Day: September 25, 2024

His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in the second meeting of the G20 Foreign Ministers, chaired by Brazil, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York City.

At the beginning of the speech, His Highness praised the efforts of the Federative Republic of Brazil in enhancing global cooperation, where His Highness stated: “The fact that our meeting is being held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly is an indication of the importance of the G20 and its leadership in ensuring the health of the global economy, enhancing multilateral cooperation, and finding innovative solutions to common challenges.”

His Highness underscored the urgent need to adhere to successful models of collective action and the importance of seeking to develop and reform international institutions.

His Highness added: “The repercussions of wars and political conflicts under
mine efforts to establish international peace and security and cast their shadows on all aspects of multilateral action, and when these institutions fail to carry out their fundamental duties towards these crises, this creates a gap in international action and a crisis of confidence that undermines their legitimacy. This is what we are witnessing today in the way some international institutions deal with the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine.”

His Highness stressed that prolonging the war and expanding its scope deepens the suffering of the Palestinian people, threatens international peace and security, and undermines the chances of achieving comprehensive peace in the region.

His Highness added: “The G20 countries must intensify their joint efforts to overcome the international failure to confront Israel’s serious violations of international laws and norms and enable the achievement of a ceasefire and the adoption of a reliable and irreversible path to the establishment of an independent Palestinian st
ate.”

Regarding reforming the United Nations system, especially the Security Council, His Highness stressed that there is an urgent need for radical reform to compensate for the defects in addressing crises, responding to the needs of people, and keeping pace with international transformations and development requirements. His Highness added: “The Kingdom affirms that the goal of reforming the Security Council is to enhance its credibility and effective response, believing in the importance of this in confronting contemporary crises and challenges, thus contributing to creating a more just, secure and stable world.”

His Highness underscored that the Kingdom emphasizes the importance of the efforts made by the G20 to enhance the effectiveness of multilateral development banks in bridging the gap, including developing a roadmap for banks affiliated with the group’s countries and implementing the recommendations of the G20 capital adequacy framework, and putting in place measures that may open the way for the
possibility of increasing lending by $357 billion over the next decade. His Highness stressed that close cooperation between the group’s countries contributes to strengthening the legitimacy of the multilateral trading system, increasing confidence in the international financial structure, and formulating a flexible, comprehensive, and sustainable international financial and trade system.

His Highness concluded his speech by affirming the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing joint action within the G20: ‘Our cooperation has proven its ability to enhance effective responses to the needs of the global economy and pave the way for a just and sustainable future.’

The meeting was attended by the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, and the Director General of the Office of His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulrahman Aldawood.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov and his Somali counterpart Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday.

The two ministers also addressed areas of cooperation in defense affairs and combating armed groups.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The Prince Mohammad bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy Initiative, one of the initiatives of the Ministry of Culture, will participate in the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024, held from September 26 to October 5 at King Saud University in Riyadh. The initiative aims to raise awareness of its history and its pivotal role in fostering Arabic calligraphy and nurturing young talents in the field.

The initiative will have an informative booth at the annual fair, where it will introduce visitors to its efforts in teaching, developing, and preserving Arabic calligraphy locally and internationally. It will also highlight the history, goals, and programs of the Prince Mohammad bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy.

This participation is part of the center’s ongoing efforts and diverse activities aimed at transforming it into a global platform that promotes Arabic calligraphy as a universal means of communication, transcending cultures in the fields of heritage, arts, architecture, and desi
gn.

The initiative has launched an ambitious strategy with the vision of “elevating Arabic calligraphy as a global means of communication that transcends cultures in the fields of heritage, arts, architecture, and design, while enhancing the Kingdom’s status and influence in preserving and developing it.”

In the coming months, the initiative will continue to launch a series of specialized programs, including an artist residency program, organizing specialized workshops, and developing curricula and standards for Arabic calligraphy. These efforts will intensify activities and expand the initiative’s reach regionally and internationally through educational and training initiatives, culminating in the opening of the Prince Mohammad bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy in its new form, along with a dedicated museum and workspace for calligraphers.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Doha: The Ministry of Municipality, represented by the General Cleanness Department, in cooperation with Qatari Diar, concluded the activities of celebrating World Cleanliness Day, by organizing a public cleanliness march in Lusail Boulevard in Lusail City, under the slogan ‘Cleanliness is Everyone’s Responsibility’.

The celebration aimed to highlight the vital and important role of cleanliness workers and honor their daily efforts in maintaining the cleanliness of the cities of Qatar.

The celebration reflects the State of Qatar’s commitment to promoting the concept of sustainable development and preserving the environment, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, which attaches utmost importance to a clean environment as one of the pillars of comprehensive development.

The march lasted for half an hour and was overseen by relevant authorities from the Ministry of Interior. It saw significant participation from numerous officials from both the Ministry and Diar Company.

The event featured eig
ht vehicles and machinery, along with one hundred workers from the General Cleanness Department of the Ministry, as well as eight vehicles and one hundred workers from Diar Qatar Company.

This initiative underscored the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors on community issues, particularly in promoting public cleanliness, which is recognized as a shared responsibility.

The Ministry of Municipality has organized a number of awareness events and beach and island cleaning campaigns on the occasion of World Cleanliness Day, which marks the third Saturday of September every year.

These efforts reflect Qatar’s pioneering role in promoting environmental awareness among all members of society and encouraging them to contribute to maintaining the cleanliness of public places and vital facilities.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission announced the motto for the Riyadh International Book Fair (RIBF) as “Riyadh Reads.” The fair, organized by the commission, will be held from September 26 to October 5 at King Saud University, with the participation of leading figures in culture, literature, and thought from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the region, and the world.

The motto aims to emphasize the importance of reading in enhancing the quality of life and broadening the intellectual and cultural horizons of readers. It also highlights Riyadh as a city that promotes reading, featuring images of people holding books and reading with the words “Riyadh Reads,” reflecting the spirit of the fair and expressing its cultural, intellectual, and literary content.

An awareness campaign for the RIBF motto was launched to attract the attention of the public, including adults, adolescents, children, readers, and publishers. The campaign includes billboards in the streets of Riyadh and King Khalid Inter
national Airport featuring images of people holding books with the slogan “Riyadh Reads.”

Over 2,000 publishing houses and agencies from the Kingdom, the region, and the world will participate in this year’s fair, distributed across 800 pavilions and representing over 30 countries. This reflects the significant importance of the RIBF as one of the most prominent and important book fairs at the regional and global levels.

The new edition of the fair offers a rich cultural program that includes over 200 events suitable for all ages. The events encompass various seminars, panel discussions, lectures, poetry evenings, and workshops presented by a select group of writers, intellectuals, and cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and other countries. The topics discussed will cover various fields, and the outdoor area of the fair will feature numerous interactive shows and distinctive cultural, artistic, and theatrical events presented by a group of artists and theater professionals.

The Literature, Publishing, and
Translation Commission invites the public to follow its account and that of the RIBF on social media to stay updated on the latest news about the fair and its diverse and rich cultural program.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Doha: Executive Director of Earthna Center, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata stressed that the center’s activities and events have contributed to enhancing the community’s positive view towards the environment and sustainability issues, which has helped bring about positive change and enhance the country’s environmental ambitions.

In his remarks to Qatar News Agency , Dr. de la Mata indicated that the center hosted the “Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change” in 2023, in which more than 400 ministries, government and private entities, civil society institutions, academics, and specialists participated. It helped guide Qatari efforts to adapt to the effects of climate change.

He added that at the community level, the 2023 Qatar Sustainability Week (the largest community campaign held annually in the State of Qatar to promote environmental sustainability) was the largest ever, as it included more than 470 events and attracted 200,0
00 participants.

Dr. de la Mata said that Earthna Center expects these numbers to increase in the 9th of the session, which will be held from Sep. 28 to Oct. 5, after hundreds of activities have been prepared to be organized by various entities from the government and private sectors and civil society institutions across the country. He noted that the goal of the 2024 edition is to make a tangible positive difference and positive change that benefits society and future generations and enhances the community culture of the need to preserve the environment as a shared responsibility among all.

The Executive Director of Earthna Center added that this year’s edition is full of activities and workshops, as it will witness the launch of the fourth edition of the “Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change”, which will be held on Oct. 1-2, with the aim of enhancing collective climate action in the State of Qatar and formulating a common vision on how to address climate change. He pointed out that “Qatar Sustainabil
ity Week” receives wide support from strategic partners every year, through their organization and sponsorship of hundreds of activities and events, believing in the importance of these events in achieving Qatar National Vision 2030.

Regarding Earthna Prize for Environmental Challenges, Dr. de la Mata pointed out that it celebrates and supports active projects in the field of preserving traditional knowledge and cultural heritage and drawing inspiration from them in creating solutions to contemporary environmental challenges. He pointed out that its value reaches USD 1 million, to be received by 4 winners, and focuses in particular on projects in the fields of water resource management, food security, sustainable urbanism, and stewardship.

He said that Earthna Center received nearly 400 applications for this year’s edition from over 100 countries, reflecting the great global interest in this prize. Earthna is currently in the process of evaluating the applications based on the extent to which they enhance t
he inclusiveness and application of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage in developing projects and policies; inspire sustainable practices; and meet the needs of communities in strengthening relations, facilitating communication, and enhancing cooperation. He noted that the winners will be revealed at the Earthna Summit in April 2025.

With regards to the center’s research output, Earthna Center Executive Director Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata told QNA that Earthna specializes in policy research related to sustainability, noting that it has published many important research papers that contribute to enhancing sustainability practices, the latest of which includes the reports: ‘Qatar Foundation: Education City as an Innovation District’; ‘Urban climate change governance and hot and arid zones: mutual learning and partnerships to build sustainable resilience solutions’ as well as an issue paper titled ‘The Circular Economy in Qatar 2’ and the 2023 Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change (QNDCC) White
Papers.

Dr. de la Mata added that Earthna Center’s strong partnerships with various internal and external entities support the center’s research efforts, working closely with the center’s specialized research team, including individuals and institutions within the Qatar Foundation umbrella, such as the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute and Hamad Bin Khalifa University, whereas externally collaborating with a diverse group of experts and institutions focusing on sustainability and climate change, including relevant ministries, the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), Qatar University, other educational institutions, and the private sector.

As for Earthna Center’s work, the Executive Director said that its efforts focus on three main areas: providing policy analysis and consultation, applying and testing its analyses within the scope of the Education City, in addition to leading support and communication efforts at the national, regional, and international levels with rega
rds to sustainability.

He added that the majority of Earthna’s initiatives cover these three areas, and include the ‘Qatar Sustainability Week,’ which is a national campaign to engage society in a variety of sustainability-related events and the ‘Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change’, which is a forum where participants explore innovative and current trends to address climate challenges.

Despite both events having a local focus, the 2023 Earthna Summit brought together policymakers, thinkers, business, industry leaders, and academics from the world-over to discuss the significant contributions a country like Qatar can make in the field of environmental sustainability, said the Earthna Center Executive Director.

Dr. de la Mata noted that the center has published several reports related to environmental issues, which have sparked important discussions about the future of the planet and the roles of both the public and private sectors, contributing to guiding policies and enhancing sustainable practices.

To give an example, the Executive Director pointed to Earthna’s issue paper on the circular economy locally, which provided valuable data and recommendations to support sustainable development in the State of Qatar, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

He added that Earthna’s reports focused on several sectors, such as tourism, hospitality, water, plastics, food, urban management, and energy transition, highlighting existing challenges and opportunities for action.

Dr. de la Mata indicated that working on these reports involves bringing together internal and external expertise, with the center’s team preparing a number of these documents internally, benefiting from the integrated system of Qatar Foundation and partner research institutions and academic bodies nationally and internationally. He added that this dynamic approach ensures that the reports are rooted in Earthna Center’s vision and that they are consolidated by a variety of expertise, thus, affirming the reports’ credibility and maximizing
their impact and outreach.

The Executive Director stressed Earthna’s commitment to climate action, highlighting its participation in the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28), in collaboration with Qatar Foundation and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, as a testament of its global commitment to climate action, which it conducts through innovative research and solutions, in addition to the center’s experts discussing topics such as urban management, sustainable water management, and the impact of climate change on health.

Dr. de la Mata said that Earthna, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Qatar University, launched research initiatives aimed at environmental and marine life protection, by focusing on the restoration of mangrove ecosystems as part of its commitment to biodiversity and ecosystems.

Concluding his statement to QNA, the Earthna Center Executive Director stressed the importance of collaborating with all relevant entities locally, re
gionally, and internationally, as all of Earthna’s work is based on supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030, adding that the center’s partnerships with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Kahramaa, the Ministry of Municipality, and other key government partners have had a significant impact on Earthna achieving its mission, reiterating the center’s committed to exploring new opportunities for cooperation, leveraging the strengths of each party and their diverse visions to achieve a greater impact.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), a pioneering new media arts center in Saudi Arabia, announced the 12 successful applicants to its inaugural Emerging New Media Artists Program, which is launching later this year.

The program includes a diverse array of promising talents representing a broad range of creative practices and backgrounds, with strong representation from Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Running for one year, the fully funded program offers access to cutting-edge professional equipment and facilities, a production budget, learning experiences with international guest specialists in new media art, and personal mentorships from prominent international digital artists.

The inaugural group of emerging new media artists includes:

– Salma Aly (Egypt), specializing in interactive art.

– Samia Dzaïr (Algeria-France), a two-dimensional (2D) and stop-motion animator.

– Aya Abu Ghazaleh (Jordan), a visual artist and art therapist.

– Dhia Dhibi (Tunisia), a multidiscipli
nary artist, curator and researcher.

– Khaled Makshoush (Saudi Arabia), who specializes in pixel art.

– William Brooks (Wales), an artist exploring sound art through physical objects.

– Haonan He (China), who merges cartography, instrument making, and digital tech.

– Turki Al-Qahtani (Saudi Arabia), a media artist and filmmaker reflecting Arab motifs.

– Youssef El Idrissi (Morocco), a multidisciplinary artist, cultural engineer, and researcher.

– Kyle Donald Marais (South Africa), an extended-reality (XR) developer and creative technologist.

– Mohamed Al Mubarak (Bahrain), a documentary filmmaker and video artist.

– Almuqawil Meshal (Saudi Arabia), an independent artist and curator.

Designed in collaboration with Le Fresnoy-Studio National des Arts Contemporains in France, the program is part of a wider partnership between the Ministry of Culture and Diriyah Company to facilitate creativity across art, technology, and academia.

Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, DAF seeks to estab
lish Riyadh as a global capital of New Media Art and empower the next generation of creative pioneers.

DAF aims to pioneer new horizons for creative practice in diverse fields where art intersects with science and technology. It was established through an initiative by the Ministry of Culture, standing as the first center dedicated to new media and digital arts in the MENA region.

The center also serves as a space for creators from around the world to collaborate, think, and innovate, focusing on research, documentation, and the production of new inspiring works.

Additionally, DAF provides artists and researchers with an opportunity to participate in its scheduled activities, including public events and educational programs, while also offering them residency programs.

The center seeks to contribute to enriching the Saudi artistic scene and enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global destination for new media and digital arts. It highlights the talents of active artists in the region, allowing them to le
ave their impactful mark on art, science, and technology.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater participated in an event highlighting the achievements of international partners in providing access to higher education for Afghan refugees.

Hosted by the Institute of International Education, Education Above All (EAA), and the Afghan Future Fund, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the event was also attended by HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, HE Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs in the United States of America (US) John Bass, HE the US Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights in Afghanistan Rina Amiri, Acting Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) Sultan bin Ahmed Al Aseeri, CEO of the EAA Fahad Al Sulaiti, and CEO of the Institute of International Education Dr. Allan Goodman.

In her speech at the event, HE the Minister of State for International
Cooperation stated that the State of Qatar is a key partner in international efforts to protect the educational rights of Afghan youth. Through the action of the QFFD and EAA together with the Afghan Future Fund and the Institute of International Education, educational opportunities have been provided to outstanding students in Afghanistan, many of whom have faced threats to their safety, she noted.

Her Excellency said that the Qatar Scholarship for Afghans Project (QSAP) is a shining example of this collective effort. Through this initiative, 250 displaced Afghan students have received scholarships to pursue their undergraduate and graduate studies at more than 40 prestigious universities in the US, she added, pointing out that this scholarship is more than just access to education, as it symbolizes hope, opportunity and determination to build a brighter future.

“Our collaboration with the US, through the Department of State, has been of particular importance,” Her Excellency said, adding Qatar and the US
have worked tirelessly together to protect the right of Afghan women and girls to education, and their joint efforts have not only provided scholarships but also strengthened academic advising, leadership development and created safe and supportive spaces where Afghan students can thrive.

Her Excellency continued by saying that this partnership highlights the values that both Qatar and the US share, namely that education is not a privilege but rather a basic human right, especially for those who are marginalized, stressing that Qatar has always been committed to supporting the broader educational infrastructure in Afghanistan and building the capabilities of the future of the next generation there.

During the event, participants shed light on cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United States of America to support educational opportunities for Afghan youth and the unified efforts to promote education in Afghanistan, and discussed the current situation facing Afghan youth, especially females, regar
ding higher education and the successes, challenges and lessons learned in implementing the QSAP 1 project, in addition to formalizing new partnerships and projects in response to the ongoing need for Afghan youth to access education.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), a global multilateral organization committed to enabling digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive growth of the digital economy, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the League of Arab States (LAS) to collaborate on developing an inclusive and sustainable digital economy.

The MoU was signed by LAS Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit and DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya in New York on September 23, during the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

Through this MoU, the DCO and LAS will work together to enhance relations, exchange experiences and information, and accelerate the growth of digital transformation and economic development. Specific areas of cooperation include digital market development; alignment in policies and legislation concerning the digital economy; and innovation, research, and development.

Additionally, the DCO and LAS will collaborate on policies related to the digital economy, support innovation, and promot
e ethical artificial intelligence (AI) in research and development. They will engage in joint research and studies aimed at fostering growth in the digital economy and exchange knowledge to bridge the digital divide by improving digital infrastructure, governance, skills, and awareness.

AlYahya stated, “Our mission is to elevate cooperation, mutual understanding, and coordination among our member states while fostering collaboration with non-member countries and entities. We aim to ensure that every nation, business, and individual has a fair opportunity to prosper in an inclusive, cross-border, and sustainable digital economy. As the oldest regional intergovernmental organization, the League of Arab States plays a pivotal role in unifying the region’s vision for the digital future. This MoU marks a significant step in advancing sustainable social and economic development across DCO member states. We look forward to working closely together to empower entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises, hel
ping them to grow and thrive.’

Aboul Gheit remarked, “It is fundamental that the Arab region keeps pace with the rapid technological changes shaping the future of the global economy. This includes investing in digital infrastructure, enhancing technology education and innovation, and ensuring widespread access to digital tools and services. With the DCO, we will develop digital policies in the digital economy and support innovation and the responsible use of AI.

Signing the MoU underscores our shared commitment to leveraging technology as a crucial tool in combating poverty, enhancing security, and fostering sustainable development across LAS member states.’

This MoU follows a meeting in Cairo between the DCO and LAS in May 2024, where both entities committed to enhancing their cooperation.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

The Embassy of the State of Qatar in the United Kingdom, in cooperation with the Council for Arab-British Understanding (Caabu), organized a roundtable.

Attended by a group of senior parliamentary figures and experts in international affairs, the roundtable discussed Qatar’s leading role in meditation and conflict resolution, especially in light of the increasing challenges resulting from the conflicts in the Middle East, as well as its role in promoting regional and international stability.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani, Director of Caabu Chris Doyle, along with a number of members of the UK Parliament and key figures participated in the roundtable.

Source: Qatar News Agency