Day: September 25, 2024

New York, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Murat Nurtleu, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The meeting discussed Bahrain-Kazakhstan relations and efforts to further enhance cooperation in various sectors.

They also exchanged views on regional and international developments and topics of common interest.

During the meeting, the two sides signed an agreement for the mutual exemption of visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

On the sidelines of the 57th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, HE Minister of Social Development and Family Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met with HE Minister of Social Solidarity in the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Maya Morsi.

During the meeting, they discussed opportunities for joint cooperation between the two brotherly countries in the fields of social affairs and family, and ways to enhance and develop them, in addition to joint international initiatives, especially with regard to enhancing the roles of persons with disabilities and women, and other topics of common interest.

HE the Minister of Social Development and Family also discussed with HE Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif, the cooperation relations between the State of Qatar and the Commission in the field of developing and improving services provided to persons with disabilities and ways to enhance them through means of technical, skill and economic empowerment.

In this context, the Deputy High Commis
sioner for Human Rights expressed her appreciation and support for the efforts of the State of Qatar to promote the rights of persons with disabilities and support their development roles, in addition to the efforts and initiatives of the State of Qatar in the field of protecting women in conflict areas and enhancing their participation in all aspects of life.

In a related context, HE Minister of Social Development and Family Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad participated on the sidelines of the event in the opening of an accompanying exhibition on the State of Qatar’s journey in promoting human rights and protecting and respecting the family at the national, regional and international levels.

The exhibition highlights the roles of the Ministry of Social Development and Family, which focuses in its various efforts and initiatives on empowering different groups in society, including children, youth, women, the elderly and people with disabilities.

Source: Qatar News Agency

New York, On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, delivered the Kingdom of Bahrain’s speech today during the High-Level General Debate at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79), held at the UN Headquarters, in New York.

The following address was made by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister:

Your Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies,

Your Excellency Mr. President of the General Assembly,

Your Excellency Secretary-General, Guterres,

It is my honour to be here today and convey to you the greetings and best wishes of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

I would like to begin by offering my congratulations to you, Mr. President, on your election as President of the 79th session of the General Assembly. I wish you every success in guiding this important work.

I also extend my deep appreciation to His Excellency the Secretary-General for his tireless efforts in
advancing the noble objectives of this organization across the globe.

Mr. President,

Eight decades ago, at the dawn of the nuclear age, humanity found itself engulfed in a devastating war, fraught with peril and uncertainty. The world was in desperate need of order, and a system of accountability and governance.

The United Nations was created to become a pillar of stability a vital institution the world relied on to prevent unspeakable atrocities from ever happening again. Whether through the formation and application of international law, the promotion of diplomatic consensus, the investment in development programs, or the deployment of peacekeeping missions, the UN and its specialized agencies have together stood firm to reflect the spirit of global civic responsibility.

The number of world leaders participating in this year’s General Assembly is a testament to that enduring spirit. Nineteen years ago, I had the honour of standing here and addressing this historic hall, where I touched on the pressing c
hallenges confronting our world at the time poverty, famine, deadly infectious diseases, civil wars, and weapons of mass destruction. These global challenges not only persist but have intensified. We find ourselves in a far more dangerous and unpredictable time due to major tectonic shifts in the global geopolitical order. In addition, revolutionary new technologies have emerged that will fundamentally reshape the world as we know it. Furthermore, environmental and health challenges that know no borders have also multiplied and grown in complexity requiring us all to work together regardless of our differences.

Mr. President,

The very systems designed to uphold the international order are under strain. Eighty years after its formation, as the threats and challenges we collectively face evolve, this important institution, which our global community relies on to safeguard the international rules-based order, must evolve as well. Today, we support the calls for reform of the United Nations to ensure that it re
flects current geopolitical realities so that it is equipped to continue carrying out its important global mandate for decades to come. This reform should be holistic, consensus-driven, and encompass all the decision-making bodies of the United Nations, including the UN Security Council.

The peace dividend that followed the end of the Cold War is now a distant memory. Today we stand on the precipice of a new era, with new challenges, and we must recommit to peace as the bedrock on which we build collective prosperity and enduring hope for all. For as we all know, it is far easier to destroy than it is to build.

Today, we see governments disregarding the established rules-based order as they pursue policies rooted exclusively in self-interest. We see a preference for brinksmanship and the use of questionably legal force to resolve disputes. We see the rise of radicalism, extremism, and rogue non-state actors sowing chaos and discord.

In Gaza, we see Palestinians living through an unprecedented humanitarian
disaster, with over 40 thousand people killed, many of them women and children. The protection of innocent life is enshrined in international law and a moral and religious responsibility. It is clear that what is required is the implementation of an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the adoption of an irrevocable path to the creation of a viable, independent Palestinian state; and it must happen now! This will achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace, deliver security and prosperity to all nations in our region, and prevent the spread of a wider regional conflict.

In the West, we witness widespread suffering as the intractable conflict in Ukraine persists. In the East, we see tensions continuing to rise in the South China Sea, raising grave concerns of a wider military escalation and the further erosion of the integrity of the international rules-based order.

The tolls of these conflicts are borne by humanity by families, by communities, and by our future generations. These conflicts un
dermine growth, stifle opportunity, and endanger the hopes we hold for our children.

Mr. President,

The Kingdom of Bahrain has long been a vocal advocate of pluralism and multiculturalism, its who we are! In August of this year, and in line with His Majesty King Hamad’s vision that mutual respect for our shared humanity is essential for sustaining global harmony, Bahrain launched the King Hamad Award for Peaceful Coexistence.

His Majesty the King has also called on the international community to convene an international peace conference on the Middle East. As the current holder of the Arab League presidency, the Kingdom of Bahrain urges all nations to join us this vital initiative, which seeks to strengthen efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region.

Diplomacy and dialogue must prevail. Indiscriminate violence, conflict, and fragmentation will only drive us further from this noble goal.

Mr. President,

In the Kingdom of Bahrain, we have committed ourselves to ensuring that
our citizens are at the core of all our national development programs. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that they are equipped with the skills necessary to deliver prosperity and growth to themselves and to their community. As we look to the future, we will spare no effort to provide our citizens with opportunities to connect with the wider world to compete, innovate, and succeed.

We prioritized the issues that unite us all: housing, healthcare, education, and delivering jobs and prosperity. We focused our government ministries and agencies on a set of priorities, reached out to the private sector, civil society, and wove together a spirit of one team focused on delivering those programs.

Mr. President,

Today’s world is, in many ways, more fragile than the one that had emerged from World War II. This is because the global challenges today go beyond geopolitical conflict. We are seeing the devastating impacts of unsustainable development on the world’s environment, and, as a result of conflicts and fragm
entation, we have seen a rise in and return of global hunger. We have also witnessed first-hand the alarming effects of diseases such as COVID-19, which showed how quickly the global order can be disrupted.

These crises must not be treated in isolation; they are interconnected, and they represent a systemic threat to humanity. It is imperative that like-minded countries come together, with the objective of revitalizing, adapting, and renewing our institutions to effectively address today’s significant challenges, and to effectively deliver on the ambitious commitments set by the UN SDGs and the recently adopted Pact for the Future.

This can only be achieved through a system-wide reform that encompasses pivotal multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Health Organization, as well as the United Nations. The international rules-based order is not sustained by hopes or dreams it is the product of robust international institutions and security constructs t
hat are fit for purpose.

Mr. President,

As a member state of the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Kingdom of Bahrain has always been committed to the path of multilateralism. We hold firmly the belief that working alongside allies and in accordance with the rules of international law is the surest way of guaranteeing our long-term prosperity.

This is also why, in 2023, the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America concluded a historic agreement to forge a new model for security and shared prosperity. The Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement is designed, not as a bilateral arrangement, but as the beginning of a multilateral framework that aims to bring together countries with an equal interest in delivering stability and prosperity. It is a model for how nations can promote an inclusive vision grounded in mutual respect and shared goals.

Partnerships such as these can go beyond the geopolitical d
imension and enter the world of emerging technologies as well. Through meaningful international collaboration, we can harness the transformative potential of technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to advance shared goals of global development, peace, and prosperity. Doing so will require a united global front, and today we call for an international treaty governing the development of artificial intelligence to ensure that these technologies contribute to peace rather than exacerbate existing conflicts and that they become forces for creation and innovation, not destruction and division.

The Kingdom of Bahrain believes that engaging in wide-ranging partnerships such as these will be crucial to advancing the cause of multilateralism and ensuring that cooperation becomes the cornerstone of our collective security frameworks. Through such agreements, we are confident that the Middle East, and the global community, can build a future rooted in peace, economic growth, and a rules-based international order
that benefits all people.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates,

The challenges we face today are not insurmountable if we act with a collective will and the determination to define a revitalized international architecture built on shared values and a renewed commitment to multilateralism that prioritizes the well-being of all nations. Some issues are just too important not to rise above our differences.

Let us together reaffirm our shared responsibility to uphold and protect human dignity, and ensure that the international order remains a force for good. We owe this to future generations, to the values we cherish, and to the world we seek to protect. Learning to live together is indeed the noblest of endeavours.

Thank you.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

HE Minister of Social Development and Family Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad has affirmed the State of Qatar’s keenness on continuous cooperation with international partners to enhance the protection of the rights of women and children in conflict situation, and to ensure their effective participation in rebuilding societies after these conflicts.

This came in the speech of HE the Minister of Social Development and Family, who represented the State of Qatar, at the high-level side event held under the title “Promoting and Protecting the Human Rights of Women and Children in conflict and post-conflict situations”, within the work of the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, in Geneva.

In her speech, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family underscored the importance of this event, which seeks to mobilize efforts for joint action to promote and protect the human rights of women and children in conflict and post-conflict situations.

HE the Minister of Social Development and Fa
mily drew attention to the urgent humanitarian challenges facing the world today, and in this regard touched on the painful reality experienced by families in conflict zones, noting that thousands of children, women, the elderly and people with disabilities have lost their basic rights to security, dignity and peace.

She pointed to Qatar’s role and its keenness to follow the approach of preventive diplomacy and effective multilateral dialogue, noting the State’s great efforts to reunite families from Ukraine to ensure that children are reunited with their families and protected, and has taken all appropriate measures to avoid the dispersion of families and to restore family contacts by providing information and facilitating efforts to search for missing persons.

In this context, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family called on the international community to shoulder its humanitarian responsibilities and work to build a future of lasting peace and justice.

In the context of her speech, HE the Mins
ter pointed to the importance of the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, stressing that the family is the cornerstone in building stable and prosperous societies, and that it is necessary to protect families from the factors of disintegration surrounding them.

She affirmed the commitment of the State of Qatar and other countries to the joint pledge entitled ‘Human Rights 75 .. Family Pledge’ presented last year, which enhances support and protection for the family as the true and permanent wealth of nations.

HE the Minister noted the pioneering role of the State of Qatar in enhancing family stability and protecting it from threats, whether those resulting from conflicts, the effects of modern technology or social and economic transformations, and stressed the state’s commitment to continuing its approach that places the family at the heart of development and humanitarian efforts, in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030.

With regard to the serious repercussions of crises on certa
in groups of societies, Her Excellency pointed out that women and children suffer the most during armed conflicts, as they bear the brunt of serious violations that include killing, maiming, kidnapping and sexual violence, in addition to recruitment into the armed forces.

HE the Minister added that the destruction of infrastructure and the spread of mines and unexploded ordnance further complicate the situation, which necessitates the need to end impunity and prosecute those responsible for these crimes.

HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad also referred to the passage of more than two decades since the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325 of 2000 on women, peace and security, expressing her regret over the low participation of women in peace processes despite the international efforts made.

In this context, she stressed the State of Qatar’s commitment to enhancing the role of women in preventing and resolving conflicts, referring to the initiatives launched by the State in conflict zones, such
as the “Women in Conflict Zones” initiative launched by Qatar in September 2022, which calls for providing greater protection for women and their involvement in all aspects of peacebuilding processes.

In a related context, HE the Minister Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad warned that any effort to resolve conflicts and address their root causes will not be successful unless all affected parties, especially women, participate.

She said women are actors, but unfortunately they are often seen as victims. Our mission is then to enable them to play their roles in making, building and maintaining peace and security. At the end of her speech, HE the Minister called on the international community to unite efforts and work in a spirit of cooperation to build a peaceful future, with a focus on protecting vulnerable groups such as children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities, especially in conflict areas.

Source: Qatar News Agency

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani participated today in a joint ministerial meeting of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with HE US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The meeting addressed cooperation relations between the GCC countries and the United States of America and ways to support and enhance them, the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, updates in joint mediation efforts to end the war on the Strip, and ways to de-escalate in Lebanon, in addition to a number of topics of common concern.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Manama, Mohammed bin Thamer Al Kaabi, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, received Ni Ruchi, the Chinese Ambassador to Bahrain.

The minister highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Bahrain and China, emphasising the importance of expanding cooperation, particularly in the transport and communications sectors.

Ambassador Ni Ruchi praised the excellent relations between the two countries and expressed China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Bahrain across various domains.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) delivered a new shipment of Gaza Strip relief supplies to the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO) in Amman in preparation for sending it to Gaza via Jordanian land crossings.

The assistance is part of the Saudi public campaign to aid the Palestinian people in the enclave.

The aid includes 10 trucks loaded with 1,280 shelter bags and 3,537 baskets of essential food items, aimed at securing the daily needs of those affected and alleviating their suffering amid the difficult circumstances they are facing.

The aid comes as an extension of the commitment of the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to deliver urgent humanitarian and relief assistance to the Gaza Strip through various possible means.

It also reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to alle
viate the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Five Lebanese, including an infant, were killed Wednesday in an Israeli raid on Shahour town in Tyre, southern Lebanon.

Field sources said that the Israeli army intensified its raids Wednesday on villages and towns in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health had reported in a statement that the death toll from the successive raids by the Israeli army Wednesday on towns in Baalbek-Hermel had risen to seven people, with 38 injured.

Since last Friday, many Lebanese regions have witnessed intensive Israeli raids after two waves of simultaneous explosions of a large number of wireless communication devices at the end of last week, resulting in 37 deaths and more than 3,400 injuries.

Source: Qatar News Agency

In collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) released a new report revealing the heavy toll of the pandemic on women and youth jobs in the global travel and tourism sector.

The pandemic had a devastating impact globally, causing around 70 million people to lose their jobs. Women and youth were disproportionately affected, as they typically hold jobs more vulnerable to global disruptions, including hospitality and food services.

The report, titled “Social Trends in Travel and Tourism Employment,” sheds light on the sharp decline in women and youth employment due to the pandemic. In 2019, the travel and tourism sector supported 48.4 million women and around 19 million young people. Meanwhile, the sector provided jobs for 42 million women and 16.1 million youth globally in 2022.

Despite most countries reopening their borders to international travelers, women’s employment rates in the travel and tourism sector in 2022 remained 13% lower than 2019 levels
— equivalent to 6.4 million jobs — as did youth employment, which saw a 15% decrease, equivalent to 2.8 million jobs.

While the sector remains a crucial source of employment for underrepresented groups, the report emphasizes the need for further efforts to ensure a comprehensive and equitable recovery from the pandemic.

The report examines employment trends in 185 countries from 2019 to 2022 and emphasizes the travel and tourism sector’s potential as a significant driver of economic growth and inclusive social progress.

According to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) data from the WTTC, the contribution of the travel and tourism sector to gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 increased by 29.1% compared to pre-pandemic levels, surpassing the global average, which remains 4.1% lower. Despite this strong economic recovery, social recovery lags behind, especially for women and young people who are more likely to be in informal, part-time, or low-wage jobs with limited job security and opportunities fo
r career advancement.

The report also highlights the low representation of women in high-paying and leadership positions within the travel and tourism sector, mirroring the gender distribution of jobs in the overall economy. Additionally, young people, who comprise a larger proportion of the global workforce, face challenges securing stable employment.

“This report emphasizes the tremendous potential of the travel and tourism sector to drive inclusive growth. However, it also highlights the urgent need for action. Women and young people are the backbone of our sector, yet they continue to face significant barriers. By investing in skills development, promoting inclusive policies, and encouraging entrepreneurship, we can unleash the full potential of these groups and ensure our sector leads in creating meaningful and sustainable job opportunities,’ said WTTC president and chief executive Julia Simpson.

For his part, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb welcomed the results of the joint report and affirmed t
he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting the employment of youth and women in the tourism sector. “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to making the travel and tourism sector a key driver of social change,’ he said.

“In 2024, we have dedicated substantial funds to the tourism sector, including $100 million for skills development and training for workers at all levels, from entry to leadership. Specialized programs will be provided for local guides to gain comprehensive knowledge of our rich history and natural wonders. Additionally, over 50,000 training opportunities have been earmarked for women,’ the minister said.

Al-Khateeb elaborated that Saudi women have achieved significant milestones in the tourism sector in the Kingdom, with their participation rate reaching 42% in 2024. According to the World Tourism Organization’s definition, Saudi women achieved a participation rate of 46% in sectors related to the visitor journey, and their participation rate in leadershi
p positions in the tourism sector in the Kingdom reached 22%. These statistics demonstrate the supportive role played by the Saudi government in empowering and backing Saudi women in all areas.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

The Shura Council participated in the 35th extraordinary session of the executive committee of the Arab Parliamentary Union (APU) which was held at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo.

The Council was represented at the meeting by HE Dr. Sultan bin Hassan Al Dosari, member of the Shura Council and member of the APU’s Executive Committee.

The session discussed submitting an emergency item on behalf of the Arab Parliamentary Group within the 149th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which will be held in Geneva in Oct., in addition to discussing the activities of the Union and examining ways to activate its role and enhance the work of its committees.

The participants also discussed the recent events in the occupied Palestinian territories and what Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip are being subjected to, in addition to reviewing the Secretariat Memorandum on the draft work program of the Union and its draft general budget for 2025.

Meanwhile, the Shura Council
participated today in a briefing for parliamentarians organized by the IPU via video conference under the title “Unlocking climate finance.” The Council was represented in the session by HE Member of the Shura Council Khalid bin Ghanem Al Ali.

The briefing addressed a number of topics related to the concepts of climate finance, the need to enhance parliamentary work in this field, in addition to discussing ways to enhance international cooperation in the same field, and the importance of strengthening the role of parliaments to urge governments to fulfill their financial obligations related to climate.

It also addressed the need for more sustainable and transparent climate finance, with new goals set in line with the growing needs of developing countries, especially in light of preparations for the “COP29” conference, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November.

Source: Qatar News Agency