KAIPTC receives ICT equipment from EU and BMZ to bolster e-learning effortsHalf of Tunisian men are smokers (survey) [Upd 1]

The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has received Information Communication Technology (ICT) equipment from the European Union (EU) and Germany's Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The hi-tech equipment is expected to improve the Centre's e-learning capabilities and expand virtual engagements in Peace support Operations. The items include 30 laptops, three projectors, a conferencing machine, and 10 (75 inch) interactive screens. It is part of a wider initiative under the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations Project which started in February 2019 with funding by the European Union and the German Government. Mr Irchad Razaaly, EU Ambassador to Ghana, who joined other dignitaries, staff and the Executive Management of KAIPTC to present the equipment, noted that the EU was by far the main financial partner of ECOWAS, and that enhancing the capacity of the sub-regional body and its member states in conflict prevention and management, a nd fostering regional cooperations was key. He said in an increasingly interconnected world, where conflicts transcended borders more than ever before, the importance of robust platforms could not be over emphasised. Amb. Razaaly said the IT equipment would not only facilitate knowledge-sharing, but also foster a deeper understanding of the complex international dynamics inherent in Peace Support Operations. He said the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations Project presented a significant step forward in fostering regional stability in West Africa, especially at a time when the region was going through 'intense turbulence'. Amb. Razaaly said the EU remained steadfast in its commitment to peace and security efforts in the region from border management to combating terrorism financing, adding international crime, facilitating cross-border information sharing, and bolstering conflict prevention and mediation. The EU Ambassador further stated that peacebuilding was a complex and multifaceted endeavour requiring a holistic approach. According to him, while technical capabilities were undoubtedly crucial, sustainable peace also depended on addressing underlying root causes, promoting inclusive governance, fostering social cohesion, and empowering local communities. Ms Sivine Jansen, a representative of the German Embassy in Ghana, said the support was to strengthen the centre's role and contributions to the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture. She said Germany continued to support peace efforts in the sub-region, ensuring a prosperous and secure sub-region through capacity building in Peace Support Operations. Ms Jansen said the use of the new technology for virtual learning and online teaching would make the centre more sustainable while improving the quality of training delivery with the use of more global experts. She reiterated the commitment and dedication of the German government, in collaboration with the EU through the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture Operation (EPSAO) Project being implemented by GIZ, to supporting peace and security efforts in West Africa. Major General Richard Addo Gyane, Commandant, KAIPTC, who received the equipment on behalf of the Centre, expressed appreciation to the Federal Republic of Germany for its continuous ICT infrastructural support to the centre's operations. He said with the international community still reeling under the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and insecurities in certain critical parts of the globe, the Centre deemed it reassuring that Germany considered it in its international commitments. The Commandant said it also deepened the commitments of agencies like GIZ/EPSAO to the channels of support currently in place to guide their relationship. 'We are indeed grateful for the deep understanding of the needs of the Centre and the readiness to direct resources to this effect.' Ambassador Baba Gana Wakil, Resident Representative, ECOWAS Commission, said Peace Support Operations as a component of the overall efforts in achieving digitalis ation of Human Capital Development agenda in the sub-region was imperative. He said without ICT compliance to human capital development in the sub-region, the various efforts at regional integration, including provision of infrastructure and trade promotion would not materialise. Source: Ghana News Agency Tobacco consumption is high in Tunisia among men, in particular. Around half of men are smokers (49.8% against 49.4% in 2018), a 2023 cluster-sampling survey with multiple indicators titled the "Situation of Mothers and Children in Tunisia" showed. More than the half (53.2%) smoked over 20 cigarettes in the 24 hours before the survey, findings outlined Monday also showed. There are variations between urban areas (52.3%) and the rural environment (44.8%). This rate diminishes according to the level of education and economic well being. It drops from 50.4% for uneducated men to 44.4% for men with a university degree. The rate is 48.3% for men in rich households and 46.2% for those from poorer households. Tobacco consumption varies according to the age, standing at 16.5% for the 15-19 age bracket (22.4% in 2018), 26.6% for the 18-19 age group (32.8% in 2018) and 49.9% for youth aged 20 to 24 (44% in 2018). The highest rate was reported in the 35-39 age bracket (47.5% in 2018). Geographic breakdown demonstra tes the highest rate was reported in the Greater Tunis (56.2%), while the southeast recorded the lowest smoking rate (40.3%). Smoking is one of a preventable cause of illness and death in the world, the survey revealed. According to the survey, 49.8% of men never smoked or used a Tobacco product against 97.4% of women. This proportion of non-smokers is higher in the 40-44 age bracket (40%). 11.2% of boys smoked a whole cigarette before turning 15. Smoking prevalence among women is low, standing at 1.9% (1.7% in 2018). It is 2.8% in urban areas against 0% in the rural environment. Cigarette smoking among 15 to 19-year-old girls is estimated at 0.8% Economic wellbeing and the level of education are likewise determining factors with 4.1% of women from the richest households against 0.3% for the poorest. Survey findings show 0.9% of uneducated women are smoking, while 2.5% of women who pursued secondary school studies and 1.8% of those who went to university took up smoking. The survey was conducted by the National Institute of Statistics, in coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Planning and with the technical and financial support of the UNICEF and the funding of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the development bank of Germany KfW. Respondents are 11,000 households across the country, including 7,326 in urban areas and 3,674 in the rural environment with a response rate of 90%. Some 138 indicators on the situation of mothers and children were updated, including 34 in relation to SDGs. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse