Muslim World League Hosts Tanzania Forum for the Service of Revelations

Logo of the Muslim World League (Photo: MWL website)
Logo of the Muslim World League (Photo: MWL website)
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Muslim World League Hosts Tanzania Forum for the Service of Revelations

Logo of the Muslim World League (Photo: MWL website)
Logo of the Muslim World League (Photo: MWL website)

The Muslim World League (MWL) concluded on Tuesday the Tanzania Regional Forum for the Service of the Two Revelations, which discussed several axes including the role of the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Document in highlighting the tolerance of Islam and spreading societal awareness in urgent contemporary issues.

The three-day forum also discussed the role of women in serving the local community, scientific revelations in the Qur’an and Sunnah, and the integration of Quranic centers and institutions.

The forum entitled, “The Qur’an and the Sunnah, An Approach to Life and Development”, was held in the presence of President of Zanzibar Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, and Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, in partnership with senior scholars in the African continent.

In his speech, Mwinyi said that the gathering of scholars was gaining great importance in light of global changes and the challenges facing societies. In this regard, he emphasized the key role assumed by religious leaders and institutions in addressing threats to Islamic nations.

He also stressed the governments’ urgent need for the contributions of such institutions and other development partners to achieve stability and counter-violence, discrimination, corruption, mistreatment of women and children, and all that threatens the peace, security and development of societies.

The “Makkah Al-Mukarramah” document was signed in December 2020 by over 1,200 prominent Muslim scholars from 139 countries and 27 Muslim schools of thought. The document brings to the fore the values of tolerance and mutual understanding between peoples of different cultural and religious backgrounds, as equally recognized by the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).



OIC Vows to Intensify Efforts to Achieve Social Justice, Security for the Disabled

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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OIC Vows to Intensify Efforts to Achieve Social Justice, Security for the Disabled

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha (Asharq Al-Awsat)

On the occasion of the International Day of Disabled Persons, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha called on member states, pertinent OIC institutions and international organizations to intensify efforts to achieve social justice, according to a press release by OIC.

The event, observed every year, since 1992, on December 3 pursuant to a UN resolution, aims to raise awareness about these issues facing disabled persons and the need to intensify efforts to integrate them in the society, SPA reported.

Efforts to that end entail implementing resolutions, policies and programs to support disabled individuals and conducting awareness-raising activities to facilitate their integration into their communities.

Taha also emphasized the difficult humanitarian situation experienced by the Palestinian people, "arising from the killing of innocent children, women, elderly, disabled, and youth, and also repression, violence, destruction of health, cultural, sport and services infrastructure", focusing particularly on the difficulties experienced by disabled individuals.

According to the release, the OIC ministerial conference on social development, held in Egypt in June 2023, adopted resolutions in support of disabled individuals.

These resolutions encourage member states to share experiences and best practices regarding the integration and rehabilitation of disabled persons within their respective nations.


KSrelief Continues Delivering Humanitarian Aid in Yemen, Lebanon

KSrelief efforts form a vital part of the Kingdom's humanitarian projects - SPA
KSrelief efforts form a vital part of the Kingdom's humanitarian projects - SPA
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KSrelief Continues Delivering Humanitarian Aid in Yemen, Lebanon

KSrelief efforts form a vital part of the Kingdom's humanitarian projects - SPA
KSrelief efforts form a vital part of the Kingdom's humanitarian projects - SPA

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continued to support the operation of aid projects by the Prosthetic and Rehabilitation Center in Yemen's Hadhramaut Governorate to deliver medical services to hundreds of beneficiaries from Yemen who had lost limbs during September.

Throughout the project, a total of 1,380 services were rendered, with 60% provided to males and 40% to females. Among these, 17% were displaced individuals, while 83% were residents. Notably, 14 patients received comprehensive care, including the manufacturing, installation, and rehabilitation of prosthetic limbs, encompassing delivery, measurements, and maintenance.

Moreover, the initiative extended physical therapy services, comprising sessions and specialized consultations, which benefitted 348 patients.

With the support of KSrelief, Al-Jadah Health Center clinics in Midi district in the Yemeni governorate of Hajjah also provided treatment services to 1,980 beneficiaries during the period from November 1 to 7, 2023.
The emergency clinic reviewed 1,064 patients, the internal medicine clinic had 245 beneficiaries, the pediatric clinic attended to 386 children, the infectious diseases clinic treated 85 patients, the women's and maternity clinic had 178 cases, and the obstetrics department handled 22 cases, SPA reported.

Meanwhile in Lebanon, the Riyadh-based center continued implementing the Al-Amal Charitable Bakery project in the fourth stage for 2023 in Akkar Governorate and Miniyeh District in Lebanon.
The project distributed 150,000 bundles of bread to Syrian and Palestinian refugee families and the host community in northern Lebanon, benefiting 125,000 individuals.
These projects come within the efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through KSrelief, to improve the living conditions of people in need in various locations.


GCC’s 158th Ministerial Meeting to be Held in Qatar on Monday

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi
The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi
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GCC’s 158th Ministerial Meeting to be Held in Qatar on Monday

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi
The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, has confirmed the convening of the 158th Ministerial Meeting in Qatar on Monday.

This gathering serves as preparation for the 44th session of the Supreme Council of the GCC, slated to take place in the Qatari capital, Doha.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, holds the chairmanship for this current session, with the participation of the GCC Ministers of Foreign Affairs.

Albudaiwi clarified that the GCC ministerial meeting will discuss various reports, including the implementation status of decisions issued by the Supreme Council of the GCC during the 43rd summit in Riyadh, as well as memoranda and reports presented by ministerial and technical committees along with the General Secretariat.

The meeting's agenda extends to topics concerning dialogues and strategic relations between the GCC nations and other countries and blocs. Furthermore, it will address the latest developments in the region and the world.


KSrelief Sends Third Saudi Relief Ship to Palestinian People in Gaza

 Palestinians flee from east to west of Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, during the ongoing Israeli bombardment, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP)
Palestinians flee from east to west of Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, during the ongoing Israeli bombardment, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP)
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KSrelief Sends Third Saudi Relief Ship to Palestinian People in Gaza

 Palestinians flee from east to west of Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, during the ongoing Israeli bombardment, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP)
Palestinians flee from east to west of Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, during the ongoing Israeli bombardment, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP)

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) dispatched its third Saudi relief ship from the Jeddah Islamic Port on Saturday as part of the Saudi Sea Bridge initiative to deliver aid to the people of Gaza.

The vessel is currently heading to Port Said in Egypt, transporting 300 sizable containers with a total weight of 1,246 tons. Two hundred containers are holding vital medical supplies earmarked for Gaza's hospitals, while the remaining 100 are stocked with essential food items, powdered infant formula, and materials for shelter. The provisions are aimed at aiding the distressed Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip.

The humanitarian aid stands as a symbol of Saudi Arabia's steadfast dedication to assisting the Palestinian people during periods of crisis.


France’s Macron Says He Is Going to Qatar to Work on New Gaza Truce

France's President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference at the COP28 United Nations climate summit in Dubai on December 2, 2023. (AFP)
France's President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference at the COP28 United Nations climate summit in Dubai on December 2, 2023. (AFP)
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France’s Macron Says He Is Going to Qatar to Work on New Gaza Truce

France's President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference at the COP28 United Nations climate summit in Dubai on December 2, 2023. (AFP)
France's President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference at the COP28 United Nations climate summit in Dubai on December 2, 2023. (AFP)

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that France was "very concerned" by the resumption of violence in Gaza and that he was heading to Qatar to help in efforts to kickstart a new truce ahead of a ceasefire.

Macron also told a press conference at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai that the situation required the doubling down on efforts to obtain a lasting ceasefire and the freeing of all hostages.

A temporary truce between Israel and Hamas collapsed on Friday after mediators were unable to extend the pause. Israel and Hamas have traded blame over the collapse.

Macron also urged Israel to clarify its goals towards Hamas.

"We are at a moment when Israeli authorities must more precisely define their objectives and their final goal: the total destruction of Hamas, does anyone think it is possible? If this is the case, the war will last 10 years," he said.

"There is no lasting security for Israel in the region if its security is achieved at the cost of Palestinian lives and thus of the resentment of public opinions in the region. Let's be collectively lucid," Macron added

Asked for a response to that remark, Mark Regev, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told reporters Israel does not want to see Gaza civilians caught in the crossfire as battles resume.

"Israel is targeting Hamas, a brutal terrorist organization that has committed the most horrific violence against innocent civilians. Israel is making a maximum effort to safeguard Gaza's civilians," said Regev.


Morocco's King Congratulates King Salman on Riyadh’s Win in Hosting Expo 2030

A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)
A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)
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Morocco's King Congratulates King Salman on Riyadh’s Win in Hosting Expo 2030

A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)
A light display created using drones is performed after Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, on November 28, 2023. (AFP)

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI congratulated on Friday Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Riyadh’s win in hosting the World Expo 2030.

In a cable to King Salman, he underscored the great confidence the world has shown in Saudi Arabia in hosting the global event.

This reflects its recognition of its distinguished standing in the region and world and the accomplishments it has achieved under its wise leadership, he added.

He stressed that Morocco was ready to offer its full support to contribute with Saudi Arabia in ensuring the success of the landmark economic and trade event, which will be an opportunity to introduce the world to Saudi culture, he said.


OIC Strongly Condemns Resumption of Israeli Aggression on Gaza Strip

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
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OIC Strongly Condemns Resumption of Israeli Aggression on Gaza Strip

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned the Israeli occupation's resumption of its brutal military aggression against the Gaza Strip, saying it embodies an ongoing war crime that deserves accountability and punishment, SPA said on Saturday.
The organization called on the international community, namely the UN Security Council, to assume its responsibilities towards imposing a ceasefire that would put an end to these continuing Israeli crimes that led to the death and injury of more than ten thousand innocent people, primarily women and children, in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.
The OIC stressed the need to adequately and sustainably deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and to ensure that Israel, the occupying power, respects its responsibilities under international law.


World Bank, UAE Lead Climate Financing Boost at COP28

COP28 president Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber speaks during the Transforming Food Systems in the Face of Climate Change event on the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit at Dubai Expo on December 1, 2023. (AFP)
COP28 president Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber speaks during the Transforming Food Systems in the Face of Climate Change event on the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit at Dubai Expo on December 1, 2023. (AFP)
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World Bank, UAE Lead Climate Financing Boost at COP28

COP28 president Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber speaks during the Transforming Food Systems in the Face of Climate Change event on the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit at Dubai Expo on December 1, 2023. (AFP)
COP28 president Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber speaks during the Transforming Food Systems in the Face of Climate Change event on the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit at Dubai Expo on December 1, 2023. (AFP)

Governments, development banks and companies announced on Friday initiatives to mobilize billions in climate cash at the COP28 summit where the UAE has made increasing financing central to its leadership of the UN talks.

So far the world has barely begun to deliver the vast amounts of money needed to help the world pay for the transition away from fossil fuels and deal with the impact of climate change.

Developing countries will need an estimated $2.4 trillion in annual climate finance by 2030, the Climate Policy Initiative non-profit organization said.

To try to end years of deadlock on the financing issue, COP28 summit host the United Arab Emirates said it would invest $30 billion in a new climate investment venture.

Named ALTÉRRA, it will aim to mobilize $250 billion in investment by the end of the decade, in what COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber described as a "defining moment" for climate finance.

Calling it "the world's largest private investment vehicle for climate change action," Al Jaber said it included $5 billion to be allocated to poorer countries.

BANK ROLL

The World Bank stepped up with a promise to increase the amount it spends annually on climate-related projects to 45% of its financing over 2024 to 2025, up from 35% now, as part of a policy overhaul to better respond to climate change.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also backed the broader effort to reform the world's multilateral development bank system to "leverage far more private finance at reasonable costs."

Average annual climate finance hit almost $1.3 trillion in 2021-22, but only around $30 billion – just 2% - went to developing countries, a November report by the Climate Policy Initiative said.

Another report released Friday by the Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance also said investment was too little and too much of that "is still misdirected".

Emerging market and developing countries were being "left behind on clean energy," it said.

To help channel support to emerging market financial firms, the World Bank and other multilateral lenders including the International Monetary Fund launched the Global Capacity Building Coalition on Friday.

Also to try to ensure climate funding is not wasted on spurious projects, the World Bank on Friday announced a plan to expand the growth of "high-integrity global carbon markets," helping five countries in 2024 to develop robust offset credits that they can sell into the market.

PLEDGE'S FROM WORLD'S WEALTHIEST

To help support smallholder farmers in Africa and South Africa who face severe consequences from global warming, the Gates Foundation, the charitable foundation of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and the UAE together committed $200 million.

In a first for blended finance, bringing together public and private lenders, leading climate-focused donors including the Bezos Earth Fund joined forces to launch the Allied Climate Partners investing platform. The aim is to generate $11 billion in investments in developing countries.

The transition to electric vehicles also drew impetus as Tata Motors said it would work with affiliated banks under the Climate Finance Leadership Initiative India (CFLI India) to boost sales.

Part of broader coalition of Indian and international companies, CFLI plans to mobilize more than $6.5 billion into sectors including e-mobility, green hydrogen, and renewables.

FINANCING A SHIPPING TRANSITION?

Decarbonizing shipping and how to finance it also came into focus at Friday's talks.

Some of the world's biggest container shipping lines set out commitments on how to decarbonize shipping, after a global deal reached in July was criticized for lacking substance.

Countries through the UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) to aim for net-zero shipping emissions by around 2050, but they failed to reach consensus on issues such as a carbon levy.

In a declaration on Friday, shipping lines CMA CGM, Hapag Lloyd, Maersk and MSC, and backed by France, Denmark and South Korea called for a global marine fuel emissions intensity standard. They also sought a pricing mechanism to reduce the price gap between fossil fuels and alternative fuels for shipping.

The companies also pledged to aim for one or more of the highest targets in the IMO deal en route to net zero - including a 30% emissions reduction by 2030 and an 80% decrease by 2040 - and called for a firm date to end the construction of vessels based on fossil fuel.

"By collaborating with others, we each take a new step in our energy transition, while ensuring a collective level playing field and access to greener fuels for the industry," CMA CGM's Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saade said.

Shipping transports around 90% of world trade and accounts for nearly 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions.


Erdogan Meets UAE President, Says Israel Restarting Attacks on Gaza Is ‘Very Negative’

A handout photo made available by Turkish Presidential Press office shows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) and President of the United Arab Emirates Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during their meeting at the UN Climate Change Conference COP28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 01 December 2023. (Turkish Presidential Press Office /Handout/EPA)
A handout photo made available by Turkish Presidential Press office shows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) and President of the United Arab Emirates Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during their meeting at the UN Climate Change Conference COP28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 01 December 2023. (Turkish Presidential Press Office /Handout/EPA)
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Erdogan Meets UAE President, Says Israel Restarting Attacks on Gaza Is ‘Very Negative’

A handout photo made available by Turkish Presidential Press office shows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) and President of the United Arab Emirates Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during their meeting at the UN Climate Change Conference COP28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 01 December 2023. (Turkish Presidential Press Office /Handout/EPA)
A handout photo made available by Turkish Presidential Press office shows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) and President of the United Arab Emirates Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during their meeting at the UN Climate Change Conference COP28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 01 December 2023. (Turkish Presidential Press Office /Handout/EPA)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan that Israel restarting its attacks on Gaza after the collapse of a week-long truce was "very negative", his office said on Friday.

The Turkish and Emirati leaders met on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai. Erdogan also met the prime ministers of Japan and Italy to discuss Gaza, as well as with his counterpart from Uzbekistan, the presidency said.

"President Erdogan, who noted that the restarting of clashes was very negative, said Turkey was working to achieve a lasting ceasefire and for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza," it said in a statement, adding Erdogan also said Türkiye was doing its best to stop Israel's "massacre".


24th Saudi Relief Plane for Palestinians in Gaza Arrives in Egypt

24th Saudi relief plane to Gaza - SPA
24th Saudi relief plane to Gaza - SPA
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24th Saudi Relief Plane for Palestinians in Gaza Arrives in Egypt

24th Saudi relief plane to Gaza - SPA
24th Saudi relief plane to Gaza - SPA

The 24th Saudi relief plane, operated by the Riyadh-based King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), has arrived in Egypt on Friday.

The plane carries 31 tons of relief aid, including food and shelter materials, to be transported to the Palestinian people in Gaza Strip, SPA reported.

The assistance, which was dispatched Thursday, is in keeping with Saudi Arabia's historic role in supporting the brotherly Palestinian people in times of crisis.