Hrayer Sejnane project, which has come to a close, provided support to over forty female potters in Sejnane, Bizerte (northern Tunisia) through training sessions on communication, sales techniques and the administrative and financial management of projects. Implemented by Youth for Active Citizenship civil society organisation, in partnership with the Promotion of Sustainable Tourism project, this project aims to promote this aAncestral know-how that has been enlisted in the intangible heritage of UNESCO since 2018.and make it a tool to promote and diversify Tunisian tourism. One year on, the project helped beef up the commercial capacities of female potters, renovate ten sales booths and organise exhibitions and visits to discover Sejnane pottery art. This in addition to pottery apprenticeship workshops for over 100 young people from the region. Communication tools, such as an online sales platform, a website and a product catalogue available online and in paper format, were made available as part of thi s project. Initiated under the UNESCO Heritage Route and in line with the Ministry of Tourism's strategy for diversifying the tourism offer in Tunisia, Hrayer Sejnane is supported by the Promotion of Sustainable Tourism project and implemented by the Tourism Ministry with the support of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). It is jointly funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union under Tounes Wijhetouna programme. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse Nairobi: In a significant move to streamline its international diplomatic efforts, the Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, in partnership with global organizations, inaugurated a comprehensive treaty database. The launch event, held in Nairobi on November 27, 2023, marked the introduction of the 'Accelerating the Ratification and Domestication of African Union Treaties' project.
According to Kenya News Agency, Principal Secretary of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, this initiative is a collaborative effort with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union (AU), and the Swedish government. The database, accessible online, consolidates all treaties and international instruments to which Kenya is a signatory. This digital tool aims to improve the efficiency and inclusivity of treaty services, providing a valuable resource for diplomats, legal professionals, stakeholders, and the diaspora. The database promises to offer a user-friendly platform that enables easy access, analysis, and contribution to Kenya's international commitments.
During the launch event, held at a Nairobi hotel and captured in a photo by Okal Kevin, Dr. Sing'oei emphasized the importance of upholding agreements and honoring commitments in diplomacy. He asserted that the database reinforces Kenya's dedication to its international obligations. The Principal Secretary highlighted the platform's robust functionality and user-friendly design, which he believes will empower users to engage effectively with the wealth of information available.
Sing'oei further elaborated on the role of treaties in international relations, citing their importance in fostering cooperation, trade, investment, and peace among nations. He referenced the constitutional and legislative framework underpinning the Office of the Registrar of Treaties, including Articles 2(5) and (6) of the constitution and the Treaty Making and Ratification Act 2012.
The database is envisioned as a crucial resource for various stakeholders, including citizens, educational institutions, and both public and private sectors. It stands as a symbol of transparency and a testament to Kenya's commitment to openness and collaboration on the global stage. Acknowledging the efforts of UNDP and other partners in realizing this project, Sing'oei praised their invaluable assistance.
Ambassador James Waweru, the Registrar of Treaties, provided insights into Kenya's treaty engagements, revealing that Kenya has ratified 252 treaties, signed but not ratified 11 treaties, and is a member of 84 international organizations. He underscored the significance of this development in keeping with the constitutional requirement for the president to report on Kenya's progress in fulfilling its international obligations.
The launch of this treaty database represents a milestone in Kenya's diplomatic endeavors, symbolizing a step towards a future where diplomacy is not only technologically advanced but also more transparent, efficient, and accessible.
