Dr. Munana Gilbert, the Rector of UTAB emphasized the unique nature of the counseling evening, designed to provide guidance to the graduating class. Unlike traditional celebrations of knowledge, this event aimed to underscore that the graduands not only acquired knowledge but also received valuable education.
During the event, UTAB graduates, who have gained considerable experience in the job market, along with other experts, shared insights with the graduands. The discussions centered around instilling values that characterize Rwandans and fostering personal and national development.
Dr. Munana highlighted the focus on talks about the attitudes essential for thriving in the competitive job market. Tito Rutaremara, the Chairperson of the Council of Elders Advisory Forum , stressed the importance of having a dream, stating that it not only guides one’s aspirations but also motivates hard work, contributing to personal and national development.
Several students expressed gratitude for the much-needed advice received after four years of academic pursuit. Twizerimana Katonda Anastase, a graduate from the Department of Education, affirmed their readiness to provide quality education, emphasizing their connection to the institution.
Nyirandashimye Vestine, who completed studies in animal husbandry, appreciated the guidance on transitioning to professional life outside of school. She acknowledged the practical tips on animal care and production, recognizing their value in working with integrity and professionalism.
In total, 788 individuals received degrees from UTAB, marking the culmination of their academic journey and the beginning of their paths towards contributing meaningfully to society.
The conference discussions should spark renewed energy and commitment to constructing healthier and more robust health systems, said Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango while addressing the challenges in the health sector.
Encouraging participants to leverage the knowledge gained and foster connections, Nalumango stressed the importance of translating discussed issues into actionable plans across the continent to fortify public health systems.
Zambia’s Health Minister Sylvia Masebo said the discussions would propel progress in public health across Africa, and that the conference would help identify common public health challenges and seek interventions to enhance the continent’s health security.
Held under the theme “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture,” the conference brought together about 5,100 delegates, with an additional 30,000 participating virtually.
Rwanda’s Presidency has disclosed that Kagame joined leaders including Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nayhan, President of the United Arab States; Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations, and other dignitaries.
Approximately 200 countries were represented at COP28, with attendees ranging from business and financial leaders to civil society representatives.
The primary objective was to collaboratively explore strategies for adopting climate-friendly energy solutions in the future.
Addressing the gathering, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue of extreme heat, which has significant economic implications, impacting global price fluctuations and increasing the cost of living.
Guterres highlighted the potential benefits of renewable energy, describing it as a valuable asset for both the well-being of the planet’s inhabitants and the global economy.
A noteworthy development on the first day of COP28 was the official launch of a fund dedicated to assisting developing nations most severely affected by climate change. This initiative, spearheaded by COP28 President and the United Arab Emirates Minister of Industry and Technology, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, gained approval at the preceding COP27 conference in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort that transformed the fund from a commitment made in Sharm El Sheikh to a tangible reality in Dubai within a year. He praised the collective dedication of the involved teams, underscoring the accomplishment as evidence that the world can unite to achieve significant goals.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while chairing a symposium on advancing the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta.
Xi underlined the importance of advancing the region’s integrated development, improving its innovation capacity, industrial competitiveness and development quality, and forming a new pattern of higher-level reform and opening up.
These are of great significance for China to build a new development paradigm, promote high-quality development, and advance the building of a strong country and national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization, he said.
Xi said that it is necessary to fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, focus on integration and high quality, establish a global vision and strategic thinking, unswervingly deepen reform and expand high-level opening up, and coordinate scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, hardware connectivity with mechanism coordination, and environmental protection with economic development, so as to make new major breakthroughs in the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta.
Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, attended the meeting.
The overall strength and comprehensive competitiveness of the Yangtze River Delta continue to rank among the top in the country, Xi said.
Noting that major progress has been achieved since the strategy of the region’s integrated development was put forward five years ago, Xi said that there are also some deep-seated problems to be solved.
Advancing the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta is a major undertaking, and making steady progress and continuing the hard work are necessary to write new chapters of the region’s integrated development, he said.
On future development, Xi stressed the need to strengthen cross-region collaboration in sci-tech innovation and industrial innovation.
Efforts should be made to generate new industries, business formats and models, and nurture new development momentum.
The region is urged to become a source of sci-tech innovation by integrating sci-tech innovation forces and advantageous resources across regions and departments, and participate in international sci-tech cooperation to create a globally competitive ecosystem for innovation.
He also underscored the importance of making institutional improvements for the region’s integrated development.
Regional segmentation and administrative obstacles should be broken down at the institutional level so as to provide institutional guarantee for integrated development, while greater institutional innovation in key areas is to be made.
The synergy and collaboration among various reform measures should be strengthened, Xi said. Concerning basic public services, efforts should be made to promote the gradual alignment of relevant mechanisms, policies and standards and facilitate the accessibility and sharing of public services in different spheres.
On transport, Xi urged enhancing the alignment of the standards of transportation networks within the region to improve infrastructure connectivity.
He also called for efforts to accelerate the construction of a demonstration area in the Yangtze River Delta on integrated ecologically-friendly development, and promote industrial relocation and reasonable allocation of production elements across the region to turn the Yangtze River Delta into a community for shared regional development.
The region should vigorously promote high-level coordinated opening up, Xi noted.
He called on the region to push forward high-level opening up with an emphasis on institutional opening up, and strengthen mutual learning and promotion of related reform experience.
Xi urged efforts to expand the influence of the Hongqiao International Open Hub, vigorously implement the upgrading strategy of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), and promote the opening up of the Lingang new area of the Shanghai FTZ to a higher level.
The region’s development should be well integrated with the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, he said.
Xi also stressed further improving the business environment for private companies to promote their sound and high-quality development.
More efforts should be made to strengthen joint protection and governance of the ecological environment, he said.
In this regard, Xi called for concerted efforts in the protection of key ecological barriers and corridors in the region as well as integrated prevention and control of air, water and soil pollution.
The region should go full steam ahead with clean production, facilitate energy conservation and decarbonization in key fields and sectors and pick up pace in fostering a sustainable production and lifestyle, he said.
A cross-region pollutant discharge rights trading mechanism needs to be established so as to make active yet prudent advancement in achieving the country’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, Xi said.
Xi also stressed the need to enhance the region’s capability to coordinate development and security.
The region needs to pay attention to major infrastructure facilities as well as sci-tech, industrial and financial areas that are essential to national and regional security, and step up relevant risk prevention and control, Xi noted.
The region should also enhance industrial chain resilience and security, consolidate industrial collaboration with the central and western areas, expand the institutional opening up in the financial sector and facilitate cross-border investment and financing, he added.
The CPC’s overall leadership must be upheld and strengthened in promoting the region’s integrated development, Xi stressed.
Li Qiang delivered a speech at the symposium. He emphasized the need to consider the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta in the context of overall national development, and give full play to the region’s roles as a growth pole, a development engine, and an experimental field for reform so as to better support and serve Chinese modernization.
Here is some essential information worth knowing about the World Media Summit.
{{What is World Media Summit?}}
The notion of holding the summit was first proposed by Xinhua in 2008 with the aim of facilitating exchanges among leading media groups worldwide on the challenges posed by the emergence of the “New Media” and enhancing their win-win cooperation.
Co-initiated by a collection of media organizations with global influence — including Xinhua News Agency, the Associated Press, Reuters, TASS Russian News Agency, the first summit, organized by Xinhua, was held in Beijing in 2009.
With Moscow hosting the second in 2012, followed by the third in Doha, Qatar, in 2016, and Beijing in 2021 for the fourth summit via video link, the World Media Summit has demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity and a diverse representation of global media perspectives.
From top executives and editors-in-chief to seasoned journalists and media scholars, as well as press officials, the summit seeks to foster dialogue, share insights and collectively address the multifaceted challenges confronting contemporary media.
{{What has been achieved by the summit?}}
Since its inception, the summit has achieved remarkable progress in its effort to promote international people-to-people exchanges as well as exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.
A series of documents have been issued to strengthen media connections and promote cooperation, including the World Media Summit Joint Statement, the World Media Summit Convention on the Protection of Intellectual Property Related to Media Results, the World Media Summit Doha Statement, the Fourth World Media Summit Presidium Meeting Shanghai Consensus, and the joint statement of the 4th World Media Summit.
Multiple activities have been successfully held to enhance practical cooperation.
For instance, the World Media Summit Global Awards for Excellence were organized in 2014 and 2021. Training programs for media professionals from Asia, Africa and Latin America were set up, and several large-scale international public welfare projects were initiated, like the Global News Day for Children with a global live broadcast around the clock, the Zoom-in on Poverty Global Photo Contest, as well as media campaigns focused on Africa.
Through establishing the presidium, the supreme decision-making body of the summit, and the Secretariat as part of the daily administrative structure, the summit has made significant strides in institutional building, which ensures the long-term stability and development of the summit.
{{Key facts of the fifth World media Summit}}
The fifth summit will be hosted by Xinhua on Dec. 2-8, in China’s Guangzhou city of Guangdong Province and Kunming city of Yunnan Province.
Over 450 attendees from 101 countries and regions — representatives from nearly 200 mainstream media outlets, think tanks and government agencies, as well as international organizations — will participate in the event this year in the hope of reaching practical cooperation.
Themed “Boosting Global Confidence, Promoting Media Development,” the summit will address topics including bolstering media confidence, coping with opportunities and challenges presented by new technologies, exploring new markets in the digital age, and striving for a shared future in global media cooperation.
The new members were sworn-in on November 30, 2023, at the High Court in Nyamirambo.
Lawyer Moïse Nkundabarashi, the President of the Rwanda Bar Association, emphasized the importance of embodying values and transparency in their daily work.
He cautioned them against mistakes that could tarnish the reputation of their profession, urging adherence to the law, self-respect, respect for other institutions and courts, discretion, and humanity.
“I urge you, as you commence your career, to adhere to the principles laid out in the law, maintain self-respect, show respect for other institutions and courts, exercise discretion, and embrace humanity. By doing so, you will not only excel in your chosen profession, but your clients will also hold you in high regard and trust,” stated Nkundabarashi.
He encouraged the new lawyers to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations governing their profession, treating them as guiding principles throughout their careers.
Nkundabarashi also highlighted the government’s push, particularly from the Justice Department, for alternative dispute resolution (ADR), urging the legal professionals to embrace and implement this approach.
Additionally, Nkundabarashi reminded the new lawyers that their entrance into the legal profession coincides with the government’s emphasis on resolving issues through ADR, aligning with the principles endorsed by the Justice Department.
He stressed the significance of their role in the justice system, prompting them to enhance their professional performance. The President of the High Court, Jean Pierre Habarurema, underscored the importance of lawyers in facilitating swift and efficient justice, benefiting both the Department of Justice and the broader legal system.
Habarurema cautioned against extending assistance to the High Court due to its final decision-making authority, preventing the possibility of a second appeal. The Rwanda Bar Association, having grown from its inception with 37 lawyers to 1550 over the past 25 years, continues to expand its capacity to advocate for justice and assist individuals in legal matters.
Attended by 855 people of 10 different religions from 73 countries, the conference featured an impactful order of events, beginning with an opening by the emcee who expressed the urgency of addressing global conflicts and the organization’s heartfelt desire for the cessation of wars. It highlighted the importance of unity among religious individuals and the shared values embedded in various scriptures that promote peace, justice, human dignity, respect, and harmony.
The event included prayers led by representatives from major religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism. The prayers represented by leaders of various religions were different in form, but their contents were all prayers for peace as each religious leader offered prayers rooted in their respective traditions, emphasizing the shared goal of ending war and achieving global peace.
The emcee, in detailing the order of events, explained that a real-time prayer and wish board would be operated where participants could share their own prayers and wishes for peace.
At the end of the prayer meeting, HWPL proposed a “Relay Prayer Campaign” through the moderator as a practical measure for peace. Religious leaders were urged to consistently hold prayer meetings for the cessation of war and world peace, creating opportunities in various forms to gather the hearts of as many people as possible.
Amid persisting conflicts and disputes among religions, HWPL’s dedication to fostering religious harmony is evident through initiatives such as the World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Offices where religious leaders of various faiths and disciplines gather regularly to discuss their scriptures, HWPL International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA), Religious Youth Peace Camp, Open Dialogue with Religious Leaders, and MOUs with Religious Organizations. As of September 2023, there are 282 WARP Offices in operation in 131 countries.
The overall winner, Wiston Shimirwa, was presented with a prize of 200 square meters of roofing sheets valued at Rwf2.5 million. Boniface Tuyisenge, an architect, received a voucher worth Rwf300,000 for purchasing construction materials from IngCo. Meanwhile, Eric Maniraguha secured a ticket for two to Kigali Lounge, valued at Rwf200,000.
The selection process for these deserving recipients was meticulous, considering factors such as filled-out profiles, valuable feedback, and thoughtful inquiries.
Architect Boniface Tuyisenge, who claimed the second prize, expressed his motivation for participating in the awards. He highlighted the innovative nature of Mr Roof’s work in the Rwandan market, emphasizing the company’s ability to tailor roofs to individual client needs—a unique feature that resonated with architects who appreciate innovation and natural beauty.
“This opportunity aligns with our values, and winning tools we need for our daily work is a great addition to our professional resources,” Tuyisenge shared.
Jenny Rutaysire, the Sales Manager at Mr Roof, shed light on the company’s commitment to introducing new products and services to the Rwandan market. She emphasized the uniqueness of their offerings, prompting the strategic use of their newsletter as a platform for promotion.
“We chose this newsletter to disseminate information about our products, share updates on price reductions, and highlight various opportunities,” Rutaysire explained.
Encouraging continued engagement, Mr Roof expressed optimism about the future. Rutaysire encouraged those who did not secure prizes this time to stay connected, as the newsletter will feature numerous activities and opportunities in the future.
Acknowledging the increased interest in the ‘Mr Roof Newsletter,’ Rutaysire assured subscribers that their questions would be addressed in upcoming stories.
The newsletter, published twice a month at the beginning and end of each month, serves as a comprehensive source for all company-related news, providing subscribers with timely updates on products, promotions, and other exciting developments.
COP28, commencing on Thursday, is scheduled to conclude on December 12, 2023. On the inaugural day of COP28, member nations reached an agreement to operationalize a Loss and Damage (L&D) fund designed to compensate countries grappling with climate change.
The L&D fund, located at the World Bank but overseen by an independent secretariat, has garnered commitments exceeding $450 million from various countries. Although billions are still required to fulfill its purpose, this marks a positive step forward.
The L&D fund’s inception traces back to COP-27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, last year. It took five separate meetings, facilitated by ‘transitional committees,’ to achieve unanimous agreement among countries. Delegates hailed the first-day launch of the fund as a positive start, fostering good momentum for ensuing discussions.
Financial commitments, as of Thursday, include $100 million from the United Arab Emirates (the host country), $100 million from Germany, $17 million from the United States, approximately $50.6 million from the United Kingdom, and $10 million from Japan. The European Union also pledged $145 million, supplementing Germany’s contribution.
The decision to kickstart the fund on the inaugural day of COP28, after years of contention, serves as a noteworthy example of the summit’s efficacy in addressing urgent global challenges.
On the sidelines of COP28, President Kagame participated in the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) reception, co-hosted by King Charles III and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Launched by King Charles III in 2020 at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, the Sustainable Markets Initiative serves as the premier global private sector organization for sustainable transition. Its ability to convene leading organizations from industry, financial services, and governments is instrumental in driving innovation and expediting progress toward a just, sustainable, and prosperous future.
The Sustainable Markets Initiative’s mandate, known as the Terra Carta, aims to coordinate a global effort enabling the private sector to accelerate the achievement of global climate, biodiversity, and Sustainable Development Goal targets. Introduced in 2021 at the One Planet Summit, the Terra Carta outlines guiding principles and ambitious actions through 2030, placing Nature, People, and Planet at the core of global value creation.
