Khalayleh: Awqaf Ministry faces daily occupation measures in Al-Aqsa

Amman: Minister of Awqaf Islamic Affairs and Holy Places Muhammad Khalayleh Tuesday said the Ministry’s Department of Endowments of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque faces daily Israeli occupation measures aimed at emptying Al-Aqsa Mosque by preventing the arrival of worshipers.

During a meeting hosted by the Government Communication Forum, Khalayleh said, “Jordan stands at the forefront of the Arab and Islamic countries in caring for Jerusalem and its sanctities. It makes political efforts to counter the policies of the occupying force to change the status of the city of Jerusalem and its Arab and Islamic character.”

He explained that the budget of the Jerusalem Endowments Administration for 2024 amounted to JOD17 million, 20 per cent of the Ministry’s budget, adding that 753 employees work in the administration, half of whom were appointed during the reign of His Majesty King Abdullah II.

He said the administration’s staff care for 120 mosques in occupied Jerusalem, noting that their bonuses have increased fr
om 300 to 400 per cent.

He discussed the Ministry’s most prominent achievements in enhancing productivity and combating poverty and unemployment through the endowment sector, which provided 20,000 opportunities through the projects of the Endowment Funds Development Department spread across various regions of the Kingdom with an investment volume of JOD127 million and an investment return of JOD7.4 million.

He stated that creating the Cash Endowment Directorate would open investment horizons as the directorate’s assets amounted to about JOD24 million at the end of 2023, and it provided financing over two years worth JOD10,170 million.

He noted the Hajj Fund’s contribution to encouraging savings for Hajj purposes while achieving an investment return, adding that its assets amounted to JOD333 million, with a financing volume of JOD113 million.

Khalayleh said over 147,000 families benefited from the programmes of the Zakat Fund and its committees, with a total value exceeding JOD26.6 million.

The Fund pays
monthly salaries to 5,500 families and sponsors 3,000 orphans. It established rehabilitation projects (grants) for families and housing units for vulnerable families.

Source: Jordan News Agency

UAE President offers condolences over martyrdom of Khalifa Al Baloushi

AJMAN: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended his condolences today over the martyrdom of First Warrant Officer Khalifa Al Baloushi, a member of the UAE Armed Forces, who tragically lost his life following a terrorist act in the Federal Republic of Somalia along with several of his comrades while on duty training the Somali Armed Forces.

His Highness expressed his condolences during his visit to the condolence majlis in Ajman.

His Highness underscored his profound condolences and sympathy to Al Baloushi’s family, praying for God Almighty to grace him with His boundless mercy and forgiveness and offer his family and loved ones patience and comfort.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Experts Highlight Jordan’s Sustainable Food Security Solutions Over Quarter Century

Amman: Jordan has successfully navigated the complex trifecta of food security, climate change, and refugee crises over the past twenty-five years, with His Majesty King Abdullah II demonstrating early foresight into the severity of these challenges and prioritizing them on a national scale.

King Abdullah II’s recognition of these challenges was deeply rooted in the regional and global conflicts, as well as the ensuing refugee crises. Addressing the 28th Climate Change Conference in Dubai last year, His Majesty underscored the interconnectedness of climate change with the profound human suffering resulting from wars, highlighting the exacerbation of environmental threats like water scarcity and food insecurity.

During the 27th Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, His Majesty emphasized the shared responsibility of all nations in supporting countries hosting refugees. He emphasized the strain placed on Jordan’s limited resources by high temperatures, water scarcity, and the unusual surge in p
opulation growth due to the significant influx of refugees.

Recognizing the vulnerability of refugees and host countries to climate change effects, Jordan proposed the “Climate-Refugee Nexus” initiative to prioritize support for countries bearing the brunt of climate change impacts.

Experts, in discussions with the Jordan News Agency (Petra), affirmed Jordan’s transition towards sustainable solutions in recent years through collaborative efforts, scientific research advancements, agricultural land reclamation, and support for farmers, all aimed at fostering self-reliance and enhancing food security. These efforts consider the added challenges posed by conflicts and refugee influxes, which have led to irregular population growth alongside climate change concerns.

Akef Al-Zoubi, Chairman of the Water and Agriculture Committee in the Senate, acknowledged King Abdullah II’s proactive approach to anticipating challenges to Jordanian food security. His Majesty’s keen insights into Jordan’s food balance and the g
lobal food market’s dynamics, amid ongoing conflicts, refugee crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic, underscore the nation’s commitment to addressing these multifaceted challenges.

Despite facing challenges including limited financial, water, and natural resources, coupled with waves of refugees from neighboring Arab nations due to security instability, Jordan has made significant strides in food security, agricultural development, and climate change mitigation.

Referring to statements by senior officials at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Klopp highlighted Jordan’s commendable performance in maintaining grain stocks and provision during the Russian-Ukrainian war. The government’s swift actions in developing and implementing immediate response strategies ensured the continuity of food supply chains and bolstered strategic stockpiles, stabilizing commodity availability and prices. This proactive stance prevented shortages experienced in countries with stronger economies.

The Kingdom
‘s commitment to agriculture and food security is evident through various initiatives, including the launch of development and investment projects by the Ministry of Agriculture. The National Plan for Sustainable Agriculture 2022-2025 and the National Strategy for Food Security 2021-2030, along with hosting a quadripartite Arab agricultural meeting, underscore Jordan’s dedication to fostering regional cooperation in agricultural development.

Hosting the Arab Forum for Agriculture, in collaboration with the Arab League and the United Nations, further solidified Jordan’s role as a hub for agricultural discourse. The “Amman Statement,” issued at the forum’s conclusion, emphasized the importance of Arab agricultural integration in achieving food security, outlining recommendations for enhancing agricultural development and food security across the region.

Klopp emphasized that food security is influenced by various factors, including climate change, water scarcity, droughts, fluctuations in rainfall, and geopol
itical crises such as the war on Gaza and the Syrian conflict. Despite these challenges, King Abdullah II’s directives to modernize agricultural processes, adopt advanced technology, support scientific research, reduce food loss, and foster public-private partnerships have significantly narrowed the gap in food security, ensuring a more resilient agricultural sector.

The King’s directives have fostered a collaborative approach between sectors to bolster food security, industrialists said.

Fathi Al-Jaghbir, President of the Jordan Chamber of Industry, emphasized the King’s dedication to enhancing food security and economic stability. His Majesty’s initiatives, particularly amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscore his commitment to bolstering food security and developing food industries.

Notably, His Majesty conducted field visits to Jordanian food industry factories, emphasizing the need to prioritize food industries to ensure national food security and position Jordan as a regional hu
b.

Furthermore, His Majesty’s efforts extended beyond national boundaries, fostering regional alliances like the Jordanian-Egyptian-Iraqi partnership and others. These partnerships aimed to strengthen regional food security and enhance cooperation in the face of global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reflecting His Majesty’s directives, national plans and strategies, such as the Economic Modernization Vision, have prioritized the food industry and food security sector for the coming decade. Initiatives like the “National Food Security Strategy” launched in 2021 aim to evaluate and address food security concerns over the next decade.

Significant progress has been made, with agreements signed with private sector investors to establish 13 factories for agricultural industries relying on local inputs. These developments have propelled the food industries sector to play a pivotal role in the national economy, contributing over 20% of total industrial production and generating significant added value.

Th
e sector’s growth is evident, with production exceeding 4 billion dinars and added value increasing more than fivefold since 1999, contributing over 40% to the Kingdom’s GDP. Notably, the food industry’s partnership with other sectors has proven beneficial, with every dinar invested in the sector yielding JD2.55 to the national economy.

Moreover, the sector has achieved self-sufficiency in key commodities like milk, eggs, and chicken products, showcasing the competitiveness and quality of national food products. Export figures reflect this growth, with food industry exports reaching about JD600 million last year, spanning over 111 countries worldwide.

These advancements have positioned the food industries sector as a prominent investment destination, with total investments surpassing JD1.5 billion and the number of establishments growing significantly, providing employment opportunities for over 65,000 individuals, primarily Jordanians.

Basil Rimawi, an expert in food and agricultural industries, highlight
ed that Jordanian food products have reached over 130 global markets. He emphasized the King’s directives during the onset of the COVID-19 crisis to maintain and boost production in the agricultural and industrial sectors, recognizing their pivotal role in ensuring national food security.

Rimawi underscored the industrial sector’s continuous commitment to national food security during various crises, including the aggression on Gaza and the Russian-Ukrainian war, by employing high-quality raw materials and cutting-edge technology in production lines. He emphasized the importance of technical expertise in ensuring product quality throughout manufacturing processes.

Former Minister of Agriculture Redha Khawaldeh, commended Jordan’s progress in food and environmental security over the past 25 years, despite regional political turmoil.

He highlighted the establishment of partnerships to support the Jordanian agricultural product, noting achievements in self-sufficiency and reserve stock of essential crops.

Ma
hmoud Oran, Secretary-General of the Jordanian Farmers Union, emphasized the King’s consistent focus on the agricultural sector as the cornerstone of food security. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and refugee influx, Jordan maintained supply chains, showcasing adaptability and resilience.

Samer Abdel Dayem, head of the Ma’an Youth Association for Environmental Conservation, praised the King’s initiatives in establishing a food security base while addressing climate change.

He highlighted the Smart Village Project’s role in promoting green energy production, transitioning to a green economy, and diversifying organic cultivation to tackle climate challenges.

Mona Hindiyya, a member of the Board of Directors of the Jordanian Society for Sustainable Development, lauded the King’s comprehensive approach to climate change challenges.

She highlighted His Majesty’s initiatives to position Jordan as a regional hub for green development and clean energy production, emphasizing the importance of proact
ive measures in promoting sustainable development and stability.

Source: Jordan News Agency

SEC approves 2 proposed laws regarding real estate matters

SHARJAH: H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, chaired the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) meeting, on Tuesday, at the Sharjah Ruler’s Office.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council.

The SEC discussed various work issues in Sharjah, reviewed departmental progress, and made decisions in the interest of citizens and residents to provide them a decent life.

The Council has given its approval to the proposed laws regarding leasing real estate and establishing the Rental Disputes Centre in the Emirate of Sharjah. The next step is to forward these drafts to the Sharjah Consultative Council for discussion.

During its session, the Council discussed a proposal for draft rental legislation in the Emirate of Sharjah. The aim of this proposed legislation is to regulate rental regulations and to develop the legislative structure in conjunction wit
h urban development and demand in the real estate sector, in addition to streamlining government procedures, protecting the rights of all parties, and making it easier for landlords and tenants alike.

The council has reviewed the report on the ninth session of the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition – ACRES 2024, with 93 real estate companies participating. The value of real estate transactions reaches AED1.3 billion. The exhibition was visited by nearly 13,000 visitors, and 691 sales transactions were made. The report also highlighted a significant growth in sales volume between the years 2023 and 2024, with a 202% increase.

The Council was presented with a detailed report on the sales transaction statistics and the results of the satisfaction survey for the participating exhibitors. The report also covered the workshops conducted during the exhibition, as well as the supporting institutions and companies that participated.
Source: Emirates News Agency

Pleasant daytime conditions on Tuesday, followed by rainy night

Amman: Jordan is set to experience a varied weather pattern over the coming days, with a mix of pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler nights, coupled with the arrival of a low-pressure system late in the evening hours.

Tuesday promises comfortable temperatures across most regions, with relatively warmer conditions expected in the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and Aqaba. Cloud cover is anticipated at medium and high altitudes, accompanied by moderate southeast winds that may occasionally intensify.

As night falls, temperatures are expected to drop, particularly in inland areas, while the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and Aqaba will experience relatively cooler conditions. Towards the late hours of the night, the kingdom will be influenced by an extension of a low-pressure system situated over Cyprus. This will lead to increased cloud cover at varying altitudes and the possibility of scattered rain showers across different parts of the country. Some areas may experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. W
inds will shift to a moderate southwest direction.

According to reports from the Jordan Meteorological Department, a noticeable drop in temperatures is forecast for Wednesday, accompanied by cold and cloudy conditions. Intermittent rain showers are expected across most regions, with potentially heavy downpours, particularly in northern and central areas. Thunderstorms and hail showers may also occur, raising concerns for flash floods in valleys and low-lying regions. The winds will be active from the west, causing dust disturbances, especially in desert areas.

Thursday’s outlook suggests continued cold temperatures with partly cloudy skies, transitioning to cloudy conditions by noon. Renewed rainfall is expected in numerous areas, with heavy showers anticipated at times, especially in southern regions, including the city of Aqaba. Thunderstorms and hail showers may lead to localized flooding in valleys and low-lying areas, including Aqaba. The winds will be active, blowing from the southwest to the west.

T
oday’s peak temperatures will be between 20 and 18 degrees Celsius in Amman and various highlands throughout the Kingdom, with lows of 8C at night. The Gulf city of Aqaba will have moderate weather, with highs of 26C and lows of 14C.

Source: Jordan News Agency

WGS 2024: MENA organisations must turn corporate sustainability commitments into action, urges WGS-Bain & Company report

DUBAI: In collaboration with the World Governments Summit (WGS), as a knowledge partner, Bain and Company surveyed 100 organisational leaders across 11 countries and eight industries to gather key research insights into how the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region can advance its sustainability agenda, as part of a report that proposes to offer organisations a path towards a sustainable future.

The research highlights key challenges, best practices and four essential steps to help organisations take a global LEAD on sustainability.

Samer Bohsali, Senior Partner who leads the Public Sector practice at Bain and Company Middle East, said, ‘While 70% of organisations in MENA say they integrate sustainability into their business models, only 3% are on track to achieve their sustainability goals.’

Bohsali added, ‘The gap between ambition and action occurs despite universal agreement on the case for change. More than 90% of executives believe their core business and operating models need to change to op
erate more sustainably.’

Wissam Yassine, partner and leader in the Sustainability practice at Bain and Company Middle East, added, ‘As we asked ourselves ‘how do we bridge this massive gap between ambition and action’ we identified 4 things that best-in-class companies are doing differently which we summarised in the ‘LEAD’ framework.’ Yassine further elaborated, ‘L stands for Linking sustainability to strategy. E for Engaging the full organisation from the board to the frontline. A is about Activating sustainability through clear implementable missions. And lastly, D encourages Driving innovation.’

Finally, Bain’s research revealed that governments play a key role in enabling the adoption of sustainable practices. Lana Kahaleh, a senior manager at Bain and Company Middle East said, ‘The majority organisations surveyed believe government policies and interventions are critical for them to improve their sustainability practices, examples of which include capacity building and training and national standa
rds.’

Source: Emirates News Agency

FANA opens workshop at Petra

Amman: The Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA) Tuesday opened a workshop on economic journalism, which was organized in cooperation with Jordan News Agency (Petra).

Journalists from the Saudi News Agency (SPA), Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Emirates News Agency (WAM) and Petra are taking part in the training course.

The workshop aims to provide economic news reporting skills for the Arab journalists in line with best professional standards, and share experiences, taking into consideration the rapid advancement in the communication and media field.

In opening remarks, Petra Director General Fayrouz Mobaidin pointed to a “fruitful and successful partnership” between Arab news agencies through FANA, which works to keep pace with developments in the press and media sector.

Source: Jordan News Agency

COP Presidencies Troika will make Brazil, UAE work closely together, says Brazil’s Secretary for Climate Change

DUBAI: Ana Toni, Secretary of Climate Change at the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change of Brazil, underscored the importance of the COP Presidencies Troika, a partnership launched today between the UAE, Azerbaijan and Brazil to improve cooperation and continuity between current and future COP Presidencies.

Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on Day 2 of the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024, taking place in Dubai, the Brazilian secretary said, ‘The most important thing, from our perspective, is the launch of the Troika, which is the presidency of the UAE, Azerbaijan, and Brazil – COP28, COP29, and COP30 – working together for the implementation of the UAE Consensus, precisely bringing this link between the means of implementation, increasingly resilient and low-carbon development models.’

Launched on Tuesday during a meeting of the three COP presidents at ExpoCity in Dubai on the sidelines WGS 2024, the ‘COP Presidencies Troika’ is an unprecedented initiative that brings together the pr
esidencies of COP28, held in Dubai last year, COP29, to be held in Azerbaijan this year, and COP30, to be hosted by Brazil in 2025. The Troika will provide a platform for the three presidencies to collaborate on various activities until COP30, maintaining the goals of the Paris Agreement and following the outcomes of COP28.

In her statement to WAM, Toni also mentioned the partnership with the United Arab Emirates in combating climate change. “The Troika will make us work closely together for at least the next three years. Since last year, I think there has already been a lot of collaboration between the two countries. We want even more. There is much to learn from both sides, and I am sure it will be a great mutual learning experience between the countries,” said the Brazilian official, who represented the South American nation during the launch of the Troika.

Brazil’s Secretary of Climate Change is an economist and holds a PhD in Political Science. She served as the Executive Director of Institute for Clim
ate and Society (iCS) from 2015 and 2023 and has a long trajectory working in the areas of public policy advocacy, environment and climate change, sustainable development and philanthropy. The Brazilian Secretary, who actively participated in the negotiations of COP28 in Dubai last year, also praised the work of the UAE presidency of the climate event.

“The presidency of COP28 deserves to be congratulated. I think they really succeeded,” she said. ‘They gave a lesson to everyone about the determination to reach a consensus, build trust between the parties, and achieve concrete results.’

“The presidency of COP28 is truly commendable for the results it has brought to all of us in the world. And now, our responsibility is to implement the consensus brought here,” concluded Ana Toni, highlighting the work of COP28 President Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber.

Ana Toni works at the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change headed by Minister Marina Silva. In a recent statement to WAM, Silva also prais
ed the work of the COP28 presidency, describing it as “unifying’. The minister stressed the collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and Brazil in organising climate conferences, as the COP30 will be held in 2025 in the Brazilian city of BelĂ©m, in the Amazon region.

On this topic, Toni emphasised some actions the Brazilian government has been taking in preparation for hosting the climate event. ‘We already have working groups; we will now set up a COP30 secretariat within the government. But the most important thing Brazil is doing is creating its own NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions), its own climate plan, which we want to serve as an inspiring example for others. We will have eight mitigation plans, fifteen adaptation plans, and each of these plans will be detailed as an investment plan, as a plan to demonstrate capacity. These plans become almost like public and private investment plans that can guide what we are calling our ecological transformation in Brazil.’

The representative of Brazil
also emphasised the importance of the discussion platform offered by the World Governments Summit. “This event is a continuation of what happened at COP28; we need increasingly effective governments, logically for the implementation of the UAE Consensus at COP28,” concluded the Brazilian Secretary of Climate Change.

Source: Emirates News Agency

KAFD, CPF Renew Collaboration to Empower Youth

Amman: Mazen Tablat, Director of the King Abdullah II Fund for Development (KAFD), and Tamam Mango, Executive Director of the Crown Prince Foundation (CPF), renewed their commitment on Tuesday by signing a memorandum of understanding to deepen cooperation and streamline communication between the two organizations, facilitating joint initiatives and projects.

This memorandum marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to engage with local communities and introduce the various programs and projects offered by both institutions, particularly targeting young people.

Tablat emphasized the significance of sustaining this partnership, highlighting the progress made thus far in fostering active citizenship among Jordanian youth and integrating them into public life. He praised the Foundation as a valuable ally in nurturing youth potential, providing avenues for empowerment, and cultivating entrepreneurial spirit among them.

Mango echoed Tablat’s sentiments, underlining the importance of synergizing efforts with
national institutions to maximize the developmental impact on young individuals across all regions.

She underlined the coordinated approach through the Foundation’s regional offices, ensuring broad access to programs and projects aimed at bolstering youth leadership, social engagement, and economic participation.

The memorandum outlines plans for collaboration between the Crown Prince Foundation’s regional offices and the coordinators of the “We Are All Jordan” Youth Authority in all governorates. It includes joint efforts in selecting candidates for various programs such as the Hussein Fellowship Program and the TechWorks program, as well as supporting initiatives like learning through travel and fostering research and creativity for university students.

Additionally, the agreement emphasizes leveraging the Fund’s mobile gaming laboratory services to introduce young people to the electronic gaming industry. It also entails promoting volunteer and training opportunities through the “Nahno” platform, along
with publicizing specific openings on social media channels. Moreover, it includes hosting trainees from the “Darb” project during their practical training phase in the Fund’s offices across the Kingdom.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Arab League Assistant Secretary-General sees WGS as key dialogue platform

DUBAI: Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, expressed that the World Governments Summit (WGS) serves as an ideal platform for discussing ways to achieve Arab coherence in addressing contemporary issues and bridging the gap between Arab governments. He emphasised the League’s continuous participation in the summit.

During his participation in the summit’s events, Ambassador Hossam Zaki stated that the WGS agenda included numerous official participations by representatives of the Arab League, such as the Arab Meeting of Young Leaders and various forums and workshops, including the Government Administration Forum.

He highlighted the importance of the bilateral dialogues at the summit, including the political dialogue between the Secretary-General of the Arab League and the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council to discuss current developments in the Arab region.

He also noted that this edition of the WGS is notable for the participation of youth elites,
international bodies, and representatives of international organisations, with a focus on topics such as artificial intelligence and aiding Arab governments in keeping pace with the international community in utilising these modern applications.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Huawei honours winners of ICT Competition

Amman: Huawei Monday honoured the winning students in the regional finals of the Huawei ICT Competition in the Middle East and Central Asia 2023-2024 in its seventh edition in Manama, Bahrain.

Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Chen Quandong said, “Global initiatives like the Huawei ICT Competition play a critical role in addressing the talent shortages that our society is facing, and we commend Huawei for nurturing the talented students in Jordan and across the Middle East and Central Asia in advanced ICT skills.”

Quandong praised Huawei’s efforts in providing the necessary care for talented students in Jordan and throughout the Middle East and Central Asia to possess superior skills in advanced ICT.

The General Manager of Huawei Jordan, Adam Zhang, said, “Jordan has a robust ICT sector, and one of its greatest strengths is its talented youth.

“At the Huawei ICT Competition 2023-2024 Middle East and Central Asia, we saw some of the greatest Jordanian ICT minds in action, and we’re honoured to recognise their v
ictories today and to help nurture their future career paths.”

The SG of the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), Mamoun Debi’e, said, “One of the things the MoHE always prioritises is to equip students with ICT skills because ICT skills serve so many functions and provide so many solutions.

“We congratulate the students who won, and the universities must be extremely proud of what they have achieved, and the ministry is also extremely proud of them.”

President of Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Wejdan Abu Elhaija, said, “The Huawei ICT Competition is more than simply a contest; it is a vibrant forum where young minds can compete and collaborate to exchange ideas, broaden their ICT knowledge and hone their practical skills.”

Source: Jordan News Agency

Technological boom has produced winners and losers: President of Kenya

DUBAI: On the second day of the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024, Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, delivered a main address on navigating the future through visionary leadership and embracing new technologies to collectively build a prosperous and resilient future for all.

He highlighted the importance of fostering international collaboration, and championing innovative, sustainable governance. He noted that Dubai is the ideal place to discuss current and future challenges facing governments around the world, given the city’s courageous decision-making, sophisticated infrastructure, proactive ideas, and its employment of the latest technologies.

The Kenyan president also praised His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, for providing nations of the world with the opportunity to participate in constructive dialogue at the WGS about the future of governments.

Reflecting on the vital role innovation plays in shaping the world
today, Ruto said, ‘Nothing in the past century compares to the scale of transformation, as well as implications of disruptive social economic change, as that which we have experienced over the past decade with the explosion of ICTs, robotics, machine learning, and, of course, artificial intelligence.’

‘At times, innovation brings with it resistance and attempts to suppress,’ the Kenyan president stated, which stems from a fear of the unknown. However, he stressed that ‘this can be a real drawback to the progress of governments.’

‘All change produces its winners and losers. However, if governments are to remain relevant, agile, and responsive, they must facilitate, encourage, and champion change. From my experience with innovation in Kenya, struggles must never be grounds to stand in the way of solutions which respond to humanity’s needs.’

Ruto also noted that digital services in Kenya have increased to 18 percent and that his country’s government aims to automate 100% of all services. He also highlighted t
he ability of technology to transcend borders in offering various opportunities that have been otherwise inaccessible to Kenyans in the past. ‘That is what technology, innovation, internet, and power can bring,’ he noted.

The President of Kenya also addressed Africa’s abundant endowment of resources, noting that the continent harbours the highest green power energy potential. ‘Africa is the de-facto epicentre of a green industrial revolution,’ he said.

Ruto added, ‘We cannot allow the fear of an unknown future to sacrifice future possibilities.’ If there was ever a case for great urgency to define the green framework for development, it is now, he said, and urged mobilising collective action to work towards a thriving planet in the future.

Source: Emirates News Agency