JOHANNESBURG South Africa on Monday reiterated its call for an immediate cease-fire in Palestine and Lebanon and the initiation of a political process to secure a just and lasting peace. "South Africa once again calls on the State of Israel to realize that the only way to achieve peace is a two-state solution where Israel will be able to exist side-by-side in peace with a viable and fully independent Palestinian State within internationally recognized parameters," said a statement marking the 47th United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Pretoria highlighted that the unresolved Palestinian issue, now spanning 75 years, remains central to tensions in the Middle East. "This occasion (International Day of Solidarity) provides us with a crucial opportunity to reflect and take stock of the plight of the people of Palestine," the statement said. South Africa reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening its bond of solidarity, friendship and cooperation with Palestine. "In keeping with South Africa’s long-term and principled support for the Palestinian people, the Government of South Africa remains committed to supporting initiatives aimed at refocusing the international agenda on Palestine and a revived Middle East peace process," the statement added. The government also urged the international community to intensify efforts to assist Palestinians in achieving their aspirations for freedom, justice and the establishment of an independent state.
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The University Health Network, one of Canada’s largest research hospital systems, will expand cancer care programs with the purchase of a 15-storey building in downtown Toronto. The expansion comes as UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has reached capacity with increasing numbers of patients. The hospital network made the announcement from the second floor of the newly acquired space, at 522 University Ave. CEO Kevin Smith and Dr. Keith Stewart, director at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, addressed a room of reporters and health-care providers.. The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre sees almost 20,000 new cancer patients every year and has now reached the numbers that were anticipated for 2030. “But it’s good news ... we’re identifying cancer earlier, we’re seeing better survivorship,” said Smith. Other necessary appointments equate to nearly 200,000 follow-up visits and 5,000 cancer surgeries, said Stewart. “We have simply outgrown our current space.” Premier Doug Ford and Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones also attended. “UHN’s expansion of care will ensure families in Toronto and indeed across Ontario can connect to the care they need when and where they need it for decades to come,” said Jones. The building, which cost $79 million, sits on the southwest corner of University Avenue and Elm Street. The space will support expanding programs in cancer care, research and education at Princess Margaret and Toronto General Hospital and will also serve as a new training ground for UHN’s Michener Institute of Education. With the additional space, UHN will have the ability to focus on new clinical research in cancer, develop innovative treatments and technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and educate the next generation of cancer experts. Funds to support the new building’s operation will be supported, in part, by the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. When asked about the disparities in Black women’s health when it comes to breast cancer, in particular, both Smith and Stewart told the Star the new space will provide opportunities for research and education helping to better understand gaps in cancer research, care and education. “One of the major advantages we have in cancer research is living in Toronto because this is the most ethnically diverse city in the world,” said Stewart. “We have a great opportunity to teach the world. Are we missing populations? Do we not to have the right genomic data on those populations? Are we culturally sensitive to their needs, such as skin tone. And of course, this building will accelerate that.” UHN plans to begin retrofitting the building and moving people in within the next few months and be fully operational in a matter of years, said Stewart. The University Hospital Network also includes Toronto Western Hospital, the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and West Park Healthcare Centre.Jinnah’s youth as the architects of modern Pakistan Today, youth of our country face numerous challenges, leading to a growing sense of purposelessness The youth are the architects of a nation’s future, and no one understood this better than Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. His timeless words, “Education is a matter of life and death for our country,” continue to resonate, urging Pakistan’s young generation to rise above their struggles and take charge of their destiny. Today, the youth of our country face numerous challenges, leading to a growing sense of purposelessness. The younger generation is undoubtedly going through a difficult phase, with many drifting away morally, ethically, and spiritually. The Ministry of Health reports that 80 million adults in the country suffer from mental health issues, with a considerable proportion being young individuals. This highlights the frustration and alienation felt by a generation often caught in a lifestyle perceived as devoid of meaning. In stark contrast to the empowered, focused, and aspiring youth of the pre-independence era, today’s generation appears adrift. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including rapid urbanisation, technological advancements, globalisation, political instability, unemployment, and the erosion of traditional values. While globalisation has brought both opportunities and challenges, it has also shaped the living standards of youth in recent decades. Most importantly, political dependence, rising unemployment, and the erosion of value systems are the primary factors making the lives of our generation increasingly difficult and complicated. To overcome this dilemma, it is essential to instill the teachings and values of the Quaid-i-Azam in our youth for their overall development and nation-building. Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was not only the founder of this country but also a philosopher, visionary, and one of the world’s greatest leaders. His vision for a new homeland for Indian Muslims of the subcontinent transformed not only the lives of Muslims of the region but also the demography of the subcontinent. After Pakistan’s triumph, Jinnah’s focus shifted to training, disciplining, and building the character of the youth to ensure Pakistan’s development and stability is in the right hands. Recognising youth as the future of the country, he advised and guided the youth to shape Pakistan’s futurein more than one way, while guiding them at every front. Strive for excellence through education Jinnah placed education at the heart of his vision for Pakistan. He was inspired by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s efforts to introduce Indian Muslims to modern scientific education and consistently emphasised its transformative power. “Without education, it is complete darkness, and with education, it is light,” he famously stated. During his early political career, Jinnah fought for universal education in British India. In 1911, he supported Gokhale’s Elementary Education Bill, advocating for free and compulsory education despite opposition from the colonial administration. He criticised the British education system for producing clerks to serve the empire, calling for a curriculum that would empower individuals to think critically and innovate. After Pakistan’s independence, Quaid-i-Azam repeatedly highlighted the importance of education in his speeches, urging the youth to acquire knowledge and skills that would enable them to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world. He envisioned a progressive society where education was not merely a means of earning a livelihood but a tool for intellectual growth and societal transformation. Unity, faith, and discipline Jinnah’s famous slogan-”Unity, faith, and discipline”-was a call to action for the youth of Pakistan. He believed these three qualities were essential for nation-building and repeatedly emphasised their importance in his speeches. On October 30, 1947, he urged the youth: “Unity, faith, and discipline are the three essential qualities you must possess to rebuild the nation and bring progress.” Moral and ethical integrity Jinnah believed that no nation could achieve greatness without a foundation of moral and ethical integrity. He was deeply concerned about the dangers of nepotism, corruption, and favouritism, warning that these practices could undermine Pakistan’s development. In his inaugural speech to the Constitutional Assembly of Pakistan, he stressed the importance of meritocracy and fairness, urging the youth to uphold high ethical standards in all aspects of life. He said, “Character is the foundation of all greatness. Build yourselves as men and women of high principles and unshakable moral standards.” Tolerance and coexistence Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan was rooted in the principles of tolerance and coexistence. While the country was founded on the two-nation theory, he consistently advocated for a society where people of all religions, ethnicities, and classes could live together in harmony. In his historic address to the Constitutional Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, he emphasised the importance of unity and mutual respect, urging the youth to rise above divisive ideologies. He said, “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste, or creed-that has nothing to do with the business of the State.” The responsibility of nation-building Jinnah saw the youth as the torchbearers of Pakistan’s future. While addressing young civil servants on October 11, 1947, he urged them, “Be the torchbearers of justice and fairness, for only then can a nation thrive and prosper.” He emphasised their vital role in shaping the country’s destiny, further reiterating this message in his speech at Dhaka University in March 1948. He stated, “Pakistan is proud of its youth. You are the nation-builders of tomorrow, and your efforts today will determine the future of this country.” Jinnah encouraged the youth to take an active interest in global politics and economic trends, stressing that a well-informed and educated generation was essential for Pakistan’s development. He believed that education should not be seen merely as a path to employment but as a tool for fostering critical and rational thinking. This, he argued, would empower the youth to address the nation’s challenges and contribute to its progress. Jinnah’s timeless vision calls on the youth to rise above personal interests and build a modern, prosperous Pakistan. In today’s turbulent times, his principles of unity, discipline, and moral integrity offer the roadmap we desperately need. By embracing his teachings, we can transform our nation and realise the greatness he dreamt of-a Pakistan defined by progress, strength, and unity.
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