UAE envoy spotlights sustainability, water diplomacy
'In the United Arab Emirates, sustainability lies at the core of our national development agenda,' said Al Nuaimi during an event co-hosted by the UAE Embassy in Seoul and the Corea Image Communication Institute.
He noted that sustainability offers a "timely and strategic opportunity" for the UAE and Korea, highlighting the UAE's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
To support this target, the UAE enacted the Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024 on the Reduction of Climate Change Effects, set to take effect on 30 May 2025. The law aligns with the Paris Agreement and is part of the UAE's broader Net Zero 2050 Strategy, which includes over 25 programs across six key sectors.
Al Nuami also referenced the UAE's mobilization under the 'Year of Sustainability' campaign in 2023-2024, which concluded with the hosting of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.
'COP28 reflects our determination to lead by example in shaping a low-carbon, climate-resilient future,' he said, spotlighting the UAE's co-hosting of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference alongside the Republic of Senegal.
The conference, according to Al Nuami, is a milestone initiative to elevate water diplomacy and accelerate global action on water resilience.
He cited the conference as UAE's post-COP28 efforts to link climate and water agendas for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The SDGs refer to global targets adopted by the UN in 2015, including ending poverty, taking climate action, achieving gender equality, and promoting peace, justice and strong institutions, by 2030.
Meanwhile, Al Nuaimi highlighted the strong economic and strategic ties between the UAE and Korea, noting a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation and future-focused development.
UAE-Korea collaboration can serve as a model for interregional cooperation, particularly in advancing clean energy, green technology and climate-resilient infrastructure, he hoped.
The event drew prominent diplomatic figures, including Saudi Ambassador to Korea Sami M. Alsadhan, Oman Ambassador to Korea Zakariya Hamed Al Saadi and Kuwait Ambassador to Korea Deyab Farhan al-Rashidi, and others.
sanjaykumar@heraldcorp.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Korea Herald
21 hours ago
- Korea Herald
N. Korea urges loyalty to leader Kim ahead of 80th anniv. of Korean liberation
North Korea on Sunday invoked state founder Kim Il-sung as a "historic hero" of Korea's liberation and urged loyalty to his grandson, current leader Kim Jong-un, ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Korean Peninsula's liberation from the 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule. The North's state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper invoked the state founder's role in the liberation struggle, praising him as "a legendary hero in fighting Japanese (colonial) rule" and a "historic patriot." The article subsequently shifted its focus to the current leader, emphasizing that Kim Jong-un inherited the spirit of independence fighters, including Kim Il-sung, and claiming the country will remain invincible under his leadership. The newspaper also recalled the current leader's horseback march to snow-covered Mount Paektu in December 2019, comparing it to the state founder's independence struggle, which is said to have been based on the mountain. In a separate article, the newspaper also called for loyalty to Kim Jong-un, describing him as a "presence like the sky, whom the people should uphold with their whole heart and single-minded devotion." The articles were published ahead of the 80th anniversary on Aug. 15 of the Korean Peninsula's liberation from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule. The subsequent 1950-53 Korean War left the peninsula divided into South and North Korea. (Yonhap)
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Korea Herald
Morocco marks Throne Day, touts strategic momentum with Korea
Morocco on Wednesday touted strategic momentum in its bilateral ties with South Korea as it marked Throne Day, commemorating the 26th anniversary of King Mohammed VI succeeding his father, King Hassan II. Speaking at a commemorative event, Moroccan Ambassador to Korea Chafik Rachadi hailed his country's macroeconomic stability, a 55 percent rise in foreign direct investment in 2024, and the emergence of Morocco as Africa's largest car producer and a major player in the aerospace industry. 'Over 40 percent of our electricity comes from renewables, and Morocco is investing heavily in solar, wind and green hydrogen projects, aiming to reach 52 percent renewable capacity by 2030,' said Rachadi. He noted the expansion of Moroccan-Korean ties, recalling that Korea's first African embassy was established in Morocco and highlighting Morocco's support for South Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War. Rachadi also paid special tribute to the two Moroccan soldiers who were killed during the war. According to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the two Moroccan soldiers were Mohamed El Asry, who died from chest wounds near Wonju in March 1951, and Julien Djian, who was killed in action in July 1953, shortly before the signing of the Armistice Agreement. They were among the Moroccan soldiers who first arrived in Korea as part of the volunteer section of the French Battalion under the UN, deployed to support South Korea, according to the Moroccan Embassy in Seoul. 'Two of those heroes are now peacefully resting in the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan, a dignified reminder of the human connections,' said Rachadi. The ambassador's residence in Seoul has two mugunghwa trees, Korea's national flower, planted in their honor. Seoul and Rabat established diplomatic relations in July 1962. The ambassador also pointed to the April 2025 launch of negotiations for the Morocco-Korea Economic Partnership Agreement and joint preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, citing these efforts as broader strategic momentum. He thanked Chung Keeyong, Korea's ambassador and deputy minister for climate change, who was recently honored by the King of Morocco with the Order of Wissam Alaouite at the rank of Commander. Chung's contribution included the identification of Moroccan war veterans and the publication of a book titled 'Morocco-Korea: Blood Brothers.' 'We were also able to identify 16 additional Moroccan soldiers, bringing the known total to 24 ... so that Korea may express its enduring gratitude — not only in archives but through human connection,' said Chung in his remarks. Reflecting on meeting one of the veterans' daughters, Chung said, 'Her father's sacrifice is not forgotten but cherished. 'Their courage, offered in a time of Korea's greatest need, has forever linked our nations — not just as partners, but as 'freres de sang,'" he said. Freres de sang is French for "blood brothers." As examples of momentum, Chung cited Korea's solidarity during Morocco's 1975 Green March, uncovered through archival research; joint initiatives such as $100 million in development aid; a reforestation project in Ouarzazate; green hydrogen programs; and a $1.5 billion electric train deal. The Green March is seen as a landmark moment in Morocco's recent history toward securing the Kingdom's territorial integrity. The demonstration paved the way for the Madrid Accords signed on November 14, 1975, which formally ended nearly 100 years of Spanish control over the region. Chung also noted that Morocco's gross domestic product has nearly tripled, and its 2017 return to the African Union and 2022 ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area have reinforced its role as a bridge between Africa, Europe and the Arab world. 'From the trenches of the Korean War to the sands of the Green March ... Morocco and Korea have always shown up for each other,' concluded Chung. sanjaykumar@
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Korea Herald
Canada intends to recognize Palestinian state in September
Canada intends to recognize a Palestinian state at a meeting of the UN in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday, adding more pressure on the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. The announcement came after France said last week it would recognize a Palestinian state, and a day after Britain said it would recognize the state at the UN if the fighting in Gaza, part of the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel, had not stopped by then. "We are working ourselves with others, to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution, to not allow the facts on the ground, deaths on the ground, the settlements on the ground, the expropriations on the ground, to get to such an extent that this is not possible," Carney said. He told reporters the planned move was predicated on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to reforms, including commitments to reform its governance and to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas "can play no part." The announcements by some of Israel's closest allies reflect the growing international outrage over the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A global hunger monitor has warned that a worst-case scenario of famine is unfolding in the enclave. The Gaza Health Ministry reported seven more hunger-related deaths on Wednesday, including a two-year-old girl with an existing health condition. The Hamas-run government media office in Gaza said the Israeli military killed at least 50 people within three hours on Wednesday as they tried to get food from UN aid trucks coming into the northern Gaza Strip. "Israel rejects the statement by the Prime Minister of Canada," said Israel's Foreign Ministry in a statement. "The change in the position of the Canadian government at this time is a reward for Hamas and harms the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of the hostages." A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said 'As the president stated, he would be rewarding Hamas if he recognizes a Palestinian state, and he doesn't think they should be rewarded. So he is not going to do that. President Trump's focus is on getting people fed (in Gaza).' The official did not respond to a question on whether the US was given advance notice of Carney's announcement. US special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Israel on Thursday to discuss the next steps to address the situation in Gaza, a US official said. US President Donald Trump said earlier this week he expects centers to be set up in order to feed more people in the enclave. Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli security cabinet member Zeev Elkin said Israel could threaten to annex parts of Gaza to increase pressure on Hamas, an idea that would deal a blow to Palestinian hopes of statehood on land Israel now occupies. Accusing Hamas of trying to drag out ceasefire talks to gain Israeli concessions, Elkin told public broadcaster Kan that Israel may give the group an ultimatum to reach a deal before further expanding its military actions. "The most painful thing for our enemy is losing lands," he said. "A clarification to Hamas that the moment they play games with us they will lose land that they will never get back would be a significant pressure tool." Mediation efforts aimed at reaching a deal that would secure a 60-day ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas ground to a halt last week, with the sides trading blame for the impasse. Though recognition of a Palestinian state is largely seen as a symbolic move, Gazan man Saed al-Akhras said he hoped it marked a "real shift in how Western countries view the Palestinian cause." "Enough! Palestinians have lived for more than 70 years under killing, destruction, and occupation, while the world watches in silence," he said. Families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza appealed for no recognition of a Palestinian state to come before their loved ones were returned. "Such recognition is not a step toward peace, but rather a clear violation of international law and a dangerous moral and political failure that legitimises horrific war crimes," the Hostages Family Forum said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said Britain's decision "rewards Hamas' monstrous terrorism." Israel made similar comments last week after France's announcement. Two Hamas officials did not respond to requests for comment on the demand for the group to hand its weapons to the PA, which now has limited control of parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas has previously rejected calls to disarm, while Israel has ruled out letting the PA run Gaza. Netanyahu said this month he wanted peace with Palestinians but described any future independent state as a potential platform to destroy Israel, so control of security must remain with Israel. His cabinet includes far-right figures who openly demand the annexation of all Palestinian land. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Tuesday that reestablishing Jewish settlements in Gaza was "closer than ever," calling Gaza "an inseparable part of the Land of Israel." A 2-year-old girl being treated for a build-up of brain fluid died overnight of hunger, her father told Reuters on Wednesday. "Mekkah, my little daughter, died of malnutrition and the lack of medication," Salah al-Gharably said by phone from Deir Al-Balah. "Doctors said the baby has to be fed a certain type of milk... but there is no milk," he said. "She starved. We stood helpless." The deaths from starvation and malnutrition overnight raised the toll from such causes to 154, including at least 89 children, since the war's start, most in recent weeks. Israel said on Sunday it would halt military operations for 10 hours a day in parts of Gaza and designate secure routes for convoys delivering food and medicine. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said the United Nations and its partners had been able to bring more food into Gaza in the first two days of pauses, but the volume was "still far from enough." The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked communities in southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking another 251 hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed more than 60,000 people and laid waste to much of the territory, the Gaza Health Ministry says. (Reuters)
