Latest news with #GlobalInitiatives
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Global Times: A new era of shared development and cultural exchange with China: Colombian Ambassador to China
Colombia joins China's Belt & Road Initiative, boosting trade, culture, and development on 45th anniversary of ties. Beijing, China, June 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In an era marked by unprecedented global transformations, the world stands at a critical crossroads, grappling with deepening deficits in peace, development, security, and governance. As humanity faces unparalleled challenges during this tumultuous period, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, has put forth a solemn call to action through the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). The three pivotal initiatives address the pressing issues of our time, offering viable pathways and robust support for the building of a global community with a shared future. Rooted in the rich historical experiences of the CPC's century-long struggle and infused with the wisdom of China's traditional culture, these initiatives are expected to unite the world in the pursuit of common progress and stability. To offer a deep understanding of the three global initiatives, and elaborate on their significance on a global scale, the Global Times is launching a series of articles. China and Colombia signed a cooperation plan on jointly building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road on May 14. The year 2025 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Colombia. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 45 years ago, the two countries have witnessed the steady growth of economic and trade ties with tangible results. China is now Colombia's second-largest trading partner, while Colombia ranks as China's fifth-largest trading partner in Latin America. Colombia's agricultural products, ranging from coffee to cut flowers, are becoming increasingly popular in the Chinese market. In this issue, Global Times reporters Xu Liuliu and Liu Yang (GT) spoke with Colombian Ambassador to China, Sergio Cabrera Cardenas (Cabrera), about bilateral cooperation and exchanges, as well as his insights on the GDI, the GCI, and the GSI. GT: Colombian President Gustavo Petro was in Beijing for the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in May. On May 14, Colombia officially joined the building of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, a milestone decision in Colombia's diplomatic history. Why did Colombia make such a decision? How will the two sides expand trade through mechanisms such as cross-border e-commerce and free trade agreements? Cabrera: Colombia's accession to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been a long process that began around six years ago during the previous government. Although the previous government initiated some studies, it decided not to join. When President Gustavo Francisco Petro took office, he quickly sent copies of the memorandum to the different ministries and institutions that were somehow related to the commitments that were going to be made. It has been a two-year study process, as it is natural, in any case, that there were many people interested in strengthening the bilateral relationship with China through the BRI decision. Colombia is a country strongly influenced by the US, a country that has been its natural ally, as the US is the country with which Colombia has the most trade, so both the influence of the North and that of the business sector was a brake on the possibility of signing this agreement, but fortunately, thanks to the relationship between the Colombian Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Foreign Ministry, all the adjustments were made and the agreement was signed, and we are very satisfied to say that we were able to sign this agreement. [Signing the agreement] was a challenge for me. That is, since I arrived at the embassy, I was resolved that, whatever it took, we had to find the way to sign it, and at this moment I believe that the people who are better versed with what has been signed, are very satisfied, as this cooperation is crystallizing in projects, with the plan to start studying different initiatives and projects to move forward little by little. We are acting on taking the first step of a great march, and I think that it will strengthen e-commerce, physical commerce, education, culture, industry, and agriculture. Everything will benefit greatly from the signing of this memorandum. GT: Since being proposed in 2021, the GDI has been continuously substantialized, its implementation mechanisms increasingly refined, and practical cooperation under its framework has gradually taken shape, thereby offering China's solution to bridging the development gap in Global South countries as well as building a better world together. May I ask, what is your view on the content of the GDI? Cabrera: As for the GDI, I think this is a very important step that China has taken through President Xi Jinping, as it is an important initiative that considers the future in many aspects. China has a lot to teach the world. China is a country that has managed to strengthen, enrich, and build itself in the last 50 years. It has taken many people out of poverty, while developing industry and its technology. It is a great example for the rest of the world and especially for us Latin Americans and Colombians. The GDI , as I understand, it is the opportunity to exchange experiences and seek to walk toward the same objective, a global objective through which we can live together in peace and help each other to develop. GT: How do you view the role of the GCI in promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges, cultural integration, and mutual understanding between China and Colombia? Cabrera: I have always thought that art, literature, and culture are not only tools but vehicles for development to get to know each other. In recent years, the cultural exchanges between Colombia and China have grown and in the future, we hope there will be many more exchanges because we have many things in common. Although we are two very different countries, we have the same love for the same literature, music, dance, and art. We like the same things and each one civilization approaches each passion uniquely. I believe that the arrival of cultural samples from another country enriches the country that receives it. Culture is important, but art is more important, as art generates emotions and feelings in any of its manifestations, such as in painting, in poetry, and in music. It makes people want to look for goodness and peace, so I think it is very important to strengthen the mechanisms of cultural and artistic cooperation between Colombia and China. GT: Security is a prerequisite for development, and humanity is an indivisible security community. The GSI aims to eradicate the root causes of international conflicts, improve global security governance, and urge the international community to join hands in injecting more stability and certainty into an unstable and changing era, so as to achieve lasting world peace and development. Under the current challenges and issues faced by the international community, how do you view the important significance of the GSI for today's world? Cabrera: I have grew up in a bipolar world in my youth, and not so long ago, we lived through the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the US. Today the world is more open, and there are many more possibilities. China, as such an important power, has entered the scene. It seems very important to me that in the search for world security, the US is not the world's policeman; the one who is going to fix the world's problems. The world is full of US military bases, which I don't think are of much use, because the world is still very imbalanced, so I think that the entry of China as a factor that contributes to reach a consensus on the interests of the peoples of the world in the search for world peace will be very important. I think it [GSI] is one of the most important initiatives that China has at this moment and toward the future. GT: How would you evaluate the China-CELAC Forum as an important platform for equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Latin America? In an external environment where unilateralism is on the rise, how can China and Latin America strengthen multilateral cooperation to uphold free trade? Cabrera: The forum is an important organization for our Latin American and Caribbean region, and the union of these countries in CELAC has led to important advances and developments, and of course, the relationship between CELAC and China is very important because China is the country that is currently most interested in developing our region. It is the country that is most willing to invest in our region and that is why this forum, which just concluded, was so important, and that is why the conclusions of the forum are aligned with seeking to implement projects to help the development of the region and of each one of our countries. GT: As you say, this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Colombia. Ambassador, how do you evaluate the achievements of both countries in the last 45 years and the current development of bilateral relations? Cabrera: Cooperation between Colombia and China has been, and continues to be very important, and will be very important in the future. China has participated in the construction of many large Colombian projects, perhaps even the largest, such as the construction of the subway, the regional trans, and some highways. China is also somehow involved in the construction of the largest hydroelectric dam in Colombia. There are many Chinese projects related to the fight against global warming. It also provides technology transfer, with projects of communications, such as Chinese tech company Huawei. There are around 120 Chinese companies that are working in Colombia and they are helping greatly in the construction of infrastructure communications, health, and education. Aside from the signing of the adhesion to the BRI opens new possibilities, because China is generously offering opportunities for infrastructure construction and this is a moment in which our country needs to develop, needs to make big investments. There are not many interested in helping us, but China is interested in helping us. The BRI is helping countries develop big form of infrastructure with projects that benefit the people. GT: How do you see the prospects for cooperation between the two countries in cultural fields such as literature and tourism? How do you plan to promote cultural exchanges between the two countries in these sectors? Cabrera: We have talked about the importance of strengthening cultural exchanges, and we have immediate and long-term plans. This year is the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Colombia and China, so we have already carried out some activities. Books by Colombian authors have been published and translated into Chinese, as we have great writers like García Márquez and Álvaro Mutis. In addition, we also have many singers such as Shakira, which was known among the Chinese youth. I know that Shakira is interested in coming to China, and the embassy has a plan to take advantage of this year. We are also going to bring poets for meetings in China. Other projects include the film festival and every time the directors will come. We are also in talks to make a large sample of our art photography, contemporary, art and also ancient heritage. We are planning for the symphony orchestra of Colombia to return again at the end of the year, in order to celebrate the 45th years of the establishment of diplomatic relations with a great concert by the symphony orchestra of Colombia. This story first appeared in Global Times: Company: Global TimesContact Person: Anna LiEmail: editor@ Beijing Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking in to access your portfolio
Sharjah 24
11-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Mohammed bin Rashid honours Water Award winners
The ceremony, held at Emirates Towers in Dubai, was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Overseen by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE), the Award is organised under the umbrella of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. In its fourth edition, 12 winners from eight countries were recognised, with total prize money of $1 million. The Award features four main categories: Innovative Projects, Innovative Research and Development, Innovative Individual, and Innovative Crisis Solutions. On this occasion, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that the UAE remains committed to expanding its humanitarian impact and leveraging innovation to improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, 'Humanity today faces numerous challenges, and the scarcity of clean water is among the most pressing. We are committed to driving innovation to deliver sustainable solutions that advance the UAE's vision of harnessing technology to serve humanity and extend support to communities suffering from water scarcity.' His Highness added, 'We take pride in the contributions of our institutions in this vital field, and we will continue to support every project, idea or innovation that makes a real difference in people's lives. Our message is humanitarian, our tools are knowledge and innovation, and our goal is to ensure the UAE's support reaches those who need it most, wherever they are.' In his speech during the honouring ceremony, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Suqia UAE, expressed his gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for honouring the winners of the fourth edition of the Award and for His Highness's continued support for humanitarian and development efforts. Al Tayer affirmed that the Award reflects His Highness's vision of fostering practical, forward-thinking solutions that address critical global needs. He noted that it also highlights the UAE's and Dubai's unwavering commitment to contributing to global efforts to combat water scarcity, one of the most pressing challenges facing communities worldwide. According to United Nations reports, 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, he noted. UNICEF also highlights that more than 1,000 children under the age of five die each day from diseases linked to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene. Many communities around the world continue to face severe shortages of clean water. He added, 'As Suqia UAE marks its 10th anniversary, it has successfully implemented over 1,000 sustainable water projects in collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent and other partners, positively impacting the lives of around 15 million people across 37 countries. These efforts have demonstrated that innovative solutions are key to addressing the global water crisis." The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award—named after an inspirational leader and beacon of hope—serves as a global platform that reinforces the UAE's pioneering role in humanitarian work, grounded in the noble values instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This legacy, he added, continues under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who said that 'The UAE remains dedicated to supporting hope and inspiring initiatives, serving as a champion of optimism in the Arab world.' Al Tayer added, 'Guided by the vision and directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award has become a focal point for companies, research centres, institutions, and innovators around the world, given its significant humanitarian and developmental impact. The Award encourages individuals and research institutions to develop innovative, sustainable solutions for the production, desalination, and purification of water using clean energy sources." In its first three editions, the Award recognised a total of 31 winners from 22 countries. The fourth edition attracted applications from 46 countries. Today, the Award honoured 12 winners from eight countries for presenting pioneering innovations that help address the challenge of water scarcity and provide safe drinking water to the most vulnerable communities. The winners of the 'Innovative Projects Award – Large Projects' are Green Waste Solutions Trading DMCC from the UAE, which secured first place for its LANDCO Tech project, which converts organic waste and wastewater into renewable energy, clean drinking water, and bio-fertilisers. The system employs COMBO containers and LANDCO modules powered by solar energy and biogas, integrating AI and blockchain technologies. It has a treatment capacity of 100m³ per day. Second place was awarded to the Sustainability Investment Promotion and Development Joint Stock Company (SIPCO) from Vietnam for its initiative to provide safe drinking water to vulnerable schools and communities. The project uses ceramic impregnated nano-silver pot filters (CSPF) to effectively remove bacteria, viruses, and sediments, benefiting millions globally in a cost-efficient manner. Third place went to Sotrad Water Srl from Belgium for its Pump&Drink® - Hydro1000 solution, a solar-powered system that pumps, treats, stores, and distributes drinking water sustainably. The system is already operational and serves over 200,000 people. Winners of the 'Innovative Projects Award – Small Projects' are the Kumulus SAS from France, which took first place for its 'Kumulus Water – Drinking Water From Air' project. The solar-powered device uses a patented hybrid system to produce around 30 litres of drinking water per day and can be scaled to meet local demand, particularly in schools and rural communities. Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co Ltd, in partnership with Hangzhou Sunup Environmental Technology Co Ltd from China, received second place for their Intelligent Microgrid Seawater Treatment project. Using reverse osmosis and powered by solar or wind energy, the system produces up to 100 tonnes of water daily and supports the residents of ZS Island in China. Third place was awarded to FountAir LTD from Hong Kong for its AIR4WATER project—described as 'The Invisible Solution'. This split VAC-WG system, powered by renewable energy, can provide up to 150 litres of water daily and is being implemented in several countries. Winners of the 'Innovative Research and Development Award – International Institutions' are STEM SAS from France, which took first place for its AQUAHIVE system, an energy-efficient and high-performance membrane distillation technology that uses solar, geothermal, or waste heat energy. The AI-optimised, patented heat exchange process significantly reduces carbon footprint and has a treatment capacity of 0.3m³ per hour. The Energy and Water Company (ENOWA) – NEOM from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia received second place for its innovative project that enables the extraction of valuable minerals—such as salt, lithium, and bromine—while recovering desalinated water from seawater or brackish brine. The solar-powered pilot facility, located at the Duba Desalination Plant, operates at 1,200m³ per day and reduces energy consumption compared to traditional methods. For the 'Innovative Research and Development Award – National Institutions', Khalifa University from the UAE earned first place for its Biomimetic Freshwater Generator for Solar Desalination without Brine Discharge. The system replicates the natural evaporation process of mangrove trees to generate freshwater from seawater while collecting salt as a byproduct, eliminating brine discharge. Using 10 units, the system can produce over five litres of water per day. For the 'Innovative Crisis Solutions Award', first place was awarded to SkyJuice Foundation Inc from Australia for its SkyHydrant Emergency Safe Water Solution. This lightweight, portable ultrafiltration system produces more than 5,000 litres of potable water daily and has been deployed in 74 countries to support communities facing crises and natural disasters. For the 'Innovative Individual Award – Distinguished Research Award', Professor Guihua Yu from the United States received first place for his breakthrough technologies in solar-powered water purification and atmospheric water harvesting. His contributions include solar desalination using energy hydrogels, a solar-powered atmospheric water harvester, and biodegradable nanocellulose-based hydrogel filters. He holds more than 20 patents and leads a research centre at the University of Texas focused on sustainability and water innovation. For the 'Innovative Individual Award – Youth Award', Zhenyuan Xu from China was awarded first place for his Passive Solar Distillation system, which delivers ultra-high efficiency and extreme salt resistance. The system can produce more than 1.5 gallons of fresh water per hour per square metre of solar collection area. Affordable and field-tested, it supports sustainable development goals through education and community engagement.
Dubai Eye
29-03-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Fathers' Endowment campaign gets AED 100 million boost
Education entrepreneur and philanthropist Sunny Varkey, along with his family, have announced a generous AED 100 million contribution to the Fathers' Endowment campaign. Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the campaign honours fathers by creating a sustainable endowment fund to provide healthcare and treatment for those in need. Operating under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the campaign aims to promote sustainable humanitarian efforts, focusing on empowering underprivileged communities and ensuring access to healthcare. The Varkey family's contribution adds to a wave of support from government bodies, the private sector, and individuals, showcasing the UAE's commitment to humanitarian causes. Sunny Varkey, Founder and Executive Chairman of the GEMS Education Group, highlighted that the Father's Endowment campaign, continues the UAE's long-standing tradition of generosity since the nation's founding, stressing that its positive impact has reached communities worldwide, bringing hope to those in need. The campaign is welcoming donations from individuals and institutions through several channels, including its website, a dedicated call centre, bank transfers and SMS options. Contributions can also be made through the DubaiNow app and Jood, Dubai's community contributions platform. رجل الأعمال ورائد التعليم والعمل الخيري الهندي سوني فاركي وعائلته يقدمون 100 مليون درهم دعما لحملة #وقف_الأب ، التي تهدف لتكريم جميع الآباء في الإمارات، وإنشاء صندوق وقفي مستدام يوفر العلاج والرعاية الصحية للمحتاجين والفقراء حول العالم. تصدّق عن أبيك عبر الرابط في البايو. — مبادرات محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم العالمية (@MBRInitiatives) March 27, 2025
Al Etihad
15-03-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
IACAD contributes Dh1 million to Fathers' Endowment campaign
15 Mar 2025 15:08 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) announced its contribution of Dh1 million in support of the Fathers' Endowment campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of with Ramadan, the campaign aims to establish an endowment fund that provides sustainable healthcare for the poor and Fathers' Endowment campaign aims to promote the values of honouring parents, compassion, and solidarity. It also highlights the vital role of fathers in the UAE in fostering supportive family environments that promote the well-being of campaign seeks to provide healthcare to those in need within underserved communities worldwide, contributing to a dignified life and reinforcing the UAE's leading role in regional and international charitable and humanitarian the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the campaign aims to further establish the noble values within Emirati society, including generosity, giving, and global humanitarian solidarity, while also advancing the concept of charitable Darwish Al-Muhairi, Director-General of IACAD, said the Department's contribution to the Fathers' Endowment campaign reflects its deep commitment to supporting community and humanitarian initiatives that foster solidarity and stated, 'Fathers are the cornerstones of families and society, and their role in nurturing future generations and instilling noble values is immeasurable. Recognising this vital role, IACAD is contributing to the campaign, dedicating this endowment to the fathers of our employees and all contributors to the campaign, acknowledging their efforts and contributions in building generations capable of pursuing goodness and prosperity.'He added, 'This humanitarian initiative, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, expresses our loyalty and gratitude to those who have passed on and our prayers for long life to those who remain. We pray that this contribution will serve as a lasting charity on their behalf, bringing blessings and goodness to all.'The Fathers' Endowment campaign continues to welcome donations and contributions to the endowment fund from institutions and individuals across six main channels including the campaign's website ( as well as a dedicated call center via the toll-free number (800 4999). Donations are also possible via bank transfers in the UAE dirham to the campaign bank account number with Emirates Islamic Bank (IBAN: AE020340003518492868201). Donations via SMS are possible by sending the word 'Father' to the following numbers (1034 to donate AED10,1035 to donate AED50, 1036 to donate AED100 and 1038 to donate AED500) for Etisalat by e& and du users. Other possible platforms for donating to the campaign are the DubaiNow app by clicking the 'Donations' tab, and Dubai's community contributions platform Jood (
Khaleej Times
05-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
SAMANA Developers to develop Dh40 million endowment building in support of Fathers' Endowment campaign
SAMANA Developers announced its plans to develop a Dh40 million endowment building in Dubai, in support of the Fathers' Endowment campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Coinciding with Ramadan, the campaign is launched in honour of fathers in the UAE and aims to create a sustainable endowment fund to provide treatment and healthcare for the poor and needy. SAMANA Developers pledged to construct the endowment building within the education complex operated by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) in Dubai Academic City. Revenues from the endowment building will support the Fathers' Endowment campaign and its goals of improving healthcare in underserved communities. This includes developing hospitals, providing essential medical equipment and medications, expanding capacity, and upgrading operating rooms. These investments will create sustainable opportunities to enhance the quality of life for those in need. A noble cause Imran Farooq, CEO of SAMANA Developers stated: "We are honored to contribute to this Ramadan campaign launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which aims to honour all fathers in the UAE. This embodies the highest values of humanity, social solidarity, and empathy for others.' Farooq added: "SAMANA Developers' support for the Fathers' Endowment campaign reflects our commitment to contributing to charitable initiatives in the UAE and fulfilling our social responsibility. We highly value dedicating this endowment to providing sustainable healthcare for the poor and needy, as it is the most crucial means to improve the quality of life for communities and individuals, and effect positive change." Global humanitarian solidarity The Fathers' Endowment campaign, part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, honours fathers by allowing donations in their name. It promotes values of honouring parents, compassion, and social solidarity, while strengthening the UAE's philanthropic standing through a sustainable healthcare endowment for the less fortunate. The campaign also aims to further establish the noble values for which the UAE is known, including generosity and global humanitarian solidarity, while promoting the concept of endowments and engaging the community to be part of the campaign's effort to provide sustainable healthcare to millions of people. Donation channels The Fathers' Endowment campaign continues to welcome donations and contributions to the endowment fund from institutions and individuals across six main channels including the campaign's website ( as well as a dedicated call center via the toll-free number (800 4999). Donations are also possible via bank transfers in the UAE dirham to the campaign bank account number with Emirates Islamic Bank (IBAN: AE020340003518492868201). Donations via SMS are possible by sending the word 'Father' to the following numbers (1034 to donate Dh10, 1035 to donate Dh50, 1036 to donate Dh100 and 1038 to donate Dh500) for Etisalat by e& and du users. Other possible platforms for donating to the campaign are the DubaiNow app by clicking the 'Donations' tab, and Dubai's community contributions platform Jood (
