesia through various financial development services.

Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem expressed the Institute’s commitment to working with PT SMI to enhance its capacity to mobilize resources and support local governments. This includes providing technical assistance to strengthen PT SMI’s capacity, expertise, and knowledge in Islamic finance and Shariah-compliant financing instruments.

Digital Platform for Social Finance

On the sidelines of the ISEF on Wednesday, 25 October 2023, the team had a meeting with H.E. Dr. Perry Warjiyo, Governor of Bank Indonesia, to explore potential areas of collaboration.

Dr. Warjiyo proposed the development of a nationwide Integrated Digital Platform for ZISWAF (Zakat, Infaq, and Awqaf) for inclusive and sustainable development for Indonesia. It was agreed that teams from the two institutions would work closely to prepare an action plan to realize this goal.

Indonesia’s New Capital City

On 27 October 2023, Dr. Bambang Susantono, Chairman of IKN, welcomed the IsDBI team to the Nusantara Capital City Authority (Otorita Ibu Kota Nusantara, IKN), the agency responsible for the future capital of Indonesia.

Dr. Susantono expressed Nusantara’s ambitions to be a sustainable forest city and smart city that would deliver enhanced productivity and quality of life. He said IsDBI has a considerable role to play as a partner to IKN in building Nusantara as a livable and lovable city.

Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem reaffirmed the Institute’s keenness to contribute to realizing IKN’s goals, which align with the IsDBI commitment to addressing development challenges in IsDB member countries.

He highlighted the importance of tapping into social finance and mainstreaming it with capital markets to mobilize resources for the Nusantara project. To this end, a potential launch of awqaf-linked strategic initiative and series of workshops on sukuk, e-commerce and SMEs, and awqaf were identified as the next steps.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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Top 5 Reasons to Attend Congo Energy & Investment Forum 2025

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The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum takes place from March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 6, 2025/APO Group/ –Serving as the inaugural edition, this year’s Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025, scheduled for March 25-26 in Brazzaville, underscores the Republic of Congo’s growing role in Africa’s energy landscape. Under the leadership of Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons for Congo, the country has affirmed its commitment to maximizing its energy potential and streamlining licensing and regulatory processes, leading to a series of recent acquisitions and project developments.

Gain Insights into Congo’s Gas Master Plan

The Congolese government will unveil its new Gas Master Plan at CEIF 2025, which is designed to consolidate the position of existing companies and attract new investments to the sector. Developed in collaboration with global data and analytics provider Wood Mackenzie, the plan sets out a clear roadmap to capitalize on Congo’s gas resources, highlighting gas as a significant economic opportunity to diversify the country’s economy. The plan will allow Congo to engage more confidently with advanced regional and international players in the industry.

Participate in Congo’s 2025 Licensing Round

With aims to attract investment in both marginal and deepwater blocks, Congo is set to launch its 2025 international oil and gas licensing round. This initiative is part of the country’s strategy to increase oil production from the current 280,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 500,000 bpd and is expected to usher in a new wave of investment in sub-Saharan Africa’s fourth largest oil producing market.

This licensing round is designed to attract international oil companies (IOCs) with technical expertise and financial capacity to develop deepwater resources, as well as local and independent companies to exploit marginal fields.

Explore Congo’s Investment Potential

Congo is offering a number of investment opportunities for international and local companies and firms across all levels of the value chain.

A series of dedicated panel sessions, technical workshops and presentations at CEIF 2025 will provide an in-depth look at Congo’s efforts to sustainably increase its oil production. The conference will highlight crucial developments across the country’s energy sector as well as the broader strategic importance of Congo’s energy ambitions. CEIF 2025 will provide attendees with valuable insights into how ongoing and upcoming projects are helping the country meet its production goals while fostering economic growth and diversification in the sector.

Connect with Industry Leaders

Supported by Congo’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company (NOC) Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, CEIF 2025 will serve as an opportunity for local, regional and international delegates to collaborate and discover new avenues for partnerships. Delegates can connect with top energy investors and executives – from operators, IOCs, NOCs and independents – as well as government officials, industry innovators and financiers to expand their professional network.

Help Fuel Sustainable Development

Boasting immense potential for renewable energy, Congo is well-positioned to leverage Congo’s strong slate of upcoming projects to transform its energy landscape. In recent years, the country has implemented a number of initiatives to diversify its energy matrix and expand the share of renewable energy. The Congolese government is also making strategic investments in downstream infrastructure, including new refineries and gas-to-power projects, which will be on display at CEIF 2025 and are set to help drive electrification and socioeconomic development.

The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 Set to Drive Investment, Growth with Business Management Participation

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The Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26 in Brazzaville, will feature the participation of Cabinet Gomes, Colibri Business Development and Royal Triangle Energy Solutions

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 6, 2025/APO Group/ –As part of a strategy to spur energy investment and socioeconomic development, the Republic of Congo has initiated a number of strategies to drive resource monetization, project development and local capacity building. As such, the nation has attracted a wave of international companies across its energy value chain, leading to a series of recent acquisitions and project developments in the country.

In light of Congo’s favorable legislative and fiscal landscape, the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF), taking place from March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, will feature a strong lineup of legal firms and business management companies. This year’s conference will feature the participation of Louis-Raymond Gomes, Managing Attorney at Cabinet Gomes; Ileana Ferber, CEO and Local Content Expert at Colibri Business Development; and Eric Williams, President and Principal Consultant at Royal Triangle Energy Solutions.

The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

The exchange of knowledge and expertise is vital to unlocking the full potential of Congo’s natural resources

Serving as one of the country’s foremost legal service companies, Cabinet Gomes offers services in labor law; banking and finance; hydrocarbons and mining law; and mergers and acquisitions. Earlier this year, oil and gas company Trident Energy finalized its acquisition of energy majors Chevron and TotalEnergies’ interests in operational fields in Congo. Set to add approximately 30,000 barrels of oil per day to Congo’s production capacity, this acquisition highlights the country’s immense potential for international companies to meet the country’s development goals.

Meanwhile, the participation of Colibri Business Development at CEIF 2025 is expected to show a unique insight into how international companies can participate in Congo’s burgeoning hydrocarbons sector. The country will launch its 2025 licensing round at CEIF 2025, offering onshore, offshore and marginal acreage to potential investors and developers while aligning with national efforts to increase output.

Set to showcase how Congo’s regulatory framework and fiscal regime can accelerate monetization of the country’s natural resources, Royal Triangle Energy Solutions’ experience in the African market has the potential to empower businesses with effective change management skills and knowledge for participating in Congo’s energy sector. The Congolese government is also set to release its Gas Master Plan at CEIF 2025, which will serve as a roadmap to Congo’s gas resources for both domestic consumption and export.

“The exchange of knowledge and expertise is vital to unlocking the full potential of Congo’s natural resources, driving economic growth and positioning the country as a key player in the global energy market. The participation of Cabinet Gomes, Colibri Business Development and Royal Triangle Energy Solutions at CEIF 2025 underscores the immense opportunities the country offers for international investment and collaboration,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Geoff Thompson Makes Triumphant Return to the University of East London After Seven-Year Exile

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Geoff Thompson

His return marks a significant moment not only for the university but for the local and global communities as they seek to address critical issues affecting youth today

LONDON, United Kingdom, March 6, 2025/APO Group/ –Geoff Thompson, renowned sports leader and community advocate, has returned to the University of East London (UEL) after a seven-year absence, following his controversial removal as Chair of the University and subsequent eviction of the Dame Mary Glen Haig Sport for Development for Peace Office from the University Campus.

Geoff brought with him a powerful message of empowerment and action to the One Newham Conference. His return marks a significant moment not only for the university but for the local and global communities as they seek to address critical issues affecting youth today.

During his address, Thompson called upon individuals and organisations alike to harness the spirit and legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games. He emphasised the need for collective action to combat youth violence, urging communities to engage with the Bidding, hosting, and legacy of major sporting events through the Youth Charters innovative Community Campus initiative.

It is time for us to come together, to invest in our young people, and to build a brighter future

“The 2012 Games were not just about sports; they were a catalyst for change,” Thompson stated. “We have a unique opportunity to empower our youth by providing them with the tools, resources, and support necessary to thrive. It is time for us to come together, to invest in our young people, and to build a brighter future.”

Thompson’s vision includes a comprehensive approach to youth engagement, focusing on sports, education, and community development. Through the Youth Charter’s Community Campus, he aims to create a safe and inclusive environment where young people can explore their potential, develop new skills, and forge meaningful connections.

In addressing the pressing issue of youth violence on our streets, Thompson highlighted the importance of collaboration between local authorities, educational institutions, and community organisations. “We must unite our efforts and share our resources to create a sustainable impact,” he urged. “Together, we can turn the tide and inspire a generation to pursue positive pathways.”

As Thompson embarks on this new chapter, he invites everyone to join him in this vital mission. Together, we can create a legacy that transcends sport and fosters a culture of empowerment, resilience, and hope.

With the new IOC Presidential election taking place, prospective candidate in Lord Sebastian Coe understands what is required in this all-important and much needed sport for development for peace on our streets. He launched our ‘Call2Action’ and if successful, I will be calling on him to activate our plans.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter.

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