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Storytellers, communication experts and advocates to convene at Dignified Storytelling Forum on Human Rights Day

DUBAI, 5th December 2021 (WAM) – Marking a key milestone in its journey to place human dignity at the heart of storytelling, Dignified Storytelling, an initiative by Dubai Cares, Expo 2020 Dubai and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFaIC), is set to host its flagship Dignified Storytelling Forum on the 10th of December, 2021 at Dubai Exhibition Center (Hall 1A) at Expo 2020 Dubai, under the theme: "A story can change the world."

Since its launch in May 2021, Dignified Storytelling has served as a powerful platform that unites the voices of content makers, editors, journalists, photographers, filmmakers, storytellers, and contributors, equipping them with the awareness and hands-on knowledge that will enable them to capture moments and tell stories without compromising human dignity. This global network of individuals and organizations today is actively advocating for a global commitment towards the Dignified Storytelling Principles and storytelling practices characterized by deep respect, full transparency, and social responsibility. These principles have been agreed upon by a diverse group of stakeholders from UN agencies, INGOs, local NGOs and civil society through a consultative process.

The one-day forum, which is part of Expo 2020 Dubai’s rich calendar of specialist programming, will bring together key stakeholders – including members of civil society organizations, governments, the private sector, and international agencies as well as advocates, activists, and storytellers – to collectively agree on a way forward in validating, adopting and integrating the Dignified Storytelling Principles.

The agenda for the forum includes six technical sessions that will take place before the main program and are co-curated with key partners of Dignified Storytelling and represent a combination of interactive workshops, talks, and discussions. Topics range from ‘Role of Media in Advancing Dignified Storytelling for a Better World’ to ‘Promoting Youth-led Storytelling for Social Change’.

The main program includes three plenary discussions featuring high-level speakers such as Maher Nasser, Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo 2020 Dubai and the Director of Outreach Division in the UN Department of Global Communications; Dr. Rebecca Swift, Senior Director and Global Head of Creative Insights, Getty Images; Chief Moomen, Ghanaian poet, playwright and creative entrepreneur; Joung-Ah Ghedini-Williams, Head of Global Communications at UNHCR; Nassib Boueri, CEO, Wunderman Thompson MENA; and Tracey Corbin-Matchett, CEO, Bus Stop Films, among others. Participating leaders and experts are set to contribute their insights to discussions focusing on topics such as ‘Dignified Storytelling in Policy and Practice’ and ‘Dignified Storytelling with Historically Marginalized Communities’.

"As the United Nations joins the world at Expo 2020 in Dubai, we, as is the case with all storytellers, have a responsibility to ensure that the stories we tell are anchored in human dignity. For us to achieve a more equal, sustainable and peaceful future for everyone, in addition to achieving the SDGs by 2030, we have to protect the integrity of the most vulnerable amongst us. In a digitally connected world, we have the tools to share stories on multiple platforms and with that ability comes a responsibility – a responsibility to ensure that stories are told with a dignified storytelling perspective – a perspective that avoids the dehumanization and marginalization of subjects intentionally or unintentionally," said Maher Nasser, Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo 2020 Dubai and the Director of Outreach Division in the UN Department of Global Communications.

"As someone who is passionate about the importance of the visual language, I have seen how the marginalized and vulnerable can be exploited in the pursuit of the visual message. I believe we all need to take conscious steps to ensure we uphold human dignity in the visual stories we tell. At the Dignified Storytelling Forum, I will be sharing my personal experiences, highlighting the gaps that still exist in visual standards and discussing how we can drive change towards more authentic and diverse representations of people," said Dr. Rebecca Swift, Global Head of Creative Insights, Getty Images.

In addition, the agenda will feature the launch of the Dignified Storytelling Handbook, which builds on the foundational Principles for Dignified Storytelling and offers ‘how-to’ guidance and concrete best practice case studies. Cross-sectoral perspectives and insights from a diverse group of storytellers and experienced stakeholders from governments, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and civil society have informed this valuable framework and resource that storytellers around the world will benefit from when embracing dignified storytelling in their work. To define and agree on the future course of the initiative, Dignified Storytelling partners will also announce the next steps that include legacy plans to ensure its long-term impact.

"Stories, bereft of human dignity are weapons to maim and destroy, but when centered around human dignity, are tools to mend and build. As a storyteller interested in the interconnectedness of the human experience across time, places, and cultures, the 10 principles of Dignified Storytelling are the essential bedrock on which one must treat the stories of others with truth and respect. My poetry at the forum will seek to immerse audiences in experiences of how stories can be weapons or tools depending on how dignified the storytelling is. I am really excited about this and I look forward to an engaging and inspiring forum that would strengthen our resolve to tell stories with dignity and respect," said Chief Moomen, Ghanaian poet, playwright and creative entrepreneur.

Human Rights Day, which is celebrated each year on December 10th, was particularly chosen as the date to host the Dignified Storytelling Forum as a reminder of the equal rights that all individuals are entitled to regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, or gender. This also includes their right to have their stories told in a manner that upholds their dignity.

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Emirates

Intermobility Expo 2023 Kicks Off with Grand Opening by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer

Informa Connect, the global leader for events in the Middle East region has successfully
concluded the day one of the most awaited events of its calendar, the Intermobility Expo
2023 started on 21 st November at World Trade Center, Dubai.
The 22 nd edition of the Intermobility Expo 2023, which was known as the Gulf Traffic, the
largest Intelligent Transport and Future Mobility Summit of the Middle East, Turkey, and
Africa was officially launched by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of
the Board of Executive Directors at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), at an exciting
opening ceremony in the presence of industrial experts and government delegates.
On day one of the largest transport expo, key players in the Middle Easts transport industry
came together to discuss how new technological advancements that can be leveraged to
address road hazards and enhance safety, which is a critical factor in managing dynamic cities
in the GCC and beyond. Enriching discussions on topics like Driving Change: Governments
Role in Mobility, underscoring the vital influence of the government in molding the
trajectory of mobility, saw enhanced participation from the attendees.
H.E. Sheikh Nasser Majid Al Qasimi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Infrastructure
and Transport Regulation Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, also
graced the occasion with his esteemed presence and commended the UAEs unwavering
dedication to reimagining transportation. He highlights, “;The country envisions a smart and
interconnected transport system, integrating advanced technologies, autonomous vehicles,
smart infrastructure, and a strong emphasis on green mobility, as showcased by the Global
Market for Electric Vehicles initiative. Recognizing the strategic importance of an integrated
transport system for economic growth, social harmony, and environmental sustainability, the
UAE stands as a global leader in adopting ambitious initiatives.”

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Emirates

Dulsco Group and clients root for climate change action in mangrove tree plantation drive

Dulsco Group has reinforced its commitment to spearheading
and supporting environmental initiatives by bringing together 100 team members from its
portfolio of businesses comprising Dulsco Environment, Dulsco People, Parisima and
Advance Global Recruitment, and corporate clients like BRF, ENOC Link and Fischer to
plant 300 mangrove trees to help in the fight against climate change.
Part of Dulsco Group’s sustainability agenda in the run up to COP28, the event was held to
support the UAE National Carbon Sequestration Project, which Dulsco proudly signed up for
in 2023. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment project aims to plant 100 million
new mangrove trees across the country by 2030.

Each participant in the Dulsco drive planted three trees at Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, run
by the Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG). And, thanks to new technology and
virtual reality, the trees’ progress and contribution to carbon savings can be monitored
through the EcoMatcher app, which promotes transparency and traceability in tree planting.

Mangrove trees play a key role in conservation, by stabilising and protecting coastlines,
preventing erosion, supporting wildlife within the ecosystem and serving as a habitat for
thousands of species. They also reduce harmful greenhouse gases by isolating up to 13.6
kg of carbon each year. This means that the 300 trees planted on 16 November – and the
120 planted by Dulsco last year – will collectively capture 5,712 kg of carbon dioxide
annually.

The UAE is currently home to 60 million mangrove trees that span 183 sq km and capture
43,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. An additional 100 million trees will mean
115,000 tons of CO2 will be sequestered every year.

John Grainger, Chief Operating Officer at Dulsco Environment, said: “As a leading
force in environmental solutions, Dulsco is proud to support initiatives that preserve and
enhance our planet. Following our first mangrove tree planting initiative with our
employees last year, we made this year’s event bigger and better by bringing together our
valued team members and clients across our businesses as one, reinforcing our joint
commitment to creating a better future for our people and the world we live in.

“The EMEG does a wonderful job in protecting marine life at Jebel Ali, and we are delighted
to play our part in enhancing the sanctuary’s natural eco-system and biodiversity.”

Dulsco’s tree planting initiative also included a beach clean-up drive that resulted in
collecting 1,246 kilos of waste, in line with the company’s continued commitment to
protecting the environment and encouraging more green thinking among team members, key
stakeholders and the public.

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Emirates

UAE President issues federal decree appointing Under- Secretary of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, For Emiratisation

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahya ,

the President of UAE, issued a Federal
Decree appointing H.E. Aisha Mohamed Ahmed Belharfia, as Under-
Secretary of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, For
Emiratisation. Belharfia served previously as Acting Under-Secretary for Emiratisation
Affairs and Assistant Under-Secretary for Labour Affairs at MOHRE.
She also taken responsibilities related to Labour offices and licenses,
and contributed to the development of laws and legislation regulating
the Labour sector. Belharfia launched various projects and initiatives
aimed at raising the efficiency of the Labour market.

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