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Wall Street guru brings fintech secrets to South Africa

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The man whose real life story was portrayed by Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio in the mega Box Office movie, The Wolf of Wall Street, will be in South Africa in December. Jordan Belfort, “The Real Wolf of Wall Street,” will take part in the intensive Phenom Sunrise, a technological forum held in Cape Town. The conference aims to unleash the “business beast” in 200 entrepreneurs from over 20 countries, and provided with the help of TAFFDs, a Global Nongovernmental organization registered in the USA as a nonprofit corporation that serves as a futuristic Think Tank endeavored to the education and engagement urgency to help people understand the benefits and challenges of technology applied to high–affected industries and disciplines across the world.

Phenom Ecosystem, a high–tech digital space where services, products, and solutions are organized around users' needs, will host the event. The forum organizers have invited Jordan Belfort to share his knowledge and experience with the trailblazing participants, motivate them to achieve their goals, and teach his approach to life, business, and finance. Belfort's focus at the conference will be to demystify complicated money technologies such as Blockchain and digital currencies.

“Belfort's main task is to simplify all that tech jargon that today's generation of entrepreneurs needs to decode in order to grow their portfolios in technology–based businesses,” said the organizer of the workshop and the CEO of Phenom Platform Ltd, Yaroslav Gordeev. “Not only will the participants learn from the man who inspired the Martin Scorsese–directed big–screen drama, but they will also get to meet him and have a chat. The experience has to be real. We want our participants to take the fintech lessons home but also be able to look at their pictures with the real Wolf of Wall Street and remain motivated in their entrepreneurial pursuits. The participants will also listen to other experienced entrepreneurs and tech experts and find out about the future of the African and global markets. They will have a chance to learn about the most innovative digital products and expand their passive income opportunities.”

Belfort has urged all the participants to be ready for a life–changing event. “I'm finally coming to Cape Town after so many years. Prepare to be blown away – it's going to be an outstanding event. I will teach about entrepreneurship, sales, and how to take your life and business to the next level,” said Belfort.

The conference will be held at the Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, Cape Town on December 8–12, 2021. The ultimate training session with Jordan Belfort will take place on December 9, 2021.

About Phenom

Phenom is a high–tech digital space where services, products, and solutions are organized around users' needs. Phenom Ecosystem is a decentralized system of digital products that unites thousands of people worldwide. It helps users benefit from blockchain technology and get a profit by monetizing their time and smartphone resources.

About TAFFDs
The acronym "TAFFD's" stands for Transdisciplinary Agora for Future Discussion. The name was coined by the founder who believes that a single–based approach in understanding reality will lead to ideological supremacy. Hence, they should be an "Agora" (Greek word for Marketplace) where ideas from this multidisciplinary field are "Transdisciplinary" "Discussed" and applied for a better "Future," which starts now.

Media contact:
Victoria Ustimenko–Laskina
Global Head of Markets at TAFFDs
pr@taffds.org
victoria.ustimenko@taffds.org


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8397553)

CEDEM AG donates immunity boosting products, PPE to Ghana’s Maamobi Polyclinic

ACCRA, Ghana, Nov. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CEDEM AG, a Swiss–based global nutraceutical company, has made a donation to Maamobi Polyclinic within the Ayawaso North Constituency of the Greater Accra Region of the Republic of Ghana.

Rasha Oudeh, CEO and founder of CEDEM AG, who presented the donation items to the polyclinic while on her business trip to Ghana, said she was very happy to be in the country as she considers Ghana to be one of the most stable countries in Sub–Saharan Africa to invest in, especially as it has a business friendly and peaceful environment that is conducive for trade and commerce.

The donated items included Vitamin C, Vitamin Ions, Paracetamol, face masks and hand sanitizers.

Ms. Oudeh said: "what we offer the world, we embody within. Our values unite us and drive us forward and they "inspire us to inspire people" to maintain their wellbeing and be healthy. Our vision stems from our essence, of which we aim to be every person's partner in wellbeing."

Accompanied by Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Ibn Saana, PhD, a Public Health Pharmacist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ms. Oudeh added: "we are happy to shoulder our corporate social responsibility, and we are committed to making a difference in the healthcare sector through this modest donation. It is our hope and desire to help boost our Ghanaian brothers' and sisters' immunity and maintain their wellbeing, especially as the Covid–19 pandemic continues to affect the lives of people across the globe."

A Principal Nursing Officer at the Emergency Unit of the Mamobi Polyclinic, Ms. Mary Yost, received the items on behalf of the administrator of the facility, Helen Tettey.

Ms. Oudeh said the donation to the facility was the first phase of donations the company would make to health facilities, including the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).

The CEDEM AG founder and global business magnate said CEDEM AG believes in Africa and its future. It already operates in other African countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Uganda and Ethiopia.

CEDEM AG, established in 1991 with headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, has several branches worldwide, including in Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland and Jordan. Its multi–cultural teams' expertise and presence are spread around the world through dedicated affiliates and key partnerships in almost 30 countries.

Its team relentlessly operates under the latest quality standards to develop health solutions for people's needs. In all its work, CEDEM AG strives to be innovative, passionate and deliver the best quality.

Contact:

Dana Abu Sham
dana.abusham@cedemag.com
+962 7 7652 4125

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0ab92ce8–4a16–45f1–869e–82a033d37e48


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 1000579669)

Enernet Global acquires KPS Power Africa

NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enernet Global Inc. ("Enernet"), a distributed energy service company whose mission is to decarbonise the world's supply chains, acquired KPS Power Africa ("KPSPA") to accelerate presence in African mining.

Enernet's global footprint enables it to provide tailored energy solutions for mining, commercial, industrial, remote community and utility customers across its operations in Australia, the Philippines, the Caribbean and Sub–Saharan Africa. KPSPA finances, builds, owns and operates hybrid power plants for the mining sector in Africa. The transaction provides Enernet with a portfolio of projects and expert team to rapidly scale the business.

"The combination of KPS Power Africa's deep roots in mining and power in Africa combined with Enernet's world–leading expertise on renewable hybrid plants and competitive capital enables us to bring a unique solution to mines across Africa," said Paul Matthews, Enernet and KPSPA's CEO. "Mines are under increasing pressure to reduce scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and their CEOs must report to investors and the market on their ambitions to reduce CO2. Together, we finance, build and operate cheaper, cleaner and more reliable power solutions for customers across Sub–Saharan Africa."

"The acquisition of KPSPA by Enernet Global is a great strategic move which allows both companies to advance hybrid power generation within mining in Africa. KPSPA has increased its exposure to the renewable energy market and Enernet Global its presence in the African mining industry, which is ideally positioned for renewable hybrid system," said Ben Zikmundovsky, KPSPA's General Manager.

Enernet and KPSPA deploy distributed on– and off–grid generation projects that integrate renewable energy, battery storage, cogeneration and existing thermal or grid supply. System design and operational optimization are underpinned by Enernet's patented technology platform.

Selling energy and services through power purchase agreements, systems are delivered at no capital cost to customers and tailored to their specific energy needs. This lowers costs, adds energy resilience and independence, and dramatically reduces emissions mines in Africa.

About Enernet Global Inc ("Enernet")
Enernet is a distributed energy service provider that finances, builds, owns and operates microgrids and drives the adoption of renewable energy, battery storage and energy efficiency solutions that displace CO2 emissions. Built on the company's proprietary software platform, Enernet's Energy–as–a–Service offering benefits on– and off–grid customers by providing less expensive, more resilient power solutions at no capital outlay for customers.

Enernet has operations in Australia, the Philippines, the Caribbean and Sub–Saharan Africa, where it focuses on power solutions for sectors that include island development, mining, commercial and industrial, remote communities, agriculture, utilities and hospitality.

About KPS Power Africa ("KPSPA")
KPS Power Africa specialises in designing, building, owning and operating power stations for African mining operations. As a leading contract power supplier to the mining sector, KPSPA provides independent power generation services with the benefit of over 30 years' experience in African mining.

Servicing all of Africa, KPSPA's purpose–built power generation systems include design, construction, operation and maintenance, reducing customers' capital and maintenance requirements. Capabilities and expertise cover multiple technologies and deliver benchmark reliability and fuel efficiency for our customers' mining operations.

Media contact:
Paul Matthews
Enernet Global Inc.
Office: +1 541 292 6422
Email: pmatthews@enernetglobal.com


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8396748)

Zenas BioPharma Acquires Exclusive Worldwide Rights to Obexelimab from Xencor

Xencor receives rights to additional equity in Zenas as upfront payment and is eligible for up to $480 million in potential milestone payments and royalties on net sales of commercialized products

Obexelimab is a novel bifunctional antibody with first–in–class potential to treat autoimmune diseases

MONROVIA, Calif., HONG KONG and BOSTON, Nov. 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xencor, Inc. (NASDAQ: XNCR), a clinical–stage biopharmaceutical company developing engineered monoclonal antibodies and cytokines for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, and Zenas BioPharma ("Zenas"), a global biopharmaceutical company based in the USA and China committed to the development and delivery of immune–based therapies, today announced that Zenas has acquired from Xencor exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize the investigational antibody obexelimab.

Obexelimab is a potential first–in–class bifunctional antibody that targets CD19 with its variable domain and uses Xencor's XmAb Immune Inhibitor Fc Domain to target FcRIIb, a receptor that inhibits the function of B–cells, which are important components in the immune system. Xencor demonstrated through early–stage clinical studies that obexelimab effectively inhibits B–cell function without depleting the cells and generates an encouraging treatment effect in patients with multiple autoimmune diseases.

"Zenas is advancing a broad pipeline of differentiated drug candidates that are intended to bring best–in–class innovation to patients with underserved medical needs," said Hua Mu, Ph.D., MD, president and chief executive officer at Zenas. "Today, we are pleased to add obexelimab to our portfolio, and based on its clinical profile, we believe it is positioned as a first–in–class candidate with the potential to treat numerous autoimmune diseases."

"Obexelimab's highly potent and broad blockade of B–cell activation""without depleting B cells""differentiates it from other B–cell targeting therapies, and it has demonstrated disease–modifying activity in settings where B–cell inhibition is a proven strategy," said Bassil Dahiyat, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer at Xencor. "In Zenas BioPharma, we have found a partner committed to broadly and aggressively developing therapeutics like obexelimab for patients with autoimmune diseases, enabling Xencor's continued focus on the growing opportunities provided by our XmAb bispecific antibody and cytokine pipeline."

Under the terms of the new agreement, Zenas will issue to Xencor a warrant giving Xencor the right to acquire additional Zenas equity, such that Xencor's total equity in Zenas would be 15% of its fully diluted capitalization following the closing of Zenas' next round of equity financing, subject to certain requirements. Xencor previously received equity in Zenas under a separate license agreement. Xencor is also eligible to receive up to $480 million based on the achievement of certain clinical development, regulatory and commercialization milestones and is eligible to receive tiered, mid–single digit to mid–teen percent royalties upon commercialization of obexelimab, dependent on geography. Zenas will have sole responsibility for advancing the research, development, regulatory and commercial activities of obexelimab worldwide.

About Xencor, Inc.

Xencor is a clinical–stage biopharmaceutical company developing engineered monoclonal antibodies and cytokines for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Currently, 22 candidates engineered with Xencor's XmAb technology are in clinical development internally and with partners. Xencor's XmAb antibody engineering technology enables small changes to the structure of proteins resulting in new mechanisms of therapeutic action. For more information, please visit www.xencor.com.

About Zenas BioPharma

Zenas BioPharma is a global biopharmaceutical company based in the USA and China committed to becoming a leader in the development and delivery of immune–based therapies for patients in the US, China and around the world. Zenas is rapidly advancing a deep pipeline of innovative therapeutics that continues to grow through our successful business development strategy. Our experienced leadership team and network of business partners drive operational excellence to deliver potentially transformative therapies to improve the lives of those facing autoimmune and rare diseases. For more information about Zenas BioPharma, please visit www.zenasbio.com and follow us on Twitter at @ZenasBioPharma and LinkedIn.

Xencor Forward–Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward–looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward–looking statements include statements that are not purely statements of historical fact, and can generally be identified by our use of words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "may," "could," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "seek," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," and similar terms, or by express or implied discussions relating to the development of obexelimab as a potential treatment for patients with autoimmune diseases; the commercial potential of obexelimab; the safety, tolerability, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of obexelimab; the quotations from Xencor's president and chief executive officer; and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. Such statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of the management of Xencor and are subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements and the timing of events to be materially different from those implied by such statements, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such risks include, without limitation, the risks associated with the process of discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing drugs that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics and other risks described in Xencor's public securities filings. For a discussion of these and other factors, please refer to Xencor's annual report on Form 10–K for the year ended December 31, 2020 as well as Xencor's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward–looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended to date. All forward–looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and Xencor undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by law.

Contacts

Xencor Investor Contact:
Charles Liles
cliles@xencor.com

Xencor Media Contact:
Jason I. Spark
Canale Communications
619–849–6005
jason@canalecomm.com

Zenas Investor Contact:
IR@zenasbio.com

Zenas Media Contact:
Lauren Bartlett
lauren.bartlett@zenasbio.com


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8398425)

ROSEN, GLOBAL INVESTOR COUNSEL, Encourages Camber Energy, Inc. Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important December 28 Deadline in Securities Class Action – CEI

NEW YORK, Nov. 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Camber Energy, Inc. (NYSE American: CEI) between February 18, 2021 and October 4, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important December 28, 2021 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Camber securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Camber class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases–register–2170.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll–free at 866–767–3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 28, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Camber
overstated the financial and business prospects of Viking Energy Group, Inc. ("Viking") as well as the combined company post–merger; (2) Camber failed to apprise investors of, and/or downplayed, the fact that its acquisition of a controlling interest in Viking would exacerbate the Company's delinquent financial statements and listing obligations with the NYSE; (3) an institutional investor was diluting Camber's shares at a significant rate following the Company's July 12, 2021 update regarding the number of its shares of common stock issued and outstanding; and (4) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Camber class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases–register–2170.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll–free at 866–767–3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the–rosen–law–firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

———————————————–

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686–1060
Toll Free: (866) 767–3653
Fax: (212) 202–3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8398224)

ROSEN, TOP RANKED INVESTOR COUNSEL, Encourages Snap Inc. Investors with Losses Exceeding $100K to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action Commenced by the Firm – SNAP

NEW YORK, Nov. 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP) between July 22, 2020 and October 21, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important January 10, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the firm.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Snap securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Snap class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases–register–2188.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll–free at 866–767–3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 10, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Apple's privacy changes would have, and were having, a material impact on the Company's advertising business; (2) Snap overstated its ability to transition its advertising with Apple's privacy changes; (3) Snap knew of, but downplayed, the risks of the impact that Apple's privacy changes had on the Company's advertising business; (4) Snap overstated its commitment to privacy; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' public statements and statements to journalists were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Snap class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases–register–2188.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll–free at 866–767–3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the–rosen–law–firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

———————————————–

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686–1060
Toll Free: (866) 767–3653
Fax: (212) 202–3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8398299)

UNAOC and BMW Group Announce the 10 Finalists of the Intercultural Innovation Award and Celebrate 10 Years of Partnership

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ten global grassroots initiatives have been named finalists of the prestigious Intercultural Innovation Award during an Awards Ceremony held last night at the German Pavilion of the Dubai EXPO 2020, within the margins of the thematic week on Tolerance and Inclusivity. A partnership between the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group, and now with the support of Accenture, the Intercultural Innovation Award supports grassroots initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue and understanding and contribute to peace, cultural diversity, and more inclusive societies.

"As the Intercultural Innovation Award (IIA) celebrates its 10–year anniversary, UNAOC and the BMW Group continue to collaborate to promote a more inclusive global community by strengthening grassroots initiatives that are deeply committed to promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding. Through the Intercultural Innovation Award, we support projects that address diversity and inclusion in innovative ways." said Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, High Representative for UNAOC.

"The Intercultural Innovation Award honors people and projects that promote diversity, tolerance and inclusion in a particularly creative way. These are the values that move us forward as a society and as a company. We are convinced that progress requires cohesion "" that is what the BMW Group stands for. Together with UNAOC, we make a meaningful contribution to respectful dialogue," said Ms. Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources at BMW Group.

This year, the selection process was highly competitive, with over 1,100 applications received from 120 countries.

2021 awardees:

International Trustbuilding "" Initiatives of Change International (Switzerland)
Knitting a Better Future "" La Cana, Productos con Causa (Mexico)
Dialogue on the Human Fraternity Document "" Mediterranean Youth Foundation (Egypt)
MITTI Caf, Inclusion with Every Meal "" MITTI Social Initiative Foundation (India)
Arrival Advisor "" PeaceGeeks Society (Canada)
Emerging Leaders "" PLACE Network (France)
Politize! Ambassadors Program: Promoting Civic Empowerment for All "" Politize! Civic Education Institute (Brazil)
Always Remember, Never Forget "" Spielen in der Stadt (Germany)
Creative Youth Boot Camp: Art for Social Transformation "" Street Project Foundation (Nigeria)
SMART Advocates: For Effective Dialogue to Address the Grassroots Conflicts "" Strengthening Youth Leadership Collective (Sri Lanka)

Media Inquiries:
– Ms. Milena Pighi, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, BMW Group: Phone: +49–89–382–66563; Email: Milena.PA.Pighi@bmw.de
– Mr. Alessandro Girola, Programming Coordinator, UNAOC: Phone: +1 (929) 274–6217; Email: alessandrog@unops.org


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8394947)

Sri Lanka’s “SMART Advocates: For Effective Dialogue to Address the Grassroots Conflicts” Project Receives UNAOC-BMW Group Intercultural Innovation Award

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The "SMART Advocates" project of the Strengthening Youth Leadership Collective (SYLC) in Sri Lanka was selected as one of ten global grassroots initiatives to receive the prestigious Intercultural Innovation Award from the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group, during an Awards Ceremony held last night at the German Pavilion of the Dubai EXPO 2020, within the margins of the thematic week on Tolerance and Inclusivity. The selection process was highly competitive, with over 1,100 applications received from 120 countries.

SMART Advocates is designed to train individuals who have the passion to engage in effective advocacy to address grassroots conflicts and build a better Sri Lanka. By facilitating peacebuilding through a digital platform and visual storytelling, SMART Advocates aims to tackle socio–economic and environmental challenges. The core objective is to bridge the gap between communities and local authorities to address these conflicts.

“Strengthening Youth Leadership Collective has been exploring mechanics that build trust, create innovation, and ensure sustainability to make lasting change. Young people are often considered as perpetrators of violence. To change this stereotypical perspective, our novel approach to address grassroots conflicts through digital platforms gives new insights about young people," said Kishoth Navaretnarajah, Co–Founder and Program Designer at SYLC.

The Intercultural Innovation Award supports grassroots initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue and understanding, thereby contributing to peace, cultural diversity, and more inclusive societies. This year, the Awards Ceremony was chaired by the High Representative for UNAOC and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain, H.E. Mr. Miguel ngel Moratinos, and Ms. Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources at BMW Group.

In addition to a financial grant, SYLC will receive capacity–building and mentorship support from UNAOC, the BMW Group and Accenture to help strengthen the "SMART Advocates" project and ensure its sustainable growth. This model of collaboration between the United Nations and the private sector creates a more profound impact, as partners provide their respective expertise to ensure the sustainable growth of each supported project.

Learn more about the project:
https://interculturalinnovation.org/smart–advocates–sylc/

Media inquiries:
– Ms. Milena Pighi, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, BMW Group: Phone: +49–89–382–66563; Email: Milena.PA.Pighi@bmw.de
– Mr. Alessandro Girola, Programming Coordinator, UNAOC: Phone: +1 (929) 274–6217; Email: alessandrog@unops.org


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8394941)

Nigeria’s “Creative Youth Boot Camp: Art for Social Transformation” Project Receives UNAOC-BMW Group Intercultural Innovation Award

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nigeria's "Creative Youth Boot Camp: Art for Social Transformation" of the Street Project Foundation was selected as one of ten global grassroots organizations to receive the prestigious Intercultural Innovation Award from the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group, during an Awards Ceremony held last night at the German Pavilion of the Dubai EXPO 2020, within the margins of the thematic week on Tolerance and Inclusivity. The selection process was highly competitive, with over 1,100 applications received from 120 countries.

Creative Youth Boot Camp galvanizes young individuals from over 200 ethnic groups in Nigeria to co–create, using performing arts as a tool to confront social issues such as gender inequality, social exclusion, xenophobia, and violent extremism, plaguing the development of women, youth, and young people with disabilities. By deploying a human–centered approach called "reflection sessions", young creatives are equipped with tools to unpack issues that threaten their existence.

"Receiving the intercultural and Innovation Award is a validation of the revolutionary work that Street Project Foundation is doing in Nigeria. This is a boost to our cause of using the performing arts as a tool to foster a youth movement that advocates for inclusion, pluralism and global citizenship," said Rita Ezenwa–Okoro, Founder at Street Project Foundation.

The Intercultural Innovation Award supports grassroots initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue and understanding, thereby contributing to peace, cultural diversity, and more inclusive societies. This year, the Awards Ceremony was chaired by the High Representative for UNAOC and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain, H.E. Mr. Miguel ngel Moratinos, and Ms. Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources at BMW Group.

In addition to a financial grant, the Street Project Foundation will receive capacity–building and mentorship support from UNAOC, the BMW Group and Accenture to help strengthen its "Creative Youth Boot Camp" project and ensure its sustainable growth. This model of collaboration between the United Nations and the private sector creates a more profound impact, as partners provide their respective expertise to ensure the sustainable growth of each supported project.

Learn more about the project:
https://interculturalinnovation.org/creative–youth–booth–camp/

Media inquiries:
– Ms. Milena Pighi, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, BMW Group: Phone: +49–89–382–66563; Email: Milena.PA.Pighi@bmw.de
– Mr. Alessandro Girola, Programming Coordinator, UNAOC: Phone: +1 (929) 274–6217; Email: alessandrog@unops.org


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 8394910)

Egypt's “Dialogue on the Human Fraternity Document” Project Receives UNAOC-BMW Group Intercultural Innovation Award

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The "Dialogue on the Human Fraternity Document" project of the Mediterranean Youth Foundation in Egypt was selected as one of ten global grassroots initiatives to receive the prestigious Intercultural Innovation Award from the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group, during an Awards Ceremony held last night at the German Pavilion of the Dubai EXPO 2020, within the margins of the thematic week on Tolerance and Inclusivity. The selection process was highly competitive, with over 1,100 applications received from 120 countries.

The project serves as the first youth dialogue in the world on the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, a joint statement signed by Pope Francis of the Catholic Church and Sheikh Ahmed el–Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al–Azhar. The project empowers youth in the region to promote the concept of human fraternity, intercultural and interfaith dialogue, through implementing a series of workshops and sessions with the aim to counter hate speech, extremism and intolerance.

“This award is a recognition of our efforts as young people to build an inclusive society. The award means that I will have everything I need to expand and maximize the impact of my project by receiving financial support, mentoring and networking," said Youssef Sabry, Co–Founder and President of the Mediterranean Youth Foundation.

The Intercultural Innovation Award supports grassroots initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue and understanding, thereby contributing to peace, cultural diversity, and more inclusive societies. This year, the Awards Ceremony was chaired by the High Representative for UNAOC and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain, H.E. Mr. Miguel ngel Moratinos, and Ms. Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Human Resources at BMW Group.

In addition to a financial grant, the Mediterranean Youth Foundation will receive capacity–building and mentorship support from UNAOC, the BMW Group and Accenture to help strengthen the "Dialogue on the Human Fraternity Document" project and ensure its sustainable growth. This model of collaboration between the United Nations and the private sector creates a more profound impact, as partners provide their respective expertise to ensure the sustainable growth of each supported project.

Learn more about the project:
https://interculturalinnovation.org/dialogue–on–the–human–fraternity–document/

Media inquiries:
– Ms. Milena Pighi, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, BMW Group: Phone: +49–89–382–66563; Email: Milena.PA.Pighi@bmw.de
– Mr. Alessandro Girola, Programming Coordinator, UNAOC: Phone: +1 (929) 274–6217; Email: alessandrog@unops.org


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