AGP Executive Report

Madagascar in Focus: Madagascar’s Minister of Higher Education says Russian language is a major advantage for students as ties with Russia expand, with plans to consider Russian as an academic subject and new teacher training underway. Diplomacy & Education: Russia and Madagascar’s foreign ministers met in Moscow, with cooperation flagged across energy, agriculture, infrastructure, health, mining and education. Culture & Community: Shia communities in Madagascar marked Muharram with mourning rituals and youth-focused cultural activities at Mahajanga’s Sultan al-Muallifin Hussainiya. Arts & Youth: A Madagascar-themed stage show is set for youth audiences, with “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Kids” bringing local kids into the spotlight. Global Human Stories: UN agencies warn acute hunger will worsen, listing Madagascar among hot spots as conflict, funding gaps and climate shocks bite. Sports & Women: Botswana hosts the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III, with Madagascar among participating teams.

Muharram in Madagascar: Shia communities across Iraq, Russia, the U.S., Tanzania and Madagascar have started Muharram mourning ceremonies, with local Islamic centers and communities preparing for Tasu’a and Ashura through gatherings, processions and service programs. Culture & language ties: Madagascar’s higher education ministry says knowledge of Russian is a major advantage for students as the island deepens cooperation with Russia in education and technology, with plans to consider Russian as an academic subject and recent teacher training for Malagasy instructors. Education cooperation: The education minister also met Samara Polytech leadership to expand engineering and educational projects, aiming to open new opportunities for Malagasy pupils and students. International diplomacy: Russia’s foreign minister met Madagascar’s Alice N’Diaye in Moscow, with both sides highlighting cooperation in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, health, mining and education. Sports for women: Madagascar is listed among teams for Botswana’s first Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III event, set to boost women’s tennis and youth development. Food security pressure: UN food agencies warn acute hunger will worsen in hot spots including Madagascar, driven by conflict, funding gaps and climate shocks. Biodiversity spotlight: Lesser tenrecs from Madagascar are being welcomed into a UK zoo, drawing attention to the island’s unique wildlife and conservation needs.

Muharram in Madagascar: Shia communities across Iraq, Russia, the U.S., Tanzania and Madagascar have started Muharram mourning ceremonies and service programs ahead of Tasu’a and Ashura, including gatherings at mosques and Hussainiyas and youth-focused cultural activities. Madagascar–Russia ties: Madagascar’s foreign minister Alice N’Diaye met Russia’s Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, with both sides highlighting cooperation in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, health, mining and education; Seychelles also confirmed it will attend the Russia–Africa Summit in October. Education & language: Madagascar’s higher education minister says Russian knowledge is a major advantage for students as ties with Russia expand, and suggests Russian could become an academic subject nationwide. Higher education cooperation: The same minister met Samara Polytech leadership to discuss engineering partnerships and training opportunities for Malagasy students, including support for Russian language teaching. Food security warning: UN food agencies warn acute hunger will worsen in hot spots including Madagascar, driven by conflict, funding shortages and climate shocks. Culture & youth theatre: “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Kids” is set to open as a youth production, bringing the island adventure to the stage for families. Biodiversity spotlight: Lesser tenrecs—hedgehog-like mammals from Madagascar—have arrived at a UK zoo, raising awareness about habitat loss and hunting pressures.

Spanish Language Boom in Africa: Spanish is surging across sub-Saharan Africa, with learners more than doubling since 2014; a new Instituto Cervantes hub opened in Abidjan, and more centers are planned, reflecting Spanish’s growing cultural and scientific pull. Refugee Day & Displacement Reality: Ahead of World Refugee Day, coverage highlights the scale of forced movement—refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced people—showing how conflict and disasters keep pushing families into limbo. Madagascar–Russia Diplomacy & Education Links: Madagascar’s foreign minister met Russia’s Lavrov in Moscow, while higher-education officials say Russian language skills can boost access to science and technology, with teacher training already underway. Madagascar in Regional Sports for Women: Botswana’s Billie Jean King Cup event will include Madagascar among participating teams, with a focus on growing women’s tennis and pathways for girls. Muharram in Mahajanga: Shia devotees raised the Husseini mourning flag at Sultan al-Muallifin Hussainiya, keeping Ashura rituals and youth religious culture alive. Food Security Warning: UN agencies warn acute hunger may worsen in hotspots including Madagascar as funding gaps and climate shocks intensify. Biodiversity Spotlight: Lesser tenrecs from Madagascar are highlighted after arriving at a UK zoo, underscoring both the island’s unique wildlife and threats like habitat loss.

World Refugee Day: UN agencies mark June 20 by spotlighting the scale of forced displacement, with 41.6 million refugees and about 9 million asylum seekers worldwide, while internally displaced people remain trapped without the same protections. Madagascar–Russia ties: Madagascar’s foreign minister Alice N’Diaye met Russia’s Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, praising cooperation in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, health, mining and education; Madagascar and Seychelles also confirm participation in the Russia–Africa Summit in October. Education & language: Madagascar’s higher education minister says Russian knowledge is a major advantage for students as partnerships with Russia expand, with plans to consider Russian as an academic subject nationwide. Culture & faith: Muharram 1448 AH preparations continue in Madagascar, including a mourning flag-raising ceremony at Sultan al-Muallifin Hussainiya in Mahajanga, keeping Ashura rituals and youth engagement alive. Biodiversity spotlight: Lesser tenrecs from Madagascar are welcomed to a UK zoo, highlighting the island’s unique wildlife and the threats from habitat loss and hunting. Sports for women: Madagascar is listed among teams for Botswana’s first Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III event, aimed at boosting girls’ tennis and development pathways.

Madagascar–Russia Ties: Foreign Minister Alice N’Diaye met Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, with both sides highlighting cooperation in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, health, mining and education. Education & Language: Madagascar’s higher education minister says Russian knowledge can boost access to scientific and technological training, and may be introduced across universities as partnerships expand. Higher Education Milestone: The University of Antananarivo marked its 65th anniversary, with plans for new campuses and improved student housing, plus cultural and sports events. Culture & Faith: In Mahajanga, Shia communities raised the Husseini mourning flag to mark Muharram 1448 AH and keep Ashura rituals alive. Sports for Youth (Regional): Botswana’s Billie Jean King Cup event will include Madagascar among participating teams, aiming to grow women’s tennis and youth pathways. Food Security Watch: UN agencies warn acute hunger could worsen in Madagascar and other hot spots as conflict, funding gaps and climate shocks intensify. Biodiversity Spotlight: Lesser tenrecs from Madagascar are being welcomed to a UK zoo, spotlighting the island’s unique wildlife and conservation needs.

Madagascar in Education & Science: The University of Antananarivo marked its 65th anniversary with plans for new campuses and improved student housing, while also highlighting cultural, sports and research events. International Partnerships: Madagascar’s Higher Education minister met Samara Polytech leadership to expand engineering and education cooperation, and said Russian language skills can boost access to science and technology. Culture & Community: In Mahajanga, Shia devotees raised the Husseini mourning flag at Sultan al-Muallifin Hussainiya to mark Muharram 1448 AH and keep Ashura rituals alive. Biodiversity & Conservation: Madagascar’s Lesser Tenrecs are now being welcomed to UK zoos, spotlighting the island’s unique wildlife and the threats of habitat loss and hunting. Sports & Women’s Development: Madagascar is among the teams set to compete in Botswana’s first Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III event, aimed at growing women’s tennis and youth pathways. Food Security Warning: UN food agencies flagged Madagascar among hotspots where acute hunger could worsen as conflict, funding gaps and climate shocks bite. Global Culture Buzz: “Shrek 5” released its trailer, and the internet is already buzzing about the new voice cast and the jail-cell ending.

Cultural Heritage & Restitution: France’s parliament is pushing a new restitution law for looted artefacts, with lawmakers framing the debate as a moral “deal” to return African treasures. Performing Arts for Families: Madagascar-themed youth theatre is popping up abroad, with “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Kids” and “A Musical Adventure Jr.” putting local children and young casts on stage. Education & International Links: Madagascar’s Higher Education minister met Samara Polytech leadership in a push for engineering cooperation and expanded Russian-language training for Malagasy students. Religious Life in Mahajanga: Shia communities in Mahajanga raised the Husseini mourning flag at Sultan al-Muallifin Hussainiya to mark Muharram 1448 AH and keep Ashura rituals alive. Sports & Women’s Development: Madagascar is set to take part in the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III in Botswana, aimed at boosting women’s tennis and youth pathways. Global Climate Pressure on Children: UNICEF warns that nearly all children worldwide face climate hazards, and lists Madagascar among hotspots where hunger and shocks could worsen. Biodiversity Spotlight: Madagascar’s lesser tenrecs are being welcomed to a UK zoo, highlighting the island’s unique wildlife while underscoring threats like deforestation.

Higher Education & Russia Ties: Madagascar’s Higher Education minister says Russian helps students access scientific and agricultural know-how, with plans to expand Russian teaching and a new training programme for teachers. Biodiversity & Conservation: Lesser tenrecs—hedgehog-like mammals from Madagascar—have arrived at UK zoos, spotlighting the island’s unique wildlife and the threats of deforestation and hunting. Culture & Faith: Muharram 1448 AH rituals continue in Mahajanga as Shia communities raise the Husseini mourning flag at Sultan al-Muallifin Hussainiya, keeping Ashura traditions alive. University Milestone: The University of Antananarivo marks its 65th anniversary with government leaders, pledging campus expansion and student housing improvements. Food Security Watch: UN agencies warn acute hunger will worsen in multiple hotspots, adding Madagascar to the list as conflict, funding gaps and climate shocks drive famine risk. Women’s Sport: Madagascar is among teams set to compete in Botswana’s first Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III event, aimed at boosting girls’ tennis and development pathways. Climate Reality for Children: UNICEF reports almost all children worldwide face climate hazards, with overlapping risks threatening health, water, learning and safety.

National Honours: Madagascar’s President Randrianirina awarded Major General Dr Ahmed Naser Al Raisi one of the country’s highest medals, praising his INTERPOL leadership on tackling cybercrime, trafficking and other cross-border threats. Religious & Community Life: In Mahajanga, Shia devotees raised the Husseini mourning flag at Sultan al-Muallifin Hussainiya to mark the start of Muharram 1448 AH, with youth-focused cultural-religious programming and Ashura rituals. Sports & Women’s Development: Botswana’s first Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III event (July 13–18, Gaborone) will include Madagascar among participating teams, aiming to boost women’s tennis, girls’ participation and sports tourism. Education & Culture: The University of Antananarivo marked its 65th anniversary with government attendance and plans for new campuses and improved student housing, alongside cultural and sports events. Climate & Children: UNICEF reports nearly all children worldwide face climate hazards, warning that overlapping drought, heat and storms are disrupting health, water and schooling—an urgent issue for the region’s young people. Lifestyle & Health: The US FDA approved bemotrizinol, a new sunscreen active ingredient, though many Asian consumers may already know it from popular Korean and Japanese products. Global Culture: A “Shrek 5” trailer dropped, with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz returning and Zendaya joining the cast.

Muharram & Ashura in Madagascar: Shia communities in Mahajanga marked the start of Muharram 1448 AH with a mourning flag ceremony at Sultan al-Muallifin Hussainiya, calling for stronger commitment to Husseini rituals and keeping Ashura culture alive through devotional gatherings. University & Youth Culture: The University of Antananarivo celebrated its 65th anniversary, with leaders highlighting better teaching, research, new campuses, and student housing, alongside cultural and sports events. Madagascar on the Map: A travel feature spotlights Madagascar as the world’s #4 largest island, linking its unique landscapes and biodiversity with its Austronesian sailing history and ongoing debates about early settlement. Climate & Children’s Rights: UNICEF reports that almost all children worldwide face climate hazards, with billions at risk from drought and extreme heat, and warns that overlapping shocks can overwhelm services—an issue echoed in coverage for Eastern and Southern Africa and linked to water, sanitation, and school attendance. Education & Feeding: Mary’s Meals marks the Day of the African Child by stressing how water insecurity affects school attendance, while reporting daily meals reaching millions across Africa, including Madagascar partners. Tourism & Culture Industry: The 12th International Tourism Fair Madagascar (ITM) wrapped in Antananarivo, bringing together about 500 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors to showcase Madagascar’s cultural and historical attractions and tourism services. Science & Lifestyle Inspiration: A global story on glow-in-the-dark plants highlights new bioluminescent research that could reshape sustainable urban lighting.

Climate & Children: UNICEF says almost all children worldwide face at least one climate hazard, with 1.8 billion at risk from drought and 1.2 billion from extreme heat, warning that overlapping shocks can overwhelm water, health, and schooling systems. Day of the African Child: Mary’s Meals marks June 16 by linking safe water and sanitation to school attendance, reporting it feeds millions daily across Africa. Madagascar Education & Culture: The University of Antananarivo celebrates its 65th anniversary, with plans for new campuses and student housing improvements, plus cultural and sports events. Tourism & Heritage: Madagascar’s 12th International Tourism Fair (ITM) wraps up in Antananarivo, drawing about 500 exhibitors and 25,000+ visitors, with cultural shows and international delegations. Community & Faith: Shia communities worldwide, including in Madagascar, step up preparations for Muharram and Ashura mourning programmes. Science & Learning: Madagascar’s presence also appears in international education exchanges, including professional development for Malagasy Russian teachers.

Climate & Children: UNICEF says almost all children worldwide face climate hazards, with drought and extreme heat among the biggest threats, and overlapping shocks hitting hardest—an issue echoed in Eastern and Southern Africa where millions of children are already exposed to multiple hazards that disrupt water, health, and schooling. Day of the African Child: Mary’s Meals marks June 16 by linking water, sanitation and hygiene to school attendance, reporting it feeds millions of children daily and highlighting Madagascar’s partner work on clean water alongside school meals. Madagascar Tourism & Culture: The 12th International Tourism Fair Madagascar wrapped up in Antananarivo, showcasing the island’s cultural and natural attractions with 500 exhibitors, thousands of visitors, and events for crafts and tourism professionals. Energy & Women’s Skills: Women solar technicians in Madagascar are expanding rural access to electricity through solar training and community installation, helping families study longer and reducing reliance on smoky petroleum lamps. Safety & Rights: A 2-year-old albino boy was rescued after kidnapping in southwestern Madagascar, underscoring ongoing attacks driven by occult beliefs and the need for stronger protection. Church & Justice: Christian leaders in Africa called for a full investigation into the killing of a Mozambican bishop, demanding accountability and protection for religious freedom.

Climate & Children: UNICEF says almost all children worldwide face at least one climate hazard, with 1.8 billion at risk from droughts and 1.2 billion from extreme heat, warning that overlapping risks can overwhelm services. Faith & Justice: Christian leaders in Africa are calling for a full investigation after the June 6 killing of Mozambican Catholic bishop Osório Citara Afonso, with arrests reported but questions still raised. Education & Health (Madagascar): Mary’s Meals marks the Day of the African Child (June 16) by linking water insecurity to school attendance, noting that in Madagascar, communities receiving meals also benefit from clean-water projects. Energy & Women’s Skills (Madagascar): Women solar technicians, trained through Barefoot College with WWF support, are expanding rural electricity access—helping families study after sunset and reducing reliance on smoky petroleum lamps. Culture & Tourism (Madagascar): Madagascar’s 12th International Tourism Fair in Antananarivo wrapped up, drawing 500 exhibitors, 25,000 visitors, and cultural events showcasing the island’s identity to the world. Sports & Solidarity (Madagascar): A Russia Day friendship and solidarity run in Antananarivo brought together youth, sports groups, and Russian representatives, using sport as a bridge for cultural and educational exchanges. Wildlife & Heritage (Madagascar): A rescued two-year-old albino boy in Beroroha highlights ongoing attacks driven by occult beliefs, with authorities arresting kidnappers and urging stronger protection. Conservation (Madagascar): Reports also spotlight Madagascar-linked conservation efforts, including a major butterfly survey kickstarted by Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners.

International Tourism Fair: Madagascar’s 12th International Tourism Fair wrapped up in Antananarivo (11–14 June), bringing together about 500 exhibitors and over 25,000 visitors, with cultural events and craft showcases spotlighting the island’s identity to the world. Russia–Madagascar Cultural Sport Exchange: A friendship and solidarity run for Russia Day took place in Antananarivo, with youth and sports groups and Russian diplomatic participation, reinforcing cultural and educational ties through sport. Church & Community Safety: African bishops and SECAM called for an urgent, transparent investigation after Mozambican Bishop Osório Citora Afonso was shot dead at his residence, urging stronger protection for religious leaders and places of worship. Electricity Access & Women’s Skills: Women solar technicians, trained through Barefoot College with WWF support, are expanding rural electricity access—reported gains include many households now able to study after sunset. Child Protection in Madagascar: A 2-year-old albino boy was rescued after being kidnapped and held in a hut in Beroroha, highlighting ongoing attacks driven by occult beliefs. Culture & Lifestyle Spotlight: A new Madagascar-themed youth theatre production (“Madagascar — A Musical Adventure Jr.”) is part of summer programming, adding arts and confidence-building for local children.

Madagascar Spotlight: A two-year-old albino boy was rescued in Beroroha after being kidnapped and held in a hut in Ankaviao; authorities arrested the kidnappers, highlighting ongoing attacks driven by occult beliefs and a deadly trafficking network. Women & Energy: Women solar technicians trained through Barefoot College are expanding rural electricity access in Madagascar, with one village reporting 165 of 210 households now connected—bringing safer light and more study time for children. Culture & Youth Arts: The Appalachian Center of the Arts (APP) is continuing youth summer productions with “Madagascar — A Musical Adventure Jr.” plus multiple camps, including performance and tech tracks. Conservation & Biodiversity: Madagascar-linked wildlife conservation gets a boost as Buffalo Zoo welcomes a family of black-and-white ruffed lemurs (native only to Madagascar) under an AZA Species Survival Plan. Parliament & Diplomacy: Madagascar’s parliament head of cooperation department arrived in Benghazi for an Asian-African Parliamentary Council conference, joining Arab and African delegations. Religion & Safety: African Catholic bishops renewed calls for urgent investigation and stronger security after the murder of Mozambique’s Bishop Osório Citora Afonso, with Madagascar included in the bishops’ statement.