Technology

Global Times: China a model for development that African countries can follow

Published

2 years ago

September 2, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held in Beijing from September 4 to 6. It takes place at a critical juncture when the world is grappling with various regional and global crises and there is a pressing need for countries from the Global South to join hands. How will this year’s FOCAC elevate ties between China and Africa? What is the significance of building a high-level China–Africa community with a shared future? The Global Times (GT) interviewed a number of former officials and pundits from various African countries to share their insights and stories.

In the first article of this series, GT reporters Qian Jiayin and Bai Yunyi interviewed Essam Sharaf (Sharaf), former prime minister of Egypt and chairman of the Egyptian Sharaf Foundation for sustainable development. He said that China’s growing influence in Africa is timely, essential and vital.

GT: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Egypt. During these 10 years, you have visited China many times. When did you first come to China, and what was your first impression of China? How do you evaluate the deepening of the China–Egypt relationship?

Sharaf: I have visited China about 40 times, and my first visit was in 2005. Although, at the time, Egypt was leaning toward the US, I insisted on visiting China. When I arrived in China, I visited many places and met many people. To tell you the truth, I was impressed. I told my colleagues that China is a great country, and it will be a major country in the world.

Now, the relationship has deepened in terms of economic cooperation. But the most important thing is the political stances. The political stances of Egypt and China are almost identical. Egypt and China were upgraded to a strategic comprehensive relationship 10 years ago, which means there is now a deeper and wider level of relationship between the two countries, covering almost all aspects. If you ask me about the evolution, I believe that the relationship is very strong, and I hope that this relation grows and has a positive impact on both countries as well as other countries.

GT: The two great civilizations of China and Egypt each have a long history and splendid culture, as well as many similarities. As a politician from Egypt, with its great civilization, how do you evaluate the series of global initiatives and ideas proposed by China?

Sharaf: The relations between China and Egypt actually go back maybe 2,000 years through the ancient Maritime Silk Road. These two civilizations have influenced humanity, history and the civilization of the world over time. I believe that, for humanity, it is our responsibility to build on the relationship between these two countries, as very few countries have such deep civilizations.

If we talk about global prosperity, global prosperity requires getting rid of the deficits in global peace, global trust, global connectivity and global development efforts, which are China’s global initiatives’ goals are.

For example, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) deals with international connectivity. BRI is actually considered the most important international cooperation platform. When we talk about a trust deficit, we have the Global Civilization Initiative. When we talk about reducing the security deficit, we’re talking about Global Security Initiative. When we talk about development deficits, there is the Global Development Initiative. I consider these initiatives to be a road map for the world toward global prosperity, global peace and global development. And it’s very difficult to have such a package from any other country.

GT: How do Egyptians, both the public and businesses, perceive the Belt and Road Initiative? Could you share some successful examples of infrastructure projects between China and Egypt?

Sharaf: In Egypt I found that the perception of BRI has changed over time from looking at the BRI as just a project to looking at it as a cooperation platform. That change, I believe, is highly correlated to the relations between China and Africa. I also believe the BRI has and will play a vital role in the development of the Global South.

Egyptians now perceive BRI in a much more comprehensive way than 10 years ago. For example, we have projects in different disciplines, like transportation, electricity and solar power, among others. And the most important one is the huge work of Chinese companies in the New Administrative Capital. China is doing an excellent job there.

Furthermore, China has a lot of experience with special trade and economic zones. We have a Chinese economic zone in Egypt now, but I believe that we need more as we benefit from the huge experience of China in this field. I believe that the Chinese can do a lot in terms of cultural exchanges and mutual learning, which is something we should work on. China and Egypt should cooperate and lead together through dialogue, and understanding. As the United Nations Secretary General said, we have a trust deficit. We need to talk, we need to understand each other, we need to get closer, and once we get to know each other and understand and respect each other, then the cooperation projects will be much, much easier.

GT: Have you taken note of the concept of “Chinese modernization”? Do you think China’s development model offers valuable insights for Egypt? What challenges does Egypt face when trying to adapt and localize these experiences?

Sharaf: China offered a model for modernization of developing countries. How China transferred from this level to this advanced level is very important for Egypt and other developing countries. China succeeded in achieving outstanding development through several modernization pillars, including putting people at the center, respect for diversity and innovation-driven development.

Egypt is now surrounded by a hostile environment. But still, I believe that the closer relationship between Egypt and China will benefit us as we analyze the modernization process of China. Once we actually have a peaceful environment in the area, I believe Egypt will be able to make great strides toward real modernization.

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SOURCE Global Times

Technology

Electrosoft Celebrates 25 Years of Federal Cybersecurity Innovation and Impact

Published

25 minutes ago

April 21, 2026

Founding CEO Dr. Sarbari Gupta reflects on firm’s evolution and sets the course for its next chapter

RESTON, Va., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Electrosoft Services, LLC, a leading provider of federal cybersecurity and digital transformation services, today announced its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter century of innovation and partnership in support of government missions. Founded in 2001 and led by its founding CEO, Dr. Sarbari Gupta, the company has grown from a small, focused team into a trusted partner on some of the federal government’s most consequential cybersecurity and digital engineering programs.

“I founded Electrosoft because I believed federal agencies deserved a cybersecurity partner that would grow with them through every shift in technology and every evolution in the threat environment. Twenty-five years in, that belief has only gotten stronger,” said Dr. Gupta. “What fills me with the most pride isn’t the milestone itself, but the trust we’ve built and the team that earned it.”

Electrosoft’s journey began with its first prime contract at NIST in 2001. Years later, company experts became named authors of NIST special publications on digital identity. That foundation has expanded into support for federal civilian and defense agencies such as DLA, USTRANSCOM, GSA, Treasury and HHS, as well as multiple-award vehicles including GSA OASIS+, DLA JETS 2.0, NIST CAPSS, Treasury PROTECTS and CISA DTSS.

Over the years, the company has been consistently recognized as a top workplace, fast-growing company and technology thought leader.

Recent milestones include several significant contract and contract vehicle wins from HHS, Treasury and CISA and a 2025 strategic investment from DigitalNet.ai that supports expanded capabilities in artificial intelligence while preserving the independent leadership and customer continuity that have defined the firm.

As Electrosoft enters its next chapter, the company’s integrated delivery model unifies cybersecurity, digital engineering and AI to meet the evolving demands of federal missions.

For more information, read Electrosoft’s 25th Anniversary newsletter.

About Electrosoft Services

Electrosoft is a cybersecurity, digital engineering and intelligent automation firm delivering secure, scalable solutions for federal agencies. With 25 years of experience, the award-winning company combines deep mission expertise with modern engineering practices to help agencies operate securely, modernize with confidence and accelerate operational performance. Electrosoft is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. www.electrosoft-inc.com

Press Contact
Jeanne Zepp
jzepp@electrosoft-inc.com

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SOURCE Electrosoft Services, LLC

Technology

Almost 80% of Gen Z and Millennials Use ‘Survival Spending’

Published

25 minutes ago

April 21, 2026

New Survey from Beyond Finance and Operation HOPE reveals young Americans are focusing on immediate priorities and real-world decisions over long-term financial ideals

45% would use tax refunds for bills or debt, 77% rely on short-term financial strategies like Buy Now Pay Later for essentials, 39% are turning to AI to guide money decisions, and 73% want to know someone’s exact financial situation before the third date

CHICAGO and ATLANTA, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Almost 80% of Gen Z and Millennials use ‘survival spending’ to get by in today’s economy with nearly half of Gen Z and Millennials indicating they would use a tax refund to cover bills or pay down debt, 77% relying on short-term financial strategies like Buy Now, Pay Later for essentials, and 39% turning to AI to guide money decisions. As part of its annual Financial Practice Week, Beyond Finance partnered with leading financial literacy nonprofit Operation HOPE to examine how young Americans are actually managing money, finding a clear break from traditional financial practice as they cope with the current economic landscape.

The research challenges the idea that younger generations are abandoning financial responsibility. Instead, it shows a generation actively adapting, making decisions that prioritize immediate needs, flexibility, and informed tradeoffs. While 7 in 10 say wealth-building feels out of reach, their actions tell a more defining story: Financial strategy today is less about getting ahead and more about staying in control. From how they allocate income to how they seek advice — including 73% who want full financial transparency before the third date — Gen Z and Millennials are building financial practices grounded in adaptability, prioritization, and real-world decision-making.

These additional findings follow recent Financial Literacy Month news on the rise of ‘survival spending,’ and give us a closer look at how Gen Z and Millennials are actually managing money, making tradeoffs, and navigating financial decisions day to day.

A Shift Toward Immediate Financial Priorities

Tax refunds used for survival, not splurging: 45% would put the money toward bills or debt, and less than 4% would spend it on travel or leisure.

‘Survival spending’ has become a financial strategy: Nearly 77% report using tactics like Buy Now, Pay Later for essentials, reflecting a shift toward short-term financial management.

Side hustles are now part of the baseline financial plan: 71% say additional income is necessary just to keep up.

Experiences over savings: 59% say spending on meaningful experiences today feels more practical than saving for long-term goals that seem increasingly out of reach, with 65% feeling uncertain whether traditional retirement planning will deliver real security.

Redefining Financial Practices

Peer-to-Peer learning on the rise: Financial practice is becoming more social. Gen Z is now more likely to consult social media experts (24%) than they are their parents (21%) to refine their money strategies.

Financial silence is waning: The practice of “financial silence” is disappearing, with 73% of respondents wanting to know someone’s exact financial situation before the third date.

The Rise of Real-Time Financial Decision-Making

AI is becoming a financial co-pilot: 39% are already using AI to budget or inform financial decisions, often running “what if” scenarios before taking action.

Hybrid decision-making is emerging as the norm: Many are combining AI insights with human advice, creating more personalized, responsive approaches to money management.

Digital tools are reshaping engagement: 16% use apps that gamify saving and spending, reinforcing financial habits through continuous interaction.

“Gen Z and Millennials aren’t failing at money. The system they inherited has changed, and they’re responding in real time,” said Dr. Erika Rasure, chief financial wellness advisor at Beyond Finance. “What we’re seeing is a generation shifting from long-term financial ideals to daily financial practices, such as using windfalls to stabilize, leaning on tools like AI to make decisions, and prioritizing what’s immediately within their control. That adaptability isn’t a weakness — it’s a new form of financial resilience.”

Despite these challenges, younger generations remain highly engaged, adapting their behaviors and redefining what financial success looks like in today’s environment.

“Every generation must answer the economic test of its time, and this generation is no different. Gen Z and Millennials are not walking away from success. They are searching for a model that speaks to their lived reality, their struggle, and their hope. The old rules alone cannot carry them where they need to go. We must give them something deeper than theory. We must restore their sense of unlimited possibility, backed with vision, tools, and a pathway. At Operation HOPE, we believe financial literacy is the new civil rights issue of our time. And our calling is to help this generation move from uncertainty to confidence, from surviving to thriving, and from financial stress to lasting wealth—so they can build not just a living, but a future,” said John Hope Bryant, founder, chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE.

Redefining Hope for a New Financial Reality

Held during the last week of Financial Literacy Month, Beyond Finance’s Financial Practice Week is an initiative designed to help people reconnect with their financial power by building personalized, emotionally grounded practices. To examine your money mindset further, explore a money management guide from Beyond Finance and then take Operation HOPE’s quizzes, AI video training, and micro-courses.

This survey was commissioned by Beyond Finance in collaboration with Operation HOPE, and conducted by QuestionPro, a third-party research company, from March 16 – 18, 2026, with a collective sample of 2,000 Millennial (born 1981 to 1996) and Gen Z adults (born 1997-2008) Americans. An executive summary of the findings can be found here. Full research findings are available upon request.

About Beyond Finance

Beyond Finance, LLC, is the nation’s largest debt consolidation company. In its commitment to providing clients with a personalized approach to move beyond debt, Beyond Finance provides simple and transparent solutions that help consumers lower their eligible monthly payments, reduce the impact of interest, and reach a debt-free life sooner. Beyond Finance holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded with multiple recognitions for its commitment to clients: Organization of the Year – The Business Intelligence Group’s Excellence in Customer Service Award, Gold Stevie Award for Outstanding Customer Service Department, Banking Tech Award – Financial Wellness Champion, Best In Biz Gold Award for top Customer Service Team, and 3 ConsumerAffairs’ “Buyer’s Choice Awards.” Beyond Finance has offices in Chicago, Atlanta, and Houston. For more information, visit BeyondFinance.com.

About Operation HOPE, Inc.

Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to “silver rights” with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the 2016 Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $4.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. For more information visit OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Beyond Finance

Technology

Sidekick Health Expands Its Intelligent Care Platform with MSK, Advancing Its Solutions for Rising Risk and Multi-Condition Care Complexity

Published

25 minutes ago

April 21, 2026

The new program joins 24+ conditions plus medication support in one platform, giving health plans and employers a single solution for their most complex and costliest populations

NEW YORK, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sidekick Health, a digital health innovation company, today announced the launch of its musculoskeletal (MSK) health program and pain management support. These new, clinician-backed resources are available alongside 24+ conditions spanning cardiometabolic, oncology, behavioral health, women’s health, inflammation and immunology, discharge management, and medication support — all within a single platform.

More than half of Americans live with two or more chronic conditions, and MSK is one of the most common, affecting more than one in three adults and accounting for nearly 10% of national medical spending — insufficient MSK intervention can lead to overutilization, surgery, and opioid dependence. Importantly, MSK conditions don’t happen in a silo. With the launch of this program, Sidekick is positioned to support MSK and pain alongside cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health and menopause, delivering a multi-condition approach that’s designed to address rising risk, utilization, and ultimately the total cost of care.

“MSK has been one of the most consistent asks from health plan partners and their members. This launch aims to close that gap and positions us to better address the needs of our payer partners and their members — from multi-condition management to medication support to physical rehabilitation — in one solution.” said Travis Parkinson, President, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Sidekick Health.

The program approaches MSK support and rehabilitation from multiple angles, both physical and mental. It aims to transform how individuals manage MSK pain by shifting focus to functional restoration, while the pain management support layer combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and pain neuroscience education, designed to help members reduce medication reliance and build lasting self-management skills.

It was built from the ground up in collaboration with doctors of physical therapy (DPTs), clinical experts, and practicing clinicians, and incorporates key elements targeting rising risk, utilization, and quality metrics for health plans, multi-condition complexity for employers, and cost of care across all stakeholders:

Fall-risk mitigation with targeted exercises supporting joint and muscle health and strength that scale to meet member abilityPelvic floor support aimed to address lower back and hip pain and improve bladder controlPain management support available alongside MSK and other conditions, vital as patients work toward ending the cycle of disability, easing emotional distress, and improving quality of life

The program was developed in collaboration with MOBĒ, a whole-person condition management company, whose health plan and employer clients will have access to the program at launch through MOBE Missions, powered by Sidekick’s platform.

“What makes MSK particularly complex to support is how it interacts with other conditions and treatments. Approximately 75% of MOBĒ participants have an MSK condition, live with four or more chronic conditions, and utilize three or four more chronic medications from multiple prescribers, making integrated, cross-condition support a necessary feature for safe and sustained improvement,” said Leslie Helou PharmD, Senior Vice President of Health Outcomes Strategy at MOBĒ.

Most health plans are managing rising risk and complexity — in their growing proportion of multi-chronic health profiles and care management workflows. Sidekick’s platform simplifies this complexity and delivers real-time risk signals to deliver against organizational, clinical, and financial priorities.

“We’ve built a companion that can follow a person through their entire health journey — not just the condition they were most recently diagnosed with. Adding MSK isn’t a feature update. It’s just one more step as we deliver the intelligent care infrastructure health plans have been asking for.” said Tryggvi Thorgeirsson, co-founder and CEO, Sidekick Health.

About Sidekick Health

Sidekick Health is an intelligent care company. Its AI-powered solutions span cardiometabolic, musculoskeletal, oncology, behavioral health, women’s health, hospital discharge management, and inflammation and immunology conditions, and deliver lifestyle, medication, and care management support. Sidekick works with health insurers, employers, and pharmaceutical companies, and develops regulated prescription digital therapeutics designed to improve patient outcomes, enhance clinical efficiency, and reduce the cost of care.

Media Contact
Manda Bertrand
Press@sidekickhealth.com

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SOURCE Sidekick Health