LG Electronics (LG) (www.LG.com) launched a global campaign called ‘Optimism your feed,’ which aims to help users bring more optimism to their social media experience by inviting them to proactively engage with positive and inspiring content on their feeds.

“As a customer-focused brand, LG is a passionate champion of optimism. We aim to create positive changes in people’s lives by being intentional with our positive activities both online and in the real world,” said Kim Hyo-eun, vice president and head of LG’s Brand Management Division. “In the AI era, LG remains committed to our unwavering promise of ‘Life’s Good.’ We will continue to enhance our customers’ lives with a human-centric approach, fostering hope for a better future.”

A new global survey commissioned by LG found that social media is both a source of anxiety and a place where people turn to be entertained, keep up with friends and family, and stay informed about news and current events. According to the survey, almost half of respondents (45 percent) report their social media feeds consist of an equal or greater amount of negative content than positive content. One in four respondents (28 percent) claimed negative content on their social media feeds has increased their anxiety and one in five (20 percent) said it has made them unhappy. Other studies (https://apo-opa.co/3X59kXE) also suggest that algorithms often promote negative and niche conversations.

The global survey sought to understand the triggers that affect how algorithms work and how to increase your feed’s positive content. The result is the ‘Optimism your feed’ playlist of original content that, when interacted with, will pull more optimistic content into your feed.[1] ‘Optimism your feed’ is part of LG’s global Life’s Good campaign (https://apo-opa.co/45bNTWJ), introduced last year to inspire and encourage people to approach life with an optimistic attitude.

Created in collaboration with global influencers renowned for their optimistic influences including Tina Choi (https://apo-opa.co/3VdPRkN), Victoria Browne (https://apo-opa.co/3VeAA3v), Josh Harmon (https://apo-opa.co/458IFLD) and more, the ‘Optimism your feed’ playlist includes over 20 short-form videos ranging from motivation to feel-good content.

Additionally, LG is consulting with social media experts including Professor Casey Fiesler (https://CaseyFiesler.com), an information scientist and technology ethicist, with a PhD in Human Centered Computing. Fiesler researches and teaches in the areas of technology ethics, internet policy, and online communities, and has published on topics such as social media content moderation and recommender systems. She also educates the public on these topics as a content creator.

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and algorithms play a significant role in the content that we see in these spaces. LG’s global playlist and campaign gives users the opportunity to see more positive and uplifting posts. By being more conscious about what we choose to engage with, we can bring stronger optimism, balance and happiness to our lives.

According to Fiesler, “Recommendation algorithms determine what we see on social media by predicting what content we are likely to engage with. These algorithms can therefore send us down ever more specific niches – for good and for bad. Research has shown that left unchecked, users can go down negative rabbit holes and encounter harmful content quite quickly. One of our first lines of defense needs to be improving our digital literacy, and paying more attention to how algorithms influence our online experiences. And the good news is that we do have some control over the input for these algorithmic predictions; if we choose to engage with optimistic content, there’s a good possibility we will see more of it.”

Victoria Browne, a global influencer and TEDx Talk speaker, said, “The algorithms on our social channel can have a big impact on the content we see online, which impacts our mental health. That’s why I’m passionate about ‘Optimism your feed’, and I hope that people use this playlist as a foundation to retrain their algorithm and encourage positivity in all aspects of their lives. So much of the stigma and difficulty of tackling mental health is that it is unseen. With this campaign, we are saying you should reach out to your friends, and that we can help each other. Our algorithm should recommend content that makes us feel more connected to people, not less.”

The ‘Optimism your feed’ playlist can be found on LG’s global TikTok channel (@ lge_lifesgood) (https://apo-opa.co/3VvzK3F) and global YouTube channel (@ LGGlobal) (https://apo-opa.co/3Rfiih3), and will later spread to various social media platforms through collaborations with influencers around the world. More details can be found on the campaign page on lg.com (https://apo-opa.co/3yZgZwr).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of LG Electronics.

About LG Electronics, Inc.:
LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with a presence in almost every country and an international workforce of more than 74,000. LG’s four companies – Home Appliance&Air Solution, Home Entertainment, Vehicle component Solutions and Business Solutions – combined for global revenue of over KRW 84 trillion in 2023. LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from TVs, home appliances, air solutions, monitors, automotive components and solutions, and its premium LG SIGNATURE and intelligent LG ThinQ brands are familiar names world over. Visit www.LGNewsroom.com for the latest news.

The African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – Africa’s premier event for the energy sector, taking place in Cape Town this November – will host the Powering Africa Summit. Featuring African energy and power ministers, global and regional industry stakeholders, financial institutions and project developers, the summit will showcase power generation and distribution projects driving Africa towards its universal electrification and industrialization targets.

Set to reach 2.5 billion people by 2050, Africa is home to the world’s fastest-growing population. The continent’s estimated 125 billion barrels of crude oil, 620 trillion cubic feet of gas and vast solar, wind and hydropower resources represent the pathway to improving energy access and meeting rising power demand. The Powering Africa Summit aims to advance investment, technology and innovation to pave the way for Africa’s industrial growth and power generation, harnessing a mix of fossil fuel and clean energy solutions to optimize Africa’s generation and distribution capabilities.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

With the continent home to recoverable gas reserves capable of generating 400 GW of power, the Powering Africa Summit will assess the opportunities and challenges within sourcing and integrating gas into Africa’s energy matrix. Notable projects include Senegal’s Sandiara and Cap des Biches, Angola’s Soyo II, Libya’s Tobruk and South Africa’s Richards Bay gas-to-power facilities, which are set to bolster the resilience of Africa’s power supply. The Summit will discuss the economic and environmental benefits of gas-to-power projects, as well as competitive pricing, tariff structures and market reforms needed to facilitate project financing and increase private participation in the sector.

Africa is also emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets for renewables and green hydrogen. Developments such as Namibia’s $10-billion Tsau/Khaeb, Mauritania’s $40-billion Aman, South Africa’s 40 GW Boegoebaai cluster and Morocco’s Nour green hydrogen projects showcase Africa’s commitment to leveraging its solar and wind resources to unlock hydrogen energy technologies. Recent agreements between South Africa and Namibia, as well as the Tunisian Government with TotalEnergies and Austrian utility Verbund, underscore the potential of green hydrogen to strengthen African and global energy security. The Powering Africa Summit will unpack the trends, technologies and policy frameworks driving Africa’s green energy expansion, from PPPs to the future of batteries, hydrogen fuel cells and e-mobility. 

Furthermore, the Summit will promote Africa’s nuclear power prospects, exploring the financial tools and local institutional, technological and human capabilities available for greenfield nuclear programs. Despite having only one operating facility in South Africa, Africa has emerged as an attractive market for nuclear power investments due to its vast uranium resources in Namibia, Uganda and Niger, among other countries. Last April, Burkina Faso signed a partnership with Russian firm Rosatom to construct a nuclear power plant, which is expected to double the country’s power generation capacity by 2030. Energy firm Stratek Global and investment company Koya Capital have also partnered to finance a $482-million nuclear power project in South Africa, contributing to the country’s plan to develop 2,500 MW of new nuclear capacity. Earlier this year, Egypt started construction on the fourth generating nuclear reactor at its $30-billion, 4.8 GW Dabaa Power Plant with Rosatom.

“Harnessing and integrating all energy sources across the continent is the only viable solution to addressing Africa’s prolific power needs. The Powering Africa Summit will provide a platform for African and global stakeholders to advance technology and innovation to meet Africa’s power generation and energy mix diversification goals,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

At the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) (www.AHIF.com), taking place in Namibia in June, Alain Sebah, President, Golden Tulip Afrique Francophone&East Africa (GTAF), and Dupe Olusola, Managing Director and CEO, Transcorp Hotels Plc, will both receive awards recognising their professional accomplishments. Alain will receive the Outstanding Contribution Award and Dupe the Leadership Award.

Alain Sebah – Outstanding Contribution Award

Alain founded GTAF a decade ago, since then he has opened 11 hotels and has 5 under construction. He has been responsible for growing the brand in both French and English-speaking Africa, focusing on management and franchise agreements. In doing so, he has overcome numerous challenges, including industry scepticism. He has demonstrated resilience and strategic vision; delivered exceptional guest experiences, advanced career opportunities for employees and won the confidence of investors.

Dupe Olusola – Leadership Award

Dupe became Managing Director and CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc during the COVID-19 pandemic when occupancy fell to just 5%. She led the company back to profitability faster than most of the world’s hospitality companies, with the share price growing over 600% in 2023.

Under her leadership, the company has extended its offer and won over 40 awards. She also won several personal awards, including CEO of the Year. Transcorp Hilton Abuja, historically an award-winning business hotel and the company’s flagship property, has introduced leisure offerings, finding the perfect blend of business and leisure. Doing so has elevated its status as the place to stay and to hold major events in Nigeria’s capital city. In November 2023, with banqueting enquiries exceeding capacity, Dupe set up marquees within the grounds of the hotel rather than turn away business.

Dupe Olusola commented on receiving the Leadership Award: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Leadership Award at AHIF. This recognition is a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of the entire Transcorp Hotels team. Together, we have navigated challenging times and emerged stronger, continually pushing the boundaries of excellence in hospitality. I am proud of what we have achieved and excited about the future as we continue to innovate, expand and deliver outstanding experiences for our guests.”

Matthew Weihs, Founder of the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF), said: “It will be an enormous pleasure to see two exceptionally impressive individuals receiving African hospitality industry ‘Oscars’ at AHIF. Alain is one of the great statesmen of the sector, who has achieved consistent success through a brilliant mix of charm, dynamism, flexibility and commercial nous. The operational excellence his team has achieved in Cotonou is fantastic, as was the deal he signed in Abidjan at the height of the pandemic.”

“Dupe’s record is outstanding. She became the first female CEO of a N1 trillion company shortly after Transcorp ended the year as the best performing stock on the Nigerian Exchange. One has to admire her ability to inspire people and the innovative way she fought to retain guests when other hoteliers would simply have said they were fully booked.”

Alain Sebah concluded: “I am deeply grateful to AHIF for this recognition. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of many individuals. Together, we have built a legacy of quality and service, of which I am immensely proud; and this award motivates us to achieve even greater heights.”

AHIF takes place at the Mövenpick Hotel, Windhoek, Namibia, 25th – 27th June 2024.

The event is the most influential gathering of hospitality executives in Africa, connecting business leaders and fuelling investment in tourism projects, infrastructure, and hotel development across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF).

Further Information: 
For further information and high-resolution images, please contact:
David Tarsh on +44 (0) 20 7602 5262, +44 (0) 7770 816 070 or email: David@Tarsh.com.

About the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF): 
AHIF is the premier hotel investment conference in Africa, attracting many prominent international hotel owners, investors, financiers, management companies and their advisers. It is organised by The Bench (https://apo-opa.co/3yNihdX), which has a long track record of delivering multiple premium hotel investment conferences and forums across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. The Bench’s mission is enabling prosperity by facilitating growth, networking, and thought leadership in the hospitality industry worldwide.

AHIF Sponsors
Host Sponsor: Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB); Host Partner: Kasada Capital Management
Platinum Sponsors: ClubMed and Radisson Hotel Group
Pavilion Sponsors: Rwanda Development Board and ZIDA Invest
Gold Sponsors: Accor, Aleph Hospitality, BWH Hotels, CHIC, CityBlue, Colliers, FNB, hansgrohe, IHG Hotels and Resorts, JLL, Knight Frank, Kofisi, LEVA, Marriott International. Millennium Hotels and Resorts; O&L Leisure, RMB, Rwanda Development Board, Tui Hotels and Resorts, Uganda Tourism Board; Silver Sponsors: Gondwana Collection, HVS, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5Monde and Uganda Tourism Board 
Confectionary Cafe Sponsor: Profica 
Bar Sponsor: Zia Travel Atelier
Mini Golf Sponsor: CBRE
Networking Sponsors: DSTV and Talinda

Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, FlyNamibia, South African Airways

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for the first time this week, as escalating violence and mass displacement in the eastern part of the country pushes the number of grave violations against children towards a peak.

“The staggering scale of the conflict in eastern DRC, the horrific level of violence, and its devastating impact on the children and women I met is heart-wrenching,” said Bloom. “No child should live in the dire conditions I witnessed in displacement camps—separated from their families, hungry, unable to go to school, and constantly at risk of sexual abuse, violence, and exploitation.”

Bloom’s five days in eastern DRC – which has been experiencing escalating violence and ongoing mass displacement since March 2022 – took him to Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu. He met with children and women and learned firsthand about the considerable risks they face daily, including abduction, rape and other forms of sexual violence and abuse, recruitment and use by armed groups, and death.

The United Nations has verified over 1,000 grave violations against children in the three eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu during the first quarter of this year. This represents a 30 per cent increase compared to the last quarter of 2023, with recruitment and use of children being most prevalent. In April 2024 alone, more than 450 grave violations against children were verified in the east. 

“It’s a heartbreaking reality that children caught up in the conflict face abduction, recruitment and use by armed groups, violence and abuse – and we know the reports we have are only the tip of the iceberg,” said UNICEF DRC Representative Grant Leaity. “UNICEF calls on all parties to this conflict to work toward negotiation and solution for peace and an end to the grave violations against children, and for the perpetrators of violence against children and women to be held accountable.”

During his trip, Bloom visited a UNICEF-supported child-friendly space in the Bushagara displacement site near Goma; a safe environment where children can engage in structured and supervised play and recreation and receive psychosocial support and individual case management. At these sites, social workers also identify vulnerable children, such as those separated from their families, and ensure they receive the care and protection services they need.

Over the last year, for example, UNICEF has reunified more than 9,000 children in eastern DRC with their families or placed them with temporary foster care families and assisted more than 400,000 children, adolescents, and caregivers with mental health and psychosocial support.

“At the child-friendly space, I met very young children who have been separated from their families for more than two years due to displacement. They told me that they live in fear as the conflict unfolds around them and the violence grows closer,” said Bloom. “Yet, in these UNICEF-supported spaces, I saw hope as girls and boys found a place where they felt safe, where they could receive psychosocial support, dance and play, and enjoy being children. More spaces like these are necessary to protect their childhoods.”

Gender and conflict-based sexual violence against women and children remained persistently high in 2023 and increased further in 2024, with stigma and fear of retaliation preventing many survivors from coming forward. During a visit to Panzi Hospital and Panzi Foundation in South Kivu, Bloom spoke with health staff and caregivers about their work and met with survivors of sexual violence.

“The stories shared by girls and women who have survived harrowing sexual violence are utterly devastating,” said Bloom. “But, amidst the pain, I can see the difference that compassionate and dedicated support can make. Support, including healthcare, psychological support, and legal assistance, is helping survivors find the strength to rebuild their lives, but more needs to be done to protect every girl and woman.”

In eastern DRC, around 5 million people, including 2.8 million children, urgently need humanitarian assistance as a result of escalating violence and displacement. In response, UNICEF is providing education, health, including mental health and psychosocial support, nutrition, water and sanitation, and protection assistance to children, women, and families affected by the conflict. However, UNICEF’s humanitarian appeal for US$804.3 million is only 10 per cent funded.

“Every day, children and women in DRC’s displacement camps face tremendous hardships. Their needs are overwhelming, and the response to the crisis is falling short. We must urgently unite to ensure they live in safety and dignity,” said Bloom.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).