Tag: South Africa

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Nimo TV, propriété de Huya, remporte une sentence arbitrale contre la violation des engagements contractuels du Livestreamer marocain

GUANGZHOU, Chine, 6 juillet 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Nimo TV, HUYA Inc. (« Huya », NYSE: HUYA), plateforme internationale de streaming en direct, a lancé récemment une procédure d’arbitrage d’urgence au Centre d’arbitrage international de Singapour (SIAC) contre un streamer marocain qui avait enfreint un accord de coopération exclusive avec Nimo TV. Une injonction provisoire a donc été émise par le SIAC. En entamant rapidement une action en justice, Huya a démontré que la société Internet chinoise était déterminée et capable de défendre ses intérêts à l’heure de son internationalisation.

L’injonction du SIAC interdit au streamer marocain de diffuser en direct sur des plateformes, des sites web et des applications qui ne sont pas exploitées par Nimo TV. De plus, le streamer est empêché de participer à des activités commerciales ou promotionnelles par toute plateforme concurrente, y compris Nonolive, la branche de streaming en direct à l’étranger de Douyu, et la plateforme alternative que le streamer a menacé d’adopter. Le streamer est également responsable de dizaines de milliers de dollars de frais, qui comprennent les frais liés à la procédure d’arbitrage d’urgence et les frais juridiques de Nimo TV.

L’industrie internationale du streaming en direct est souvent confrontée à des difficultés lorsque les streamers violent les contrats en changeant de plateforme. Comme les procédures juridiques transnationales sont en général compliquées, coûteuses et difficiles à exécuter, de nombreux streamers internationaux profitent de ces situations et considèrent leurs accords de coopération exclusive comme non contraignants. Lorsque les streamers se voient proposer un prix plus élevé, ils risquent de violer les contrats sans s’inquiéter des conséquences juridiques. Toutefois, à contre-courant de cette idée reçue, les plateformes de streaming en direct, y compris Nimo TV, valorisent fortement le potentiel commercial des streamers et les considèrent comme des partenaires importants dans la production de contenus. À cet égard, lorsqu’elles s’internationalisent, il est crucial que les plateformes de streaming en direct s’assurent que les streamers de différentes nationalités respectent leurs obligations et ne contreviennent pas aux contrats.

La procédure d’arbitrage d’urgence initiée au SIAC représente une étape importante pour Nimo TV. Il n’a fallu que 14 jours entre le dépôt des documents pertinents et la réception de l’ordonnance provisoire, ce qui pourrait dissuader les futurs streamers de violer leurs contrats. En outre, l’injonction contre le streamer marocain est probablement le premier cas de l’industrie du streaming en direct que le SIAC a traité et pourrait fournir des informations pour les plateformes internationales de streaming en direct lors de la gestion de la violation des contrats. Nimo TV cherche désormais à obtenir la reconnaissance et l’exécution de la décision arbitrale par les tribunaux marocains, le Maroc étant le pays d’origine du streamer, pour sécuriser ses intérêts par des moyens légaux.

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Huya-owned Nimo TV Wins Arbitration Award against Moroccan Livestreamer’s Contractual Breach

GUANGZHOU, China, July 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Nimo TV, HUYA Inc.’s (“Huya”, NYSE: HUYA) international live streaming platform, recently initiated an emergency arbitrator (EA) procedure at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) against a Moroccan streamer for breaching an Exclusive Cooperation Agreement with Nimo TV. As a result, an interim injunction has been issued to the streamer by the SIAC. By taking swift legal action, Huya has demonstrated that the Chinese Internet company is determined and capable of defending its interests when going global.

The injunction by the SIAC directs that the Moroccan streamer is restrained from carrying out live streaming on platforms, websites, and applications that are not operated by Nimo TV. Additionally, the streamer is prevented from participating in any commercial or promotional activities by any competing platform, including Nonolive, Douyu’s overseas live streaming branch, and the alternative platform that the streamer threatened to switch to. The streamer is also responsible for tens of thousands of dollars of fees, which include the EA fees and Nimo TV’s legal fees.

The international live streaming industry often faces issues when streamers breach contracts by switching platforms. As transnational legal procedures are typically complicated, costly and difficult to execute, many international streamers take advantage of such situations and view their Exclusive Cooperation Agreements as non-binding. Once streamers are offered a higher price, they’ll risk breaching the contracts without worrying about the legal consequences. Contrary to this belief, live streaming platforms, including Nimo TV, highly value the commercial potential of streamers and view them as important partners in content production. In that regard, when going global, it’s crucial for live streaming platforms to ensure that streamers of different nationalities honor their obligations and do not breach contracts.

The EA procedure initiated at the SIAC represents an important milestone for Nimo TV. It only took 14 days from filing the relevant documents to receiving the interim order, which may deter future streamers from breaching their agreements. In addition, the injunction against the Moroccan streamer is likely the first case from the live streaming industry that the SIAC has processed and could provide insights for international live streaming platforms when dealing with the breach of contracts. Nimo TV is now seeking recognition and enforcement of the arbitration decision in the court of Morocco, the streamer’s home country, to secure its interests by legal means.

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Parexel to be Acquired by EQT Private Equity and Goldman Sachs Asset Management

BOSTON and DURHAM, N.C., July 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Parexel, a leading global clinical research organization (CRO) focused on development and delivery of innovative new therapies to advance patient health, today announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement under which it will be acquired by EQT IX fund (“EQT Private Equity”) and the Private Equity business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management (“Goldman Sachs”) from Pamplona Capital Management LP for $8.5 billion.

“Over the past 18 months Parexel has continued its strong growth trajectory delivering on its patients-first focus and accelerating new therapies to patients in need around the world,” said Parexel CEO Jamie Macdonald. “With the market for outsourced clinical research services anticipated to grow at a conservative CAGR of 8 to 9 percent, our focus remains on advancing and innovating Parexel to meet our customers’ needs across the evolving clinical development landscape. EQT and Goldman Sachs support this vision and are committed to investing in Parexel and our people to capitalize on this exciting market opportunity and make a difference for patients.”

Eric Liu, Partner and Global Co-Head of Healthcare at EQT, commented, “We have followed Parexel closely during the past few years and have been impressed by the company’s development and trajectory. Our investment in Parexel reflects EQT’s thematic focus on the life sciences industry, as well as our commitment to partner with businesses that have a positive impact on society. We are excited to partner with Goldman Sachs for the next stage of Parexel’s journey, and to back Jamie, who prior to his role at Parexel had been a long-time senior advisor to EQT, as well as the rest of the Parexel team.”

Jo Natauri, Partner and Global Head of Private Healthcare Investing within Goldman Sachs Asset Management, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with Jamie Macdonald, the entire Parexel management team and EQT to support Parexel, which has a distinguished track record of delivering clinical excellence to their large pharma and biotech customers globally. We believe this investment will accelerate Parexel’s growth as it builds on the company’s global footprint, strong operational capabilities and expansive healthcare network.”

John Halsted, Managing Partner, Pamplona Capital Management, commented, “We’re very proud of Parexel’s progress over the past four years and the important work they do in helping bring exciting new therapies to patients in need. In particular, they successfully adapted the business to work in the midst of a global pandemic, and supported the development of therapies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic itself. We wish them every success in their next phase of growth.”

“We have enjoyed our partnership with Pamplona, and thank them for their leadership and support in helping to transform Parexel under their ownership,” concluded Mr. Macdonald. “Over the past months, our ability to pivot and adapt have fostered new ways of working while developing a strong track record of quality and delivery for customers around the world. As we continue in this new era of clinical development and focus aggressively on meeting our customers’ needs for innovation in such areas as Real World Evidence, Decentralized Clinical Trials, Biostatistics and Data Management — and in key regions such as Asia/Pacific where we’re among the largest and longest-tenured CROs — we’re excited to be partnering with EQT and Goldman Sachs. We look forward to benefitting from their strong industry experience and to further accelerating Parexel as one of the world’s leading and fastest-growing CROs.”

The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals. Evercore acted as the financial advisor to Parexel, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal counsel in connection with the transaction. Goldman Sachs and Jefferies LLC acted as financial advisors to EQT Private Equity and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP provided legal counsel in connection with the transaction.

About Parexel
Parexel supports the development of innovative new medicines to improve the health of patients. We provide services to help life sciences and biopharmaceutical clients everywhere transform scientific discoveries into new treatments. From decentralized clinical trials to regulatory consulting services to leveraging real world insights, our therapeutic, technical, and functional ability is underpinned by a deep conviction in what we do. Parexel was named “Best Contract Research Organization” in December 2020 by an independent panel for Informa Pharma Intelligence. For more information, visit parexel.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

About EQT
EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with more than EUR 67 billion in assets under management across 26 active funds. EQT funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas with total sales of approximately EUR 29 billion and more than 175,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership. For more information, visit www.eqtgroup.com or follow EQT on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

About Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Equity
Bringing together traditional and alternative investments, Goldman Sachs Asset Management provides clients around the world with a dedicated partnership and focus on long-term performance. As the primary investing area within Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS), we deliver investment and advisory services for the world’s leading institutions, financial advisors and individuals, drawing from our deeply connected global network and tailored expert insights, across every region and market—overseeing more than $2 trillion in assets under supervision worldwide as of March 31, 2021. Driven by a passion for our clients’ performance, we seek to build long-term relationships based on conviction, sustainable outcomes, and shared success over time. Goldman Sachs Asset Management invests in the full spectrum of alternatives, including private equity, growth equity, private credit, real estate and infrastructure. Established in 1986, the Private Equity business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management has invested over $75 billion since inception. We combine our global network of relationships, our unique insight across markets, industries and regions, and the worldwide resources of Goldman Sachs to build businesses and accelerate value creation across our portfolios. Follow us on LinkedIn.

About Pamplona Capital Management
Pamplona Capital Management is a specialist investment manager established in 2005 that provides an alternative investment platform across private equity and other diversified strategies. With offices in New York, London, Madrid, and Malta, Pamplona manages over $11 billion in assets for a variety of clients including public pension funds, international wealth managers, multinational corporations, family offices, and funds of hedge funds. Pamplona invests long-term capital across the capital structure of its portfolio companies in both public and private market situations.

CONTACTS

For Parexel:
Lori Dorer
Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
+1 513 496 8121

Lindsay LeCain
Real Chemistry
+ 1 508 259 9521

For EQT:
Daniel Yunger, Kekst CNC, + 1 917 574 8582
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com, +46 8 506 55 334

For Goldman Sachs:
Leslie Shribman
+1 212 902 5400

For Pamplona Capital Management:
Ed Orlebar, TB Cardew
ed.orlebar@tbcardew.com
+44 (0)7738724630

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O International Action Centre emitiu a seguinte declaração: CABO VERDE CONFRONTA AS NAÇÕES UNIDAS

PRAIA, Cabo Verde, July 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Numa decisão sobre medidas provisórias datada de 8 de junho, a Comissão dos Direitos Humanos das Nações Unidas insistiu que Cabo Verde “não extraditasse o Sr. Alex Saab para os Estados Unidos da América” e que “tomasse todas as medidas necessárias para garantir o acesso a cuidados de saúde adequados […] por médicos independentes e especializados escolhidos por ele”. Esta ordem judicial provisória é a primeira emitida em resposta à uma denúncia apresentada por Alex Saab perante a Comissão de Direitos Humanos das Nações Unidas.

Em entrevista no dia 29 de junho de 2021, o procurador-geral cabo-verdiano, José Luis Landim, faz um ataque frontal às Nações Unidas, alegando que não é da alçada da Comissão de Direitos Humanos da ONU impor a suspensão da extradição de Alex Saab de Cabo Verde para os Estados Unidos da América.

Esse posicionamento é alarmante e constitui um erro jurídico, estratégico e ético.

Em primeiro lugar, este posicionamento é completamente errado em termos legais. Gostaríamos de lembrar ao Sr. Landim que Cabo Verde optou por ratificar o Pacto Internacional sobre Direitos Civis e Políticos em 6 de agosto de 1993 e o Protocolo Opcional ao Pacto Internacional sobre Direitos Civis e Políticos em 19 de maio de 2000. Por conseguinte, deve cumprir as suas obrigações internacionais de boa fé e respeitar plenamente as decisões do organismo de peritos responsável pela interpretação do Pacto Internacional sobre Direitos Civis e Políticos, a Comissão dos Direitos Humanos. A alegação de que a Comissão não tem poderes para requerer a suspensão de uma extradição que possa expor alguém a riscos de danos irreparáveis e de violações do direito à vida e do direito à integridade física, é um erro jurídico imperdoável totalmente incompatível com o Estado de direito.

Em segundo lugar, tal posicionamento é um ataque frontal às Nações Unidas e aos direitos humanos, o cerne dos valores que a Organização defende. Tal posicionamento é uma mensagem clara ao mundo de que Cabo Verde pode exercer a sua soberania para violar os direitos humanos, ignorando as normas do direito internacional de direitos humanos às quais subscreveu, e ignorando as decisões internacionais. Ao adotar este posicionamento, Cabo Verde, além de desafiar o Tribunal de Justiça da CEDEAO, que determinou a libertação do detido arbitrariamente Alex Saab, depois de violar a imunidade diplomática de Alex Saab como Enviado Especial e Embaixador na União Africana, assume um posicionamento hostil em relação às Nações Unidas, indo contra a comunidade internacional.

Em terceiro lugar, tal posicionamento é um erro em termos de valores éticos fundamentais. Ao solicitar a suspensão da extradição de Alex Saab durante a avaliação dos méritos do caso, a Comissão dos Direitos Humanos incentivou Cabo Verde a demonstrar humanidade e bom senso, considerando que a extradição seria prejudicial à integridade física e à vida de Alex Saab. A Comissão não adotou uma posição política, e sim uma posição puramente humanitária.

Contato da MÍDIA:
Sara Flounders
International Action Center
Https://www.iacenter.org
E-mail: iacenter@iacenter.org
Tel.: +1 212-633-6646

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L’International Action Centre publie le bilan suivant sur le sujet : LE CAP-VERT S’ATTAQUE AUX NATIONS UNIES

PRAIA, Cap-Vert, 01 juill. 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dans une décision sur des mesures provisoires datée du 8 juin, le Comité des droits de l’Homme de l’ONU a demandé au Cap-Vert de « s’abstenir d’extrader M. Alex Saab vers les États-Unis d’Amérique » et de « prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour garantir l’accès aux soins de santé appropriés […] par des médecins indépendants et spécialisés de son choix ». Cette décision ordonnant des mesures provisoires est la première étape urgente résultant de l’enregistrement d’une plainte déposée par Alex Saab devant le Comité des droits de l’Homme de l’ONU.

Lors d’un entretien daté du 29 juin 2021, le procureur général du Cap-Vert, M. Jose Luis Landim, lance une attaque frontale contre les Nations unies, affirmant que le Comité des droits de l’Homme des Nations unies n’a pas compétence pour imposer la suspension de l’extradition d’Alex Saab du Cap-Vert vers les États-Unis d’Amérique.

Une telle position est alarmante et constitue une erreur juridique, stratégique et éthique.

Premièrement, cette position est tout à fait erronée sur le plan juridique. Nous voudrions rappeler à M. Landim que le Cap-Vert a choisi de ratifier le Pacte international relatif aux droits civils et politiques depuis le 6 août 1993 et le Protocole facultatif se rapportant au Pacte international relatif aux droits civils et politiques depuis le 19 mai 2000. Il doit donc s’acquitter de ses obligations internationales de bonne foi et respecter pleinement les décisions du Comité des droits de l’Homme, organe d’experts chargé d’interpréter le Pacte international relatif aux droits civils et politiques. Dire que le Comité n’a pas compétence pour demander la suspension d’une extradition qui pourrait exposer quelqu’un à des risques de dommages irréparables et de violations du droit à la vie et du droit à l’intégrité physique est une erreur juridique impardonnable totalement incompatible avec l’État de droit.

Deuxièmement, une telle position constitue une attaque frontale contre l’ONU et les droits de l’Homme qui sont au cœur des valeurs que l’Organisation défend. Elle envoie un message clair au monde, à savoir que le Cap-Vert peut exercer sa souveraineté pour violer les droits de l’Homme tout en ignorant les normes de la loi internationale relative aux droits de l’Homme qu’il s’est engagé à respecter, et ce en ignorant aussi les décisions internationales. Ce faisant, le Cap-Vert, après s’être opposé à la Cour de Justice de la CEDEAO qui lui a ordonné de libérer Alex Saab, détenu arbitrairement, et après avoir violé l’immunité diplomatique d’Alex Saab en tant qu’envoyé spécial et ambassadeur auprès de l’Union africaine, décide d’adopter une position hostile à l’égard de l’ONU et se positionne à l’extérieur de la communauté internationale.

Troisièmement, une telle position est une erreur en termes de valeurs éthiques fondamentales. En demandant la suspension de l’extradition d’Alex Saab dans l’attente de l’examen quant au fond de l’affaire, le Comité des droits de l’Homme invitait le Cap-Vert à faire preuve d’humanité et de bon sens en considérant que l’extradition serait préjudiciable à l’intégrité physique et à la vie d’Alex Saab. Le Comité n’a pas pris une position politique, mais purement humanitaire.

Contact MÉDIAS :
Sara Flounders
International Action Center
Https://www.iacenter.org
E-mail : iacenter@iacenter.org
Tél. :+1 212-633-6646

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Synchronoss Announces Closing of $235 Million of Common Stock and Senior Notes Offerings

In addition, Synchronoss raised $75 million through a
private placement of preferred stock

Net proceeds used to refinance the company’s capital structure

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. , June 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNCR), a global leader and innovator of cloud, messaging and digital solutions, today announced that on June 29, 2021 it closed an underwritten public offering of 42,307,692 shares of common stock, which included 3,846,154 shares issued in connection with the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, at a price to the public of $2.60 per share, for gross proceeds of approximately $110 million. The Company also announced that on June 30, 2021 it closed an underwritten public offering of $125 million aggregate principal amount of 8.375% senior notes due 2026, which included $5 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes issued in connection with the underwriters’ option to purchase senior notes. Gross proceeds for both offerings are exclusive of underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company.

Synchronoss and the senior notes both received a rating of BB- from Egan-Jones Ratings Company, an independent, unaffiliated rating agency. The notes are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “SNCRL” as early as July 1, 2021.

In addition to the public offerings, on June 30, 2021 the Company closed a private placement of 75,000 shares of its Series B Perpetual Non-Convertible Preferred Stock to B. Riley Principal Investments, LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $75 million.

The two public offerings and the private placement resulted in net proceeds of approximately $300 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, but before expenses. On June 30, 2021, the Company used the net proceeds in part to fully redeem all outstanding shares of its Series A Convertible Participating Perpetual Preferred Stock owned by an affiliate of Siris Capital Group and to repay amounts outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

“Synchronoss has emerged from this comprehensive refinancing process with a solid financial foundation that will support our mission to empower our customers to connect with their subscribers in trusted and meaningful ways,” said Jeff Miller, President and CEO of Synchronoss. “Today we have a sustainable financial environment that gives us the operating flexibility required to invest in delivering and enhancing great cloud, messaging and digital experiences for our customers; to enable long-term growth; and to deliver higher stockholder value to those who invest in the company.”

The refinancing has also led to the departure of Synchronoss Board of Directors members Frank Baker, Peter Berger and Robert Aquilina, each of whom is associated with Siris Capital Group. “On behalf of the entire Board and management, I would like to thank Frank, Peter and Bob for their contributions to Synchronoss over the last three years and for their generosity as advisors to me personally,” said Miller.

In conjunction with this new capitalization, B. Riley Financial, Inc., including certain of its affiliates, serve as Synchronoss’ anchor investor. Synchronoss has granted B. Riley representation on its Board.

Bryant Riley, Chairman and Co-CEO of B. Riley Financial, Inc., commented: “We are pleased to serve as a strategic partner and financial sponsor to Synchronoss on this capitalization and are committed to leveraging the full operational and financial capabilities of our platform to support Synchronoss in its strategy to deliver value. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Jeff and the entire management team as Synchronoss enters this exciting new phase for its business.”

B. Riley Securities, Inc., acted as the lead underwriter and sole book-running manager for the common stock offering. Northland Capital Markets acted as co-manager for the common stock offering.

B. Riley Securities, Inc. acted as the sole book-running manager for the senior notes offering. Northland Capital Markets, Aegis Capital Corp. and EF Hutton, a division of Benchmark Investments, LLC acted as lead managers for the senior notes offering.

The common stock and senior notes were offered under the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3, which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on August 28, 2020. The offerings were made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus for the offering may be obtained on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by contacting B. Riley Securities by telephone at (703) 312-9580, or by email at prospectuses@brileyfin.com.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, sale or solicitation would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Synchronoss

Synchronoss Technologies (NASDAQ: SNCR) builds software that empowers companies around the world to connect with their subscribers in trusted and meaningful ways. The company’s collection of products helps streamline networks, simplify onboarding and engage subscribers to unleash new revenue streams, reduce costs and increase speed to market. Hundreds of millions of subscribers trust Synchronoss products to stay in sync with the people, services and content they love. That’s why more than 1,500 talented Synchronoss employees worldwide strive each day to reimagine a world in sync. Learn more at www.synchronoss.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including but not limited to statements regarding the closing of the public offering and the anticipated use of the proceeds thereof. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, including the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the public offering and the risk factors set forth from time to time in Synchronoss’ SEC filings, including but not limited to the risks that are described in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections (as applicable) of Synchronoss’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2021, which are on file with the SEC and available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition to the risks described above and in Synchronoss’ other filings with the SEC, other unknown or unpredictable factors also could affect Synchronoss’ results. No forward-looking statements can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from such statements. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and Synchronoss undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contacts

Media
Anais Merlin, CCgroup (International)
Diane Rose, CCgroup (North America)
synchronoss@ccgrouppr.com

Investors
Todd Kehrli/Joo-Hun Kim, MKR Investor Relations, Inc.
investor@synchronoss.com

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The International Action Centre issues the following statement on: CAPE VERDE TAKES ON THE UNITED NATIONS

PRAIA, Cape Verde, June 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a decision on interim measures dated June 8, the United Nations Human Rights Committee called on Cape Verde to “refrain from extraditing Mr. Alex Saab to the United States of America” and to “take all necessary measures to ensure access to appropriate health care […] by independent and specialized physicians of his choice”. This decision ordering interim measures is the first urgent step resulting from the registration of a complaint filed by Alex Saab before United Nations Human Rights Committee.

In an interview on June 29, 2021, the Cape Verdean Prosecutor General, Mr Jose Luis Landim, makes a frontal attack on the United Nations, claiming that the UN Human Rights Committee does not have the competence to impose the suspension of the extradition of Alex Saab from Cape Verde to the United States of America.

Such a position is alarming and is a legal, strategic and ethical mistake.

First, this position is completely wrong in law. We would like to remind Mr Landim that Cape Verde has chosen to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights since August 6, 1993 and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights since May 19, 2000. It must therefore comply with its international obligations in good faith and fully respect the decisions of the expert body responsible for interpreting the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Human Rights Committee. Saying that the Committee does not have the power to request the suspension of an extradition that may expose someone to risks of irreparable harms and of violations of the right to life and right of physical integrity, is an unforgivable legal error totally incompatible with the rule of law.

Second, such a position is a frontal attack on the United Nations and the human rights that are at the heart of the values that the Organization defends. It sends a clear message to the world that Cape Verde can exercise its sovereignty to violate human rights while ignoring the norms of international human rights law to which it has subscribed and ignoring international decisions. In doing so, Cape Verde, after defying the ECOWAS Court of Justice which ordered it to release the arbitrarily detained Alex Saab, after violating Alex Saab’s diplomatic immunity as a Special Envoy and an Ambassador to the African Union, is taking a hostile stance towards the United Nations and placing itself on the outside of the international community.

Third, such a position is a mistake in terms of fundamental ethical values. By requesting the suspension of Alex Saab’s extradition pending the examination of the merits of the case, the Human Rights Committee was inviting Cape Verde to show humanity and common sense by considering that the extradition would be detrimental to the physical integrity and life of Alex Saab. The Committee did not take a political position, but a purely humanitarian one.

MEDIA Contact:
Sara Flounders
International Action Center
Https://www.iacenter.org
E-mail: iacenter@iacenter.org
Tel: +1 212-633-6646

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Survey Projects Demand for Business School Graduates to Rebound in Post-Pandemic Era

9 in 10 corporate recruiters bullish on MBA hiring and salary premium fueled by technology sector growth

RESTON, Va., June 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Graduate Management Admission Council™ (GMAC™), a global association of leading graduate business schools, today released its annual 2021 Corporate Recruiters Survey. The report found that corporate recruiters project a robust demand for business school graduates, with nine in ten of them expecting it to increase or remain stable in the next five years. In addition, a higher proportion of recruiters in 2021 (37%) expect the demand to increase than that in the previous year (30%), with more than half of the European recruiters (54%) sharing such a view compared to their Asian (32%) and American (34%) counterparts.

“In a little more than a decade, the proportion of surveyed recruiters planning to hire MBA graduates has grown significantly, a trend especially notable in Europe, where the percentage jumped from 44 percent in 2010 to nearly twice as much (86%) in 2021, and in the United States, where it grew from 56 percent to 94 percent, a 68 percent increase,” said Sangeet Chowfla, president and CEO of GMAC. “As corporations recover from the pandemic and rebuild their workforces, it is no surprise that business school graduates ― with their leadership and managerial skills in high demand ― are specially strengthened in their value proposition as an employee and uniquely positioned to meet today’s economic challenges.”

Key Findings

MBA salary and hiring are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels

In 2020, the projected MBA median salary reached an all-time high of $115,000 before COVID-19 severely disrupted the global economy and caused it to drop down to $105,000 three months into the pandemic. However, the median MBA salary for 2021 is projected to recover to its pre-pandemic 2020 level of $115,000. At this rate, the median salary of MBA graduates is 77 percent more than those with a bachelor’s degree ($65,000) and 53 percent higher as compared to those hired directly from industry ($75,000). This salary premium shows that investing in an MBA credential continues to pay off over the time, helping an MBA graduate earn $3 million more in his or her lifetime than someone holding only a bachelor’s degree. GMAC’s own mba.com offers a helpful tool to calculate the return of investment (ROI) for business school graduates.

Before the pandemic, 92 percent of recruiters indicated they were planning to hire MBA graduates in 2020. However, the disruptions caused by COVID-19 adversely affected those plans, and hence the actual hiring of MBA graduates (80%) was lower than 2020 projections. Looking ahead, the proportion of recruiters planning to hire MBAs in 2021 (91%) returns to the same level as pre-pandemic 2020 (92%). The MBA hiring projections exhibit strength across key regions and industries. Specifically, 95 percent of the recruiters in the consulting sector, an industry in most demand by MBA graduates, are projecting to hire them—a reversal from the 2020 actual hiring of 76%.

Technology sector embraces MBA graduates for hiring and promotion

According to survey respondents, demand for MBA graduates by the technology industry is anticipated to increase by 10 percentage points in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic 2020. In fact, with 96 percent of tech recruiters projecting to hire MBA graduates in 2021, the demand for MBA talents tops the previous three years. The data also show that two in three (68%) recruiters in the technology sector agree that leaders in their organizations tend to have a graduate business school education—an increase of 11 percentage points from 2020 (57%).

“Technology companies are placing a high value on leaders who are not just technically skilled, but also have strong strategic, interpersonal, communication and decision-making skills, as well as an understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion and sustainability in their organizations – these will be critical to driving organizational growth and innovation,” said Peter Johnson, Assistant Dean of UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. “These core skills represent the signature business schools are imbuing in graduates from their MBA and business master’s programs.”

Perceptions of online programs are mixed depending on region, sector

Online programs have been gaining traction in recent years. According to GMAC data, 50 more online MBA programs accepted GMAT scores in the testing year (TY) 2020 as compared to five years earlier in TY 2016. In addition, 84 percent of online MBA programs reported an increase in applications in GMAC’s 2020 Application Trends Survey.

However, when corporate recruiters were asked about their level of agreement with the statement “My organization values graduates of online and in-person programs equally,” only one-third (34%) of them agreed. In terms of industries, recruiters from the finance and accounting industry (41%) are more likely to view graduates of online programs as equal to their on-campus peers, compared to their recruiting counterparts in consulting (25%) or technology (28%). As online programs are clearly a fast-growing area of graduate management education, the sustainability of demand will require a higher level of acceptance by employers, particularly when GMAC’s latest candidate research suggests a similar disparity in terms of perception of online versus in-person programs.

“As business schools continue to evolve modalities and more candidates are able to access MBA and business master’s programs through online delivery, this presents the graduate management education community with an opportunity to align expectations and outcomes for graduates and corporate recruiters,” said Chowfla.

About the Survey

GMAC has been conducting the Corporate Recruiter Survey on behalf of the graduate management education community since 2001. This year’s survey, administered in partnership with the Association of MBAs (AMBA), the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), MBA Career Services & Employer Alliance (MBA CSEA), and career services offices at participating graduate business schools worldwide, received 529 responses between February 25 – March 31, 2021. More details of the full report, and other research series produced by GMAC, are available on gmac.com.

About GMAC™

The Graduate Management Admission Council™ (GMAC™) is a mission-driven association of leading graduate business schools worldwide. Founded in 1953, GMAC creates solutions and experiences that enable business schools and candidates to better discover, evaluate, and connect with each other.

GMAC provides world-class research, industry conferences, recruiting tools, and assessments for the graduate management education industry, as well as tools, resources, events, and services that help guide candidates through their higher education journey. Owned and administered by GMAC, the Graduate Management Admission Test™ (GMAT™) exam is the most widely used graduate business school assessment.

GMAC also owns and administers the NMAT by GMAC™ (NMAT™) exam and the Executive Assessment (EA). More than 7 million candidates on their business master’s or MBA journey visited GMAC’s mba.com last year to explore business school options, prepare and register for exams, and get advice on the admissions process. BusinessBecause and The MBA Tour are subsidiaries of GMAC, a global organization with offices in China, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

To learn more about our work, please visit www.gmac.com

Media Contact:

Teresa Hsu
Sr. Manager, Media Relations
202-390-4180 (mobile)
thsu@gmac.com

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La Fondation Gates s’engage à allouer 2,1 milliards de dollars pour faire avancer l’égalité des sexes dans le monde entier

Les engagements pris lors du Forum Génération Égalité feront progresser l’indépendance économique des femmes, renforceront la santé et le planning familial et accéléreront la présence des femmes aux postes de direction, car les femmes souffrent de manière disproportionnée de la pandémie.

PARIS, 30 juin 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Dans le cadre du Forum Génération Egalité organisé par l’ONU Femmes et co-organisé par les gouvernements du Mexique et de la France, la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates a annoncé aujourd’hui un engagement de 2,1 milliards de dollars au cours des cinq prochaines années pour faire progresser l’indépendance économique des femmes, renforcer la santé et le planning familial des femmes et des filles et promouvoir les fonctions de leadership des femmes.

Le forum, qui se déroulera à Paris du 30 juin au 2 juillet 2021, rassemblera des gouvernements, le secteur privé et des partenaires de la société civile pour s’engager sur des actions spécifiques et annoncer des engagements financiers, politiques et de programmes qui permettront d’accélérer l’égalité des sexes et feront progresser les droits des femmes. Jamais depuis la quatrième conférence mondiale sur les femmes en 1995, où 47 000 participants et militants s’étaient rendus à Pékin, le monde ne s’est réuni pour prendre des mesures ambitieuses qui auront un impact considérable pour les femmes et les filles.

« Le monde se bat pour l’égalité des sexes depuis des décennies mais les progrès sont lents. C’est maintenant l’occasion de relancer un mouvement et d’apporter un réel changement », a déclaré Melinda French Gates, coprésidente de la Fondation Gates. « La beauté de notre combat pour l’égalité des sexes est que chaque être humain en tirera profit. Nous devons saisir ce moment pour bâtir un avenir meilleur et plus égalitaire. »

Le forum se déroule à un moment critique. Bien que nous ayons constaté des progrès au cours du dernier quart de siècle, nulle part au monde les femmes ne sont sur un pied d’égalité avec les hommes. Des vagues d’opposition aux droits des femmes ont émergé et des obstacles structurels à l’égalité des sexes et à la santé des femmes existent toujours.

L’engagement de 2,1 milliards de dollars de la Fondation au cours des cinq prochaines années fera progresser les activités dans trois domaines : l’indépendance économique, la santé et le planning familial et l’accélération de l’accession des femmes à des postes à responsabilité. Le financement comprend :

  • Indépendance économique : 650 millions de dollars sur cinq ans :  ce financement, qui s’inscrit dans le prolongement des travaux actuels de la Fondation sur l’indépendance économique des femmes, soutiendra les collectifs d’indépendance des femmes, renforcera l’économie des soins, améliorera l’inclusion financière des femmes et réduira les obstacles au travail rémunéré.
  • Planification familiale et santé : 1,4 milliard de dollars sur cinq ans :  cette somme réaffirme et élargit l’engagement de la fondation en faveur du planning familial et de la santé des femmes, en mettant l’accent sur l’augmentation des options et de l’accès aux contraceptifs et le soutien à un réseau de partenaires du planning familial, notamment le Partenariat pour l’approvisionnement en fournitures du FNUAP, le Planning familial 2030, le Mécanisme de financement mondial et la nouvelle initiative Shaping Equitable Market Access for Reproductive Health.
  • Accélération du leadership des femmes :  100 millions de dollars sur cinq ans / 230 millions de dollars sur 10 ans : il s’agit d’un tout nouvel engagement financier visant à accélérer l’inclusion des femmes dans les rôles de direction, principalement dans les domaines de la santé, du droit et de l’économie. Il comprend une contribution à un nouveau fonds mis en place par Co-Impact qui vise à démanteler les obstacles systémiques à l’égalité des sexes et au leadership des femmes et des filles dans le monde.

« L’égalité des sexes doit être au cœur des efforts mondiaux visant à réaliser des progrès vers les Objectifs de développement durable », a déclaré Bill Gates, coprésident de la Fondation Gates. « La priorité accordée à l’égalité des sexes n’est pas seulement la bonne chose à faire, elle est essentielle pour lutter contre la pauvreté et les maladies évitables. Le Forum Génération Égalité est une occasion de tenir les dirigeants responsables afin que nous puissions nous assurer que tout le monde, partout, ait la possibilité de vivre une vie saine et productive. »

Aujourd’hui, la Fondation Gates a également publié de nouvelles données qui montrent que les inégalités causées par la pandémie augmentent à un rythme alarmant, en raison des perturbations des services de santé pour les femmes, des pertes d’emplois dans les secteurs où les femmes sont sur-représentées et une forte augmentation des besoins en matière de soins et d’autres tâches non rémunérées. « Les répercussions de la pandémie ont contribué à priver les femmes et les jeunes filles de leurs chances de réussite », a déclaré French Gates

Selon l’Organisation internationale du Travail :

  • Le chômage des femmes a augmenté de 9 millions en 2020 par rapport à 2019 et devrait encore augmenter de 2 millions en 2021. Cette tendance n’est pas observée chez les hommes, qui devraient voir le chômage revenir à son niveau pré-pandémique en 2021.
  • En 2021, le nombre total d’emplois féminins dans le monde devrait rester de 13 millions inférieur à son niveau de 2019. En revanche, le nombre total d’emplois masculin devrait lui revenir à un niveau proche de celui de 2019, exacerbant ainsi les inégalités existantes au sein de la population active.

De nouvelles données d’Eurasia Group soulignent également que les politiques d’égalité entre les sexes peuvent alimenter la reprise économique mondiale à la suite de la pandémie de COVID-19 :

  • En donnant accès aux services de garde d’enfants aux femmes du monde entier qui en sont actuellement dépourvues, on pourrait générer jusqu’à 3 billions de dollars de PIB supplémentaires chaque année en leur permettant d’intégrer la population active.
  • La mise en place de programmes de transferts monétaires à l’échelle mondiale pourrait sortir jusqu’à 100 millions de femmes de la pauvreté absolue, définie comme le fait de vivre avec moins de 2 dollars par jour.

« Les femmes et les filles étaient déjà confrontées à des obstacles uniques à leur pleine participation à la vie sociale et économique et les dernières données montrent que la pandémie n’a fait qu’accentuer les disparités entre les sexes », a déclaré Mark Suzman, PDG de la Fondation Gates. « Chaque point de ces données représente une femme qui se bat pour un avenir meilleur et ce financement reflète notre engagement de longue date à soutenir toutes les femmes dans leur combat pour un monde plus juste et plus égalitaire. »

La fondation s’est engagée en faveur du planning familial et de la santé des femmes depuis ses débuts, il y a plus de 20 ans. Depuis près d’une décennie, elle soutient des partenaires dans le monde entier pour éliminer les obstacles structurels auxquels les femmes et les filles sont confrontées et pour faire avancer l’indépendance économique des femmes. L’égalité des sexes est au cœur des travaux de la Fondation et la Division de l’égalité des sexes vise à accélérer les progrès vers un monde plus égalitaire.

À propos de la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates

Guidée par la conviction que chaque vie a une valeur égale, la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates s’efforce d’aider tous les individus à mener une vie saine et productive. Dans les pays en développement, elle vise à améliorer la santé des populations et à leur donner la possibilité de se sortir de la faim et de l’extrême pauvreté. Aux États-Unis, elle cherche à faire en sorte que tous les individus, en particulier ceux qui ont le moins de ressources, aient accès aux opportunités dont ils ont besoin pour réussir à l’école et dans la vie. Basée à Seattle, Washington, la fondation est dirigée par le PDG Mark Suzman, sous la direction de Bill Gates et Melinda French Gates.

Contact média  :  media@gatesfoundation.org

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Gates Foundation Commits $2.1 Billion to Advance Gender Equality Globally

Commitments at the Generation Equality Forum will advance women’s economic empowerment, strengthen health and family planning, and accelerate women in leadership as women suffer disproportionately from the pandemic  

PARIS, June 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — As part of the Generation Equality Forum convened by UN Women and co-hosted by the governments of Mexico and France, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced a commitment of $2.1 billion over the next five years to advance women’s economic empowerment, strengthen women and girls’ health and family planning, and accelerate women’s leadership.

The forum takes place in Paris from June 30 to July 2, 2021, bringing together governments, the private sector, and civil society partners to commit to specific actions and announce financial, political, and programmatic commitments that will accelerate gender equality and advance women’s rights. Not since the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, when 47,000 participants and activists traveled to Beijing, has the world come together to take ambitious action that will have a transformational impact for women and girls.

“The world has been fighting for gender equality for decades, but progress has been slow. Now is the chance to reignite a movement and deliver real change,” said Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation. “The beauty of our fight for gender equality is that every human being will gain from it. We must seize this moment to build a better, more equal future.”  

The forum takes place at a critical inflection point. While we have seen progress over the past quarter century, nowhere on Earth are women on equal footing with men. Waves of opposition to women’s rights have emerged, and structural barriers to gender equality and women’s health still exist.

The foundation’s $2.1 billion commitment over the next five years will advance activity in three areas: economic empowerment, health and family planning, and accelerating women in leadership. Funding includes:

  • Economic Empowerment: $650 million over five years: An expansion of the foundation’s existing work on women’s economic empowerment, this funding will support women’s empowerment collectives, strengthen the care economy, improve women’s financial inclusion, and reduce barriers to paid work.
  • Family Planning and Health: $1.4 billion over five years: This reaffirms and expands the foundation’s commitment to family planning and women’s health, with a focus on increasing options and access to contraceptives and support for a network of family planning partners, including UNFPA Supplies Partnership, Family Planning 2030, the Global Financing Facility, and the new Shaping Equitable Market Access for Reproductive Health initiative.
  • Accelerating Women in Leadership: $100 million over five years / $230 million over 10 years: This is an all-new funding commitment to accelerate women’s inclusion in leadership roles, primarily in health, law, and economics. It includes a contribution to a new fund by Co-Impact that aims to dismantle systemic barriers to gender equality and women and girls’ leadership around the world.

“Gender equality must be at the center of the world’s efforts to make progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Bill Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation. “Prioritizing gender equality is not only the right thing to do, it is essential to fighting poverty and preventable disease. The Generation Equality Forum is an opportunity to hold leaders accountable so that we can ensure that all people, everywhere, have the opportunity to live healthy, productive lives.”

Today, the Gates Foundation also released new data that show pandemic-driven inequality is growing at an alarming pace, driven by disruptions to women’s health services, job losses in sectors where women are overrepresented, and a sharp increase in caregiving needs and other unpaid work. “Ripple effects of the pandemic have conspired to rob women and girls of opportunity,” said French Gates.

According to the International Labour Organization:

  • Unemployment for women rose by 9 million in 2020 compared to 2019 and is projected to increase another 2 million in 2021. This pattern is not true for men, who are projected to see unemployment decrease in 2021.
  • Total global female employment in 2021 is expected to remain 13 million below its 2019 level. By contrast, total male employment is expected to return to close to its 2019 level, exacerbating existing inequalities in the workforce.

New data by Eurasia Group also highlight that gender-equal policies can fuel the global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • Providing access to childcare for women around the world who currently lack it could deliver up to $3 trillion of additional GDP each year by enabling them to participate in the labor force.
  • Instituting cash transfer programs globally could lift up to 100 million women out of absolute poverty, which is defined as living on less than $2 per day.

“Women and girls already faced unique barriers to their full participation in social and economic life, and the latest data show that the pandemic has only sharpened gender disparities,” said Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation. “Each data point represents a woman fighting for a better future, and this funding reflects our longstanding commitment to support all women in their fight for a fairer and more equal world.”

The foundation has been committed to family planning and women’s health since it began more than 20 years ago. For almost a decade, it has been supporting partners around the world to break down structural barriers that women and girls face and to advance women’s economic empowerment. Gender equality is core to the foundation’s work, and the Gender Equality division is focused on accelerating progress toward a more gender-equal world.

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates.

Media Contact: media@gatesfoundation.org