Author: jilles

Nations strike deal at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels

By Valerie VolcoviciGloria Dickie and William James

DUBAI, Dec 13 (Reuters) – Representatives from nearly 200 countries agreed at the COP28 climate summit on Wednesday to begin reducing global consumption of fossil fuels to avert the worst of climate change, signalling the eventual end of the oil age.

The deal struck in Dubai after two weeks of hard-fought negotiations was meant to send a powerful message to investors and policy-makers that the world is united in its desire to break with fossil fuels, something scientists say is the last best hope to stave off climate catastrophe.

COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber called the deal “historic” but added that its true success would be in its implementation.

“We are what we do, not what we say,” he told the crowded plenary at the summit. “We must take the steps necessary to turn this agreement into tangible actions.”

Several countries cheered the deal for accomplishing something that until now eluded decades of climate talks.

“It is the first time that the world unites around such a clear text on the need to transition away from fossil fuels,” Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide said.

More than 100 countries had lobbied hard for strong language in the COP28 agreement to “phase out” oil, gas and coal use, but came up against powerful opposition from the Saudi Arabia-led oil producer group OPEC, which said the world can cut emissions without shunning specific fuels.

That battle pushed the summit a full day into overtime on Wednesday, and had some observers worried the negotiations would end at an impasse.

Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries control nearly 80% of the world’s proven oil reserves along with about a third of global oil output, and their governments rely heavily on those revenues.

Small climate-vulnerable island states, meanwhile, were among the most vocal supporters of language to phase out fossil fuels and had the backing of major oil and gas producers such as the United States, Canada and Norway, as well as the European Union and scores of other governments.

“This is a moment where multilateralism has actually come together and people have taken individual interests and attempted to define the common good,” U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said after the deal was adopted.

The lead negotiator for the Alliance of Small Island States, Anne Rasmussen, criticised the deal as unambitious.

“We have made an incremental advancement over business as usual, when what we really need is an exponential step change in our actions,” she said.

But she did not formally object to the pact, and her speech drew a standing ovation that lasted nearly two minutes.

Danish Minister for Climate and Energy Dan Jorgensen marvelled at the circumstances of the deal: “We’re standing here in an oil country, surrounded by oil countries, and we made the decision saying let’s move away from oil and gas.”

EMISSIONS REDUCTION

The deal calls for “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner … so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science.”

To some extent, that language describes what has already begun to happen, with some governments enacting policies in recent years to transition to a greener economy.

Europe and the U.S. have retired fleets of coal-fired power plants; global installation of renewable power capacity is at record levels and many countries have policies to encourage sales of electric vehicles.

The deal calls on governments to accelerate that – specifically by tripling of renewable energy capacity globally by 2030, speeding up efforts to reduce coal use, and accelerating technologies such as carbon capture and storage that can clean up hard-to-decarbonise industries.

A source familiar with Saudi Arabia’s position described the deal as “a menu where every country can follow its own pathway,” saying it “shows the various tracks that will allow us to maintain the objective of 1.5 (degrees Celsius) in accordance with the characteristics of every nation and in the context of sustainable development.”

Several other oil producer countries, including the summit host UAE, had advocated for a role for carbon capture in the pact. Critics say the technology remains expensive and unproven at scale, and say it can be used to justify continued drilling.

Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore also welcomed the deal, but said: “The influence of petrostates is still evident in the half measures and loopholes included in the final agreement.”

Now that the deal is struck, countries are responsible for delivering through national policies and investments.

China, the world’s biggest carbon polluter today, suggested that industrialised countries should lead the way.

“Developed countries have unshirkable historical responsibilities for climate change,” the country’s vice environment minister Zhao Yingmin said after the pact was approved.

In the United States, the world’s top producer of oil and gas and the biggest historical emitter of greenhouse gases, climate-conscious administrations have struggled to pass laws aligned with their climate vows through a divided Congress.

U.S. President Joe Biden scored a major victory last year with passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which contained hundreds of billions of dollars in clean energy subsidies.

Mounting public support for renewables and electric vehicles from Brussels to Beijing in recent years, along with improving technology, sliding costs, and rising private investment have also driven rapid growth in their deployments.

Even so, oil, gas, and coal account for about 80% of the world’s energy, and projections vary widely about when global demand will finally hit its peak.

Rachel Cleetus, policy director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, praised the climate deal, but said it does not commit rich countries to offer more financing to help developing countries pay for the transition away from fossil fuels.

“The finance and equity provisions… are seriously insufficient and must be improved in the time ahead in order to ensure low- and middle-income countries can transition to clean energy and close the energy poverty gap,” she said.

For daily comprehensive coverage on COP28 in your inbox, sign up for the Reuters Sustainable Switch newsletter here

Reporting by Valerie Volcovici, Gloria Dickie, William James, Sarah McFarlane, Kate Abnett, Jake Spring, Elizabeth Piper, David Stanway and Simon Jessop; Editing by Richard Valdmanis, Katy Daigle, Gerry Doyle, Sharon Singleton and Barbara Lewis

Edition March19

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Internship: Business Development – Africa

About KaiOS:

KaiOS Technologies Inc. was established in 2016 and is incorporated in the US.

KaiOS Tech has established branches in the US, Brazil, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Xi’an. The company successfully launched multiple KaiOS-based products with tier-1 mobile carriers in North America, India and with major global manufacturers (Nokia, Micromax, Doro). KaiOS addresses the specific need for a lite-OS dedicated to feature phone and low-memory devices, where user experience and mobile internet are key.

KaiOS provides a software platform to Mobile Manufacturers and ODM through:

  • Close partnerships with major chipset makers and mobile operators ;
  • A commercial turnkey UX and framework for different device form factors (feature phone, wearable, smart screens and auto) ;
  • An ecosystem of applications and services, with a mobile application store ;
  • A powerful and secured backend to manage millions of devices in the field (application delivery, location based services, push notification, FOTA).

African is a key market for KaiOS success and to support this growth, KaiOS is seeking interns to work on product and service creation.

 
   

 

About the Role

Responsibilities:

  • Understand KaiOS current offering and product definition as well as technical capabilities/advantage ;
  • Study specific markets in term of mobile penetration, mobile manufacturers/brands, mobile operators, application developers ;
  • For each specific market, define suitable product or service that should be developed on KaiOS to answer end-user needs and create differentiation, in line with KaiOS mission and capabilities ;
  • Work on detailed specification of the selected services with R&D and Product Manager, and drive its implementation, testing and deployment.

 

Job location:

The positions are based in Shanghai.

 

Qualification:

  • Strong knowledge of mobile business, with some knowledge in applications ;
  • Deep understanding of one or several of our strategic countries in Africa (Nigeria, Ethiopia, South-Africa, Kenya, Cameroon, Egypt)
  • Existing network with local mobile apps developers is a plus.
  • Results oriented.
  • Able to multi-task and work in a fast pace changing organization oriented person.
  • Technical knowledge (mobile software) is a plus, business education (ability to work on a business model, on a marketing plan, on a business strategy)
  • Ability to work with local and international teams of the company.
  • Possess excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills with proven abilities of supporting teams towards achieving organizational goals.
  • Ability to understand new products and quickly changing technologies.
  • Aptitude, creativity, and a preference for working in small, collaborative teams.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
 
   
  • Strong business ethics and integrity.

 

Complete the form here below To Apply :

    CONWAY

    Conway Advisory is a consulting firm focused exclusively on foreign direct investment. We help companies decide where to locate new operations around the world and implement greenfield investment projects. We also assist the investment promotion agencies of countries, regions, states and cities to attract more investment to their locations.

    As an independent company, we work flexibly and dedicate ourselves entirely to exceeding our clients’ expectations. We are committed to quality and providing the highest level of service. Based in Berlin, Germany, our network and capabilities allow us to provide services around the world

    AFCHAM LAGARDERE

    The Lagardere-CAF-AFCHAM Workshop

    Lagardere Afcham workshop

    Lagardere Afcham workshop in Shanghai.Workshop on The Passion and unlimited opportunities of African Football in Shanghai. organized By Lagardere, the Confederation of African Football , AFCHAM

    The Passion and Unlimited Opportunities of African Football

    Date: Monday, 12th February 2018 at 2: 00 – 5: 00 pm
    Venue: 5F, Building D, Orient International Mansion, 85 LouShanGuan Road, ChangNing District, Shanghai

    Event Description

    Africa is the second largest continent in the world, with a population of over 1.1 billion, second to Asia and will grow up to over 2 billion in the next 30 years. In the past decade, the middle-class in Africa increased 60%, while 27 countries in this continent are already ranked as middle-income countries. This number will increase to 40 by 2025. Africa has become the perfect spot for market exploration and investments.
    Football, the most fascinating sport in Africa, has attracted millions of fans across the continent, with their love for the sport deeply rooted since childhood, which makes football the best way to open the market in Africa.
    Mr. Idriss Akki, will be giving a talk on the Development of Football in Africa – major events, football clubs, players and developing business in the African Market via football.

    Keynote Speaker

    Mr. Idriss Akki, President of Lagardère Sports’ football business in Africa. Since 1994, Mr. Idriss Akki has been responsible for the development of sponsorship and media rights for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) all over the world in Lagardère Sports. And he was named one of the most influential persons in African football by French Football magazine in 2015. Mr. Idriss Akki is recognized for the significant contribution he has made to maintaining Lagardère Sports’s leading position in African football and under his leadership, Lagardère Sports is committed to keeping its collaboration by working hand in hand with CAF for the promotion of African football around the world.

    Complete the Form to attend the workshop

      Questionnaire

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      237FORUM

      237FORUM est un cabinet d’études et d’ingénierie constitué et enregistré dont le siège social est à Yaoundé – Quartier hippodrome BP : 35251, désignée dans les présentes comme « 237FORUM ».

      MBARGA MIMBOE is a senior computer systems engineer, successively:

      • In 1983: Co-founder of the Bureau of Studies and Engineering, SIGMA-2000 in association with STERIA France;
      • 14 years, Six International Ltd (Belgian Holding company in the construction of buildings, infrastructures, environmental and industrial projects), IT manager in several countries: Cameroon, Belgium, United-Arab-Emirates, Botswana, Mauritius, Rep. of South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo Brazzaville;
      • 5 years, Advisor to the Rector of the Catholic University of Central Africa, for questions related to computer science and ICT and co-founder (in 2003) of the Bureau of Studies and Engineering CAMERRON-PARTNERS;
      • 5 years Head of Department of the Treatment of Data and Publications of the Central Office of Censuses and Population Studies (BUCREP) in Cameroon – In 2007, official in charge the recovery of the data of the censuses of 1976 and 1980 of Cameroon Republic at the University of Pennsylvania/Philadelphia – USA;
      • Since 2009, administrator of humanitarian projects of the Lions Clubs International in Cameroon for eye health and Senior Consultant for studies and business engineering. Co-editor of the Municipal Development Plan and official in charge of the follow-up of the realization and integration of socio-economic projects of the Yaoundé-7 district;
      • Co-founder, in 2016, of the business Consulting and Engineering Firm 237Forum.

       


      MBARGA MBALLA is a graduate of the Advanced School of Economics and Business Administration (ESSEC) – University of Douala, Paris based school of economic warfare (École de Guerre Économique – EGE). He is also holder of a certificate of the Harvard School of Government Executive Education in Strategic Management of Regulatory and Enforcement Agencies. Successively:

      • 4 years, as from 1985, at the Cameroon national urban transport corporation as financial analyst;
      • 3 years with the Hilton International Group as the financial controller of the Yaoundé Hilton International Hotel, with the responsibility of coordinating and overseeing company accounts and reporting to the Area Controller in Paris, and the Treasurer in New York;
      • 3 years as auditor in Mobil Oil North and West Africa Cluster, covering all central African affiliates and DR-Congo;
      • 4 years as Senior Auditor in Okalla Ahanda & Associés audit and consulting firm covering assignments in Central and West Africa including Sao-Tomé & Principe and Cabo Verde;
      • In Year2000, Co-Founder BEST INTERNATIONAL consulting firm which provides professional advisory services to public and privates businesses;
      • Co-Founder in 2016 of the business Consulting and Engineering Firm 237Forum.

      Norbert AMOUGOU MEZANG has a Degree in Private Law from the University of Yaoundé, graduated from the Medium Cycle of the Yaoundé International Institute of Insurance (IIA), successively:

      • 7 years as Director of production insurance in the SEDGWICK JAMES group in Cameroon;
      • 15 years as Production Manager, Internal auditor of the SAAR network responsible for checking premiums and reconciliations of payments to the company and then Director of General Insurance Agency at SAAR-Cameroon;
      • 6 years Member of the National Assembly of Cameroon, 8th Member of the commission of Foreign Affairs and deputy coordinator of the network of AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis.
      • Co-founder, in 2016, of the business Consulting and Engineering Firm 237Forum.

       

      Global job opportunities for international graduates in China

      AFCHAM, FESCO ADECCO and The World Bank Group present Global Job Opportunities for International Students in China.

      The event took place on Friday June 2nd in the popular conference room of Octave – an all-inclusive events venue located downtown Shanghai. Over 40 attendees from 23nationalities, all postgraduate degree holders in various fields were drawn into in-depth analyses on career choice and development by experienced professionals from the three organizations that brought the event to bear.

      Fabrice Faure from Fesco Adecco

      At exactly 2.30pm the event moderator from AFCHAM, Miss Neyet Mehari gave the opening word, introduced the key speakers and led a session of self-introduction during which participants got to know their peers better. She stressed that the overall objective of the event was to give attendees the opportunity to see how they could proceed in life after their rich academic achievements.

      Taking over the floor, the Chairperson of The African Chamber of Commerce, D. Nkwetato Tamonkia, spoke on the topic Academic Certificates and Career Paths. He empathized with the scholars present regarding the difficulties of pinning down a decent career worth the many years of studies invested. He gave valuable tips on how to choose a career path from 16 career clusters and explained how AFCHAM could serve as a springboard to graduates targeting international organizations.

      Mr. Fabrice Faure, a senior executive in one of the biggest human resources company in the world, FESCO ADECCO, followed with an insight on the job market in China. Illustrating with the latest facts and figures from the industry, he revealed that in spite of the high number of graduates in China, there was still a lack of qualified and skilled graduates in many well-paid positions. He encouraged the graduates present to fine-tune their CVs, target jobs carefully, stay determined, confident and give their best whenever given the opportunity.

      A short coffee break ensued in the form of a networking session. Business cards exchanged hands and participants chatted around making new friends while savoring some delicious food and drinks that had been prepared for the occasion. The delegation from The World Bank that had just arrived got their presentation ready as the second part of the event started.

      The World Bank Group’s Talent Acquisition Manager, Dr. Geremie Sawadogo took to the floor. He introduced himself, lauded all the efforts that had been put into the organization of the event, presented his delegation and gave an overview of The World Bank. Drawing from his own experience in searching for a job after finishing his studies, he gave the audience much hope by explaining the kind of mindset needed for those targeting international organizations. He then let his colleagues to present in details, other branches and services of The World Bank that were equally very open to qualified graduates with the right skills and mindset.

      Afcham Global job opportunities for international graduates in China

      The International Finance Corporation (IFC) Senior Human Resources Business Partner for East Asia and the Pacific, Dr. Sophia Cho added more specifications on how to get to work in organizations like The World Bank, also drawing from her own personal experience. Ms. Natalya Kuznetsova, in charge of recruitments explained in details how internships were organized within divisions of The World Bank Group including valuable tips for persons hoping to become interns while Mr. Yizheng Lou, an Investment Officer from the IFC Beijing office, threw more light on the role of their office in relation to investment projects.

      There was a moderated question and answer session at the end of the event to allow participants to get more information and clarifications on issues they had in mind. As the doors of the conference room at Octave closed for the evening everyone expressed much gratitude to team AFCHAM led by John Belinga, Neyet Mehari, Jihane Jdaa, Rukto and collaborators for a successful and enriching event and in return were promised more events of the same nature.

      AFCHAM News Flash

      Shanghai, June 7th 2017.