RIYADH: Saudi Arabia submitted royal court advisor Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri as a candidate to head the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
In its memorandum to the WTO, the Kingdom affirmed its great belief in the multilateral trading system and the vital role that the organization plays in this system.
A WTO document showed that the nomination had been received by the organization: “The following communication, nominating Mr Mohammad Maziad Al-Tuwaijri for the position of director-general, has been received from the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 8 July 2020.”
Al-Tuwaijri was the Kingdom’s economy and planning minister from November 2017 till March 2020 when he was appointed as an advisor to the royal court.
Saudi Arabia submits Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri as candidate to head WTO
https://arab.news/rppx7
Saudi Arabia submits Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri as candidate to head WTO
- Al-Tuwaijri was the Kingdom’s economy and planning minister from November 2017 till March 2020
- He was appointed as an advisor to the royal court in March
Saudi Arabia, UK sign $5m deal to help fight malnutrition in Somalia
- Funds expected to benefit 101,000 children in high-risk areas
- Sides looking for further opportunities for collaboration, KSrelief chief says
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief and the UK on Monday signed a $5 million cooperation agreement with UNICEF to help tackle malnutrition in Somalia.
The deal was signed by KSrelief General Supervisor Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah and British Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell at the agency’s headquarters in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
KSrelief and the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office will each contribute $2.5 million to UNICEF.
The funds will provide access to nutrition services, water and personal hygiene supplies in 15 high risk areas of Somalia, benefiting 101,000 children.
The deal is within the framework of joint humanitarian and relief projects between the Kingdom and the FCDO to alleviate the suffering of the Somali people.
The announcement was made as part of the second annual UK-Saudi Strategic Dialogue on Humanitarian Aid and International Development, which also discussed “providing more aid into Gaza and encouraging progress toward peace in Sudan,” the FCDO said in a statement.
The two countries have already committed $22 million in joint funding, delivering vital aid and providing famine relief and humanitarian support in Somalia and Sudan.
Other cooperation programs through KSrelief and the Saudi Fund for Development were expected to be delivered in Sudan, Yemen, Bangladesh and Ukraine, the FCDO said.
“We look forward to enhancing our technical experience and capacity building by building upon the strong foundation established during our previous dialogue, which presents an invaluable opportunity to solidify our future direction, explore new areas of cooperation and further demonstrate the transformative potential of our partnership,” Al-Rabeeah said.
“Officials from both sides are actively identifying promising opportunities for further collaboration. KSrelief sees immense potential to leverage our respective strengths in areas like health interventions, education infrastructure development and livelihood creation programs.”
Mitchell said: “The UK is working with Saudi Arabia and other partners to support those whose lives have been affected by conflict around the world.
“I am delighted to be in Riyadh to agree a way forward to scale up significantly joint funding which will go a long way to supporting those people and communities who need it most, building on today’s announcement in Somalia and looking to further support people in Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, as well as the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
“I also discussed the need to bring the conflict in Gaza to a sustainable end with my Saudi partners. The UK remains focused on achieving an immediate pause in the fighting, securing the release of hostages and ensuring aid reaches those who need it.”
In separate talks, Al-Rabeeah and Mitchell discussed matters of common interest related to relief and humanitarian affairs around the world, ways to enhance cooperation and topics included in the Second Strategic Dialogue for Development and Humanitarian Aid between the two countries.
The Saudi Fund for Development will also sign a deal with Mitchell during his visit to strengthen cooperation in line with the UN sustainable development goals.
Saudi Heritage Commission event celebrates ancient Rakah
- “We want our customers to enter our space, either in our booth at the event this week or our studio location, and in just a short time be able to produce something customized to take home, she told Arab News
DAMMAM: The Heritage Commission is holding an event to celebrate ancient Rakah, with historical reenactments, guided tours, archaeological experts and handicrafts.
Once a major trading spot, some 1,500 years ago, the area takes its name from an indigenous tree species that once flourished there. The sandy environment was also once under the sea and shells can be found still glued to the rocks.
Many of the guides are female archaeology graduates from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, formerly known as the University of Dammam.
Wala Al-Nafaiai, who co-founded Dam Studio, a local business that specializes in handmade goods made of cow and camel hide, said she was looking forward to showing off her products to visitors.
FASTFACTS
● Once a major trading spot, some 1,500 years ago, the Rakah area in Dammam takes its name from an indigenous tree species that once flourished there.
● The sandy environment was also once under the sea and shells can be found still glued to the rocks.
“We want our customers to enter our space, either in our booth at the event this week or our studio location, and in just a short time be able to produce something customized to take home, she told Arab News.
“Instead of going to a restaurant, we want you to spend the time to have an experience, produce something practical and learn skills you can utilize later.”
Al-Nafaiai said she was delighted with how many people had taken part in the workshops she provided at her booth.
It seems many (people) enjoy customizing something that they feel connected to once they make it with their own hands.
Wala Al-Nafaiai, Dam Studio co-founder
“It was so crowded … I was surprised that there were more adults than children who wanted to join in, although the craft was very simple,” she said.
“It seems many (people) enjoy customizing something that they feel connected to once they make it with their own hands. And that is our goal and the goal of the Heritage Commission who invited us to join this successful event.”
Visitors were also able to learn about the importance of dates to the community in ancient times and how local people would make and trade date syrup with visiting merchants.
Organized in cooperation with the Sharqiya Development Authority, the festival ends on Tuesday. For more information, visit heritage.moc.gov.sa or @mocheritage.
‘Kingdom aims to lead in global efforts to combat climate change,’ says Saudi’s climate envoy
- Adel Al-Jubeir speaks of cementing country’s role in global community
RIYADH: The inaugural National Greening Forum, which was organized by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development & Combating Desertification, took place in Riyadh on Monday to look at the Kingdom’s efforts in afforestation and combating climate change.
Adel Al-Jubeir, the Kingdom’s climate envoy and Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs, took to the stage to speak of cementing the country’s role within the global community.
He said: “Climate and afforestation are part of the Kingdom’s policy regarding dealing with climate change and the environment.
“This is a big part of Vision 2030 in terms of quality of life. The Kingdom is part of the international community. Anything that happens globally affects the Kingdom, and vice versa.
“Having clean air and a healthy environment matters to that community, and afforestation is part of facing climate change.”
The minister added that drought had historically caused conflicts, population displacement, and health issues which had made land rehabilitation crucial not only for the environment but also for global stability, security, and quality of life.
Al-Jubeir said: “As the largest exporter of oil globally, the Kingdom feels a responsibility towards the climate, and its goal is to become the leading nation in this sector, and not a country which follows global standards. We need to set these standards.”
The envoy recently attended the World Economic Forum Special Meeting, hosted for the first time by the Kingdom in Riyadh, which discussed opportunities for global collaboration and growth. He said that the Kingdom’s participation was a clear sign of its pivotal role in confronting international challenges.
He added: “Climate is related to multiple sectors, including the economy. Floods and natural disasters cause a rise in the price of goods, impact machinery and delivery trucks, which also alters delivery periods and costs, and also impacts the consumer. These things are directly correlated to our everyday lives, not just locally but globally.”
He said that nature-based solutions were pivotal points of discussion at global platforms like the World Economic Forum, adding that the world needs further collaboration to combat such issues sustainably.
He said: “I think there must be conviction with this challenge. There are differences in how to reach the desired goal between developed and developing countries, but I do not think that there is any country that opposes reaching this goal.”
The Kingdom believes the issue should be dealt with comprehensively and logically, taking into consideration such factors as afforestation, minimizing consumption, technological development, carbon capture methods, rehabilitation, and establishing nature reserves.
Al-Jubeir said: “For example, European countries are concentrating on hydrocarbons, petrol, and gas, but they forget animals, industry, cement, and chemicals.”
The National Greening Forum saw the inauguration of the Discover Nature program which invites environmental experts and enthusiasts to discover, document, and learn. The Saudi Green Initiative is also well on its way to achieving its ambitious target of growing 10 billion trees, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to addressing its environmental challenges and improving quality of life.
The minister emphasized that awareness, knowledge, and achieving objectives were at the heart of these initiatives.
He added: “Sustainability isn’t just planting a tree; it needs follow-up and care for it to grow. It’s a continuous act, not just a one shot.”
Saudi officials hold talks with UK’s Africa, development minister
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji on Monday received UK Minister of State for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell in Riyadh.
The two sides discussed topics of common interest and ways to strengthen relations between their countries, the foreign ministry said.
The UK’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Neil Crompton also attended the meeting.
Elkhereiji also held talks with the British Special Envoy for the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, Sarah Montgomery, and her delegation. The two sides discussed prominent regional and international developments.
Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Envoy for Climate Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir also received Mitchell at the ministry’s office in Riyadh to review various regional and international issues of mutual concern.
During his visit, Mitchell is also expected to meet with the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan Al Marshad, and Assistant Finance Minister and G20 Sherpa Abdulmuhsen Al Khalaf.
First National Greening Forum held in Riyadh
- Experts discussed nature-based solutions to environmental issues, highlighting Kingdom’s nature reserves as prime example
- Forum highlighted the role of public, private and nonprofit sectors in achieving the Saudi Green Initiative target of planting 10 billion trees
RIYADH: As countries around the world push to invest in nature-based solutions to environmental problems, experts in Saudi Arabia came together in Riyadh to discuss the most pressing issues at the inaugural National Greening Forum.
Launched under the patronage of Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, the forum was organized by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification and attended by Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing Majed Al-Hogail, several other ministers, organisations and specialists from local, regional and international sectors related to the environment.
CEO of the center, Khalid Al-Abdulqader, said in his opening speech that the forum will “unify and consolidate national efforts to enhance vegetation cover and mitigate land degradation.”
Addressing the restoration of green spaces in the Kingdom, he said: “We are committed to restoring natural green spaces using sustainable irrigation methods, planting local tree species, and ensuring their protection and monitoring through advanced technologies.”
In a panel discussion titled “Nature-Based Solutions: Key to Transformation,” industry specialists and experts discussed various issues related to promoting the natural growth of trees and their environmental effect, as well as the industries tied to environmental issues and ways their institutions work to find sustainable solutions for the future.
“Vegetation and afforestation are part of nature, which includes the atmosphere, soil, and organisms. The correlation between all of these is the main element for these solutions. So, organizing and monitoring this relationship is key for sustainability and greening,” said Dr. Ahmed Al-Farhan, board member of the center and a faculty member at King Saud University.
For ages, large plumes of dust and sand sweeping across most of Saudi Arabia were a natural, seasonal occurrence, but this year there has been an unusual and noticeable decrease in sandstorms.
Jamaan Al-Qahtani, executive director of the Regional Center for Dust and Sandstorms, explained: “Sandstorms need two factors to occur: dry, load-bearing soil and winds fast enough to carry it.” A few years ago, he said, there were indications that the Kingdom was experiencing fewer sandstorms.
“This April was a 60 percent drop on the average of the past 20 years. March was 30 percent, and January was more than 60 percent. Last year, Riyadh had a record of only one sandstorm.”
Explaining the reason behind this, he said: “We attribute that firstly to rainfall and the timing of that rainfall. When rain falls during the best time for vegetation, that helps with stabilizing the soil.”
The environmental system also plays a pivotal role in preventing degradation, as well as laws that restrain individuals and other entities from tampering with the environment.
Sand and dust storms affect 11 of the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals. For example, 7 million people in total die from all sources of air pollution and degraded air quality. The Middle East and North Africa region loses $150 billion annually due to weather and climate disasters, Al-Qahtani said.
To meet the growing demand for fresh water in Saudi Arabia, authorities launched a project in 2022 that alters the structure of clouds to increase rainfall; a technique known as cloud seeding.
Ayman Al-Bar, executive director of the Regional Cloud Seeding Program, said “environmental phenomena have become much more severe and common than before.” He went on to say that one of the initiatives under the Middle East Green Initiative, the cloud seeding program, targets an increase in rainfall of between 10% and 20%.
The various initiatives under the program work to intensify vegetation cover, combat desertification, localize technology, and transfer knowledge, he said. In the fifth stage, which covers Riyadh, Hail, and southern parts such as Abha, Taif, and Asir, 1,530 flight hours were spent on precipitation efforts and 110 hours on research. “Preliminary reports indicate that precipitation exceeds 4 billion cubic meters of rainfall in the targeted area,” Al-Bar said.
Dr. Talal Al-Harigi, CEO of Imam Abdulaziz Royal Nature Reserve, said: “When it comes to carbon sequestration, which is capturing carbon through natural solutions, trees naturally grow by taking in carbon dioxide. When some soil patches deteriorate, we’ve undergone processes for soil rehabilitation and preparing them to receive rain either from rainfall or other sources.”
Nature reserves are a prime example of nature-based solutions, Al-Harigi said. Within the Imam Abdulaziz Royal Nature Reserve, the King Khalid Royal Reserve, and others, authorities found that vegetation cover was refreshed and that there was greater soil stability, as well as improved soil fertility.
Ultimately, most industries are affected by environmental deterioration and climate change, and while natural disasters are expected to increase and worsen, Saudi Arabia has taken a leading role in creating sustainable solutions for generations to come.
The forum highlighted the role of public, private and nonprofit sectors in achieving the Saudi Green Initiative target of planting 10 billion trees and providing a platform to participating organisations to engage and exchange knowledge.
