Category: Miscellaneous

DUBAI: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated, inaugurated the 20th Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2024). The event is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 23rd to 25th April.

DIHAD 2024 brings together key decision-makers from leading NGOs, UN Agencies, charity organisations, and government bodies, together with aid, education, and construction providers from the private sector, to address the needs of people and countries affected by crises, disasters, and natural calamities under the theme ‘Humanitarian Diplomacy and a Journey to the Future’.

The opening ceremony began with a speech by Nawal Al Hosany, the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). In her address, she said, ‘As always in the UAE, we are never content to rest
on our laurels. We are always looking ahead: to the future. This year’s DIHAD conference aligns with this principle, under the title ‘Humanitarian Diplomacy and a Journey to the Future’. So, let’s do that. Let’s shape an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future through progressive humanitarianism and diplomacy to ensure energy access and development opportunities for all.’

Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, PAM Roving Ambassador for the GCC Region, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation, and Chairman of DISAB, stated: ‘While humanitarian efforts are typically seen as responses to crises, at DIHAD, we approach them differently. Our focus is on anticipating future humanitarian needs to safeguard lives and livelihoods. We take responsibility for operations in affected areas and develop a sustainability strategy to guide future humanitarian efforts.’

Celebrating the 20th edition of DIHAD, Amb. Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani added, ‘In commemorating two decades of remarkable solidarity, the theme ‘Hu
manitarian Diplomacy and a Journey to the Future’ serves as both a reflection on our past achievements and a clear call to action for the road ahead. The event plays a pivotal role in enhancing mutual understanding among humanitarian and development actors.’

Rashed Mubarak Almansoori, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), stated, ‘We aim to deepen our strategic partnership to fulfil the collective aspirations within the humanitarian sector. Our goal is to enhance the resources of our organisations and foster stronger collaboration to advance the noble principles and values we uphold. As key partners in this significant humanitarian endeavour, we are committed to exerting every effort to realising our objectives. We are dedicated to meeting expectations and reinforcing the connections between our organisations to ensure a brighter future for humanitarian diplomacy. With careful planning and effective coordination throughout this conference, we are confident in our ability to achieve these goal
s.’

Mohammad Musbah Dhahi, Executive Director General of Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), said, “With our collective efforts, we can unite to discover suitable and innovative solutions and effectively utilise resources across all levels, irrespective of the challenges’ scale or nature. In the UAE, we embrace the vision articulated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who stated, ‘The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it.’ Today, we convene at this conference to contribute to shaping the future of humanitarian efforts, spreading hope, and daring to dream for a brighter tomorrow through collaborative action, global cooperation, and the diplomacy of kindness.’

He added, ‘We extend our gratitude to all individuals dedicated to promoting philanthropy and humanitarian action and those committed to pursuing noble humanitarian objectives worldwide.”

At the opening
ceremony, the DIHAD Lifetime Achievement Award was announced, which was previously given to Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. The DIHAD International Personality Award for Humanitarian Leadership was presented to Jan Egeland, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs for his exceptional humanitarian work.

Receiving the award Jan Egeland, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, stated, ‘As humanitarians, it’s vital to prioritise resources toward humanitarian negotiations, mediation, and fostering acceptance. The present system not only falls short in delivering aid but also in safeguarding individuals, as evident in the escalating civilian casualties. To address this, emphasis should be placed on protection and maintaining close proximity to affected communities. It’s imperative to reaffirm our dedication to consistently adhering to humanitarian principles.’

The opening ceremony also featured the ‘Children of DIHAD Initiative’, which champions the remarkable in
tellect and compassion of children in the humanitarian realm, providing a platform for their voices to be heard. Through panel discussions and gatherings, these young minds share insights on crucial humanitarian matters, including the significance of humanitarian efforts and the imperative of aiding refugees.

After the opening, Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum toured the exhibition accompanied by Belmonde Dogo Myss Logboh, Minister of National Cohesion and the fight against poverty in Côte d’Ivoire. Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, PAM Roving Ambassador for the GCC Region, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation, and Chairman of DISAB; Nawal Al Hosany, UAE Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); Rashed Mubarak Almansoori, Secretary-General of the ERC; Maryam bin Theneya, Second Deputy Speaker of the Federal National Council of the UAE; and Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar, Executive Vice President of the DWTC and a group of ambassadors, heads of participating delegations,
and representatives of international organisations.

This year, DIHAD marks its 20th anniversary as the world’s leading event on humanitarian aid and development. The Kingdom of Norway is the guest of honour at this year’s edition. The country has been a key partner of the DIHAD Conference and Exhibition for the past 20 years.

More than 16,000 participants and visitors from 154 countries are expected to attend DIHAD 2024 over three days, including over 106 buyers from United Nations agencies, leading institutions, charities, and humanitarian organisations from around the world.

More than 900 organisations and charities actively involved in humanitarian affairs are participating in the event, along with 131 speakers who are experts in the humanitarian field worldwide. The event’s programme will cover vital topics through 24 main sessions and 144 innovative workshops, providing training and exploring numerous important perspectives and solutions in the realm of humanitarian diplomacy.

DIHAD offers a platform
for assistance providers to engage with relevant corporate and governmental stakeholders, fostering impactful collaborations to aid those in need. This year’s edition is held in conjunction with the 15th edition of the International Emergency and Catastrophe Management (IECM), which provides a platform for the emergency, disaster management, and search and rescue communities to showcase their equipment, technology, and services during emergencies to a relevant audience.

DIHAD Conference and Exhibition is organised annually by INDEX Conference and Exhibitions Org. LLC, a member of INDEX Holding, and is proudly supported by the United Nations, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Dubai Future Council on Humanitarian Aid, Emirates Red Crescent, International Humanitarian City, and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment.

It is sponsored by the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations (MAPIM), the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in
Dubai, the DP World Foundation, the Dubai Islamic Bank, the Dubai Charity Association, and the Al Khair Foundation.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, today opened GISEC Global 2024, the Middle East and Africa’s largest and most impactful cyber security event.

Running for three days at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), GISEC Global’s 13th edition features more than 750 exhibiting brands – a 50 percent increase over the previous year – as more than 20,000 cyber professionals from 130-plus countries gather to combat digital threats in a Gulf Cooperation Council cybersecurity market that, according to analysts Frost and Sullivan, will triple in value by 2030 to reach US$13.4 billion.

The three-day powerhouse showcase, organised by DWTC, and hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, features returning headline players and tech titans Huawei, Honeywell, du, Microsoft, and Google Cloud Security, alongside groundbreaking cybersecurity companies such as Spire Solutions, Pentera, Cloudflare, and Kaspersky.

More than 350 expert speakers and Ch
ief Information Security Officers (CISOs), alongside 1,000-plus ethical hackers are also convening under the show’s ‘AI-driven cyber-resilience’ theme to detangle and demystify the rising global threats of the dark cybercriminal underworld, as they deliver 300-plus hours of immersive content across nine conference and workshop stages.

Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, emphasised the importance of fostering collaboration to develop a more cyber-resilient society amid the new era of cyber-threats. ‘The evolution of cybersecurity continues to present new challenges and opportunities for industry leaders around the world.”

‘The UAE Cybersecurity Council aims to create a safe and trusted cyber environment that helps organisations, institutions, and individuals achieve their potential. Such results are amplified at GISEC Global, which acts as a super-connector bridging the industry gap, encouraging thought-provoking discussions, and promoting forward-thinking collaborations critical t
o the future of digital services and assets. In light of the latest developments in AI technology, GISEC Global 2024 serves as a pivotal platform in our relentless mission to forge and advocate for a cyber-resilient society grounded in the partnerships between the private and public sectors and aiming to cultivate a bold ecosystem that safeguards the integrity of companies and individuals,’ he added.

Dr. Aloysius Cheang, Chief Security Officer of Huawei Middle East and Central Asia, added, ‘GISEC Global is the region’s largest and most reputable cybersecurity event that is in its thirteenth year. I would expect no less in terms of relevance, forward-thinking and innovation when it comes to programming.

‘It will be the perfect opportunity not only for the industry to gather and to share stories from the trenches but also the right platform for networking at the highest level. GISEC Global and the UAE together is the formula for building a trusted digital oasis in the heart of the Arab World,’ Dr. Cheang adde
d.

Exclusive cybersecurity experiences will take place during the three-day event, including the inaugural edition of the Global CyberDrill, a realistic simulation assessing critical targets and engaging experts from CERTs, CIRTs and CSIRTs hailing from over 100 countries, fostering global cooperation to mitigate cyber threats.

Dubai security teams from several government entities will for the first time join the new Capture the Flag competition in partnership with the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC), GISEC Global’s official government cybersecurity partner, while flourishing start-ups from all across the region will compete on the most awaited Unlock Pitch Competition at the returning GISEC Cyber Stars.

Showing its appreciation for the most prominent and visionary players in the Middle East and Africa’s cybersecurity industry, GISEC Global this year will see the launch of the inaugural GISEC Cyber Excellence Awards in partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council and the United Cybersecurity Alli
ance.

Another brand-new feature designed to showcase the best of open-source projects, tools, and solutions, GISEC Armory will offer developers and experts a unique opportunity to display their work and connect with like-minded professionals in the cybersecurity space.

An extensive conference programme with 300+ hours of future-oriented content will promote a new enhanced experience with exciting highlights spanning everything from the inaugural series of executive boardrooms and conference roundtables to the new cyber defence track discussing the mitigation plans and weaponry against rising threats.

The 2024 agenda will also launch the most awaited Ask the Hacker QandA sessions and the spotlight on True Stories where the audience will hear world-class CISOs narrating true horror stories around billion-dollar ransomware attacks, financial frauds, celebrity phone hacks, and more, for the first time on stage.

GISEC Global also features the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) as its official government c
ybersecurity partner, and the Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police as official supporters.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and the Secretary-General of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), Charlotte Slente, met in Amman, on Tuesday, for talks on Syrian refugees.

Safadi and Slente discussed the Council’s efforts to support Syrian refugees in Jordan and the “strong” partnership between the Kingdom and the Council, which opened its regional office in Jordan in 2003.

Safadi warned of the “significant” decline in international support to Syrian refugees and the services and assistance provided to them by international organisations in Jordan.

He said, “Jordan will not be able to fill the gap in providing this aid and services, which will hurt the refugees and their living conditions,” adding that the international community is responsible for supporting Syrian refugees.

Safadi said over 1.3 million Syrian refugees live in Jordan, 90 per cent of whom live outside refugee camps, adding that Syrian refugees enjoy free education, health services and work permits.

He added that the Kingdom could not keep pro
viding aid that UN organisations had stopped because of decreased international support.

Safadi explained that the solution to the refugee issue would be through repatriation, which requires more efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis and create conditions that would allow the voluntary return of refugees.

He added, “Jordan will continue to make every possible effort and work with brothers and partners to solve the Syrian crisis that ends the suffering of the Syrian people, preserves Syria’s unity, cohesion and sovereignty, rids it of terrorism and provides the conditions for the voluntary return of refugees.”

Source: Jordan News Agency

Nazareth – Together – Two young men, Omar Sawaed and Taher Akkawi, aged 22 and 35, were killed, and another (18 years old) was seriously injured, this evening, Tuesday, in a shooting crime in the city of Shefa Amr within the 48 territories.

Photographic documentation showed the arrival of masked armed men on a motorcycle to a store and an exchange of gunfire took place at the place, killing two young men and seriously wounding another.

A medical team provided CPR to the two young men, but their deaths were later confirmed after attempts to save their lives failed. The injured person was transferred in serious condition after initial treatment was provided to the hospital.

To complete the treatment.

With this crime, the death toll in Palestinian society within the 1948 territories has risen to 59 people, including 3 women, in shooting and stabbing crimes since the beginning of this year, while last year recorded an unprecedented toll in murders, in which 228 people were killed, including 16 women.

Source
: Maan News Agency

Geneva – Together – The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, said today, Tuesday, that 160 of the agency’s headquarters in the Gaza Strip were ‘completely destroyed.’

Lazzarini said in a press conference held at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland: ‘We have sufficient funding until the end of next June after a number of countries resumed funding the agency.’

Lazzarini reiterated his welcome to the report of the Agency’s Independent Review Group, noting that some of the report’s recommendations can be implemented quickly while others require additional staff and strong commitment and support from Member States.

The UNRWA Independent Review Group report, which was published on Monday, stated that the agency has established a large number of mechanisms and procedures to ensure its commitment to humanitarian principles, focusing on the principle of neutrality.

The report stated that the agency follows a more a
dvanced approach to neutrality than any other similar international or non-governmental body.

‘Because of the complexity of the environment in which we operate, we have to be very vigilant and we can always do more,’ Lazzarini said, explaining that he held a meeting with member states and informed them that the agency is currently preparing to update its response plan.

He added: ‘We will ensure that partners are aware of the actions that have already been taken in line with the recommendations contained in the report.’

Lazzarini explained that the Independent Review Group’s report has nothing to do with the investigation conducted by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services into the Israeli allegations.

He recalled the briefing he gave to members of the Security Council, in which he said that the issue of neutrality was not necessarily the motive behind the attack on UNRWA, noting that the primary motive for the attack was ‘to strip the Palestinians of their refugee status.’

He added: “Th
is is the reason behind the pressures that the agency is currently under to not be present not only in Gaza, but we are also exposed to pressures in Jerusalem and the West Bank.”

He said that he called on the Security Council to conduct an independent investigation and ensure accountability for the blatant disregard for the sanctity of the United Nations buildings, its staff and its operation in the Gaza Strip, recalling that to date, 280 United Nations staff have been killed.

He added: ‘More than 160 UNRWA buildings were damaged or completely destroyed, and at least 400 people were killed inside them as they sought protection under the UN flag. We also have reports that our buildings, which were evacuated, have been used for military purposes… and arrests have also been made.’ Our employees were subjected to ill-treatment, if not torture.”

He pointed out that the average number of trucks that entered Gaza reached 200 trucks during the month of April, and the entry of trucks reached its peak yesterday, M
onday, when 360 trucks entered. This represents a positive trend compared to previous months, he said.

But the Commissioner-General also pointed to concerns with the advent of summer and the renewed outbreak of diseases, especially in the south, noting that garbage collection has become a priority to prevent the spread of diseases.

He also noted the deep concern over the possibility of a looming Israeli military attack on Rafah, ‘which appears to have been back on the table.’

Source: Maan News Agency

Hebron – Together – The Customs Police Service and the specialized authorities in the Public Safety Committee, today, Tuesday, in the Hebron Governorate, suspended a bakery from operating due to its lack of the minimum health and environmental safety conditions, and public safety conditions.

In the presence of the competent authorities, it was decided to stop the bakery from operating until its conditions are corrected and it adheres to the necessary health and environmental safety conditions, improves the working environment conditions, and completes the necessary legal procedures in accordance with the rules.

Source: Maan News Agency

MANAMA: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, received a call from his Japanese counterpart, Yoko Kamikawa.

Bahrain News Agency (BNA) stated that the two ministers discussed the progress of the deep-rooted friendly Bahraini-Japanese relations, which are growing steadily across various fields.

They also reviewed ways to bolster bilateral cooperation and coordination at all levels, in a way that would serve the interests of both countries and their peoples.

They also discussed the latest regional developments, particularly the war in the Gaza Strip, and the ongoing efforts to establish peace, security and stability, as well as avoid military escalation. Regional and global issues of mutual interest were also reviewed.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman, has departed the UAE upon the conclusion of his state visit to the country.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan accompanied His Majesty to the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi to bid him farewell.

Also present were His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and head of the honorary delegation accompanying the country’s guest, as well as H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court and a number of UAE
senior officials.

Until its safe departure from UAE airspace, His Majesty the Sultan’s flight was accompanied by a number of Emirati military aircraft, following a request for permission by the squadron leader to His Majesty.

Source: Emirates News Agency