World

UAE climate change minister champions global climate action at G77+China summit

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the Minister of Climate Change and the Environment for the United Arab Emirates, led a high-level delegation from the UAE to the G77+China Summit held in Cuba, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported on Sunday.

During the summit, she engaged in significant discussions with global leaders, including Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, emphasizing the importance of climate action and the upcoming COP28, hosted by the UAE.

UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri headed the UAE delegation to the G77+China Summit, held in Cuba on September 2023. (WAM)

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Themed “Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation,” the G77+China Summit saw the participation of António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, alongside several other heads of state and government officials from around the world.

UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri headed the UAE delegation to the G77+China Summit, held in Cuba on September 2023. (WAM)

According to WAM, Minister Almheiri highlighted COP28 as a pivotal opportunity for the international community to refocus its collective attention on concluding the first Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement and accelerating initiatives aimed at achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, fostering a prosperous future for humanity.

In her remarks, Almheiri stated, “The UAE believes that climate action is an opportunity to create a more equitable and sustainable world. It is an opportunity to raise living standards, create new jobs and vibrant new industries, strengthen our bond with nature, and climate-positive growth.”

She added, “We believe science, innovation and technology are the tools humanity needs to drive collective progress on climate action and help put us back on track to achieving our goal of reducing global emissions by 43% by 2030. A just, orderly, and equitable energy transition is inevitable, and essential, and the contributions of this Group are essential in representing the interests of the Global South and ensuring equitable access to the benefits of technology. Member states of the Group must continue to support each other in what is our shared endeavour.”

Key Meetings at the Summit

During the G77+China Summit, Minister Almheiri held several crucial meetings with global leaders, further strengthening diplomatic ties and addressing vital issues:

She met Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and conveyed the greetings and congratulations of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Cuba being named Chair of the G77+China Summit.

UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri with the Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel at the G77+China Summit, held in Cuba on September 2023. (WAM)

Minister Almheiri also held discussions with H.E. Manuel Marrero Cruz, the Prime Minister of Cuba, touching upon UAE-Cuba relations in various sectors, including food and agriculture, and shared insights into the details of the UAE’s upcoming hosting of COP28.

UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri with H.E. Manuel Marrero Cruz, the Prime Minister of Cuba at the G77+China Summit, held in Cuba on September 2023. (WAM)

Talks with Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), centered on the role of cooperation between countries of the Global South in accelerating the climate agenda. They also delved into the UAE’s commitment to provide $4.5 billion to drive clean energy projects in Africa.
In a meeting with Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Minister Almheiri discussed ways to bolster bilateral relations and the UAE’s preparations to host COP28.
Additionally, discussions with Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt, revolved around the importance of knowledge sharing in promoting research and development. They also explored strategies to integrate climate change and sustainability into academic curricula.

UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri with Mohamed Ayman Ashour Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt at the G77+China Summit, held in Cuba on September 2023. (WAM)

The UAE delegation met Elba Rosa Pérez Montoya, Minister of Science, Technology, and Environment of Cuba, to explore potential cooperation in the blue economy and knowledge exchange in the field of marine life conservation—a crucial topic for discussion during COP28.

WAM reported that Minister Almheiri’s active participation in the G77+China Summit reinforces the UAE’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development on the global stage.

Read more:

EU chief visits UAE ahead of COP28

Explainer: What is the Global South and why is everyone talking about it?

UAE calls on African nations to sign declaration on food systems, farm, and climate

World

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi meets with CEOs of leading Norwegian companies

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has met with a group of CEOs from leading Norwegian companies, as part of their participation in the UAE-Norway Investment Forum, held alongside his official visit to the Kingdom of Norway.

During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the UAE leadership’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with its international partners.

He highlighted that investment in innovation and knowledge is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development, noting that enhancing collaboration with Norwegian companies across key sectors will open new avenues for mutual economic growth between the two countries.

The UAE-Norway Investment Forum, taking place in Oslo, aimed to highlight available investment opportunities and strengthen trade relations between the UAE and Norway, fostering shared interests and supporting innovation and knowledge-based economic visions.

-wam

World

At the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS inaugurates 10th global office, releases four books

As part of its Asian research tour, partnership with Aletihad News Center, and
primary sponsorship of the Indonesia International Book Fair 2024, TRENDS
Research & Advisory inaugurated its office in Jakarta, marking its 10th location
worldwide. It also released four books in Indonesian.
The inauguration event was attended by ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, and
Jordan to Indonesia, chairpersons of the UAE and Indonesian Publishers’
Associations, the Director of TRENDS’ Jakarta office, and a group of researchers
and academics.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS
Research & Advisory, stated that TRENDS’ international offices—set to reach 15
by the end of 2024—aim to enhance the Center’s research efforts and deepen its
role in disseminating knowledge, thus serving as a global knowledge bridge.
He emphasized, “At TRENDS, we believe in the importance of cooperation
between think tanks and prioritize this endeavor. We believe the TRENDS office in
Jakarta will enhance the exchange of knowledge and ideas between think tanks in
Asia and the Middle East, opening new horizons for collaboration in various
fields.”

Four books in Indonesian
As part of the Jakarta office’s inaugural activities, four books were released in
Indonesian, including the 11th and 12th books of the Muslim Brotherhood
Encyclopedia and Global Trends in AI and Automation and the Future of
Competition between Man and Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision.

Hostility to Arab states
The 11th book of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia, The Concept of the State
According to the Muslim Brotherhood, highlights its hostile stance toward Arab
states since its inception. The group views them as an obstacle to its ascent to
power. It opposed the modern principles upon which these states were built,
considering them incompatible with the group’s unique interpretation of Islam,
which it claimed to embody exclusively.

Exclusion of nonconformists
The 12th book, The Muslim Brotherhood: Rejection of Tolerance and Exclusion of
Nonconformists, examines the Muslim Brotherhood’s stance towards
nonconformists, individuals, and entities. The book reveals the group’s binary view
of the world, categorizing others as allies or adversaries. It ties these relationships
to the Brotherhood’s internal power struggles and self-serving interests.

Global Trends in AI
The third book, Global Trends in AI, explores significant developments in AI and
its impact on various aspects of life, including the economy, society, and
governance. It also offers a comprehensive analysis of technological advancements
in AI, its applications across sectors, the ethical and social challenges it presents,
and its future trajectory.

Automation

The fourth book, Automation and the Future of Competition between Man and
Machine: An Analytical Forward-looking Vision, addresses the growing challenges
faced by the human workforce in the face of widespread automation and AI
applications. The book concludes that while automation presents a significant
challenge to the labor market, it simultaneously creates new opportunities. It
emphasizes the importance of preparing for this shift through skills development,
continuous education, and adopting economic and social policies that support the
workforce.

Prominent pavilion and active presence
The TRENDS’ pavilion at the Indonesia International Book Fair has attracted
numerous visitors, including academic researchers and officials, such as the
ambassadors of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Turkey. Additionally,
chairpersons of Arab and Indonesian publishers’ associations, authors, publishers,
and students visited the pavilion. All were impressed with and praised TRENDS’ diverse, valuable publications. They also commended TRENDS’ active
international presence and ability to address global developments with rigorous
analytical research.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali honored the esteemed guests, including
ambassadors of the UAE and Bahrain to Indonesia, Wedha Startesti Yudha,
Chairperson of the Indonesia International Book Fair Committee, Arys Hilman
Nugraha, Chairman of the Indonesian Publishers Association, and others,
presenting them with TRENDS’ publications and commemorative shields.
Additionally, he awarded TRENDS’ Research Medal to Ni Made Ayu Martini
Indonesian Deputy Minister of Marketing, Tourism and Creative Economy
It is worth noting that during its current Asian research tour, TRENDS announced
the launch of the TRENDS Research Medal, awarded to individuals who make
significant contributions to the development of scientific research and promote collaboration with TRENDS in strengthening a culture of research across various fields.

World

US determined to prevent full-scale war in Middle East, Joe Biden tells UNGA79

US President Joe Biden highlighted the US Administration’s determination to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire Middle East region, noting that a diplomatic solution “remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely”.

In remarks he made today before the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), the US President said, “Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest,” adding that a diplomatic solution is still possible.

He also touched on “the rise of violence against innocent Palestinians on the West Bank”, and the need to “set the conditions for a better future”, which he said featured “a two-state solution, where the world — where Israel enjoys security and peace and full recognition and normalised relations with all its neighbours, where Palestinians live in security, dignity, and self-determination in a state of their own”.

President Biden underscored the ceasefire and hostage deal put forth by Qatar and Egypt, which the UN Security Council endorsed. He said, “Now is the time for the parties to finalise its terms, bring the hostages home,” adding that this would help ease the suffering in Gaza, and end the war.

-WAM