Edward Duffus’ Post

BREAKING NEWS! Collaboration Framework Established to Advance Civil Registration in Africa through a Shared Asset The Problem:  Despite the fact that investments in digital identity are at an all time high, CRVS systems continue to face challenges. They continue to be fragmented and manual which hinders interoperability and prevents identity data originating from the civil registration to be used in support of legal identity. Who:  A coalition of leading development organizations, comprising UNICEF, UNECA, ID4Africa, OpenCRVS, and Vital Strategies is trying to change that. How:  They have established a collaborative framework to propel the African electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (eCRVS) Shared Asset, known as ACSA, forward. The initiative aims to expedite the development of electronic CRVS systems throughout Africa, fostering standardization and harmonization to meet the continent's distinct requirements. The asset will be owned and led by African nations. Roles:  UNICEF, UNECA, Vital Strategies: will develop normative aspects of ACSA OpenCRVS: will provide a DPG based implementation complying with the standard. ID4Africa: will continue to leverage its convening platforms to support the collaboration with African Nations. What is Next?: ID4Africa will convene a workshop titled "From Integrating CR with ID & Health to Developing ACSA: Strategies for Boosting CRVS" at its forthcoming AGM on May 24 in Cape Town, South Africa. Co-chaired by the consortium partners and featuring approximately two dozen experts, collaboration partners, and representatives of African Civil Registration authorities, the workshop will feature interactive discussions, welcoming audience input.   The workshop is open to registered attendees of the ID4Africa 2024 AGM, operating on a first-come, first-served basis with a capacity of 230 people.   DO NOT MISS IT: To book your spot: https://lnkd.in/e89Q3fPA For the full Press Release: https://lnkd.in/ekRTwK8a Dr. Joseph J. Atick Bhaskar Mishra Oliver Chinganya William Muhwava Edward Duffus Annina Wersun Martin Bratschi UNICEF United Nations Economic Commission for Africa OpenCRVS Vital Strategies

This UNDP blog by RISA ARAI, Benjamin Bertelsen and Philip Setel explains why integrating civil registration and vital statistics is important for digital transformation. The blog highlights the recent UNDP discussion with experts and thought leaders to describe the rationale behind this integration, with a keen interest in accelerating a DPI approach-led digitalisation with dedicated funding, embracing the principles of universality and interoperability and focusing on people and their rights. It also sheds light on how this integration is key for improving service delivery, safeguarding human rights, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Read more 👇 https://lnkd.in/et5JJX2P #CRVS #DPI #UNDP #SustainableDevelopment

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: Rivers Govt Supports NDDC with Provision of ICT Centre in Partnership Pact The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, wishes to address the recent article published in BusinessDay, under the headline "NDDC bails out grounded Rivers ICT Centre." We feel compelled to set the narrative right and shed light on the commendable spirit of collaboration that marks our relationship with the Rivers State government. The NDDC wishes to clarify its position and correct any misconceptions that may have arisen. First and foremost, the NDDC categorically distances itself from the interpretations and insinuations embedded in the said report. Contrary to the portrayal in the aforementioned publication, it was the Rivers State government that, in an unparalleled gesture of benevolence and vision for the region, alleviated NDDC's challenges by generously offering the Rivers ICT Centre. This act of goodwill underlines the state's profound commitment to the Niger Delta's prosperity, empowering our youths with needed skills in the rapidly advancing technological era. This shared venture between NDDC and Rivers State government exemplifies what is truly possible when entities unite with a common vision. The Rivers State government's unwavering faith in the future of the Niger Delta region and its indefatigable support for the empowerment of its youths touches us deeply. Our hearts are filled with profound gratitude; our indebtedness to the state government goes beyond mere words. Their noble gesture is a beacon, showcasing the path of partnership and progress. To augment this collaboration and uphold our end of the partnership, NDDC is embarking on a mission to revamp and upgrade the ICT Centre. This is wholly in line with our joint commitment to ensuring the facility is not just available but in top shape, ready to accommodate the anticipated vast number of participants in the Commission's ICT hub and job creation initiative, Project HOPE. Project HOPE is not just an initiative; it's a promise – a promise of a brighter, more technologically advanced, and economically empowered Niger Delta. This collaboration is a testament to the fact that when we work hand in hand with mutual respect and shared purpose, the horizon of possibilities expands exponentially. Finally, while we understand the media's role in informing the public, we strongly dissociate the NDDC from the embarrassing impression created by the interpretation in the above-mentioned report. It is important to separate personal interpretations, innuendoes and insinuations from news reports, more so when the writer's position and views are poles apart from our Press Release on the partnership. The NDDC remains dedicated to our mission, supported by invaluable partners like the Rivers State government. Together, we believe in and work towards a vibrant and flourishing Niger Delta. Pius Ughakpoteni Director, Corporate Affairs September 21, 2023.

Our UNICEF/LSE policy brief to the G20 is live: Towards Child-Centred and Future-Ready Inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure. Authored with Ellen Helsper and Jasmina Byrne https://lnkd.in/eXP8Wrcx

📢 ON AID, CIVIL SOCIETY, AND THE #GLOBALGOALS 📢 "To drive urgent progress on Sustainable Development Goals, states must prioritize civil society recommendations for effective development finance." - Daniela Sepulveda, our Capacity Development and Communications Officer talks about achieving the #GlobalGoals through transformed aid architecture, in this piece for the OpenGlobalRights #CSOPartnership #CivilSociety #Development #DevCoop #CSOs #EnableCSOs #EnablingCivilSociety #EnablingEnvironment #Agenda2030 #SDGs #Sustainable #Development #SusDev #OpenCivicSpace #ODA #EffectiveCooperation #Aid #2030Agenda

What is #digitalpublicinfrastructure (or #dpi)? According to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, "DPI is a digital network that enables countries to safely and efficiently deliver economic opportunities and social services to all residents." Fire safety system data exchange (like what we're building) is one of those social services... Read more at https://lnkd.in/dXJxPmhc

LAUNCH OF THE MANIFESTO FOR METROPOLITAN PARTNERSHIPS 8 November - 2023, Brussels ACCELERATING ON A GREENER, MORE JUST AND COMPETITIVE EUROPE Breakfast Event 08:00-10:00 (starting promptly at 08:30) European Parliament Building, Brussels Rethinking Europe’s institutional framework is essential if we are to accelerate to more resilient, greener, just and better-connected communities. It’s time to grow Metropolitan Partnerships in Europe. METREX and its partners are delighted to invite you to attend the launch of our new Manifesto for Metropolitan Partnerships. The Manifesto will call on the European Union and Member states to recognise and collaborate formally with the metropolitan and regional level, for a more resilient, sustainable and prosperous Europe. The event will be hosted by the Urban Intergroup in the European Parliament building. We will soon confirm the speakers, who will represent metropolitan regions and areas both urban and rural. We very much hope that you will be able to join us in Brussels to support the Manifesto and help us bring it to the attention of key stakeholders in the European Commission. Could you help us spread the word? Please consider individuals or organisations that might be interested to attend and support the Manifesto. This might be your political representatives or indeed if you have day-to-day representation in Brussels. https://lnkd.in/daiFFiVp Jakub Mazur Henk Bouwman Stephen Gallagher info@eurometrex.org

I received this email from #IEEE #HTB if any one is interested and you are from #Region8 and you want to serve the community. You will be able to do so through #funded #projects. You can form your #SIGHT group as well if you still do not belong to any group. Submission deadline to have this opportunity is 31 August. So, If you care about the #community and have the skills to contribute using the #technology, do not miss this #opportunity and apply before the deadline. ---------------------------- Dear IEEE Region 8 members,   The IEEE Region 8 and the IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board are partnering to conduct a collaborative call for proposals to support SIGHT groups (and prospective SIGHT groups) in Region 8 who would like to address local community challenges.   The core aim of this call for proposals is to support teams with great initiatives and creative ideas in the region to provide technological solutions for local communities. Proposed solutions must have a sustainability plan in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and take into account cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, trust-enhancement, relevance to users and community, community buy-in, and accessibility.    Funding from $1,000 to $6,000 will be granted to projects that present a convincing plan to understand the real needs of a local community or stakeholder organization and to improve the livelihood of an underserved community through the use of technology to address a local community challenge. Projects must have a good connection to the local Region 8 SIGHT Group and engage a significant number of IEEE members. If there is a team of IEEE members from a Region 8 Section or Student Branch without a SIGHT Group, they may submit a proposal if they commit to forming one by November 2023.   The submission deadline is 31 August, but don't wait to submit your application! For more information and to read the complete call for proposals, please visit the HTB website.   Best regards, IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Committee

Architects and impact-driven donors, join the "Future School for Ukraine," a project endorsed by Ursula von der Leyen at #NewEuropeanBauhaus festival as impactful initiative The New European Bauhaus advocates for a "beautiful and sustainable future" in Europe, unfolding in the blossoming, peaceful city of Brussels. russia repeatedly bombards Ukraine, posing the challenge of survival. A jarring reality check. But you know what? Ukraine is on the agenda of Europe's beautiful future. The best of humanity stands with us, opposing those who seek to undermine our resilience. At the opening of this vibrant event full of prominent politicians, opinion leaders, and creative minds of Europe, the President of the European Commission spotlighted "Future School for Ukraine" project as a catalyst for positive change in Europe. A testament to our tireless efforts in the Central Project Management Agency. There is no future without education. Ukrainians know what russians hurried to do in the occupied cities: they burned Ukrainian books and tried to break teachers both physically and morally. And although it is a lovely spring in Brussels, at the festival our team talks about how many Ukrainian schools have been targeted and destroyed, about millions of children left without access to education, and how much more Ukraine and Europe will lose if we do not act. Lithuania has already rebuilt kindergartens and schools bringing thousands of children their right to education. But the ambitious goal of Future School for Ukraine is to scale up the efforts and engage global partners. We'll "arm" Ukraine with a high-quality adaptable and ready-to-implement school project design obtained through an open architectural competition. 📝 Architects, join us! Submit your application by May 23rd to be a part of this pivotal movement. 🌏 Donors and supporters, connect with us for investment in a brighter future of Ukraine and Europe. 🔊 Speak about our initiative in your community or network. Help us gain the support needed for a sustainable impact. #CoCreateFutureOfUkraine #LithuaniaCoCreate

We're thrilled to announce our participation at the eighth edition of the European Civil Protection Forum, set to take place on 4-5 June in Tour & Taxis, Brussels, Belgium. 🇧🇪 This year's theme, "Shaping a disaster-resilient union: charting a path for the future of European civil protection," couldn't be more timely or critical. BPREPARED, in collaboration with the Belgium Ministry, has been granted the opportunity to showcase software that supports authorities in optimizing and streamlining large-scale evacuations. This software employs advanced tools for the registration, tracking, tracing, and reunification of citizens. Main Functionality: - Powerful Tooling: The software provides robust tools that maintain a centralized, up-to-date list of citizens and their related data and needs as quickly as possible. -         Focus Areas:The system addresses the needs of various groups including evacuees, individuals choosing to stay in place, self-leavers, and institutions. -         Data Integration:It allows for the upload of information from different sources into one centralized system, ensuring this information is kept current through multiple registration points. -         Comprehensive Tracking:The software keeps track of individual needs, offering the flexibility to group these needs in various ways for more efficient management. With these capabilities, the software aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of large-scale evacuation processes, ensuring that all citizens are accounted for and their needs are met in a timely and organized manner. #CPForum2024 #Inclusion #Empowerment #CivilProtection #Diversity #Resilience