Latest news with #2030Agenda
Leaders
3 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Green Building Forum Engages in 6th Global Climate, SDG Synergy Conference
The Saudi Green Building Forum (SGBF), represented by its Secretary-General and United Nations delegate, Eng. Faisal Al-Fadl, took part in the Sixth Global Climate and SDG Synergy Conference held in Copenhagen, Denmark. As part of the event, the SGBF organized a dedicated session that brought together leading experts from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Municipality of Copenhagen, the University of Sussex, and Arup Group. During the session, Eng. Al-Fadl emphasized Saudi Arabia's leadership in advancing both technological and institutional approaches to help coastal cities address the impacts of climate change—particularly in response to environmental challenges along the Red Sea. The session provided a global stage to present the Kingdom's integrated approach to climate adaptation and sustainable urban development. It also promoted international collaboration by facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices, reinforcing the global commitment to the Paris Agreement and the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Related Topics : Saudi Green Building Forum Outlines Roadmap to Reduce Emissions Saudi Student Al-Qarni Selected to Engage with Global Science Leaders at ISEF 2025 World Radio Day: Saudi Arabia Focuses on Climate Change EU Gulf Envoy Hails Saudi Arabia's Vital Global Influence Short link : Post Views: 44 Related Stories
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Smoking costs Pakistan $2.5b annually
Listen to article Tobacco costs Pakistan 164,000 lives and $2.5 billion annually — urgent tax increases can save lives and generate revenues. In a statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that the country loses Rs700 billion — approximately $2.5 billion — annually due to the devastating impacts of tobacco on public health. It called for urgent measures including increased taxation to save lives. It said all tobacco products on the market, without exception and regardless of its manufacturer, are extremely harmful to health and pose a major risk to vulnerable populations such as children and teenagers. "As World No Tobacco Day — observed on 31 May — approaches, WHO reaffirms its commitment to partnering with Pakistan to address the chronic health crisis caused by tobacco," it said. It said taxation must be used as a tool to reduce tobacco consumption. Taxation can also increase revenues that can be directed towards health and development priorities. Without additional measures, the harmful impact of tobacco on public health and the national economy will continue to jeopardize Pakistan's efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda with regard to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It said research has shown that tobacco taxation is effective in increasing revenues for the government while also reducing consumption, tobacco-related diseases and pressure on health systems. "In 2023, following a tax increase on tobacco products in Pakistan, tobacco use declined by 19.2%, with 26.3% of smokers cutting down on cigarette consumption. Revenue collection from the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on cigarettes increased by 66%, from Rs142 billion in 2022-23 to Rs237 billion in 2023-24."
Muscat Daily
13-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman, Switzerland discuss cooperation in clean energy
Muscat – Seventeen Swiss government and private sector companies participated in Oman Sustainability Week 2025, highlighting their commitment to advancing clean energy and sustainability in the region. To mark the occasion, the Embassy of Switzerland in Oman and Switzerland Global Enterprise hosted a dinner reception on Monday, bringing together key stakeholders from both countries. The event was attended by H E Dr Thomas Oertle, Switzerland's Ambassador to Oman, and Angelica Schempp, Consul General and Head of Swiss Business Hub Middle East. It provided a platform for dialogue on sustainable energy, infrastructure and innovation, reinforcing Switzerland's commitment to green partnerships in the Middle East. Prominent figures shared their perspectives during the gathering, including Dr Firas al Abduwani, Director General of Renewable Energy and Hydrogen at Ministry of Energy and Minerals; Markus Reubi, Delegate of Swiss Federal Council for the 2030 Agenda; Roger Sonderegger, Head of New Energy Systems Sector at Swissmem; and Dominique Aubert, Senior Vice-President at SERV Swiss Export Risk Insurance. Addressing the gathering, H E Oertle emphasised the importance of strengthening ties between Swiss and Omani businesses. 'This event aims to foster stronger ties between Swiss and Omani business and government leaders. We have 17 participants from both government and private sectors from Switzerland, and for many, this is their first visit,' he said. He added that the visit coincides with the Oman Petroleum and Energy Show, providing additional networking opportunities for the Swiss delegation. 'We look forward to more investment and trade in various industries, including energy, construction, AI and cybersecurity,' H E Oertle noted. He also highlighted the potential of the Free Trade Agreement between Switzerland and the GCC, calling it an underutilised asset. 'We hope this meeting will help unlock more opportunities for cooperation,' he said.
Daily Tribune
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's Youth Minister Highlights Kingdom's Empowerment Efforts at UN ECOSOC Youth Forum
Her Excellency Mrs. Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, represented the Kingdom of Bahrain at the opening session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum held at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA. The forum was held under the theme: 'Working with and for Youth to Develop Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for the 2030 Agenda.' On the sidelines of the forum, Minister Tawfiqi took part in a ministerial meeting organized by the UN Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, focused on enhancing youth participation in policymaking and decision-making processes. In her address, Minister Tawfiqi emphasized that empowering youth and integrating them into decision-making is a cornerstone for building more inclusive and sustainable societies. She noted that involving young people in shaping policies that directly affect their lives reflects trust in their capabilities and creative potential. The Minister also participated in a panel discussion titled 'Effective Youth Engagement in the Workforce,' where she showcased Bahrain's pioneering experience in youth sector development. She explained that the Ministry of Youth Affairs has transitioned from merely implementing programs to acting as a facilitator and enabler, which has led to the establishment of 23 youth-led associations specializing in areas such as talent management, leadership, and innovation. She pointed out that many of these initiatives are run by young volunteers, allowing them to gain valuable experience and skills, eventually preparing them to serve as mentors for future generations. Minister Tawfiqi reiterated Bahrain's commitment to enabling youth to contribute meaningfully to addressing national challenges and strengthening their roles within institutions, thus building a resilient and sustainable youth ecosystem. During her visit, the Minister also attended the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015), which acknowledges the role of youth in promoting peace and security. Additionally, she participated in a special event hosted by the Russian Federation Mission, which focused on Russian policies supporting and empowering youth. On the sidelines of the forum, Minister Tawfiqi held several high-level meetings with senior UN officials, including Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, and Mr. Felipe Paullier, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. These engagements reflect Bahrain's active international role in promoting youth development and its commitment to achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Zawya
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Youth Charter Calls for Stronger Youth-Focused Communiqué Following UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum 2025
Following active participation in the 2025 ECOSOC Youth Forum at United Nations Headquarters, the Youth Charter ( is issuing a call for a more youth-centred and action-oriented global communiqué. This call urges the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and all Member States to elevate youth engagement and strengthen support for the growing global sport for development movement as a key contributor to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year's Forum, themed 'Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda,' featured inspiring dialogue between youth leaders, UN agencies, and Member States. However, the Youth Charter notes a critical gap in the formal outputs: the underrepresentation of youth-led, grassroots, and community-based solutions—particularly those harnessing sport, culture, and the arts. A Global Youth Call2Action As a United Nations-accredited NGO, the Youth Charter reiterated its commitment to its Global Youth Call2Action, which urges governments and development partners to: - Support the integration of sport for development into national youth strategies, education systems, and community development frameworks - Adopt and replicate the Youth Charter Community Campus model, which uses place-based innovation to engage, equip, and empower young people through sport, art, culture, and digital learning - Invest in Social Coach Leadership Programmes, to train local mentors who can guide young people away from violence and disengagement toward purpose and opportunity - Ensure youth are not only consulted but co-creators in shaping policies and initiatives aimed at achieving the 2030 Agenda A Stronger Role for ECOSOC The Youth Charter is also calling for greater recognition and integration of youth-focused outcomes from the ECOSOC Youth Forum into the formal Ministerial Declaration of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). This includes adopting an annual ECOSOC Youth Communiqué, co-created by youth, to ensure their contributions are not only heard but embedded in high-level decision-making. 'If we are truly serious about 'leaving no one behind,' then young people must not be at the margins of global development discussions—they must be at the centre,' said Professor Geoff Thompson MBE FRSA DL, Founder and Executive Chair of the Youth Charter. Looking Ahead As the world moves toward the halfway mark of the 2030 Agenda, the Youth Charter will intensify its advocacy efforts to ensure that youth voices translate into youth outcomes, and that sport, culture, and creativity are recognized as essential tools in tackling inequality, disengagement, and global youth violence. The Youth Charter extends its appreciation to ECOSOC, the UN Youth Office, and all collaborating partners, and stands ready to work with global stakeholders to translate this year's Forum energy into lasting impact. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter. For further information, contact: contact@ Youth Charter @ Social Media: LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter Facebook: @ YouthCharter Instagram: @ youthchartersdp YouTube: @ YouthCharter X: @ YOUTHCHARTER Youth Charter #Hashtags: #International Olympic Committee #Olympism #Fight4theStreets #YoungLivesLost #Call2Action #LegacyOpportunity4All #SportDevelopmentPeace #Empowerthenextgeneration #CommonwealthSecretarian #UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals #ECOSOC About Youth Charter: The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life. Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise. The Youth Charter ( is a UK registered charity and United Nations Non-Governmental Organization. Address: Youth Charter Dame Mary Glen Haig Office for Sport for Development and Peace London Stadium Learning London Stadium, London, E20 2ST
