Day: March 9, 2024

GENEVA: As the world marked International Women’s Day on 8th March, UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan called for bolder efforts to invest in creating equal opportunities for women and girls across the globe.

They often get less access to education and health care, are paid less than men and are more likely to leave work to care for families.

Even more worrying, Grynspan said, is that recent crises have rolled back hard-won gains.

It’s now projected that closing the global gender gap will take almost 132 years – about 30 years more than estimated in 2019. According to the United Nations, accelerating the pace to achieve gender equality by 2030 would require an additional US$360 billion each year.

Speaking on a special episode of UNCTAD’s Weekly Tradecast, the UNCTAD chief underlined the pivotal role that investing in women plays not only in achieving gender equality but also in building stronger, more resilient and sustainable economies and societies for everyone.

According to the UN, for example,
closing gender gaps in employment could boost GDP per capita by 20 percent. Meanwhile, reducing gaps in care and expanding services with decent jobs could spark almost 300 million jobs by 2035.

‘Shapers’ not just users of new technology

Grynspan underscored the importance of stronger support for women and girls in science and technology.

The digital revolution has offered unique opportunities for women across the globe to advance. But she says women need to shape not just use new technologies. Otherwise, they could shape our future world in a gender-biased way.

In cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, only one in five professionals is a woman.

AI algorithms, trained on data steeped in societal biases, risk perpetuating and also amplifying these prejudices, embedding them deep within the code of new products and services.

For example, translation software has tended to give professions a gender when a language has masculine and feminine nouns, translating ‘the doctor’ from English into ‘le
docteur’ (masculine) in French, and ‘the nurse’ into ‘l’infirmière’ (feminine).

‘Agents of change’

In the interview, the UNCTAD chief challenges the narrative that women are ‘a vulnerable group’.

‘We are agents of change, agents of good, agents of community building, of economy building, of society building,’ she said. ‘Women are vulnerable because their rights have been weakened.’

Grynspan said she remains hopeful as she sees women persist across the world.

‘I really see everywhere young women coming through the ranks of politics, through the ranks of society, fighting for their rights, making a difference,’ she said. ‘So despite this very difficult moment for the world, I feel optimistic in my belief in the new generations.’

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) has launched its new visual identity in line with its vision to foster a sustainable housing ecosystem that enhances the lives of Emirati citizens across Abu Dhabi.

The visual identity includes the Authority’s new logo, which draws inspiration from intersecting geometric shapes found in traditional ‘Arish Houses’ and intricate Emirati palm frond weaving. Additionally, the logo incorporates contemporary design elements inspired by modern architectural plans, encapsulating the essence of heritage while embracing modernity.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ADHA, said, “The unveiling of the new visual identity of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority showcases its active role in building modern and integrated residential communities, infused with architectural characters that reflect the national identity and heritage.

Aligned with the vision of the Abu Dhabi government, the i
nitiative seeks to elevate community living standards, foster well-being, and promote the stability of families in the Emirate. It underscores our unwavering dedication to implementing the directives of our wise leadership to provide dignified livelihoods for our citizens and improve their quality of life.”

Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director-General of ADHA, said, ‘Our new visual identity reflects our unwavering commitment to channelling our endeavours towards elevating the government housing sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

As we progress along our strategic roadmap to deliver innovative housing solutions and cultivate integrated communities, our new visual identity will stand as a symbol of our dedication to enriching the lives of citizens living in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by harmonising tradition with modernity. These efforts are in line with the aspirations of our wise leadership that aim to achieve social well-being and family stability for the citizens of Abu Dhabi, as they are integral to the ongoi
ng comprehensive development process witnessed in the Emirate.’

Since its establishment in 2012, the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority has played a pivotal role by providing adequate government housing to citizens across Abu Dhabi, overseeing the allocation of over 40,000 residential plots and more than 16,000 built houses. Approvals were granted to over 48,000 housing loans, while over 4,000 beneficiaries have received housing loan exemptions. The total value of these residential benefits was more than AED147 billion.

Source: Emirates News Agency

AL AIN: Al Ain Zoo’s commitment to sustainability is exemplified by its internal production of around 211.2 tonnes of plant-based sustenance annually. In a dedicated nursery, the Zoo cultivates a hugely diverse range of animal food plants, including local and non-local species such as Sidr, Ghaf, Hibiscus, and others.

This sustainability initiative ensures a consistent food supply while reducing its ecological footprint. Such proactive measures highlight the Zoo’s dedication to responsible resource management and environmental conservation. The plants are carefully chosen to meet the unique nutritional, behavioural, and environmental needs of the Zoo’s diverse animal residents.

Selections are informed by thorough evaluations conducted by the diet review team, considering factors like growth stages, reproductive states, and overall health. While some animals thrive on pure plant-based diets, others, including carnivores, primates, and reptiles, have their unique nutritional needs met through the carefully de
vised compound feed.

This comprehensive approach highlights the Zoo’s dedication to the well-being of every animal in its care. The Zoo has always made significant contributions to nature conservation and wildlife protection, with a particular focus on safeguarding local species and its internal food production plays a crucial role in the preservation and enhancement of plant diversity.

The nursery’s propagation and utilisation of these plants across diverse initiatives not only fosters biodiversity but also enables the sharing of expertise with external partners and institutions. This collaborative approach underscores the nursery’s commitment to advancing conservation efforts and promoting ecological sustainability, advancing resource management and self-sufficiency while also ensuring tailored diets for its animals and supporting breeding efforts for endangered species.

Beyond conservation, the Zoo’s dedication extends to revitalising green spaces both within the Zoo and across Al Ain, creating tranquil
zones teeming with vitality. Their tireless efforts reflect a commitment to excellence and a vision for a thriving ecosystem.

Source: Emirates News Agency

GENEVA: Jusoor International for Media and Development, a non-governmental and nonprofit organisation, organised an event on the sidelines of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council entitled “False Information in Conflict Zones.”

The speakers’ interventions stressed the seriousness of the phenomenon and the extent to which false information affects communities, peoples, individuals, and their lives. They also emphasised the need to combat it through measures that deter the spreaders of this type of news, especially in light of the current technological development and the impact of artificial intelligence when used in the field of media.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, President of Jusoor International for Media and Development, emphasised the growing threat of false and misleading information in the media. He highlighted the crucial role of media, journalists, and organisations in combating this issue, particularly in verifying information shared on social media to prevent misinformation from distorting facts and
undermining credibility. Al Hammadi warned about the detrimental impact of false information on journalism, its credibility, and the potential for turning a just cause into the opposite when widely circulated.

Valéria Emília, a human rights lawyer and expert, highlighted the pervasive impact of false information across various sectors, particularly when used in an ethnic or racist context. She emphasised historical instances of such manipulation during World War II and the Cold War, driven by ideological agendas. Emília underscored the role of technology and AI in exacerbating the spread of misinformation, urging media outlets to verify sources diligently.

Dr. Viola Krebs, an expert in digital technologies and artificial intelligence, emphasised the danger of false information spreading online to shape public opinion. With AI advancements, distinguishing between real and manipulated content has become increasingly difficult. Krebs urged governments to develop innovative programs to verify and counter misinf
ormation, especially in conflict zones where AI is being used as a weapon.

It is worth noting that the event, which was held at the Geneva Graduate Institute, was attended by a number of representatives of human rights organisations, civil society organisations, academics, and journalists.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) urged farmers and livestock breeders to take necessary precautions to deal with storms, winds, and rainy weather, advising caution to avoid risks of weather fluctuations on farms, barns, workers, and winter crops, especially vegetables and date palm trees.

The authority advised farmers and livestock breeders to ensure the safety of water drainage tools and means on the farm to ensure proper drainage of rainwater without flooding crops, and to ensure the safety of electrical installations by a specialised technician to prevent electrical contact or power outage due to winds or rain.

Regarding livestock, the authority called for keeping livestock in their shelters during weather fluctuations and not leaving them in open areas to avoid exposure to wind and rain currents, while providing the necessary water for livestock to drink, so they do not have to drink rainwater collected in the barn, and monitoring the general health of barn animals, an
d in case of suspicion of any symptoms, farmers should consult a veterinarian for examination and appropriate treatment.

The authority also advised the importance of protecting feed stocks by keeping feed in tightly closed storage facilities and covering them with covers to prevent exposure to moisture and rain.

The authority emphasised the need to place feed on wooden or other tables to protect it from moisture. In case some feed is exposed to rainwater, it is preferable to separate and dry it to avoid damaging the rest of the stock.

As for farmers, ADAFSA advised ensuring that movable tools and equipment are not left in the wind’s path to prevent them from flying and causing harm to crops or protected structures. It is also essential to check for broken branches in farm trees to prevent them from flying due to strong winds and causing damage to the farm, while avoiding maintenance or construction operations inside the farm during stormy weather to ensure worker safety.

Regarding guidance and advice for
protected structures, the authority stressed the importance of operating fans to reduce pressure inside the protected structures and running water on cooling panels to minimise the entry of dust. Additionally, it is important to ensure the safety of the iron structure and plastic cover and avoid damage, check the electricity in the farm, ensure the safety and readiness of the backup generator, and ensure that the water drains at the edges of the protected structures are open properly to prevent water from entering inside. It is also advised to stop agricultural operations inside protected structures during periods of weather fluctuations to ensure worker safety.

The authority emphasised the importance of preventive crop spraying with a general fungicide in case of high humidity, low temperatures, and immediately after rainfall, to reduce the risk of crop fungal diseases.

Farmers and livestock owners were urged to consult agricultural guidance centres or veterinary clinics if they need technical assistance f
rom guidance engineers or affiliated veterinarians. These guidance centres and veterinary clinics, spread across various regions of Abu Dhabi Emirate, provide specialised technical guidance and advice to farmers and livestock breeders to ensure the protection of plants and livestock from climate change impacts, preventing agricultural crop damage or harm to livestock.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The Joint Operations Command of the Ministry of Defence announced the implementation of the sixth airdrop of humanitarian and relief aid by the UAE Air Force and the Egyptian Air Force on the northern Gaza Strip to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian brethren and assist them in overcoming the difficult circumstances they are facing.

Joint crews from both countries carried out the sixth airdrop operation using aircraft carrying 62 tonnes of food and medical aid to northern Gaza, bringing the total aid dropped since the launch of the “Birds of Goodness” operation to 293 tonnes of humanitarian and relief aid. “Birds of Goodness”, which will continue for several weeks, embodies the high level of joint Emirati-Egyptian coordination to support the population of Gaza and assist them in light of the critical conditions they are facing.

The amount of supplies provided by the United Arab Emirates to the Gaza Strip has reached more than 21,000 tonnes, transported through more than 200 flights and ove
r 520 trucks, as well as two ships.

The United Arab Emirates, through the “Gallant Knight 3” operation, has established six water desalination stations producing 1.2 million gallons per day, pumped into the Strip, benefiting more than 600,000 people.

The country has also established two field hospitals, the first in southern Gaza under the supervision of an Emirati medical team, including over 100 doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and lab technicians. The hospital has treated approximately 7,951 cases since its opening on December 2, 2023.

The second is a floating hospital off the coast of Al Arish city, with 200 beds, which began providing medical services on February 26, 2024. The country also provided the Starlink internet service for urgent medical consultations in the field hospital through video communication technology.

More than 545 people from Gaza have arrived in the country to receive medical care under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to treat 2,000 inju
red and cancer patients from the strip, in addition to 511 facilities.

The United Arab Emirates has also established 5 automated bakeries to meet the daily needs of more than 72,000 people while providing flour to 7 existing bakeries in Gaza, catering to the daily needs of 14,000 people each day.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The Muslim Council of Elders will offer 5 diverse programmes on social media during Ramadan 2024, focusing on promoting peace, dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence.

The programmes include “Imam Al-Tayeb,” “Human Values with the Elders,” “Month of Coexistence,” “Reflect on Your Fasting,” and “Humanitarian Stories with Youth.”

The “Imam Al-Tayeb” programme explores the 99 Names of Allah with interpretations linked to current world events, while the “Human Values with the Elders” programme delves into noble human values such as equality, patience, and cooperation, emphasising their significance in fostering peace and unity in societies.

During Ramadan 2024, the Muslim Council of Elders presents a programme for youth called “Humanitarian Stories with Youth,” showcasing inspiring stories that have led to positive changes in communities. Other programmes include “Reflect on Fasting,” highlighting the benefits of fasting on individuals, and “Month of Harmonious Coexistence,” focusing on humanitar
ian values during Ramadan such as kindness, solidarity, and righteousness.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecast tomorrow’s weather to be generally clear to partly cloudy, with a chance of convective clouds formation over the mountains in the afternoon, which may be accompanied by rain.

Temperatures will rise gradually, with humidity at night and Sunday morning over some coastal and inland areas.

In its daily statement, NCM predicted winds to be light to moderate in speed, occasionally becoming active.

NCM said that the winds will be southeasterly to northeasterly at speeds ranging from 10 to 20 km/h reaching 35 km/h.

Wave conditions in the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman are expected to be light.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The UAE prepares to welcome the holy month of Ramadan with decorated streets and festivities, showcasing a range of activities that reflect Emirati customs and values of compassion and tolerance.

Religious activities

This year, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments will host 20 scholars from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Oman, Bahrain, Tatarstan, Dagestan, India, and Burkina Faso as part of the “UAE President’s guest scholars in Ramadan” programme. They will deliver lectures in multiple languages at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, mosques, Quranic centres, via Smart Preaching Platformme, and neighborhood gatherings. Additionally, there will be three evening sessions and five seminars coordinated with various entities. Scholars will also participate in the country’s Zayed Humanitarian Work Day celebration, honouring the founding father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s legacy.

Furthermore, this year’s programme includes a scientific conference focusing on “Th
e Holy Quran and the Horizons of Cosmic Sciences and the UAE’s Efforts in Serving It.” Guest scholars and experts from relevant institutions will participate. Additionally, the 27th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award will continue, featuring Quran memorisation competitions. Moreover, the 10th edition of the Quran Memorisation and Sciences Award will host various local and international competitions catering to diverse categories, demographics, genders, and ages throughout the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan Majalis:

The UAE’s Ramadan Majalis, blending religious, cultural, and traditional aspects, involve senior officials and public figures, highlighting Emirati society’s unity. The Ministry of Interior’s 13th edition, themed “Emirati Society: Ancient Roots, Global Horizons,” will begin at Ramadan’s start, hosting 21 sessions across the Emirates. Focused on Emirati values and global achievements, these councils will cover “Family: The Pillar of Society,” “Emirati Values System,” and “Digital Commu
nities.”

Consumer Protection

During Ramadan, UAE experiences a surge in shopping activity, prompting consumer protection authorities to ensure market readiness and availability of goods. The Ministry of Economy confirms ample supplies for Ramadan, prohibiting price hikes without approval. A national team will monitor essential goods’ prices in the near future.

Working hours

During Ramadan, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources issued a directive specifying working hours for federal government employees, starting from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday to Thursday, and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Fridays, unless otherwise required by their job nature. Ministries and federal entities are allowed to maintain flexible working regulations within these hours, including remote work for up to 70 percent of employees on Fridays. Additionally, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced a two-hour reduction in daily working hours for private sector employees during Ramadan, allowing private compan
ies to adopt flexible or remote working arrangements within the designated daily hours.

Shopping festivals

Shopping festivals are in full swing across the UAE for Ramadan 2024. “Ramadan Nights,” organised by “Abu Dhabi Offers,” promises exclusive deals, limited-edition items, and unique shopping experiences until April 14th. Dubai’s “Ramadan in Dubai” campaign offers diverse initiatives and events, including promotional offers, discounts, and entertainment activities.

Meanwhile, the Sharjah Ramadan Festival, now in its 34th edition, features thousands of stores offering up to 75 percent discounts on global brands, making it a treat for residents and visitors alike until April 13th.

Source: Emirates News Agency