The systemic approach to the sustainable and climateresilient infrastructure is one of the key preconditions for the continuous and equable growth of Ethiopia. The priorities in the development of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), road and transport, housing, and energy infrastructure should be financially supported by national and external resources, while inclusive planning and design are important not to leave any vulnerable groups behind.

These are the key messages of the National Conference on Climate Resilient Sustainable Infrastructure organized by UNOPS in collaboration with the Ethiopian Civil Engineers Association in Addis Ababa on 26 and 27 March 2024. The two-day workshop had the objective of facilitating policy-making in the area of sustainable infrastructure, sharing best practices among different stakeholders, and providing the opportunity to discuss some of the cutting-edge technologies in infrastructure.

H.E. Mr. Wondemu Seta, State Minister, Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure speaking at the events said “As we embark on these crucial deliberations today, I urge every one of you to approach the discussions with a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and determination. The decisions we make here will have far-reaching implications for generations to come, shaping the future landscape of our nation and our planet -says the H.E Wondimu Seta. State Minister of Urban and Infrastructure in Ethiopia.” He stressed that the participants need to leverage their collective expertise, experiences, and insights to identify actionable solutions and best practices in sustainable infrastructure development. Actions that will drive progress and transformation in our communities.” During the last two days, infrastructure and project management experts were actively participating in the presentations and plenary sessions about WASH, irrigation, sustainable road and transport, sustainable housing and energy, and financing and project delivery. Their main focus was the policy briefing for climate-resilient sustainable infrastructure, integrating planning encompassing social, environmental, and economic sustainability, and national policy innovations in this area.

UNOPS, within its mandate to implement infrastructure, is committed to helping countries gain a better understanding of how their infrastructure planning, delivery, and EACE management practices compare to recognized global best practices, and how they could improve.

“I am very proud of our joint results with the Government of Ethiopia and donors, as a partner of choice, in the area of infrastructure development in different regions. From the reconstruction of primary schools and health centers in Tigray, the installation of medical incinerators in eight different regions, and the design and rehabilitation of the one-stop shop centers for refugees, to the construction of latrines and water points in the Somali region,” the UNOPS Ethiopia Multi-County Office Director and Representative to the African Union, Mrs. Worknesh Mekonnen, said. “We at UNOPS anticipate the future with the infrastructure designed and built to suit the needs of all its beneficiaries, including women, children, persons with disabilities, older or marginalized people. We are dedicated to the sustainable infrastructure which is resilient to climate change and climate-compatible.”

The infrastructure is significantly impacting 92% of targets within all 17 Sustainable Development Goals and can stir the development positively or negatively. When developed in a sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive manner, it can create efficient transportation and green energy, contribute to new employment opportunities and quality housing, and improve access to fresh water and sanitation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to president of the Hellenic Republic, Ms. Ekaterini Sakellaropoulou, on the occasion of her country’s National Day.

In this message, the Sovereign expresses to Sakellaropoulou His warmest congratulations and best wishes for continued progress and prosperity to the Greek people.

His Majesty the King takes this opportunity to express His determination to continue working with the Greek president to strengthen the close cooperation between the two countries and expand it to all sectors of common interest, for the benefit of the two friendly peoples.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

KnowBe4 (www.KnowBe4.com), the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, is proud to announce that its AI-native platform, Artificial Intelligence Defense Agents, AIDA, enables long term culture change and human risk reduction. With the increasing threat of cybercriminals leveraging AI, KnowBe4 is committed to utilizing AI to enhance security measures and protect employees against social engineering. 

Unveiled and demonstrated at KnowBe4’s KB4-CON, AIDA represents a signficant step forward in safeguarding users against the malicious use of AI by cybercriminals. AIDA enables organizations to automate the dynamic selection of security awareness training and testing to give users a more individualized learning experience based on their specific needs. Preliminary testing has already demonstrated the effectiveness of AIDA, and as AI-enabled technologies become more integrated into KnowBe4’s operations, defenses against all types of attacks are expected to improve. 

KnowBe4 has long recognized the potential of AI in improving customers’ lives. The company has been utilizing AI-enabled tools extensively, examining AI from both an attacker’s and a defender’s perspective. Rigorous testing, research, and simulations have been conducted to understand how AI can be employed to enhance social engineering attacks, as well as to develop strategies to counter AI-enabled attacks.

“At KnowBe4, we have been using AI for nearly six years and we are researching and enabling it in everything we do to ultimately help our customers to better protect their organizations,” said Stu Sjouwerman, CEO, KnowBe4. “By significantly expanding the capabilities of AIDA, we are redefining success for organizations through the power of AI. By using hyper-personalization and engaging users with precisely tailored training and simulations, AIDA adapts in real-time to prepare employees to manage AI-driven social engineering attacks.”

AIDA highlights KnowBe4’s commitment to continually innovate and offer its customers the most advanced and effective security management. By harnessing the power of AI, AIDA aims to educate employees against the pitfalls of social engineering and reinforce organizational defenses against cybersecurity threats.

For more information on KnowBe4, visit www.KnowBe4.com. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

About KnowBe4: 
KnowBe4, the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, is used by more than 65,000 organizations around the globe. Founded by IT and data security specialist Stu Sjouwerman, KnowBe4 helps organizations address the human element of security by raising awareness about ransomware, CEO fraud and other social engineering tactics through a new-school approach to awareness training on security. The late Kevin Mitnick, who was an internationally recognized cybersecurity specialist and KnowBe4’s Chief Hacking Officer, helped design the KnowBe4 training based on his well-documented social engineering tactics. Organizations rely on KnowBe4 to mobilize their end users as their last line of defense and trust the KnowBe4 platform to strengthen their security culture and reduce human risk.

The ongoing fighting in Anfilo woreda, Oromia region, Ethiopia has left thousands of families displaced, without means of livelihood and unable to meet their basic needs.

“My husband was killed in the conflict. This pushed me to daily labor, sometimes begging [in order] to meet my needs” says a widow in Anfilo, Kellem Wellega zone of Oromia region.

Armed clashes between the government security forces and the non-state armed group active in the region has resulted in the suspension of public services, impacted access to healthcare and clean water supply, and disrupted the availability of seeds and fertilizers. People fleeing from the fighting and seeking opportunities to support their families have been repeatedly displaced as a result.

As part of our ongoing multi-disciplinary humanitarian response to the situation in Anfilo woreda and surrounding areas, in March 2024, the ICRC provided 3,000 families in Koli, Dale Koli, Mugi and Yeti rural kebeles of Anfilo woreda with food and essential household items. “I used to be a very strong farmer. I lost my land due to the conflict. I am relieved and feel like my strength has returned now that I bring this support back home” said a resident in Dalo Koli, Anfilo.

A wave of hope has swept over the four areas which have benefited from the assistance, as ICRC is the first humanitarian organization that has succeeded in reaching them amidst the ongoing insecurity. “I had lost all hope to live. Every day I worry how can I protect and feed my small child. Today, I am happy” says a mother in Dale Koli. Each family was provided with food aid comprising wheat, oil, salt, and lentils.

As ICRC’s Field Delegate, Arpita Mitra explains, “Our good dialogue with both sides allows us to access these hard-to-reach areas and engage with communities prior to such large-scale distributions of assistance. We are onsite throughout the distribution and follow up closely to ensure that our assistance reaches the most vulnerable people, in line with our principles of impartiality and independence.”

As a neutral and impartial organization, the ICRC in Ethiopia continues to assist the most vulnerable families while maintaining a strong dialogue with parties to the conflict on respect for International Humanitarian Law and protection of the civilian population.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).