Emirates

RewirEd Summit concludes

DUBAI, 14th December, 2021 (WAM) — Drawing the world’s attention to the current state of the global education ecosystem, RewirEd Summit, held at Expo 2020 Dubai, concluded today in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Under the theme of ‘Education Financing’, the agenda for the third day featured a series of major announcements, discussions and programme launches that are set to accelerate the transformation of education systems globally.

Over 2,000 participants attended the Summit in person, as 450 speakers from 60 countries contributed to a packed agenda of high-level panels, sessions and discussions.

Five Presidents and 45 ministers from around the world attended the summit and underscored the urgency to adopt new and innovative approaches to deliver quality education globally. They also praised the UAE for being a role model for other countries in delivering quality education, as the country had immediately implemented distance learning across all public and private schools and higher education institutions, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emphasising the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the global education crisis, Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares, urged world leaders to seize this unique opportunity to deliver on their promise to expand their support to education.

As part of his closing remarks, Dr. Al Gurg said: "We conclude the Summit today, with an aim to implement key solutions that we hope will reinstate that same foundation, and more importantly, make it stronger and more resilient for the future. From issues to solutions, from challenges to opportunities, from the past to the future the journey of the RewirEd Summit has been marked by our shared commitment to reclaiming the powerful and transformational role of education in empowering young lives, enabling sustainable progress, and elevating the whole of humanity."

The final day kicked off with a high-level opening panel titled "Education – An Investment for a Sustainable and Prosperous Future for All". The panel featured high-level speakers including Gordon Brown, the UN’s Special Envoy for Education and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; Her Excellency Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Minister of Finance, Indonesia; Filippo Grandi, the UNHCR High-Commissioner, and other leaders from the international community, who called for immediate collective action to finance education systems around the world, especially under the disruptive conditions imposed by the global pandemic.

Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education, said, "We are at a critical turning point. We know the scale of the damage from COVID-19. Millions of pupils’ learning time has been lost. Two thirds of countries are cutting education budgets; we are creating an unparalleled crisis. Countries must see education as indispensable. Education spending should be treated as an investment; it is an investment in the future."

Filippo Grandi, UNHCR High-Commissioner, said: "The pandemic threatens to reverse the important gains we have all made. It is critical that we do not forget forcibly displaced children and youth who aspire for better opportunities. $4.85 billion is required to ensure that all refugees have access to a quality education. This is a relatively small investment to ensure they have access to a more equitable world. The time to double our investments in education is upon us. Now it is time to invest in a future that is prosperous, sustainable and innovative for all."

Amir Abdulla, Deputy Executive Director, World Food Programme (WFP), said: "Costs should not be borne by the education sector alone. Everyone needs to be around the table. We have to support the learning and the learner. We need to shout this from the rooftops of Dubai; we have to think about the learning and the learner. We need to connect all sectors so that no child goes to school hungry; school health and nutrition should also feature prominently here."

One of the key announcements on day three of the Summit was the launch of the RewirEd Declaration on Connectivity for Education. Developed by UNESCO in partnership with Dubai Cares, the Declaration provides a framework to ensure that connected technology better supports the right to education, drawing on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reflects the inputs of a 22-person expert advisory group and a global consultation process involving governments, civil society, youth, teachers, researchers, private sector organisations, and other stakeholder groups to put forward principles and commitments to establish directions and priorities for the digital transformation of education.

In addition, the Declaration asserts that the educational changes accompanying the integration of new technology, far from being inevitable or outside our control, can be steered with focused policies, actions, regulations, and incentives.

Commenting on the launch of the Declaration, Dr. Al Gurg, said: "For us at Dubai Cares, the launch of this Declaration will go down in the organisation’s history as a truly defining moment that reinforces our evolution as an organisation that has come a long way from being primarily focused on grant making, to an active global player and voice mobilising meaningful partnerships and alliances for a better world."

In addition, the agenda included a high-level panel on "Building Forward from COVID-19: Financing the Education Recovery and the Future Education for the Most Vulnerable Children." Featuring key thinkers and practitioners, this session reflected on innovative financing of the recovery and the future, such as how education financing can work in order to be effective in instituting the changes needed for global reform.

The agenda also included insightful sessions on funding Evidence for Education in Emergencies and strengthening shared standards for Education in Emergencies. Other sessions included a thought-provoking debate on "Rewiring Higher Education and Open Learning in the Arab World."

The last day also included meaningful and engaging participation from key speakers including Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya; Filippo Grandi, UNHCR High-Commissioner; Amina Mohamed, Deputy Secretary General, United Nations; Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO; Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner, International Partnerships, European Commission; Prof. Alpha T. Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Republic of Sierra Leone; Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, Minister of Finance, Tanzania; Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Cambodia; Joyce Ndalichako, Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Tanzania; Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA); Harjit Sajjan, Minster of International Development, Canada; Daryll Matthew, Minister of Education, Antigua and Barbuda; Antti Kurvinen, Minister of Science and Culture, Finland.

The outcomes of the RewirEd Summit will inform the UN Summit on the Transformation of Education that will take place in the second half of September 2022.

The Summit was generously sponsored by Etihad Airways and Hettich.

The RewirEd Summit was led by Dubai Cares, in partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai and organised in close coordination with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) and delivered in partnership with global stakeholders. The RewirEd Summit is part of RewirEd, a global platform with a clear vision: to rewire education for a prosperous and sustainable future.

Emirates

Hamriyah and Deira ports record AED 12.133b in customs declaration value for first nine months of 2023

Dubai Customs plays a crucial role as the frontline defense for community security, consistently advancing its customs centers to safeguard and facilitate maritime trade. H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of
Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, recently visited Creek Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center to evaluate progress and oversee ongoing efforts for continuous customs service development. During this visit, several executive directors, department heads, and customs center managers were present.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, accompanied by Rashid Al Dhabah Al Suwaidi, Acting Director of Seae Customs Centers Management, conducted inspections at Khor Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center. Managers Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al Salman and Majid Salem Al Tawilah provided insights into workflow progress and accomplishments. Over the first nine months of this year, 62,454 customs declarations were processed, totaling AED 12.133 billion, with 19 seizures recorded during the same period. A visit to Hamriyah Port Customs Center showcased an advanced container X-ray inspection device, supporting increased inspection operations.

Subsequently, visits to Khor Customs Center and Deira Port highlighted achievements, including a notable seizure called the “Wheelhouse,” which successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle 243 kilograms of narcotics into the country. Commending customs employees, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih emphasized the pivotal role of maritime customs centers in ensuring community security and facilitating trade. The department collaborates for efficient goods clearance and acknowledges employee efforts
during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to the department’s support for global efforts to revive maritime navigation and international trade.

Musabih clarified that the department’s advanced capabilities in monitoring and inspection enable it to keep pace with the UAE’s rapid foreign trade growth. Supporting Dubai’s economic agenda D33, the department aims to double foreign trade and enhance economic partnerships with key global markets. Efforts to boost customs inspector efficiency continue through training courses, ensuring their ability to thwart smuggling attempts. Continuous development of X-ray scanning
devices and the K9 customs dog unit further enhances contraband control achievements. Rasheed Al-Dabah explained that the forthcoming period will witness the advancement of new initiatives and mechanisms in the realm of inspection and examination. These initiatives are grounded in a forward-looking perspective to introduce cutting-edge technologies utilized in examining maritime transport vessels, wooden ships, and ships engaged in fish trade.

He remarked, “Our endeavors are harmonized to enhance performance in sea customs centers, concurrently focusing on bolstering monitoring, tracking, and technical support activities to yield optimal outcomes through continuous and productive collaboration among all specialized teams within the department. The Customs centers in Deira, Al Khor, and
Hamriyah Port Customs Center shoulder their vital responsibilities in safeguarding society and facilitating maritime trade through Dubai Creek and Hamriyah Port, supporting the ongoing growth of the national economy.”

Emirates

Dubai Customs Hosts Sharjah Housing Delegation to Strengthen Government Communication Ties

Dubai Customs, represented by the Corporate Communication Department, warmly welcomed a delegation from the Sharjah Housing Department. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the delegation with the duties and responsibilities of the
Corporate Communication Department and its affiliated divisions. The delegation also aimed to explore the awards received by the department, notably the recognition as the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award for 2023.

Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Director of Corporate Communication Department, along with department managers, extended a cordial reception to the Sharjah Housing delegation, which included Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication, Nada Sivan, Head of the Public Relations and Events Department, and Hamad Saleh Al Hamadi, Head of
the New Media Department. Bin Gharib highlighted the department’s commitment to strengthening communication with government entities to exchange practical experiences and knowledge. The delegation was briefed on Dubai Customs exceptional performance in customs operations and other facets.

The meeting delved into discussions on potential avenues for collaboration, with the Sharjah Housing delegation. Emphasis was placed on the crucial role played by Dubai Customs’ Corporate Communication Department, customs administrations, and centers in ensuring security and safeguarding society. The delegation was presented with an overview of the department’s working mechanisms, awareness campaigns, events, and activities conducted internally and externally, aligning with Dubai Customs esteemed reputation.

Furthermore, the Sharjah Housing delegation acquired an understanding of the best media practices adopted by the Corporate Communication Department, showcasing its outstanding performance in enhancing knowledge and media dissemination to all partners. This has resulted in the department establishing and fortifying relationships with local and international media
entities. The presentation also encompassed the factors contributing to the department’s receipt of the award for the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award.

Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication at Sharjah Housing, expressed appreciation for the efforts of Dubai Customs Corporate Communication Department, acknowledging its excellence and significant contribution to enhancing the department’s standing. Dr. Al Nuaimi affirmed Sharjah Housing’s commitment to fostering ongoing visits and meetings with Dubai Customs, aiming to achieve the highest level of coordination and benefit from the Corporate Communication Departmen’s experience in securing numerous local and international awards.

Emirates

Zayed Sustainability Prize opens submissions for 2025 cycle

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global sustainability and humanitarian award, has officially announced that the 2025 cycle is now open for submissions. Submissions will be accepted until 23 June 2024 through the Prize’s online portal. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and high schools with sustainable solutions are invited to submit an entry for consideration in one of the six categories of Heath, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools. Commenting on the launch of the 2025 submissions cycle, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, said: “Since 2008, the
Zayed Sustainability Prize has honoured the legacy of Sheikh Zayed by fostering inclusive sustainable and humanitarian development around the world. In this decisive decade for climate change, these values are more important than ever. I am optimistic that the Prize will contribute to global climate action in line with the UAE Consensus, which will pave the
way toward an effective response to the Global Stocktake decision.” In response to the pressing climate crisis, and to further support the UAE’s efforts to accelerate practical solutions needed to drive climate action and uplift vulnerable communities around the world, the Prize has increased its funds from US $3.6 million to US $5.9 million. The Prize will reward US $1 million to each winner in the organisational categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action. Within the Global High Schools category, which is split into six world regions, each school can claim up to US $150,000 to start or further expand their project. The six world regions of the Global High Schools category are The Americas, Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub- Saharan Africa, South Asia, and East Asia and Pacific. The most recent Zayed Sustainability Prize winners were recognised at an Awards Ceremony held during COP28 UAE. To encourage a broader range of organisations and high schools to participate, the Prize will be accepting submissions in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. This will ensure that innovative solutions from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds can be recognised. For the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories, organisations should prove that they are improving access to essential products or services in their targeted communities and are able to implement a long-term vision for better living and working conditions. For the Global High Schools category, projects should be led by students, and must demonstrate innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges. The evaluation of each submission to the Prize consists of a rigorous, three-stage process. First, due diligence is conducted on all submissions to ensure that they meet the Prize’s evaluation criteria of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration. This identifies the qualified entries and results in the selection of eligible candidates. Following this, evaluations are undertaken by a Selection Committee consisting of category-specific panels of independent international experts. From this shortlist of candidates, the finalists are chosen and then sent to the Prize Jury who unanimously elect the winners across all six categories. Winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize will be announced at an Awards Ceremony during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).