UAE's Gargash Asserts Importance of Development for Coming Stage

UAE's Presidential Diplomatic Advisor Anwar Gargash at the Emirati Media Forum (Asharq Al-Awsat)
UAE's Presidential Diplomatic Advisor Anwar Gargash at the Emirati Media Forum (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UAE's Gargash Asserts Importance of Development for Coming Stage

UAE's Presidential Diplomatic Advisor Anwar Gargash at the Emirati Media Forum (Asharq Al-Awsat)
UAE's Presidential Diplomatic Advisor Anwar Gargash at the Emirati Media Forum (Asharq Al-Awsat)

UAE's Presidential Diplomatic Advisor Anwar Gargash has said the next stage in the region would include development, cooperation, and prioritizing political tools to overcome past differences.

Speaking at the seventh edition of the Emirati Media Forum organized by the Dubai Press Club on Monday, Gargash said the UAE is preparing for a new stage in its ambitious development path during the next fifty years, ending a decade of challenges in the Arab region.

Gargash delivered an address at the Forum's opening session to an audience that included media industry leaders, chief editors of newspapers, heads of television and radio channels, media influencers, and prominent academics, writers, and opinion leaders in the UAE.

He explained that the progress of the UAE is essential for stability and prosperity in the region.

Gargash highlighted the UAE's effective growth model saying the country's remarkable achievements represent the success of an Arab, Islamic nation that has prioritized development over politics.

As the UAE moves into the next 50-year phase of growth, the media must continue to communicate the nation's achievements to the world powerfully, he said.

"We have made great strides in many fields, including women's empowerment, labor rights, religious tolerance, and justice. We also have one of the best judicial systems in the region," he was quoted as saying by WAM.

Gargash highlighted the UAE's focus on diplomacy and soft power, which forms part of its efforts to build strong bridges with other nations.

He stressed the vital role of the UAE media in raising awareness among global audiences about the country's successful development model and its aspirations to drive progress in the country and the entire region.

At the Forum, the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, Mona al-Marri, said that UAE stands at the threshold of a new phase of its development journey, which it is undertaking against the backdrop of vast multi-dimensional global transformations taking place in various spheres.

The media can play a significant role in advancing the nation's development journey by disseminating a clear set of unified messages that support the process of sustainable growth, said Marri.

"By raising their competitiveness globally, local media can make significant contributions to realizing the UAE's vision for shaping a better future for the region and the world."

The Forum was held under the patronage of Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and in the presence of Chairman of the Dubai Media Council Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

It stressed the importance of supporting and empowering local media talent to maximize their potential by equipping them with the skills to deliver quality content that can drive positive social change.

The Forum also addressed the importance of using social media platforms to tell engaging stories that highlight the UAE's rich culture and heritage and training social media influencers to convey the national vision and aspirations to broader regional and global audiences.



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
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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.