Latest news with #EllenJohnsonSirleaf
Zawya
4 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Liberia Observes International Women in Diplomacy Day
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with UN Women Liberia, proudly commemorated International Women in Diplomacy Day at the historic Cecil C. Dennis Jr. Auditorium, bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in diplomacy and foreign service. This year's observance was held under Liberia's national theme, 'Accelerate Action,' underscoring the urgent need to fast-track efforts toward achieving gender equality and empowering women globally. The event provided a platform to honor trailblazing women, reflect on progress, and renew commitments to advancing women's roles in international relations and decision-making spaces. In a message delivered on behalf of H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Cllr. Deweh E. Gray paid tribute to iconic Liberian women who have shaped the nation's diplomatic and governance landscape. Among those honored were Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first democratically elected female president; Angie Brooks Randolph, the first African woman to preside over the United Nations General Assembly; and Nobel Peace Laureate Madam Leymah R. Gbowee, all recognized as pioneers and beacons of peace, leadership, and gender inclusion. Cllr. Gray highlighted key national initiatives aimed at enhancing women's participation in diplomacy and peacebuilding, including the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 1325. She emphasized that Liberian women are not only contributors to peace processes but are increasingly leading them affirming the country's growing commitment to gender-responsive governance. She reflected on Liberia's historic role as a champion of African sovereignty and global diplomacy, recalling the country's early establishment of diplomatic relations with major powers as part of its longstanding advocacy for African self-determination. 'Liberia has always been a symbol of hope and agency on the international stage,' she noted, urging continued leadership by women in diplomacy to shape a more inclusive and equitable world. The Deputy Minister challenged women across all sectors to unite across borders, cultures, and professions to create a future where women can dream, achieve, and lead. She called for collective action to advance gender-sensitive policies and to mentor and support emerging generations of women leaders. The event featured a high-level panel discussion under the theme, 'From Resolution to Reality,' during which seasoned diplomats and emerging professionals shared their personal journeys, experiences, challenges, and successes in diplomatic service. The dialogue offered valuable insights into translating international commitments on gender equality into tangible outcomes. The celebration drew participants from across the Liberian government, civil society, academia, diplomatic missions, and international development partners demonstrating strong, multi-sectoral support for advancing the role of women in diplomacy. As Liberia continues to build on its legacy of women's leadership, the 2025 International Women in Diplomacy celebration served as a resounding reminder of the nation's unwavering commitment to gender equality, empowerment, and inclusive global governance. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Africa Day: celebrating the continent's heritage and future every May 25
The history of Africa Day is deeply rooted in the liberation movements that marked the 20th century. The starting point was in 1958, when the Congress of African States was held for the first time, a historic gathering where representatives from various countries across the continent came together with an unwavering determination: to free themselves once and for all from colonial rule. During this pioneering conference, African leaders proposed the creation of an "African Freedom Day", laying the foundations for what would later become a continental tradition. The meetings continued to take place year after year, strengthening ties between African nations and consolidating a common vision of independence and development. The high point came on 25 May 1963, when the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), later transformed into today's African Union, was officially born. This date was marked in history as Africa Day, symbolising not only the continent's political unity, but also its shared commitment to social, economic and cultural progress. The African continent of the 21st century presents a radically different picture from that of previous decades. Economic transformations have been particularly remarkable, with sustained growth that has placed several African nations among the fastest developing economies in the world. Countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire have experienced growth rates that exceed the global average, demonstrating the continent's economic potential. Women's participation in the economy represents one of the most significant developments in recent decades. African women have taken leading roles in business development, from small local entrepreneurs to executives of large corporations. In countries such as Rwanda, women hold more than 60% of parliamentary seats, setting a global example in terms of women's political representation. In the area of gender equality, Africa has seen revolutionary advances. African women now occupy leadership positions in politics, science, technology and culture. Figures such as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia's first female president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, or Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the World Trade Organisation, exemplify the growing role of African women on the international stage. The decolonisation process, significantly supported by the United Nations, culminated in the successful independence of all African nations. This historic achievement not only represented political liberation, but also opened the door for each country to shape its own destiny and develop its natural and human resources according to its own visions and needs. The seventh art has served as an invaluable cultural bridge to bring African realities to the rest of the world. Film productions have captured both the continent's natural beauty and its complex social and historical realities. Remains an iconic film work that transports viewers to the Kenyan landscape through Karen Blixen's experience. This commercially successful adaptation not only showcased the majesty of African landscapes, but also explored universal themes such as love, loss and the search for identity in distant lands. It dealt with the conflicts that ravaged Sierra Leone during the 1990s with rawness and honesty. The film exposed to the world the devastating consequences of the civil war, including the plight of child soldiers and the exploitation of natural resources, contributing significantly to international awareness of these issues. Immortalised as one of the most inspiring moments in modern South African history, the film masterfully recreated how Nelson Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup as a tool for national reconciliation, demonstrating the power of sport to unite a society divided by decades of apartheid. Other notable productions include 'Hotel Rwanda' (2004), which chronicled the Rwandan genocide with extraordinary sensitivity, 'The Last King of Scotland' (2006), which portrayed Idi Amin's regime in Uganda, and 'Beasts of No Nation' (2015), which explored the impact of civil war on African children. More recently, 'Black Panther' (2018) presented a futuristic and hopeful vision of Africa, inspiring millions of people around the world. The commemoration of Africa Day has evolved with the times, adapting to new forms of communication and citizen participation. African countries organise annual cultural events, academic conferences, art exhibitions and food festivals that celebrate the continent's diversity. Citizen participation through social media has democratised this celebration, allowing people from all over the world to come together using hashtags such as #AfricaDay to share experiences, knowledge and reflections on the continent. This digital connectivity has facilitated cultural exchange and has contributed to demystifying stereotypes, presenting a more complete and nuanced image of contemporary African reality.
Euronews
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Africa Day: celebrating the continent's heritage and future
The history of Africa Day is deeply rooted in the liberation movements that marked the 20th century. The starting point was in 1958, when the Congress of African States was held for the first time, a historic gathering where representatives from various countries across the continent came together with an unwavering determination: to free themselves once and for all from colonial rule. During this pioneering conference, African leaders proposed the creation of an "African Freedom Day", laying the foundations for what would later become a continental tradition. The meetings continued to take place year after year, strengthening ties between African nations and consolidating a common vision of independence and development. The high point came on 25 May 1963, when the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), later transformed into today's African Union, was officially born. This date was marked in history as Africa Day, symbolising not only the continent's political unity, but also its shared commitment to social, economic and cultural progress. The African continent of the 21st century presents a radically different picture from that of previous decades. Economic transformations have been particularly remarkable, with sustained growth that has placed several African nations among the fastest developing economies in the world. Countries such as Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire have experienced growth rates that exceed the global average, demonstrating the continent's economic potential. Women's participation in the economy represents one of the most significant developments in recent decades. African women have taken leading roles in business development, from small local entrepreneurs to executives of large corporations. In countries such as Rwanda, women hold more than 60% of parliamentary seats, setting a global example in terms of women's political representation. In the area of gender equality, Africa has seen revolutionary advances. African women now occupy leadership positions in politics, science, technology and culture. Figures such as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia's first female president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, or Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director general of the World Trade Organisation, exemplify the growing role of African women on the international stage. The decolonisation process, significantly supported by the United Nations, culminated in the successful independence of all African nations. This historic achievement not only represented political liberation, but also opened the door for each country to shape its own destiny and develop its natural and human resources according to its own visions and needs. The seventh art has served as an invaluable cultural bridge to bring African realities to the rest of the world. Film productions have captured both the continent's natural beauty and its complex social and historical realities. Remains an iconic film work that transports viewers to the Kenyan landscape through Karen Blixen's experience. This commercially successful adaptation not only showcased the majesty of African landscapes, but also explored universal themes such as love, loss and the search for identity in distant lands. It dealt with the conflicts that ravaged Sierra Leone during the 1990s with rawness and honesty. The film exposed to the world the devastating consequences of the civil war, including the plight of child soldiers and the exploitation of natural resources, contributing significantly to international awareness of these issues. Immortalised as one of the most inspiring moments in modern South African history, the film masterfully recreated how Nelson Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup as a tool for national reconciliation, demonstrating the power of sport to unite a society divided by decades of apartheid. Other notable productions include 'Hotel Rwanda' (2004), which chronicled the Rwandan genocide with extraordinary sensitivity, 'The Last King of Scotland' (2006), which portrayed Idi Amin's regime in Uganda, and 'Beasts of No Nation' (2015), which explored the impact of civil war on African children. More recently, 'Black Panther' (2018) presented a futuristic and hopeful vision of Africa, inspiring millions of people around the world. The commemoration of Africa Day has evolved with the times, adapting to new forms of communication and citizen participation. African countries organise annual cultural events, academic conferences, art exhibitions and food festivals that celebrate the continent's diversity. Citizen participation through social media has democratised this celebration, allowing people from all over the world to come together using hashtags such as #AfricaDay to share experiences, knowledge and reflections on the continent. This digital connectivity has facilitated cultural exchange and has contributed to demystifying stereotypes, presenting a more complete and nuanced image of contemporary African reality.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Factbox-World leaders who studied at Harvard
(Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday revoked Harvard University's ability to enrol international students and is forcing current foreign students to transfer to other schools or lose their legal status in the United States. Below is a list of some of the world leaders who studied at Harvard, with their time in office and the scope of their studies: AFRICA ** Duma Gideon Boko, president of Botswana since November 2024: Law, master's degree ** Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of Liberia in 2006–2018: Public Administration, master's degree AMERICAS ** Pierre Elliott Trudeau, prime minister of Canada in 1968–1979, 1980–1984: Political Economy, master's degree ** Mark Carney, prime minister of Canada since 2025: Economics, bachelor's degree ** Sebastián Piñera Echenique, president of Chile in 2010–2014, 2018–2022: Economics, master's degree, PhD ** Juan Manuel Santos, president of Colombia in 2010–2018: Public Administration, master's degree; Journalism, Nieman fellow ** Álvaro Uribe Vélez, president of Colombia in 2002–2010: Management and Administration, postgraduate certificate ** Edward Seaga, prime minister of Jamaica in 1980–1989: Social Sciences, bachelor's degree ** Carlos Salinas de Gortari, president of Mexico in 1988–1994: Public Administration, master's degree; Political Economy and Government, PhD ** Vicente Fox Quesada, president of Mexico in 2000–2006: Top Management, diploma ** Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, president of Mexico in 2006-2012: Public Administration, master's degree MIDDLE EAST, ASIA ** Tshering Tobgay, prime minister of Bhutan since January 2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Donald Tsang, chief executive of Hong Kong in 2005-2012: Public Administration, master's degree ** Shankar Dayal Sharma, president of India in 1992-1997: Brandeis fellow ** Shimon Peres, prime minister of Israel in 1984-1986, 1995-1996, president of Israel in 2007-2014: Advanced Management course ** Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel in 1996-1999, 2009-2021, since 2022: Political Science ** Jafar Hassan, prime minister of Jordan since 2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Elbegdorj Tsakhia, president of Mongolia in 2009-2017: Public Administration, master's degree ** Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrain, prime minister of Mongolia since 2021: Public Policy, master's degree ** Lee Hsien Loong, prime minister of Singapore in 2004-2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Lawrence Wong, prime minister of Singapore since 2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Syngman Rhee, president of South Korea in 1948-1960: master's degree ** Han Duk-soo, prime minister of South Korea in 2007-2008, 2022-2025, acting president of South Korea in 2024, 2025: Economics, master's degree, PhD ** Ma Ying-jeou, president of Taiwan in 2008-2016: Law, PhD ** Lai Ching-te, president of Taiwan since January 2024: Public Health, master's degree EUROPE ** Kyriakos Mitsotakis, prime minister of Greece since July 2019: Business Administration, master's degree ** Mary Robinson, president of Ireland in 1990-1997: Law, master's degree ** Maia Sandu, president of Moldova since 2020: Public Administration, master's degree
Reuters
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Which world leaders studied at Harvard?
May 23 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday revoked Harvard University's ability to enrol international students and is forcing current foreign students to transfer to other schools or lose their legal status in the United States. Below is a list of some of the world leaders who studied at Harvard, with their time in office and the scope of their studies: ** Duma Gideon Boko, president of Botswana since November 2024: Law, master's degree ** Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of Liberia in 2006–2018: Public Administration, master's degree AMERICAS ** Pierre Elliott Trudeau, prime minister of Canada in 1968–1979, 1980–1984: Political Economy, master's degree ** Mark Carney, prime minister of Canada since 2025: Economics, bachelor's degree ** Sebastián Piñera Echenique, president of Chile in 2010–2014, 2018–2022: Economics, master's degree, PhD ** Juan Manuel Santos, president of Colombia in 2010–2018: Public Administration, master's degree; Journalism, Nieman fellow ** Álvaro Uribe Vélez, president of Colombia in 2002–2010: Management and Administration, postgraduate certificate ** Edward Seaga, prime minister of Jamaica in 1980–1989: Social Sciences, bachelor's degree ** Carlos Salinas de Gortari, president of Mexico in 1988–1994: Public Administration, master's degree; Political Economy and Government, PhD ** Vicente Fox Quesada, president of Mexico in 2000–2006: Top Management, diploma ** Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, president of Mexico in 2006-2012: Public Administration, master's degree MIDDLE EAST, ASIA ** Tshering Tobgay, prime minister of Bhutan since January 2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Donald Tsang, chief executive of Hong Kong in 2005-2012: Public Administration, master's degree ** Shankar Dayal Sharma, president of India in 1992-1997: Brandeis fellow ** Shimon Peres, prime minister of Israel in 1984-1986, 1995-1996, president of Israel in 2007-2014: Advanced Management course ** Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel in 1996-1999, 2009-2021, since 2022: Political Science ** Jafar Hassan, prime minister of Jordan since 2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Elbegdorj Tsakhia, president of Mongolia in 2009-2017: Public Administration, master's degree ** Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrain, prime minister of Mongolia since 2021: Public Policy, master's degree ** Lee Hsien Loong, prime minister of Singapore in 2004-2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Lawrence Wong, prime minister of Singapore since 2024: Public Administration, master's degree ** Syngman Rhee, president of South Korea in 1948-1960: master's degree ** Han Duk-soo, prime minister of South Korea in 2007-2008, 2022-2025, acting president of South Korea in 2024, 2025: Economics, master's degree, PhD ** Ma Ying-jeou, president of Taiwan in 2008-2016: Law, PhD ** Lai Ching-te, president of Taiwan since January 2024: Public Health, master's degree EUROPE ** Kyriakos Mitsotakis, prime minister of Greece since July 2019: Business Administration, master's degree ** Mary Robinson, president of Ireland in 1990-1997: Law, master's degree ** Maia Sandu, president of Moldova since 2020: Public Administration, master's degree
