New York Times: Beijing, a Boon for Africa - Despite some global criticism, Chinese relations with Africa could work in both of their favors. Through their partnership, China – Africa’s single largest trading partner – can continue its economic growth and bring its population out of poverty while Africa has a greater chance at mending the structural corruption that continually drags the continent down. (Dambisa Moyo)
AP: High-tech way to explore, share about AIDS quilt – After 16 years, the AIDS Memorial Quilt graces Washington, D.C., again, memorializing those affected by HIV/AIDS. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) said, “The AIDS Quilt is saying we all live in the same house, the American house, the world house … together we must build a world community that is free from disease and is finally at peace with itself.” In that light, people throughout the world can view the quilt resting at the national Mall through a newly launched website. (Sarah Parness)
Gallup: Poverty Drops With Secondary Education in Sub-Saharan Africa – Gallup polls from 2009 to 2011 indicate that “sub-Saharan Africans with a secondary education are less likely to live in poverty.” Across the 38 countries surveyed, a “median of 85% of adults with a primary education are living on less than $2 a day” compared to 62% of those with a secondary education. While much progress has been made toward achieving universal primary education, “there is only enough capacity for 36% of children in the region to enroll in secondary education.” (Steve Crabtree and Anita Pugliese)
Devex: House bill authorizes $16B for select international affairs programs – The House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the foreign affairs authorization bill on Wednesday with bipartisan support, authorizing $16 billion for the State Department and several international affairs programs for 2013. The bill includes $8.9 billion for consular and diplomatic programs, $1.5 billion for contributions to international organizations, $1.8 billion for international peacekeeping operations, and $375 million for the Peace Corps. The funding is lower than the State Department’s request. (Jenny Lei Ravelo)
