Latest news with #InternationalDayofSolidarity
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
The Sunday Independent's View: Children of Gaza need more than just empty gestures
Trump's tariffs. The National Development Plan. The presidential election. All pale into insignificance next to the hell endured by innocent Palestinians caught up in the 21st century's most brutal conflict, with no respite or hope of escape. Israel suffered abominably in the October 7 massacre two years ago. Seeking to destroy Hamas was a legitimate response. The medieval cruelties being inflicted on Gaza with high-tech efficiency have, however, gone far beyond self-defence. To even call it a war any more is an abhorrent abuse of language and decency. Given the industrial scale of the horrors unfolding before the world's eyes, yesterday's announcement by the Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister, Simon Harris, that the Government is open to holding a national day of solidarity for Gaza might seem like an irrelevant sideshow. There is already an International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which has been observed annually on November 29 since it was instigated by the United Nations in 1977. Coming on foot of continuing efforts to pass the Occupied Territories Bill — which will inflict little economic damage on Israel, while leaving Ireland vulnerable to revenge by Washington — a national day of solidarity might even be said to conform to an unfortunate tendency in Irish life to make grand gestures that have little real-life benefits, but only serve to make us feel smugly virtuous, as if our being on the right side of history will be any consolation to the dead. Symbolic acts do matter, all the same, and more so if, as Harris hopes, 'many countries did it together'. He has promised to speak to colleagues 'on how to make this happen'. Will there even be a Palestine to recognise if Israel continues its campaign? For young people watching it play out in real time on the screens of their smartphones, the world must seem like a terrifying place right now. Last week, Ireland joined other countries in implementing strict new age verification rules aimed at preventing children seeing porn online, as well as other violent or harmful content. It is not before time. For too long, social media companies and others neglected the responsibility to police their platforms. They lost the right to self-regulate. Collective action was inevitable. Sparing children from the sight of other psychologically dangerous content on the internet will prove more difficult. How can they have the security young people need if they see their elders turning their backs on what is happening in Gaza? Present generations always wondered why the mass murders of the 20th century were allowed to happen on their forebears' watch. Future generations will ask the same question of us. It only brings home the surreal inanity of the diplomatic row that broke out in recent days after France pledged to become the first major western power to recognise the state of Palestine. The US and Israel both condemned the move as a 'surrender to terrorism'. The real question is whether there will soon be a Palestine to recognise if Israel continues its campaign. Piles of rubble and dead bodies do not make a viable state, no more than international days of solidarity have ever saved a single life.
Leaders
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Meet Noof Alotaishan: Saudi Trailblazer Steps into Historic UNGA Role
Noof Alotaishan has achieved a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's diplomatic representation by becoming the first Saudi female diplomat to be seconded to the Office of the President of the United Nations General Assembly. New Diplomatic Breakthrough Alotaishan, an alumna of Keele University in the United Kingdom, has made a real difference in the Saudi diplomatic landscape and shed light on the evolving role of Saudi women in international representation. Her groundbreaking appointment has received widespread acclaim on social media by pioneering regional and international figures. In a message shared on social media, Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan, the Saudi Ambassador to the United States, congratulated Alotaishan on her 'amazing' accomplishment. The princess also noted that Alotaishan's presence in this role represents a diplomatic breakthrough for Saudi women unleashing new horizons for their representation in diplomatic spheres all over the world. Noof Alotaishan is the first Saudi woman diplomat to work in the office of the President of the United Nations General Assembly 79th Session. Amazing! @ksamissionun 🇸🇦✨@UN — Reema Bandar Al-Saud (@rbalsaud) October 10, 2024 'When I was told that I was the first Saudi female diplomat to be seconded to the President's Office, it felt quite surreal. The Saudi Ambassador to the United States congratulated me and told me they wanted to celebrate the news, and it was a very proud moment when she posted a photo of me on her social media channels, which all of my family saw,' she said. Ray of Hope for Saudi Women Noof Alotaishan Currently, Alotaishan is representing Saudi Arabia at the 79th session of the General Assembly, taking place at the UN Headquarters in New York. She expressed hope that her position will serve as a source of inspiration for Saudi women seeking to secure careers in diplomacy and international affairs. 'Hopefully my experience can help other women in Saudi Arabia believe in themselves and think 'I can do it, too'. There is an idea that is a male dominated world, and females won't be supported but I have been supported by my Ambassador H.E. Abdulaziz Alwasil as well as my male colleagues, so it is a mentality more than facts,' Alotaishan added. Professional Career Path In her current position, Alotaishan serves as an advisor to the Political, Peace, and Security Affairs team at the United Nations, with a particular focus on the Middle East issues, including Gaza and Palestine. Interestingly, she has recently achieved a notable career milestone when her contributions were reflected in remarks delivered by H.E. Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, during his address on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. 'It makes me happy when I can give an opinion based on my experience, knowledge and background and you see it making a difference. For example, sometimes I'll look at something as a person from the Middle East and I'll be able to adjust the wording to be more relevant to the community, and you see people listen and change it,' she said. Prior to joining the UN team, Alotaishan served for more than two years as a diplomat at Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Furthermore, she enriched her career portfolio through a year‑long lectureship in public law at Al‑Asala Colleges along with earlier work as a legal researcher. Enriching Academic Journey Noof Alotaishan Alotaishan obtained a Bachelor's degree in Law from Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University in Khobar. In 2019, she got a Master's degree in International Law and Politics from Keele University. Reflecting on her time at Keele, she said: 'When I came to Keele in 2018 it was my first time living alone, which was quite a big experience for me. I was lucky that I had and still have a supportive family especially my dad, he was supportive of me studying abroad, knowing it will play a huge role in my growth and future career.' Alotaishan described Keele university as 'perfect' and labeled its courses as 'highly rated'. 'I always tell people now that Keele is one of the best options in the UK because it has a beautiful campus, but it can also be quiet, so you can focus on your education,' she added. Noof Alotaishan's academic journey Moreover, she has earned numerous licenses and certifications and completed various courses, particularly in business, international relations, and political economy from The London School of Economics and Political Science. Saudi Arabia's Transformation toward Inclusive Diplomacy Noof Alotaishan's secondment comes amid a revolutionized transformation within Saudi Arabia's diplomatic scene, which has witnessed a notable surge in the appointment of women to senior foreign service positions in recent years. This advanced approach mirrors the Kingdom's dedication to empowering women and fostering their representation across key sectors in line with the Saud Vision 2030. To support Saudi women representation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also made bold strides to appoint female ambassadors, consuls, as well as envoys to prominent international posts. All these efforts and initiatives represent a decisive move toward inclusive diplomacy in Saudi Arabia. Related Topics: Abeer Bint Shrgi Al-Anazi: Trailblazer for Saudi Women in Clean Energy, Academic Excellence Saudi Women Participation in Workforce Hits 36.2% INTERVIEW: Vision 2030 Has Unleashed Saudi Women's Potential: Princess Noura Al Saud Short link : Post Views: 8
See - Sada Elbalad
11-05-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Arab League Observes International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian Media
Mohamed Mandour The League of Arab States marks the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian Media annually on 11 May, in accordance with Resolution 508 adopted by the Council of Arab Information Ministers on 22 September 2022. Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Media and Communication Sector, said that this observance transcends mere symbolism. It constitutes a renewed and urgent appeal to the international community to extend tangible support to Palestinian media institutions, in light of the egregious violations and systemic suppression of press freedoms perpetrated by the Israeli occupation authorities. These transgressions have reached a devastating peak amid the ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip, wherein journalists—like countless unarmed civilians—have been deliberately targeted while discharging their professional duties under dire humanitarian and security conditions marked by relentless bombardment, blockade, and deprivation. Ambassador Khattabi reaffirmed the League's unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian media sector amidst the continuing onslaught on Gaza and the entirety of the occupied Palestinian territories. He noted that, as of the end of April 2025, 212 journalists have lost their lives, while at least 400 others have sustained injuries, rendering the Gaza Strip the most perilous environment for journalism globally. He further condemned the persistent obstruction by the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian media's work in all its facets, as well as the blatant disregard for international humanitarian law—particularly Article 79 of the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions—which mandates the protection and safety of journalists during armed conflict. Ambassador Khattabi underscored the imperative of enforcing these protections in accordance with internationally recognised professional and ethical standards, and within the framework of binding legal instruments, notably the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 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 Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
