Amid the countless meetings, summits and conferences being held around the world to determine the post-2015 development agenda and the future of humanitarian aid, no one is talking much about the growing role of China.

The Global Young Academy, an international society of young scientists, has launched an initiative to support African academics aiming to take leading roles in projects. The Africa Science Leadership Program, or ASLP, will be run by the University of Pretoria in South Africa in partnership with the academy.

SUPERVISING Minister of Health, Dr Khaliru Alhassan, has urged the European Union (EU) to support medical diplomacy in Africa with concrete long term solutions to boost health delivery in the continent.

The African continent is changing. Strong population and economic growth, natural and agricultural resources, and an emerging middle class have resulted in growth which attracts international investors.

Egypt rejoined the African Union on June 17, 2014, and since that time, the administration of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has been trying to expand its regional role in Africa through a stronger foreign policy and hopes to use the soft power of religion to reassert Egypt’s cultural influence in African societies.

To survive in the competitive global market, nations are engaging in “nation branding”, and the concept is increasingly becoming a priority for many governments. It encompasses marketing techniques and strategies that a nation uses to improve, enhance and strengthen its image and reputation globally.

Why does Pope Francis capture the imagination of vast audiences across the globe as he travels to different parts of the world? Why do the statements he makes leave a deep and lasting impression in the minds and hearts of millions if not billions of people?