FARUKH SHEHZAD

ANKARA, OCT 15: With his upcoming Africa tour starting on Sunday, the Turkish president will take his place among the world leaders who visited the continent the most.

While Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will visit Angola, Togo, and Nigeria, he also received five leaders from African countries and President of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat this year.

Government and private sector representatives from 54 African countries are expected to attend the Turkey-Africa Partnership Summit, which will be held under the auspices of the Turkish Presidency on Oct. 21-22 in Istanbul.

This year, leaders of Angola, Ethiopia, Guinea, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo organized official visits to Turkey and held talks to improve relations.

LATEST OFFICIAL VISIT FROM AFRICA TO TURKEY BY HEAD OF AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION

Moussa Faki Mahamat visited Turkey on Sept. 30 and said they are pleased with partnership and cooperation with Turkey, adding: “We are making progress with each passing day. We are taking positive steps.”

He said the increasing number of African embassies in Ankara is a concrete positive indicator of Turkey’s relations with African countries, in a joint news conference with Erdoğan.

“We are pleased with this partnership. This is a partnership at the equal level, at the friend level, between friends, without taboos, sincere and openly spoken, aiming to act together, aiming to overcome the challenges that people have faced together,” he said.

VISITS FROM AFRICAN LEADERS TO TURKEY

African leaders, including President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Felix Tshisekedi, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Chairman of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and Angolan President Joao Lourenco visited Turkey and discussed bilateral relations with Erdoğan.

The fact that African leaders brought up issues such as enhancing bilateral cooperation, developing relations in the economic field, and security cooperation during their visits to Turkey is considered an indicator of positive views towards Turkey.

In addition to bilateral relations, African leaders are also taking steps to find solutions to regional issues by exchanging ideas with Turkey.

Erdoğan held two separate meetings, one week apart, with the Sudanese and Ethiopian leaders, neighbors that have been in tension for a long time over a border dispute.

Along with in-person meetings, Erdoğan also spoke by phone with the leaders of many African countries, including Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Tunisian leader Kais Saied, Senegalese President Macky Sall, Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbe, and head of Libya’s Presidential Council Mohammed al-Manfi.

---------------------------------------

COURTESY ANEWS

-------------------

DUBAI, OCT 15: The Pakistan T20 World Cup squad, led by Babar Azam, has arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Friday.

Entire squad members including officials will undergo COVID-19 tests in Dubai and will have to quarantine for a day, PCB said in a statement.

Pakistan is scheduled to play two warm-up matches against the West Indies and South Africa on October 18 and 20, respectively.

Earlier, the Men-in-Green flew from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport for the UAE in a chartered plane.

Prior to the departure to UAE, skipper Babar Azam took it to Twitter and demanded the fans to “stand by the team”.

Pakistan Fixtures

24 Oct – Pakistan v India, ICC T20 WC (Group 2), Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

26 Oct – Pakistan v New Zealand, ICC T20 WC (Group 2), Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

29 Oct – Pakistan v Afghanistan, ICC T20 WC (Group 2), Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

-----------------------------------

COURTESY SAMAA

-----------------

ISLAMABAD, OCT 15: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday launched the Kisan Portal — a special category for farmers in the Pakistan Citizen Portal — saying it would give a voice to small farmers who were "voiceless" in front of powerful people.

Addressing the launch ceremony in Islamabad, he noted that 90 per cent of farmers had small landholdings but their problems never reached those in power. "He works hard and has no voice in front of the powerful. If a corrupt policeman comes in the area, the farmer suffers the most."

Talking about the situation of farmers in the country, the premier said that all research pointed to how small farmers paid the highest prices when buying something from the market but sold their crop for the lowest price compared to bigger farmers.

"The farmer used to work hard and take his sugarcane to sugar mills. He would be defeated from both sides — first they (sugar mills) made farmers wait in long lines. When I travelled in winter, trucks used to be queued outside sugar mills and they would get low prices," he recalled.

The premier said he wanted to continuously help farmers and had decided to get them the full price for their crop when he came into power. As a result of the government's efforts, productivity had increased after farmers got the money they deserved, he noted, adding that the government needed to help farmers a lot more.

The premier rued that Pakistan had reduced its research spending in the past, pointing out that countries that had invested in research saw increased agricultural productivity.

"As long as you don't do research, participate in seed development, how will your productivity increase?" he questioned.

"I am most unhappy that we have so many cows but we have to import dry milk. And we have never tried [...] it is very easy to increase the yield of our cows. Milk production of cows in Europe is six times more than ours."

Prime Minister Imran also lamented that the country did not work on building reservoirs and dams in the past, which could have helped farmers get more water, adding that there was a lot of uncultivated land in Pakistan which could be utilised.

"We have a lot of land [lying free]. But because we didn't have water and never thought of it [...] big dams are being built after 50 years. We are building dams and you will see we will give more [water] to farmers. It can also stop the destruction from floods."

Detailing the steps the government was taking to help farmers, he said the government had introduced the Kisan Card to provide direct subsidy to farmers. Now a small farmer would get money directly through the Kisan Card, he shared.

"If we want to subsidise urea or pesticides or to help if some disaster comes — money will come directly through the card."

Farmers also needed insurance, he pointed out, saying that banks would be more willing to give loans if the farmers' crops were insured.

The Sehat Insaf Card, through which every family would be able to get treatment of up to Rs1 million at any hospital, would also help farmers, the premier said.

Imported inflation

"Our effort is to increase our productivity and [cultivated] areas," the prime minister said. "Our import bill increased 53 per cent in one year. The pressure on the rupee increased because we imported 4m tonnes of wheat, we imported sugar and pulses and the [price of imported] palm oil nearly doubled."

The government was focusing on growing these products in Pakistan to counter inflation through import, he said.

"The cultivation of olives is also a revolution in Pakistan. Especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, so many olive trees have been planted that Pakistan will export them in the future. God has given this country everything. We just have to use our minds, do research, get new techniques for farmers," he said, adding that the government was working on a programme for training farmers.

Prime Minister Imran said that the agriculture sector was also made a part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Pakistan was taking help from China to increase agricultural productivity.

"We have been continuing the same practices in Pakistan that existed in Mohenjo-Daro," he regretted.

"The most expensive and nutritious vegetable, Avocado, is being sold for Rs600-700 per piece here. Its tree starts giving fruit in 4-5 years. We have a lot of land for [planting avocado trees]. We have to [grow] new things as our population increases."

Elaborating on how the Kisan Portal will work, the prime minister said that calls from farmers will go directly to the chief secretary's office.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), 123 dashboards have been set up in the relevant institutions at the federal and provincial level.

"We will ensure through this portal that small farmers are not oppressed in any form," the prime minister stressed.

He urged farmers to "think that this government is yours. We will get you full price and will help you in every way."

"When we help our farmers, we will help Pakistan," he added.

------------------------------------------------

COURTESY DAWN NEWS

-------------

ISLAMABAD, OCT 14: MATSUDA Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, has appreciated and extended his congratulations to Khurram Sohail, President of Pakistan-Japan Literature Forum (PJLF), for publication of the Urdu translation of the classic Japanese novel “Genji Monogatari-The Tale of Genji” which was written one thousand years ago by a famous female novelist in Japan.

Ambassador MATSUDA expressed these views while speaking at an introductory session of the book which was held here on Thursday October 14th at his official residence and was attended by a limited number of guests as a precaution against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ambassador, while commending the tireless efforts of Mr. Sohail and the late Mr. Baqar Naqvi for making this project a reality over a 5-year project, stated that translation of such a classic Japanese novel must have been a challenging task for the duo that eventually turned out to be an excellent gift for the Pakistani readers to understand the Japanese culture and aristocratic society through this literary masterpiece.

While appreciating the rich literary and cultural heritage of both Japan and Pakistan, the Ambassador said literature and heritage of any nation are so much significant as they help us to understand each other, respect each other and we all need to work together to pass on this rich heritage and literature to our future generations.

Khurram Sohail, President PJLF, in his remarks, expressed his gratitude to Ambassador for sparing his precious time to host this introductory session of the book at his residence.

He hoped that the Urdu translation of this Japanese novel will prove to be a milestone in further promoting Pakistan-Japan’s cultural and literary relations in future.

He informed that during his visits to Japan he was delighted to see that the Japanese scholars and researchers had translated the works of icons like Ghalib, Faiz, Munto and Iqbal into Japanese language and that gave him the motivation to translate classic Japanese novel “Genji Monogatari-The Tale of Genji” into Urdu language.

Mrs. Sadia Rashid, President, Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association Sindh, while speaking on the occasion appreciated the efforts and hard work of Mr. Khurram Sohail underscored the need of more collaboration between Pakistan and Japan in the field of literature in order to make the people of two countries to understand each other’s culture and literary achievements.

It is pertinent to mention here that Genji Monogatari-The Tale of Genji is a masterpiece of Japanese literature by Murasaki Shikibu which was written over one thousand years ago and considered as one of the world’s oldest novels.

---------------------------------------------------

OSLO, OCT 14: Norway’s incoming government on Wednesday presented the key policies and proposals it will plans to implement when it takes over the reins.

Labour leader Jonas Gahr Støre and his counterpart from the Centre Party, Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, unveiled their government policy platform.

“Now Norway will have a government that will listen to the people. We will not overtake people but work to reduce the differences socially and geographically,” Vedum told the press at the reveal.

The incoming government will pursue tax cuts for lower earners, cheaper childcare and more affordable electricity.

Tax cuts (but not for everyone)

The government wants to reduce income tax for those on incomes less than 750,000 kroner per year. This was a key promise that the Labour Party made throughout the election, and the Centre Party also said that it wanted a tax cut.

Whether the tax cut will be in addition to the proposed bracket tax cuts for those on low-to-middle incomes the outgoing government announced on Tuesday remains to be seen.

While those on lower incomes may pay less in tax, higher earners can expect to be taxed more.

Working life

The incoming government wants to tighten the Working Environment Act to improve working conditions, cut down on the number of temporary positions, and regulate the staffing and recruitment industry more closely.

Other tax changes

There will be other changes to taxes, including bad news for anyone hoping to purchase an electric car soon.

VAT will be applied to new EV’s sold for more than 600,000 kroner, while the new minority coalition proposes lowering deductibles on the wealth tax to ensure the wealthiest in society pay more.

EEA and immigration

The eurosceptic Centre Party is a vocal critic of Norway’s membership of the European Economic Area or EEA. Before the election, it said it wanted to regulate labour immigration and pull Norway from the Schengen agreement renegotiate with the EEA.

The new government has said it will remain part of the agreement, but it will be examined and investigated to see whether there is any room to manoeuvre within it. This will come as a relief to many foreign residents in Norway, knowing their right to live and work in Norway will be protected.

More affordable childcare

The maximum price for kindergarten places will be lowered during 2022, and families won’t have to pay for a third child to attend at the same time as their siblings.

In addition, the two parties have agreed to gradually introduce a healthy daily meal into schools and more daily physical activity.

Free afterschool activities for all first-graders could also be implemented, although there are currently no details on when this could happen.

Cheaper electricity

More affordable power is also on the agenda. The coalition has promised to lower taxes on electricity, increase housing support and introduce a geographical price equalisation of grid rent.

This is as well as strengthening consumer rights, increasing the output of Norwegian energy and ensuring no new cables transferring power are constructed.

Climate

The government will continue looking for oil in new areas, a policy point that caused the Socialist Left Party to leave negotiations to be part of the coalition.

Despite that, there’s still green policy. Norway’s CO2 tax will gradually increase to around 2,000 kroner per tonne by 2030. Greenhouse gases will be cut by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and this obligation will apply to sectors of the economy subject to climate quotas. This will bring Norway in line with EU climate targets.

Healthcare

Ullevål hospital will be closed and replaced by new hospitals at Gaustad and Aker that will need to be built.

Dental care looks set to become cheaper. Free dental care will be extended to those aged between 19-21, and the cost of dentistry will be subsidised to the tune of 50 percent for those aged between 22-25.

The health trust model will also be put under the microscope with the parties examining whether the current system is fit for purpose.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

COURTESY thelocal.no

---------------

• The program announces its first cohort of 15 start-ups that will work with partners such as Etihad Airways, Unilever, Flow, Akbank, KPMG and IKEA.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 14: Microsoft today, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), inaugurated the first cohort of its GrowthX Accelerator program in Pakistan.

“Abu Dhabi is focused on empowering startups that can create a lasting impact in the digital economy,” said M. Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.“

As a founding partner of GrowthX Accelerator, ADIO is partnering with Microsoft to empower visionary entrepreneurs with the technology, mentoring and market access they need to get off the ground. 

ADIO’s work with Microsoft will accelerate innovation and boost entrepreneurship, in line with Abu Dhabi’s unwavering commitment to support the private sector.”

As part of a larger strategic partnership between ADIO and Microsoft, GrowthX Accelerator is designed to bridge the gap between corporates and B2B startups across the Middle East and Africa by connecting startups with large corporations.

The 12-week program empowers B2B startups with the technology, mentoring and market access they need to solve the corporate partners’ unique challenges and problem statements.

“Startups are now in the driver’s seat to fulfilling their potential through the GrowthX Accelerator. It is exhilarating to facilitate an empowering experience for B2B startups to make the most of the technology, mentoring, and access to the market that this program will provide,” said Roberto Croci, Managing Director, Microsoft for Startups, MEA. 

“Alongside our partners, we look forward to enabling our first cohort of B2B startups to compete at the highest level, and in hopes of transforming the region into a globally leading hub for technology and entrepreneurship.”

The first cohort consists of 15 startups that will hit the ground running, offering breakthrough solutions that meet corporate clients’ challenges and requirements. These include:

•    Spitch – a global provider of B2B and B2C Conversational AI solutions.

•    Gener8 – enables users to control and be rewarded from their own data.

•    Poltio – helps the world’s top brands engage and learn from their users with interactive content.

•    Getbee – an ecommerce platform that engages with customers on a more human and immersive level.

•    OPLOG –a pioneer in e-logistics, simplifying the cost, time and resources for supply chain operations.

•    Fero –shaping the future of digital freight with technology to automate the logistics industry,

•    Urbantz – a SaaS solution to transform last mile delivery and logistics across industries.

•    Barakatech – delivers super-app platforms, blockchain solutions, and next-gen FinTech micro services.

•    Hi55 – a digital payroll scheme to empower individuals and businesses with cash flow.

•    Nym Card – provides dynamic and secure building blocks for building fast and easy card programs.

•    Artiwise – an AI and NLP startup that provides cloud-based analytics solutions to enterprises.

•    B2Brain – delivers tailored analytics to automate research and intelligence to improve conversations.

•    Alpha Sense – an intelligence platform that helps businesses make data-driven decisions.

•    NexDegree – enables brick & mortar retail stores to improve customer experience and sales.

•    Udentify – reduces the need for manmade market research, utilizing body tracking technologies.

Microsoft for Startups is working with Etihad Airways, Unilever, Flow, Akbank, KPMG and IKEA in the first cohort as Corporate Engagement Partners. 

B2B startups will work with these partners directly for the duration of the program, to ultimately co-create technology solutions that address the corporate partners’ challenges.

----------------------------------------------------------

ISLAMABAD, OCT 14: A delegation led by Mr. Sheikh Fawad Bashir Chairman AAA Associates, including the Chairman Federation of Realtor's Pakistan Musarat Ejaz and the President Federation of Realtor's Pakistan Sardar Tahir visited RCCI, to meet the newly elected president Nadeem Rauf Khan.

The delegation members showed faith in the leadership of Nadeem Rauf and hoped that the RCCI would continue support for the industrial and economic growth.

Chairman AAA Associates Sheikh Fawad Bashir expressed his cordial gratitude and compliments to the newly elected President of RCCI. He thanked the Federation of Realtor's Pakistan for playing a vital role in supporting builders.

Being a member of RCCI, he hoped that the problems faced by Real Estate sector would be ameliorated under the tutelage of Rauf Nadeem.

While addressing the members, Ejaz Musarat Chairman Pakistan Federation of Realtors appreciated the Construction Industry’s growth and contributions. He also emphasized on the role of Federation of Realtors in solving the problems faced by the Real Estate developers.

He said, “Despite facing the pandemic and the financial regulations due to FATF, the construction industry had shown Year on Year growth”.

The delegation included Vice Chairman Realtors Federation Najib Abbasi, Malik Habib, Doctor Rizwan, among few other realtors and builders from Bahria Town and DHAs.

Talat Awan, Vice Presdient of RCCI was also presented on the occasion along with Executive Member of RCCI Sarder Tanveer Sarwer.

In the end, the newly elected President of RCCI Nadeem Rauf, thanked the delegation for the visit and vowed to dedicatedly discharge his services up to the expectations of RCCI members and the rest of the business and industrial community.

He further assured that RCCI would help realtors and builders in all possible ways and would try to ease the lingering challenges faced by the construction industry.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Tsvetana Paraskova

DOHA/WASHINGTON, OCT 14: Natural gas prices have reached unhealthy levels for both producers and consumers, Saad al-Kaabi, Qatar’s Energy Minister and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, the world’s top LNG exporter, said on Thursday, a day after spot liquefied natural gas prices in Asia hit a new record high.

“While natural gas prices are an outcome of basic market fundamentals including supply and demand, the current price levels observed in global markets are unhealthy for both producers and consumers,” al-Kaabi said, as carried by Bloomberg, after a virtual dialogue with European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson today. 

Last month, al-Kaabi said on the sidelines of the Gastech industry conference in Dubai that the surging gas prices were partly the result of underinvestment in the industry, also driven by the attempts at fast energy transition.

“There’s a euphoria around the energy transition that’s forcing companies not to invest,” al-Kaabi said.

“There is a huge demand from all our customers, and unfortunately we cannot cater for everybody. Unfortunately, in my view, this is due to the market not investing enough in the industry,” al-Kaabi said at the event in September, as carried by Reuters.

Back then, when spot LNG prices in Asia were “only” $20 per million British thermal units (mmBtu)—a record for September ahead of the winter heating season—the Qatari energy minister said he hoped the high prices wouldn’t last because they would not be good for consumers.

“We don’t want these high prices, we don’t think it is good for the consumers. We don’t want $2 and we don’t want $20, we want to have a reasonable price that is sustainable,” al-Kaabi told Reuters at the end of September.

This week, the worsening global energy crisis sent Asia’s spot LNG prices soaring by 40 percent on Wednesday, as a cargo for delivery into North Asia in November was priced at as much as $56/mmBtu—a record high that beat the previous record from last week of $34.52/mmBtu. 

---------------------------------------------------------

COURTESY oilprice 

--------------

BAKU, OCT 13 "Azerbaijan is successfully represented in many international organizations, including the Non-Aligned Movement. Azerbaijan became a full member of the Non-Aligned Movement in 2011 and has been closely involved in its activities in recent years.

The 18th Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Baku in 2019 was a great success, and Azerbaijan took over the organization's chairmanship in 2019-2022," Azerbaijani MP Vugar Iskandarov told Report.

According to him, currently, Azerbaijan, as a chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, makes a significant contribution to the promotion of its goals and objectives, strengthening international peace, security, and cooperation.

"In turn, this organization remained true to its tradition and continued to support Azerbaijan during the Great Patriotic War.

During the war, the political and moral support provided by friendly countries, including the Non-Aligned Movement, increased our country's self-confidence, and we ended the war with a victory," he added.

He said that, like all meetings of this body, the recent meeting in Belgrade, Serbia, was memorable for Azerbaijan:

"A high-level meeting dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement was held in Belgrade. President of Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement Ilham Aliyev, chaired the event's official opening.

In his speech, the President touched upon many important issues, including the former Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In fact, Mr. President announced from another prestigious international forum that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a thing of the past."

Vugar Iskandarov said that in his speech, the head of state hailed the constant support of the Non-Aligned Movement member states for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

"Yes, it was very important. As Mr. President stated, the support provided to us by the seven countries of the Non-Aligned Movement, which were non-permanent members of the UN Security Council during the Great Patriotic War, was very valuable.

They did not allow the adoption of a unilateral press release that did not refer to the resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council in 1993.

In so doing, these countries have demonstrated their strong commitment to the just position of the Non-Aligned Movement, which stems from its documents," the Azerbaijani MP concluded.

-------------------------------------------------------

COURTESY report.az

--------------

ISLAMABAD/SIALKOT, OCT 13: A Roundtable Discussion on “President Xi’s Vision: Changing World Dynamics and Shared Future” was organized by Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, Communication University of China, Beijing & University of Sialkot, Sialkot in collaboration with Center for Global & Strategic Studies, Islamabad at University of Sialkot.

The aim of the Roundtable Discussion was to bring together intellectuals from the partner institutions on one platform to share their expertise and knowledge on the Chinese concept “Community with Shared Future for Mankind” presented by President Xi Jinping.

The event commenced with the opening remarks of Brigadier Mansoor Saeed Sheikh (Retd), Vice-President (Punjab Region), Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

He stated that President Xi stresses the common ground between China and the West, including widely shared norms and international institutions.“A Community with Shared Future” is also the guiding principle of China’s international relations today.

It underlies China’s strategic thoughts on long-term development of its bilateral ties with other countries. It is a manifestation of China’s foreign policy goal of peace, equality, development and win-win cooperation.

Prof. Dr. Saeed Ul Hassan Chishti, Vice-Chancellor, University of Sialkot, Sialkot in his welcome remarks discussed role of China, its goals and targets. He stated that China has a very clear dimension and direction towards development, cooperation and peace with Pakistan.

Also, peace comes with economic stability. He appreciated the work of Center for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad that it is connecting countries from all over the world. He stated that CPEC can be a game changer only if we are ready to train and educate our people.

Prof. Dr. Saeed Ul Hassan Chishti, discussed about the collaboration between the University of Sialkot and Communication University of China (CUC).

Furthermore, Communication University of China (CUC) is offering degrees and many more opportunities for the students for enhancement of diplomatic ties between the two countries. He was hopeful for more active collaboration between both institutions in coming years.

Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, Communication University of China, Beijing, China gave a detailed presentation on “Building a Community with Shared Future for Peace and Prosperity”.

He explained the objectives and goals of Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future jointly established by the Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad, and The Institute of a Community with Shared Future (ICSF) of Communication University of China (CUC), Beijing. He stated that The Pakistan Research Center of a Community with Shared Future is a platform to support building an academic network and initiating collaborative academic projects.

Prof. Deqiang Ji, Vice-Dean, Institute for a Community with Shared Future (ICSF), Communication University of China (CUC), Beijing stated that now a days we can see the popularity in the notion of Community with Shared future where people are talking about the future of international diplomacy, how different countries can co-exist and co-prosper in the near future.

Also, there is increase in scholarly understanding of the notion and notion is originally proposed by Chinese. He shared three points regarding three contexts in understanding the notion of the community of shared future. He mentioned about the financial and globalization crises of the west.

The community with shared future aims to define and consolidate the way of thinking and how to work together for the globalization. Also, the world is need of some of new notions and it is necessary.

He discussed about how to create a new notion, a new idea and how to work on it. He stated that from the Chinese prospect everyone gets benefited from globalization. Furthermore, the notion is not only for China and its better future but it is for all.

He suggested that we must engage people of different languages and visions in the dialogues for a better globalization

Prof. Hong Li, Director of the Center for BRICS Studies of the Communication University of China (CUC), Beijing presented speech on “Enhancing Regional Connectivity through the Global Concept of a Community with Shared Future”.

She stated that in an equilibrium state, the mind is in the state of harmony. This equilibrium is the essence of all creatures, and this is the universal principle followed by all creatures.

She discussed the China-Africa Environment Cooperation Center that provided training courses on weather technology for officials from African countries. She stated that China has donated a large amount of environmental protection equipment. She also discussed Paris in detail the climate pact.

Mr. Taimoor bin Tanveer, Lecturer, Department of International Relations, & Deputy Director, Placement & Alumini Affairs, University of Sialkot, Sialkot commenced his discussion with the historical background of dialogue of civilizations.

He stated that Civilizations first appeared in Mesopotamia and later in Egypt. He talked about primary and secondary commonalities which includes reliable source of water, transportation and soil a primary whereas social structure, government and religion as secondary commonalities.

He also mentioned importance of the Belt and Road initiative that how it is way to the economic integration, peace and prosperity and less conflicts. Also, he stated that dialogues are the need for sustainability and it is there is always a need to sustain the dialogue between radically different viewpoints as a guarantee of a level of diversity vital to unforeseeable responses to complex crises of the future.

Ms. Palwasha Nawaz, Deputy Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, Communication University of China, Beijing, Chinapresented speech on “Working Towards an Inclusive World: Global concept of a Community with Shared Future”.

She stated that concept of community with shared future emphasis multilateralism in politics, security, and development of civilizations, culture, academic domain, and environment. It also holds solidarity in all kind of problems which is faced by mankind.

For example, pandemics, drugs, terrorism and climate change etc. Moreover, this idea can help the countries to curtail people to people gap. Understanding the potential of this narrative, it is safe to say that it is beneficial for every state.

Working under this concept would allow states to develop mutual trust and work collectivity for prosperity of the world and inclusive economic development.

Dr. Tahira, Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Sialkot, Sialkot presented speech on Community with Shared Future: Foundation of the New World. She stated that the vision of shared future has profound and rich theoretical meaning.

President Xi fully elaborated on the vision and layed emphasis on the need to form partnerships in which countries trade each other as equal fair and promote innovative and inclusive development. This approach depicts a bright future progress of internationalrelations and represent a major innovation.

Mr. Hamza Jan, Lecturer Economics, Deputy Director, QEC, & Head of African Studies Center, University of Sialkotpresented speech on “Significance of Community with Shared Future in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals”.

He stated that in order to overcome the challenges which poor and developing countries face, there is a need for more integration, interconnectivity, inter-regional trade, and huge investment in social sectors and infrastructure to increase regional connectivity, social uplift, and increased overall welfare of the community of this very and only land for humanity under the umbrella of the vision for centuries, community with shared future.

Ms. Laraib Fatima Hassan, Communication & Coordination Executive, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabadpresented speech on the topic “Community with Shared Future: A Catalyst for Achieving SDGs”.

She stated that the idea of “Community with Shared Future for Mankind”, presented by President Xi in 2013, envisions a globalized world of sustainable peace, prosperity, security, and cooperation rather than a competitive world.

In such a world, cooperation in different sectors supports handling the common global challenges. There are several global challenges that we are facing today and the idea of community with a shared future should be utilized to deal with these problems for our collective growth and development.

---------------------------------------------------------------

ISLAMABAD, OCT 13: There is sufficient clarity at the federal and provincial tiers of the government regarding the urgency to tackle Pakistan’s education crises. However, despite this clarity the issue continues to be dealt in a manner that can at best be described as disorganized. 

This is illustrated by the complete disconnect between the State’s identified and nationally adopted SDG 4 priority targets and its investment trajectory within education since 2015-16.” These views were expressed by economist and the author of the recently published white paper, “Public Investment in Education: An Appraisal of SDG 4 in Pakistan,” Asim Bashir Khan. 

Despite the passage of more than five years since ratifying the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, Pakistan is yet to begin making the preliminary but significant adjustments identified in its National Framework,” he further added.

The white paper published by Pakistan Youth Change Advocates (PYCA)and the Education Champion Network (ECN) provides a walk-through on the country’s current status against Goal 4, takes stalk of the investment made hence far for its realization, and offers a set of recommendations that are necessary to propel the country to meet the 2030 Agenda.

“SDG 4, which focuses on equitable quality education for all was adopted as a Tier 1 priority goal by Pakistan. However, despite only nine years remaining to 2030, the federal and provincial governments have not yet been able to prioritize their education budgeting as per SDG 4,” shared Areebah Shahid, Executive Director of PYCA.“

For instance, despite being a high priority target, SDG 4.5 (i.e., gender parity in education) has received very little investment between 2015-2021. During the budget announcements made for the current fiscal year, the federal government and Balochistan announced no specific schemes to enhance girls’ access to education at all. 

This is specifically troublesome in the case of Balochistan because it has the highest percentage of out-of-school girls in the entire country.”

Adding to this, Hisham Khan, Program Officer at PYCA said, “Similarly, except Islamabad Capital Territory and KP where 5.2 percent and 2.47 percent were respectively pledged in budget 2021-22, no other government earmarked any funds for the maintenance and enhancement of education infrastructure. 

This is especially alarming in the backdrop of the pandemic when schools, more than ever before need to be furnished with such basic facilities as clean water, toilets, and hand-washing stations to keep the children safe from COVID-19.”

The paper recommends the need for more active coordination between the federal and provincial governments is needed to secure Pakistan's educational future. On the one hand, it will help formulate education policy documents by national consensus, and on the other hand, it will enable the simultaneous introduction of nationwide reforms in the education sector. 

The paper also emphasizes the need to end the perpetual state of inertia at the political level when it comes to prioritizing education so that Pakistan finally stands a chance to march its way to the finish line in 2030.

-----------------------------------------------