Bahraini Officials Meet UNESCO Director-General on Sidelines of UN Ocean Conference in Nice
The meeting, held in the French city of Nice—host of this year's pivotal ocean-focused summit from June 9–13—also saw the presence of Bahrain's Ambassador to France, H.E. Essam Abdulaziz Al Jassim.
During the discussion, Minister Al Mubarak praised the longstanding and fruitful partnership between Bahrain and UNESCO. He emphasized the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting ongoing national strategies and initiatives that reinforce progress across multiple sectors.
Minister Al Mubarak underscored the critical need for intensified international cooperation to address pressing environmental challenges—chief among them, climate change and the preservation of natural resources, especially oceans and marine ecosystems.
He commended UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) for its instrumental role in building global capacity, promoting scientific knowledge-sharing, and advancing collaborative efforts to ensure ocean sustainability.
Reflecting on the importance of the third UN Ocean Conference, Minister Al Mubarak stated, 'This gathering is a vital platform for reinforcing our shared responsibility to protect marine biodiversity and secure the future of our oceans for generations to come.'
The high-level exchange reaffirmed Bahrain's proactive role on the global stage in championing environmental sustainability and preserving ecological balance, in alignment with UNESCO's mission and the global 2030 Agenda.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
7 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
UAE Youth Voice the Future at UN Sustainable Development Forum
Young leaders from the UAE joined global change-makers in New York to share their vision for a sustainable future at the United Nations Sustainable Development Forum 2025. The session, titled 'Voices for 2045: Youth Shaping the Future,' was hosted by the UAE's Permanent Mission to the UN and organized by the General Secretariat of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It brought together 40 youth participants, including members of the UN Major Group for Children and Youth, to discuss how today's young generation can shape a world beyond 2030. The dialogue encouraged participants to share ideas for the Extended Sustainable Development Goals (XDGs 2045), a global vision first introduced at the 2023 World Governments Summit. Through online surveys and discussions, youth highlighted their priorities: empowering young people to take part in policy-making, driving innovation, protecting the environment, and ensuring access to quality education and healthcare. His Excellency Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Chair of the National Committee for SDGs, stressed that youth are not just observers but key partners in shaping development pathways. 'Listening to youth is not enough,' he said. 'Their ideas must become part of global decision-making to create a future that keeps pace with the world's changes.' The session focused on three themes — empathy, passion, and action — reflecting the spirit of young people determined to make a positive impact. Participants shared the challenges they face and the bold solutions they believe are needed to achieve a more inclusive and resilient future. By hosting this session, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to empowering youth and supporting global efforts toward sustainable development. The discussions also linked to the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, where countries review their progress on key goals, including health, gender equality, economic growth, ocean protection, and global partnerships. With young voices leading the way, the UAE and its international partners aim to create a world where the next generation is not just prepared for 2045 but actively shaping it.
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Lula Threatens Response After Trump Slaps 'Witch-Hunting' Brazil With Highest Tariff-Rate Globally
On Friday President Trump imposed an unprecedented whopping 50% tariff on products imported into the US from Brazil, including nearly one-third of the coffee Americans consume daily. This is despite the US having maintained a trade surplus with Brazil amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars over the past decade, and it's all tied to the political firestorm of ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro's trial, and Trump's efforts to defend his friend known as the 'Brazilian Donald Trump'. The 50% tariff on select Brazilian imports is the highest rate currently applied to any nation globally, and with tiny Switzerland coming in second, having been shocked by its 39% tariff rate, which are the highest tariffs in Europe. On Switzerland, the BBC writes, 'It's the one story dominating the news and the airwaves on Friday. One newspaper, Blick, described it as the country's biggest defeat since French victory in the battle of Marignano in 1515.' But on the Brazil front, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has slammed the Trump tariffs as blatant political interference and says the government is preparing a response. 'We have always been open for a dialogue,' President Lula wrote on X. 'We are working now to respond to the US tariff measures,' Lula da Silva said. 'Only citizens and institutions of Brazil have the right to determine the country's path, including the relations with the United States,' he added. The US has included some exemptions: U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday slapped a 50% tariff on most Brazilian goods to fight what he has called a 'witch hunt' against former President Jair Bolsonaro, but softened the blow by excluding sectors such as aircraft, energy and orange juice from heavier levies. Trump announced the tariffs, some of the steepest levied on any economy in the U.S. trade war, as his administration also unveiled sanctions on the Brazilian supreme court justice who has been overseeing Bolsonaro's trial on charges of plotting a coup. Lula previously vowed to introduce tit-for-tat tariffs if Washington does not reconsider, while also expressing hope that his Brazilian delegation will be able to achieve the revision of tariffs through negotiations. The US has sought to present this as more than just political and more than merely motivated by protection of Trump-ally Bolsonaro, however. For example Wednesday's US Treasury statement announcing sanctions on those who are going after Bolsonaro also cited Brazil's 'unusual and extraordinary' actions as harmful to American businesses, free speech, and economic interests. Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of the former president, has defended Trump's actions, saying it's not about revenge, but justice. Meanwhile Trump has said that President Lula can call him anytime.
Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Portugal May Recognise Palestinian State at UN in September
Portugal is considering officially recognising the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's office announced on Thursday. The move comes amid growing international concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where a UN-backed agency has warned of a 'worst-case famine scenario.' Portugal's government said the decision follows 'multiple discussions' with European and international partners, as the situation in the region continues to deteriorate. Officials pointed to both the humanitarian crisis and growing fears over the potential annexation of Palestinian territories by Israel. If confirmed, Portugal will join countries like France, Britain, and Canada, which have all signaled plans to recognise a Palestinian state this year. French President Emmanuel Macron recently said his country would take the step in September, hoping to build international momentum for Palestinian recognition. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said the decision was made carefully and in coordination with European allies, reflecting Portugal's concern for both the humanitarian situation and the future of the peace process.
