Dubai [UAE], December 14: Majra – National CSR Fund took a proactive step during COP28 by hosting a workshop titled “Sustainable Futures: Navigating Green ESG Skills for Young Professionals.” The event aimed to illuminate the crucial role of green skills in building a sustainable future and featured an international panel of experts alongside young minds from various universities across the UAE.

Moderated by Dana Kamali, Chief Business Officer of Majra – National CSR Fund, the panel discussion welcomed esteemed experts, including Safa El Tayeb El Kogali, Country Director for the GCC at the World Bank; Jorg Eigendorf, Chief Sustainability Officer at Deutsche Bank; and Ejaj Ahmad, Founder CEO of the Global Youth Leadership Centre.

The diverse panel brought a wealth of insights, discussing challenges in climate mitigation, advocating for inclusive approaches to green skills development, and proposing actionable solutions. The workshop aimed to emphasize the critical need for green skills, underlining their impact on job market resilience and career prospects.

The discussions delved into the rapid evolution of sustainability and green technologies, pinpointing the growing gap between the demand for qualified professionals and awareness about the importance of these skills. Recognizing the younger generation as key players in shaping the future, the workshop aimed to equip attendees with a comprehensive understanding of green skills and their global relevance.

Participants engaged in discussions that touched upon anticipating and adapting to industry evolution, highlighting the significance of both technical expertise and soft skills like leadership in the green economy. Real-life experiences and initiatives driving the green transition were shared, emphasizing practical aspects crucial for effective change.

The workshop not only underscored the urgency of embracing green skills but also highlighted the responsibility of future generations in crafting a sustainable world. Attendees left the event inspired and equipped with insights, ready to contribute to the global shift towards sustainability.

Dana Kamali expressed, “Embracing ESG is not just a choice; it’s an imperative for our collective future. Guiding this transformative journey, the UAE government, through Majra, takes a leading role–launching manuals and training to ensure people are better equipped to thrive in the future job market while championing sustainability.”

Safa El Tayeb El Kogali emphasized that individuals, regardless of their profession, can contribute to the planet’s well-being. She highlighted the importance of understanding one’s impact and ensuring sustainable practices in every endeavor.

Jorg Eigendorf shared insights into the diverse skill set needed for a Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasizing the ability to bring people together, retain curiosity, and passion for the topic, alongside discipline.

Ejaj Ahmad stressed the imperative need to equip youth with leadership and green skills to tackle the climate crisis. He emphasized that investing in youth leadership today is critical for ensuring the next generation makes climate-friendly decisions in government, business, and civil sectors tomorrow.

According to the official statement, this visit holds historical significance as it marks the inaugural state visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to India. The upcoming diplomatic engagement underscores the importance of the growing and friendly relations between India and the Sultanate of Oman. The visit is expected to further strengthen the ties and cooperation across various sectors between the two nations.

The Sultan of Oman is set to visit India at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu, where he will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan from Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu. During his stay, the Sultan will engage in bilateral discussions with PM Modi, who will also host a luncheon in his honor.

This visit presents a valuable opportunity to foster future collaboration between India and Oman, aimed at enhancing regional stability, progress, and prosperity, as highlighted in the official press statement. The historical ties between the two nations are deeply rooted in friendship, cooperation, and mutual trust, with strong people-to-people connections spanning centuries. India and Oman, being strategic partners, have witnessed the flourishing of bilateral trade and investment relationships over the years.

In a notable engagement earlier in September, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister, Asaad bin Tariq bin Taimur Al Said, participated in the G20 Summit held under India’s G20 Presidency in New Delhi. This visit reaffirms the commitment to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, setting the stage for further collaboration between the two nations.

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In a statement today, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi mentioned that the Indian government will undertake “necessary follow-up action” in accordance with the findings of the inquiry committee.

“We have already said that during the course of discussions with the US on bilateral security cooperation, the US side shared some inputs pertaining to nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others,” Bagchi said in a statement.

“We had also indicated that India takes such inputs seriously since they impinge on our national security interests as well, and relevant departments were already examining the issue,” the statement added.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the inquiry committee was formed on November 18.

“In this context, it is informed that on 18 November 2023, the Government of India constituted a high-level Enquiry Committee to look into all the relevant aspects of the matter,” the MEA spokesperson said.

He added, “Government of India will take necessary follow-up action based on the findings of the Enquiry Committee”.

On November 22, the Ministry of External Affairs had conveyed that the United States provided certain inputs regarding a “nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists, and others” during recent discussions on India-US security cooperation.

Bagchi emphasized that India considers such inputs seriously as they impact its own security interests. He noted that these inputs are a matter of concern for both countries, and appropriate follow-up action is being pursued.

Also Read: US supports extension in Israel-Hamas conflict pause: White House

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“We want to see all the hostages released. And so, if there can be extended pauses beyond these two-day extensions., we’re in favour of that. And we’re going to keep working on this, as I said, hour by hour with all our partners in the region,” White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said.

When questioned about Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming visit to the Middle East, the spokesperson, Kirby, mentioned that his fourth visit would primarily concentrate on reaffirming U.S. support for Israel and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

He also mentioned that Blinken will hold meetings with his Israeli counterparts and other regional counterparts.

“It is about making sure that, number one, Israel knows that they continue to have the support of the United States, that they continue to get the tools, the capabilities, and the weapon systems that they need to continue to defend themselves against Hamas. Number two, it’s all about getting that humanitarian assistance in,” Kirby said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to embark on his fourth visit to Israel this week, with additional stops planned in the West Bank, Belgium, North Macedonia, and the UAE.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that President Biden and the complete national security team are actively involved in addressing the Middle East situation, focusing on humanitarian aid, the operational pause, and the release of hostages.

Earlier on Tuesday, Hamas released 12 more hostages, including two foreign nationals, on the first day of the extended truce between Israel and Hamas. Israel also released 30 Palestinian prisoners as part of the deal.

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Additionally, as per information from Qatar, the list comprises 15 women and 15 minors.

Earlier today, Hamas freed 12 additional hostages, including two foreign nationals, marking the initial day of the extended truce between Israel and Hamas, as per the Jerusalem Post.

The hostages primarily consist of elderly individuals and specific family members. As part of the agreement, Israel has suspended aerial surveillance over the enclave for approximately six hours daily. This pause allows Hamas to locate all the hostages, who are held in separate locations.

Furthermore, a total of 60 female and child hostages have been released from Gaza so far. Simultaneously, as part of a distinct agreement, one Filipino and 25 Thai citizens have been freed, along with an individual who is an Israeli citizen holding Russian citizenship.

Last month, four women were also freed, two of whom were Americans and another two Israelis.

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that his country is dedicated to ensuring the return of all hostages, the eradication of Hamas, and the assurance that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israeli citizens.

Also Read: 200 aid trucks dispatched for Gaza on second day of operational pause

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The truce, extended by two days on Monday, has allowed for the release of some hostages held by Hamas and facilitated the entry of increased humanitarian aid into Gaza since Friday.

Significantly, this marks the initiation of a series of humanitarian aid flights facilitated by the US military. The first of three flights is aimed at delivering essential medical supplies, food, and winter necessities in anticipation of the approaching winter in Gaza.

The United Nations will play a crucial role in the distribution of these supplies, ensuring that they reach the civilian population in need.

According to officials, this initial relief flight is the first of three, leveraging the distinctive capabilities of the US military, and is set to arrive in North Sinai, Egypt.

The next two flights with humanitarian aid “will be coming in the coming days,” the official said further.

Since the crisis began, the United States has sponsored five commercial aircraft for product delivery to Egypt. However, these upcoming flights are the first to be facilitated by the military. These military aircraft are currently enroute to Egypt during the two-day extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The ceasefire initiated on Friday in the intense conflict in Gaza has facilitated the influx of a substantial amount of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Additionally, it has resulted in the release of several captives held by Hamas.

As per the White House, the choice to deploy military aircraft to the Middle East stems from the need to replenish supplies, given the heightened volume of product delivery into Gaza during the temporary cessation of hostilities.

Also Read: Death toll reaches 10; around 2,500 rescued as heavy snowstorm hits Ukraine

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Odesa Oblast, one of the hardest-hit areas in Ukraine, reported five fatalities and 15 injuries among the casualties.

Emergency services in the oblast, led by Minister Klymenko, assisted 2,498 individuals, including 162 children. In Mykolaiv Oblast, two fatalities and two injuries were reported, while the remaining casualties occurred in Kyiv and Kharkiv Oblast, as per Kyiv Independent.

On November 27, Russian authorities reported one fatality in Crimea due to adverse weather conditions. Significant storms, accompanied by heavy rain, snowfall, and strong winds, affected large parts of Ukraine on November 26-27. This resulted in floods, structural damages, power outages, and transportation issues, as highlighted by Kyiv Independent.

On Monday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conveyed his appreciation to the rescuers, utility workers, and local authorities for their continuous efforts in carrying out the around-the-clock rescue operation.

“Bad weather has caused power outages in more than 2,000 towns and villages in 16 regions of Ukraine and has also blocked road traffic. I am grateful to all rescuers, utility workers, the National Police, local authorities, and engineers working around the clock to help people,” Zelenskyy posted on X (formerly Twitter).

A substantial 1,530 stranded vehicles were successfully towed, with eight highways in the Mykolaiv and Kirovohrad oblasts still closed. Additionally, traffic is restricted on portions of two roads in Odesa Oblast, as indicated by Klymenko. As of Tuesday morning, approximately 411 settlements in 11 oblasts are reported to be without power.

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“200 trucks with humanitarian aid were sent to international aid organization operating in Gaza through the Rafah Crossing as part of the operational pause, and within the framework for the release of the hostages agreed with the US, with the mediation of Qatar and Egypt. The humanitarian aid trucks carried food, water, equipment for shelters, and medical supplies,” the Israel Defense Forces posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that 129,000 liters of fuel successfully entered Gaza. Additionally, 11 ambulances, three coaches, and a flatbed were delivered to Al Shifa Hospital to support evacuation efforts, as stated by the OCHA.

The United Nations praised the efforts of the Palestinian and Egyptian Red Crescent Societies for facilitating the deliveries and emphasized that the longer the operational pause continues, the more aid will be transported into and across Gaza. OCHA welcomed the release of additional hostages that occurred on Saturday and reiterated the urgent and unconditional call for the liberation of all hostages.

The statement expressed hope that the release of additional Palestinian detainees would bring relief to their families and loved ones.

On Saturday, Hamas released the second group of hostages, comprising 13 Israelis and 4 Thai nationals, who were handed over to Egypt. Prior to this, the first group of 24 hostages was handed over to the International Committee for Red Cross staff on the first day of the deal on Friday. The Israel Prime Minister’s Office has been informed about the names of the third set of hostages to be released by Hamas, and the families of the hostages have been notified accordingly.

Also Read: Revered Hindu temple demolished in Pakistan for building coffee house

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The authorities in the Tharparkar district cited a court order as the basis for the demolition of Hinglaj Mata Mandir.

Shockingly, despite an existing Supreme Court order prohibiting it, the demolition was approved. Allegedly, this action was taken to clear the space for a coffee house scheduled to be inaugurated later this month.

This temple’s demolition is not the only incident but part of a broader pattern of Pakistan’s intolerance towards religious minorities. Another targeted structure was a section of the Sharda Peeth Mandir near the Line of Control, the de facto border between India and Pakistan.

Also Read: NASA Administrator to travel to India; Discuss Space Cooperation

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The purpose is to enhance bilateral cooperation in various innovation and research domains, particularly in human exploration and Earth science.

During his visit to India, Nelson will tour various sites, including Bengaluru-based facilities where the NISAR spacecraft is undergoing testing and integration. NISAR, short for NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, is a collaborative Earth-observing mission between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scheduled for launch in 2024.

NISAR represents a groundbreaking collaboration between NASA and ISRO, marking the first instance of joint hardware development for an Earth-observing mission by the two space agencies.

NISAR, as the pioneering satellite mission between NASA and ISRO, stands as a groundbreaking Earth-observing instrument within the Earth System Observatory. It is designed to measure alterations in Earth’s ecosystems, dynamic surfaces, and ice masses. NISAR’s capabilities extend to providing crucial insights into biomass, natural hazards, sea level rise, and groundwater. The data it generates plays a vital role in informing initiatives related to climate change, hazard mitigation, agriculture, and various other fields.

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