Latest news with #ReemBintEbrahimAlHashimy
Khaleej Times
14-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
A heartfelt account of the high stakes involved in Dubai Expo by Reem Al Hashimy
Few narratives manage to inspire while remaining grounded in honest reflection genuinely. Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy's When Ground Shifts – The Story of Dubai Expo: Creating Hope in Times of Upheaval achieves precisely this balance. As the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and the driving force behind Dubai Expo 2020, Al Hashimy, through her new book, offers readers a thoughtful, authentic and deeply human account of one of the world's most remarkable events. The narrative opens with an intriguing fact: Dubai submitted its Expo bid on the very last possible day. This sets the stage for a compelling story filled with ambition and determination. Expo 2020, the first ever hosted in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, swiftly became a global platform showcasing innovation, resilience and unity amid uncertain times. This historical context alone makes the story engaging, as readers gain insights into the high stakes and intense preparation required to host such an extraordinary international event. Al Hashimy's openness and sincerity are what make this book resonate deeply. Rather than simply recounting events, she weaves her personal experiences throughout the narrative, providing readers with genuine insights into her life. A particularly impactful moment described in the book is when she travelled to Paris for a crucial presentation to the Expo organising committee at 39 weeks pregnant, highlighting the extraordinary personal sacrifices made behind the scenes of public success. Yet, she thoughtfully reflects on this intense period, openly admitting her wish to have savoured these experiences rather than rushing through them. Her candid reflections challenge the misleading idea of 'no pain, no gain,' suggesting that passion and intensive work should never compromise one's health and happiness. This thoughtful acknowledgement humanises her narrative, reminding readers of the importance of balance and well-being. Beyond these personal insights, Al Hashimy provides valuable perspectives on the complexities of international diplomacy and collaboration involved in securing Expo bids. She explains how cities prepare meticulous bids and how diplomatic negotiations unfold, shedding light on a process often hidden from public view. In doing so, her account addresses prevalent stereotypes about the Middle East, particularly regarding women, demonstrating how the UAE distinguishes itself through progressive policies and genuine empowerment of all citizens. Al Hashimy's journey is an inspiring example of how leadership backed by a supportive national vision can effectively challenge global misconceptions. A central theme of the book is Al Hashimy's passionate vision for true partnership and equality among nations. She convincingly argues for moving beyond traditional power dynamics, advocating collaboration built on mutual respect and sustainable partnerships. Her vision is practical, clearly illustrated by the inclusive and cooperative spirit of Expo 2020. She consistently emphasises the necessity for equal dignity among countries, providing a powerful alternative to hierarchical approaches to international relations. This inclusive strategy underpinned the Expo's success and offered an insightful blueprint for future global cooperation. Al Hashimy candidly addresses the enormous challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly detailing the difficult decision to postpone Expo 2020 by a year. She vividly describes the tension, uncertainty, and collective determination that eventually led to the Expo's remarkable success. This portrayal of resilience in the face of unprecedented global upheaval further enriches the narrative, making it both timely and deeply relatable. Expo's enduring legacy, particularly the creation of Expo City, showcases Dubai's visionary approach. The author's thoughtful discussions on sustainable urban planning reveal how temporary event venues can be innovatively transformed into thriving, long-term communities. This vision underscores a broader message about the importance of sustainable development and the potential for lasting impact when careful planning and foresight guide significant global events. Throughout the narrative, Al Hashimy's warmth and authenticity shine brightly. Readers encounter her as a dedicated professional leader and as someone who cherishes family deeply. She openly discusses balancing relentless professional demands with the personal desire to nurture close family relationships. This interplay between personal commitment and professional ambition significantly enriches the emotional depth of her story, allowing readers to connect with her on a deeply human level. The book's release, only weeks ahead of Osaka Expo 2025, the event set to follow Dubai Expo 2020, significantly enhances its timeliness and relevance. When Ground Shifts ultimately invites readers to celebrate the monumental achievements of the Dubai Expo and consider the broader possibilities for global collaboration. It is an engaging, heartfelt narrative filled with wisdom, hope and inspiration, demonstrating the profound transformative power of collective effort and compassionate leadership.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Brazil Partner to Train Agricultural Professionals in Angola and Guinea-Bissau
In a landmark initiative, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Brazil Africa Institute (IBRAF) are partnering to enhance technical skills among young Africans. The upcoming Youth Technical Training Program (YTTP) will equip 50 professionals from both Angola and Guinea-Bissau with advanced skills and specialized expertise in the cocoa and cashew industries respectively. The initiative reflects strong international cooperation, bringing together four countries from three continents – Asia, Africa and South America. Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 (End Hunger), 4 (Quality Education), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), the IBRAF program aims to bridge the knowledge and skills gap to address the diverse needs of selected African countries. This initiative holds significant economic importance for two reasons. First, the cashew industry is crucial to Guinea-Bissau's economy, comprising over 90% of its exports. Second, cocoa was ranked the most valuable commodity of 2024, with African countries - especially those along the West African coast, like Angola - leading global production, and holding immense potential to impact the international market. Professionals from Guinea-Bissau will receive hands-on training at Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry in Fortaleza, Ceará, and participants from Angola will attend the Mixed Cocoa Research and Innovation Unit (UMIPI) in the city of Ilhéus, Bahia, in Brazil. Following this, the second phase of the program will be held at key institutions in the UAE, which is actively contributing to the program with curriculum preparation, training experts and financial support. Her Excellency Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said: "This partnership exemplifies the UAE's commitment to fostering sustainable development and empowering communities through knowledge and skills transfer. By investing in education and capacity-building in critical industries like agriculture, we are contributing to the long-term economic growth and resilience of African nations. Collaborative initiatives like this not only strengthen international ties but also play a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as food security and economic inequality, paving the way for a more prosperous future for all.' His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, said that the initiative was an integral part of the UAE's diverse efforts to help countries in Africa achieve their true economic, educational and human resources potential. 'The UAE has adopted a dynamic approach in Africa, focusing on international development, humanitarian assistance, and investment, with a strong commitment to addressing challenges such as food security, climate action, economic development and healthcare improvement. This initiative underscores the potential of international collaboration in driving positive change and fostering a more interconnected and prosperous future for the continent,' H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan said. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, His Excellency Mauro Vieira, highlighted the importance of IBRAF's initiatives in fostering closer ties between Brazil and African nations through capacity-building programs. 'I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Brazil Africa Institute, which, in its role as a facilitator of closer relations between Brazil and the African continent, has been fostering a technical training ecosystem through various programs dedicated to the capacity-building of young African professionals. Among these initiatives is the Youth Technical Training Program, which applies methodologies and materials specifically designed for professional development, with a strong emphasis on the transfer of knowledge, skills, and technologies in which Brazil is recognized as a global leader,' said H.E. Vieira. Professor João Bosco Monte, President of IBRAF, added: 'The YTTP employs a range of tailored professional development strategies that address the specific needs of African nations. By leveraging Brazil's expertise in key industries, we ensure that participants gain not only technical knowledge but also practical skills that can drive meaningful change in their communities. This initiative represents a commitment to sustainable development through capacity-building, equipping young professionals with the tools to transform local economies. This is a remarkable example of how targeted training can unlock new economic opportunities and strengthen agricultural value chains.' In addition, Angolan Minister of External Relations, His Excellency Teté António, highlighted the significance of the program for Angola's long-term agricultural goals, emphasizing the role of international partnerships in achieving sustainable development. "This project aligns with the Angolan government's strategy for food security and sovereignty, while also addressing broader development needs through agriculture. The collaboration with Brazil and the United Arab Emirates strengthens Angola's capacity to modernize its agricultural sector, leveraging international expertise to create lasting impact. The program reinforces Angola's role as a gateway for initiatives that promote scientific knowledge and sustainable development." His Excellency M'bala Fernandes, Guinea-Bissau's Ambassador in Brazil, also emphasized the importance of the initiative: 'Cashew is not just an agricultural product for Guinea-Bissau - it is a pillar of our economy and a symbol of our resilience. Strengthening this sector requires investment in local production and the development of a processing industry. The United Arab Emirates maintains a strong diplomatic relationship with Guinea-Bissau, and its participation in the Youth Technical Training Program, in partnership with the Brazil Africa Institute, is a significant step toward enhancing Guinea-Bissau's cashew production and competitiveness in the international market.' First introduced at the 2024 African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, this edition of the YTTP is committed to training 1,000 young Africans by the end of 2025, empowering the next generation of agricultural professionals to drive economic growth and innovation in their respective countries. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Hi Dubai
10-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE and Brazil Launch Landmark Training Programme to Boost Africa's Cashew and Cocoa Sectors
In a strategic international collaboration, the United Arab Emirates and the Brazil Africa Institute (IBRAF) have launched a major initiative to empower young African professionals with specialised agricultural expertise . The Youth Technical Training Programme (YTTP), announced at the 2024 African Union Summit, will initially train 50 participants from Angola and Guinea-Bissau, focusing on the cocoa and cashew industries, respectively. This multi-phase initiative spans three continents—Africa, South America, and Asia—and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to hunger, education, and economic growth. Its broader objective is to train 1,000 young Africans by the end of 2025, equipping them with the skills needed to strengthen local economies and agricultural value chains. Participants from Guinea-Bissau will undergo training at Brazil's Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry in Fortaleza, while Angolan professionals will attend the Mixed Cocoa Research and Innovation Unit in Ilhéus. A second phase of the programme will take place in the UAE, which is contributing curriculum development, expert training, and financial support. Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, said the programme reflects the UAE's commitment to sustainable development through knowledge transfer. UAE Minister Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan emphasised the country's broader engagement in Africa across food security, climate action, and healthcare. Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira praised IBRAF's role in fostering South-South cooperation through targeted capacity-building. IBRAF President João Bosco Monte added that the programme offers practical, industry-specific training tailored to national needs. Officials from Angola and Guinea-Bissau welcomed the programme as a catalyst for long-term agricultural and economic transformation, highlighting its role in modernising production, boosting exports, and reinforcing food security. The YTTP stands as a compelling model of how international collaboration can empower communities and unlock sustainable growth. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Web Release
02-03-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Hosts "Lumière of Knowledge – A gala for the future" Celebrating Knowledge, Innovation and Science-based Collaboration
Under the esteemed patronage of Her Excellency Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) and UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi hosted the 'Lumière of Knowledge: A Gala for the Future' in the Germaine Tillion university garden. The event reinforced Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi's commitment to participating in building a sustainable, interconnected and flourishing ecosystem in which academic excellence, groundbreaking research and community engagement foster the spirit of innovation and collaboration. The Gala welcomed over 35 strategic stakeholders from the UAE's public and private sectors, to engage in cross-sectoral discussions to advance the challenges of today and tomorrow's world in research, education and culture. In her opening remarks, Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of SUAD, emphasized the new ambitions of the university, highlighting the importance of excellence and rigor in research, and education, and strategic themes that guide the institution, as a key to success and the pioneering role the university can play in bridging the gap between academia and industries. Professor Martial-Braz stated: 'Our journey goes beyond education. In a record time, we have established a thriving ecosystem for research and development. We are proud to bring to the region Europe's first marine university, pioneering research in AI since 2019 with the first advanced AI laboratory in the UAE.' During the gala, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi celebrated excellence by presenting several prestigious awards: the Pioneering Research Chair Award to the two industries holding the Chairs of Excellence at the Sorbonne Centre for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), The Empowering Future Leaders Award to its historic partner Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), and the Excellence in Environmental Collaboration Award to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). She added: 'Our collaborations, our innovations, and our excellence are recognized globally, and we continue to strive for greater heights. The University and its key partnering institutions can make a difference in the ecosystem to build a better tomorrow.' As Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi moves forward, it remains committed to foster the next generation of thinkers and decision makers through education, research, and community partnerships, fostering an environment where knowledge thrives and inspires positive change.
Gulf Today
20-02-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
UAE offers Dhs16 million in aid to help Ukraine foster families
As part of its unwavering and continuous commitment to support international humanitarian efforts, the UAE Aid Agency has signed a cooperation agreement with the Olena Zelenska Foundation to provide additional centres for foster families and orphanages with a contribution of $4.5 million (Dhs16.5 million). The initiative is the second phase of the project, with the initial phase consisting of the UAE constructing several fully equipped centres for Ukrainian foster families, to provide a safe and stable environment for children who have lost their parents. The second phase of the project aims to support foster families and provide suitable residence for children. Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, affirmed that the UAE is steadfast in its commitment to support the most vulnerable communities worldwide, highlighting that this project reflects the UAE's solidarity with the people of Ukraine, particularly women and children who require special care. She said, 'The aid extended reflects the UAE's extensive and continuous efforts to alleviate the humanitarian repercussions as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Since the beginning of the crisis, the UAE has dispatched several relief aircraft carrying more than 1,015 tonnes of medical, food, and relief aid, in addition to 50 ambulances, and more than 4,500 electric generators to address the harsh winter conditions.' "Furthermore, the UAE supported the educational sector by providing 7,500 laptops, and 10,000 school bags. The UAE has also dispatched two relief ships to Romania. These endeavours have benefited over 1.2 million people, including one million women and children,' the Minister added. Al Hashimy further underlined the UAE's continuous diplomatic and successful mediations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ukraine. The UAE has successfully completed 12 mediations, bringing the overall number of captives exchanged between the two countries through UAE mediation to 2,883. Moreover, she emphasised the UAE's commitment to continuous endeavours aimed at reaching a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, reaffirming the country's position in calling for diplomacy, dialogue, and de-escalation. The cooperation agreement was signed on behalf of the UAE by Sultan Mohamed Al Shamsi, Vice Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, during a meeting attended by Al Hashimy, and the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska.
