Africa

Adapting to Climate Change

In December 2012, the UN launched a new initiative to support communities across Africa that are adapting to the impact of climate change. If left unaddressed, environmental changes could have major consequences for peoples' lives and livelihoods. The UN Environment Program has set up an information portal, the Africa Adaptation Knowledge Network, to serve as a hub for knowledge, research, successful initiatives and collaborative partnerships on climate change adaptation. The idea is to build on efforts taking place around Africa to mobilize existing knowledge and provide robust solutions.

South Africa

Zuma Reelected

South African President Jacob Zuma was reelected as leader of South Africa's governing African National Congress (ANC) on December 18, 2012, capturing about 75 percent of the 3,977 voting delegates at the ANC's elective conference. After his win, Zuma vowed to contribute more to the democratic life of South Africa.

Africa

Satellite Launches

China Great Wall Industry Corp. will launch the Democratic Republic of the Congo's first satellite, which will also be developed by China, before the end of 2015, according to a recently-signed contract. The company is China's only authorized provider of commercial satellite launch services for international clients. The contract for CongoSat 1, a communications satellite to be developed and manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology for the National Network of Satellite Telecommunications of the African country, was inked in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.

Africa

Education Support

China and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently launched an $8 million joint program to support educational development in Africa. The four-year program, called Enhancing Teacher Education for Bridging the Education Quality Gap in Africa, aims to accelerate progress toward the achievement of Education for All (EFA) and the Millennium Development Goals. It focuses on providing a sufficient number of qualified teachers in Africa through training programs. Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia and Namibia have been chosen as the first-year beneficiaries of the program.