Latest news with #GeneralSecretariat
Herald Malaysia
2 days ago
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
Guidelines for local implementation of Synod on Synodality
The Vatican has released new guidelines outlining how local churches and bishops around the world should begin implementing the final proposals of the Synod of Bishops on synodality, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, collaboration, and mission. Jul 18, 2025 VATICAN: The Vatican has released new guidelines outlining how local churches and bishops around the world should begin implementing the final proposals of the Synod of Bishops on synodality, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, collaboration, and 24-page document, titled 'Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod', was published July 7 by the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops. It marks a new phase in the Church's ongoing synodal process, first launched by Pope Francis in 2021. The focus now turns to practical, local-level application of the synod's implementation phase, which began in late 2024 and will run until 2028, is intended to foster new structures and practices that deepen the Church's commitment to synodality — a model of Church life that emphasises shared responsibility, discernment, and participation among all the to the guidelines, the diocesan or eparchial bishop carries primary responsibility for overseeing this process. Bishops are called to set clear objectives, timelines, and methods while encouraging broad engagement across the Church. They are also reminded to exercise authority 'in a synodal way,' involving clergy, religious, and laity is not to be limited to churchgoers or synod supporters. The Vatican stresses the importance of reaching marginalised groups, young people, and those sceptical of the synodal approach. The goal is to ensure the Church 'walks together' and integrates the voices of all, especially those who have been guidelines call for involvement beyond the traditional parish setting. Catholic schools, hospitals, prisons, and digital spaces should also be engaged. Relationships with religious communities, ecclesial movements, and lay associations are to be strengthened as part of the Church's evangelizing mission.A key message throughout the document is that synodality is not a one-size-fits-all model. Sr Nathalie Becquart, undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, said the guidelines are meant to help dioceses creatively and contextually apply the synod's final document. 'The best way to start the implementation phase is really to read the final document of the synod,' she told Vatican support coordination, each diocese or eparchy is asked to register its synodal team with the Vatican via a central database. Existing synodal teams should be reactivated or refreshed, and new ones created where three-year phase of implementation and reflection will culminate in an international assembly in Rome in October 2028. This gathering will serve as both a celebration and an evaluation of the synodal journey's the mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God remains at the heart of the synodal process. The guidelines reaffirm the synod's call for a Church that is outward-looking, dialogical, and committed to social justice and care for creation — a Church rooted in listening, collaboration, and the exchange of spiritual gifts across Sr Becquart emphasised, 'You can't just do your synodal conversion alone. It's very important to work together as different local churches.' The full text of Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod can be found on the website of the Synod on Synodality, --Agencies
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Kuwait Times
Traffic conference eyes smart awareness system
Participants take a group photo after the Arab Conference of Heads of Traffic Authorities. - KUNA TUNIS: The 21st Arab Conference of Heads of Traffic Departments, chaired by Kuwait, concluded its two-day session Thursday at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers in Tunis with a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing traffic safety and cooperation across the Arab region. Among the key outcomes was a call to circulate the smart traffic awareness system — developed by the Fujairah Police General Command and winner of the 2024 Prince Naif Award for Arab Security in the pioneering security programs category — to member states for implementation and benefit. Participants were also urged to actively engage in the Prince Naif Award for Arab Security competition across its three categories: pioneering security programs, security studies and security media creativity. The conference stressed the importance of strengthening coordination among traffic departments in Arab countries, and agreed to refer a proposal for the establishment of a unified Arab traffic analytical database to member states for further examination. In addition, a Libyan proposal to unify the Arab awareness discourse on traffic safety was referred for consultation, while the General Secretariat was tasked with initiating discussions with the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) to explore avenues of cooperation involving ESCWA's Arab Integrated Observatory for Traffic Safety, the General Secretariat and the Arab Office for Supporting Security Services Affairs. Delegates also reviewed best practices from several member states in traffic regulation and accident reduction. The General Secretariat was asked to circulate these experiences to facilitate knowledge sharing and to develop a consolidated vision from reports submitted by member states on their national efforts in this field. Moreover, the conference encouraged countries to utilize traffic awareness campaigns aligned with both Arab and international events. The recommendations will be submitted to the next session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers for final approval. Kuwait chaired the conference, with participation from heads and representatives of Arab traffic departments and the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences. The Kuwaiti delegation included Brigadier Munif Al-Mutairi, Colonel Yousef Al-Haddad and First Lieutenant Nawaf Al-Mutairi. — KUNA
See - Sada Elbalad
4 days ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Arab League Condemns Israeli Occupation Raids on Syria
Mohamed Mandour The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States strongly condemned the raids carried out by the Israeli occupation forces on Syrian territory, including those targeting the General Staff headquarters in Damascus and the vicinity of the Presidential Palace. The General Secretariat regards these attacks as a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of an Arab state, a member of both the League and the United Nations, and a breach of international law and the principles of the international order. The General Secretariat stressed that these Israeli strikes amount to acts of aggression and intimidation that can neither be accepted nor tolerated by the regional or international community, and must be brought to an immediate halt. It further noted that the occupation forces' actions are intended to destabilise Syria, taking advantage of recent developments in the Sweida Governorate—events that were denounced by the Syrian authorities themselves as "shameful acts," with a pledge to investigate and hold accountable anyone found responsible for violations or misconduct. The General Secretariat expressed its full solidarity with Syria in the face of these Israeli aggressions and urged the Syrian government to act swiftly to contain the situation, ease tensions through dialogue, and work towards the inclusion of all Syrian people within a unified national framework. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
See - Sada Elbalad
4 days ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Arab League Condemns Israeli Occupation Airstrikes on Syria
amir Haggag The General Secretariat of the Arab League condemned in the strongest terms the airstrikes launched by the Israeli occupation forces on Syria, including those targeting the General Staff headquarters in Damascus and the vicinity of the Presidential Palace. It considered these airstrikes a blatant attack on the sovereignty of an Arab state, a member of the League and the United Nations, a violation of international law, and a disregard for the rules of the international system. The General Secretariat emphasized that the Israeli attacks constitute "bullying" that neither the regional nor the international community can accept or tolerate, and that they must be stopped immediately. It added that the Israeli airstrikes aim to sow chaos in Syria, exploiting recent events in As-Suwayda Governorate, which the Syrian authorities themselves condemned in a statement, describing them as "shameful acts." They pledged to investigate and punish anyone proven to have committed any violations or breaches. The General Secretariat expressed its full solidarity with Syria in the face of these Israeli attacks, calling on the government to act quickly to defuse the conflict, address existing tensions through dialogue, and work to include all components of the Syrian people within a national framework. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Explore the Gulf with a single tourist visa
In a significant step towards enhanced regional integration in tourism, digital economy and security, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are set to roll out a unified Gulf visa by the end of 2025. Dubbed the GCC Grand Tours Visa, this historic initiative aims to facilitate tourist movement in the region. It has garnered consensus from Gulf nations and international support, drawing inspiration from the European Schengen visa model. The unified tourist visa was a key topic at the 39th meeting of the GCC Passport Directors-General, recently held at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh. 'The unified visa reflects the vision of our leaders to strengthen cooperation," the GCC Secretary-General Jassem al Budaiwi said after the meeting. This visa allows its holder to enter the Sultanate of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain without the need to obtain separate visas for each country. According to details available so far, the visa is designed to allow travellers to choose between a single-country visa and a multi-country option. This change aims to simplify the planning and execution of multi-country trips across the Gulf region. However, it does not include provisions for employment or long-term stay. While this initiative is a strategic effort to enhance the Gulf countries' status as a cohesive tourist destination on the global stage, it will also pave the way for greater integration in the sectors of transport, hospitality, security and collaborative investment in tourism infrastructure, airports and hotels, while simultaneously creating more job opportunities. Estimates from Gulf tourism authorities indicate that the visa application process is expected to increase the number of visitors to approximately 128.7 million by 2030, thereby enhancing the Gulf's status as a global tourist destination. It is a well-established fact that travellers worldwide are the driving force behind the GCC's special interest tourism sector, thanks to its world-class infrastructure, luxury experiences and cultural attractions that appeal to high-spending visitors. According to Future Market Insights Inc, a US-based research firm, the special interest tourism market in the Gulf Cooperation Council is projected to experience substantial growth, rising from $1 billion in 2025 to $5.9 billion by 2035. The compound annual growth rate during this period is expected to reach 19.2 per cent. 'The special interest tourism industry in the GCC countries continues to grow as governments invest in niche travel experiences that cater to diverse preferences. Each country within the Gulf Cooperation Council has established a distinct tourism identity and welcomes visitors seeking cultural experiences, adventure and luxury,' notes the research firm in its report. According to the report, the Sultanate of Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have emerged as leading destinations, attracting millions of visitors seeking novel and exclusive experiences. When discussing Oman, the report highlights that the country has leveraged its rich heritage and modern attractions to draw international visitors, especially from Europe, thereby strengthening its position in the competitive Gulf tourism market through its cultural, natural and historical offerings. 'Oman flourishes as a nature and cultural tourism destination. Tourists come to its craggy mountains for trekking in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, while the turquoise pools of Wadi Shab offer a stunning retreat. Traditional dhow cruises in Musandam provide an authentic Arabian Gulf experience, complementing the country's growing eco-tourism initiatives," the Future Market report further states. In alignment with several Gulf countries, Oman is intensifying its efforts to attract international tourists to achieve its goal of approximately 11.7 million visitors annually and create 500,000 jobs by 2040. This initiative is part of its sustainable tourism strategy. Oman Vision 2040 establishes clear objectives for the tourism industry, including strengthening infrastructure development through increased investments and promoting the country's unique cultural heritage and landscape. Looking ahead, the introduction of new policies and initiatives, such as the unified visa, is expected to pave the way for sustained growth in tourist arrivals in Oman and other GCC countries in the coming years.
