The first batch of aid consists of 50 tons of food & essentials…reports Asian Lite News
Leading retail conglomerate, LuLu Group has lent a compassionate hand to the people of Gaza, sending much needed relief materials. The first batch of aid consists of 50 tonnes of food products and other essentials such as medicines and hygiene products were handed over the Egypt Red Crescent authorities in Cairo, today.
Dr. Rami El Nasser, Chief Executive Officer of the Egypt Red Crescent received the aid from Lulu Egypt and Bahrain Director Juzer Rupawala, Regional Director Husefa Qureshi, and LuLu Egypt Manager Hatim Sayeed. The Red Crescent authorities will deliver these items in Arish town through the Al Rafah border.
Dr. Rami El Nasser welcomed the initiative and expressed his gratitude to LuLu Group and its Chairman Yusuff Ali for this timely support for the people of Palestine.
LuLu Group is also a key partner of UAE’s “Tarahum for Gaza” relief campaign, and has set up special aid centers at various Lulu hypermarkets to collect & send various aid materials in association with Emirates Red Crescent.
Lulu Group is closely working with other Gulf countries based Humanitarian agencies for similar initiatives. Recently Lulu Group in Bahrain had donated BD25000 (approx. Dhs. 250,000) to the Royal Humanitarian Foundation in support of the Bahrain National Campaign.
At COP28, the European Union calls on all parties to take urgent action to bring down greenhouse gas emissions …reports Asian Lite News
The 28th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai is bound to make ambitious results in global climate action, Wopke Hoekstra, the European Union’s Commissioner for Climate Action, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
“We cannot leave Dubai without more ambition on climate mitigation,” he said on the sidelines of the conference.
“If we fail to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement, no amount of money will be enough to cover the damage. Just look at what’s already happening with a global temperature increase of 1.2 degrees,” Hoekstra pointed out.
EU’s single voice
At COP28, the European Union calls on all parties to take urgent action to bring down greenhouse gas emissions and respect all the commitments made under the Paris Agreement, he noted.
“As always, the 27 EU Member States speak with one voice, based on our common negotiating position. With our strong EU mandate, we will do our utmost in Dubai to drive forward climate action and build a greener future where nobody is left behind.”
The Commissioner observed that COP28 marks a crunch moment for global climate action. “The EU’s bar for success is high. There is no time to lose.”
Commitment to deliver a successful outcome
The commissioner said that in light of the several conversations he had with Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and COP28 President, he believes that “he and his team are very committed to delivering a successful outcome for the world and next generations.”
Hoekstra is confident that COP28 Presidency understand the need to facilitate the highest possible ambition, especially with regard to mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and climate finance.
Significance of Global Stocktake
He emphasised the significance of the first-ever UN Global Stocktake at COP28 – an exercise for all countries to look back at their progress on climate action after the Paris Agreement and draw conclusions on how much is still to be done.
“It is already clear that the world is not on track to limit global warming to 1.5 °C. But the window is still open. The Global Stocktake is a moment for all countries to reflect and act without delay. Every party needs to accelerate their climate ambitions.”
Hoekstra expressed his optimism that the word could still offer the next generations a 1.5-degree future [global warming limit]. “It requires that the entire world takes action to reduce emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change.”
Crucial Loss and Damage fund
Talking about operationalising the Loss and Damage Fund, a breakthrough achieved on the very first day of COP28, to which EU member states have made significant contributions, the commissioner said, “I want to make sure this fund becomes operational. It is important that the fund supports the most vulnerable and that every country that has the ability to contribute to the fund actually does so.”
He stressed it is important that every country in the world with the ability to contribute actually does so.
“This is our responsibility to act, and not only the EU, but the whole world. Equally, climate finance and how we actively support nations in the Global South to mitigate and adapt to climate change, need to be high on the agenda,” Hoekstra said.
He quoted a “good news”, the recent estimate of OECD (the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) that said developed nations may have achieved their overdue promise of US$100 billion to help poorer countries cope with climate change in 2022. Of that, the EU and its 27 Member States contributed around US$30 billion (€28.5 billion), the commissioner said.
Need for urgent action
Talking about the urgent need to act, he said, “Climate change is a crisis that we all face.”
Every country in the world is already confronting the impacts, whether it is flooding after heavy rains, extended droughts, extreme weather events, or loss of habitats and livelihoods.
Science, meanwhile, is abundantly clear about what we need to do and keeps giving us warning calls in every report released, the commissioner pointed out.
“We cannot steer away from our climate goals – future generations across the world are depending on us. This is why, I will continue to push for the highest possible climate ambition in Dubai.”
The announcements span sectors including buildings, waste and resource management systems, urban water resilience, and urban nature restoration…reports Asian Lite News
Over 40 ministers met today in Dubai in support of subnational climate action, joining the COP28 Presidency to announce a series of partnerships to accelerate the net-zero transition and climate resilience in cities.
The announcements span sectors including buildings, waste and resource management systems, urban water resilience, and urban nature restoration. They build on the 1st December launch of the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships for Climate Action (CHAMP) to include cities and regions in the design of federal climate commitments and strategies.
“Meeting the aims of the Paris Agreement and keeping 1.5°C within reach depends on the leadership and support of the world’s mayors and governors,” said Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President. “That is why at COP28 we have empowered leaders and communities by launching CHAMP and working with organisations like UN-Habitat and Bloomberg Philanthropies to recognise and support the important roles cities and their leaders can play in addressing climate change.”
Multilevel Action, Urbanisation, Built Environment and Transport Day hosted the second Urban Climate Ministerial, co-organised with United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28,and concludes a week of unprecedented mayoral and gubernatorial participation in the COP process. Brazil’s Minister of Cities, Jader Barbalho Filho, closed the meeting by announcing Brazil’s plans to widen participation and mobilisation for the Ministerial at COP30.
The COP28 Presidency and Bloomberg Philanthropies partnered to deliver the Local Climate Action Summit (LCAS) (1-2 December), which saw over 500 subnational leaders join the summit portion of a COP for the first time. Nearly US$500 million of new city-focused climate investment was also announced.
6 December outcomes include:
-Buildings Breakthrough The Buildings Breakthrough, launched with the support of 27 countries, is led by France and Morocco. The partnership aims to make ‘near-zero and resilient buildings’ the new normal by 2030, addressing the fact that the building sector alone accounts for nearly 40 percent of global energy-related CO2 emissions, 50 percent of extracted materials, and one-third of global waste.
-Cement Breakthrough The Cement and Concrete Breakthrough was launched by Canada and the UAE, along with an inaugural cohort of endorsing countries that include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan and Germany. The initiative strives to make clean cement the preferred choice in global markets, with near-zero emission cement production established and growing in every region of the world by 2030.
– Waste to Zero initiative Waste to Zero is a voluntary coalition made up of governments of all levels, NGOs, and the private sector to decarbonise the waste management sector and transform waste into resources . Waste to Zero is an official initiative under the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’ and spearheaded by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company (Tadweer), and Roland Berger.
-Waste MAP The Waste MAP is the first-ever global platform to use satellite monitoring to track and measure methane emissions from waste, developed by the Global Methane Hub , Google Foundation, Rocky Mountain Institute, Clean Air Taskforce (CATF), the Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON)/GHGSat, and Carbon Mapper. Local governments and NGOs can use the platform to identify and mitigate methane emissions before they become hazardous. The platform is set to go live in 20 global megacities that are collectively home to over 100 million people.
Two new programmes to accelerate the adoption of 15-minute city (15MC)/proximity planning policies and measure their impact.
C40, a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities, is increasing actions to accelerate the adoption of the 15-minute City (15MC) – highly liveable, walkable, and people-oriented cities. The Green and Thriving Neighborhoods programme created in collaboration with Urban Partners provides deep support to more than 40 cities to help them turn the 15MC into reality through the implementation of concrete pilot projects. C40 also launched a tool to measure the impacts of 15MC with Novo Nordisk. The Healthy Neighborhoods Explorer, created with Novo Nordisk’s Cities will enable policymakers to measure how 15MCs significantly reduce emissions and offer residents better health.
-Generation Restoration project Guided by the Paris Agreement and the Global Biodiversity Framework, the Generation Restoration project (2023-2025) is currently supporting pilot projects to catalyze urban ecosystem restoration and emissions mitigation in eight world cities . These cities include Douala (Cameroon); Dakar-Plateau Thies (Senegal); Quezon City (the Philippines); Kochi (India); Sirajganj (Bangladesh); Samborondon (Ecuador); Mexico City (Mexico); and Manaus (Brazil).
World transport systems are vital for people’s lives and livelihoods, with transport representing around 22 percent of global carbon emissions.
Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the GWU, said the exhibition’s location at COP28 is a fitting tribute to the 17 women whose stories are being told at this global event….reports Asian Lite News
The COP28 is hosting the international photo exhibition “17 Faces of Action.” The exhibition showcases 17 Emirati women leaders who have made a difference in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is also a joint effort by the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva, the Swiss Association for Women and Empowerment, the General Women’s Union (GWU), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE.
The exhibition, a joint effort by the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva, the Association of Swiss Women Empowerment (ASWE), the General Women’s Union (GWU), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, will run until 10th December, 2023, showcases 17 portraits of prominent Emirati female leaders, representing inspiring stories supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.
Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the GWU, said the exhibition’s location at COP28 is a fitting tribute to the 17 women whose stories are being told at this global event.
The UAE is proud to host the exhibition, she added, thanking the UN Office in Geneva and the ASWE for their efforts to honour the contributions of women and promote their role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
She also pointed out that 17 exhibitions are set to be held in 17 countries, showcasing 17 women from each country who achieved remarkable successes in community development and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Afterwards, one major exhibition will be held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, combining the artworks showcased in the aforementioned exhibitions.
The international exhibition showcases a group of women who have made a positive difference for humanity, said Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General, UN Geneva.
The UAE is the first Arab country and the sixth international destination to host the exhibition, which was previously held in Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Portugal, Georgia, and Vietnam, she added, expressing her happiness at the opportunity to present the exhibition in the green zone of COP28.
The “17 Faces of Action” project consists in photographing in 17 countries, members of the United Nations, 17 women, whose contributions have had an impact on the development of society and in the achievement of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations in their respective countries.
Each of the 17 selected woman in each country chooses to express her views on one of the SDGs. The project was launched in 2022 and will be completed in 2024. For its final stage, the portraits taken in all 17 countries will be showcased to visitors as part of a general exhibition at the United Nations Office at Geneva.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.(photo:Twitter)
Gilad Ergan said that the Secretary-General decided to activate this rare clause only when it allows him to put pressure on Israel, which was fighting the Nazi Hamas terrorists…reports Asian Lite News
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan on Thursday alleged that Secretary General Antonio Guterres was playing into the hands of Hamas and reiterated the demand for his immediate resignation.
Erdan was responding to the UN Secretary-General’s appeal to the Security Council to call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. “Today, the Secretary-General has reached a new moral low,” he said in a statement.
He said that he is activating, “for the first time,” Article 99 of the UN Charter in relation to the Israel-Hamas war, an article that can only be invoked in a situation where international peace and security are threatened.
Gilad Ergan said that the Secretary-General decided to activate this rare clause only when it allows him to put pressure on Israel, which was fighting the Nazi Hamas terrorists.
He said that this was more proof of the Secretary-General’s moral distortion and his bias against Israel. Ergan said, “The Secretary-General’s call for a ceasefire is actually a call to keep Hamas’ reign of terror in Gaza.”
“Instead of the Secretary-General explicitly pointing to Hamas’ responsibility for the situation and calling on the terrorist leaders to turn themselves in and return the hostages, thus ending the war, the Secretary-General chooses to continue playing into Hamas’ hands.”
The Israel Ambassador to the United Nations said, “The distorted positions of the Secretary-General only prolong the fighting in Gaza, because they give hope to the Hamas terrorists that the war will be stopped and they will be able to survive”.
He said that the UN needs a Secretary-General who supports the war on terror, not a Secretary-General who acts according to the script written by Hamas.
Turk addressed the reports of sexual violence committed by Hamas, which he said he took extremely seriously…reports Asian Lite News
The UN’s Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, expressed that Palestinians are enduring an “increasing, profound horror,” as reported by the media.
Turk was speaking in Geneva, where he told journalists that in the conflict in Gaza there was a heightened risk of “atrocity crimes,” BBC reported.
He also warned both Israel and Hamas leaders against what he said were “dehumanising statements” which could be seen by a competent court as “incitement to atrocity crimes”.
Turk also addressed the reports of sexual violence committed by Hamas, which he said he took extremely seriously,
They must be investigated, he added, because the victims must get justice, BBC reported.
He revealed that he had written to the Israeli government in the second week of October, offering to deploy a team of UN human rights monitors to investigate the attacks on Israel.
He said he had yet to receive an answer, but still hoped for a response.
Israel has traditionally refused to cooperate with UN human rights investigators, claiming they are biased, BBC reported.
Israel’s relationship with international organisations like the UN and the ICRC has worsened recently, amid claims by Israel that they are neglecting the suffering of Israelis in the Hamas attack, and sensitivity from Israel over aid agencies’ vocal concerns about the conduct of the war in Gaza.
This week Israel said it would not renew the visa of the Resident UN humanitarian coordinator in the occupied Palestinian territories, because it had lost trust in her.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (L) awards the highest Palestinian medal to Chinese President Xi Jinping after their talks in Beijing, capital of China.(Xinhua_Yao Dawei)
Analysts say China has a long-term game plan in mind in criticizing Israel and condoning Hamas; to gain favour in the Middle East as well as with countries sympathetic to the Palestinian cause in regions such as Africa and Latin America and wean them away from the fold of the United States .. writes Dr Haroon Rashid
The Hamas terror attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip have provided Beijing with the opportunity to fish in troubled water. Instead of working with the world community to find a solution to the crisis, the mandarins of the Communist Party of China are trying to muddy the water even more to increase their geopolitical influence in the Middle East and fulfil the ambition of China emerging as a superpower.
In the light of such a Chinese design, there is much merit in the stand of India to abstain from voting in the recent motion before the United Nations for a ceasefire in Gaza. For one thing, New Delhi cannot side with the cause of terror; particularly in view of the fact that India itself is one of the worst victims of terror sponsored by Islamic fundamentalism. But India has seen through the game of China and New Delhi is now doubly cautious so that the Chinese designs in the Middle East do not succeed.
President of the United States Joe Biden gave a hint on October 26 in a joint Press conference in Washington with Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese of what Beijing could be up to in the Gaza Strip. He said he was convinced that one of the reasons why Hamas launched the terrorist attack on Israel was the recent announcement in the G-20 Summit in New Delhi of the India – Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor that would integrate the entire region with a railroad network. If this is true, it is all the more the reason New Delhi should not take any stand that will encourage Hamas in any way. And, Presidents of the United States usually do not talk through the hat.
The new economic corridor was jointly announced by the U.S., India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union on the occasion of the G20 Summit in New Delhi last September. Many see this as an alternative to the Belt and Road Initiative of China. India is a member of I2U2, a partnership formed at the initiative of the United States in 2021; the three other members of the partnership being Israel, the UAE and the USA. This partnership identifies bankable projects and initiatives to tackle challenges confronting the world. Some see in this initiative an alternative offered by the democratic world to the growing influence of Beijing in the Gulf countries and beyond, in Africa.
Behind the Hamas attack in Israel could have been a wily ploy to instigate Israel to launch an attack on Gaza Strip so that the entire Islamic world is antagonized and the Gulf countries decide not to do anything with a partnership with Israel as a member, say analysts. The question remains then if Hamas has been working at the behest of any vested interest; and who this vested interest is. So far, Beijing has not condemned in strong terms the terror attack launched by Hamas that killed about 1,400 people in Israel. A large number of Israeli citizens were also taken hostage by Hamas. On the other hand, Beijing has criticized Tel Aviv in strong terms, saying the Israeli response has been out of proportion with the offence committed by Hamas.
Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi has gone on record saying that the acts of Israel in Gaza to target Hamas had “gone beyond self-defence.” In its first statement following the Hamas attack and initial Israeli reaction, China had urged both sides to “exercise restraint” and opt for a “two-state solution.” In response, senior official in the Israeli embassy in Beijing Yuval Waks had expressed disappointment. Israel thought China was a friend, he said. “When people are being murdered, slaughtered in the streets, this s not the time to call for a two-state solution,” he said.
Analysts say China has a long-term game plan in mind in criticizing Israel and condoning Hamas; to gain favour in the Middle East as well as with countries sympathetic to the Palestinian cause in regions such as Africa and Latin America and wean them away from the fold of the United States. “China is clearly afraid of offending the Arab side,” former U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford, now with Washington-based think-tank Middle East Institute, has been quoted as saying.
But in making such statements, Beijing has really been working on a long-term game-plan and thinking far beyond the Middle East. Through its anti-Israel rhetoric, Beijing is trying to get close to nations where it has plans to extend investment in infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative, from highways to polluting thermal power plants to massive new ports. These are the countries in Africa and Latin America which often say the fight of the Palestinians against Israel is something like fighting colonization. South Africa, for instance, has said that “the new conflagration has arisen from the continued illegal occupation of Palestinian land and oppression of the people.”
Euronews has commented that Chinese state agents are using the information chaos surrounding the war between Israel and Hamas to Beijing’s advantage; glorifying violence, promoting hate and helping to spread false claims on what is happening on the ground in the Middle East; posting misinformation to promote anti-Semitic feelings and phobia in Islamic countries.
A study by the U.K. – based Institute for Strategic Dialogue which monitors the spread of extremism and misinformation online, has found that Chinese agents are exploiting the crisis to advance the geopolitical agenda of Beijing. Data collected from Facebook and X accounts belonging to officials of the Communist Party of China, diplomatic representatives and the state media between October 7 and 18, right after the surprise attack of Hamas on Israel, indicate that Beijing is using the information chaos to serve the interests of China. “While Facebook posts remained neutral, insisting on condemning all acts that harm civilians, Chinese state media accounts on X denounced the U.S. for supposedly seeking economic advantage from the escalation,” the report is quoted to have said. “The same accounts have called out Western politicians and mainstream media for turning a ‘blind eye’ to the victims of Gaza.”
Senior Analyst of ID Julia Smirnova has been quoted to have said: “It may not come as a surprise that authoritarian states are trying to exploit the confusion around the Israel – Hamas conflict to advance their own geopolitical agenda,” and to “deepen mistrust towards democratic institutions and the media.”
Notably, in June 2023 President of China Xi Jinping and President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas finalized a “strategic partnership,” with Beijing pledging to increase cooperation with and funding to the Palestinian Authority. “China and Palestine are close friends and partners who trust and support each other,” President Xi was quoted to have said on the occasion.”
It will surely help the cause of China in Taiwan if the U.S. becomes too busy managing the two wars which are already raging in two corners of the globe, in Ukraine and Gaza Strip. It will thus help the Chinese strategy to extend moral support to the terrorist group Hamas, if stopping short of actually extending material support to them. There is one factor, however, which may prevent Beijing from openly supporting the cause of terror. Alienating Israel may come at a high cost for China, say analysts. China has a lucrative tech-sector trade with Israel, with Beijing often importing more than $1 billion worth of semiconductors a year from Israel.
China has been one of four countries that had voted in favour of a U.N. Security Council resolution drafted by Russia on October 16, urging a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel – Hamas war that was rejected for not condemning the surprise attack of Hamas on Israel. There were five votes in favour and four against. For the Security Council to adopt a resolution, the proposal must receive at least nine votes in favour; with none of its five permanent members opposing or casting a veto.
“This makes it clear where China stands,” the Time magazine has commented. “China’s unwillingness to condemn Hamas and its call for an end to violence on both sides may stem from the interest in keeping itself in the good grace of Arab states in the region where China is eyeing an ambitious economic expansion — through the BRI.”
The war in Palestine has alarmed China as the region is crucial to the BRI for its energy exports. Chinese investments and construction projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE under BRI have totalled $56.28 billion and $40.81 billion, according to the Time magazine. In this backdrop, the formation of the I2U2 partnership has clearly unnerved China as the partnership is challenging the BRI. Beijing has no qualms about extending moral support to a terrorist group like Hamas to protect its vested interests in the Middle East.
The GRCA has brought within its folds 124 more river-cities/towns to reach figure of 267 today….reports Asian Lite News
A Memorandum of Common Purpose was signed between Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative representing 124 cites/ towns on the Mississippi banks and G. Asok Kumar, Spl Secretary and DG, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) representing RCA with 142 cities/towns on Indian river banks as members at the Rotary Hall, at CoP28.
The GRCA has brought within its folds 124 more river-cities/towns to reach figure of 267 today. This is a step closer to the launch of the Global River Coties Alliance, according to a statement.
More will be joining on 10th of December 2023 during official GRCA launch, the official said.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan checked on the health conditions of the children and their families, met with the medical teams supervising the treatment and rehabilitation plans….reports Asian Lite News
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), has visited wounded Palestinian children and cancer patients receiving medical treatment in UAE hospitals in implementation of directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to provide treatment to 1,000 Palestinian children and their families from Gaza Strip.
During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan checked on the health conditions of the children and their families, met with the medical teams supervising the treatment and rehabilitation plans. He also listened to an explanation about the nature of the medical cases and the extent of their recovery.
Sheikh Hamdan directed the provision of the best-in-class health care, wishing everyone a speedy recovery and that God bless them with health and safety.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised the UAE’s keenness to stand by the people of the Gaza Strip and alleviate their suffering in light of the difficult humanitarian conditions they are going through. He pointed out that the country’s wise leadership has provided all the necessary health and medical capabilities and requirements for the sick and injured so that they can return safely to their homes, which reflects the UAE’s approach and long-standing commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and alleviating the humanitarian crisis they face, especially the most vulnerable groups, especially women and children.
The Guld Cooperation Council has called on the UN Security Council to fulfil its responsibility to end the war, stressing that regional security cannot be achieved without permanent peace, and permanent peace is not possible without a solution to the Palestinian issue….reports Asian Lite News
The principle of self-defence does not permit the crimes of genocide committed by Israel and that Israel has violated humanitarian and moral standards in the Gaza Strip, said Qatari Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
This was conveyed at the 44th Session of the Gulf Cooperation Council Supreme Council. The summit was inaugurated yesterday in Doha by His Highness Sheikh Tamim Al Thani.
The summit addressed ways to build upon the historical cooperation and joint work between GCC nations to achieve the aspirations of their people. The meeting also covered key regional and international developments and joint efforts in this regard.
The summit was also attended by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, in the presence of Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
In his opening remarks, His Highness Sheikh Tamim stressed that rapid regional and international developments require enhanced consultation and coordination to address their impact, expressing his confidence in the ability of Gulf Cooperation Council nations to contribute to resolving regional issues.
He said that the summit is being held in light of the ongoing tragedy and unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe facing the Palestinian people, especially in the Gaza Strip.
His Highness added that the tragedy has another dimension: the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in obtaining their rights. He called on the UN Security Council to fulfil its responsibility to end the war, stressing that regional security cannot be achieved without permanent peace, and permanent peace is not possible without a solution to the Palestinian issue.
His Highness the UAE President offered remarks in which he expressed his appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, for his kind invitation to attend the summit, as well as his generous reception and hospitality. His Highness also commended the efforts and achievements of the Sultanate of Oman during its presidency of the 43rd Session of the Council.
His Highness remarked, “We laud achievements to date in the Gulf Cooperation Council in deepening cooperation and enhancing cohesion among our peoples. We look forward to additional integration endeavours in various fields to promote greater stability and prosperity for our region and the entire world.”
His Highness added that the UAE, inspired by the values and principles of its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, stresses the importance of strengthening cooperation to combat incitement, hatred, extremism, and terrorism in light of regional and global developments.
His Highness pointed out that the region and world face multiple challenges, including ensuring energy and food security, enhancing efforts to mitigate climate change, promoting global health, and addressing challenges related to various conflicts. His Highness added that confronting these challenges requires a balanced approach based on dialogue and diplomacy, as well as adherence to international law, principles, and treaties.
In this regard, His Highness the President stressed that the UAE believes in the importance of multilateral action, diplomacy, and dialogue to build confidence and lay the foundations for peace based on the United Nations Charter and international conventions.
His Highness stated that Gulf Cooperation Council nations represent successful models of regional and international engagement by building partnerships and playing a constructive and effective role in the regional and international spheres. He called upon GCC nations to continue making positive contributions to international action in efforts to foster security and peace while achieving stability and prosperity.
His Highness also underscored that in light of ongoing tensions in the region and the increasing intensity of the war in Gaza, the UAE has worked with its partners to reach an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and provide protection for civilians, avoid the expansion of the conflict that threatens regional stability and security, and identify a political horizon for a comprehensive peace. His Highness expressed appreciation for efforts by the State of Qatar, alongside the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, to reach a temporary truce, prompt the release of detainees, and increase the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
His Highness said, “While we regret that the truce has not continued, we urge further efforts to achieve a ceasefire. We also stress that the top priority remains providing humanitarian support and ensuring safe, sustained, and at-scale humanitarian corridors to respond to the increasing needs of civilians in the Gaza Strip.”
His Highness noted that the history of the conflict has proven that repeated escalation and confrontation cannot be stopped without a political horizon and a just, lasting, and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue. His Highness emphasised that the UAE stresses the need to end Israeli occupation of all Palestinian lands and establish an independent Palestinian state.
