RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and the UAE on Wednesday signed agreements to combat disease and malnutrition in Yemen, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The agreements were signed with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) during a high-level meeting in Riyadh that was attended by the General Supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and adviser to the Royal Court Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Abdullah bin Yahya Al-Maalami, and the UAE Minister of State for International cooperation Reem Al-Hashimy as well as the UN’s relief chief Mark Lowcock.
The first agreement is about controlling a cholera outbreak in Yemen in cooperation with the WHO as part of an initiative to support relief and humanitarian projects with $20 million, directly benefiting more than a million people and indirectly aiding more than 18 million.
As of May 10 more than 306,000 suspected cases had been reported across the country, according to UNICEF, two years after the country was gripped by the world’s largest cholera outbreak.
An estimated 16 million people in Yemen, more than half of them children, lack adequate access to water, sanitation and hygiene services, UNICEF added.
The second agreement will address acute malnutrition in high-risk areas in cooperation with UNICEF. The project has a total value of $40 million and will benefit 1.4 million people.
The agreement also aims to treat 50,000 Yemeni children under the age of five who are suffering from acute malnutrition, promote infant and young child feeding practices and monitor their growth, provide health counseling to the local community, health facilities and 400,000 mothers, provide micronutrient supplements to 800,000 children under the age of five, and detect malnutrition in a million children.
Yemen is the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. More than 24 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, including more than 12 million children.
Around 360,000 children under five were suffering from severe acute malnutrition and require treatment, UNICEF said in March.
The Riyadh meeting discussed the humanitarian situation in Yemen and reviewed matters related to the Saudi and Emirati grant for 2018.
In a press conference after the meeting, the Lowcock thanked Saudi Arabia and the UAE for their humanitarian support and relief work in Yemen.
Lowcock, who is the UN’s under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said the two countries offered around $1 billion at a UN pledging conference in Geneva in February.
“Heavier trucks, including those carrying food aid, now take more than 60 hours to travel between Sana’a and Aden — that is about four times as long as used to be the case. In February and March, more than 900,000 people were affected by delays or interruptions in assistance,” he told the Council.
Saudi Arabia and UAE agree to fight disease, malnutrition in Yemen at high-level WHO meeting in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia and UAE agree to fight disease, malnutrition in Yemen at high-level WHO meeting in Riyadh
- Yemen wracked by cholera outbreak
- Country is the world’s largest humanitarian crisis
Japan Embassy in Riyadh partners with IOM to fund Yemen youth training
- Nakashima highlighted that this agreement may benefit a large number of people, especially IDPs, who are particularly affected by the situation
RIYADH: Japanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yoichi Nakashima partnered with the International Organization for Migration to grant about $2.5 million in aid supporting vocational training for youth, including internally displaced persons in Yemen.
Signing the exchange notes in Riyadh on Sunday alongside Nakashima were Ashraf El Nour, head of the IOM office in Riyadh, and Mansour Bajash, undersecretary for political affairs at Yemen’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Japanese envoy told Arab News that this cooperation is critical given the ongoing economic difficulties in Yemen, saying: “We made this decision to support the Yemeni people who are going through this exceptional time and to address urgently needed areas such as vocational training.”
He explained that Yemen faces rising unemployment due to the prolonged conflict. The country’s public technical and vocational training centers have significantly reduced their operations due to infrastructure damage and lack of funds.
Approximately 4.7 million IDPs — about one-seventh of the population — are unable to earn an income because they lack technical skills, making employment difficult.
Nakashima highlighted that this agreement may benefit a large number of people, especially IDPs, who are particularly affected by the situation.
This cooperation aims to rehabilitate technical and vocational training centers and provide capacity development training in three southern governorates: Aden, Lahj, and Taiz.
It is also expected to help increase employment opportunities for young people by expanding vocational training and enhancing economic resources.
A joint press statement from the embassies of Japan and Yemen noted that supporting peace and stability in Yemen, which borders the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, will contribute to securing sea lanes.
The government of Japan expressed its commitment to continue working proactively toward achieving peace and stability in Yemen, in cooperation with the UN and relevant countries.
MWL introduces updated strategy and framework
- The event, held at the league’s headquarters in Makkah, was attended by prominent Islamic figures
- Modernization initiative reflects league’s commitment to adapting to the evolving global landscape
MAKKAH: Muslim World League Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa presided over the inauguration of the league’s enhanced strategic plan and updated governance framework.
The event, held at the league’s headquarters in Makkah, was attended by prominent Islamic figures, according to a recent report.
This comprehensive modernization initiative reflects the league’s commitment to adapting to the evolving global landscape and expanding the scope of its mission.
The plan particularly emphasizes expanding international programs to promote the “Charter of Makkah” and the “Charter for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.”
Al-Issa said the initiative advances the league’s vision, mission, goals, and values through a forward-looking strategy and governance model.
He also reaffirmed that the league’s founding principles, as set out in its statutes, remain steadfast and continue to guide its efforts to develop and modernize in service of the global Muslim community.
Saudi environmentalist builds eco museum in Asir to preserve natural, cultural heritage
- Al-Hadi said the museum project focuses on documenting rare trees, insects, birds, and traditional agricultural tools
RIYADH: In a valley beneath the Asir Mountains, local environmentalist Lahiq Al-Hadi is developing an educational environmental museum to raise awareness and attract tourists while preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Al-Hadi, from the Rijal Almaa governorate in the Asir region, said the museum project focuses on documenting rare trees, insects, birds, and traditional agricultural tools, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
A section will highlight beekeeping and honey production, showcasing the local flowers that support bees, and the endangered seeds the museum aims to preserve and propagate, Al-Hadi added.
On the edge of his farm near the valley, Al-Hadi has replanted more than 68 species of local trees and plants that were once rare or threatened.
He spends time sourcing rare seeds and distributes them to interested growers, believing that “every seed planted means a new hope will sprout in the earth.”
Al-Hadi noted his efforts are showing results, with the environment improving. He has seen migratory bird species return after replanting the vegetation they depend on.
The museum also includes a pavilion focused on Asir’s traditional stone architecture, providing insight into the region’s cultural heritage.
Coalition program in Chad targets terror financing
- The program includes a workshop on the effective implementation of UN Security Council resolutions
RIYADH: The Saudi-backed Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition will launch a Sahel countries program in N’Djamena on July 14-15, with the support of Chadian Minister of Armed Forces, Veterans and War Victims Issaka Malloua Ndjamous.
The program includes a workshop on the effective implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, UN conventions, and other relevant international standards, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It aims to build national capacities in the Sahel to combat terrorism financing and money laundering by equipping security, military, and regulatory personnel with tools aligned with international standards.
The program also seeks to enhance regional cooperation and facilitate the exchange of expertise among relevant agencies, the SPA added.
The workshop will gather experts from security, regulatory, financial and judicial bodies to discuss challenges, review successful models, and propose practical mechanisms for regional cooperation and implementation of UN resolutions and conventions.
The initiative is part of coalition efforts to strengthen national and regional measures against terrorism financing and to support security and stability in the Sahel through an integrated approach addressing ideological, media, financial and military dimensions.
Saudi Arabia hosts cultural week in Osaka
OSAKA: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture is hosting a cultural week in Osaka, Japan until July 15, highlighting the Kingdom’s rich heritage and showcasing handmade products.
Taking place at the Expo Gallery EAST, the event coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia.
The week highlights the “Year of Handicrafts 2025” initiative, showcasing the Kingdom’s creative industries and the craftsmanship to Japanese and global audiences.
The event includes a photography exhibition depicting the history of the two countries’ bilateral ties.
Additionally, the Heritage Commission is hosting an exhibition of traditional Saudi crafts in collaboration with the Saudi Artisanal Co., according to the Saudi Press Agency, featuring live demonstrations of palm frond weaving, Sadu weaving, and clay pot making.
The culture week will also host traditional Saudi majlis paired with Saudi coffee and dates as well as a joint musical performance.
Saudi Arabia’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka will feature more than 700 immersive cultural activities, showcasing the Kingdom’s innovation and heritage, SPA reported recently.
The cultural week is a part of the Kingdom’s broader initiative to strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia, Japan and other nations.
