标签： North America

As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) marks its second decade in Africa, experts are lauding its transformative impact on the continent’s digital infrastructure, which is poised to harness the potential of Africa’s youthful population for shared economic prosperity. Charles Ray, former US ambassador to Zimbabwe and a seasoned expert on African affairs, emphasized the BRI’s capacity to unlock Africa’s demographic dividend through projects like 5G networks and e-commerce platforms. ‘When implemented thoughtfully, aligning with a country’s capacity and prioritizing job creation and environmental sustainability, BRI-driven digital infrastructure can significantly tap into Africa’s vast demographic potential,’ Ray stated. Since its inception in 2013, the BRI has facilitated over $290 billion in completed construction contracts across Africa, enhancing trade and connectivity through roads, ports, and railways, according to the China Global Investment Tracker. With over 60% of Africa’s population under 25, these investments are crucial in addressing youth unemployment and fostering economic diversification. Ray also underscored the BRI’s potential to exemplify multilateralism through economic collaboration rather than political imposition, provided governance risks are mitigated. He advocated for robust policy frameworks to ensure transparency and sustainability in BRI projects, emphasizing the importance of assessing a country’s ability to manage foreign debt before finalizing agreements. Recent research, including findings from the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory, debunks the ‘China debt trap’ narrative, with no empirical evidence supporting such claims. Ray highlighted the importance of African nations fostering BRI partnerships based on shared responsibility, local ownership, and equal management voice under local laws. He also noted the potential for US-China collaboration in Africa, advocating for mutually beneficial partnerships that prioritize local capacity building and self-sufficiency. Looking ahead, Ray envisioned the BRI as a catalyst for reshaping Africa-China relations into a model of shared prosperity, emphasizing the need for inclusive growth and long-term partnerships that reflect Africa’s demographic and economic potential.

As the United States tightens immigration policies and reduces research funding, Canada is emerging as a potential beneficiary in the global competition for skilled talent. Experts suggest that the shifting landscape in the US is prompting many highly skilled workers to reconsider their options, with Canada increasingly seen as a viable alternative. Rupa Banerjee, a Canada Research Chair and professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, noted that the US administration’s policies are driving talent to explore opportunities elsewhere. ‘Many individuals who either reside in the US or aspired to move there are now looking at other destinations,’ she told China Daily. The Canadian federal government recently passed a budget that includes a C$1.7 billion commitment over the next decade to attract top international researchers, including scholars from US universities and H-1B visa holders. Banerjee emphasized that this move reflects Canada’s recognition of a unique opportunity to address its long-standing challenges in innovation and productivity. ‘Policymakers understand that this is a great chance for Canada to leverage the turbulence in the US,’ she said. While Canada has traditionally been a second choice for many immigrants, Banerjee believes this perception is changing. ‘Canada is becoming a better and better choice, and it’s up to policymakers to ensure it remains a top destination,’ she added. However, she cautioned that Canada’s research infrastructure and policy framework may not yet be equipped to attract talent at scale. Mikal Skuterud, an economics professor at the University of Waterloo, noted that Canada’s efforts are part of a broader global competition for human capital. ‘Human capital is scarce, and there’s a constant global war for talent,’ he said. Skuterud suggested that Canada could benefit if US policies restrict certain foreign applicants, but he emphasized that the federal funding is more of a political signal than a transformative policy. ‘If the US is closing the door on some people, maybe Canada can open its door,’ he said. Despite the potential advantages, both experts agree that Canada must focus on long-term strategies to fully capitalize on this opportunity.

A sudden fire broke out at the United Nations COP30 climate conference in Belem, Brazil, on Thursday, causing chaos and forcing delegates to evacuate the premises. The blaze erupted in a country pavilion within the event’s ‘blue zone,’ sending thick smoke billowing through the venue. Firefighters and security teams responded swiftly, bringing the fire under control without any reported injuries. The cause of the incident remains unknown. The fire occurred during critical negotiations among global ministers, who were attempting to resolve deadlocks on fossil fuels, climate finance, and trade measures. Mauricio Lyrio, head of the Brazilian delegation, confirmed that his team was evacuated mid-meeting and doubted they could return to the site that day. The conference, held in large tents near the Amazon, has drawn tens of thousands of participants. Earlier in the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged negotiators to reach an ‘ambitious compromise,’ emphasizing the global significance of the talks. ‘The world is watching Belem,’ he stated, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate challenges. The incident underscores the high stakes of COP30 as nations strive to finalize agreements before the summit concludes on Friday.