Latest news with #WorldExpo
Khaleej Times
11 minutes ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Sheikha Fatima to Lana Nusseibeh, powerful women who dominate Emirati politics
On August 28, the UAE will celebrate its women's successes and accomplishments, which stretch back decades. Entitled 'Hand in Hand, Celebrating the 50th', this year's Emirati Women's Day will be extra special, as it celebrates 50 years since the establishment of the General Women's Union. Women in the UAE have long since been making strides in the political sphere, engaging in policymaking and advocating for women's rights. Today, Emirati women hold nine ministerial positions, nine are ambassadors, and 50 per cent of the Federal National Council's members are women. Khaleej Times looks at the powerful women who dominate Emirati politics, both domestically and abroad. The Mother of the Nation The wife of the late Sheikh Zayed, founder of the nation, Sheikha Fatima is known as the mother of the nation. Her efforts to support gender equality and champion women's rights go back to four years after the UAE was founded, when she established the General Women's Union in 1975. Ever since, Sheikha Fatima has been tirelessly working to represent women in different facets of society. The General Women's Union plays a large role in reviewing public policies, legislation, and other draft laws relating women, and proposes necessary amendments to empower them. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has spent four decades to try and elevate women's positions to be represented at the social, economic, and political levels. In 2004, she launched a programme to strengthen the role of women parliamentarians and women's political participations. Emirati women owe it to Sheikha Fatima for her support and leadership. First parliamentarian Sheikha Fatima's programmes proved to be effective, because two years later, the UAE made history. In 2006, Amal Al Qubaisi was the first female member of the Federal National Council. Almost a decade later, in 2015, she was elected Speaker of the FNC, becoming the first woman to chair a parliamentary institution in the Arab world. The Emirati politician paved the way for other women to join the FNC. Slowly but surely, more women started occupying more seats at the FNC, and today, 50 per cent of the seats, all thanks to a directive by the late Sheikh Khalifa. Pioneering Emirati woman The UAE's first woman to assume a ministerial post, Sheikha Lubna made history in 2004 and has since led four major ministries. From economy to tolerance, her leadership reflected the nation's evolving priorities and rising global stature. She was appointed President of Zayed University in 2014, promoting educational excellence and innovation. Sheikha Lubna remains one of the most iconic symbols of Emirati women's empowerment and continues to receive global recognition for her contributions. The woman behind Expo 2020 Dubai Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy has become one of the most visible and effective figures in the UAE Cabinet. She was instrumental in delivering Expo 2020 Dubai, the first World Expo held in the region, and currently oversees the long-term legacy of the project through Expo City Dubai. Her leadership extends across global development and philanthropy. She chairs the UAE's committee on sustainable development goals and leads Dubai Cares, aligning humanitarian work with national priorities. Al Hashimi is also a key figure in advancing the UAE's global influence in international cooperation. Taking the UAE to new heights Lana Nusseibeh has been a strong diplomatic force for the UAE on the global stage. Appointed as Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 2013, she has served in key roles such as President of the UN Women Executive Board and co-facilitator of critical UN initiatives. Her deep involvement in international policymaking, revitalization of the UN, and digital development has helped cement the UAE's presence within multilateral institutions. At home, she helped establish the Policy Planning Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Youngest minister in the world At just 22, Shamma Al Mazrui became the youngest minister in the world when she was appointed Minister of State for Youth Affairs in 2016. Her appointment marked a shift in the UAE's vision for youth inclusion in policymaking and national development. She now serves as Minister of Community Development and COP28 Youth Climate Champion. Her leadership journey is rooted in listening, learning and serving — values she says define her role. Al Mazrui also chairs the UAE Special Olympics and plays a pivotal role in shaping youth policy and education reform. Climate change champion As Minister of State for Food and Water Security, Mariam Almheiri has overseen critical strategies to safeguard the UAE's future in a changing climate. Her leadership spans from advancing food technology to representing the UAE at global food security forums. She previously served as Minister of Food Security, laying the foundation for robust infrastructure aimed at achieving national goals. Today, Almheiri's work continues to impact agriculture, sustainability and innovation at the highest policy levels. Strategy and policy affairs The Deputy Minister for Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, Huda Al Hashimi, has been instrumental in developing the UAE government's agenda and maintaining its high reputation on the world stage. When you think of Huda Al Hashimi, the words 'strategy', 'innovation', and 'policy making' should come to mind. She leads the process to make sure the UAE is on track to achieve its ever-ambitious vision, as well as the National Agenda. Al Hashimi also serves as board member of the Dubai Women Establishment, which was established in 2006 by Sheikha Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
NHK
13 hours ago
- Politics
- NHK
Ukraine's prime minister cancels trip to Japan over political turmoil
Japanese government sources say Ukraine's prime minister has cancelled her trip to Japan next month, during which she planned to attend a Ukrainian event at the World Expo in Osaka. She reportedly faces backlash in her country over legislation targeting anti-corruption agencies. The sources say Yulia Svyrydenko planned to participate in the Ukrainian National Day event on August 5. They also say Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka will visit Japan instead. They say arrangements are underway for Kachka to make a courtesy call on Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, and to meet Cabinet ministers including Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, as well as senior officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency. In Ukraine, nationwide protests erupted last week when a law was enacted to place two anti-corruption agencies under the control of the president-appointed prosecutor general. Demonstrators rallied against the law, which would strip the authorities of independence from the government. Svyrydenko only recently took office as prime minister. She reportedly called off her travel in response to the political turmoil in her country. The sources say Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska will visit Japan as scheduled.
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
Abdulla Al Hamed visits UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
OSAKA (WAM) Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Media Council, visited the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, held under the theme "Earth to Ether". Accompanied by Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Director-General of the National Media Office, Al Hamed was briefed on the pavilion's key features, which highlight the UAE's future-focused vision and its global contributions in sustainability, health, technology and space. The pavilion also showcases the UAE's achievements and its role in driving collective progress and empowering individuals through scientific research, innovation and youth engagement. Al Hamed affirmed that the UAE's participation in this global event reflects its strong commitment to fostering international cooperation and consolidating its role as a global bridge for dialogue and shared advancement. He emphasised the pavilion's role in presenting the UAE's development vision and inspiring experiences in innovation, sustainability and human development. He praised the outstanding efforts behind the design of the pavilion, inspired by the palm tree as a symbol of deep heritage and Emirati identity, which contributed to attracting over one million visitors in just two months. He also commended the pivotal role of Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chair of the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, for her direct supervision and close attention to every detail of the pavilion. Al Hamed added that the UAE's participation in Expo Osaka builds on the country's ongoing vision of a future founded on sustainability and prosperity, through advancing global partnerships, knowledge exchange and a conscious balance between technological progress and environmental preservation. He recalled Abu Dhabi's participation in Expo Osaka in 1970, marking the UAE's first appearance at a World Expo. The Chairman of the National Media Office also visited several other national pavilions, including those of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, which collectively highlight inspiring Gulf contributions. He praised the ideas and interactive experiences showcased in these pavilions, which reflect the progress achieved by Gulf nations in innovation, sustainability and culture. He further commended the design efforts that reflect each country's national identity and affirmed the importance of this diverse Gulf presence in strengthening the region's positive global image. Al Hamed also toured the host country Japan's pavilion, commending the organisation of the exhibition and the richness of the cultural experience. He visited the pavilions of China and Brazil as well, where he explored pioneering initiatives in innovation and sustainability.
Arab News
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Expo memoir highlights Dubai's legacy of innovation
When Dubai hosted Expo 2020, it became the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to hold the event, redefining the possibilities of a World Expo. Historically, these global gatherings, stretching back to 1851, have been dynamic showcases of experimental architecture, international collaboration and technological advancement. Yet, for almost two centuries, women were largely absent from their production and focus. Dubai notably changed this narrative, largely due to the formidable leadership detailed in 'When Ground Shifts,' the insightful new book by Reem Al-Hashimy, the UAE minister of state for international cooperation and the visionary behind Expo 2020. As Expo 2025 Osaka passes its halfway point, it continues to build on this rich history, while the anticipation for Expo 2030 Riyadh further underscores the region's commitment to this global platform for innovation and collaboration. Al-Hashimy's book is far from a mere chronicle of milestones; it is a candid, first-hand account of the immense personal and international challenges she navigated — from being appointed a minister at 29 to delivering Dubai's final presentation in Paris while heavily pregnant and repeating her mantra of 'hope is not a method.' The anecdotes reveal the tireless effort required to deliver a World Expo. Her book illuminates the relentless dedication that transformed a patch of untouched desert into a showplace for more than 190 countries and 24 million visitors. Expo 2020 visitors were captivated by the falcon-like UAE Pavilion; the majestic 'energy trees' surrounding Terra — The Sustainability Pavilion; and the immense Al-Wasl Plaza, the planet's largest 360-degree projection surface. Significantly, they were moved by the Women's Pavilion, inspired in part by a vintage Cartier bracelet. Her expo understood style as much as it did substance. Having had the privilege of witnessing Expo 2020 as a writer, a speaker for the US pavilion and as a member of the fair's Visitor Experience department, what I saw, and what Al-Hashimy's book powerfully conveys, is that a grand undertaking thrives from the top down. The meticulous attention to detail, the open-minded willingness to seek expertise from every corner of the globe, the pervasive feeling that everyone involved could contribute something, and the daring that was not just tolerated but actively sought all flowed from Al-Hashimy and the cast of several thousand characters she assembled like a Marvel superhero team. Her profound understanding of what she calls 'barakah' — the ability to find those who can ease your burdens and solve your problems — is a core theme in 'When Ground Shifts,' and it was palpable on the ground. Expo 2020 came within a hair's breadth of its goal of 25 million visitors, despite a year-long delay due to the lockdowns. Charles Pappas 'Inspiration is a guest that does not willingly visit the lazy,' Tchaikovsky said. The Expo 2020 site went from zero to a fully realized 4 sq. km city with mind-bending speed. Each problem was a domino falling to her steady, relentless effort. Perhaps no obstacle was greater than the COVID-19 pandemic. While the 1873 Vienna World's Fair saw a cholera epidemic slash its expected turnout, Expo 2020 came within a hair's breadth of meeting its goal of attracting 25 million visitors, despite a year-long delay due to the lockdowns. Drawing the largest number of countries ever for a World Expo, the event was cosmopolitan yet grounded in the Middle East. Indigenous ghaf and palm trees provided shade, while dozens of calligraphy benches, which resembled abstract art but spelled out words in Arabic like 'vision,' 'dignity,' 'hope' and 'dream,' offered respite from the 20,000 or so steps visitors would easily rack up in a day. These details, far from mere decorative elements, were integral to the event's cultural tapestry. 'When Ground Shifts' could easily have been a dull humblebrag. Instead, it is alive with grace and pride. The self-described 'little on the nerdy side' student who found deep meaning in the Lincoln Memorial and the American experiment built an expo where, for the first time, every country had its own pavilion. She also built Expo Live, which channeled $100 million to pioneering social projects that embodied the expo themes of mobility, opportunity and sustainability. This commitment to equitable participation and impactful legacy is a cornerstone of the book's message. Until 1970, most world expos were held in cities such as London, Paris, Philadelphia, Chicago and New York. But with Expo '70 in Osaka, Japan, world's fairs began trending toward non-Western locations, realizing their singular soft power. Expo 2020 propelled the UAE onto a world stage and into the top 10 countries in the Brand Finance Global Soft Power Index 2023. It was a nation's coming of age on the global stage. All of that is an astonishing heritage. As the spotlight shifts to Expo 2025 Osaka and continues with significant anticipation for Expo 2030 Riyadh, that spirit of global collaboration and innovation remains a powerful guiding force. Riyadh's bid, centered on 'The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow,' aims to further advance global dialogue. The lessons learned from Dubai's inclusive approach and Osaka's technological ambitions will undoubtedly inform Riyadh's preparations, ensuring Expo 2030 continues the legacy of creating a platform for collective progress and a sustainable future. While every expo charts its own course, the high bar of success and the compelling story of leadership captured in 'When Ground Shifts' offer a rich context for understanding the immense undertaking that Osaka is now embracing and what Riyadh will soon embark upon. The world waits to see what new legacies they will inspire.
NHK
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- NHK
Bon dance at World Expo in Osaka breaks Guinness World Record
Dancers set a new Guinness World Record for the largest Bon dance on Saturday at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka. The event was held as part of "Osaka week" and brought together 3,946 people from 62 countries for the record-breaking traditional Japanese dance. Participants dressed in summer kimono known as yukata and ethnic costumes danced to the expo's official theme song. To be certified by Guinness, more than 90 percent of the participants needed to perform a choreographed dance for more than five minutes. All the participants met the criteria by dancing for ten minutes. The new record for the largest Bon dance exceeded the previous one by more than 1,000 people set in Yao City in Osaka Prefecture in 2017. The number of participants' nationalities also broke a Guinness World Record. A local participant said it was great that so many people came together for the performance, and she was almost moved to tears. Another participant from Okayama Prefecture said he was able to dance well by following the other dancers.
