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The 111th session of the IUCN Council meeting began today in the city of Gland, Switzerland, chaired by Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The 3-day meeting discusses a group of issues, most notably “Vision.” The strategy for the Union” which extends for 20 years, and the Council is preparing it for review and comment by the members of the Union.
Al-Mubarak said in her speech during the meeting: “The strategic vision, which extends for twenty years, places at the heart of its attention the unprecedented challenges facing the climate and the survival of living species,” noting that in light of the increasing possibility of humanity exceeding the 1.5 degree Celsius target set by the Paris Agreement, Conservationists realize that their work will be more difficult and more important. She stressed the need to address these challenges by strengthening efforts and helping to support justice in the world so that we can all be more appreciative of nature and keen to preserve it.
During this session, the Council is scheduled to review and evaluate the initial draft of the Union’s program for the period 2026-2029, as a first step in the Union’s journey seeking to prepare the final version of the four-year plan, which will be voted on by the members, in preparation for its adoption during the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Conference in 2017. 2025, which is scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi from October 9 to 15 next year, with the participation of representatives of public institutions, civil society, indigenous peoples, academia and the private sector.
The King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue is hosting a global dialogue forum in Lisbon, Portugal, from May 14 to May 16, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Themed “Transformative Dialogue: Building Alliances for Peace in a Changing World,” this event marks a significant milestone in the center’s decade-long commitment to fostering global change and peace.
Bringing together influential leaders from decision-making institutions, the forum offers an opportunity to forge partnerships addressing today’s complex challenges, the SPA reported.
It serves as a platform for global political figures, intellectual leaders and clerics to tackle issues of peaceful coexistence and sustainable development amid rapid transformations.
Attendees include former French president, Francois Hollande; Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, the imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah; Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the archbishop of Constantinople; Matteo Renzi, former Italian prime minister; and former president of Austria, Heinz Fischer.
Exploring dialogue’s transformative potential, the forum aims to advance human rights, social cohesion, reconciliation and environmental cooperation in line with the center’s mission, the SPA said.
By fostering cooperation among nations, international institutions and civil society, the forum seeks to build understanding between cultures and religions.
With participation from prominent figures across various fields, this forum holds significant potential to shape policies and priorities for peaceful coexistence and societal advancement, the SPA reported.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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The Lisbon forum marks a significant milestone in the center’s decade-long commitment to fostering global change and peace. (X: @KAICIID)
Al-Qasimi Hall at the Council of the Arabic Language in Mauritania hosted a scientific symposium entitled “Feature of verbal harmony in the construction of the Qur’anic surah: an authentic pause,” in which Dr. Muhammad Safi Al-Mustaghanemi, Secretary-General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, spoke via video communication technology, in the presence of Dr. Allah Al-Washmi, President of the King Salman International Academy for the Arabic Language, and an elite group of scholars, researchers and linguists, and it was moderated by Dr. Al-Bakai Abdel Malik, Secretary-General of the Council of the Arabic Language in Mauritania.
Dr. Khalil Al-Nahwi, Chairman of the Arabic Language Council, said that the Council recently launched the “Hadith Al-Tayef” program as part of its research and scientific initiatives with the aim of hosting an elite group of scholars and researchers through audio-visual communication technology from various parts of the world, and Dr. Ahmed Safi Al-Mustaghanemi was chosen, who represents the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah – the Knowledge Edifice. The main partner of the Arab Linguistics Council, he will be the first guest to lecture in this pioneering scientific program.
Mosteghanemi highlighted the unique characteristics that distinguish the surahs of the Holy Qur’an, pointing to the wonderful harmony and precise linguistic organization that reflects unparalleled precision and miracle. He explained that each surah in the Holy Qur’an follows its own axis while adopting studied linguistic choices that are in harmony with this axis.
Al-Mustaghanemi provided illustrative examples from the Holy Qur’an, such as Surat Al-Naba’ and Surat Al-Nazi’at, to highlight these features, noting that linguistic harmony is not limited to the vocabulary of each surah and its focus, but extends to include the relationship between the conclusion of the surah and the opening of the surah that follows it, which is what the scholars of interpretation have confirmed in their previous studies, in addition to the connection between the surahs. Different types that share similar vocabulary, structures, or stories.
Born in Sohag, Egypt, Mathematician Mahmoud Abdel-Aty was awarded the world’s best mathematician by China for his contribution to quantum algorithms and quantum optics!
The scientist told Sky News Arabia “My name was nominated by a number of scholars from more than one country, and the committee filtered all the applicants and selected the best among them,”
The Chinese award Qin-Jiu-Shao is considered to be one of the most important awards in mathematics in the world will be awarded to winners in November.
The Egyptian scientist, who occupies the position of Chairman of the National Committee for Mathematics, confirmed that through him he was able to explain a large number of problems that had no explanation in the past, especially with the great and amazing progress in the manufacture of computers, especially quantum computers.
He also mentioned how happy he gets whenever he’s awarded saying, “It’s the most beautiful in his life,”
Adding “It gives us confidence that what we are doing is of real value.
The Award represents the great appreciation of our country, and the international awards represent a global appreciation for the name of Egypt and its great scientists.”
Microsoft has hired British-Syrian Mustafa Suleyman to head its AI business, cementing his role in the industry.
Mustafa Suleyman , a highly respected British-Syrian AI expert, has been named as Microsoft’s artificial intelligence business head, as the company cements its position in this booming field.
Suleyman co-founded DeepMind , which Google purchased in 2014, before starting up Inflection.ai in 2022 with LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, to guide AI away from racist, sexist or violent behaviour. It has also been named a rival to Microsoft in the field of AI.
He also co-wrote ‘The Coming Wave’, a highly influential book in the tech industry that examines the potential and pitfalls of AI.
Microsoft said in a post on LinkedIn on Monday named Sulyaman as CEO of Microsoft AI, leading all of its consumer products and research, including its generative AI service Copilot as well as its Bing search engine and Edge browser.
He will report directly to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella , who welcomed his appointment in a blog post.
“This infusion of new talent will enable us to accelerate our pace yet again,” Nadella wrote.
The hiring is likely to bolster Microsoft’s lead position in the booming AI industry, as big tech companies battle for positions to capitalise on the demand for AI services.
Microsoft has teamed up with ChatGPT maker OpenAI, investing billions of dollars into the San Francisco company, and recently partnered with France’s Mistral , a hot AI startup.
Suleyman is the son of a Syrian taxi driver and English nurse and grew up in North London. He dropped out of Oxford University aged 19, before founding the Muslim Youth Hotline, which became one of the biggest counseling services for Muslims in the UK.
His appointment to the top Microsoft position has been welcomed by British Arabs and Syrians worldwide, who have commended him for his journey from relatively humble beginnings to one of the leading positions in the IT industry.
He was named in The New Arab‘s ‘The notable British Arabs making a difference’ list in 2021 .
source/content: newarab.com (headline edited)
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Sulayman is one of the most influential people in the field of AI [Getty]
Emirates Global Aluminium, today, announced the completion of the acquisition of the German company, Lichtmetall Aluminum Gesserei Hannover GmbH.
Last March, Emirates Global Aluminum announced its intention to acquire “Lichtmetal” from “Lichtmetal Holding Limited”, a subsidiary of an investment fund managed by “Quantum Capital Partners Limited”. The transaction met all regulatory approvals and conditions required for completion.
Lichtmetall is a specialized European smelter that uses renewable energy to produce about 30,000 tons annually of aluminum cylinders, and secondary aluminum represents about 80% of the raw materials used in production. The company primarily produces solid cylinders with a diameter of up to 1,150 mm for use in the manufacture of heavy-duty extruded aluminum profiles and large cast parts.
The acquisition of Lichtmetal strengthens EGA’s existing business in Europe, as EGA exports more than 600,000 tons of primary aluminum to Europe annually, and is considered one of the largest aluminum suppliers in Europe to many sectors, including automobiles and construction.
Abdul Nasser Bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminum, said: “I am pleased to welcome our new colleagues at Lichtmetal in Hannover to the Emirates Global Aluminum team. The acquisition will provide significant growth opportunities for Lichtmittal within the Emirates Global Aluminum portfolio, the largest producer of high-quality aluminum in the world.” “It is considered an important step for Emirates Global Aluminium, in accelerating our journey towards sustainability and building aluminum recycling operations in Europe, as we are one of the largest suppliers of primary aluminum in the region and globally.”
For his part, Thomas Witt, CEO of Lichtmetall, said: “This acquisition and joining Emirates Global Aluminum, the largest producer of high-quality aluminum in the world and the main supplier of aluminum in Europe, represents a major step in Lichtmetall’s successful journey, and will help us grow our business further and provide better services.” To our customers all over the world.
According to industry experts, global demand for recycled aluminum will double by 2040. Recycled aluminum is expected to contribute to the growth of global aluminum supplies by 60% by 2030, and by 70% between 2030 and 2040.
Aluminum can be recycled continuously and infinitely thanks to its distinctive properties. The recycling process requires 95% less energy, compared to the energy consumed to produce primary aluminum, and results in a small amount of emissions compared to producing aluminum from raw bauxite.
This deal is considered the first major acquisition for Emirates Global Aluminum since its founding through the merger of Dubai Aluminum and Emirates Aluminum ten years ago.
The 3rd session of the Arab Economic and Cooperation Forum with countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan concluded its proceedings today in Doha, with the issuance of the Doha Declaration emphasizing the importance of historical, religious, and cultural relations and ties between Arab countries, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan.
The Doha Declaration, released at the conclusion of the forum, stressed the necessity of enhancing economic cooperation prospects and potential between Arab countries, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan, including vast natural resources and promising investment opportunities in energy, mining, petrochemical industries, tourism, and more.
Participants in the forum highlighted the importance of encouraging the completion and enhancement of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two sides, leveraging vast potential in various economic sectors, and supporting the development of a comprehensive strategic program as a roadmap for the coming decade regarding practical implementation and resource mobilization for the Islamic Infrastructure Initiative.
Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Commerce, and Economy, as well as delegation heads from participating countries and governments at the forum, recalled the outcomes of the second session of the forum held in Tajikistan in 2017, emphasizing the importance of developing cooperative mechanisms within the forum across all fields to serve the common interests between Arab countries, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan.
They called for a focus on cooperation between the Arab League, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan without duplication of efforts in various forms of cooperation, emphasizing the need to support political consensus solutions to crises facing some countries in the Arab region through encouraging comprehensive dialogue and national reconciliation, rejecting any interference in the internal affairs of states, and committing to respecting their sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity in accordance with the charter and principles of the United Nations and international law.
The Doha Declaration condemned ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, resulting in more than 100,000 martyrs and wounded, mostly women and children, decrying the subjection of the Palestinian people to famine, deadly siege, obstruction of relief aid flow, and the severing of all means of life in Gaza. It also condemned the systematic destruction of residential neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, universities, mosques, churches, and infrastructure in the sector, as well as the detention and torture of thousands of Palestinian prisoners, underlining the hate speech, racism, and incitement adopted by the Israeli occupation government.
Furthermore, the Doha Declaration warned against Israel’s continued implementation of plans for the forcible displacement of the Palestinian people from their land, which would lead to the collapse of peace prospects in the Middle East and exacerbate conflict in the region, urging the Security Council to adopt a binding resolution to halt Israeli aggression and prevent the forced displacement of Palestinians, ensure the flow of relief aid to the entire Gaza Strip, implement provisional measures outlined in the International Court of Justice ruling, and restore life to its normal state in the sector. The forum participants also condemned the systematic Israeli occupation campaigns against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), calling on all countries to support the agency’s efforts. They also condemned the occupation government’s continued settlement plans aimed at changing the historical and legal status quo in the occupied Palestinian territories and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, the latest being the occupation government’s approval of building approximately 3,500 new settlement units in the West Bank.
The Doha Declaration affirmed support for joint efforts by Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire and restoring life to normal in the Gaza Strip, as well as supporting Algerian and Egyptian efforts to achieve the desired reconciliation among Palestinian factions, commending in this regard Algeria’s role as an Arab member of the United Nations Security Council in supporting the Palestinian cause.
At the conclusion of the third session of the Arab Economic and Cooperation Forum with Central Asian Countries and the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Doha Declaration underscored the full solidarity with Lebanon amid the most severe political, economic and social crisis the country has been grappling with in decades, affirming support for the constitutional institutions to safeguard the Lebanese national unity, as well as the security, stability and the territorial integrity of Lebanon.
The declaration condemned the unceasing Israeli offensive on south Lebanon that resulted in the martyrdom of civilians from children, women, elderly, journalists, and paramedics, in addition to targeting the centers of the Lebanese Army and spilling over into the depth of the Lebanese territories, including agricultural lands, during which the internationally banned white phosphorus has been used.
The declaration called for the importance of ramping up international pressure to prevent the declared Israeli plans to launch a large-scale war on Lebanon, force the Israeli entity to end its occupation of Lebanese lands and stop its land, sea, and air violations of the sovereignty of Lebanese lands.
In addition, the declaration called for adherence to the preservation of Syria’s sovereignty, unity and stability and rejecting foreign interference and any illegal military presence on its territory, condemning the attacks unleashed by the Israeli occupation on its territory, stressing the importance of the Arab role in supporting the efforts made to resolve the Syrian crisis.
As to the Libyan issue, the participants affirmed their commitment to the unity and sovereignty of the State of Libya and the integrity of its territories and supporting the path of comprehensive national reconciliation.
Regarding the situation in Yemen, they called for the resumption of political consultations to reach a comprehensive political solution, in accordance with the three terms of reference represented by the Gulf Initiative and its executive mechanisms, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The declaration stressed the sovereignty, unity and independence of Sudan and the importance of preserving its national institutions, primarily the Sudanese Armed Forces, underscoring the importance of intensifying the international efforts aimed at achieving peace and stopping the ongoing war that has caused humanitarian catastrophe and forced displacement of millions of residents from their cities and villages.
It also emphasized the importance of cooperation between the League of Arab States, the African Union (AU) and the United Nations so as to build a comprehensive peace process, and to support the initiatives of the co-facilitators of the Jeddah talks and the Sudanese neighboring countries initiative, which aim to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire. Also, the declaration affirmed support for the security, stability, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia and the Somali government in its efforts dedicated to safeguarding its sovereignty on land, sea, and air, noting its right to legitimate defense of its lands.
Regarding the three UAE islands of Abu Musa, the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, the Doha Declaration affirmed support for all peaceful efforts, including the initiative and endeavors of the UAE to reach a peaceful solution, in accordance with the principles of international law and the United Nations charter, either through Bilateral negotiations or resorting to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), stressing the need for cooperative relationships between Arab countries and the Islamic Republic of Iran to be based on the principle of good neighborliness and non-interference in internal affairs, respect for the principle of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and resolve disputes by peaceful means, as per principles of the United Nations Charter. international law and refraining from the use or threat of force.
In regard to the relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the declaration emphasized the support for the normalization of relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual recognition and respect and preservation of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of each other’s borders, noting that accelerating the establishment of relations between the two countries will achieve regional stability and security, paving the way for realizing the full potential of cooperation in the region.
The participants condemned terrorism in its all manifestations and motives, underscoring the importance of counter-terrorism operations, uprooting its roots, and drying up its sources, and rejected linking terrorism to any race, religion, nationality, or civilization. They also emphasized the importance of respecting the rules and principles of international law governing the exploitation of transboundary rivers, so as to not cause profound harm and the principle of prior notification. Also, they affirmed their full support for Egyptian and Sudanese water security, calling on Ethiopia to refrain from any unilateral measures that would potentially cause harm to the interests and rights of 160 million people of the countries downstream of the Nile River.
The Doha Declaration praised the UAE’s membership in the UN Security Council for the period 2022-2023. It also welcomed the election of Algeria as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the period 2024-2025 and expressed its support for naming Bahrain as a non-permanent member in the Security Council for the period 2026-2027, and the Kyrgyzstan as a non-permanent member. Also, they supported the nomination of Tajikistan as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the period 2028-2029, calling for coordination between the Arab members of the Security Council, the countries of Central Asia, and the Republic of Azerbaijan to serve the common interests, in accordance with the Arab League and United Nations charters.
The declaration welcomed Azerbaijan’s presidency of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) for the period from 2024 to 2026, expressing its support for strengthening cooperation between the CICA and the Arab League through implementing joint projects and engaging in relevant events organized by each of them.
The Doha Declaration renewed emphasis on supporting all efforts aimed at nuclear disarmament and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, without prejudice to the inalienable right of states parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, calling on all countries who are not signatories to the treaty to quickly join it.
In this regard, the declaration condemned the Israeli entity’s recent blatant and unprecedented threats to annihilate the Palestinian people using nuclear weapons, stressing the need for the Israeli entity to join the NPT and subject all its facilities to Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements. It also affirmed the need for the establishment of a Middle East Zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
The declaration welcomed the Marrakesh Declaration on the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) issued last January, which urged the need to intensify regional efforts to combat weapons of mass destruction by enhancing the exchange of expertise and best practices among the countries under this initiative.
It also welcomed the initiatives by Central Asia countries within the framework of the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (CANWFZ) treaty, calling on the nuclear-weapon states that have not ratified the Protocol to the CANWFZ Treaty to expedite ratification to bring the Protocol into force as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the attendees expressed their desire to enhance cooperation in the field of health care and combat various risks threatening humanity. They renewed their support for Afghanistan to achieve peace and stability, stressing the need to address the challenges facing the Afghan people. They also expressed their deep concern about the indiscriminate use of landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices that threaten peace, security and stability and hinder development efforts.
The declaration stressed the importance of cooperation between Arab League member states, the countries of Central Asia, and Azerbaijan to enhance cybersecurity, including cooperation to prevent the use of infrastructure in countries by groups or individuals against other countries. It welcomed cooperation in implementing programs related to cybersecurity, which contributes to protecting data and praised Saudi Arabia’s launch of the Global Cybersecurity Forum, with the aim of contributing to enhancing cybersecurity at the international level.
The declaration noted the increasing economic cooperation between the Arab League member states, the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, calling for benefiting from the enormous potential of the two sides in various economic fields, stressing the importance of developing cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals and objectives related to water resources and the re-use of water in industrial and oil sectors to reduce the demand for fresh water. It also called for enhancing cooperation in the food security and agriculture sectors and benefit from countries’ experiences in using modern agricultural technologies and smart irrigation programs.
The Doha Declaration called for the importance of confronting the challenge of water scarcity, especially in arid countries, which has increased over recent decades with continued population growth, becoming a global challenge exacerbated by climate change. In this regard, it stressed the importance of cross-border water cooperation based on respect for the rules and principles of international law governing the exploitation of cross-border rivers.
Highlighting the links between water and climate, the Declaration expressed concerns about the accelerating melting of glaciers in the Central Asian region and welcomed the establishment of a trust fund to support activities aimed at preserving glaciers, as well as Tajikistan’s offer to hold an international conference dedicated to glacier conservation next year.
The declaration also called for work to strengthen and develop the land, sea, air and railway transport sectors between the member states of the Arab League, the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan with the aim of increasing ties and facilitating access to each other’s markets, stressing the importance of cooperation within the scope of regional projects that aim to advance regional cooperation and increase interconnection in the field of transportation. It also called for robust cooperation between Arab countries, the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in the fields of tourism, housing, reconstruction and sustainable urban development.
The participants congratulated the UAE on its success in hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) last year, welcoming the election of the Republic of Azerbaijan to host the COP29 during the period from Nov. 11 to 22.
They stressed the importance of implementing the triennial Resolution on Sustainable Mountain Development adopted at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which aims to strengthen international cooperation to support sustainable mountain development. In this regard, the attendees welcomed Kyrgyzstan’s intention to host the Second Global Mountain Summit in 2027. They also emphasized the importance of Arab cooperation with the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan in strengthening efforts to stop land degradation, restore degraded lands, increase the ability of the ecosystem and local communities to confront drought, and exchange experiences, research and studies to reduce its negative effects on human life and development.
The Doha Declaration called for facilitating private sector participation in investment and trade activities between Arab countries, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan, and to remove obstacles hindering their operations.
The declaration urged investment promotion institutions, chambers of commerce, business associations, and organizations representing entrepreneurs in those countries to promote all investment activities between the two sides, and to work on developing mechanisms for settling trade and cash transactions between them using national currencies.
Forum participants welcomed the upcoming investment forum between GCC and Central Asian countries in Kyrgyzstan at the end of July, as well as Kazakhstan’s proposal to hold a discussion session on investment and economic cooperation between Central Asia and GCC countries within the framework of the next Astana International Forum.
The declaration encouraged Arab countries, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan to coordinate positions in international and trade forums and cooperate with other international parties to contribute to decision-making at the international economic level, in a way that serves common interests, enhances trade exchange, promotes investment, and establishes strong and effective partnerships between the two sides.
It emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in environmental preservation and climate change issues, especially within the framework of the green economy, utilizing all types of energy sources, technologies, and solutions, including hydrocarbon emission management technologies, and cooperation in green hydrogen production, which remains an important option for achieving environmental sustainability goals, reducing emissions, and ensuring a greener and safer world for all.
The declaration welcomed cooperation on various topics such as artificial intelligence applications, technological infrastructure development, digital transformation, and their impact on digital economy growth, as well as developing internet networks and interconnections at national and regional levels to reduce the digital divide.
Participants in the forum reiterated the importance of reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO) through a transparent and comprehensive process led by its members, aimed at strengthening the multilateral trading system and consolidating the fundamental principles upon which the organization is based, as the international forum responsible for developing and enforcing multilateral trade rules. They also highlighted the Rabat Declaration issued by the high-level ministerial conference on middle-income countries held in February, calling for a qualitative leap in international cooperation on development for the benefit of middle-income countries.
They called for adopting activities that reflect the role of Arab countries, Central Asian countries, and Azerbaijan in promoting a culture of tolerance and coexistence, rejecting terrorism and extremism, addressing the root causes thereof, promoting dialogue between civilizations, and committing to the values of justice, peace, human rights. In this regard, they condemned all forms of hate speech and attacks on the beliefs and religious rituals of nations and peoples.
The Doha Declaration, issued at the conclusion of the third session of the Arab-Central Asia and Azerbaijan Economic Cooperation Forum, acknowledged Qatar’s efforts in organizing the forum and the hospitality extended to the participating delegations, which contributed to the success of this session. (QNA)
The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) appointed HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of the Netherlands Dr. Mutlaq bin Majid Al Qahtani as a member of the Court.
Based in The Hague, the PCA is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to serving the international community in resolving disputes by peaceful means.
It was first established in 1899 during the first Hague Peace Conference, making it the oldest international institution for settling international disputes.
Sharjah Ruler collected 8,000 rare titles documenting French cultural history.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, is a leading Arab scholar and historian who has made contributions to documenting France’s cultural history from an Arab perspective.
The historian has been recently conferred the title of The Legion of Honour, with the rank of Commander – one of the highest national honours in the Republic of France in recognition of his efforts to strengthen cooperation relations between the French Republic and Sharjah in a variety of fields, particularly culture. The honour was granted to the Sharjah Ruler by His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, the French President, and presented by Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of the French Republic to the UAE.
His Highness is currently developing the chapters of a comprehensive work, the first of which is titled ‘The Century of Lights.’ Set in the 18th century – the chapter focuses on the era that established the foundations of Western society and examines the pivotal role played by Denis Diderot, the founder of the Encyclopédie, in collaboration with D’Alembert, as well as the contributions of liberal philosophers of that century such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire.
The Arab historian navigates the remainder of the 18th and 19th centuries in the following two chapters, before penning the fourth chapter titled, ‘Controversial Issues on Globalisation and Cultural Exception’ detailing everything that had happened in relation to globalisation and France’s role in it.
“France, at the helm of the European Union, began vigorously defending the idea of cultural exception; it has prevailed. From my end, I will publish this book in Arabic to introduce all Arabs to French culture,” His Highness said.
“In 2003, the French Republic conferred the ‘Order of the French Republic for Arts and Letters,’ with the rank of ‘Knight Commander’ upon me. I saw this honour as a mandate to continue cultural giving, and I discussed the Republic of France’s pioneering role in intellectual enlightenment and civilised communication, as well as its contributions to the cultural field, translation, and literature, and the spread of the concepts of freedom and justice,” His Highness added.
From that day forward, the Ruler of Sharjah initiated the acquisition of available written records that document the cultural history of the French Republic, using the titles of books in the Egyptian Scientific Institute in Cairo. “I collected nearly 8,000 rare titles in French and decided to establish a scientific institute for those books in Sharjah, similar to the French and Egyptian Institute,” His Highness added, saying he donated his entire collection to the institute in Egypt after it was turned to ashes by a violent fire in December 2011.
The event aims to bridge the growing North-South divide and drive inclusive economic development and a sustainable energy transition.
The World Economic Forum’s special meeting on global collaboration, growth and energy for development, scheduled to take place in Riyadh on April 28 and 29, is expected to address global challenges as geopolitical tensions increase.
The meeting will bring together more than 700 participants, including stakeholders from governments and international organisations, politicians and corporate leaders, as Saudi Arabia aims to boost its global profile.
The Riyadh gathering of global leaders will overlap with a recently announced visit by US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday to meet with regional partners. The goal is to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages, according to the State Department on Saturday.
WEF, held under three themes – catalysing action on energy for development, a compact for inclusive growth and revitalising global co-operation – the event aims to bridge the growing North-South divide, which has further widened on issues such as emerging economic policies, the energy transition and geopolitical shocks, it said.
Amid these intricate challenges, there is a strong need for action-orientated dialogues from the Global North and South, the Switzerland-based organisation added.
Faisal Al Ibrahim, the Saudi Arabian minister of economy and planning, said the world was at a global inflection point and that his country will implement its “full diplomatic might”, and ensure that conclusions made are not one sided.
“We are working to ensure that progress for one part of the world does not come at the expense of another,” he said, as the kingdom seeks a mutually beneficial path to prosperity for the intertwined destinies of the global community.
“This WEF special meeting comes at a time when Saudi government officials are accelerating efforts to shine a positive light on the country’s economic transformation and specific development initiatives,” Robert C Mogielnicki, senior resident scholar, The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, said.
“This special meeting is almost certainly going to be a net positive for Riyadh, as it is hard to see significant downsides to convening a dialogue with prominent global voices.
“However, events alone will not accomplish the government’s ambitious agenda. International investors are increasingly looking beyond splashy, organised events and talking points to gauge for themselves examples of concrete progress and future opportunities in Saudi Arabia.”
The world economy is facing geopolitical shocks, unabating inflationary pressures and central banks’ efforts to keep interest rates at elevated levels to stabilise consumer prices.
After a “surprisingly resilient” 2023, the International Monetary Fund revised global growth slightly higher this year to 3.2 per cent.
The global economy is set to post its slowest half-decade growth in 30 years, with the raging conflict in the Middle East among key downside risks to the outlook, the World Bank said in its Global Economic Prospects report.
Global economic prospects remain subdued and are fraught with uncertainty as more than half of chief economists expect the world economy to further weaken this year, a WEF report said in January.
The report stated that the world is facing a critical turning point and identified economic downturn and inflation, the lack of economic opportunity, disrupted supply chains for essential goods and energy, in addition to the impact of climate change as the issues that need the immediate attention over the next two years.
