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Qatar Tribune
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar's ambassador to Egypt affirms Israeli occupation undermines structure of Arab family
CAIRO: Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Arab Republic of Egypt and Permanent Representative of the State to the Arab League HE Tariq Ali Faraj Al Ansari has affirmed that the Israeli occupation undermines the structure of the Arab family, and that Arab families living under occupation represent a stark example of the disintegration of social structures due to systematic oppression. The ambassador said that it is impossible to talk about the challenges facing the Arab family without considering the devastating impact of the Israeli occupation on the family structure and stability, as families under occupation, especially Palestinian families and those in the occupied Syrian Golan and Lebanon, represent a stark example of the disintegration of social structures due to systematic oppression. He added that the occupation not only stripped the land of its people, but also directly targeted families through policies of arrest, home demolitions, forced separation of family members, and the imposition of a siege, which has led to the disintegration of family ties and the distortion of roles within the family. This came in a speech delivered by the Ambassador during the launch of the First Arab Regional Policy Forum on the Doha Declaration: Family and Major Contemporary Transformations, organized by the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), a member of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development, which kicked off in Cairo over the span of two days. The forum is held in cooperation with the State of Qatar's delegation to the Arab League and in partnership with the League's Secretary General. The ambassador added that the structural targeting of the family, as the nucleus of Arab society, goes beyond human dimensions to touch upon the essence of identity and belonging, threatening to inherit suffering and instability across generations. Therefore, any strategic vision for empowering the Arab family is incomplete without including the occupation as a structural factor undermining the family, he underlined. He said that while conflicts and disputes plague some families, others suffer from increasing economic pressures, the challenges of migration, and the digital divide. This is inseparable from the cultural and social changes that threaten traditional family identities and significantly impact the role of the family and its ability to provide psychological and social stability for its members. The ambassador stressed that caring for the stability of the family and its members and strengthening family cohesion is one of the essential goals upon which Qatar National Vision 2030 is based, which stems from a firm belief that a cohesive family is the foundation for building a prosperous and stable society. Based on this premise, the State of Qatar has given family issues a central focus in its development vision, recognizing that family cohesion is the cornerstone of social stability and the foundation for human development, he added. In light of the growing challenges facing families in the region, from rapid social and economic transformations to humanitarian crises and conflicts, the State of Qatar has been keen to be at the forefront of countries that take the initiative to understand these transformations and deal with them from a comprehensive perspective, which balances between preserving family values and being open to the demands of the times, he pointed out, noting that this commitment is embodied in its ongoing support for research and policies that enhance the resilience of the family and consolidate its position as a hub for sustainable development and societal renaissance. He underlined that this forum represents an extension of the State of Qatar's efforts to support family issues regionally and internationally, the most recent of which was the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family Conference, held in Doha in October 2024, marking three decades since the 1994 United Nations Declaration. The conference discussed contemporary challenges such as demographic and technological changes, migration, and climate change. This conference issued the Doha Declaration, which included more than 30 recommendations to support families and strengthen social policies, the ambassador pointed out, adding that this declaration complements the 2014 Doha Call to Action, which called for empowering families, achieving work-life balance, and comprehensive development. He explained that the current forum carries the torch of follow-up and implementation of the Doha Declaration, moving beyond theoretical recommendations to explore practical mechanisms for its implementation, in light of the profound transformations that Arab families are witnessing. He considered the forum to be a high-level dialogue platform that enhances integration between policymakers, researchers, and practitioners, and prepares the necessary groundwork for building well-thought-out family policies based on accurate knowledge, successful field experiences, and effective institutional cooperation. He noted the complex and multidimensional challenges facing Arab families today, which go beyond global transformations such as economic, social, and technological changes, and which intertwine with the region's unique cultural, social, and economic characteristics. Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Arab Republic of Egypt and Permanent Representative of the State to the Arab League expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Doha International Family Institute, the Arab League, and all the partners who contributed to the launch of this forum. He affirmed Qatar's unwavering support for all regional and international initiatives that seek to empower families, preserve their dignity, and enhance their resilience in the face of rapid changes. He also expressed hope that this forum would be a serious step toward formulating a common Arab vision that translates coordination into policies and transforms recommendations into a tangible impact on the lives of Arab families and communities. Executive Director of the Doha International Family Institute Sharifa Al Emadi affirmed that the Forum aims to reconvene following the Doha Declaration to explore how to implement directives that support families and strengthen social policies in Arab countries, explaining that the Forum presents international experiences in this field, serving as an important platform for constructive dialogue. She said that the Arab Regional Policy Forum brings together policymakers and researchers to exchange insights on ways to confront the major transformations affecting families in the modern era. She emphasized that the most significant transformation impacting families is technological change, which, despite its positive aspects, also carries substantial negative effects due to its usage. The Executive Director of the Doha International Family Institute praised Qatar's efforts in this area, noting that the country has succeeded in formulating and integrating family policies into its educational curricula. For her part,Associate Professor at Qatar University Sheikha Hessa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said that the Forum coincides with the urgent need to highlight key family issues and their profound impact on reality. She added that these issues affect both individuals and communities, with implications that extend to the nation and the wider Islamic community, targeting its identity, language, spiritual values, and cultural and civilizational heritage. She pointed to the accelerating pace of digitalization and the entanglement of technology with the details of daily life, including the digitalization of family communication. While acknowledging that technology has opened new avenues for communication, she noted that it has also weakened family bonds, evident in the silent browsing of phones, brief messages, and scattered notifications. She said that there is no way to stop the wheel of technology, and that the benefits of social media cannot be denied. However, the danger we must be aware of lies in exceeding the limits, she mentioned, adding that the International Year of the Family Conference in Doha came to draw attention to the fact that there are major contemporary trends that significantly affect the cohesion of the nuclear family in our societies. Minister of Social Solidarity of the Arab Republic of Egypt HE Dr Maya Morsi affirmed her support for Qatar's efforts to strengthen protective legislation that safeguards women's rights, combats domestic violence, adopts economic empowerment policies, and integrates women across all sectors, especially emerging economies such as the green and digital economies. She also praised efforts to expand the scope of protection programs targeted at women. She stressed the need for policies that take into account the specific circumstances and realities of Arab women, as well as the importance of sustainable funding to support protection and empowerment programs. Additionally, she called for educational systems that train new generations to respect the role of women both within and outside the family, noting the Arab world's need for a media discourse that restores appreciation for the role of women and exposes the challenges they face on a daily basis. She said that they cannot speak today without acknowledging what is happening in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the urgent need for serious action to alleviate the tragedy faced by Palestinian civilians who are enduring forced displacement after losing their homes, struggling to survive in the open under continuous bombing, in inhumane conditions and amid food insecurity, a situation pointing to an imminent humanitarian catastrophe on the social level. She noted that most Palestinian families have lost their providers, leading to a rise in the number of children at risk of exploitation. She considered these circumstances a stark reminder of the challenges facing women and families in the Arab world, especially in the fields of employment, economic empowerment, war, and conflict, and a clear indication of the need for effective policies to support women's participation in economic and social life. In turn, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Sector of the League of Arab States Ambassador Dr Haifa Abu Ghazala said that the Doha Declaration, issued during the conference marking the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, serves as a reference framework that reflects the collective Arab awareness of the need to respond to the transformations impacting and targeting the family, whether demographic, technological, environmental, religious, or social. She added that the Forum serves as a tool to activate the Doha Declaration by promoting regional cooperation and reviewing leading practices in the field of family policies. It also acts as a platform for dialogue between researchers and policymakers, contributing to the development of effective, evidence-based responses grounded in scientific knowledge. The first Arab Regional Policy Forum on the Doha Declaration:'Family and Major Contemporary Transformations' includes several sessions addressing the Arab family and contemporary shifts, methods of support, current threats to the core values of the family in the Arab region, and ways to address them at both the national and regional levels. It also highlights Doha as a model for partnership in building a cohesive family, explores the role of the family amid technological changes in the Arab world, and presents different countries' experiences in dealing with major contemporary transformations, alongside many other key topics.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DIFI to Hold 2025 PlugFest in Munich Region of Germany September 8-11
WORK Microwave to host event testing interoperability of digital ground systems up to Version 1.2.1 of the DIFI Standard PISCATAWAY, N.J., April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Digital Intermediate Frequency Interoperability Consortium (DIFI) announced that it will conduct its second European PlugFest in September at board member company WORK Microwave GmbH. The event will take place during the week of September 8th at WORK's expanded facility in Holzkirchen, Germany, about 20 minutes by train from Munich. The eagerly-awaited annual PlugFest will bring together companies from around the world to test the interoperability of their digital ground systems using versions up to 1.2.1 of the DIFI Standard (IEEE-ISTO Std 4900-2021) released in Q1 2025. A webinar discussing the standard took place in March. DIFI Chairman and the Head of Advanced Technology at Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, Stuart Daughtridge noted that a record number of companies exhibited DIFI-compatible satcom products at SATELLITE 2025 in Washington, DC and that he expects the PlugFest in Germany to also be very well-attended. 'The momentum for the standard and the both commercial and government eagerness to see it evolve and adopted is really pushing DIFI members forward. We are grateful to WORK Microwave for agreeing to host this year's PlugFest,' he said. Thomas Froehlich, CEO of WORK Microwave, is convinced: 'The DIFI standard has the potential to set new trends or even to trigger a revolution of SATCOM ground infrastructure. For companies active in this field, such as WORK Microwave, the DIFI standard introduces new opportunities to offer a so far unknown range of flexibility and service to their customers. Therefore, we at WORK Microwave are proud to host the next DIFI PlugFest at our premises.' From September 8 to 10, DIFI-member companies only will have the opportunity to test their systems for seamless interoperability with the equipment of multiple vendors based on the advances incorporated into version 1.2.1. A Thursday Showcase open to all will include a keynote, panel session and discussions with the companies that put their equipment to the test. WORK Microwave GmbH ( has been a leading developer and manufacturer of RF and digital electronics technologies and products for over three decades. Known for quality products, customized solutions, reliability and customer service, WORK Microwave sets the industry benchmark for innovation in microwave and digital signal processing technologies. All of its products are developed and produced in-house in their 5,000 square-meter facility in Holzkirchen/Munich. The program for the event, exhibitors and the name of the Keynote speaker will be posted shortly to the DIFI website. To register please click here - REGISTER (for attendance) and fill out the Technical Questionnaire (for equipment). ABOUT DIFI The Digital Intermediate Frequency (IF) Interoperability Consortium, or DIFI, has created a standard that enforces interoperability on digital IF/RF technology. Digital IF was developed to overcome the limitations of analog systems but, today, vendor lock-in prevents it from delivering seamless interoperability and severely limits its adoption. A truly interoperable digital IF, on the other hand, will enable transformation to a virtualized ground segment, reducing the total cost of ownership and significantly boosting network and terminal agility and scalability. Compliance with the DIFI standard will ensure that satellite ground segments can seamlessly adapt to rapidly changing space-layer payloads, orbits, and constellations. Ultimately, DIFI promises to elevate the resilience, performance, and capabilities of satellite networks and enable a digital transformation that integrates satellites seamlessly into the larger telecom, IT and GIS markets. A full list of DIFI members and information about membership can be found at Contact: Joni Sterlacci, Program Manager, ABOUT WORK MICROWAVE WORK Microwave is a leading provider of innovative microwave technology, dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions tailored to the needs of its customers and partners. With a strong commitment to excellence and innovation, WORK Microwave continuously sets industry standards in SATCOM, Virtualization, Laser Communication, Defence Electronics, and Microwave Sensors. Contact: Joerg Friderich, Marketing Manager, in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ST Engineering iDirect CEO Nominated for Via Satellite's Satellite Executive of the Year Award 2024
Via Satellite recognizes Don Claussen's leadership in driving innovation to advance the satellite industry HERNDON, Va., Feb. 19, 2025 /CNW/ -- ST Engineering iDirect, a global leader in satellite communications, today announced its Chief Executive Officer, Don Claussen, as a nominee for Via Satellite's prestigious Satellite Executive of the Year award 2024. This nomination reflects Claussen's leadership in advancing ground segment technology, which is critical for the future of space communications. Since his appointment in 2023, Claussen has prioritized standardization and interoperability to drive industry collaboration and innovation. A vocal advocate for dismantling industry silos, Claussen has earned widespread respect across the satellite sector, influencing customers, partners, and competitors alike. Under his guidance, ST Engineering iDirect has achieved groundbreaking advancements, including the launch of Intuition, its next-generation virtualized ground system enabling multi-orbit, automation, and orchestration capabilities. Claussen has also championed frameworks like DIFI and WAVE to foster interoperability, and led efforts in virtualization and cloud-based solutions, paving the way for more adaptable satellite operations. "It is an honor to be nominated for the Satellite Executive of the Year award," said Claussen. "This recognition reflects the extraordinary innovation taking place at ST Engineering iDirect and our commitment to shaping a more connected and sustainable future. By exploring hybrid technological and business approaches, we aim to revolutionize satellite systems' scalability and efficiency, enabling operators to deliver cost-effective connectivity worldwide." "For decades, the Satellite Executive of the Year award has commemorated outstanding leadership in the satellite industry," said Rachel Jewett, Senior Managing Editor of Via Satellite. "This year is no different and we are proud to announce the group of six nominees that represent different ways of charting a new path for the future of the satellite industry." The winner of the 2024 Satellite Executive of the Year will be determined by a combination of the Via Satellite editorial team and votes that come directly from industry. Voting closes at noon ET on March 11. The winner will be announced at SATELLITE 2025 on Wednesday, March 12 at the Via Satellite Awards Luncheon, which is open to all conference-level attendees. For more information on the award, or to vote for Don Claussen, please visit ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications (satcom) providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their satcom networks. With over 40 years of delivering innovation focused on solving satellite's most critical economic and technology challenges we are committed to shaping the future of how the world connects. The product portfolio, branded iDirect, represents the highest standards in performance, efficiency and reliability, making it possible for its customers to deliver the best satcom connectivity experience anywhere in the world. ST Engineering iDirect is a leader in key industries including mobility, broadcast and military/government. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
