News

Although mpox has been endemic in the region for decades, the current rapid spread of the virus in Central Africa has been a cause for concern. The Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa CDC) reports that since the beginning of this year, there have been some 24,000 suspected or confirmed new cases of mpox in 13 African countries. More than 600 people have already succumbed to the disease – the vast majority of them in the DRC.  That is why the World Health Organization (WHO)…

Minister of Development Cooperation and Urban Policy Caroline Gennez pleads within the Belgian government for the immediate recognition of the state of Palestine: "After our visit to Jordan and the West Bank last week, and the conversations I had with local civil society organizations, UN representatives and members of the Palestinian Authority, it is clear that it is time for action. Now. Today, I will be advocating for the recognition of the Palestinian state at our government…

It is with deep sorrow and horror that we learn of the death of our colleague Abdallah Nabhan (33) and his seven-year-old son Jamal last night after an Israeli airstrike in the eastern part of the city of Rafah. Abdallah's wife is in critical condition in hospital, fighting for her life. The couple's two other children (aged 5 years and 7 months) sustained minor injuries. Abdullah's 65-year-old father, his 35-year-old brother and his six-year-old niece also lost their lives. 

Belgium is committing an additional 4 million euro to support quality education in Africa, with an emphasis on teacher training. Minister for Development Cooperation Caroline Gennez made the announcement on Wednesday during an event in Brussels. The event, 'Improving Educational Attainment and Learning for Girls', falls within the framework of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union and is organised together with UNESCO. "Together with our partners, we aim to…

Earlier today, Minister of Development Cooperation Caroline Gennez presented the priorities of the Belgian EU Presidency for Europe’s development policy: "The presidency is an excellent opportunity to emphasize the importance of international solidarity and development in an effective European foreign policy." 

Belgium will join the Global Coalition for Social Justice, a flagship initiative of the International Labour Organization (ILO). It brings together workers, employers and governments and aims to promote labour rights, better working conditions, social protection, and social dialogue worldwide. This was announced today by Minister of Development Cooperation, Caroline Gennez, at an event on decent work in Brussels, in the presence of Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO.  

At the informal EU Council of Development ministers, Minister Gennez sounded the alarm about the escalating violence and the shrinking space for peaceful coexistence, democracy and civil society in the occupied Palestinian territories. 

Minister of Development Cooperation and Major Cities Caroline Gennez pledges an additional €2 million for the ailing population in Syria after the severe earthquake six weeks ago. This announcement was made on the occasion of a special EU donor conference in Brussels.

Belgium is pledging €5 million in humanitarian aid following the devastating earthquake in Türkiye and Syria on Monday morning. This was announced by Belgian Minister for Development Cooperation and Major Cities Caroline Gennez.