OIC Secretary General Meets Pope Francis

Secretary-General of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Yousef al-Othaimeen and Pope Francis (SPA)
Secretary-General of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Yousef al-Othaimeen and Pope Francis (SPA)
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OIC Secretary General Meets Pope Francis

Secretary-General of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Yousef al-Othaimeen and Pope Francis (SPA)
Secretary-General of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Yousef al-Othaimeen and Pope Francis (SPA)

Secretary-General of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Yousef al-Othaimeen and Pope Francis reiterated the importance of interfaith dialogue, which promotes the voice of wisdom and tolerance against violence and terrorism.

During the meeting in Vatican, the two sides discussed a number of issues including the Palestinian cause and the minority people of Rohingya who escaped their country after Myanmar authorities launched a crackdown on the Muslim community.

Othaimeen stressed that "terrorism has no religion", expressing at the same time condemnation of any terrorist act attributed to any religion.

He also appreciated the position of the Pope towards the issue of and the fundamental rights of Muslims and Christians in the Holy City.

The Sec-Gen also appreciated the position of the Pope on many issues such as promoting human rights and migration, expressing his thanks to Pope Francis for his position on the Rohingya Muslims and their struggle to achieve their rights.

For his part, the Pope expressed his support to the basic rights of the Rohingya, adding that their suffering has been going on for a long time. He also lauded neighboring countries, especially Bangladesh, for hosting them.

The Pope also thanked the OIC for its stance on terrorism, stressing that there is no relationship between Islam and terrorism.

In addition, the Secretary-General also met with the Vatican's Foreign Minister, Pietro Parolin, where the two sides discussed cooperation, the importance of dialogue between the Organization and the Vatican and ongoing communication.



Saudi Arabia Tops Edelman’s Trust Index for National Leadership

Edelman’s 2024 Annual Trust Barometer shows that 86% of Saudi citizens trust their government to make key decisions for the country’s goals (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Edelman’s 2024 Annual Trust Barometer shows that 86% of Saudi citizens trust their government to make key decisions for the country’s goals (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Tops Edelman’s Trust Index for National Leadership

Edelman’s 2024 Annual Trust Barometer shows that 86% of Saudi citizens trust their government to make key decisions for the country’s goals (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Edelman’s 2024 Annual Trust Barometer shows that 86% of Saudi citizens trust their government to make key decisions for the country’s goals (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has topped the global trust rankings in Edelman’s 2024 Annual Trust Barometer. The report from the global consulting and PR firm shows that 86% of Saudi citizens trust their government to make key decisions for the country’s goals.
The 24th edition of the report also finds that 78% of respondents trust the Saudi business sector, and over 80% have strong confidence in the nation's leaders and scientists to manage innovation.
Despite global worries about new regulations and tech trends, Saudi Arabia scored a high trust level of 56%, the highest among the 28 countries surveyed.
The Kingdom also leads in trust regarding AI regulations, surpassing the US at 24%, France and Japan at 23%, the UK at 18%, Germany at 27%, and South Korea at 28%.
The report highlights trust in clean energy and AI as crucial for "Saudi Vision 2030". The Kingdom has a 68% trust level in regulated AI technologies, well above the global average of 50%.
Arent Jan Hesselink, CEO of Edelman Europe, Middle East, and Africa, noted that innovation is key to Saudi Arabia’s progress, but stressed the importance of clear communication and transparency to build trust in managing new technologies.
“Innovation is the protagonist of our annual Trust Barometer study this year. The public needs assurance that emerging technologies from business have been evaluated by scientists and effectively regulated by the government,” said Hesselink.
“People need to understand and feel in control over the impact of technological innovations in their lives,” he added.
Elie Azzi, General Manager at Edelman KSA, said: “Guided by high levels of public trust and the Kingdom’s solid confidence in government and their leadership in the transformative objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, there is a real opportunity to demonstrate innovation's deep impact on both the economy and society. It's important for the Kingdom to continue to demonstrate through communications and storytelling that innovation will bring us a better future.”
“Saudi Arabia's proactive approach to innovation and a strong regulatory framework have resulted in a high level of trust in new technologies. This trust is crucial as the Kingdom advances towards its Vision 2030 and demonstrates how effective management and clear communication of technological advancements can result in widespread public support that drives economic growth”, Azzi commented.
The annual Edelman Trust Barometer surveyed 32,000 people across 28 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Japan, Ireland, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Indonesia, South Korea, Russia, Germany, Australia, the US, Singapore, China, Argentina, Malaysia, Kenya, France, Brazil, South Africa, Thailand, Spain, Colombia, Hong Kong, Italy, Mexico, and India.
The report examines trust in business leaders, media, governments, and NGOs, guiding dialogue and priorities for the year ahead.