‘UAE stands for dialogue, for de-escalation and diplomacy,' Dr Sultan Al Jaber says
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, XRG's executive chairman and Adnoc's managing director and group chief executive, delivered a keynote address on Tuesday at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum in Washington
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The National
4 hours ago
- The National
‘UAE stands for dialogue, for de-escalation and diplomacy,' Dr Sultan Al Jaber says
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, XRG's executive chairman and Adnoc's managing director and group chief executive, delivered a keynote address on Tuesday at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum in Washington
Zawya
8 hours ago
- Zawya
In Uganda: procuring responsibly
Forests account for 11.5% of Uganda's land and are vital to the nation's ecosystem. They provide timber, food, fuel, and medicines for many Ugandans. However, this green heart of Africa is facing a serious challenge. In 2023 alone, Uganda lost 37.6 thousand hectares of its natural forests, according to Global Forest Watch. If this trend continues unchecked, it could lead to the disappearance of these essential natural forests in the coming decades, along with a wealth of irreplaceable biodiversity. The impact of deforestation is deeply felt by local communities that rely on forests for their daily needs. For instance, Bangazi Edward, a resident of Buwala village in Jinja District, Eastern Uganda, highlights the growing pressure on the land: 'We are having a problem with firewood because we have few trees, and the population is really big.' This situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Bold government policy Fortunately, there is hope on the horizon. Uganda has recognized this danger and is taking action by enacting public policies and processes that promote sustainable public procurement. This strategic approach not only aims to preserve the environment but also enables the nation to meet its environmental and climate commitments. Uganda aspires to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 12, particularly Target 12.7, which encourages sustainable public procurement practices in alignment with national policies and priorities. Lawrence Semakula, Accountant General in the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development said, 'we have developed a national action plan for sustainable procurement, which we are integrating into the government procurement cycle.' This plan is meant to strengthen the inclusion of sustainability as a core part of public procurement and reduce environmental impacts of public development projects. Responsible sourcing: a reality As the nation rises to meet these challenges, it seeks to ensure that procurement is responsible and paves the way for a sustainable future. One positive example of responsible procurement of wood for development in Uganda is Adrift Eco Lodge, an eco-conscious African lodge located near the Kalagala Falls on the Nile River in Eastern Uganda. Constructed using 70% FSC-certified timber sourced from the Busoga Forest Company (BFC), this eco-lodge demonstrates the possibilities of sustainable building practices. Leanne Haigh, Chief Executive Officer of Adrift, stated, 'For us, it was a no-brainer about how we were going to build this property; procuring FSC sustainable wood was just part of that process.' Scaling up sustainable sourcing in Uganda Annah Agasha, Deputy Director of FSC Africa, believes the sustainable sourcing example in Uganda can be scaled. "Adrift's use of certified timber from Green Resources to build their ecolodge is a significant milestone," she says. "It demonstrates how businesses can contribute to sustainability while enhancing their own credentials. We aim to support them in showcasing this responsibility to their customers." The Busoga Forestry Company Ltd. (BFC), a subsidiary of Green Resources AS, is dedicated to sustainable forest management and increasing the availability of responsibly sourced certified products in Uganda. In 2019 and 2020, BFC obtained the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody certificate and Forest Management Certificates, respectively. The FSC-FM certificate ensures responsible forest management, while the FSC-COC certificate guarantees the traceability of responsibly sourced wood and products from the forest to the consumer. Benefits of responsible sourcing BFC's impact goes beyond just responsible sourcing. With approximately 900 employees, primarily from local communities, the company supports over 16,000 individuals, fostering economic stability. Through social funding, BFC invests in essential infrastructure, including schools, clinics, and clean water solutions, significantly improving local living standards. Recognizing the importance of education, BFC offers bursary programs and training opportunities that empower individuals and promote community development. Furthermore, BFC champions gender equality, with 32% of its workforce being women in various roles from middle management to equipment operators. David Kiyingi Nyimbwa, Commissioner of the Procurement Policy and Management Department at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, believes that FSC certification can promote legal forestry and strengthen the registration of sustainable forestry companies. 'With FSC, we believe we can work together to promote legal forests and help in the registration of potential and actual [sustainability wood product] providers,' says David Kiyingi Nyimbwa. The advantages of responsible forestry extend beyond environmental benefits and lead to positive changes in the lives of local people. Uganda's economic development is greatly reliant on forests, and there is promise. By carefully considering each procurement decision, making responsible choices, and sourcing wisely for development projects, Uganda can secure a sustainable future. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Forest Stewardship Council. Media contacts: Frida Salim Market Development and Communication Specialist-East Africa FSC Africa Regional Office Nairobi, Kenya East Africa Israel Bionyi Senior Regional Communications Manager FSC Africa FSC Africa T: +49 (0) 228 367 66 0 F: +49 (0) 228 367 66 65 About FSC: The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is a nonprofit organization governed by environmental, social, and economic perspectives equally – covers more than 150 million hectares of certified forests and is the global benchmark for sustainable forestry. NGOs, consumers, and businesses alike trust FSC to protect and enhance healthy and resilient forests, for all, forever.
Khaleej Times
8 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
India makes its presence felt on global stage with G7 invitation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence at the 2025 G7 Summit in Canada marks a pivotal moment in the global power narrative. It is not just a high-level visit — it is a statement of how the world now views India: as an essential voice in shaping global outcomes. The G7 — comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States — has long been regarded as the forum of the world's most advanced economies. But the inclusion of India at the table underscores a profound shift. In today's complex and multipolar world, no global challenge can be effectively addressed without India's participation. India is no longer on the sidelines of global decision-making. It is at the center. The country is currently the world's fourth-largest economy and is set to become the third-largest before the end of the decade. It is also the most populous nation and one of the fastest-growing major economies — a rare combination of scale, speed, and stability. India's leadership in digital public infrastructure, green energy transitions, and resilient supply chains is increasingly being seen as a model for the Global South. As the world seeks reliable partners beyond traditional hubs, India's role has expanded from regional anchor to global collaborator. What sets India apart is its ability to build bridges across divides — East and West, North and South. It is one of the few countries that maintains productive ties across a broad geopolitical spectrum, offering a rare platform for inclusive dialogue in times of deepening global divides. During its G20 presidency in 2023, India showcased its unique ability to convene, mediate, and push forward consensus on global priorities. That success laid the groundwork for its current stature — not just as a participant, but as a co-author of the global agenda. Prime Minister Modi's participation in the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, reflects the international recognition of this reality. His presence is not symbolic — it is strategic. It signals that India's insights, partnerships, and leadership are vital to addressing the pressing challenges of our time: economic resilience, climate action, digital governance, and global security. The invitation extended by Mark Carney, Canada's Prime Minister and G7 host, also marks a much-needed reset in India-Canada ties — one grounded in mutual strategic interest. In a world searching for stability and foresight, India offers both. The G7's embrace of India reflects a deeper understanding: the future of global leadership will be broad-based, inclusive, and anchored in cooperation across continents. And India will be central to that future.
