February 16, 2022

As eyes look to Ukraine, Russia gains an edge in Africa

Published by
Al-Araby

West Africa is experiencing a wave of coups that have toppled governments in Mali and Burkina Faso over the past year, with another attempt in Guinea-Bissau this month. Aggrieved military brass – US-trained and partnered – deposed elected presidents and claimed control of the state. The primary reason provided by coup leaders is that the elected governments and their Western partners had failed over the past decade to rid their hinterlands of jihadist militants, particularly after France’s move to trim down its force presence throughout the Sahel region. That is good news for Russia. Observers… Continue reading “As eyes look to Ukraine, Russia gains an edge in Africa”

February 16, 2022

Hitachi Energy brings 5G connectivity to mission-critical industrial and utility operations

Integration of 5G in TRO600 series routers enables a fast, secure, and reliable hybrid wireless network for superior operational efficiency.

Zurich, Switzerland, Feb. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Hitachi Energy has today announced the launch of its new TRO600 series wireless routers with 5G capability, which are purpose-built to help industrial and utility customers achieve high reliability and resiliency in mission-critical operations.

With the integration of 5G technology, Hitachi Energy’s TRO600 series routers enable a scalable, flexible and secure, hybrid wireless communication architecture. A hybrid network seamlessly combines the best of public and private cellular with broadband mesh, all managed through a single network management system. This approach unifies communications to all devices, ensuring fast, secure, and reliable connectivity for each operational need.

“At Hitachi Energy, we are proud to pioneer 5G-enabled communication devices for industrial and utility customers, ensuring connectivity where and when it matters most,” said Massimo Danieli, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Automation business. He added, “5G is essential on our path to decentralize and decarbonize the energy system and to accelerate the energy transition. With 5G, businesses can further expand a data-driven approach to efficiently manage their energy demand and balance the load on the grid.”

“5G delivers significant connectivity performance improvements for the growing number of mobile, remote, and outdoor applications and complex use cases within industry, transportation, smart cities, and public safety,” said Chantal Polsonetti, Vice President, Advisory Services at ARC Advisory Services. “Given its history and leadership in building and managing power and communication networks, Hitachi Energy is well-positioned to help industrial companies harness the power of 5G as they pursue digital transformation,” she added.

Integrating 5G connectivity in the TRO600 series ensures optimal efficiency for multiple customer use cases across smart cities, oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, and utility applications. The high throughput supported is expected to drive greater adoption of virtual and augmented reality and video applications to aid operational efficiency and optimize processes. Meanwhile, the ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) allow for greater digitalization of operational infrastructure and scalability of mission-critical control applications.

Why hybrid networks matter

Hitachi Energy’s hybrid connectivity solutions can provide a combination of interoperable technologies on a single communication network, enabling applications for edge devices, mobile devices, and field networks, spanning environments from dense urban to ultra-rural. A hybrid system can ensure seamless industrial communications even when specific connectivity options may be unavailable or hampered. In addition to the hybrid wireless architecture, Hitachi Energy’s TRO600 series provides robust mission-critical wired backhaul through a selection of gigabit ethernet and fiber interfaces.

As the number of devices and applications requiring real-time connectivity grows exponentially, 5G offers unparalleled speed, security, and reliability, enabling businesses to support this growth. It is expected to play a vital role in scaling massive Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and mission-critical applications for utilities and other essential industries, where reliable connectivity can increase personnel safety, future-proof the adoption of applications, and provide superior operational efficiency.

Wireless Networks | Hitachi Energy

About Hitachi Energy Ltd.

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 38,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, contributes to a sustainable society with a higher quality of life by driving innovation through data and technology as the Social Innovation Business. Hitachi is focused on strengthening its contribution to the Environment, the Resilience of business and social infrastructure as well as comprehensive programs to enhance Security & Safety. Hitachi resolves the issues faced by customers and society across six domains: IT, Energy, Mobility, Industry, Smart Life and Automotive Systems through its proprietary Lumada solutions. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2020 (ended March 31, 2021) totaled 8,729.1 billion yen ($78.6 billion), with 871 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 350,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

Attachment

Tropos 5G for Industrial Communications

Rebecca Bleasdale
Hitachi Energy Ltd.
+41 78643 2613
rebecca.bleasdale@hitachienergy.com

February 16, 2022

Queclink Unveils Network Solutions to Help Connect Every IoT Device

SHANGHAI, Feb. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Queclink (Stock: 300590. SZ), a world-leading supplier of IoT devices and technologies, today announces the launch of its network solutions, helping customers and partners build secure and reliable connectivity for new possibilities.

Queclink’s Wireless Industrial Router Series

According to Statista, the global number of connected IoT devices is estimated to triple from 8.74 billion in 2020 to more than 25.4 billion active endpoints in 2030. Every object can be connected virtually in the world of IoT.

Queclink’s network solutions are suitable for a range of user cases, such as industrial automation – intelligent factory, energy, transportation and retail. They also work for various smart city solutions, including street lamp monitoring, public security, enterprise networks and remote site connectivity. The wireless router series combines high-speed cellular connectivity, industrial interfaces and Queclink’s unique IoT telematics knowledge.

“The global demand expands. It’s time to deliver our network solutions that help establish stable and private cellular connectivity for IoT,” says Edwin Peng, Queclink’s Senior Vice President. “This kind of connectivity is easy to deploy in a data-massive environment. We have been proactive in IoT that truly has initiated ‘Industrial 4.0’, at the core of which is to leverage big data for delicacy management. The automotive industry is typical of forerunners.”

One of the leading automotive companies in China has upgraded the factory digital transformation program and recently chosen Queclink’s industrial router series to empower the first test field. With a secure and reliable network, it is possible to collect numerous data, conduct edge computing – analyze and store data locally and privately, and make data-driven decisions accordingly.

The already off-the-shelf WR100 and WR200 series are both 4G LTE wireless industrial routers. Queclink has invested the WR300 series (5G version) in the Chinese market and will closely follow the migration from 4G to 5G and promote the WR300 series overseas.

About Queclink

Since 2009 Queclink Wireless Solutions has been “Driving Smarter IoT”.

Queclink is a pure play IoT hardware designer and manufacturer working with many well-known industrial and consumer companies to bring innovative IoT solutions to market. Its business units span transportation, asset and mobility, networks and agriculture. With 42 million IoT products delivered to over 140 countries, Queclink inspires data-driven solutions for its worldwide customers.

For more information, visit our website, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook or contact sales@queclink.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1747789/image1.jpg

February 16, 2022

Zambia: UNHCR Operational Update, November 2021

200 farmers (140 refugees, 60host community)from two co-operatives in Mayukwayukwa refugee settlement, received farming inputs under theGovernment’sFarmer Input Support Programme (FISP)for the 2021/2022 farming season.

As of end of November 2021, 681 refugees (189 households)have departed on resettlement to Canada, Finland, Netherlands, Swedenand the United States of America.

A family of five refugees voluntarily returned to Rwandawith assistance from UNHCR. Assistance provided by UNHCR included Voluntary Repatriation Grant and one-way air tickets.

Operational Context

The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) leads and coordinates the refugee response in line with its commitments under the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF). Under the 2017 Refugee Act, the Office of the Commissioner for Refugees(COR), within the Ministry of Home Affairs, is mandated to deal with refugee matters. UNHCR supports the Government in the protection and assistanceof refugees. The response to thearrival of refugees from DRC is coordinated by acommittee composed of key line ministries, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and UNHCR. The Ministry of Home Affairs chairs the Committee.

•As of 30November, Zambia was hosting103,920PoC’s (73,399refugees, 5,662Asylum seekers and 24,859Others of Concern) consisting of 34,378families.

•Out of the103,920PoCs, 45per cent are women, 27per cent are children(aged between 0-17 years old) and 3per cent are elderly(age above 59 years old).

•During the reporting period,there was an increaseof986 individuals (586 new asylum-seekers, 148 new births and 252 In-Situ registrations).

•Of the new asylum-seekers, 75 per cent were from the DRC, 20 per cent from Burundi and 5 percent other nationalities.UNHCR has four offices in Zambia: Representation office in Lusaka, field offices in Solwezi and Kawambwa, and a field unit in Kaoma. UNHCR Zambia has115staff throughout the country including56national, 26international and 33affiliate staff.

Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

February 16, 2022

Study: Babies Less Likely to Be Hospitalized with COVID-19 if Mothers Vaccinated During Pregnancy

A study released Tuesday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that infants are less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 if their mothers are vaccinated during their pregnancy.

The study found that babies whose mothers received two doses of an mRNA vaccine while pregnant were about 60% less likely to be hospitalized for the virus during their first six months of life. The odds are strengthened if the mother is vaccinated after the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

The agency has urged all women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, which it says increases the risk of a variety of complications, including premature birth and stillbirth.

The CDC researchers based their conclusions from monitoring 379 infants who had been hospitalized at 20 pediatric hospitals across the U.S. between last July and January of this year, including 176 who tested positive for COVID-19.

In another vaccine-related development, Britain’s Health Security Agency says the results of several studies suggests a COVID-19 vaccine reduces the chances of someone suffering from the lingering effects of a COVID-19 infection, a condition commonly known as “long COVID,” according to The Guardian newspaper.

The agency came to its conclusion after examining data from 15 studies conducted at home and abroad, half of which looked at whether the vaccine could protect someone from developing long COVID if they had not been infected, with the others focusing on the effect of vaccination among people who were already suffering from long COVID.

The HSA researchers found that those who have received one or two doses of a vaccine are less likely to develop long COVID symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, hair loss, shortness of breath or loss of smell, compared with those who are unvaccinated. The review also said there was evidence that unvaccinated people suffering from long COVID had fewer or reduced symptoms once they were vaccinated, compared to those who remained unvaccinated.

Meanwhile, South Korea says its daily number of new COVID-19 cases has risen above 90,000 for the first time Wednesday. The 90,443 new infections reported by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency was a dramatic increase from the 57,164 new cases from Tuesday.

Despite the increasing number of new cases driven by the highly-contagious omicron variant, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said the government may soon ease current coronavirus restrictions, including lifting a 9 p.m. curfew on restaurants, cafes and bars, and ending the cap on the number of people allowed for private gatherings at six.

In the United States, the administration of President Joe Biden has told key lawmakers that it needs an additional $30 billion to fund its COVID-19 response efforts.

The extra spending requested by President Biden comes nearly a year after passage of the massive $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan aimed at helping the U.S. economy recover from the pandemic. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that while the administration continues to have “sufficient funds” to respond to the current omicron-driven surge, “our goal has always been to ensure that we are well prepared to stay ahead of the virus.”

Source: Voice Of America

February 16, 2022

Google Changes Android Tracking, Data Sharing

Google said Wednesday it plans to limit tracking and data sharing for users of its Android operating system, which is used by over 2.5 billion people around the world.

The change, which won’t take effect for at least two years, comes in response to growing pressure on tech companies to increase privacy by limiting tracking.

Google, which dominates the online advertising market, currently assigns IDs to each Android device and then collects highly valuable data on users that allows advertisers to target them with ads based on their interests and activities.

Google said it would test alternatives to those IDs or get rid of them entirely.

“These solutions will limit sharing of user data with third parties and operate without cross-app identifiers, including advertising ID,” the company said in a blog post. “We’re also exploring technologies that reduce the potential for covert data collection.”

“Our goal … is to develop effective and privacy-enhancing advertising solutions, where users know their information is protected, and developers and businesses have the tools to succeed on mobile,” Google added.

Google’s move follows Apple’s announcement last year that it would allow users to decide if they wanted to be tracked or not.

Google made $61 billion in advertising revenue in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to The Washington Post.

Source: Voice Of America

February 16, 2022

Covid-19: Angola records 34 recoveries, 23 new cases

Luanda – Angola reported Tuesday 34 recoveries, 23 new cases and 1 death.

Recoveries occurred in five provinces, with Luanda having reported

14, Lunda Norte 13, Benguela 5, while Lunda Sul and Moxico with one each.

The health authorities also announced 10 new cases in Cabinda. Luanda reported 7, Huambo 4, Benguela and Moxico with one each.

As for the death, the report confirmed only the death of 50-year old male citizen resident in coastal Benguela province.

Angola has a cumulative 98,555 confirmed cases, 229 active, 1,899 deaths and 96,427 recoveries.

Source: Angola Press News Agency

February 16, 2022

Uganda receives 1,000 oxygen cylinders to boost the country’s response to COVID-19

The Ministry of Health has received a complete set of one thousand oxygen cylinders worth US$ 233,000 procured by the World Health Organization (WHO) with financial support from the Government of Denmark for the management of critical cases of COVID-19 in Uganda.

The package includes 1,000 medical oxygen cylinders (J-type with a capacity of 6,800L), 1000 oxygen cylinder regulators and humidifier bottles. Together, these 1000 cylinders when filled with oxygen and the associated accessories constitute equipment adequate to administer oxygen for up to 1000 COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen at any time.

Since the confirmation of the first case of COVID-19 in Uganda in March 2020, the country has experienced two major waves of the pandemic and is now responding to the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron. The second wave experienced an increase in morbidity and mortality of 2.7%, compared to the first wave (0.9%). The deaths were attributed to insufficient oxygen supply in various regional referral hospitals.

The Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng received the equipment saying, “the additional oxygen cylinders we are receiving are an effective response to the current health needs. They will strengthen the management of critically ill COVID-19 patients throughout the country.” Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, Uganda’s Minister of Health, said.

The Minister further recalled that COVID-19 has shown the need to strongly equip health facilities with adequate medical equipment to better respond to emergency health problems affecting the population.

She highlighted the critical support the Ugandan government has received from both WHO and the Danish Government noting, “the Danish government and WHO remain great partners for the government. WHO has been present both technically and strategically to ensure that we respond to the pandemic effectively.”

“The Government of Denmark remains committed to supporting the Government of Uganda in its fight against COVID-19 and in promoting good health in the country. We are proud to partner with the World Health Organization to extend our support to the Ugandan government.” – His Excellency, Nicolaj A. Hejberg Petersen, Danish Ambassador to Uganda.

The WHO Representative to Uganda Dr Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam said, “the 1,000 oxygen cylinders will enable the transportation and delivery of oxygen to COVID-19 patients health facilities across the country. The focus will be on areas where there is insufficient or no piped oxygen.”

He further explained that after managing critical patients of COVID-19, the equipment will then be made available to treatment centres to ensure continuity of essential health services, and for the management of other diseases that require oxygen.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Presently, most people infected with the virus are asymptomatic with mild to moderate symptoms, 10-15% may develop severe disease, while about 5% progress to critical respiratory illness. The elderly and those with underlying conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease or cancer are more likely to develop severe disease.

“In addition to the standard operating procedure, vaccines have proven to be an effective way to prevent the disease, slow down the transmission and avoid critical cases.” Dr. Yonas Tegegn concluded.

Source: World Health Organization. Africa

February 16, 2022

T-Mobile Expands 5G Home Internet Across Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio

BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–On the heels of debuting 5G Home Internet in the Big Game, T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) today announced they’ve expanded access to the service in 62 cities and towns across Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, building on recent expansions across the Southeast and Texas. Across the three states, more than 3 million people still have no access or only one choice when it comes to traditional home broadband. With this upgrade, T-Mobile Home Internet is now an option for nearly 5 million homes in the area. For towns like Greensburg, IN or Morgantown, KY – places where more than 25% of residents have no access to high-speed internet, T-Mobile is introducing a new option, helping to free customers from their landline ISPs.

In 2022, a reliable home broadband connection is crucial for just about everyone – for work, for school and for staying connected to loved ones. But during the height of the pandemic, research showed that technology barriers still prevent many workers from doing their job virtually, impacting low-income households at a much higher rate. Today, more than 40% of adults in low-income households do not have broadband service at home. Even worse, during the height of the pandemic, as families across the country transitioned their children to virtual learning, studies showed that hundreds of thousands of students in every state were unable to fully participate in a virtual classroom environment. In Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio alone, more than a million students were without an adequate high-speed internet connection. That’s ridiculous. But those are just two examples of how traditional ISPs are failing Americans.

As part of T-Mobile’s merger with Sprint, the Un-carrier committed to making fixed wireless internet a real option for millions of Americans, and with more than 30 million households already eligible for T-Mobile Home Internet nationwide, T-Mobile is making good on that commitment at a time when reliance on connectivity is at its highest.

What People Are Saying

“Thousands more households now have access to fast, unlimited high-speed internet, thanks to T-Mobile,” said Kentucky State Representative Mary Beth Imes, of Murray. “T-Mobile Home Internet has expanded access in Kentucky, bringing our state a real competitive option for broadband where many households are still left without any option or any good option. T-Mobile’s investment in our communities is helping thousands of customers stay connected at a time when it matters most.”

“In Akron, families rely on home broadband now more than ever before. But throughout the pandemic, options for reliable connectivity have been lacking, and for some households, non-existent,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “We’re excited that T-Mobile’s investment in their 5G network is paying off for our community, bringing a new option for home broadband to homes here in Akron and making broadband access for our residents more equitable.”

“Today, we shared that we’re bringing more choice and competition to the broadband industry. Families in these communities deserve access to fast, reliable home internet, and we’re delivering just that with the power of our leading 5G network,” said Dow Draper, Executive Vice President of Emerging Products at T-Mobile. “People are fed up with having limited access and no competition. We’re expanding access in areas that desperately need another choice.”

About T-Mobile Home Internet

T-Mobile Home Internet is no-BS home internet for just $50/month, period. Landline ISPs have been having their way for years – charging bogus fees on top of the monthly rate, increasing prices after a year, requiring long-term contracts, providing terrible customer service… the list goes on. And they’ve gotten away with it. But T-Mobile Home Internet is different.

• Home Internet customers get a flat price – it’s $50/month, with Autopay. That’s it. No price hikes, ever.

• There’s no added taxes or fees, no equipment costs, no annual contracts, and no data caps.

• Setup is as easy as it gets — T-Mobile will mail the gateway directly to your home. Just plug it in, download the app and you’re connected in fewer than 15 minutes.

• You get speeds that will let you work, play, stream, chat, game and more.

• If you do have an issue, our dedicated team of experts are just a call or message away.

• And for a limited time, new Home Internet customers get a $50 virtual prepaid card. That’s one month of service ON US!

Expanded Access

Access has recently expanded in 62 cities and towns across Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, listed below. Availability is based on network capacity, which is increasing all the time. Check if T-Mobile Home Internet is available for your home at https://www.t-mobile.com/isp.

Indiana

• Angola

• Auburn

• Bloomington

• Bluffton

• Columbus

• Crawfordsville

• Elkhart-Goshen

• Fort Wayne

• Frankfort

• Greensburg

• Huntington

• Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson

• Kendallville

• Kokomo

• Lafayette-West Lafayette

• Logansport

• Marion

• Michigan City-La Porte

• Muncie

• New Castle

• Richmond

• South Bend-Mishawaka

Kentucky

• Bardstown

• Bowling Green

• Campbellsville

• Danville

• Elizabethtown-Fort Knox

• Frankfort

• Glasgow

• Lexington-Fayette

• Louisville/Jefferson County

• Madisonville

• Mayfield

• Middlesborough

• Murray

• Owensboro

• Richmond-Berea

• Somerset

Ohio

• Akron

• Athens

• Cambridge

• Canton-Massillon

• Chillicothe

• Cincinnati

• Cleveland-Elyria

• Columbus

• Coshocton

• Dayton-Kettering

• Fremont

• Jackson

• Lima

• Mansfield

• Marietta

• Salem

• Sidney

• Springfield

• Steubenville

• Toledo

• Washington Court House

• Wooster

• Youngstown-Warren-Boardman

• Zanesville

$50 Prepaid Card: Allow 8 weeks. Qualifying new line and timely redemption required. No cash access & expires in 6 months. Card issued by Sunrise Banks N.A., Member FDIC. Home Internet: During congestion, Home Internet customers may notice speeds lower than other customers due to data prioritization. Not available in all areas. Credit approval required. AutoPay: $5/mo. discount may not reflect on 1st bill. Sales tax & regulatory fees included in monthly service price for qualifying accounts. For use only with T-Mobile Gateway for in-home use at location provided at activation. If canceling service, return gateway or pay up to $370. See T-Mobile.com/OpenInternet for network management and performance details.

About T-Mobile

T-Mobile U.S. Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com.

Source: Business Wire

February 16, 2022

Global Summit Ends With One Million Rally of Hope and Renewed Calls for Unity on the Korean Peninsula

VIENNA & WASHINGTON D.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The World Summit 2022 (Summit for Peace on the Korean Peninsula) ended its third day with global encouragement, practical advice and prayers for renewed efforts to unite the Korean Peninsula and end the last division of the Cold War.

“Despite your difficult circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic, I trust that you, our global leaders, will achieve peace and unification on the Korean peninsula with your commitment and devotion. Thank you,” said Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and host of the World Summit 2022.

The Feb. 11-13 Summit was sponsored by UPF and the Royal Government of Cambodia. Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen and H.E. Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, served as Summit co-chairs.

The Summit drew participants from some 160 nations, including 157 nations with diplomatic ties to one or both of the Koreas. Nigeria, for instance, has “enjoyed cordial relations with both Koreas in trade, commerce, education, cultural exchange and technology transfer,” said Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. “And so, when it comes to what needs to be done to ensure a lasting peace on the peninsula, we are happy to be part of it,” he said.

In her address, Dr. Moon explained that building one family under God is the way to bring about a world filled with freedom, equality and peace.

As tears filled her eyes, she asked “the citizens of North and South Korea” to join with her and “unite as brothers and sisters.” “Only then can we achieve true unification on the Korean Peninsula,” she said, adding that when the people of the world become sons and daughters of God, we can “achieve world peace and unification in our lifetime.”

In his keynote address, Mr. Ban lamented that “[d]espite our ardent aspirations and various efforts… we have not been able to make a lasting breakthrough” on the peninsula. Noting the recent spate of missile tests by North Korea, he urged the UN to implement its enacted sanctions while taking steps to help North Korean leaders “return to the dialogue table.”

Mr. Ban praised UPF and its Think Tank 2022 project as “quite meaningful”—they offer a “robust platform” that can be built on and lead to a significant breakthrough, he said. He also thanked Dr. Moon, saying she “has been sparing no efforts” to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula.

Finally, speaking from his own experiences living in a divided nation, Mr. Ban said he hoped that “one day in the near future,” the people of the South can “directly engage with our brothers and sisters in the North.” “If we work together with wisdom, sincerity and resolve, I do believe we can illuminate the path to peace, both on the Korean Peninsula and beyond,” he said.

“I have great trust in the word ‘hope,’” said former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, citing “trust and honesty” as crucial elements in discussions to advance peace in Korea.

In his remarks, US President Donald J. Trump (2017-2021) said that when he took office, the experts around him viewed the Korean situation as “absolutely hopeless.” He said he rejected that outlook and instead worked with allies, Mr. Abe of Japan and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, to craft “a bold, new strategy” that led to him meeting three times with North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un and becoming the first US president to stand on North Korean soil.

Together, “[we] have planted seeds of peace and cooperation, and now we must let them bloom and grow, just like a giant tree. To waste that chance would be a profound tragedy,” Mr. Trump said. He added that countless people of goodwill around the world are “working, striving and praying for a Korea that is safe, prosperous, flourishing, united and finally at peace.”

“Personal connections” are so important to building trust, said Hon. Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State (2018-2021), who recalled some of the ups and downs of his diplomatic meetings with North Koreans in his remarks.

H.E. Jose Manuel Barroso, European Commission President (2004-2014), said he followed several “peace processes,” including that of war-torn Angola. Although Angolan leaders were tempted to partition the nation, they found ways to work through their differences as one nation. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he added, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

US Vice President Mike Pence (2017-2021) listed religious freedom; dignity and respect for all life, born and unborn; equal treatment under the law; education and strong families as essential elements of a stable, prosperous nation.

“Independence and self-determination” are also vital ingredients to a strong nation, said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. “Cambodia was also a victim of the Cold War and grand power politics, but positive engagement helped it find unity.” The Korean people share a language, culture and common history, the prime minister added. “You cannot cut the Korean bloodline. People are like water—you cannot cut the water.”

Many world leaders invoked faith in God to resolve humanity’s crises.

“What is impossible for us is possible for God,” said H.E. Federico Franco, president of Paraguay (2012-2013). “Prayer continues to be the best weapon we have for the return of peace in the Korean Peninsula … and all of you in Seoul are not alone; in all the countries of the planet, we are praying for peace between the two Koreas.”

“God calls to every human heart and we need to hear His calling,” said Mr. Pompeo. The World Summit 2022 and its efforts are surely creating “a divine opportunity” for God to act on the Korean Peninsula, said Pastor Paula White-Cain, head of the Paula White Ministries and spiritual adviser to Mr. Trump.

Others linked unification in Korea to peacebuilding elsewhere in the world. “If we can achieve peace in the Korean Peninsula, there will be hope that peace can be established worldwide, since the steps taken for peace in the Korean Peninsula can be imitated by other nations,” said H.E. Jimmy Morales, Guatemala President (2016-2020).

“Korea can eventually become a shining example to the world of how peace can arise from conflict,” said H.E. Gloria Arroyo, Philippines President (2001-2010). “A heavenly unified Korea is a prerequisite for a heavenly unified world,” said Dr. Yun Young-ho, co-chair of the World Summit 2022 Executive Committee. Beeland Enterprises Chairman and world-renown investment expert Jim Rogers outlined an exciting future for the Asia-Pacific region, especially once Korea’s 38th parallel no longer blocks travel and commerce.

Some 85 world leaders from 70 nations addressed the Summit in person or by video, and 11 Korean political and civic leaders from around South Korea offered their congratulations. Some 3,500 networks around the world broadcast all or part of the Summit, organizers said.

Other Feb. 13 speakers included Hon. Richard Cheney, US Vice President (2001-2009); Hon. Dan Quayle, US Vice President (1989-1993); Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Canada Prime Minister (2006-2015); H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka Prime Minister; H.E. Deve Gowda, India Prime Minister (1996-1997); H.E. Maithripala Sirisena, Sri Lanka President (2015-2019); H.E. Michel Temer, Brazil President (2016-2018); H.E. Anthony Carmona, Trinidad & Tobago President (2013-2019); H.E. Leni Robredo, Philippines Vice President; Madam Adi Koila Nailatikau, First Lady of Fiji (2009-2015); H.E. K.P. Sharma Oli, Nepal Prime Minister (2015-2016 and 2018-2021); H.E. Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Pakistan Prime Minister (2008-2012); H.E. Xanana Gusmao, East Timor President (2002-2007); H.E. Macky Sall, Senegal President and African Union Chairperson; H.E. Carlos Vila-Nova, Sao Tome and Principe President; H.E. George Weah, Liberia President; H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria President (2010-2015); H.E. Adolphe Tiao, Burkina Faso Prime Minister (2011-2014); H.E. Paul Mba, Gabon Prime Minister (2009-2012); H.E. Albin Kurti, Kosovo Prime Minister; H.E. Ilir Meta, Albania President; H.E. Romano Prodi, Italy Prime Minister (2006-2008) and European Commission President (1999-2004); H.E. Dominique de Villepin, France Prime Minister (2005-2007); and H.E. Jose Maria Aznar, Spain Prime Minister (1996-2004). The Little Angels Children’s Folk Ballet were among the day’s performers.

Source: Business Wire