People & Lifestyle
New York City and Accra to host Global Citizen Festival this September
Today at the inaugural Global Citizen NOW thought leadership summit, Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, and Minister of Tourism for Ghana, Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, announced Ghana as the sister location alongside New York City for the 2022 Global Citizen Festival, marking the advocacy organization’s ten years of impact to defend the planet and defeat poverty NOW.
The 10th Anniversary of the Global Citizen Festival on September 24 will highlight a decade of impact working with the world’s most popular artists, live from the iconic Global Citizen stage on the Great Lawn in Central Park, New York City, with a simultaneous show from Accra, Ghana. Featuring performances from high profile artists from across the globe, the 10th anniversary festivals will focus on driving commitments towards defeating extreme poverty NOW. More details, including artist lineups and special guests, will be announced in the coming months.
H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana said: “Ghana is honoured to host this year’s edition of the Global Citizen Festival. I look forward to welcoming each and everyone of you to Accra, capital of the country at the centre of the world. Together, let us join hands and help accelerate progress towards the realization of the SDGs. We owe it to the next generation to live in a world free from poverty, disease and the degradation of the environment.”
Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact and Government Affairs Officer of Global Citizen said:“We are thrilled to announce Ghana as a sister location for the 10th anniversary of the Global Citizen Festival. Ghana has long been a champion of the SDGs and has seen great success in reducing poverty, building institutions, providing healthcare and education. The country has galvanized the rest of the continent through its strong institutions and decisive leadership, highlighting what can be possible. The world looks towards Ghana as a beacon in what marks its 65th anniversary year of independence, encouraging others to follow suit to end extreme poverty NOW.”
Along with celebrating 10 years of Global Citizen Festivals, this year marks the 65th anniversary of Ghana’s independence, together with the 20th anniversary of the African Union, a powerful group of nations who will help set the trajectory of the continent for the coming decades. It will also amplify the “Beyond the Return: A decade of African Renaissance – 2020-2030” campaign – a follow-up to the successful “Year Of Return”, Ghana 2019’ campaign which commemorated the 400th Anniversary of the arrival of the first recorded enslaved Africans in Jamestown Virginia in 1619. The landmark campaign also celebrated the resilience of the African people over the past 400 years and welcomed all people of African origin to return to Africa, especially Ghana.
The Global Citizen Festival in Ghana builds upon the advocacy organization’s continued expansion of its pan-African movement, with recent festivals staged in South Africa and Nigeria. Since the Mandela 100 Festival, in 2018, more than $4.7 billion of the total $7.2 billion in funding announced during the monumental event has been disbursed by commitment makers to communities and organizations on the front lines of extreme poverty impacting the lives of over 117 million people in South Africa and across the world.
People & Lifestyle
Is a Free VPN Safe to Use? Exploring the Risks and Benefits
In our current digital age, online privacy and security have become an importantt concerns for internet users around the world. With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and data breaches, people are actively seeking ways to protect their online activities. Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, have gained popularity as tools that promise safeguarding your digital footprint. While there are many VPN options available, free VPNs, in particular, have garnered significant attention due to their accessibility. In this article, we will explore the risks and benefits of using a free VPN, with a focus on free VPN for Windows.
Understanding VPNs: What Are They?
Before delving into the world of free VPNs, let’s understand what a VPN is and how it works. A VPN is essentially a service that establishes a secure, encrypted connection between your device (in this case, your Windows PC) and a remote server. This connection masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for third parties, such as hackers or government agencies, to monitor your online activities.
The Benefits of Using a Free VPN
Enhanced Privacy: One of the primary advantages of using a free VPN is the boost in online privacy. Your internet service provider (ISP), websites, and even potential cybercriminals won’t be able to track your online behavior when you’re connected to a VPN.
Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: Free VPNs often allow users to access geo-restricted content. For example, if a streaming platform or website is only accessible in certain regions, a VPN can make it appear as though you’re browsing from an eligible location.
Protection on Public Wi-Fi: When you connect to public Wi-Fi networks, your data becomes vulnerable to interception. A free VPN can add an extra layer of security when you’re using unsecured public Wi-Fi at cafes, airports, or hotels.
The Risks Associated with Free VPNs
Data Logging: Many free VPN providers track and log user data. This can include your online activities, websites visited, and even personal information. This data may then be sold to third parties or used for targeted advertising.
Inadequate Security Measures: Some free VPNs might not implement robust encryption protocols, leaving your data vulnerable to breaches or leaks.
Limited Features: Free VPNs often come with limitations, such as slower connection speeds, data caps, and fewer server locations. These restrictions can hinder your online experience.
Malware and Adware: Some free VPN services have been found to include malware or adware in their software, potentially infecting your device.
Uncertain Jurisdiction: Free VPN providers can be based in countries with lax data privacy laws, which means they may not be obligated to protect your data.