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Tag: Foreign Office

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia is crushing dissent and inciting fear amongst the Ukrainian people – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia is crushing dissent and inciting fear amongst the Ukrainian people – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    Ambassador Neil Holland calls for the immediate release of those detained by Russia as part of its continued war of aggression against Ukraine.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. As part of Russia’s strategy to crush dissent and incite fear amongst the Ukrainian people, it has carried out enforced disappearances, torture, arbitrary detentions, and judicial harassment. Russia began its campaign when it illegally annexed Crimea.  These practices first utilised on the Peninsula, are now widely used in the Ukrainian territories temporarily under Russian control.

    It is reported that since the start of Russia’s illegal war, Russia has detained over 20,000 Ukrainian civilians. Many are being held on politically motivated charges for peacefully exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Crimean Tatars and those who defend their rights have faced the brunt of Russian persecution.

    In Crimea, the human rights organization, Zmina, reports that Russia is holding 186 political prisoners, including 21 in need of urgent medical care. Furthermore, the Russian authorities are illegally transporting prisoners thousands of miles away from their families and legal representatives to remote areas of Russia.

    In 2021, Russia detained Nariman Dzhelyal, the first deputy of the Mejlis of Crimean Tatar People, and activist cousins Asan and Aziz Akhmetov. Despite international condemnation, the Russian authorities have maintained unfounded charges against these men, sentencing them to 17, 15 and 13 years in prison, respectively. Their ordeal has only intensified with Nariman and Aziz being sent to Minusinsk in Eastern Siberia, and Asan to the notorious Vladimir Central Prison.

    Another victim of Russia’s barbarity is Serhiy Tsihipa, a pro-Ukrainian activist and journalist from Nova Kakhovka who was detained in Kherson and transferred to Crimea in March 2022. Serhiy’s relatives lost all communication with him, left completely unaware of his condition and whereabouts until he appeared in a Russian propaganda video. Last month, Serhiy was unjustly sentenced to 13 years in prison. With no access to him, his relatives fear for his safety.

    The recent UN Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine found further evidence of the Russian Federation’s use of torture in detention facilities. Former detainees detailed harrowing experiences of “torture rooms” with pliers, knives, saws, and cutters. And we should not forget Dzhemil Gafarov and Kostiantyn Shiring who died earlier this year in Russian detention. Those responsible must be held to account.

    Mr Chair, against the backdrop of this awful record of human rights abuses it is worth noting that this week – on 30 October – Russia marked its Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repressions under the USSR. We must do all we can to honour the victims of the past by fighting against oppression today. The UK calls for the release of all who have defended human rights and democracy across Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE region. This includes Vladimir Kara-Murza, Alexei Navalny, Ilya Yashin, Maria Ponomarenko, and the three OSCE Special Monitoring Mission members, as well as over 1,400 political prisoners in Belarus.

    All those detained on politically motivated charges must be freed, immediately and unconditionally. We will never tire of speaking out against internal and external repression of fundamental rights. Thank you, Mr Chair.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK response to Report by the Director of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK response to Report by the Director of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    Ambassador Neil Holland reaffirms UK support for the OSCE human dimension and calls on Russia and Belarus to cease human rights violations.

    Thank you Mr Chair,

    Welcome back to the Permanent Council, Director Mecacci, and thank you for your remarks. And thank you for your leadership which the UK highly values. Against a background of worsening human rights and democracy indicators in our OSCE region and worldwide, the UK continues to regard the human dimension as a critical part of the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to Euro-Atlantic security.

    We continue to support you Director, and the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in your work to support and encourage participating States to implement our shared Human Dimension commitments. From tolerance and non-discrimination to work on democracy, elections and human rights, ODIHR makes an important contribution to ensuring the OSCE lives up to the ambition we set at Helsinki to foster “peace, security, justice and co-operation” within and among our countries.

    There is still much to do to realise that ambition.  Russia’s war affects hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian civilians daily, including children, the elderly and the most vulnerable.   As the Moscow Mechanism reports demonstrated, Russia’s war also lies behind increasing repression of brave human rights defenders in Russia and Belarus.

    We again call on Russia and Belarus to implement their human dimension commitments, to engage with ODIHR and the other autonomous institutions, and to cease violating and abusing human rights and undermining Euro-Atlantic security.

    We put on the record our particular appreciation of your ODIHR’s monitoring of the dreadful, human consequences of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.  It is vital that such grave human rights violations and abuses are recorded and addressed, including through domestic and international proceedings where appropriate.

    Furthermore, we believe that strengthening democratic institutions and practices is a continuous process across the OSCE region.  The UK remains a stalwart supporter of ODIHR’s election observation work and calls on all participating States to implement outstanding recommendations made by you at ODIHR.

    Turning to this year’s Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, we agree that the event was a notable success and commend ODIHR and the Chair in Office for its delivery.  As I said in Warsaw, civil society is crucial in giving a voice to the voiceless and holding governments to account. We must continue to listen to them.

    Finally, looking forward to future challenges, we are in the midst of a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work, and relate to one another.  Artificial intelligence brings both huge opportunities and risks. This week the United Kingdom is facilitating an international conversation on artificial intelligence in the form of the AI Safety Summit. The UK believes it is vital to ensure human rights are respected, protected and promoted throughout the life cycle of digital and AI systems.  New technologies must provide new means to advocate for, defend and exercise human rights rather than to adversely impact their enjoyment.

    Thank you, Director, and I assure you of the UK’s continued support for ODIHR’s vital work on human rights and democracy. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the one-year anniversary of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the one-year anniversary of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    Joint statement from the Embassies of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

    On the first anniversary of the signing of the November 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Pretoria, the Embassies of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom are united in our recognition of the momentous achievement that ended 2 years of conflict in northern Ethiopia.

    We commend the progress that all parties have since made in their pursuit of peace. The Pretoria Agreement has silenced the guns, and has laid the foundations for normalcy to return to the region. The anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate the gains, reflect on the challenges and redouble efforts to deliver peace.

    We recognise that more needs to be done to protect, sustain and realise peace for all citizens. This includes further progress on:

    • disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration
    • national dialogue
    • the withdrawal of Eritrean and non-governmental forces
    • the return of internally displaced persons
    • full recovery of services
    • support to victims of conflict-related sexual violence
    • the implementation of a credible transitional justice and accountability process for the victims of atrocities
    • continued monitoring and verification of compliance with the agreement

    We are working with the Government of Ethiopia and Interim Regional Administration of Tigray, with the African Union and with civil society partners to support Ethiopia’s recovery from the devastating impact of this conflict.

    We continue to urge all parties to implement the Agreement in full and to find solutions to address challenges, as soon as possible, through dialogue.

    Today marks one year since the parties committed to a path of peace over conflict in northern Ethiopia. This is an important example and a moment to promote peace throughout Ethiopia. The ongoing violence in Amhara and Oromia, as well as continuous human rights violations in many places, remains disturbing. We continue to stress the need for all parties to ensure the protection of civilians, for a cessation of hostilities as well as an inclusive dialogue.

    On this notable anniversary we encourage all people in Ethiopia, and in the region, to choose dialogue and peace over war and conflict.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Tenth International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists – statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Tenth International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists – statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    The UK and other countries gave a statement on behalf of the Informal Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists, calling on Russia to stop repressing journalists.

    Mr Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of the Informal Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists: Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and my own country, Canada.

    Ten years ago, Mr Chair, in 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 68/163 proclaiming November 2nd as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists and condemning unequivocally all attacks and violence against journalists and media actors, including torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, intimidation and harassment in both conflict and non-conflict situations.

    Regrettably, over the past 10 years, in the OSCE region and around the world, journalists have continued to be subject to these threats and abuses, and we have seen, furthermore, the expansion of violence and harassment in the digital sphere as well.  Intimidation, threats of violence and attacks against journalists have a chilling effect on media freedom and interfere with the exchange of information, opinions and ideas. This, in turn, has a detrimental impact on our societies, on democratic institutions and on our security.

    Women journalists are disproportionately at risk of and affected by harassment, threats and attacks and are particularly targeted by online gender-based violence including harassment. A recent UNESCO discussion paper on global trends in online violence against women journalists found that 73% of women journalists surveyed had been threatened, intimidated, and insulted online in connection with their work. UNESCO and Reporters Sans Frontières have also reported alarming increases in the detention and extrajudicial killing of women journalists over the last several years.

    In this context, we welcome the recent launch by the Representative on Freedom of the Media of new Guidelines for monitoring online violence against female journalists. The Guidelines aim to provide a systematic monitoring and reporting system which will assist in protecting women journalists and preventing online violence from escalating.  We also encourage participating states to support the efforts of the International Partnership for Information and Democracy and the Media Freedom Coalition in addressing the specific attacks on women journalists and media actors in the exercise of their work, including sexual and gender-based discrimination and violence, intimidation and harassment, online and offline.

    Ending impunity for crimes against journalists requires states to take action to ensure accountability by investigating allegations of violence against journalists in a timely, impartial, and effective manner; by bringing perpetrators to justice and by ensuring that victims have access to appropriate remedies.

    Far too often, however, we see that instead of protecting journalists and investigating the crimes committed against them, states have instead criminalised journalism itself.

    In 2023, the Russian Federation has fallen even farther on the RSF World Press Freedom Index which has observed that, since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, almost all independent media have been banned, blocked and/or declared “foreign agents” or “undesirable organisations.”

    In March, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested and now faces up to 20 years in prison on espionage charges.

    In June, Novaya Gazeta Europe was declared an “undesirable organisation” and Novaya Gazeta reporter Elena Milashina was attacked upon her return to Chechnya to cover a political trial. Novaya Gazeta’s former editor, Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov was declared a “foreign agent” in September.

    Mr Chair, these are regrettably only a few examples of the Russian Federation’s campaign to intimidate journalists and stifle media freedom.

    Repression of journalists is also particularly appalling in Belarus as has been documented by the last Moscow Mechanism report as well as various reports by UN mechanisms. Freedom of expression has been undermined by repressive legislation and overly-broad definitions of extremism. Almost all independent media has been suppressed, and editors and journalists have been among those targeted for arbitrary arrest. The Belarusian Association of Journalists reports that over 30 journalists and media workers are currently imprisoned.

    In both Russia and Belarus, journalists have specifically suffered for speaking out against Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Journalists and media actors in Ukraine – including those working in occupied areas – have also suffered while trying to report on the war itself. At least 15 media actors have been killed in Ukraine since February 2022.

    As OSCE participating states we have all made commitments to create an enabling environment for media freedom that includes doing our utmost to prevent violence against journalists and media actors, avoiding undue restrictions on their work and taking effective measures to end impunity for crimes committed against them.  With this in mind, and in order to better safeguard journalists and media actors throughout the OSCE region, we are also firmly of the view that the position of Representative on Freedom of the Media should not be left vacant.

    On this day dedicated to ending impunity for crimes against journalists, we must all recommit to fulfilling these important requirements for ensuring their safety. Ensuring the safety of journalists is integral to maintaining a strong and diverse media landscape which is crucial to challenge those in power to do better and to demand accountability.  It is a cornerstone of democracy and vital to our comprehensive security.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK airlift to Egypt delivers vital equipment to support aid crossing to Gaza [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK airlift to Egypt delivers vital equipment to support aid crossing to Gaza [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 November 2023.

    Shipment follows 21 tonnes of essential supplies delivered last week, and £30 million increase in UK assistance to Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    • Royal Air Force delivers vital aid to Egypt to support civilians in Gaza, as Foreign and Defence Secretaries continue diplomatic push.
    • Equipment, including forklift trucks and belt conveyors, delivers on urgent requests by partners on the ground.
    • Shipment follows 21 tonnes of essential supplies delivered last week, and £30 million increase in UK assistance to Occupied Palestinian Territories.

    A second UK flight carrying equipment that will support humanitarian agencies to deliver lifesaving supplies to Gaza arrived in Egypt today.

    This will be followed by several further flights to deliver 30 tonnes of vital equipment such as forklift trucks, belt conveyors and lighting towers, which have been specifically requested by UK partners in the region, including the Egyptian Red Crescent.

    The equipment will be set up close to the Rafah border crossing – increasing the capacity of agencies to manage and deliver significant quantities of aid to those in Gaza. Rafah is currently the only entry point for aid into Gaza.

    This follows the delivery of 21 tonnes of essential supplies, including wound care packs and water filters, which arrived in Egypt last week and was handed over to partner agencies working on the ground in Gaza.

    Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    With an acute humanitarian crisis unfolding, today’s RAF airlift demonstrates yet again that the UK is committed to helping all suffering civilians.

    Our armed forces have rapidly deployed to get our partners on the ground what they urgently need and stand ready to continue supporting the humanitarian effort.”

    The flights follow the UK Government’s £30million increase in support for the Occupied Palestinian Territories – more than doubling its original commitment.

    International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said:

    The UK is determined to drive international efforts to ensure lifesaving aid reaches the people who need it most.

    This equipment, specifically requested by our partners on the ground, will bolster essential supplies including food and medicine to be delivered to large numbers of civilians.

    We continue to call for the regular delivery of humanitarian supplies into Gaza and the opening of more entry points to relive those who are suffering.

    The UK continues to call for all parties to respect international humanitarian law, minimise civilian casualties and for immediate access for lifesaving aid into Gaza, including food, water, medical supplies and fuel as a priority.

    All UK aid undergoes rigorous oversight and multiple safeguards are in place to prevent it benefiting Hamas.

    Since 7 October, ministers have been engaging with countries across the Middle East and international community to prevent the conflict from spilling over.

    Middle East Minister Lord Ahmad visited Israel and the West Bank this week discuss efforts to prevent regional escalation and the two-state solution with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

    On 20 October, the Prime Minister visited Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt to speak with the Prime Minister Netanyahu, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman, the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas.

    The Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary have both recently travelled to the Middle East to call for humanitarian pauses to allow aid to enter Gaza and allow civilians, including British nationals, to leave.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia aligns with authoritarian regimes out of desperate necessity – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia aligns with authoritarian regimes out of desperate necessity – UK statement to the OSCE [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 November 2023.

    UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is a tragedy for Ukrainians but an unmitigated disaster for Russia.

    Thank you, Madam Chair. Once again, Ukrainian civilians have paid the price for Russia’s illegal war of aggression on its sovereign neighbour. In the town of Izium, in Kharkiv Oblast, Russian missiles struck a fire station, injuring eight personnel. It is a feature of the depravity of the Russian campaign that Russia continues to cause damage to targets, such as ‘first-responders’, whose very role it is to preserve life.

    On 26 October, Russian one-way-attack UAVs struck near Khmelnytsky Nuclear Power Plant, 280km west of Kyiv. 20 people were reported injured by falling debris in a town nearby, windows at the plant were shattered and power was temporarily cut to off-site radiation monitoring stations. The attack also downed power lines near the facility. Thankfully the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that the plant’s operation continued to be unaffected. Alongside the unacceptable military control of Zaphorizhzhia Power Plant by Russia this acts as another example of Russian recklessness and the risks this brings to nuclear safety and security.

    No doubt, in a moment, we will hear from the Russian Delegation in another attempt to draw equivalence with Ukraine. But we should be in no doubt that there is no equivalence. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine did not illegally invade its neighbour; Russia did. In what has historically been a monologue of disinformation, Russia may proclaim a new world order; but this is a world order in which Russia invites the Hamas terrorist group to Moscow, following Hamas’s brutal murder of over 1400 Israeli citizens; it is the world order of allying with Iran, the provider of Shahed one way attack drones which have been used extensively by Russia to kill Ukrainian civilians and attack critical infrastructure; and the development of North Korea as Russia’s new strategic arms partner and provider of military aid. Madam Chair, this is not a new world order, but a grouping of authoritarian States that have aligned out of desperate necessity.

    Mixing with such regimes mark the depths to which Russia has sunk in an effort to maintain its military in the field. Russia does this while it continues to suffer devastating losses both around the town of Avdiivka and in the campaign more broadly.

    Madam Chair, Russia’s horrendous war against Ukraine has now lasted 200 times longer than Russia had predicted it would.  The incredible defence of Ukraine is the result of the tremendous courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people. It is quite plausible that Russia will once again try this winter to directly target Ukrainian energy infrastructure, if it can replenish its diminished stockpile of long-range cruise missiles. This would be in keeping with the cynical way in which Russia has chosen to fight its illegal war to date. And Russia will continue to mask its myriad military failures to enable this debacle to continue. Even in this diplomatic Forum, Russia will threaten to destroy Ukrainian aircraft, whilst at the same time Russia continues to shoot its own aircraft out the sky; it will talk of military advances whilst now only having control of half of the Ukrainian territory it did at the beginning of the campaign; and it may even show a handful of NATO vehicles on the obligatory slideshow, never acknowledging that Russia has now lost 5000 tanks in this calamitous campaign.

    Madam Chair, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is a tragedy for Ukrainians but an unmitigated disaster for Russia. The sooner Russia recognises its folly and withdraws from internationally recognised Ukrainian territory, the better. Until that time, the United Kingdom will continue to support Ukraine, to help it become ever more capable of defending itself and, assist in the reconstruction that Russia has necessitated. As for Russia, those responsible will be held accountable for the destructive and catastrophic campaign; the longest ‘lightning strike’ in military history at over 600-days and counting. Ukraine will win this war. Thank you.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK unites with global partners to accelerate development using AI [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK unites with global partners to accelerate development using AI [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 November 2023.

    UK unites with global partners to accelerate development in world’s poorest countries using artificial intelligence (AI).

    • UK and partners to fund safe and responsible AI projects for development around the world, beginning in Africa, with £80 million collaboration announced at AI Safety Summit
    • funding will support home-grown AI expertise and computing power in Africa and help the continent’s AI innovators boost growth and support the continent’s long-term development
    • the UK AI for Development Programme will contribute £38 million to the collaboration which shows UK investing in partnerships which are using cutting-edge technology to solve global challenges. A new global partnership to use AI to solve some of the developing world’s most pressing challenges will be unveiled in the UK today at the AI Safety Summit

    Along with Canada, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the USA and partners in Africa, the UK is helping to fund a £80 million ($100 million) boost in AI programming to combat inequality and boost prosperity on the continent.

    The goals of the UK government’s AI for Development programme include:

    • unlocking the benefits of AI to the 700 million people who speak 46 African languages
    • making 5 or more African countries globally influential in the worldwide conversation on AI including in using AI to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
    • creating or scaling up at least 8 responsible AI research labs at African universities
    • helping at least 10 countries create sound regulatory frameworks for responsible, equitable and safe AI
    • help bring down the barriers to entry for African AI innovators with the private sector

    The initiative will initially focus on sub-Saharan Africa ensuring that this ground-breaking technology will be accessible to all.

    AI could have a transformative impact on a range of challenges, including speeding up drug discovery, helping people who are deaf or blind to access education, and improving access to clean energy.

    Over the next 5 years, the UK’s collaboration with global partners will:

    • fund post-graduate training and fellowships in AI in African universities
    • invest in innovators building models with data that accurately represents the African continent, using home-grown skills and computing power
    • foster responsible AI governance to help African countries mitigate the risks of AI and adapt their economies to technological change
    • help sub-Sahara African countries have a bigger voice in influencing how AI is used to further the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, a series of targets to make the world a healthier, fairer and more prosperous place by 2030

    This collaboration is part of a wider UK commitment to harness the opportunities of AI and ensure its use as a force for good, as the UK hosts the first ever AI Safety Summit in Bletchley Park this week.

    James Cleverly, the UK Foreign Secretary, said:

    The transformative power of AI should have a global benefit. AI can change lives for the better around the world, including helping to develop new treatments for diseases and to tackle food insecurity.

    The AI for Development programme, alongside the AI Safety Summit hosted in Britain this week, are a testament to how we and our partners will use cutting-edge technology to create a more equitable and prosperous future.

    Eliud Owallo, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information Communications and Digital Economy said:

    Through this broad coalition of partners, AI potential benefits will open opportunities and the risks preparedness broadened. This partnership will benefit all countries and ensure that developing countries are not left behind in the AI revolution.

    Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation said:

    Africa has historically lagged behind in previous technological revolutions due to a lack of local production and value addition capacity. Rwanda is fully committed to harnessing the transformative power of AI to drive our nation’s and continent’s social and economic development agenda by becoming the proof of concept hub that Africans produce from, for the continent.

    This collaborative initiative is of paramount importance as it empowers African countries to become producers, not just consumers, in the AI revolution, ensuring that we are at the forefront of shaping our own future and driving sustainable progress across the continent.

    Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said:

    From accelerating medical breakthroughs and expanding access to health care to boosting learning outcomes and increasing agricultural production, AI has the potential to help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

    But impact is only possible if the benefits of the technology are relevant, affordable, and accessible to everyone. The commitments announced today underscore the importance of supporting locally-led innovation to ensure AI can be used by communities around the world as a powerful and equitable tool for good.

    François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Science, Innovation and Industry, said:

    International collaboration is essential to ensure AI is used safely and responsibly around the world. Our government makes a point of working with like-minded partners and innovators to harness the potential of AI for sustainable economic development, aligned with global efforts to develop and use AI safely and responsibly.

    Christopher Burns, USAID Chief Digital Development Officer and Director for Technology, said:

    As development practitioners and donors, we have a moral obligation to ensure AI is designed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner to the benefit of all, particularly underserved communities. USAID looks forward to working alongside our partners to advance this vision.

    James Manyika, Senior Vice President, Research, Technology & Society, Google said:

    Getting AI right – that is, harnessing its potential to benefit society while addressing the complexities and risks – requires approaching it in a way that involves and benefits everyone. That means mobilising regional expertise, expanding infrastructure, supporting nonprofit innovators using AI, and making sure individuals can develop needed skills. Google has been supporting innovation and growth in Africa since 2005 when we made a big bet on the Seacom Cable, and we look forward to working with this consortium, the African Union, and other key stakeholders across the continent to unlock the promise of AI for all.

    Justin Spelhaug, Vice-President, Tech for Social Impact, Microsoft said:

    We at Microsoft are proud to partner with the UK government and other international development organisations in the launch of the joint AI for Development initiative. This initiative aligns with our own vision for digital development and our commitment to using technology to drive social impact. We look forward to being an active partner in this collaboration and to working with African countries to realise the opportunities of AI for development and social impact. By leveraging our Digital Development Program and working together, we can coordinate our efforts for maximum impact on the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Federal Republic of Nigeria said:

    Artificial Intelligence offers an unprecedented opportunity to appropriate knowledge more quickly and seamlessly in addressing some of our pressing socio-economic challenges. Our duty as policymakers is to ensure that our nation can participate and mainstream value creation from AI.

    As we embark on this journey to accelerating our investment in the use of AI for good, it is essential to collaborate with long-standing allies to deepen our capacity and knowledge.

    In supporting all aspects of AI ecosystems in Africa, the programme will include investment in post-graduate AI research skills and inclusive and locally focused datasets in Nigeria, and it will support innovation and scaling in Kenya to accelerate impact on the Sustainable Development Goals.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Boost to ASEAN-UK cooperation with first UK visit by Secretary General of ASEAN [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : Boost to ASEAN-UK cooperation with first UK visit by Secretary General of ASEAN [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 November 2023.

    Secretary General of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) His Excellency Dr Kao Kim Hourn is visiting the UK to further the ASEAN-UK Partnership.

    • The Secretary General of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) will meet senior leaders from Government, business, and academia to advance ASEAN-UK Cooperation
    • Discussions will focus on priority areas outlined in ASEAN strategies including in the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and reflected in the 2022-2026 ASEAN-UK Plan of Action.

    The Secretary General of ASEAN Dr Kao Kim Hourn begins a three day visit to the UK today (1 November), during which he will discuss the breadth of the ASEAN-UK relationship with Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and four other UK Ministers. It will mark the first time the Secretary General has visited any European country in his role.

    With Indo-Pacific Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the Secretary General will discuss the UK and ASEAN’s shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific and the UK’s bids to join regional security and defence organisations. The Minister and Secretary General will join a maritime roundtable to discuss a new UK-ASEAN Maritime Programme to boost regional resilience in responding to maritime challenges.

    ASEAN-UK cooperation on science, technology and health will also be celebrated at a reception hosted by Minister for Health and Secondary Care Will Quince and Minister for Science, Research and Innovation George Freeman.

    Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said:

    The UK’s relationship with ASEAN is central to our long-term commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. As an ASEAN Dialogue Partner, we are growing our trading links – worth over £46bn a year – and deepening cooperation on areas like cyber security and resilience. I was delighted to further this work with Deputy Secretary-General Michael Tene in Jakarta in September, and today with Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn in London.

    Minister for the Indo-Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

    Our Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN provides boundless opportunities to collaborate with our friends in Southeast Asia.

    Through the ASEAN–UK Plan of Action we are developing programmes of cooperation to advance a wide range of shared goals, from economic reform and financial sector development to maritime sustainability and adapting to climate change. We look forward to further deepening our friendship over the many years to come.

    The Secretary General will also meet UK Government International Education Champion Sir Steve Smith and British Council CEO Scott McDonald to discuss the UK’s International Education Strategy and creative economies, and support for advancing girls’ education in the region. During the visit, the UK will announce 10 new UK-ASEAN Scholarships for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and an ASEAN Chevening Programme to be launched in 2024.

    Infrastructure, trade and supply chain resilience will also be an important focus of the visit. The Secretary General will meet Minister of State for International Trade Nigel Huddleston to discuss UK-ASEAN trade including cooperation on digitalisation and financial services. He will also visit Battersea Power Station and the London Stock Exchange and discuss opportunities for strengthening UK-ASEAN collaboration with senior leaders in business, including the UK-ASEAN Business Council, think tanks and academia.

    The visit follows the Foreign Secretary’s travel to the ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta in July, where he met ASEAN Leaders including the Secretary General, and the Minister of State for International Trade’s attendance at the Third ASEAN Economic Ministers-UK Consultation in August.

    The UK became an ASEAN Dialogue Partner in 2021, in recognition of the bloc’s central role promoting co-operation and shaping the wider Indo-Pacific regional order.

  • PRESS RELEASE : International Day to End Impunity Crimes against Journalists in Somalia [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : International Day to End Impunity Crimes against Journalists in Somalia [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 November 2023.

    The UK announces support to the BBC Media Action project, to amplify Somali women’s voices, build community resilience, and promote female participation.

    On International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the British Embassy in Mogadishu has announced more than $1 million dollars of conflict security and stability funding to a BBC Media Action project. This is meant to amplify women’s voices to raise awareness on the impact of climate change, conflict and support efforts towards peacebuilding, and promoting gender equality.

    BBC Media Action will work with local media partners in each Federal Member State and Somaliland to develop capability for female journalists to promote community-led action on issues affecting women, with a focus on the active participation of women.

    This grant is testament to the UK’s longstanding role as champion of media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information in Somalia. Media freedom is the cornerstone of democracy and a crucial component of a more stable, secure and prosperous Somalia.

    British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, said:

    The UK believes a free, fair and independent media speaking truth to power is essential to democracy. Within this, the voice of women is critically important. This BBC Media Action project will empower cohorts of female journalists throughout Somalia to report on the issues that matter most – including on climate change, conflict and peacebuilding, and gender equality.

    Open access to information is vital. Informed citizens make better informed decisions, and this leads to a more open society and resilient communities. I therefore see this as a step in the pathway towards a more stable, secure and prosperous Somalia. In the words of His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh, a “Somalia at peace with itself and the world”.

    BBC Media Action Chief Executive Officer, Simon Bishop, said:

    Access to trusted, impartial information is critical wherever you are in the world, as an essential cornerstone of democracy and prosperity. This vital support will help to strengthen local media, which face tremendous financial pressures, while ensuring women’s voices remain at the heart of respectful discussion, debate and decision-making around the issues that matter most in their everyday lives.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Minister for the Middle East visits Israel and the West Bank [November 2023]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Minister for the Middle East visits Israel and the West Bank [November 2023]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 November 2023.

    Lord Ahmad will meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Israel and the West Bank over the next 2 days to discuss the crisis in the Middle East.

    • Lord Ahmad set to meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Israel and the West Bank over the next 2 days to discuss the crisis in the Middle East
    • he will advocate for immediate humanitarian pauses to help aid reach Gaza, for British nationals to leave Gaza, and steps towards a political resolution which provides justice and security to both Israelis and Palestinians
    • visit follows announcement that the UK will provide an additional £30 million in humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza

    Minister for the Middle East, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, is travelling to Israel and the West Bank as a part of the UK’s diplomatic efforts to get aid into Gaza, secure the release of hostages, recognise Israel’s security concerns and prevent regional escalation.

    The UK continues close work with partners and allies in the region to ensure vital lifesaving aid, including food, water, fuel and medical supplies, reaches Gaza as fast as possible. Lord Ahmad will stress this point in his engagements with Israeli leaders, including advocating for an immediate humanitarian pause to allow aid to enter and for steps towards allowing British nationals to leave Gaza as soon as possible.

    Lord Ahmad will also be discussing with leaders from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories efforts to prevent regional escalation and move closer towards achieving a two-state solution, as part of a political resolution which provides justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

    Lord Ahmad said:

    I am travelling to the Middle East to further efforts to get lifesaving aid into Gaza, to help ensure British nationals can leave Gaza and prevent regional escalation.

    We need a collective effort to get aid into Gaza as quickly as possible – including food, water, fuel and medical supplies.  The UK has contributed another £30 million in aid to this end and I’ll be discussing what more action must be taken.

    I will raise with Israeli and Palestinian leaders the urgent need to avoid regional escalation following Hamas’s terrorist attack and push for a two-state solution as part of a political resolution to this conflict, which provides justice and security for Israelis and Palestinians.

    The minister’s visit comes off the back of a raft of senior diplomatic engagement. On 20 October the Prime Minister visited Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt to speak with the Prime Minister Netanyahu, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman, the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas.

    The Foreign Secretary was in the United Arab Emirates on Monday for discussions on the crisis, following recent talks in Egypt, Turkey and Qatar, and calls with his Egyptian and Israeli counterparts over the weekend. He was also the first Foreign Minister to visit communities affected by Hamas’ terror attack in the south of Israel.

    The UK’s diplomatic efforts are supported by an additional £30 million of humanitarian aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories – more than doubling our existing aid commitment for this year (£27 million). The funding will include support to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) in responding to critical food, water, health, shelter and security needs in Gaza.