Government & policy
The EU Community of Practice brings together mediation practitioners, regional and international organisations, civil society representatives and other peacebuilding actors to exchange experience and strengthen cooperation. Its 8th edition takes place against a backdrop of increasingly complex conflicts, political instability and growing pressure on regional and international mediation efforts.
The ECOWAS delegation is led by Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, Director of Political Affairs, and includes Dr. Onyinye Onwuka, Head of Mediation and Coordination of Regional Political Affairs Division. ECOWAS participation in the meeting provides an opportunity to share regional experience and deepen cooperation with European and other international partners.
During the plenary session on “Advancing Peace Mediation in an Unpredictable World,” Dr. Afolabi contributed to discussions on the evolving challenges facing peace mediation, the role of regional organisations, and the importance of partnerships between institutional actors and civil society in preventing and resolving conflicts. The discussions provide an opportunity to reflect on mediation challenges confronting West Africa, including violent extremism and terrorism, political transitions following unconstitutional changes of government, interstate disputes, geopolitical competition and efforts to sustain dialogue and regional cooperation.
ECOWAS’ participation reaffirms its commitment to working with international and regional institutions, civil society and other stakeholders to advance inclusive, coordinated and sustainable peace mediation in West Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Oct 23 · 12:17·APO Group
AI · Energy
Libya’s efforts to increase oil and gas production are putting renewed attention on the technical expertise and workforce capabilities needed to support exploration, drilling and field development. The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Libya Section is contributing to that effort through its Young Professionals activities and engagement with university students.
SPE Libya’s Young Professionals network provides early-career members with opportunities for technical and professional development and links them into the wider SPE community. Ali Abu Ikhzam, founder and Young Professionals Chair of the SPE Libya Section, has also contributed to SPE’s international Young Professionals network and technical publications, with his work covering areas including digitalization and automation.
University-based SPE student chapters provide another route into the profession, giving students opportunities to engage with technical subjects, industry professionals and the wider petroleum engineering community. Such networks can provide an early connection between university training and the technical requirements of Libya’s upstream sector.
The focus on workforce development comes as Libya seeks to attract fresh investment into exploration. The National Oil Corporation’s general bidding round offered 22 exploration blocks, including 11 offshore blocks, as part of an effort to increase exploration activity and develop the country’s oil and gas reserves. The NOC said the round was designed to attract international companies into exploration and drilling while creating opportunities for local businesses and employment. The round has since concluded with international companies awarded investment opportunities.
These issues will feature at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2027, where SPE International – Libya Section is an official supporting organization. The summit will take place in Tripoli from January 23–25, with SPE hosting a Technical Conference as part of the event’s program. The summit’s Knowledge Hub will also address upstream technologies, operational excellence, workforce development and project execution.
SPE Libya is also involved in the Energy JEEL initiative, a Ministry of Oil and Gas-led program focused on developing young Libyans through energy-related training and knowledge sharing. The initiative has trained more than 900 young people and is intended to build a pipeline of engineers, technicians and other energy professionals as Libya develops its oil, gas and broader energy sectors.
Youth development will also form part of LEES 2027’s In-Country Value Forum on January 24. The program is set to examine youth and women in energy, AI, workforce development and pathways for the next generation of Libyan energy professionals.
For SPE members, the summit provides access to operators, service companies, policymakers and international technical specialists in one setting. For students and young professionals, it also offers exposure to the projects, technologies and industry contacts that will become increasingly relevant as Libya develops new exploration opportunities and invests in existing assets.
LEES 2027 takes place in Tripoli from January 23–25. For more information visit https://LibyaSummit.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Oct 23 · 12:00·APO Group
Sustainability · Government & policy
Amogy announced that it will deploy its ammonia cracking technology with Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency, A*STAR.
Oct 23 · 12:00·GlobeNewswire
Healthcare · Biotech & pharma
JK06 continued to demonstrate a highly differentiated safety profile for an MMAE ADC among 230 patients in the target dose range; predominantly low-grade, manageable treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were observed with low rates of dose reduction and discontinuation Among response-evaluable squamous non-small cell
Oct 23 · 12:00·Business Wire
Government & policy
BEERSE, BELGIUM, Oct. 23, 2026 -- Johnson & Johnson, a worldwide leader in multiple myeloma, today announced that the European Commission (EC) has approved an indication extension of TECVAYLI® (teclistamab) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least one prior therapy. Building on the recent EC approval of teclistamab plus daratumumab, this indication extension introduces teclistamab monotherapy as an additional second-line treatment option for patients living with RRMM and reinforces the wider potential of teclistamab across both monotherapy and combination approaches for patients at first relapse.1,2
Oct 23 · 11:09·GlobeNewswire
Finance · SaaS
On 21 October 2026, His Excellency Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, received Mrs. Serap Güler, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany, who was on a working visit to Bujumbura.
On this occasion, Minister Édouard Bizimana welcomed his guest to Burundi, highlighting the country’s stability, renowned hospitality and the opportunities it offers for cooperation and investment. He also expressed his satisfaction with the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation that have united Burundi and Germany for many years.
In her remarks, Mrs. Serap Güler said she was honoured to be visiting Burundi for the first time. She praised the warm welcome she had received upon her arrival at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, as well as the quality of the discussions held with Burundian officials.
The discussions focused mainly on prospects for strengthening bilateral relations and ways to further revitalise economic and development cooperation between the two countries. In this regard, Minister Édouard Bizimana called for closer cooperation between Germany and Burundi, particularly through the return of some German development partners, such as GIZ, and the inclusion of Burundi among the priority countries benefiting from cooperation and funding programmes.
On this occasion, Minister Édouard Bizimana welcomed his guest to Burundi, highlighting the country’s stability, renowned hospitality and the opportunities it offers for cooperation and investment. He also expressed his satisfaction with the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation that have united Burundi and Germany for many years.
In her remarks, Mrs. Serap Güler said she was honoured to be visiting Burundi for the first time. She praised the warm welcome she had received upon her arrival at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, as well as the quality of the discussions held with Burundian officials.
The discussions focused mainly on prospects for strengthening bilateral relations and ways to further revitalise economic and development cooperation between the two countries. In this regard, Minister Édouard Bizimana called for closer cooperation between Germany and Burundi, particularly through the return of some German development partners, such as GIZ, and the inclusion of Burundi among the priority countries benefiting from cooperation and funding programmes.
Regarding development cooperation, the Minister of State expressed her willingness to convey Burundi’s concerns and priorities to European institutions in order to promote greater consideration of the country’s development needs. She also acknowledged the efforts made by the Government of Burundi, under the leadership of His Excellency Évariste Ndayishimiye, to promote peace and regional stability. She assured that Germany would continue to support initiatives in this area.
On human rights, Mrs Serap Güler congratulated Burundi on its progress on the international stage, particularly its renewed mandate on the United Nations Security Council and its engagement in multilateral forums. She encouraged the Government to continue its efforts to consolidate the progress achieved in this area.
She also stressed the importance of pursuing economic reforms aimed at improving the business climate and making Burundi more attractive to foreign investors. In her view, the country has significant strengths and numerous opportunities that could encourage productive investment.
At the end of the meeting, the two officials reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation between Burundi and Germany. Minister Édouard Bizimana concluded by stressing that Burundi remains firmly committed to its development path and is ready to work closely with Germany on projects and initiatives that contribute to the prosperity of both peoples.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministère des Affaires Etrangères du Burundi.
Oct 23 · 10:56·APO Group
Finance · Energy
Every year, sea turtles return to the beaches of northern KwaZulu-Natal where they began life. Once they leave the shore, national boundaries disappear. Some travel north through the Mozambique Channel, using waters and coastal habitats off Mozambique and Madagascar. Others journey into the wider Indian Ocean.
South Africa can protect their nesting beaches. But no country can protect their entire journey alone.
The turtle carries the central challenge of Western Indian Ocean conservation on its back. Strong national action is indispensable, but migratory species, connected habitats and shared ecosystems also require countries to work together. The finance supporting that cooperation must be capable of making the same journey.
For the approximately 60 million people living within 100 kilometres of the Western Indian Ocean coastline, the stakes are immediate. Healthy marine ecosystems support food security, livelihoods, trade, tourism and protection from storms. They are the natural foundation of the sustainable blue economies our countries are working to build.
Their value reaches far beyond the region. Our mangroves and seagrasses store carbon. Our reefs sustain biodiversity of global importance. Our waters support migratory species whose journeys connect coastlines and the wider ocean. Protecting them is both a regional responsibility and a global interest.
The WIO does not lack ambition. Nor is it waiting for others to define what ocean conservation should look like.
In my own country, Seychelles, we have seen what can happen when ocean ambition is matched by political commitment and innovative finance. Our marine spatial planning and conservation-finance experience demonstrate that protecting the ocean can be integrated with national development. This learning does not belong to Seychelles alone, across the WIO, other countries are now advancing approaches shaped by their own priorities and circumstances.
Through the Nairobi Convention, governments have committed to stronger cooperation, sustainable blue economies and effective, inclusive ocean governance. The Regional Ocean Governance Strategy has established the mandate. We are now tasked with building the financing mechanisms capable of delivering it.
That task is no small feat. Conserving 30% of marine and coastal areas by 2030 requires more than drawing boundaries on a map. Protected areas must be supported by science, effective management, enforcement, community participation and investment in sustainable livelihoods.
With the landmark BBNJ Agreement now in force, new possibilities are opening for conservation beyond national waters. The WIO must be ready to influence how the Agreement is implemented through regional research, proposals, and cooperation from the coast to the high seas.
But these responsibilities will extend far beyond any single project or grant. Reefs do not recover according to project deadlines. Fisheries do not rebuild within funding cycles. Conservation requires continuity.
On Anjouan in Comoros, women from three coastal villages formed an association after learning from fishing communities in Madagascar and Zanzibar. They temporarily closed part of their reef to octopus fishing, helped enforce the closure and waited. When the fishing ground reopened, the average octopus caught was twice its previous weight.
The idea crossed borders because communities could learn from one another. WIO communities are not waiting for conservation to arrive. They are already leading it. Sustaining and extending their progress requires finance that supports local leadership, shared knowledge and long-term management.
National institutions and project investments remain essential. But some responsibilities are regional by nature. Fisheries move, species migrate and habitats connect. Protecting offshore and transboundary ecosystems therefore requires countries to work together over time.
No single fund can finance every aspect of the WIO ocean agenda. Pollution control, greener ports, maritime priorities and conservation require different instruments. Within that wider architecture, a Western Indian Ocean Regional Conservation Trust Fund (RCTF) could fill a specific gap: mobilising and deploying sustained finance for conservation priorities that cross borders and are best addressed together.
Designed to complement and not compete with national funds, development banks and project finance, the RCTF would focus only where regional cooperation adds clear value.
The region is not starting from zero on this issue. Consultations with governments, conservation organisations and financial partners have begun, informed by experience within the WIO and elsewhere. The next phase must remain government-led, determining the fund’s priorities, safeguards, governance and relationship with existing institutions.
International partners can help accelerate that work. They are not being asked to create a new agenda or finance another isolated project. They can help build one component of a regionally owned financing architecture, directed toward conservation needs that conventional funding struggles to sustain. This is not simply an opportunity to fund conservation in the WIO. It is an opportunity to invest in the WIO’s capacity to lead it.
When governments meet at COP12 in October, they will mark 40 years of cooperation through the Nairobi Convention. They must also look ahead. A sustainable blue economy for the region must be built on healthy ecosystems backed by reliable, long-term finance.
COP12 should authorise a government-led next phase for the RCTF, defining where it can add value and how it should operate within the regional architecture already endorsed. International partners have an opportunity to invest early in a regionally owned mechanism designed to sustain conservation impact well beyond a single project or funding cycle.
The Western Indian Ocean is one connected ocean. Its future demands finance equal to the distance its species travel, the connections its ecosystems sustain and the ambition its countries are ready to turn into action.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources, Seychelles.
Oct 23 · 10:49·APO Group
Healthcare · Energy
During their stay in Ankara for the first session of political consultations between Burkina Faso and the Republic, the Burkinabe delegation led by the Comrade Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hermann Yirigouin TOE, conducted wide-ranging consultations on October 20 and 21, 2026 with numerous figures within various Turkish state structures.
Thus, the delegation visited in turn the Maarif Foundation, the Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the Higher Education Information Council, the Ministry of Health, the Council for External Economic Relations (DEIK), and the Ministry of National Education.
At the MAARIF Foundation, Ambassador Hermann Yirigouin TOE and his delegation held discussions with Anet BEY, Head of Africa at the MAARIF Foundation, assisted by colleagues.
He welcomed the signing of an establishment and management agreement with the foundation, which already owns schools in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, and the awarding of scholarships for Burkinabe students.
She also requested the foundation's support for increasing the number of these scholarships and for support in the areas of education and vocational and technical training.
MAARIF agreed to all of these requests. The two parties also discussed opportunities for expanding the foundation's activities in Burkina Faso.
At the Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the Turkish development agency founded in 1992, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was received by Dr. Yahya Coskun, Vice President of the institution. TIKA has numerous achievements in Burkina Faso.
Among other things, she supported the development of emergency medicine with the SAMU (Emergency Medical Service).
The Agency expressed its support for a review of the project for its implementation. For 2027, it committed to providing support to Burkina Faso in the area of vocational and technical training, in line with the country's endogenous development objective.
The Burkinabe delegation also expressed the wish that a TIKA office could be opened soon in Ouagadougou.
At the Higher Education Council, discussions between Burkinabe and Turkish representatives focused primarily on the issue of renewing the 2024 memorandum of understanding, which sets out the conditions for cooperation in academic and university matters and which has now expired.
From the outset, Burkina Faso expressed its commitment to preserving the existing agreements, maintaining this cooperation, and strengthening it. The Turkish Council for Higher Education also supports this renewal and promises to increase the number of scholarships for Master's and Doctoral programs for Burkinabe students.
The Turkish side stated that it was open to any proposals for improving our cooperation within the framework of the new agreement. A prioritized list of Burkina Faso's needs will be sent to Turkey immediately.
Researchers from Burkina Faso will also be able to access and apply to the project bank of Turkish research centers.
At the Ministry of Health, the Burkinabe delegation was received by the Vice-Minister, Professor Nurullah OKUMUS.
Ambassador Hermann Yirigouin TOE praised the dynamism of cooperation between our two countries in the field of health, with the success of the first kidney transplant in Burkina Faso as a concrete achievement.
The Turkish Deputy Minister expressed his country's commitment to continuing its support for Burkina Faso in organ transplantation. This support will take the form of training and skills development for trainers, keeping pace with evolving knowledge in the field.
He also expressed support for facilitating agreements between Turkish public hospitals and the Burkinabe Ministry of Health as part of deepening health cooperation.
Professor Nurullah OKUMUS expressed interest in the Kokologho pharmaceutical technopole project, which could offer investment opportunities to Turkish companies.
At the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK), which represents 4,000 Turkish companies, discussions led to a proposal to hold a business and investment forum between Burkina Faso and Turkey in Burkina Faso. Turkish exports to Burkina Faso are projected to increase from US$122.24 million in 2023 to US$177.84 million in 2025.
This growth testifies to the dynamism of our trade relations, and Ambassador TOE commended the important role played by DEIK in bringing Turkish and Burkinabe businesses closer together. He urged the institution to be more actively involved in resolving disputes between Turkey and Burkinabe to prevent Burkinabe companies from continually suffering losses.
DEIK, through Ms. Vahit Oguz Cetin, one of its leaders for West Africa, advocated for the facilitation of banking transactions and an agreement on the elimination of double taxation.
The Burkinabe delegation explained that this issue of double taxation is addressed at the confederal level within the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). It encouraged joint ventures and the establishment of sustainable partnerships, particularly in agri-food, cold chain logistics, textiles, solar energy, mining, technical training, etc., to boost national economic development.
At the Turkish Ministry of National Education, discussions focused primarily on the issue of improving the quality of education desired and sought by Burkina Faso to support its project for the economic and social transformation of the country within the framework of the Popular Progressive Revolution.
The Turkish Department of Education has stated its readiness to examine all options regarding the training of teachers and administrators of the education system, the sharing of experience in vocational and technical training, the sharing of school programs and training curricula, and the implementation of new programs.
He also proposed twinning projects between Turkish and Burkinabe schools for a mixing of peoples, the ambition being to leave future generations a legacy of relations based on friendship and cooperation.
Between two consultations, Ambassador Hermann Yirigouin TOE and his delegation visited the Atatürk Mausoleum named after Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK, the Founder of the Republic of Türkiye.
A return to the roots of modern Türkiye, rich in lessons about the determination of a man and the nationalism of a people who knew how to take charge of their destiny and establish themselves in the concert of nations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministère des Affaires étrangères, Burkina Faso.
Oct 23 · 10:43·APO Group
Finance · Healthcare
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, launched their Educating Linda Program to support girl education at Kenya State House, in partnership with H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H, The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. During the visit, the Merck Foundation Kenya Alumni Summit 2026 was also conducted to highlight the impact of their scholarships program with the aim to build healthcare capacity and transform patient care landscape across Kenya nationwide.
The program was attended by The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, and CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign, Dr. Rasha Kelej and Kenya Minister of Health, Hon. Aden Duale.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign emphasized, “It is a great pleasure to meet my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H. First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and to recognize her for her tremendous efforts as the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”.
I am proud that through our long-term partnership we have provided 328 scholarships for young Kenyan healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved specialties. I am also happy to share that nearly 50% of these scholarships have been awarded to women healthcare providers, reinforcing our commitment to women empowerment.
It was also great meeting Kenya Minister of Health, Hon. Aden Duale and our Alumni, who are the future healthcare experts of Kenya.”
“We are looking forward to extending our scholarship program to more healthcare providers in partnership with First Lady of Kenya and in collaboration with Medical Societies and Ministry of Health when possible.” She added.
H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya expressed,
“Through our impactful partnership with Merck Foundation, we are not just implementing programs, we are transforming lives. Together, we are strengthening our healthcare capacity, empowering girls through education, breaking infertility stigma, and addressing other critical social and health challenges across Kenya. We are immensely proud that, through our strong partnership, we have been able to provide 328 scholarships for our healthcare providers, not only in the capital city, but across the country. It represents a powerful investment in the future of our healthcare system, a commitment to building expertise where it is needed most, and a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to quality care for all our people.
At the same time, we are equally proud to support the education of 47 high-performing yet underprivileged Kenyan schoolgirls, providing them with annual scholarships till they graduate. By empowering these young girls through education, we are not only transforming individual lives, but also shaping stronger families, communities, and a brighter future for our nation.”
Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity in Kenya and across developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patient care through our scholarships program.”
Hon. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health, Kenya shared, “We sincerely appreciate the Merck Foundation Scholarships Program through which 328 scholarships have been provided till today for our local healthcare providers in many critical underserved specialties, helping us to build and strengthen our healthcare capacity, across the country.”
One of the important specialties that Merck Foundation is focusing on in 2025 and 2026 in Kenya is the scholarship of One Year Diploma in Nutrition, to support the program of Feeding and Food Security of Kenya First Lady.
More than 90 scholarships are dedicated to this specialty across the 47 provinces of Kenya. This will create a culture shift in leading a healthy lifestyle for the whole population which will contribute to healthier communities and hence social and economic development of the whole country nationwide.
The program was also attended by the Kenyan winners of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2024 and 2025.
“It was a pleasure meeting and celebrating our Winners, the health and social champions, who are the voice of the voiceless”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.
Out of the total 328 scholarships, Merck Foundation has provided:
121 scholarships for one-year postgraduate diplomas and two-year master’s degrees in Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, and Endocrinology. These programs enable doctors to establish specialized diabetes clinics across the country.
10 scholarships for Oncology, which is a critical specialty to strengthen cancer care capacity.
49 scholarships for Fertility, Embryology, and Reproductive Medicine under the “More Than a Mother” campaign, bringing hope and support to couples facing infertility challenges.
148 scholarships for other important specialties such as Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Neurology, Emergency Medicine, Dermatology, and many more, contributing significantly to strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system.
Merck Foundation has overall provided more than 2,600 scholarships for healthcare providers in 44 critical and undeserved specialties from over 52 countries.
During the Summit, Merck Foundation alumni shared inspiring testimonies on how these scholarships have transformed their professional journeys and improved patient care in their communities.
Merck Foundation, in partnership with the First Lady of Kenya, is also launching children’s storybooks — “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure” in English and Swahili to raise awareness about critical social and health issues among young children. Thousands of copies will be distributed across schools in Kenya. These storybooks have also been adapted into animated films to further enhance their impact.
Moreover, Merck Foundation has conducted 4 Editions of their Online Health Media Training for Kenyan journalists to empower them to raise awareness about sensitive social and health issues such as breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending child marriage and GBV, and promoting healthy lifestyle practices.
Merck Foundation, together with the First Lady of Kenya, also organizes annual awards for media, musicians, filmmakers, and fashion designers to encourage creative talents to raise awareness about important social issues.
Merck Foundation in partnership with the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya has also announced the Call for Application for their important annual Awards for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.
Details of the Awards:
1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
2. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
4. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
Apply here: https://apo-opa.co/4siT2b4
Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to:
submit@merck-foundation.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Contact:
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
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About Merck Foundation:
Merck Foundation works across more than 50 countries with First Ladies, their Foundations, Ministries, and other key stakeholders. Through complementary roles in advocacy, local government coordination, healthcare & media capacity building, girls’ education, and community awareness initiatives.
It is this coordinated ecosystem of partnerships—with distinct responsibilities and a shared vision—that enables Merck Foundation to build local capacity, create sustainable impact, and contribute to long-term transformation in healthcare and society.
Through their various programs and initiatives, Merck Foundation has provided 2,750+ scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, awarded 1,570+ scholarships to underprivileged African schoolgirls across 21 countries, trained 4,000+ media professionals, recognized 980 award winners, and reached 9+ million followers across 15 social media channels, driving lasting impact in healthcare, education, and awareness across Africa and Asia.
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
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Oct 23 · 10:22·APO Group
SaaS · Automotive
Strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing is critical to enhancing military operational readiness, securing supply chains and advancing national self-reliance. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) continues to prioritise local innovation and production to build sustainable logistical capabilities and reduce dependence on external supplies.
The Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF), Lieutenant General John Omenda, underscored these priorities while chairing the 74th Board of Directors Meeting of the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation (KOFC) in Eldoret, where he launched two key initiatives aimed at strengthening operational support and staff welfare.
A major highlight was the unveiling of a locally manufactured Meal Ready-to-Eat (MRE) ration, designed to provide convenient and nutritious meals for military personnel during operations, training exercises and field deployments.
The introduction of the MRE marks a significant milestone in expanding Kenya’s domestic defence production capacity, strengthening logistical resilience and reducing reliance on external supply chains for essential military provisions.
Lieutenant General Omenda also launched a new KOFC staff bus to enhance personnel mobility, improve transportation efficiency and support the corporation’s daily operations, underscoring the importance of workforce welfare in sustaining institutional productivity.
The initiatives highlight KOFC’s growing role in advancing defence industrial innovation, promoting local manufacturing and supporting the KDF’s operational requirements.
By integrating technological innovation, personnel welfare and indigenous production, KOFC continues to contribute to a more resilient, efficient and self-reliant defence sector, reinforcing the KDF’s capacity to sustain operations and safeguard national security.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence - Kenya.
Oct 23 · 10:21·APO Group
Government & policy · Marketing & advertising
Andy Beck Grassroots congressional campaign enters final stretch with expanding advertising, major labor endorsements, and a call for accountability from Washington. Voters deserve more than a name on the ballot and a party affiliation. They deserve someone willing to stand in front of them, answer questions, and earn their vote.” — Andy Beck, Democratic Candidate for Congress, WI-05 WEST BEND, WI, UNITED STATES, Oct
Oct 23 · 10:15·EIN Presswire
SaaS · Aerospace & defense
Military diplomacy remains a vital pillar in strengthening bilateral defence partnerships, enhancing professional cooperation and advancing shared security interests. Kenya and the Republic of Korea continue to deepen their defence engagement through sustained dialogue and military-to-military exchanges.
On 22 October 2026, the South Korean Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Kim Seha, paid a courtesy call on the Commander Kenya Air Force (KAF), Major General Bernard Waliaula, at KAF Headquarters, Moi Air Base, Nairobi.
The engagement provided a platform for discussions on bilateral defence cooperation, with emphasis on strengthening military relations, promoting professional exchanges and exploring opportunities for closer collaboration between the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Republic of Korea’s Armed Forces.
Major General Waliaula and Lieutenant Colonel Kim underscored the importance of sustained military engagement in fostering mutual understanding, strengthening institutional partnerships and identifying areas of shared defence and security interest.
The visit highlighted the strategic value of defence diplomacy in building enduring partnerships, facilitating knowledge exchange and enhancing cooperation in addressing evolving security challenges.
The engagement further reaffirmed the cordial relations between Kenya and the Republic of Korea and their shared commitment to advancing bilateral defence cooperation, strengthening military partnerships and promoting regional and international peace and security.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence - Kenya.
Oct 23 · 10:12·APO Group