NEW YORK: The number of people fleeing their countries, as refugees or migrants, has reached a staggering 65.3 million.
At the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly, interfaith leaders also came to New York to chart a role for the interfaith community to help refugees.
King Abdullah International Center for Inter-Religious and Inter-Cultural Dialogue (KAICIID) organized, together with the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention, the World Council of Churches and the permanent missions of Italy and Spain, a consultation session under the title: “Bearing Witness: Combating Human Trafficking and Forced Migration.”
During the session, KAICIID announced a new initiative to help refugees in Europe.
KAICIID Secretary-General Faisal bin Muaammar told Arab News that the objective of the new initiative is to assist the Arab refugees in Europe.
“Our mission is to help thousands of refugees during this difficult transition by providing them with skills of dialogue, integration and coexistence because without these skills they will face a serious culture shock,” he said.
He said that European countries welcomed this initiative as their personnel who are helping the refugees are facing many difficulties because they are not familiar with the culture of these refugees.
That is why KAICIID’s initiative will provide cultural training to the Westerners who are dealing the refugees.
As such, KAICIID would be providing invaluable assistance to both refugees and host countries, and will serve as a cultural bridge.
One special focus of the KAICIID initiative is to activate the role of the religious leaders in solving the refugees’ problems especially women and girls. "We will provide training for them to raise their skills in holding a dialogue and their awareness of the events around them,” he said.
KAICIID will train both Muslim and non-Muslim refugees.
“We have to explain to the refugees and the personnel of the host countries that terrorism is against religion and that those who commit terrorist acts do not represent Islam, which calls for peace,” he said.
KAICIID has started training some cadres in Vienna in preparation for sending them to different European countries.
The UN conference is an opportunity to build partnerships with other international interfaith organizations to carry out the initiative.
The conference was attended by 300 interfaith and refugee activists from around the world.
He stressed the role of religious and interfaith leaders in building bridges between the refugees and the communities in the host countries.
KAICIID has been operating for four years now and the most important achievement is obtaining international recognition for highlighting the importance of dialogue between the followers of the different faiths and cultures.
“When we first started, people thought dialogue was not necessary, but as time passed, it became clear that dialogue between the adherents of different culture and faiths is an essential tool in solving regional and international problems. Now we are working on international level to avoid a clash of civilizations,” he said.
“It is clear that we are now living in a global village that is connected as never before because of the social media. Each person now can act as an editor in chief for himself or herself, and it is imperative for every one of us to reach out to the others and promote coexistence because this is the only way to achieve peace in the world,” he said, stressing that one of the biggest challenges before the world community today is to support the refugees.
KAICIID initiative to help Arab refugees integrate in Europe
KAICIID initiative to help Arab refugees integrate in Europe
Global leaders at Jeddah conference call for urgent action on antimicrobial resistance
- More than 57 ministers, deputy ministers participated in event
JEDDAH: The Saudi minister of health, Fahad Al-Jalajel, and the president of the International Automobile Federation, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, have urged all countries to develop more effective national action plans to combat antimicrobial resistance.
The primary focus, they said, should be on increasing community awareness of the issue and ensuring sustainable access to essential medicines.
The call was made during a tour of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit following the Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance, hosted by the Kingdom in Jeddah from Nov. 15-16.
More than 57 ministers and deputy ministers of health and agriculture participated in the conference which boasted the theme “From Declaration to Implementation” and aimed at developing measures to reduce fatalities from antibiotic-resistant infections, which are projected to reach 10 million annually by 2050 without prompt intervention.
Al-Jalajel emphasized the importance of raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance as a critical element of each state’s action plan. He also highlighted the need for the rational use of antibiotics in both human medicine and food production to mitigate this “silent” and growing epidemic.
He said that the FIA president’s support “strengthens our efforts by encouraging motorsport clubs to collaborate with their governments and public and private institutions in their respective countries to implement our recommendations,” underscoring the significance of the One Health approach in addressing the global challenge.
Ben Sulayem urged 150 motorsport and motorcycle clubs worldwide to support the UN’s international declaration and the outcomes of the Jeddah meeting by advocating for the rational use of medicines and promoting expanded access to the latest treatments and diagnostics.
The World Health Organization’s director general, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed gratitude to the Saudi Ministry of Health and the FIA president for leading the global initiative.
He said: “I am grateful to Saudi Arabia and the FIA for their commitment to addressing the dual challenge of ensuring access to antimicrobials and promoting their responsible use.”
The conference culminated in the approval of the Jeddah Commitments, marking a significant milestone in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance, a critical threat to public health, food security, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the presentation and adoption of the Jeddah Commitments, Al-Jalajel emphasized that they advanced the global AMR agenda with impactful actions, not just for today but for years to come, and said: “It’s time to act.”
He added: “I believe these commitments form the basis of a program that reflects our decisions at the UN. They are critical building blocks for member states and international bodies to take significant action against AMR.”
The Jeddah Commitments help to build upon the political declaration adopted at the 79th UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR in September, and aim to translate political will into practical, actionable steps.
The Jeddah Commitments include measures on strengthened governance, enhanced surveillance and stewardship, capacity building, research and development, and the promotion of public awareness through educational initiatives.
The commitments further stipulate the creation of a new biotech bridge to boost research, development, and innovation, leveraging biotechnology to address AMR challenges.
Al-Jalajel also announced the establishment of an AMR One Health Learning Hub and a Regional Antimicrobial Access and Logistics Hub in Saudi Arabia, aimed at fostering global collaboration and improving access to essential antimicrobials and diagnostics.
He said: “We must continue to grow this coalition of the willing to include a larger community of organizations and individuals that take a stand and act against AMR.” He also announced Nigeria as the host of the Fifth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on the issue.
He added: “To maintain momentum, we propose a stronger mechanism, the troika system, to drive forward action and implementation through 2025 and 2026 until the fifth ministerial meeting. I look forward to working with Nigeria as the newest member of the troika.”
The troika system — a new mechanism to deepen collaboration between former, current, and future hosts — is a lasting legacy of the Jeddah meeting.
The Jeddah event concluded with a call to action by all member states to uphold their commitments and work toward achieving the 2030 goals outlined in the UNGA Political Declaration on AMR.
Riyadh falcon auction soars with $1.6m in sales
- 45-day event celebrates falconry traditions while fostering economic growth
RIYADH: The Saudi Falcon Club concluded its auction season on Friday night, generating nearly SR6 million ($1.6 million) in sales over a 45-day event, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The auction, held at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, drew 165 falconers and featured 50 falcons from 30 locations from all over the Kingdom.
The season’s highlight was a peregrine falcon chick from the Al-Dabdaba area in the Hafr Al-Batin governorate, which sold for SR400,000 on the sixth night — the highest price of the event.
To support participants, the club organized a closing ceremony featuring substantial prizes, including two cars and 20 cash awards totaling SR100,000.
“Our efforts align with the leadership’s vision to protect and promote authentic falconry traditions while sustaining it as a hobby,” said club spokesperson, Waleed Al-Taweel.
“This auction preserves our cultural legacy and creates economic opportunities in line with Vision 2030.”
Al-Taweel highlighted the club’s transformation of traditional falconry into a thriving economic sector, with its auction platform now the Kingdom’s largest official falcon marketplace, aligning with Vision 2030’s cultural and economic goals.
“Our ambition is to make Saudi Arabia the premier destination for falcon enthusiasts and breeders,” he said.
He also emphasized the club’s focus on market development and conservation, including regulating falcon trade and protecting endangered species through sales bans and awareness campaigns.
The finale saw three falcons sell for a combined SR367,000. The auction has become a key marketplace for local and international falcon-breeding farms, offering business opportunities for professional falconers and showcasing elite breeds.
The club provides extensive services to falconers, including housing and transporting birds to the auction site. Each sale is broadcast live on television and social media, ensuring competitive bidding, according to SPA.
The event plays a vital role in preserving Saudi Arabia’s cultural, economic and historical heritage while supporting falconry activities and developing the local falcon auction market into a global hub. It also aims to regulate the falcon trade in the Kingdom and protect endangered species.
During the club’s first auction in 2020, total sales exceeded SR10 million. The second auction brought SR8.3 million, the third more than SR7 million, and the fourth SR10 million.
KSrelief continues humanitarian work in Gaza, Jordan and Yemen
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) humanitarian activities continue with the delivery of food and medical services in Gaza, Jordan and Yemen.
At the Gaza Strip, the Saudi aid agency deployed a convoy of 30 trucks loaded with 10,560 shelter bags filled with essential supplies allocated for the Palestinian people, and to be distributed through the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization.
In Jordan’s Zaatari Camp, KSrelief clinics provided medical services to 2,483 refugee patients. The internal medicine specialists treated 122 patients suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma; pediatricians received 285 children, while the emergency medical doctors treated 253 patients, among others.
In Hadhramaut governorate of Yemen, KSrelief delivered a new batch of hemodialysis solutions and supplies to the Fatima Babtain Center for kidney failure patients in Sayoun.
Riyadh Zoo returns with new interactive experiences as part of Riyadh Season
- Entry is free for all, visitors can book tickets through the webook platform
RIYADH: Home to more than 1,400 animals from 190 species, Riyadh Zoo is back for its third year as part of Riyadh Season, offering visitors of all ages new interactive and educational experiences.
Beginning Oct. 30, the zoo opened its doors to the public free of charge. Visitors can book tickets through the webook platform and explore a variety of animals in natural habitats that mimic their original environments.
Among the new experiences is “Croc Cave,” where guests can safely observe crocodiles from secure platforms. The “Bird Zone” features a range of exotic birds, allowing visitors to engage with them up close and even feed them. Another highlight is the “Kangaroo Yard,” where guests can interact with and take photos of the famous Australian animals.
A new bird show has also been introduced, where trained birds perform entertaining and skilful tricks and routines, delighting the audience. The zoo’s educational offerings have been enhanced with an interactive farm experience, allowing visitors to learn more about nature and animal life through hands-on activities.
Riyadh Zoo operate daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and spans 161,000 square meters. The venue also includes food stalls and mobile food trucks to cater to visitors throughout the day.
Located in Al-Malaz neighborhood, it is one of the key attractions of Riyadh Season.
Seung-Min shin, a frequent visitor at the zoo, told Arab News she had taken her son who was deeply interested in the animals’ various behaviors.
“The flying birds and the absence of cages for each animal — where we can go inside and touch them — that’s the beauty here,” she added.
Visitor Fatima Hashim, emphasized the educational value for young visitors on offer, saying: “Seeing animals in real life helps children learn about animals, their nature, habitats, and the different types of mammals and birds. The experience was wonderful … the staff at the zoo focused on teaching children how to feed the animals, helping them have the full experience.”
According to Riyadh Zoo’s website, several rare and endangered animals have been born so far at the site, and the zoo also witnessed the Gulf’s first animal birth by cesarean section.
Riyadh Zoo’s layout includes zones designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities, with fewer stairs and more flat surfaces, allowing everyone to explore the park with ease and enjoy a complete experience.
Riyadh Zoo was originally established in 1957 as a private menagerie for King Saud and the Saudi royal family. It opened to the public in 1987.
How Saudi Arabia is helping to drive equitable energy transitions in Africa
- Saudi ‘Empowering Africa’ initiative bridges energy inequality through leveraging the continent’s untapped solar, wind, and hydropower
- The initiative aims to uplift communities and foster sustainable growth by reducing reliance on imported fuels and building local infrastructure
BAKU: As world leaders at this year’s UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, discuss the responsibility of developed nations to finance climate action in vulnerable regions, South-South cooperation is emerging as a transformative force driving equitable energy transitions.
Saudi Arabia has established itself as a leader in this collaboration between countries in the Global South, leveraging its resources, expertise, and strategic partnerships to unlock Africa’s renewable energy potential and shape a more sustainable future.
In November last year, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed groundbreaking memorandums of understanding with five African nations — Ethiopia, Senegal, Chad, Nigeria, and Rwanda.
The agreements, finalized during the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference in Riyadh, aim to strengthen collaboration in oil, gas, and renewables, representing a holistic approach to energy development.
“These partnerships symbolize more than economic exchanges; they represent our shared commitment to sustainable growth,” Prince Abdulaziz said at the event. “Africa’s energy potential is vast, and Saudi Arabia is committed to supporting its development for mutual prosperity.”
The five agreements align with Africa’s distinct energy opportunities. For instance, Ethiopia seeks to bolster its hydropower infrastructure, while Rwanda is focused on advancing innovation in oil demand management and integrating renewable energy.
These MoUs also emphasize Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting localized solutions in line with global climate goals.
To bridge the energy equity gap on the African continent, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy last year introduced the Empowering Africa initiative. The project leverages Africa’s untapped solar, wind, and hydropower resources to provide clean and reliable electricity to underserved regions.
This effort plays a key role in improving energy access in areas where electricity deficits hinder economic development and quality of life.
DID YOUKNOW?
• Africa has 10 TW of untapped solar energy and 350 GW of hydroelectric power.
• Continent posses more than 70 percent of the world’s cobalt, a vital mineral for green technologies.
According to a 2022 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency, Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 75 percent of the world’s population without access to electricity, making it the most energy-deficient continent.
The African Development Bank recently noted that Africa needs $130-170 billion annually to close its infrastructure gap, facing a financing shortfall of up to $108 billion.
Abid Malik, the geo head for Central Asia at the Saudi energy leader ACWA Power, said the projects associated with the Empowering Africa initiative “aren’t just about power” but also focus on “community upliftment and sustainable growth.”
On the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Malik told Arab News: “By reducing dependency on imported fuels and creating local infrastructure, these efforts provide resilience against global energy volatility.”
African countries also have more than a fifth of the world’s reserves in minerals critical for the energy transition, according to the UN Trade and Development.
These minerals, including cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, make the continent crucial to the global renewable energy supply chain. Such resources are foundational to technologies like electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines.
Despite this, much of Africa’s value-added manufacturing in green technology occurs elsewhere, and the continent captures less than half of its potential revenue from minerals.
Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of UNCTAD, has warned that critical minerals could create a “development trap” for resource-rich, vulnerable countries due to commodity dependence.
She stressed the urgent need for these nations, which rely on raw materials for most of their export revenue, to move up global value chains.
Saudi Arabia has therefore prioritized partnerships that tap into Africa’s rich mineral resources while fostering localized value creation.
“These collaborations are about ensuring Africa benefits from its own resources,” said Malik of ACWA Power. “The focus is not just on extraction but on building industries that create jobs, generate revenue, and drive technological innovation.”
One such cooperation with Chad aims to integrate solar technology into existing energy frameworks while developing mining infrastructure to support critical mineral extraction. These efforts reflect a forward-looking strategy that aligns African nations with the Paris Agreement while driving economic growth.
Opinion
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Indeed, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change focuses on the development of carbon markets, which are carbon pricing mechanisms allowing governments as well as non-state actors to trade greenhouse gas emission credits.
Under this article, parties can voluntarily cooperate to meet emission reduction targets outlined in their nationally determined contributions. This allows a party to transfer carbon credits earned through emissions reductions to help others achieve their climate goals.
And as financing gaps remain a key challenge hampering progress in the Global South, Saudi Arabia is leading efforts to deploy innovative mechanisms, including voluntary carbon markets.
Riham El-Gizy, the CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Voluntary Carbon Markets Company, stressed the significance of directing climate finance to Africa.
“Only 2 percent of global climate finance reaches the Global South. This needs to change,” El-Gizy told Arab News at COP29.
Although Africa accounts for nine of the world’s 10 most climate-vulnerable countries, the continent receives a mere 3-4 percent of global climate finance, according to the African Development Bank.
To boost funding for local African communities, Saudi-backed initiatives, through voluntary carbon markets, are enabling the continent’s countries to monetize their carbon reduction efforts.
“By providing a platform for rural renewable energy projects, we’re creating a pipeline for funding that directly benefits local communities,” said El-Gizy.
This approach not only reduces emissions but also empowers rural areas with much-needed resources, bridging gaps in both finance and energy access.
Saudi Arabia’s leadership in South-South cooperation offers a roadmap for inclusive energy transitions. Its strategy, spanning renewable energy, critical minerals, and carbon markets, underscores the power of equitable partnerships in addressing the climate crisis.
As COP29 unfolds, the emphasis on South-South collaboration reaffirms that Africa’s potential as a renewable energy leader can only be realized through partnerships that prioritize shared growth.
Saudi Arabia’s investments in Africa showcase how collaboration can drive sustainable development, paving the way for a cleaner, more inclusive global energy future.
