Sweden has released a strategy for its development cooperation with Liberia focusing on  peacebuilding and state building. According to a release from the Swedish foreign ministry, the aim of the strategy “is to help strengthen Liberia’s public services and create the conditions for peaceful, inclusive and sustainable development.”                       “Activities are also to contribute to increased […]

Somalia has made a $1 million donation to the drought-hit breakaway northwestern region of Somaliland, ahead of controversial talks between the two sides later this month to clarify their future relations. Mogadishu, far from one of the world’s flushest governments, has been quick to point out the donation was not designed to influence the talks in […]

Many individuals who have been moved by a particular speech or speeches I have delivered in the past have been privately requesting copies of the speech(es) for their own reading and enlightenment. I have therefore been graciously sharing my speeches, my poems, or some other intellectual property with scores of interested individuals upon request. But […]

“I started seeing myself as a survivor and not a victim the day I took back the power my abusers had over me.”  Those are the words of Francess Cole, an outspoken survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM) and the Founder of Life After FGM. Life After FGM is hosting its first sister talk conference, […]

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, friends, I am honoured to be here today and proud to co-host this event, on behalf of Sweden, together with Egypt and the International Peace Institute. The GA debate we will engage in today and tomorrow is timely. Unprecedented numbers of people are fleeing violent conflict. The world is rife with […]

The African Innovation Foundation (AIF) today announced the top 10 nominees for its landmark programme, the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA). Now celebrating its 5th year under the theme “Made in Africa”, IPA is the premier innovation initiative in the African continent, offering a grand share prize of US$150 000 and incentives to spur growth and […]

Our world is bleeding. We are faced with unprecedented humanitarian needs and levels of global forced displacement. Today, more than 59,5 million people are displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, generalized violence, or human rights violations – the highest number since the Second World War. UNHCR estimates that the average length of displacement […]

Maryan Abdulkarim is used to slander and knows what to do when confronted by passers-by. The man was in his sixties, sober. He had something to say, and decided to make himself heard in the middle of the street in Kontula, Helsinki. “Somalis stink! You’re all criminals!” he shouted. Maryan Abdulkarim, 31, was walking with her […]

With more than 10 years as a professional female motivational speaker, Jane John-Nwankwo can hold any audience sitting straight on their chairs for any length of time! She resides in Southern California, but travels internationally for motivational speeches. She is a seminar leader and a published author of more than 50 books including textbooks for healthcare training, fiction for […]

Rwandans in the diaspora have established the Diaspora Business Incubator, a platform that will serve as a go-to support hub for all diaspora related investments and services to ease the country’s aims to fast-track investment back home to meet the Vision 2020 agenda. “The remittances have been growing, last year the remittances from diaspora was […]