In an exclusive interview with Sal Jafar, CEO of ESG Mena, Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of Tech Innovation Institution, shares her perspective on the challenges and benefits of integrating AI and sustainability in the Middle East.
Category:
Innovation & Education
Nine-Year-Old Becomes Saudi Arabia’s Youngest Environmental Influencer at Impact Makers Forum
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Marking a significant milestone as the event’s youngest speaker, nine-year-old Fareed Mohammed Felemban, a student of global online education platform 51Talk, delivered a speech at the inaugural Impact Makers Forum. The young environmental advocate from Jeddah, who previously spoke at COP29, showcased the emerging influence of Saudi Arabia’s next generation on the global stage.
Speaking on ‘My Vision for a Green Future’, Fareed presented his insights on environmental protection, drawing from a Saudi perspective. His presentation included practical environmental actions such as tree planting, water conservation, and plastic reduction initiatives, receiving widespread acclaim from the audience.
“Fareed’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of quality online education in developing Saudi youth’s international presence,” said Tom Zeng, MENA GM of 51Talk at 51Talk Saudi Arabia.
“Through platforms like 51Talk, we’re seeing young Saudis like Fareed confidently step onto the world stage. This perfectly aligns with our goal of making quality English education accessible while fostering the next generation of global Saudi voices.”
Since establishing its Middle East headquarters in Saudi Arabia in 2023, 51Talk has helped 400,000 Saudi students enhance their English-speaking abilities through its one-on-one foreign teacher instruction model.
The Impact Makers Forum, organised by the Saudi Ministry of Media, brought together over 300 influencers and industry experts from around the world. The event secured more than 50 cooperation agreements valued at over 1 billion Saudi Riyals, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence in the digital influence sector.
Prior to this appearance, Fareed’s presentation at COP29 garnered significant media attention. His participation in the Impact Makers Forum further solidifies his position as Saudi Arabia’s youngest environmental influencer while demonstrating the success of 51Talk’s mission to empower Saudi youth with global communication skills.
Zoom Continues Investment in Europe, the Middle East and Africa with New Senior Hires
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In a bid to drive growth and enhance customer success, Zoom Communications, Inc. has strengthened its long-term commitment to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) with a series of strategic senior appointments made over the past six months.
This includes Steve Rafferty as Head of EMEA GMT, Jim Butler as Head of Northern Europe, Nadja Risse as Head of DACH & CEE, and Christina Daly joined as Head of People Experience EMEA. Together with Michel Habib Aouad, Head of Southern Europe, and Mohannad Talal Alkalash, MEA Leader, as well as other cross-functional and technical leaders, they form the EMEA leadership team.
These senior hires mark a significant step in Zoom’s efforts to solidify its footprint in EMEA, its largest international market outside the US, through deeper local engagement and support at the most senior level. This builds on recent milestones, including new office openings and the inauguration of the Zoom Experience Centre in London. With a focus on localised solutions, robust security, and data sovereignty, the leadership team will work together, along with external Zoom partners, to drive innovation and set the standards for modern collaboration.
Steve Rafferty, as Head of EMEA GMT, oversees Zoom’s EMEA operations. Drawing on extensive experience from his previous role as VP International at RingCentral, where he successfully managed teams across EMEA and APAC and drove a significant increase in market share, Rafferty is well-positioned to capitalise on growth opportunities in the region. His focus will be on uniting internal teams, partners, and customers so Zoom can continue to deliver the best possible service.
Jim Butler leads Zoom’s go-to-market efforts across Northern Europe, which includes the UK, Ireland, the Nordics, and Benelux. In this role, Butler is responsible for managing operations, driving sales strategies, and leading business development initiatives. He joins from Palo Alto Networks, where he worked as Regional Vice President for Western Europe, bringing extensive experience in driving success in local markets.
Nadja Risse drives Zoom’s business operations across the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and CEE (Central and Eastern Europe) markets. With over two decades of technology sector experience, including local & global senior sales leadership roles at Vodafone, BT, and Genesys, Risse will focus on driving growth, developing new sales strategies, improving regional collaboration, and strengthening relationships with key clients and partners in these markets.
Christina Daly, Head of People Experience in EMEA, is responsible for enhancing employee engagement, driving talent development, and creating a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion. Having implemented transformational HR strategies previously at LinkedIn, Daly plays a pivotal role in aligning Zoom’s people practices with its mission and values, creating a people-first environment focused on delivering happiness to its workforce.
“With the rapid growth in hybrid working and advances in AI, Zoom has a huge opportunity to help businesses solve many of the challenges they face in driving productivity and collaboration,” said Steve Rafferty, Head of EMEA at Zoom. “We will continue to invest heavily in the region, delivering the highest levels of customer care and working with our valued partners to bring Zoom’s platform to more organisations.”
Applications Open for Second Edition of Goumbook’s Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme
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written by rachel
In a bid to empower and up skill researchers, students and innovators with entrepreneurial expertise to tackle challenges in food and water systems, biodiversity loss and climate change, Goumbook, a social enterprise accelerating sustainability in the MENA region, has announced that applications are now open for the second edition of the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme.
The Programme has been opened for its second edition in continued partnership with the Saudi Awl Bank, HSBS Bank Middle East, and the European Institute of Technology (EIT) Food and the Climate Champions Team.
The programme seeks to bridge the gap between academia, research and the business sector, by transforming research, science and nature- based solutions into accessible, scalable, and sustainable outcomes tailored to the needs of small to medium farm holders. This initiative will catalyse a regional regenerative agriculture movement, addressing the unique agricultural challenges posed by the region’s arid climate, saline soils, desert landscapes, and water scarcity.
Innovators, researchers, and students focusing on regenerative agriculture are encouraged to apply by the 6th January 2025 on the programme website. Applicants will be able to present their ideas and receive support to develop their regenerative solutions addressing pressing issues such as food security, water management, and ecosystem restoration.
The programme’s judging committee will select 20 participants for intensive boot camps and mentorship, culminating in a pitch event where three winners will receive $20,000 grants each and additional support to further develop their proof of concepts and scale their projects for environmental and social impact.
History of the Programme
“The programme’s continued support reflects a dedication to empowering regional researchers and innovators to advance impactful solutions that address both local and global environmental priorities”, said Samantha Kayruz, Goumbook’s Strategy and Sustainability Impact Director.
“By welcoming a new cohort of change-makers, we aim to further the journey begun last year, where talented researchers laid the groundwork for agricultural solutions that actively combat food, water and climate issues and improve livelihoods across our region. With the continued support of our partners, we are creating pathways for innovators to move from research concept to impact, shaping a regenerative agricultural future for the MENAT region.”
Last year’s inaugural cohort attracted 158 registrations from 18 countries, representing 19 universities and research institutes across the MENAT region. Highlighting the importance of local solutions to the MENAT region’s unique agricultural challenges, participants achieved significant milestones, transforming their research into actionable solutions that enhance climate resilience and food security.
“This initiative is part of our strategy to build global partnerships and support climate-resilient innovations”, said Sabrin Rahman, Head of Sustainability for HSBC in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye region. “Last year’s cohort demonstrated the potential for transformative change in regenerative agriculture, and we are excited about the potential these pioneering ideas bring to the table.”
ICBA Highlights Key Issues in the Fight Against Desertification at COP16
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In a bit to seal its role as a global leader in addressing desertification, land degradation and food insecurity, the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) participated in COP16. Members of the organisation hosted and attended sessions, promoting topics such as stress-tolerant crops, climate resilient solutions, women and youth empowerment, and scientific innovation.
“At COP16, ICBA demonstrated the power of inclusive collaboration and science-driven solutions to combat land degradation,” said Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA. “Our focus on empowering women, advancing biosaline agriculture, and building capacity underscores our commitment to creating sustainable and resilient communities. Our contributions to soil health, stress-tolerant crops, and regenerative agriculture reflect ICBA’s role in delivering scalable solutions tailored to arid and saline environments.”
Strategic Dialogues and Innovations
During the Food and Agricultural Systems Day, Dr. Alzaabi participated in the “NENA High-Level Breakfast Dialogue on Investment for Planet and People,” organised by the UNCCD Secretariat and key regional stakeholders. Dr. Tarifa emphasised the need for climate-resilient solutions, capacity development, and nature-based approaches to drive sustainable development and ecosystem restoration in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region.
In a session organized by ICRISAT and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), titled “Unlocking Opportunities of Dryland Cereal Food Systems,” Dr. Alzaabi outlined ICBA’s advancements in stress-tolerant crops such as millet and sorghum, efficient water use, and biosaline agriculture. She also highlighted ICBA’s flagship programs, including AWLA and ICBA-YES, which empower women and youth to lead innovation and build resilience in dryland agriculture.
At the UAE Pavilion, Dr. Alzaabi, alongside Ms. Nour El Jundi, Project Development Specialist at ICBA, led a Fireside Chat titled “Biosaline Accelerators for Land Restoration”. Aiming to explore innovative biosaline agriculture practices and their transformative potential in sustainable land restoration and combating land degradation, key discussions revolved around ICBA’s solutions, including the use of salt-tolerant crops and innovative technologies to restore degraded lands and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability in arid regions.
Empowering Communities Through Science and Collaboration
Dr. Charbel Tarraf, Chief Operations and Development at ICBA, contributed to the session ‘Innovative Multi-faceted Approaches to Land Restoration’, organised by the UNCCD and ICBA. He highlighted biosaline agriculture as a transformative tool for rehabilitating degraded lands, and underscored the critical role of women in advancing sustainable land management. The discussion showcased ICBA’s integrative methodologies, combining scientific innovation, technological advancements, and community-based practices.
During the Agri-Food Systems Day, Ms. Nour El Jundi represented ICBA in the session “Regenerative Agriculture as a Solution to Desertification,” organised by SOMA MATER. She showcased ICBA’s expertise in regenerative agricultural practices, detailing approaches that restore degraded lands, enhance soil health, and promote sustainable food systems in arid regions.
ICBA hosted the session “Soil Health to Combat Land Desertification” at the UAE Pavilion, featuring contributions from Dr. Tarraf, Mrs. Ryma Affani, Curator of the Emirates Soil Museum, and Dr. Ahmed El-Naggar, Soil Management Scientist. The session highlighted biosaline techniques for soil restoration and presented the Emirates Soil Museum as a hub for capacity development and knowledge sharing. Advanced research on soil amendments and microbial solutions demonstrated innovative methods for enhancing land resilience.
Stress-tolerant Seeds Showcase
ICBA was featured as part of the UAE Pavilion at COP16, highlighting its role as a centre of excellence for smart resilience and water management technologies. The pavilion showcased ICBA’s innovative approaches to tackling climate challenges, including its portfolio of stress-tolerant seeds, which include UAE-native varieties designed for saline and arid environments.
These seeds enhance biodiversity, combat soil erosion, and improve agricultural resilience. Additionally, ICBA presented land rehabilitation techniques, such as the use of Prosopis juliflora, demonstrating practical solutions for addressing desertification and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Huawei Launches Product Range to Redefine Foldable, Audio and Design Excellence
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In a bid to advance foldable and high-quality technology, Huawei Customer Business Group (CBG) unveiled several products as part of the ‘Unfold the Classic’ HUAWEI Flagship product Launch held in Dubai on the 12th December. Among this new range is the new foldable smartphone, HUAWEI Mate X6, which is expected to redefine the foldable experience with its innovative design, durability and advanced features.
In addition to the Mate X6, Huawei introduced a lineup of new devices, including the HUAWEI nova 13 series, HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, HUAWEI FreeClip in rose gold, and the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5. These products highlight a new era of innovation for the Huawei, and reinforce the company’s commitment to continuous advancement and delivering flagship experiences for users across the MENA region.
Features of the HUAWEI Mate X6
HUAWEI Mate X6 is a foldable smartphone that’s extremely thin and light while also being extremely durable. It comes with the 2nd Generation Kunlun Glass, which protects the exterior screen, while a carbon fibre inner screen plate adds strength to the interior display. The phone features an advanced multi-dimensional hinge and a robust aviation-grade aluminium middle frame. The Kunlun Glass offers 25 times better drop resistance.
The HUAWEI Mate X6’s camera system is one of its standout features, designed to capture true-to-life colours. The 50MP Ultra Aperture Camera is equipped with a ten-size adjustable physical aperture, ranging from F1.0 to F4.0, allowing users to control depth of field and light intake with precision. The camera also incorporates the Ultra Chroma technology, which uses 1.50 million spectral channels to boost colour accuracy by 120 per cent. Equipped with an OLED exterior and a large internal OLED display, the Mate X6 supports a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate.
The HUAWEI Mate X6 is ” A breakthrough technology from the inside out, bringing consumers a truly innovative foldable screen experience”, said Richard Yu, Chairman of Huawei Consumer Business Group.
he HUAWEI Mate X6 will be available in UAE for preorder starting from the 12th December 2024, at a price of AED 7199 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers. It will be available in three colours: Nebula Gray, Nebula Red, and Black. Preorder customers will benefit from add-ons worth AED 2698.
Features of the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4
The HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4, the first-ever HUAWEI SOUND earbuds, set new benchmarks for wireless audio. Featuring an Ultra-Hearing Dual Driver system, these earbuds deliver a rich and dynamic listening experience across a wide frequency spectrum, from booming bass to sparkling treble. Designed for exceptional clarity during calls, the FreeBuds Pro 4 feature advanced AI noise cancellation and a high-sensitivity bone-conducting microphone.
The earbuds can intelligently distinguish between human voices and environmental noise, isolating your voice while filtering out distractions. Whether you’re at a concert or walking through a busy street, your calls remain uninterrupted, with crystal-clear sound.
HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 4 will be available in UAE from the 9th January 2025, at a price of AED 749 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as select retailers.
Features of the HUAWEI nova 13 Series
HUAWEI nova 13 Series, introduces the new Dynamic Plaid Texture Design, multi-focal portrait capabilities, and AI-driven innovations. The series debuts in the striking new Loden Green colourway, alongside classic Black and White options.
The HUAWEI nova 13 Series redefines front-camera photography with its 60 MP Ultra-Wide Front Camera and innovative features like the AI Best Expression. The ultra-wide angle allows users to effortlessly capture group selfies with everyone in the frame and showcase breathtaking scenery without the need for a selfie stick. The AI Best Expression feature ensures every group photo is flawless by selecting the best expressions from burst shots. The 5X Selfie Zoom expands the creative possibilities enabling close-up portraits, and delivering detailed and cinematic-quality selfies. With the new 100 W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series can charge to 50% in just 10 minutes.
HUAWEI nova 13 Series will be available in UAE before end of January 2025, at a starting price of AED 1699 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as select retailers.
Features of the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5
The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 features an eye-soothing PaperMatte Display and productivity-boosting upgrades, including an enhanced HUAWEI Notes app. Designed with students and light-duty office workers in mind, this tablet empowers users to embrace a paperless experience while enhancing efficiency, whether at school, home, or on the go.
The HUAWEI MatePad 11.3 will be available in UAE in January 2025, at a price of AED 1299 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers. It will be available in Isle Blue and Space Grey.
Features of the HUAWEI FreeClip – now in Rose Gold
The HUAWEI FreeClip combines cutting-edge audio technology with sleek, fashion-forward aesthetics. Now available in a captivating Rose Gold finish, the latest iteration of the HUAWEI FreeClip introduces a soft pink hue with subtle golden undertones. The FreeClip incorporates new features like the Dynamic Bass Algorithm, Head Motion Controls, and Drop Reminders. The Drop Reminders feature provides a gentle alert in the remaining earbud if one slips out during use, accompanied by a notification on your phone.
HUAWEI FreeClip in Rose Gold is available in the UAE, at a price of AED 699 through Huawei’s online platforms as well as select retailers. Preorder customers will get AED 100 off.
Abu Dhabi Launches Hub71+ AI to Support Start-Ups Advancing AI Innovation
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In an effort to support start-ups harnessing cross-sector AI innovation, Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has launched Hub71+ AI.
The platform was launched during Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), providing start-ups with the necessary infrastructure and resources to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy. The Initiative underscore’s Abu Dhabi’s commitment to advancing AI across priority sectors , aligning with the UAE’s capital’s broader economic vision.
Between 2021 and 2023, the number of AI companies in Abu Dhabi increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 67 per cent. Furthermore, studies indicate that, on average, one AI company was established every two days in Abu Dhabi during the first half of 2024. Hub71+ AI is set to accelerate this momentum by supporting startups and developing the infrastructure required to drive AI adoption across various sectors.
AI71 joins as an anchor partner of Hub71+ AI and will offer compute power credits for their API Hub, which provides pay-as-you-go access to the globally ranked Falcon series of Large Language Models and other tools. AI71 will also provide access to their team of AI researchers.
In addition, Core42 joins Hub71+ AI as an anchor partner, empowering regional startups with preferential access to Core42’s advanced products and solutions. Core42 will offer startups cloud credits that can leverage the deployments of next-generation digital infrastructure for AI including current deployments of training and inference capacity in the UAE, USA, and a growing global footprint.
Additionally, Core42’s Sovereign Public Cloud offering which leverages Microsoft Azure, can be utilised for startups that are in need to offer a sovereign implementation for regulated industries and the public sector. Core42 will also support startups in accessing relevant facets of the broader G42 ecosystem including Presight, M42, AIQ, CPX, Space42, and others where relevant.
Hub71+ AI is supported by a network of leading partners, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google for Startups, Nvidia, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and 42 Abu Dhabi. Together, these strategic partners aim to support the specialist ecosystem and advance the growth of AI startups, contributing to Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation, underpinned by advanced technology.
Through these partnerships, startups will gain access to technical and industry expertise, digital infrastructure, strategic market entry pathways, and hands-on regulatory guidance. Hub71’s collaborations with global technology leaders will further benefit startups, providing opportunities to pilot new technologies in real-world settings. Additionally, startups will be exposed to a network of investors and corporate partners that can help accelerate their growth from Abu Dhabi. These partnerships will enable Hub71+ AI startups to leverage digital infrastructure and cloud credits to strengthen the AI ecosystem and expand their business from Abu Dhabi to the world.
“AI is transforming industries and rapidly shaping the future of our world”, said Ahmad Ali Alwan, Chief Executive Officer of Hub71. “Abu Dhabi is not just keeping pace but setting the standard as a global leader in advancing AI for meaningful impact.”
“Hub71+AI is our commitment to bold, pioneering founders, providing startups with unparalleled access to resources, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities with tech giants and national champions. We aim to scale and drive AI innovation that resonates globally from Abu Dhabi’s dynamic tech ecosystem.”
Sustainable Square: the Sole ESG Partner for the 2024 MEIRA Annual Conference
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Sustainable Square announced its participation as the sole ESG Partner of the Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) 16th Annual Conference. This event is set to take place at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Hotel from 11-12th December.
More than 500 delegates are registered to attend the event in 2024, the MEIRA Annual Conference is the largest Investor Relations (IR) event in the Middle East, gathering Investor Relations Officers and professionals from the entire region. Regional and international corporates, investors, analysts and regulators will attend the conference.
“We are thrilled to support the MEIRA community and its members in embedding ESG into their investor narratives”, said Monaem Ben Lellahom, Founder and Group CEO of Sustainable Square. “At Sustainable Square, we recognise the value of equipping the investor relations community with best practices, emerging trends, and innovative tools to align ESG principles with financial success.”
“We are excited to engage in conversations that drive meaningful impact and help businesses create long-term value.”
Sustainable Square plan to engage participants through an exclusive ESG workshop aimed at equipping IR professionals with the tools to streamline ESG implementation for their clients, titled ‘ISSB Reporting, Ratings and Regulations. Integrating ESG Principles for Financial Success’. The session will be led by Monaem Ben Lellahom and Rach ElGolli, Senior Responsible Finance and Sustainability Advisor.
Sustainable Square reports a track record of over 380 successful projects and a 92.3 per cent customer satisfaction rate. The firm works to shape the ESG landscape by working closely with ESG teams, C-suite executives and IR officers. Sustainable Square uses an AI-driven ESG reporting software, SQUARELY, which is a platform that has accelerated data collection, management and analysis. The software auto-drafts reports aligned to global reporting standards and frameworks, enabling clients to boost investor confidence.
Leaders from governments, the private sector, civil society and global stakeholders are meeting to accelerate progress on sustainable land management at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16, which is being hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
COP16 is a critical moment for governments and non-state actors to slow and reverse land degradation, with hopes to halt the loss of fertile land globally, following the UNCCD COP 15 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in 2022. During COP15, 38 decisions highlighting the role of land sustainability in addressing multiple challenges were adopted through a unified global pledge to strengthen drought resilience and increase investment in land restoration and conservation for prosperity for all.
Established in 1994, the UNCCD is the only legally binding treaty – signed by 197 countries plus the European Union – linking environmental conservation and sustainable land management for development, promoting good governance to avoid, minimise and reverse land degradation, thus ensuring the continued availability of land-based natural resources that are essential for human survival.
Saudi Arabia Elected to Presidency of COP16
This year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was officially elected as the President of the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), during the opening ceremony in Riyadh.
With this announcement, Saudi Arabia begins its two-year term to advance international action on land rehabilitation, restoration, fertility and resilience to desertification and drought.
During the official opening of the conference, COP16 President Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli urged the international community to take significant action to achieve the UNCCD’s goal of rehabilitating 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030.
“We are at a critical juncture for the earth we live on and for all our people”, said Minister Al-Fadhli. “Restoring land fertility and strengthening our resilience to drought are essential to prevent many of the crises currently plaguing societies around the world.”
Global Partnership for Drought Resilience
The Riyadh Global Partnership for Drought Resilience is set to accelerate a shift in how drought challenges are addressed around the world. Drawing on the collective influence of major global institutions, drought response mechanisms will be radically transformed, and instead of an emergency response after a crisis has occurred, it will be addressed in a proactive approach, by strengthening early warning systems, financing, vulnerability assessments, and drought risk mitigation.
“The initiative will facilitate collaborative and coordinated joint action around the world and will serve as a ‘one-stop-shop’ to strengthen capacities and preparations to address drought challenges”, said Dr Osama Fakiha, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture for Environmental Affairs, and Advisor to the COP Presidency.
“It will also play a very important role in supporting efforts to shift from emergency response, which is limited to providing aid and relief after a drought crisis, to pre-preparedness. At the same time, we endeavour to mobilise global resources to save lives and livelihoods around the world.”
The Partnership will also prioritise the launch of new drought financing mechanisms, as well as increased access to credit, equity financing, insurance products and grants, and Saudi Arabia will cover the expenses of the office for at least 10 years.
“While no country is immune to drought, 85 per cent of people affected by drought live in low-and-middle-income countries”, said Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the UNCCD. “In today’s interconnected world, we have a collective responsibility and common interest that requires the participation of everyone, everywhere, to address the catastrophic effects of drought, which spares no country.”
Droughts affect almost every corner of the globe affecting 1.84 billion people in 2022. More than 55 countries have been declared drought emergencies between 2020 and 2023, according to the UNCCD. In Africa, 28 per cent of the continent’s land area was affected by drought between 2016 and 2019, according to official reports. Latin America and the Caribbean saw similar devastation, with 37.9 per cent of land area affected during the same time period. Drought is the leading cause of food and water insecurity, and has displaced millions, with affected countries incurring huge economic losses.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Observatory Launched to Combat Drought
The International Drought Observatory is the first global AI-powered platform dedicated to the proactive management of droughts. Projections from world-renounced research centres indicate that 75 per cent of the world’s population will be affected by severe droughts by 2050, unless swift and effective action is taken.
During the opening ceremony of the Observatory, the conference presidency called on the representatives of countries to provide data and expertise to enrich the work mechanisms of this project based on the latest AI technologies, in order to enhance the capabilities of countries and governments to confront drought.
The Observatory can be utilised to help stakeholders establish a foundation of press practices to protect communities, economies, and ecosystems, and work to continuously enhance them to reach the required sustainability.
Promoting Sustainable Communication in Abu Dhabi: a Conversation with Asha Sherwood
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written by rachel
At the Global Media Congress, ESG MENA interviewed Asha Sherwood, CEO of AD Review, to discuss the various communication activities conducted by the company to empower ongoing communication in Abu Dhabi and promote sustainability throughout their published content.