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DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20230823T090000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20230823T173000
DTSTAMP:20260521T230941
CREATED:20230821T205138Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230821T212923Z
UID:2008-1692781200-1692811800@internationaldevelopmentarena.com
SUMMARY:Jagar Series: Knowledge Sharing for Self-determined Development of Indigenous Peoples
DESCRIPTION:There are 476 million Indigenous peoples from over 90 countries representing more than 5\,000 different cultures and 7\,000 languages playing a crucial role in the conservation of nature and biodiversity. Indigenous knowledge is vital in the fight against climate change. And yet\, in every country across the globe\, they are poorer\, have worse access to basic services\, and enjoy far fewer social and economic opportunities. They make up roughly six percent of the global population but about 15 percent of the poorest. Even after living since time immemorial in areas that contain around 80 percent of the planet’s biodiversity\, many still struggle to maintain their legal rights to lands\, territories\, and resources. \nDespite their rich and diverse cultures\, Indigenous peoples from all over the world face common challenges in protecting their rights as unique communities. They continue to face marginalization in various forms across the globe. This also contributes to the loss of Indigenous knowledge\, languages\, and ways of life which in turn contributes to further marginalization of tribal and Indigenous communities. \nThe international community now acknowledges the need for special measures to safeguard the rights of tribal and indigenous peoples and preserve their distinct cultures and ways of life. The United Nations General Assembly passed the resolution on December 23\, 1994\, stating that the International Day of the \nWorld’s Indigenous People would be observed on August 9 each year. Every year August 9 the is celebrated as the International Day of The World’s Indigenous Peoples. The day aims to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of indigenous populations worldwide. It also recognizes the valuable contributions that Indigenous peoples make in addressing global issues such as environmental protection. This year\, the central theme commemorating the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is Indigenous youth as agents of change for self-determination. \nAnamaya\, the Tribal Health Collaborative aims to end preventable deaths among tribal and Indigenous peoples of India through a community-rooted\, cross-sectoral\, and holistic approach. In partnership with USAID\, Anamaya\, the Tribal Health Collaborative\, is organizing a conclave Knowledge Sharing for Self-determined Development of Indigenous Peoples. The event celebrates tribal individuals and organizations working closely with tribal and Indigenous communities in India. Indigenous culture and health are interconnected. The event will host inclusive conversations around indigenous culture\, ethnomedicine\, traditional knowledge\, and their relationships with their environment. This will help inform policies and programs in a comprehensive manner. \nAbout the Jagar series: Jagar is a Santhali and Mundari word that stands for ‘conversation’. Anamaya\, the Tribal Health Collaborative of Piramal Foundation conceptualized Jagar Series as a space to ignite and nurture conversations and dialogues to bring Indigenous agendas to the forefront of public discourse. It is visualized as a platform that hosts diverse engagements following a holistic\, inter-sectoral\, multi-disciplinary approach instead of being defined by a particular domain. Anamaya has partnered with Tribal Research Institute in Ranchi\, the World Diabetic Foundation\, and many individuals and artists to curate the early events of the Jagar Series and looks forwards to continue the effort with widespread partnerships and collaborations. Jagar\, as the name suggests\, intends to create multiple avenues of conversation and exchange among different tribal and Indigenous communities\, organizations\, artists\, Govt. representatives\, and everyone who can contribute to help prioritize the agenda of tribal health\, inclusion\, Indigenous knowledge preservation\, and self-determined development of tribal peoples.
URL:https://internationaldevelopmentarena.com/idg-event/jagar-series-knowledge-sharing-for-self-determined-development-of-indigenous-peoples/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230627T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230627T103000
DTSTAMP:20260521T230941
CREATED:20230517T174723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230615T150703Z
UID:1891-1687856400-1687861800@internationaldevelopmentarena.com
SUMMARY:Driving Economic Sustainability through Tourism: Regional Perspectives on Opportunities\, Trends\, and Lessons Learned
DESCRIPTION:Click here to RSVP!\nJoin us for a virtual roundtable discussion hosted by the International Development Group\, LLC (IDG)\, where we explore the crucial role of tourism in addressing some of the priorities outlined in USAID’s Policy Framework\, including the mobilization of collective action through new partnerships to promote inclusive economic development. Through innovative and integrated programs\, country-specific and regional tourism development can promote reforms in several areas including: macro- (e.g.\, investment promotion and facilitation policies); mezzo- (e.g.\, enhancing industry guidelines like hotel classification systems)\, and micro- (e.g.\, improving targeted tourism destinations and facilities) levels.  To be successful at each of these levels\, there is a need to promote enduring public-private partnerships and work collaboratively with local entities.  \nDuring this event\, we will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing tourism in USAID partner countries; share lessons learned on approaches to building sustainable tourism programs; and explore some best practices in how collaborative partnerships\, including proactive local engagement\, can support inclusive tourism development.  
URL:https://internationaldevelopmentarena.com/idg-event/driving-economic-sustainability-through-tourism-regional-perspectives-on-opportunities-trends-and-lessons-learned/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221028T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221130T100000
DTSTAMP:20260521T230941
CREATED:20221018T183231Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230419T135844Z
UID:1726-1666947600-1669802400@internationaldevelopmentarena.com
SUMMARY:Asia Open RAN Academy
DESCRIPTION:Introduction\nWelcome to the The Asia Open RAN Academy’s\, “the Academy\,” landing page. The Academy is an activity funded by USAID that supports the U.S. Government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS). The Academy is an alliance of academic\, government\, and industry stakeholders in the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region that share a common objective to advance an open\, interoperable\, reliable\, and secure Internet and vibrant digital ecosystem through increased cooperation\, competition\, and choice. The Academy seeks to accelerate the adoption of open RAN approaches by developing and promoting an open RAN curriculum and technical exchanges in the Indo-Pacific region to provide mobile network operators (MNOs) and internet service providers (ISPs) with the skilled workforce needed to test and deploy open network architectures. The curriculum\, with both foundational and technical courses\, is detailed below. \n  \nPlease see “Speakers” section for the Academy’s Interim Governing Board members and incorporators. \n  \nOPEN RAN Courses\nBASIC: \n\n401 Introduction to Open RAN\n402 Deep Dive into O-RAN Architecture\n403 RAN Intelligent Controller\n\nADVANCED: \n\n504 Interoperability\n505 Open RAN Value Chain and Vendor Landscape\n506 Security\n507 O-RAN Use Cases\n508 Policy and Regulation Considerations*\n509 Management of Open RAN*\n\nFOUNDATIONAL COURSES:* \n\n411 Radio Access Network\n412 Open Flow\, Software Defined Networks (SDN)\, and Network Function Virtualization (NFV)\n413 Cloud Computing\n414 Edge Computing\n415 5G Mobile Networks: A System Approach\n416 Artificial Intelligence\n\n*To be created Oct-Dec 2022 \nTraining Information\nPre – Co-Requisite: General Background in Mobile Networks such as NR. \nCourse Materials: The content of this course is based on course notes\, e-books\, white papers\, and videos uploaded or linked to the LMS. \nLMS Course Website: Resources for this course are also available in the LMS. Learners must access the LMS  for class notes\, videos\, links\, and other course-related materials. \nTime Commitment: 2 hours of Synchronous Classes (Live Remote or Live In-Person) and 8 hours of Asynchronous Online courses. \nOnline Activities\nOnline Activities to be used for formative and summative assessment will include the following: \nAssigned Readings: \n\nRead the assigned materials\, complete a short activity related to the content\, and reflect on it.\n\nPre-Recorded Videos or Links to Videos: \n\nPre-recorded lectures/narrated PowerPoint slides or links to videos from various sources will be posted based on a schedule to cover the modules for that course. Learners are encouraged to actively watch the videos and take notes as they usually would in class\, then reflect on its content or complete a short activity related to the video content.\nEach video will be about 15-30 minutes (may be shorter or longer\, as the case may be).\nIn addition\, learners will get to watch (and re-watch) these videos in their own time.\n\nOnline Discussions: \n\nEach week\, learners must participate and respond to a series of online discussions posted. In addition\, they are expected to provide thoughtful\, well-articulated responses to each of the discussion questions to keep conversations ongoing throughout the week. Please note that participation in online discussions is required and graded.\n\nOnline Quizzes: \n\nAfter each course module in the LMS\, there will be a practice quiz online. In addition\, after completing each module’s pre-class readings and videos\, learners must complete the practice quiz for that week (5-10 questions\, multiple-choice).\n\nOnline Exams: \n\nThere are two online exams\, a pre-test\, and a post-test. Online exams will be administered on the LMS. Learners will be given an adequate amount of time on the exam day to access the exam\, but once they begin\, exams are timed and need to be completed within two hours.\n\nIndividual and Collaborative Project: \n\nLearners will have an assigned project to work on throughout the semester to connect their learning to professional practice. They will be expected to work independently through each project milestone and submit the required deliverable on the due dates assigned. Learners will be provided feedback as a guide through the project development process. See example: Milestone 1: Outline Milestone 2: First draft. Milestone 3: Second draft with revisions Milestone 4: Project presentation and submission\n\nGeneral Course Polices: Note to Faculty and Learners – Please refer to the guidelines of the university where you are registered. \nCourse Details (attached PowerPoint provides additional detail)\n401 Introduction to Open RAN: This course covers the key principles of Open RAN (O-RAN). It discusses the development of mobile communications in different generations and the various RAN groups\, such as distributed (D-RAN)\, cloud (C-RAN)\, virtual (v-RAN)\, and Open RAN. A discussion of the different equipment from traditional vendors such as the remote radio unit (RRU)\, interface\, and baseband unit (BBU) will be provided. Then continue to discuss various benefits and risks of using an O-RAN system. The O-RAN Alliance is the focal point for Open RAN standardization\, with partnerships with other organizations like TIP (Telecom Infra Project) and 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) being highlighted. It will bring together various Open RAN groups\, initiatives\, participants\, and ecosystems. The course will cover a variety of O-RAN developments from throughout the world\, as well as other industry initiatives. \n402 Deep Dive into O-RAN Architecture: This course covers the overall O-RAN architecture and relevant specifications. A discussion of the architecture evolution of radio access networks (RAN) that started due to the disaggregation of hardware and software components is included. Open RAN considers not only open remote radio unit (RRU) and baseband unit (BBU) but also open interfaces. This course also expounds on the four main functional components in Open RAN: distributed unit (DU)\, centralized unit (CU)\, near-real-time RAN Intelligent controller (RIC)\, and service management orchestration (SMO) with non-real-time RIC. \n403 RAN Intelligent Controller: This course covers the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC)\, ORAN interfaces\, and functional splits. The topics also include RAN control loops\, non-real-time RIC architecture\, and near-real-time RIC architecture\, as well as xApps and rApps. Functional split options define how the functions of the control and distributed units are divided. This course is best taken after completing the “Deep Dive into O-RAN Architecture” course. \n504 Interoperability: Implementing Open RAN is one thing but making it interoperable is another. To make the ecosystem fully functional\, making Open RAN interoperable is necessary. In this course\, we will learn about the pre-requisites in making Open RAN interoperable. We will also tackle the different open standards in making interoperability possible. And just like any technologies being implemented\, we will also look into the challenges in making Open RAN fully functional and interoperable. \n505 Open RAN Value Chain and Vendor Landscape: As a result of change from closed propriety solutions to Open RAN\, a shift in network architecture paradigm happens. With this\, innovation is inevitable for a large and varied number of future use cases. By looking into different Open RAN value chain categories\, we can further understand how the increase in demand for Open RAN technologies can aid the vendor landscape and future of RAN. Vendors that already carry Open RAN technologies will also be discussed to give us a better idea on how far we are into the adoption of Open RAN. \n506 Security: Open RAN is designed with security in mind. While it is still in its early stages\, we need to understand its current state and direction. Discussions include risk assessments\, threat modeling\, and challenges which will affect Open RAN components and interfaces’ security. Recommended best practices and frameworks such as NIST CSF\, CIS Critical Security Controls\, among others\, are introduced which helps assess and implement controls to further secure Open RAN deployments. \n507 O-RAN Use Cases: This course covers the O-RAN Alliance’s several use cases and phases. The O-RAN Technical Priority Document\, which contains a list of prioritized technical requirements\, will be discussed. O-RAN key use cases for Phase I will be highlighted\, including traffic steering\, QoS optimization\, QoS-based resource optimization\, and Massive MIMO optimization. O-RAN key use cases for Phase II will be covered\, including RAN Slice SLA Assurance\, Context-based Dynamic Handover Management for V2X\, Flight Path-Based Dynamic UAV Resource Allocation\, and Virtual RAN Network. Industry players will be invited to discuss their use cases\, whenever possible. \nThis webpage is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this webpage are the sole responsibility of International Development Group LLC and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
URL:https://internationaldevelopmentarena.com/idg-event/asia-open-ran-academy/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Manila:20220629T080000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Manila:20220629T120000
DTSTAMP:20260521T230941
CREATED:20220524T153012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220630T151329Z
UID:1070-1656489600-1656504000@internationaldevelopmentarena.com
SUMMARY:Symposium on Advancing Open RAN
DESCRIPTION:Looking for the Symposium? Click here to access the Zoom link and enter the event! \nAs the world moves rapidly towards the Internet of Things (IoT)\, it is crucial to explore USAID’s digital sector objective of an open\, interoperable\, reliable\, and secure internet and vibrant digital economy. \nOpen Radio Access Network (O-RAN) technology is a vital part of achieving this shared vision. O-RAN will lower access costs by increasing competitive vendor diversification. O-RAN is an especially attractive solution for greenfield network expansion\, such as for rural communities. It is also ideal for cutting-edge private 5G environments\, such as for factory automation and port logistics. \nThis event\, which will officially launch the Asia Open RAN Academy\, will be a Symposium that brings together the foremost thought leaders and practitioners from every segment of the O-RAN movement. The Academy is being established in the Philippines\, with a centralized curriculum but a decentralized network of teaching institutions with O-RAN certified instructors that will offer academic credits and professional continuing education throughout the Indo-Pacific region. \nThe Symposium will offer a way forward to spur workforce development so that Mobile Network Operators (MNO) will be able to hire engineers fully equipped with the skillsets demanded by our rapidly evolving network service environment. \nThe Symposium will run from 8:00AM to 12:00PM Philippine Standard Time\, including a live demonstration of multivendor Open RAN interoperability\, via VPN from the Community Lab operated by Telkom University in Bandung Indonesia. A similar lab will be established in the Philippines\, to ensure students receive hands-on training as part of their learning experience.
URL:https://internationaldevelopmentarena.com/idg-event/symposium-on-advancing-open-ran/
ORGANIZER;CN="Hameedulah Safi":MAILTO:hsafi@internationaldevelopmentgroup.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220516T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220516T123000
DTSTAMP:20260521T230941
CREATED:20220404T205709Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220518T121916Z
UID:806-1652698800-1652704200@internationaldevelopmentarena.com
SUMMARY:Trade is Part of the Solution to Climate Change
DESCRIPTION:While trade exacerbates climate change\, it is also a central part of the solution because it has the potential to enhance mitigation and adaptation. \nThis event will explore the different ways in which trade and climate change intersect\, with a focus on the impacts of\, and adjustments to\, climate change in developing countries and how future trade opportunities will be affected by both the changing climate and the policy responses to address it. \nHear from World Bank economists Paul Brenton and Vicky Chemutai who are authors of the report: The Trade and Climate Change Nexus: The Urgency and Opportunities for Developing Countries. \nPaul and Vicky will confront several myths concerning trade and climate change and show that suitable trade and environmental policies can offer effective economic incentives to attain both sustainable growth and poverty reduction. \nTo join the event discussion\, click the event link to the right when the event begins. \n\nThe first hour of the event will be spent in a roundtable format with short\, informal presentations\, dialogue among speakers\, and Q&A from all participants. This will be followed by a virtual coffee break for up to 30 minutes during which participants can mingle with speakers and others in small groups on an innovative virtual platform. \nThis roundtable is the second in a series that examines priority issues of current foreign assistance programming focused on inclusive\, sustainable\, resilient economic growth. These roundtables are organized by the International Development Arena\, which is a new initiative from International Development Group LLC (IDG).
URL:https://internationaldevelopmentarena.com/idg-event/trade-and-climate-change/
ORGANIZER;CN="Elizabeth Rickert%2C Senior Project Coordinator%2C IDG":MAILTO:info@internationaldevelopmentgroup.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220505T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220505T103000
DTSTAMP:20260521T230941
CREATED:20220405T175048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220602T134438Z
UID:818-1651741200-1651746600@internationaldevelopmentarena.com
SUMMARY:Localization in Foreign Assistance and the Role of US Small Businesses
DESCRIPTION:To watch the summary of the event discussion\, view the video below. \n \nOn May 5\, 2022\, the Small Business Association for International Companies (SBAIC) hosted a roundtable that addressed how localization\, local capacity development\, local engagement\, and utilization of local organizations fits into the paradigm of how foreign assistance achieves impactful development. In addition\, the roundtable discussed the role of US small businesses in localization.  \nThe event specifically focused on the role that US small businesses are playing in advancing the objectives of local capacity building\, local engagement\, and utilization of local personnel and organizations. \nThe event kicked off with Kimberly Ball\, Director at U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). Michele Sumilas\, USAID Assistant to the Administrator of the Bureau for Policy\, Planning\, and Learning (PPL) also provided remarks. David Snelbecker\, SBAIC Procurement Committee Co-Chair\, and CEO\, International Development Group LLC discussed localization in the paradigm of how foreign assistance achieves impact. \nSpeakers not only included US-based colleagues but also a number of local partners with whom SBAIC member firms collaborate on development work\, which provided a well-rounded set of perspectives on how localization is being implemented. \nFor further information about localization\, view the case studies\, localization stories\, resources\, and videos from the event in the Event Materials section. \nTo watch the full event discussion\, view the video below.
URL:https://internationaldevelopmentarena.com/idg-event/localization-foreign-assistance-us-small-businesses/
ORGANIZER;CN="Elizabeth Rickert%2C Senior Project Coordinator%2C IDG":MAILTO:info@internationaldevelopmentgroup.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Chisinau:20220223T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Chisinau:20220223T160000
DTSTAMP:20260521T230941
CREATED:20220216T151132Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220216T152617Z
UID:756-1645621200-1645632000@internationaldevelopmentarena.com
SUMMARY:AML training program for non-bank market participants
DESCRIPTION:The National Commission for Financial Markets (NCFM)\, in partnership with the USAID Moldova Financial Sector Transparency Activity (FSTA)\, is launching a training program in the field of preventing and combating money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/CFT). The training is addressed to all non-bank market participants supervised by the NCFM. \nThe training program\, scheduled for February-September 2022\, consists of three modules that will gradually address the most important regulations and best practices in the field of AML/CFT. The sessions will be moderated by national and international experts with extensive experience in the AML/CFT field. \nThe first module of the program will aim to familiarize participants with AML/CFT standards\, the latest Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF’s) recommendations in this area\, and the main tasks of the compliance officer. The training will also address risk assessment\, monitoring and reporting of suspicious transactions\, as well as procedures for verifying politically exposed persons (PEPs). \nThe next two modules will focus on other topical issues such as simplified\, standard\, and advanced due diligence measures (Simplified Due Diligence\, Standard Due Diligence\, and Enhanced Due Diligence)\, identifying the beneficial owner or Red Flag indicators. At the same time\, both trainings will provide a practical component\, during which the participants will analyze various case studies. \nThe first training will take place on February 23\, 2022\, starting at 13:00\, and will take place online. Those interested in participating in the training are invited to register in advance to receive the access link. Registration to the event is open until February 22 and can be made by filling in the registration form. \nThe event will be moderated in Romanian and English\, with simultaneous translation provided. \nAt the end of the training course\, all participants in the three trainings will be awarded certificates.
URL:https://internationaldevelopmentarena.com/idg-event/aml-training-program-for-non-banking-financial-market-participants/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://internationaldevelopmentarena.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/AML-Banner.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220217T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220217T110000
DTSTAMP:20260521T230941
CREATED:20211001T155913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220105T214408Z
UID:550-1645088400-1645095600@internationaldevelopmentarena.com
SUMMARY:Localization and the Theory and Practice of American International Development Assistance
DESCRIPTION:IDG CEO David Snelbecker will moderate a roundtable with international development experts to discuss the complexities of localization.
URL:https://internationaldevelopmentarena.com/idg-event/localization-theory-and-practice/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20211209T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20211209T123000
DTSTAMP:20260521T230941
CREATED:20211026T202341Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220512T171007Z
UID:572-1639047600-1639053000@internationaldevelopmentarena.com
SUMMARY:The Role of Services Trade in Economic Development
DESCRIPTION:Thank you to those who joined us for an interesting discussion! If you missed the event\, we will post the recording soon. Register with the Arena to stay up to date on the latest updates and events.  \nSeveral international trade economists will discuss emerging trade issues in developing countries\, including the role of services trade in new economic development paradigms\, along with trade of goods (i.e. container shortages and price increases\, and health protocols impeding trade). \nThe panel will include: \n Paul Fekete is the Senior International Trade Advisor at USAID. He primarily focuses on the development of trade-related technical assistance programs to assist USAID missions in building public and private sector trade capacity and promote developing countries’ participation in the international trade system. Prior to joining USAID in 2010\, he worked for over 25 years as a consultant providing trade advisory services\, technical assistance\, training\, and institutional strengthening and capacity building for various entities such as USAID\, WTO\, WCO\, and the World Bank. He holds an MA in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins University’s Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a BA from Bates College. He is also an adjunct assistant professor at both the University of Maryland’s University College and Syracuse University’s Maxwell School where he teaches graduate courses on international economics\, US trade policy\, and policy formulation. \nBen Shepherd is the Principal of Developing Trade Consultants. Ben is a trade economist and international development consultant. He has worked on a wide range of trade and development issues with organizations such as the World Bank\, the OECD\, the Asian Development Bank\, the Inter-American Development Bank\, the United Nations\, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. He has published more than fifteen articles in peer-reviewed journals\, and a similar number of book chapters. Ben received his PhD in economics from Sciences Po\, holds a masters in international economics from the University of Geneva\, and a masters in international relations from the University of Cambridge. \n \nHildegunn Nordås is a Senior Associate at Council on Economic Policies (CEP). She works on trade and trade policy issues\, focusing on the interaction between trade policy\, trade\, technology and labor market adjustments. Hildegunn is a visiting professor at Örebro University and a research professor at Norwegian Institute of International Affairs. Previously\, Hildegunn worked in the OECD where she led the work on trade and trade policy in the services sectors. Hildegunn holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Bergen and has published extensively on international trade in services. \n(Moderator) Robert Kirk is the Senior Vice President for Economic Programs and Chief Economist at International Development Group LLC (IDG). Robert’s areas of expertise include economic development\, trade policy\, multilateral and regional trading agreements\, institutional strengthening\, and regulatory reform. Prior to joining IDG\, he consulted for the World Bank\, served as Senior Vice President for AECOM International Development\, was Chief of Party for the USAID Southern African Trade Hub\, worked on projects funded by European Union and UK DFID\, and was a Principal with The Services Group. Robert holds a PhD and B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Salford in Manchester\, England. \nThe first hour of the event will be spent in a roundtable format with short\, informal presentations\, dialogue among speakers\, and Q&A from all participants. This will be followed by a virtual coffee break for up to 30 minutes during which participants can mingle with speakers and others in small groups on an innovative virtual platform. \nThis roundtable is the first in a series that will examine priority issues of current foreign assistance programming focused on inclusive\, sustainable\, resilient economic growth. These roundtables are organized by the International Development Arena\, which is a new initiative from International Development Group LLC (IDG).
URL:https://internationaldevelopmentarena.com/idg-event/trade-in-services/
ORGANIZER;CN="Elizabeth Rickert%2C Senior Project Coordinator%2C IDG":MAILTO:info@internationaldevelopmentgroup.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Chisinau:20211124T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Chisinau:20211124T170000
DTSTAMP:20260521T230941
CREATED:20211116T181212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211116T195128Z
UID:605-1637758800-1637773200@internationaldevelopmentarena.com
SUMMARY:AML/CFT Workshop for Moldovan banks and payment service providers
DESCRIPTION:The USAID Moldova Financial Sector Transparency Activity (FSTA) and the National Bank of Moldova (NBM) are back with a new training session on preventing and combating money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/CFT)\, this time focused on suspicious transactions monitoring and identification. The training will take place online\, on November 24\, starting at 1:00 PM (Moldova time). It is addressed to banks and non-bank payment service providers and aims to strengthen the reporting entities’ capacity to effectively prevent and combat financial crime. \nBesides the theoretical part\, participants will have the opportunity to analyze case studies and discuss them with national and international experts in the field. \nRegistration link for the workshop is available HERE\, until November 23\, 2021. The event link will be provided to the e-mail address indicated in the registration form. \nEnglish/Romanian simultaneous translation will be provided. \nThe event is a continuation of the series of trainings in the field of AML/CFT\, organized with the USAID FSTA Project support for the entities supervised by the NBM. Also\, as part of the project\, the NBM will implement a state-of-the-art IT solution\, designed to monitor money laundering risks and bank shareholders.
URL:https://internationaldevelopmentarena.com/idg-event/aml-cft-workshop-for-moldovan-banks-and-payment-service-providers/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://internationaldevelopmentarena.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/AML-Training.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20210715T060000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20210715T090000
DTSTAMP:20260521T230941
CREATED:20210525T194715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210628T174034Z
UID:384-1626328800-1626339600@internationaldevelopmentarena.com
SUMMARY:Enhancing Efficiency of Joint Border Controls at Kjafsan - Qafe Thane Border Crossing Between North Macedonia and Albania
DESCRIPTION:The customs authorities of North Macedonia and Albania will speak about their efforts to facilitate trade\, to establish single border stop at this border crossing\, to expedite the time to move goods across the border and improve the mutual economic cooperation at the Kjafasan – Qafe Thane border crossing. The US ambassadors both from North Macedonia and Albania will speak during the event. \nThe USAID E&E Bureau has partnered with the Customs Administration of the Republic of North Macedonia through the regional Economic Development\, Governance and Enterprise Growth (EDGE) Project and awarded a grant for enhancing the efficiency of joint controls at the border crossing point Kjafasan – Qafe Thane between North Macedonia and Albania. The objective of this grant is to strengthen the capacity of customs and border agencies of North Macedonia and Albania to establish a joint border crossing point and perform joint controls at the border crossing point Kjafasan – Qafe Thane\, in line with international standards and best practices and to enhance trade and transport facilitation and cross-border cooperation. USAID provided $100\,000 that was leveraged with $211\,170 contribution from the Customs Administration of North Macedonia\, bringing the value of the efforts it to a total of $311\,170. The tools and equipment for customs and border controls consists of hand tool kits and specific non-intrusive equipment for controls such as mobile scanner\, density meters -– boosters\, and Go Pro cameras and it is delivered to and operated by the customs authorities of both countries. The initiative also consists of provision of expert advice for implementation of specific long-term measures necessary for improving the efficiency of the joint border controls in line with best EU and global practices. Organizing study visits for the North Macedonia and Albania customs staff to familiarize with the process of establishment\, management and operation of border crossing points with joint border controls\, and with the best practices of the operation of Border Control Points at external EU land borders are also planned. The study visits will be organized once traveling abroad is normalized. ConcurrentlyThe grant is part of the larger effort supported by the\, USAID EDGE Project supports the overall process offor the establishment of single stop joint border crossing points between North Macedonia and Albania that will significantly reduce the time for movement of goods across the border. In line with their objectives to facilitate trade and improve the mutual cooperation\, the Governments of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Albania have expressed interest and commitment to establishing joint border crossing points along their shared border\, starting with the largest border crossing at Kjafasan – Qafe Thane. To put in place the legal framework for this initiative\, in the course of 2020 the two countries worked on negotiating and drafting the bilateral Framework Agreement on Joint Border Crossing Points. The draft text of the Framework Agreement was finalized recently and the next step will include signing by the relevant authorities. Once the Framework Agreement is signed and ratified in both countries\, they will proceed by drafting separate Protocol(s) that will specifically regulate the process of introduction of joint controls at the Kjafasan – Qafe Thane border crossing. \nA link for the event will be updated shortly.
URL:https://internationaldevelopmentarena.com/idg-event/kjafasan-qafe-thane-border-crossing-between-albania-and-north-macedonia/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://internationaldevelopmentarena.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/0-profile.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Michaela Becconsall":MAILTO:Mbecconsall@InternationalDevelopmentGroup.com
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR