Sheikh Khaled also met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where they explored opportunities to enhance bilateral ties across various sectors….reports Asian Lite News
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, engaged in a series of high-level meetings with global leaders on the sidelines of the 19th G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The discussions focused on advancing the UAE’s strategic partnerships and fostering global collaboration on issues of shared interest.
In his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Sheikh Khaled emphasized the historical ties between the UAE and France, underscoring a shared commitment to deepening cooperation and strategic alliances. Both leaders highlighted the importance of joint efforts to support the objectives of the G20 summit.
Sheikh Khaled also met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where they explored opportunities to enhance bilateral ties across various sectors. They stressed the importance of collaborative efforts with G20 member states to promote regional and global stability and prosperity.
During talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to strengthening its deep-rooted partnership with Egypt. The leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed collaborative approaches to advance G20 goals while emphasizing the significance of ongoing coordination between their nations.
In a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Sheikh Khaled delivered a written message from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, inviting him to the World Government Summit 2025 in Dubai. The discussion focused on bolstering UAE-South Africa ties and enhancing cooperation to support shared objectives.
Across all discussions, Sheikh Khaled reiterated the UAE’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and leveraging collective efforts to address challenges and achieve sustainable development, reflecting the nation’s active role on the international stage.
Dr. Al Dahak emphasised that the significance of COP28 lies in it being the most inclusive conference hosted to date…reports Asian Lite News
Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, delivered the UAE’s National Statement at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, reaffirming the country’s commitment to promoting multilateral collective action and inclusivity in realising the world’s climate goals.
In the presence of the Heads of States, Presidents, and representatives of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Dr. Al Dahak highlighted the UAE’s significant role in hosting COP28 last year in Dubai, as well as focusing on its historic outcomes. HE expressed the UAE’s confidence that COP29 will achieve great success, resulting in a more sustainable future for future generations and the planet.
Dr. Al Dahak emphasised that the significance of COP28 lies in it being the most inclusive conference hosted to date. The minister also outlined how COP28 also marked the first ‘Global Stocktake’ of the world’s efforts to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Al Dahak went on to stress that COP28 achieved outstanding success with the adoption of the historic ‘UAE Consensus’, which brought together 198 parties to endorse a practical roadmap to achieve a just, orderly, and equitable energy transition.
She further stressed COP28’s role in activating the essential Loss and Damage Fund as well as other key achievements that paved the way towards delivering greater global climate action.
“The UAE continues to build on the successes of COP28 by implementing ambitious initiatives that utilise innovation, technology and forge strategic partnerships to enhance its sustainable impact. These include the launch of the ‘Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative’, which aims to accelerate the development of innovative solutions to address the global water scarcity crisis,” said Dr. Al Dahak. She added that the UAE looks forward to hosting the UN 2026 Water Conference, in collaboration with Senegal, where it hopes to accelerate action on Sustainable Development Goal 6.
The minister added, “As part of the shared vision of the COP Presidencies Troika, which represents a partnership between COP28, COP29, and COP30, the UAE is committed to working closely with Azerbaijan and Brazil to strengthen unified efforts, accelerate global energy transformation, enhance climate financing, as well as advance adaptation and resilience in response to climate challenges.
Dr. Al Dahak emphasised the UAE’s substantial progress toward achieving Net Zero by 2050, driven by its dedicated and impactful efforts, including tripling its renewable energy capacity, doubling energy efficiency by 2030, and investing $55 billion (AED 200 billion) to ensure that the country’s growing energy demand is met. She noted the UAE’s success earlier this year, in collaboration with the United Nations and the Republic of Panama, in establishing the International Day of Renewable Energy.
Dr. Al Dahak went on to underscore the importance of technology as an enabler in accelerating climate action, noting that the UAE achieved a technological milestone in October 2024 by utilising green hydrogen in the production of iron and steel. This was made possible through the establishment of a sustainable industrial facility as a pilot project by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar, and Emirates Steel to produce steel using green hydrogen. This project is part of the UAE’s National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, which aims to position the UAE as a leading producer and exporter of low-emission hydrogen by 2031.
The 3rd edition of the Dubai Future Forum at the Museum of the Future has brought together over 2,500 experts from 100 countries, solidifying its status as the world’s largest gathering of futurists…reports Asian Lite News
Over the next 12 months, we won’t just witness change—it will be a series of era-defining moments, said Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF).
“The future is evolving faster than we, or even our ancestors, could have ever envisioned,” Belhoul said.
He highlighted the unprecedented pace of future design, driven by rapid advancements in technology—from the explosion of real-time data to the transformative potential of machine learning. He emphasised the need to not only keep up with these developments but also ensure they are aligned with core human values.
“We are entering an era where every industry must embrace future design and transformation—or risk being left behind,” he said.
Sara Sabry, the first Arab and African female astronaut, called on governments to do more to support young people in realising their ambitions without having to leave their home countries. Speaking at the Dubai Future Forum 2024, she emphasised the urgent need to address brain drain and nurture local ecosystems.
“We need to empower young people to stay in their countries and build ecosystems there. Brain drain is a huge issue. Our responsibility is to ensure the next generation has opportunities at home,” Sabry said during the forum’s opening panel session.
The first panel, titled ‘From Deep Space to Deep Ocean – A Journey of Exploration and Discovery’, explored how exploration fosters hope, builds resilience, and tackles urgent global challenges, including sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity loss. The session highlighted the Arab region’s potential to lead advancements in space, ocean, and Earth sciences.
“We need to inspire curiosity and ambition in our youth by giving them early access to science and technology. Education is the foundation for shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” Sabry added.
Prof. Oussama Khatib, a pioneer in deep-sea robotics and leader of the OceanOneK project, spoke about how cutting-edge robotics is revolutionising underwater exploration.
“Technology today allows us to touch, operate, and intervene at 1,000 metres underwater. This is a gamechanger for how we interact with our planet,” he said, highlighting the potential of advanced robotics to inspire innovation across the Arab world.
National Geographic Explorer Suaad Al Harthi also contributed to the discussion, focusing on the role of emerging technologies in conservation efforts.
“Technology like satellite telemetry enables us to monitor ecosystems we can’t physically access, allowing us to conserve biodiversity and tackle climate challenges more effectively,” she said, emphasising the importance of equipping youth with tools to address global issues.
In a fireside chat titled ‘Concepts of Time: How Do They Shape Our Future?’, experimental philosopher Jonathan Keats and Anne Beate Hovind, Chair of the Future Library Trust, explored the importance of long-term thinking for a sustainable future.
Keats, known as a “poet of ideas” and creator of the Millennium Camera project, shared insights on the value of speculative thinking. The project involves a specially designed camera that captures a single image over a thousand years, encouraging reflection on humanity’s long-term impact on the environment.
“If we only think about today’s problems using today’s tools, we reinforce those problems. What we desperately need is an outside perspective—history can provide that, but so can the future,” he said.
Hovind, who leads the century-long Future Library project, highlighted the role of practical optimism in driving lasting change.
“I love practical utopias—dreams within reach. These are visions we can create tomorrow. Young people often have a different understanding of time; they’re impatient for change. We need to show them that their actions today can shape the long-term future,” she said, encouraging collaboration across generations to build sustainable solutions.
In the session ‘Setting the Scene: Where is Humanity Going?’, Dr. Parag Khanna, founder of AlphaGeo, examined how interconnected systems of geography—natural, political, functional, and human—are shaping an increasingly complex world.
“When people ask, ‘Why is the world so unpredictable and uncertain?’ The answer is: because that is how we have built it. Through all the connectivity we’ve engineered, feedback loops between systems have accelerated, propelling us into uncharted territory,” Khanna explained. He stressed the importance of resilience through sustainable urban design, adaptive governance, and robust infrastructure to address challenges such as climate stress, demographic shifts, and migration.
The winners of the Dubai Future Foundation’s first-ever global sci-fi writing competition, ‘Echoes of Tomorrow’, were announced on Tuesday morning. The competition invited participants to envision a promising future inspired by the forum’s themes: Optimising Health, Futuring Nature, Empowering Generations, Transforming Humanity, and Foresight Insights.
Mohammad Abu Hawash’s ‘The Interstellar Haj’ won first place for its thought-provoking take on the theme of Transforming Humanity. Zainab BH took second place for ‘The Lifeline,’ and Killian MacDonald secured third for ‘The Last Selkie,’ both exploring the theme of Empowering Generations. The top ten stories will be published on the forum’s website, showcasing diverse visions of humanity’s future.
ICL Tours and Travels LLC, headquartered in the UAE, has achieved a significant milestone by affiliating with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Building on this recognition, the company has unveiled ambitious plans to establish over 100 new branches worldwide as part of its global expansion strategy….reports Asian Lite News
Tours and Travels LLC, a leader in the tours and travel industry specialising in personalised and sustainable travel experiences, announced its official affiliation with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
This prestigious recognition was conferred during the 122nd Session of the UNWTO Executive Council in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
As the UN’s specialised agency, UNWTO champions tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability, aligning with the 2030 Agenda through collaboration with governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders. By becoming an Affiliate Member of UNWTO, ICL Tours and Travels LLC joins a global network of over 470 organisations committed to advancing sustainable tourism.
This partnership strengthens the company’s mission to promote responsible tourism that empowers communities, preserves cultural heritage, and protects the environment.
“This partnership is a significant milestone for us,” said K.G. Anilkumar, Chairman of ICL Group of Companies. “It provides a platform to collaborate with global leaders, share best practices, and contribute to a more sustainable tourism sector. We look forward to creating impactful and responsible travel experiences that benefit travellers and the destinations we serve.”
Uma Anilkumar, Managing Director of ICL Tours and Travels LLC, added: “Our affiliation with UNWTO not only affirms our commitment to sustainability but also amplifies our ability to foster cultural exchange and community empowerment. We are excited to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global tourism.”
“Being part of the UNWTO network gives us the opportunity to collaborate on a global scale, aligning our efforts with industry leaders to drive responsible tourism,” said Amaljith A Menon, Director of ICL Group International Operations. “We are excited to work alongside like-minded organisations to deliver meaningful travel experiences.”
ICL Tours and Travels LLC’s approach is guided by three core pillars: empowering communities through economic growth and development opportunities, promoting responsible travel to protect natural and cultural heritage, and fostering cultural exchange to celebrate and understand diverse communities. Through its UNWTO affiliation, the company is poised to amplify its contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The partnership enables ICL Tours to showcase its initiatives, collaborate with like-minded organisations, participate in global projects, and access valuable industry insights, all while benefiting from the institutional support and credibility of UNWTO. This recognition marks a step forward in ICL Tours and Travels LLC’s journey to shape a more ethical and impactful global tourism landscape.
Dubai Future Forum, world’s largest gathering of futurists, will provide an optimal platform for global thought leaders to develop actionable solutions for the future…reports Asian Lite News
The third edition of the Dubai Future Forum, the world’s largest gathering of futurists, kickstarted today, at the Museum of the Future.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), the event will provide an optimal platform for global thought leaders to develop actionable solutions for the future.
Hosted by Dubai Future Foundation, the Forum, held until November 20, bringing together over 150 prominent speakers from the UAE and around the world. It will also welcome more than 2,500 experts from around 100 countries, along with representatives from 100 leading international organisations specialising in futurism.
Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Managing Director of DFF, referred to the Dubai Future Forum as a global platform for future foresight and collaboration. Reflecting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Forum underscores Dubai’s commitment to preparing for the future and capitalising on emerging opportunities.
Al Gergawi said: “Dubai and the UAE have become a global hub for futurists passionate about shaping the future to explore transformative shifts, identify priorities, and raise recommendations to support decision-makers to ensure global readiness for future changes.”
“Rapid transformations in technology, society, and the environment make it essential to continuously revisit our government’s priorities for future readiness and the tools needed to achieve this. A government’s success depends on its ability to anticipate and benefit from future opportunities. Through the Dubai Future Forum, we will bring together experts and decision-makers to build strong international partnerships and design solutions for a better future for all humanity,” Al Gergawi added.
The Forum will delve into five key themes: Foresight Insights, Transforming Humanity, Optimising Health, Empowering Generations, and Futuring Nature. These themes will be explored through multiple sessions addressing some of the most critical challenges and opportunities shaping our world.
The opening day of the Dubai Future Forum 2024 will feature a dynamic program of panels and keynote sessions, beginning with ‘From Deep Space to Deep Ocean: A Future of Exploration and Discovery’, featuring Sara Sabry, the first Arab and African female astronaut, Professor Oussama Khatib, creator of the deep-sea exploration robot OceanOneK, and Suaad Al Harthi, a National Geographic explorer.
Keynote speakers include Dr. Parag Khanna and Dr Jordan Nguyen, exploring future technologies for humanity. Discussions will cover diverse themes, including time concepts, health futures, and AI’s role in shaping tomorrow.
City-wide events under “FORUM x DUBAI” will run from 18th to 21st November at venues like Cinema Akil and Alserkal Avenue, featuring film screenings and workshops such as “Nomadic Futures” at The Courtyard, exploring cultural narratives and transcultural identities.
Workshops & Sessions
Day 1 will also showcase activations like “Play-Full Futures” and sessions on health futures in partnership with the WHO, sustainable design by ARUP, and AI in films by the Future of Life Institute.
The agenda covers 15 sessions across key themes: Futuring Nature, Transforming Humanity, Optimising Health, Empowering Generations, and Foresight Insights.
Other key sessions include ‘Concepts of Time: How Do They Shape Our Future?’, with Jonathan Keats, applied philosophy expert; Ann Beate Hovind, Chair of the Future Library Trust; and Dr. Patrick Noack of the Dubai Future Foundation. Keynote addresses by Dr. Parag Khanna, founder of AlphaGeo, on ‘Setting the Scene: Where is Humanity Going?’, and Dr. Jordan Nguyen Founder of Psykinetic, on ‘Enter the Future: Technology for Humanity’, will also take place, alongside ‘Making the Case: Which Way to the Future?’, featuring His Excellency Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, and Amy Webb, CEO of the Future Today Institute.
Prototypes for Humanity
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), officially opened the ‘Dubai Future Solutions – Prototypes for Humanity’ initiative. This transformative programme reflects the emirate’s commitment to excellence, creativity, and innovation in the service of humanity.
The initiative, held in partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation, seeks to drive positive societal change by leveraging innovative projects initiated by enterprising university students and distinguished academics to address complex global challenges. Bringing together one of the most diverse assemblies of academic talent and innovation, the initiative will witness participation from elite professors and university students from leading institutions worldwide, who presented the top 100 projects offering practical solutions to critical challenges facing our planet and societies.
The initiative attracted 2,700 applications from over 800 universities worldwide. During the event, the top five exceptional innovators will be announced and honoured with awards totalling AED 360,000, enabling them to further advance their research in vital fields.
The UAE’s youth empowerment model is also garnering respect and recognition from participants at COP29. …reports Asian Lite News
Emirati youth are leading the UAE’s discussions and negotiations at COP29, leveraging their energy, innovative ideas, and active role in shaping global climate policies, with the aim of driving real change towards a sustainable future, building on the outcomes of the historic UAE Consensus from COP28.
At COP29, UAE youth are showcasing inspiring models of negotiators and coordinators at the national pavilion, highlighting the UAE’s legacy and global climate efforts to protect the planet.
The UAE’s youth empowerment model is also garnering respect and recognition from participants at COP29.
Their involvement at COP29 reflects the UAE leadership’s commitment to empowering young people, enabling them to contribute to international climate progress. This initiative stems from a belief in the importance of developing youth capabilities and engaging them in sustainable development, providing them with platforms at multilateral events to present innovative solutions for climate action.
Farid Gayibov, Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan, praised the UAE’s approach in empowering youth, emphasising their impactful presence at COP29. He noted that this participation underlines the UAE’s support in driving climate action, attracting attention from attendees at the conference.
In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Gayibov affirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to collaborating with the UAE on joint initiatives to support youth engagement in climate fields.
He highlighted the UAE’s support for Azerbaijan in hosting COP29 events, promoting youth participation in international forums, adding that COP28 has set a crucial precedent for amplifying youth voices in climate discussions.
Several UAE youth delegates have also expressed their pride in being part of this significant global event, actively contributing ideas, initiatives, and engaging in discussions at COP29.
Roberta Gatti projected that the UAE’s GDP will grow by 3.4 percent in 2024, with continued fiscal and monetary surpluses in the medium term….reports Asian Lite News
Roberta Gatti, Chief Economist of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region of the World Bank, emphasised confidence in the continued growth of the UAE’s economy during 2024 and 2025.
In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the announcement of the World Bank Group’s cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Global Market Academy to promote financial literacy, economic knowledge and sustainable development in the region, Gatti highlighted the UAE’s role as a regional hub for trade, business, and travel, driven by its progress in economic diversification and reduced reliance on oil.
She projected that the UAE’s GDP will grow by 3.4 percent in 2024, with continued fiscal and monetary surpluses in the medium term.
Gatti also noted that the Middle East and North Africa region’s average growth is expected to reach 2.2 percent in 2024, a moderate increase from 1.8 percent recorded last year, but one percentage point below the pre-pandemic average recorded before COVID-19.
The Chief Economist of the MENA region of the World Bank attributed the region’s growth rate to the performance of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies, which are expected to grow by 1.9 percent in 2024 compared to 0.5 percent in 2023, supported by the expansion of the non-oil sector in most GCC economies.
Gatti anticipated GCC growth to accelerate to 4.2 percent in 2025, with developing oil-exporting countries growing at 3.3 percent and developing oil-importing countries at 3.5 percent during the same year.
She also emphasised the critical importance of women’s participation in the economy to support prosperity in the MENA region, noting that closing the gender employment gap could increase the region’s GDP per capita by 51 percent.
UAE, India, Syria, Egypt, and Jordan top the list of nationalities that visited the book fair. …reports Asian Lite News
The 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) concluded after receiving 1.82 million visitors from over 200 countries, cementing its status as a global cultural hub. Held from November 6-17 under the theme “It Starts with a Book”, the event hosted over 2,500 publishers and exhibitors from 108 countries, maintaining its position as the world’s top book fair in publishing rights transactions for the fourth consecutive year, registering 3,000 meetings in 48 hours.
UAE, India, Syria, Egypt, and Jordan top the list of nationalities that visited the book fair. Regarding age groups, visitors aged between 35 and 44 constituted the largest segment at 32.18%, followed by those aged 25 to 34 at 31.67%, and young adults aged 18 to 24 at 13.7%. Men accounted for 53.66% of the book fair’s visitors, while 46.36% was represented by women. Additionally, the exhibition welcomed 135,000 students from various schools nationwide, reflecting the growing interest in fostering a reading culture among younger generations. The Book Signing Corner saw 1000+ authors unveil their latest works.
H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, underscored the emirate’s cultural commitment by allocating AED 4.5 million to enrich public and governmental libraries. This investment enabled the acquisition of new Arabic and international titles, reinforcing the role of libraries as essential knowledge hubs.
Reflecting on the 43rd edition, Ahmed Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, said: “The exceptional milestones achieved during SIBF 2024 mark a significant addition to Sharjah’s cultural journey. Welcoming 1.82 million visitors and hosting over 2,500 publishers and exhibitors from across the globe has elevated the event from a book fair to a dynamic and thriving book community. It is now a fully-fledged cultural ecosystem, bringing together creators, readers, and all key stakeholders in the literary and publishing sectors.”
He continued: “This remarkable accomplishment underscores the global significance of the cultural vision founded by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and pursued by SBA under the leadership and guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the authority’s Chairperson. Under his leadership, the fair has evolved into an inspiring model of a community dedicated to the book and all facets of its creation. It is a driving force in fostering a culture of reading and fortifying the publishing industry on both local and international fronts.”
The fair spotlighted Algerian author Ahlam Mosteghanemi as the Cultural Personality of the Year for her extraordinary contributions to Arabic literature. It also celebrated the completion of the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language, a monumental 127-volume achievement that preserves centuries of linguistic heritage, produced through collaboration with Arabic language academies.
Morocco took center stage as the Guest of Honour, offering a vibrant showcase of its literary and cultural heritage. Its pavilion featured over 4,000 titles, rare artefacts, and sessions led by Moroccan intellectuals, adding depth to the cross-cultural dialogues hosted throughout the fair.
This year’s programme featured a diverse lineup of global icons from literature, arts, and sports. Workshops, seminars, and panel discussions brought together over 85 Arab and Emirati writers and 49 international literary figures.
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed praised the launch of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, highlighting its significance as a step forward in shaping global policies that provide sustainable solutions and resources….reports Asian Lite News
On behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has attended the opening session of the 19th G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where the UAE is participating as a guest country.
During the session, His Highness delivered the UAE’s address, conveying greetings from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President, to the leaders and heads of state attending the summit, extending his wishes for a successful summit.
H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also thanked Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, for inviting the UAE to participate in the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, commending Brazil’s efforts to ensure the summit’s success.
H.H. praised the launch of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, highlighting its significance as a step forward in shaping global policies that provide sustainable solutions and resources.
Reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to its enduring partnership with the G20, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced that the UAE is allocating $100 million through the UAE Aid Agency, aligning with the global efforts of the alliance.
H.H. highlighted the UAE’s dedication to supporting global initiatives to combat hunger and poverty at regional and international levels, reinforcing efforts to promote development, peace, and prosperity.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi is accompanied by an official delegation, including Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment; Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Saleh Ahmad Salem Alsuwaidi, Ambassador of the UAE to Brazil; and Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, Deputy Group CEO at Mubadala.
The 19th G20 summit is taking place from 18-19 November2024 in Rio de Janeiro under the theme Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet. The sessions focus on critical global issues, including enhancing global governance, combating hunger and poverty, addressing climate challenges, advancing the transition to clean and renewable energy, and fostering comprehensive and sustainable development across social, economic, and environmental sectors.
This marks the UAE’s fifth participation as a guest at the G20, following its engagement in Brazil this year, India in 2023, Indonesia in 2022, Saudi Arabia in 2020, and France in 2011.
The book Missing Migrants and Access to Justice commemorates 25 years of Pravasa Lokam, a pioneering Kairali TV program dedicated to locating missing migrant workers in the Gulf and supporting Indians in distress abroad
At the Sharjah International Book Festival (SIBF), the spotlight turned to the challenges of diaspora communities with an event to release Missing Migrants and Access to Justice.
Co-authored by veteran journalist and Pravasa Lokam associate Anasudhin Azeez and renowned diaspora researcher and Lok Kerala Sabha (LKS) coordinator Dr CS Akhil, the book commemorate s 25 years of Pravasa Lokam, a pioneering Kairali TV program dedicated to locating missing migrant workers in the Gulf and supporting Indians in distress abroad.
The book was officially presented by Pabitra Majumdar, Labour and Madad Consul General at the Indian Consulate in Dubai, to Lok Kerala Sabha member TK Abdul Hameed. Advocate Abdul Karim Ahmed bin Eid, the chief guest, emphasised the importance of legal protection for all residents in the UAE, highlighting the nation’s inclusive ethos as a “garden” that embraces all, irrespective of religion or caste.
Labour Consul Pabitra Mukherjee praised Pravasa Lokam for its impactful work, calling it a source of pride for the Indian community. She commended the program’s dedication, which she described as a remarkable contribution from a television channel to society.
The event also honoured Pravasa Lokam Director Rafeek Ravuther for his contributions. Advocate Abdul Karim presented him with a Ponnada (golden shawl) and a memento to mark the occasion. Co-author CS Akhil was similarly felicitated.
Several dignitaries attended the function, including NK Kunjahammed, a member of the Pravasi Kshemanidhi Board of Directors, Malayalam Mission Academy Council Member and UAE Coordinator KL Gopi, and Lok Kerala Sabha invitees RP Murali, K Rajan, Sujitha Subru, and Pravasalokam representative Anil Ampat.
The event was moderated by Lok Kerala Sabha member and journalist Tansi Hashir, who ensured the function’s smooth proceedings.
The release of the book highlights the enduring legacy of Pravasa Lokam and its commitment to addressing diaspora challenges over the past 25 years.
