GCC to Invite All Yemeni Sides for Extensive Talks In Riyadh

 The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council held a press conference in Riyadh on Thursday. (AFP)
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council held a press conference in Riyadh on Thursday. (AFP)
TT
20

GCC to Invite All Yemeni Sides for Extensive Talks In Riyadh

 The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council held a press conference in Riyadh on Thursday. (AFP)
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council held a press conference in Riyadh on Thursday. (AFP)

The Gulf Cooperation Council announced that it will host intra-Yemeni consultations at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh, from March 29 to April 7.

GCC Secretary General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf told a press conference in Riyadh on Thursday that the consultations are aimed at uniting ranks, bridging the rift between the conflicting sides, supporting legitimacy and strengthening state institutions.

“Invitations to the Yemen talks will be sent to everyone and they will be held with whoever attends,” Al-Hajraf said.

“The GCC will host the talks between Yemeni factions to resolve the crisis. We urge all Yemeni parties to cease fire and start peace talks.”

The GCC secretary-general expressed hope that all parties would respond to the initiative, stressing that after seven years of conflict, resolving the crisis “is up to the Yemenis.”

Al-Hajraf said the talks would focus on six axes, starting with the military and security, which includes the general principles for a ceasefire and the fight against terrorism.

The consultations will also tackle the political process and the creation of an adequate environment to achieve a comprehensive, just and sustainable political solution, the GCC official noted.

Other axes will focus on strengthening state institutions, launching administrative reforms, and combating corruption, opening humanitarian channels, adopting urgent measures to stop the collapse of the Yemeni currency and achieve stability and recovery of basic services and direct support from donors, and finally, social recovery, which includes procedures and steps to restore social cohesion.

“We have to be optimistic and realistic; when all components agree on a future road map, then we can talk with the international community, the GCC states and the key actors in this file with a unified voice. Invitations will be sent to about 500 people from all sides,” Al-Hajraf underlined.



UN Rights Council Backs Saudi-drafted Resolution to Protect Children Online

Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
TT
20

UN Rights Council Backs Saudi-drafted Resolution to Protect Children Online

Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission
Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila presented the resolution to the Human Rights Council during its 59th session, on behalf of the Saudi mission in Geneva. Photo: Saudi mission

The United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a Saudi-drafted resolution aimed at enhancing child protection in the digital realm, a move rooted in a global initiative launched by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

The resolution, introduced by Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Mission to the UN and international organizations in Geneva, seeks to advance the goals of the Kingdom’s “Child Protection in Cyberspace” initiative.

It aims to translate the initiative’s vision into concrete action through enhanced technical cooperation and capacity building.

Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, presented the draft during the Council’s 59th session under Agenda Item 10, which focuses on technical assistance and capacity development.

The proposal received broad support and was adopted by consensus, with co-sponsorship from Kuwait, Algeria, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Vietnam.

Addressing the Council, Khothaila stressed that the digital space has become an integral part of children’s lives, offering immense opportunities for learning and connection, while also exposing them to growing risks.

He underscored the need for stronger international cooperation, national capacity building, and technical support to reinforce national frameworks aimed at child protection.

The resolution reflects the core objectives of the Crown Prince’s initiative, including fostering international cooperation, sharing best practices, raising awareness, and equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills to ensure a safer digital environment for children.

It also highlights the importance of tailoring technical assistance to the specific needs and priorities of each country, with the aim of building sustainable national capacities and enhancing communities’ ability to respond to digital threats facing children.

The resolution underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting global cooperation for a secure and inclusive digital space for children worldwide, in line with its leadership role and pioneering efforts in cybersecurity and child protection.