JEDDAH: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi opened the second World Youth Forum in Sharm El-Sheikh on Saturday. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attended the opening at the International Congress Center.
In his speech, El-Sisi said that the aims of the forum are to create a world of “hope, beauty, and humanity, without conflict, poverty, ignorance and illness” and to help young innovators realize their dreams.
“The first recommendation of the forum will be a call for the world to (recognize and condemn) the crimes committed by Daesh, and all the other extremist organizations in the world,” he said.
“Extremism, discrimination and racism are totally rejected in Egypt.”
Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal also participated in the opening of the event on behalf of King Salman. He was received at Sharm El-Sheikh Airport by Maj. Gen. Khaled Fouda, governor of South Sinai, and Osama bin Ahmed Nuqali, the Saudi ambassador to Egypt and the Kingdom’s permanent representative to the Arab League.
The three-day forum is set to discuss several issues including development and innovation; water security; the role of world leaders in developing and maintaining peace; Euro-Mediterranean cooperation; the role of soft power in countering extremism and terrorism; Agenda 2063 — a blueprint for sustainable development in Africa; the empowerment of people with disabilities; and the role voluntary work can play in building for the future.
The forum brings together 5,000 young people from 160 nations to take part in 30 sessions. Keynote speakers at the opening ceremony stressed the need for discussion and exchange of expertise.
Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UN secretary-general’s envoy on youth, said that such discussions help to convey the ideas of young people from around the world to their leaders, thus allowing them to participate in political and social development.
Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Zondwa, also spoke at the event, and said the conference “brings together young men and women from all over the world to discuss ways to make this world a better place.”
Iraqi Yazidi human rights activist and Nobel Peaze Prize co-winner Nadia Murad said the world is in the midst of several major crises, and that millions are oppressed by extremists and terrorists and deprived of their human rights — particularly women and children.
The young Egyptian writer, Mohamed Khairat, discussed his media organization Egyptian Streets, saying that its main objective is to raise awareness of important issues and help refugees. He added that social media has helped “empower (everyone to) make a difference.”
World Youth Forum envisages a planet free of conflicts
World Youth Forum envisages a planet free of conflicts
- Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal participated in the opening of the event on behalf of King Salman
- The forum brings together 5,000 young people from 160 nations to take part in 30 sessions
Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.
The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.
The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”
The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.
It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.
Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
- Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics
RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.
The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.
Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.
In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.
Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
- With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors
The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.
Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.
Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.
Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.
These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.
The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.
The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.
Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.
Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.
Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
- Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties
RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.
The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.
They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.
Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.
The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added.
Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.
During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.
