Latest news with #inclusivegrowth
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
G20 tourism community outreach kicks off in Northern Cape
South Africa's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie Sotyu, led a community outreach event in the Northern Cape on Thursday, 3 July 2025, to engage local tourism stakeholders on the G20 Tourism Priorities and their potential to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development. The session marked the first in a series of planned engagements aimed at bringing the G20 agenda closer to tourism communities across the country during South Africa's historic presidency of the G20. Aligning global and local tourism goals Speaking at the outreach, Deputy Minister Sotyu emphasised the importance of balancing economic growth with social inclusion as the sector plans for the future. 'Bringing the G20 agenda closer to our communities is critical to enable us to chart a path for inclusive global sustainable development,' she said. 'The G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) has been working hard, meeting with senior officials, authorities and experts to recommend decisions in line with the agenda and priorities identified by the G20 Presidency.' 'These recommendations will play a critical part in the overall goal of addressing the global socio-economic challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.' 'It is therefore empirical that we engage the communities we serve to align our proposed recommendations with their present and future needs,' she added. Source: Department of Tourism Northern Cape community takes centre stage Hosted in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the event featured presentations on tourism incentive initiatives, skills development, and empowerment programmes from the Department of Tourism. Local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) had the opportunity to showcase and sell their products at the event, which also highlighted the province's tourism appeal — from its national parks and wildlife to its rich Khoi-San cultural heritage and ancient rock art. Key G20 tourism priorities introduced During the outreach, attendees were introduced to the four G20 Tourism Priorities set to inform the 2025 G20 action plan: • A people-centred artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation approach to enhance travel and tourism start-ups and SMMEs. • Tourism financing and investment to promote equality and sustainable development. • Air connectivity for seamless travel. • Enhanced resilience for inclusive, sustainable tourism development. The session prompted discussion on the need for frequent, meaningful consultation between government and communities to ensure policy recommendations reflect on-the-ground realities. A significant opportunity for SA Sotyu described the country's G20 presidency as a milestone moment for South Africa's tourism sector and its people. 'It is an exciting time for South Africa, as our country is the first African nation to preside over and host the G20 presidency and Summit,' she said. "Frequent and continuous engagement with our communities will enable us to work towards people-centred, progressive, and solution-driven policies that find solutions to our domestic and global challenges, whilst accelerating global cooperation and multilateralism." "The G20 provides a significant opportunity for our provinces, cities and communities to work together to promote our culture, heritage, tourism, and industrial and commercial advances." Sotyu encouraged local communities to actively participate in government empowerment initiatives to ensure inclusive tourism growth. "I also encourage our communities to actively participate in the empowerment programmes that are offered by the three spheres of our government, and help us build a nation that works for all," she concluded. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson called for urgent reforms to the global financial system to unlock Africa's full potential
Delivering a keynote speech at the #FID4 event in Seville on 'Leveraging Private Business&Finance,' AU Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called for urgent reforms to the global financial system to unlock Africa's full potential. He emphasised that private business&finance are not merely complementary, but catalytic for inclusive growth, job creation, and the green transition. He noted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a game-changer for the continent and urged greater support for MSMEs, sustainable finance,&foreign direct investment. 'Africa is young, resource-rich, and ready,' he concluded. 'Let's align capital with our development priorities and build a 21st-century financial architecture that works for all.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
Malay Mail
19-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Dr Wan Azizah says women's empowerment needs more than lip service, calls for corporate pledges and govt backing
KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 — Efforts to empower women must go beyond dialogue and be translated into concrete commitments, such as corporate pledges and government partnerships. Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of the Prime Minister, urged leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to work together in building inclusive growth through shared leadership and cross-border collaboration. 'It is an honour for me to stand among such remarkable women. Your vision, generosity, and dedication to making a difference are not only admirable but also a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together,' she said in her keynote address at the Women Economic Forum (WEF) Asean 2025 here today. Also present were Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong; Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad; WEF Asean 2025 Organising Chairperson Datin Dr Hartini Osman; and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif. Dr Wan Azizah said the WEF operated with a global perspective while remaining grounded in its mission as a non-profit movement, which she described as a form of public diplomacy aimed at uplifting women across sectors such as sustainability, governance, technology and trade. 'In this context, the movement has been referred to as the Sheconomy, a powerful acknowledgement of the growing influence of women in shaping economic narratives,' she said, expressing hope that the forum will inspire real outcomes. In addition, she said that without proper monitoring and self-awareness, technological advancements could erode meaningful relationships, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, potentially leading to isolation and abuse, underscoring the need to address their social impact. Dr Wan Azizah also highlighted the importance of work–life balance, saying that while society wanted more women to participate in the economy, it must also recognise caregiving as a shared responsibility. 'It may not always be a 50–50 split, but it depends on mutual understanding, powers and capabilities of both parents. Unpaid care, home management, and emotional support have substantial economic value, but they are not quantifiable. We can't put a price on that,' she said. Sharing a personal reflection as a mother and wife, she reminded the audience not to lose sight of the emotional and personal cost of balancing career and family life. 'Sometimes we forget. We often take for granted the responsibility of caring for our families. Let us commit ourselves wholeheartedly to building a world where gender no longer serves as a barrier to success and everyone has the opportunity to shine. Every woman has an opportunity to shine,' she said. Themed 'Women leaders beyond borders: Shaping the future of the Asean Sheconomy', the three-day forum celebrates the transformative role of women in driving global economic growth. Focusing on cross-border collaboration, leadership, and innovation, WEF Asean 2025 showcases success stories and strategies that highlight the power of women-led sustainable development. The WEF Asean 2025 brings together influential women leaders from across the region and beyond, offering participants the opportunity to engage in impactful discussions, forge powerful networks, and explore new pathways for women to shape the future of the global economy. — Bernama
Malay Mail
19-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Wan Azizah says women's empowerment needs more than lip service, calls for corporate pledges and govt backing
KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 — Efforts to empower women must go beyond dialogue and be translated into concrete commitments, such as corporate pledges and government partnerships. Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of the Prime Minister, urged leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to work together in building inclusive growth through shared leadership and cross-border collaboration. 'It is an honour for me to stand among such remarkable women. Your vision, generosity, and dedication to making a difference are not only admirable but also a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together,' she said in her keynote address at the Women Economic Forum (WEF) Asean 2025 here today. Also present were Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong; Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad; WEF Asean 2025 Organising Chairperson Datin Dr Hartini Osman; and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif. Dr Wan Azizah said the WEF operated with a global perspective while remaining grounded in its mission as a non-profit movement, which she described as a form of public diplomacy aimed at uplifting women across sectors such as sustainability, governance, technology and trade. 'In this context, the movement has been referred to as the Sheconomy, a powerful acknowledgement of the growing influence of women in shaping economic narratives,' she said, expressing hope that the forum will inspire real outcomes. In addition, she said that without proper monitoring and self-awareness, technological advancements could erode meaningful relationships, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, potentially leading to isolation and abuse, underscoring the need to address their social impact. Dr Wan Azizah also highlighted the importance of work–life balance, saying that while society wanted more women to participate in the economy, it must also recognise caregiving as a shared responsibility. 'It may not always be a 50–50 split, but it depends on mutual understanding, powers and capabilities of both parents. Unpaid care, home management, and emotional support have substantial economic value, but they are not quantifiable. We can't put a price on that,' she said. Sharing a personal reflection as a mother and wife, she reminded the audience not to lose sight of the emotional and personal cost of balancing career and family life. 'Sometimes we forget. We often take for granted the responsibility of caring for our families. Let us commit ourselves wholeheartedly to building a world where gender no longer serves as a barrier to success and everyone has the opportunity to shine. Every woman has an opportunity to shine,' she said. Themed 'Women leaders beyond borders: Shaping the future of the Asean Sheconomy', the three-day forum celebrates the transformative role of women in driving global economic growth. Focusing on cross-border collaboration, leadership, and innovation, WEF Asean 2025 showcases success stories and strategies that highlight the power of women-led sustainable development. The WEF Asean 2025 brings together influential women leaders from across the region and beyond, offering participants the opportunity to engage in impactful discussions, forge powerful networks, and explore new pathways for women to shape the future of the global economy. — Bernama
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Redefining leadership for impact: Why the right hires now shape tomorrow's South Africa?
Leadership isn't what it used to be, and the recent headline-making meeting between Donald Trump, and President Ramaphosa (supported by Johann Rupert, golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, vice president of Business Unity SA and group chief executive officer at Discovery Adrian Gore, and Congress of SA Trade Unions President Zingiswa Losi) proves just that. In today's world, where private capital, political influence, and public perception are deeply intertwined, one thing is clear: the leaders we choose to back, whether in boardrooms or at the ballot box, shape not only economic outcomes but the very fabric of society. Wendy Spalding, Director at Tuesday Consulting This message has been echoed at multiple business leadership events and conferences we have recently attended where one truth stood out: leadership is no longer merely a corporate function but rather a societal responsibility. At Tuesday Consulting, we've spent over two decades placing values-driven, future-fit leaders who understand that navigating complexity and building inclusive growth are not competing goals, they are interconnected imperatives. As the lines between business and politics continue to blur, the demand for leaders who can act with agility, purpose, and integrity has never been more urgent. Government, business, academia, and civil society must work together to build a more resilient, inclusive South Africa and this work starts with who we choose to lead. Our approach to executive search is grounded in rigorous research and enriched by our global partnership with Agilium Worldwide, a network of executive search firms. This dual global-local lens allows us to find leaders who are not only operationally excellent, but also socially attuned leaders who: - Drive cross-sector collaboration; - Build agile, future-ready teams; - Create long-term value for both business and society. The youth unemployment crisis illustrates the urgency. By 2050, Africa will represent 25% of the world's population. Without access to education, mentorship, and meaningful work opportunities, we risk squandering a generational dividend. Leadership, particularly at the highest levels, has a critical role to play in changing this trajectory. At Tuesday Consulting, we believe that business is more than an economic actor, it is a cultural force, a community stakeholder, and increasingly, an agent of social reform. That belief underpins our approach to executive search. We're not just filling roles, we're curating leadership capable of shaping systems, uplifting communities, and delivering sustainable impact. Our commitment has always been clear: champion leaders who lead with purpose, empathy, and vision, those who will transform strategy into meaningful, measurable change. We believe that when you hire for purpose, you don't just change a company, you could play a part in changing a country.
