Day: 1 October 2024

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) hosted its prestigious annual “Takreem” ceremony, which celebrates and recognizes the invaluable contributions of all of UDST’s esteemed stakeholders who have played an important role in its continued success.

In a press release, UDST said that thanks to its partnership with esteemed stakeholders, it has successfully established new academic programs, expanded the scope of scientific research, and enhanced the overall student experience.

The University added that these collaborative efforts have not only enriched the University’s curriculum but have also created an environment of innovation and academic excellence.

During his speech at the honoring ceremony, President of UDST Dr. Salem Al Naemi said: “Today, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of our stakeholders, whose dedication and support have been instrumental in our journey toward excellence. “Takreem” event exemplifies our commitment to collaboration and innovation, reinforcing our share
d vision for the future of education in Qatar. Thanks to shared efforts, over 800 students have secured internships and work placements, while more than 750 students received sponsorships to further their studies in the last academic year.” Al Naemi added, “Together, we have built state-of-the-art laboratories that give our students access to cutting-edge technology, enabling them to excel in developing innovative solutions across various fields, from eco-friendly vehicles to AI-driven devices assisting individuals with special needs. Our partnerships have also facilitated numerous conferences and creative workshops, resulting in the publication of over 187 research papers in line with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy.”

Source: Qatar News Agency

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent on Tuesday a cable of condolences to the President of Nepal Ram Chandra Poudel, expressing sympathy to the families’ victims of flash floods and heavy rain that swept through the country, which resulted in several causalities and property damage.

In the cable, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal expressed wishes of swift recovery to the injured and for Nepal to overcome the tragedy.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

The Ministry of Justice announced Tuesday an update to the list of table experts registered with the Experts Department at the Ministry, which was published on the departments official page and includes detailed and updated data on experts.

In a statement, the ministry said that the experts data includes the full name of each expert, his personal number, his expertise data, and his contact number, noting that the number of registered experts reached 266 experts, including, for the first time, two Qatari companies that were registered in the lists of experts approved by the judicial authorities in the country in accordance with the controls contained in Law No. (16) of 2017 regulating expertise work, as two companies specialized in accounting and real estate expertise work.

Commenting on this occasion, Director of the Experts Department at the Ministry of Justice Abdullah Bushahab Al Marri said that the new update aims to present the experts data to the public to provide technical and specialized expertise t
o all, as the updated list was delivered to the judicial authorities in the country in implementation of the provisions of the law, and within the framework of providing expertise to the judiciary, based on the role and responsibility of experts in presenting evidence and proof regarding the technical aspects related to various cases, and the role that expert reports play in accelerating the issuance of judgments and adjudication of cases.

He stressed the ministry’s keenness to strengthen the national cadre of experts and provide expertise that keeps pace with the comprehensive renaissance witnessed by the country in all fields, particularly in rare technical fields, by creating a roster system for documenting various areas of expertise and establishing guidelines for expert registration.

He pointed out that experts will take a legal oath to expedite procedures and improve access to specialized services for stakeholders.

Al Marri outlined the extensive qualifications available, which include accounting, en
gineering (mechanical, electrical, architectural), real estate valuation, food safety, alternative energies, and more. He noted that this expertise also covers niche areas such as financial and banking services, project management, agricultural affairs, and counterfeiting investigations.

He concluded by mentioning that the expertise encompasses specialized fields relevant to various societal needs, including the export of used oils, recycling activities, public relations, event organization, and livestock management, among others.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Iraq called on Tuesday for an emergency meeting for the Arab League on the level of permanent representatives to discuss the alarming situation in Lebanon due to the Israeli brutal aggression.

Assistant Arab League Secretary Ambassador Hussam Zaki told KUNA that the League’s Secretariat had received a request from the Iraqi Permanent Representative in regards to the developments in Lebanon especially concerning the displaced and refugees.

The request was circulated amongst members and the President of the current session of the Arab League, Yemen, was informed to set the date for the meeting, he concluded.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

For his part, Earthna Executive Director Dr. Gonzalo Castro de la Mata expressed his happiness at the opening of the 4th edition of the Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change (QNDCC), noting the success of the event over the past three years in establishing itself as a unique platform for exchanging ideas, enriching discussions, and translating them into effective steps to address the effects of climate change.

Dr. de la Mata said that climate change affects everyone, making it essential for all, be it individuals, companies, organizations, academic institutions, and government entities to recognize their role in addressing this crisis and to collectively take decisive measures to ensure a sustainable future.

In keeping with the sustainability goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030, this year’s QNDCC plays a crucial role in forming the countrys response to climate change, by identifying and shaping the measures and actions to which collective commit is needed in order to mitigate the effects of climate
change and adapt.

International and local experts will hold enriching discussions over two-days with the aim of putting together national and international policies and strategies to combat climate change, the Earthna Executive Director noted.

Dr. de la Mata said that the event enhances transparency, understanding, cooperation, and integration among the country’s key players actively engaged in combating climate change, facilitating the formulation of effective policies to mitigate environmental risks and promote economic growth.

He said that QNDCC hosts prominent speakers and features high-level discussions focusing on key topics related to climate change, adaptation to its effects, carbon management regulation, the outcomes of COP28, COP29, and eco-tourism.

Dr. de la Mata stressed that the only way to address the effects of climate change lies in close collaboration across sectors and in empowering individuals to fully adopt and implement sustainable practices at all levels.

In this context, HE Ambassa
dor of the Federal Republic of Germany to Qatar Lothar Freischlader expressed pride that his country is an official partner of the 4h edition of QNDCC, affirming that every step taken in the next six years will significantly impact the approach to addressing climate change challenges, adding that what is done today will have a profound effect on tomorrow.

HE the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany praised his country’s cooperation with the State of Qatar, which reflects both countries’ spirit of partnership to find solutions to this global phenomenon through developing policies and expanding diplomatic efforts.

HE Ambassador Freischlader added that Germany has a clear responsibility and commitment to be among the first countries to reach net zero, highlighting the importance of international cooperation to confront the effects of climate change. He added that climate action is not only about addressing climate change but also about creating a collaborative future that supports resources, fosters i
deas, and provides mechanisms and tools to facilitate actions.

Co-hosted by Qatar Foundation Member, Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, this year’s edition of QNDCC is held in collaboration with the German Embassy and the German Industry and Commerce Office in Doha (AHK Qatar), along with QNB as a strategic partner, Al Attiyah Foundation as the knowledge partner and DHL Express Qatar as the logistics partner.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Palestinian sources said on Tuesday that two young Palestinians were killed and four others were injured due to Israeli occupation forces assault on the City of Nablus, West Bank.

This came in a press release by the Ministry of Health, which revealed that Deyaa Duwaikat, 25, was martyred due to gunshots in the abdomen and thigh.

On its part, the General Authority for Civil Affairs noted that the killing of the young man Abdul Hakim Shaheen, 33, by the occupation forces in the old city of Nablus.

On the other hand, Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported three members of emergency teams were deliberately shot and injured by live fire from the occupation forces.

It pointed out that occupation forces stopped ambulances from reaching the site to aid the injured.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

The fourth edition of the Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change 2024 kicked off Tuesday. The two-day event is held for the first time as part of Qatar Sustainability Week (QSW) at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC).

The dialogue’s first session was attended by HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, HE Minister of Transport Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, HE Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, and a large number of specialists, academics, experts, and those interested in environmental affairs.

In his opening remarks, HE Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie said that the dialogue reflects the significance of solidarity and joint action to address the increasing challenges posed by climate change. He voiced his pride in the successes achieved by the MOECC in the State of Qatar, which will support the steady march toward achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 and has given special importance to clima
te change within its integrated framework that it has drawn up to achieve sustainable development in various aspects of economic, social, environmental, and others. He added that from this standpoint, they are gathered today to discuss sustainable and practical solutions that will enable them to address those challenges effectively.

His Excellency added that the participation of this large and diverse number of national and international entities, and the elite of those interested in climate change issues from around the world, in addition to the private sector and civil society, is a testament to the State of Qatar’s firm commitment to addressing climate challenges and enhancing climate efforts at the local, regional, and global levels. It also confirms the importance of dialogue and the need to unify ranks and efforts to address those challenges that affect the present and the future, stressing the MOECC’s constant keenness to consider the opinions and proposals put forward by everyone.

HE Dr. Al Subaie i
ndicated that this dialogue’s edition focuses on a number of key themes that will support the sustainable development process and achieve a real transformation in how to deal with the challenges of climate change, including solutions for adapting to the effects of climate change in the State of Qatar, based on the belief in the importance of adaptation and enhancing flexibility in dealing with the repercussions of climate change in various development paths. It also sheds light on environmental and sustainable tourism, discusses ways to enhance it, and reviews successful experiences and practices in this field from the State of Qatar and around the world, in addition to reviewing the essential role played by national efforts in addressing climate change.

HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change stressed the importance of exerting the necessary efforts to ensure the benefit of current and future generations at all national levels to provide a safe climate and an environmentally sustainable future. He
noted that this dialogue represents more than just an opportunity to exchange ideas, as it is a step toward enhancing Qatar’s active role on the international stage in dealing with climate change issues and a new stage in developing capabilities for innovation and finding sustainable solutions. He concluded his opening speech by saying that the State of Qatar believes that integration between various sectors plays a pivotal role in achieving tangible successes in the field of climate and environmental sustainability.

For his part, HE Chairman of Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah – through his participation via video conferencing – pointed out that climate change is a real and clear global problem, the results of which are evident in the rise in sea levels and their threat to coastal areas, and the increase in extreme weather phenomena, such as hurricanes, heat waves, and droughts, which threaten lives, agriculture, infr
astructure and economies, leading to water shortages and food insecurity.

His Excellency added that the loss of biodiversity is accelerating with increasing disturbances to the ecosystem, rising temperatures, and extreme weather leading to increased health risks. He noted that 2024 witnessed the “hottest day” and the “hottest summer” ever, and these are not passing incidents but rather the result of many years of increasing carbon emissions.

HE Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah noted that at COP28 in 2023, world leaders agreed on a sustainable and just energy transition, which is the only way to protect the planet, safeguard resources, and secure a better world for future generations. He stressed that the Qatar National Dialogue discussions on climate change constitute an important step towards that future, as “together, we can make a difference.” (MORE)

Source: Qatar News Agency

The Acting Director of the Bayt Mal Al-Quds AShairf Agency (BMAQ) Mohammad Al-Sharqawi expressed concern over that the social and economic conditions in Jerusalem that many Palestinians are in distress due to ongoing aggression on Gaza and the West Bank.

In an interview with KUNA, he stressed that a support was required to sustain a decent living, given the impact of the ongoing aggression by the Israeli occupation on the Gaza Strip, the global rise in prices as well as the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. He underscored that it’s essential to protect the livelihoods of Palestinians in Jerusalem, such as city traders, workers in tourism, widespread of layoffs, along with other sectors that was affected by the closure of streets leading to the old city.

Al-Sharqawi noted that the cost of living in Jerusalem risen to unprecedented levels due to rising prices of essential goods, highlighting the need to help Palestinians securing basic necessities in lights of the ongoing closure and continued siege. He re
ferenced data gathered by the Monitoring and Evaluation Center, affiliated with the agency, revealed the impact of inflation on Jerusalem had worsened Palestinians social and living conditions and threatened their ability to stay in the city.

He explained that in parallel of the sharp increase of prices, rents have increased, which made some residents relocate to other areas. The Acting Director also expressed hope that member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) would fulfill their financial commitments to the Agency — which operates under the Jerusalem Committee established by the OIC — so that it can carry out it mission to bolster the resilience of the people of Jerusalem. He stressed the need for continuous support from Arab and Islamic nations, as well as institutions to allow the agency to continue it 25 years vital work and experience in the field dealing with challenges. In the last two decades, the agency completed over 200 major project, alongside several initiatives exceeding USD 70
million, these project focused on health, education, housing, culture, youth, social assistance, and human development, majority funded by Morocco.

Established in 1998, the BMAQ headquarter in Rabat, was initiative of the late Moroccan King Hassan II, then chairman of the Jerusalem Committee under the OIC, today the committee is chaired by King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the agency is responsible for implementing the committee’s social and humanitarian in occupied Jerusalem, aimed at preserving the city’s identity.

Source: Kuwait News Agency