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UN COP16 nature summit creates permanent body for Indigenous peoples

UN COP16 nature summit creates permanent body for Indigenous peoples
Updated 02 November 2024

UN COP16 nature summit creates permanent body for Indigenous peoples

UN COP16 nature summit creates permanent body for Indigenous peoples

CALI: Countries at the U.N. COP16 summit on nature in Colombia on Friday approved a measure to create a permanent body for Indigenous peoples to consult on United Nations decisions on nature conservation.
The consultative body is considered a breakthrough in recognizing the role that Indigenous peoples play in conserving nature globally, including some of the most biodiverse areas of the planet, according to Indigenous and environmental advocates.
Nearly 200 countries convened in the city of Cali aiming to implement the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework agreement, which aims to halt the rapid decline of nature by 2030.
The consultative body - which will also extend to local communities - will help to incorporate traditional knowledge and practices into conservation efforts.
Countries also agreed to adopt a measure that recognizes the role of people of African descent in caring for nature, which COP16 host Colombia said would grant such communities easier access to resources to fund their biodiversity projects and participate in global environmental discussions.


Egypt hits record $8.5bn in dollar resources, prepares for post-IMF era, PM says

Egypt hits record $8.5bn in dollar resources, prepares for post-IMF era, PM says
Updated 6 min 50 sec ago

Egypt hits record $8.5bn in dollar resources, prepares for post-IMF era, PM says

Egypt hits record $8.5bn in dollar resources, prepares for post-IMF era, PM says

RIYADH: Egypt recorded its highest level of dollar resources in its history in July, amounting to approximately $8.5 billion, reflecting the improved performance of the country’s economic indicators.

Speaking in a press conference, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly explained that these resources, excluding hot money, were generated across various state sectors, with remittances from Egyptians abroad seeing a historic surge, highlighting the strong confidence and trust citizens have in the national economy, according to a statement. 

He also confirmed that the government is finalizing a comprehensive roadmap outlining Egypt’s development and economic strategy through 2030, marking the country’s transition into the post-International Monetary Fund phase.

The developments come after US-based credit rating agency Fitch affirmed Egypt’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating at “B” with a stable outlook in April.

The rating was supported by the country’s relatively large economy, fairly high potential gross domestic product growth, and strong support from bilateral as well as multilateral partners. 

Speaking to journalists, Madbouly said: “Let me remind you that when we were experiencing problems and instability in the exchange rate, remittances from Egyptians abroad were at their lowest levels. Today, when remittances from Egyptians abroad reach more than $3.6 billion per month, this figure reflects the confidence of Egyptians abroad in the stability and strength of the Egyptian economy.”

He added: “Consequently, our total resources, whether from exports, tourism, industry, and all services, in addition to remittances from Egyptians abroad, have reached $8.5 billion. This is the highest rate of dollar resources we have recorded in Egypt’s history in a single month.” 

 The prime minister went on to note that Egypt’s foreign exchange reserves have risen to $49 billion, while the annual inflation rate declined to 13.1 percent from 14.4 percent the previous month, signaling a notable enhancement in the country’s economic performance.

“The trade deficit in goods has also decreased by 25 percent, recording only $11 billion in the five-month period from January to May. This is a very significant figure, achieved not through reduced imports, but through increased Egyptian exports. This is all an improvement in the economy’s performance.”

 He added: “As experts always say, rely on sustainable resources, which include increased exports, manufacturing rates, and increased remittances from Egyptians abroad.”

The prime minister also highlighted that while Suez Canal revenues have been impacted by exceptional geopolitical conditions, all other sectors generating sustainable resources are witnessing strong, unprecedented growth.

“Most importantly, we have a vision for the next five years, beginning in September. This vision will be presented for community dialogue and discussions with all experts and specialists, so that it can be completed before the end of 2025,” Madbouly said.

Post-IMF era

The Prime Minister stated that the government’s full post-IMF plan will be presented to the Cabinet next week, with its key themes and goals to be unveiled at a press conference in early September as a draft of the national vision,

The draft will then be opened for a two-month public dialogue to gather feedback and engage stakeholders in discussions, with the document to be fully completed before the end of this year.

He emphasized that this vision is firmly rooted in Egypt Vision 2030, the outcomes of the National Dialogue, and a wide range of expert insights and sectoral proposals. 

It also draws on existing operational strategies for key drivers of the Egyptian economy, including industry, tourism, agriculture, Information and Communications Technology, and various service sectors.

Madbouly also underlined that the vision is grounded in economic goals for the upcoming period and importantly includes multiple quantitative targets and specific figures aimed for achievement within the next five years.

Egypt’s economy is showing resilience despite global headwinds, with foreign investment and policy reforms helping offset volatile markets, Standard Chartered said in its latest outlook, published earlier in August.

In its Global Focus – Economic Outlook H2-2025 report, the bank cited growing confidence in the Egyptian pound, underpinned by strong foreign exchange inflows from portfolio investments and official sector support.

Egypt’s economic resilience comes at a critical time, as global markets face heightened volatility due to geopolitical tensions, fluctuating commodity prices, and the imposition of tariffs.

The country’s ability to attract foreign investment reflects growing confidence in its reform agenda, while its strategic location as a regional trade hub, coupled with large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Suez Canal Economic Zone, further enhances its appeal to investors.


Main highway from Damascus to Sweida reopens to aid convoys weeks after violence

Main highway from Damascus to Sweida reopens to aid convoys weeks after violence
Updated 10 min 13 sec ago

Main highway from Damascus to Sweida reopens to aid convoys weeks after violence

Main highway from Damascus to Sweida reopens to aid convoys weeks after violence
  • An aid convoy has entered the city of Sweida in southern Syria via the main highway from Damascus for the first since a major outbreak of sectarian violence last month that shook the country
  • Though the fighting has largely calmed down, government forces have surrounded the southern city. The Druze have said that little aid is going in, calling it a siege

SWEIDA: An aid convoy entered the city of Sweida in southern Syria via the main highway from Damascus on Thursday, for the first time since a major outbreak of sectarian violence last month shook the country’s fragile recovery from nearly 14 years of civil war.
Clashes broke out in mid-July between government forces and local Bedouin tribesmen on one side, and fighters from the country’s Druze minority on the other. Hundreds were killed and tens of thousands displaced, and allegations have surfaced of government fighters executing Druze civilians and looting and burning houses.
Though the fighting has largely calmed down, government forces have surrounded the southern city. The Druze have said that little aid is going in, calling it a siege.
Sweida’s provincial government said in a statement Thursday that a convoy had arrived in the city via the main highway, carrying UN aid intended “to meet the residents’ basic needs.” State-run Al-Ikhbariya TV said the convoy included 18 trucks carrying food baskets, cleaning supplies and solar-powered lamps.
The main highway had been closed since the fighting, with the aid convoys that did go in taking a circuitous route by way of Daraa province, which is south of Sweida.
UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula in a statement last week after visiting Sweida said that the health system was “under severe strain,” with hospitals and clinics “facing acute shortages of essential medications, including insulin, dialysis supplies, and cancer treatments.”
The statement added that prices for basic goods had soared, with families waiting in long lines for fuel and other essentials.
“Humanitarian assistance alone cannot resolve these challenges,” it said. “Restoring safe and reliable flows of commercial goods is critical to stabilizing the situation and preventing further deterioration.”


Kremlin says it remains interested in pursuing Ukraine peace talks despite overnight strike on Kyiv

Kremlin says it remains interested in pursuing Ukraine peace talks despite overnight strike on Kyiv
Updated 10 min 26 sec ago

Kremlin says it remains interested in pursuing Ukraine peace talks despite overnight strike on Kyiv

Kremlin says it remains interested in pursuing Ukraine peace talks despite overnight strike on Kyiv
  • Ukrainian officials said the attack had killed at least 15 people, including four children, in a strike on the Ukrainian capital that President Volodymyr Zelensky said was Moscow’s answer to diplomatic efforts to end its war

MOSCOW: The Kremlin said on Thursday that it was still interested in pursuing peace talks on Ukraine despite a large and deadly Russian overnight strike on Kyiv.
Ukrainian officials said the attack had killed at least 15 people, including four children, in a strike on the Ukrainian capital that President Volodymyr Zelensky said was Moscow’s answer to diplomatic efforts to end its war.
Asked if there was a contradiction between Moscow’s stated desire to make progress in peace talks and the attack, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that both sides were continuing to attack each other but that Russia was still interested in achieving its goals via diplomacy.
Russian forces were continuing to target Ukrainian military and military-related infrastructure, he said. Peskov has repeatedly said that Russia does not deliberately target civilians.
He said Ukraine was continuing its own strikes against Russian infrastructure too, including against civilian infrastructure.
“The special military operation continues. You can see that strikes on Russian infrastructure, often on Russian civilian infrastructure, by the Kyiv regime are also continuing.
“The Russian armed forces are also carrying out their tasks. As stated, they continue to strike military and military-related infrastructure.
The strikes are successful, the targets are being destroyed, and the special military operation continues. At the same time, Russia remains interested in continuing the negotiation process in order to achieve our goals through political and diplomatic means.”


Pakistan space agency says satellite data aided flood relief activities

Pakistan space agency says satellite data aided flood relief activities
Updated 20 min 28 sec ago

Pakistan space agency says satellite data aided flood relief activities

Pakistan space agency says satellite data aided flood relief activities
  • At least 15 killed in Punjab as swollen rivers unleash latest spell of monsoon floods
  • SUPARCO’s catastrophe modeling also assesses risks from heatwaves and droughts

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national space agency SUPARCO on Thursday said it provided satellite images of flood-hit areas to help prioritize the government’s relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Large areas of Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, have been inundated after India opened all gates of its major dams in the Kashmir region following heavy rains, sending water surging into the Sutlej, Chenab and Ravi rivers.

At least 15 people have died in the latest spell of monsoon floods, with army units deployed for relief operations in the worst-hit districts, including Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal, Okara, Hafizabad and Sargodha.

“SUPARCO acquired pre- and post-satellite images of the affected areas, enabling authorities to clearly observe the situation,” the space agency said in a statement.

“These images showed submerged settlements, damaged roads and disrupted communications,” it continued. “Such space-based information is crucial in disaster management as it allows rapid assessment of the situation, identification of vulnerable zones and prioritization of relief and rehabilitation efforts.”

SUPARCO highlighted that it also made maps of crops and roads under potential exposure based on simulated flood extents.

The agency monitors natural disasters through its disaster watch portal, providing reliable space-based satellite information and continuous updates on the evolving situation in the three rivers.

It has also been using the National Catastrophe Modeling Project to provide risk assessment tools for floods, droughts, heatwaves, cyclones, tsunamis, landslides and earthquakes based on probability.

“This flagship initiative helps in disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction through mitigation and development of disaster risk financing strategies for Pakistan,” the statement said.

SUPARCO highlighted the importance of space-based information for disaster management in developing countries, where timely data is crucial for saving lives amid limited ground access.

Torrential rains along with flash floods, landslides and cloudbursts have killed 805 people across the country including 203 children and injured 1,107. Northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has been the worst-hit, accounting for the majority of casualties.

Pakistan is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, experiencing erratic weather from droughts and heatwaves to record-breaking rainfall despite contributing less than one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.


Gaza at ‘breaking point’ says UN food agency after visiting territory

Gaza at ‘breaking point’ says UN food agency after visiting territory
Updated 15 min 38 sec ago

Gaza at ‘breaking point’ says UN food agency after visiting territory

Gaza at ‘breaking point’ says UN food agency after visiting territory
  • WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain said the WFP is now able to deliver about 100 aid trucks per day into Gaza, but this figure still falls far short of what is needed
  • McCain visited Deir al Balah and Khan Younis this week

GENEVA: More food aid is reaching Gaza but it still remains far from enough to prevent widespread starvation, the head of the World Food Programme (WFP) told Reuters on Thursday.
"We're getting a little bit more food in. We're moving in the right direction ... but it's not nearly enough to do what we need to do to make sure that people are not malnourished and not starving," WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain told Reuters in an interview via video link from Jerusalem.
McCain said the WFP is now able to deliver about 100 aid trucks per day into Gaza, but this figure still falls far short of the 600 trucks that were entering daily during the ceasefire.
COGAT, the arm of the Israeli military that oversees aid flows into the enclave, was not immediately available for comment on McCain's remarks. A report released on Friday by the global hunger monitor, Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), said that approximately 514,000 people - nearly a quarter of Gaza's population - are currently facing famine conditions in Gaza City and surrounding areas.
Israel has repeatedly dismissed such findings as false and biased in favour of Palestinian militant group Hamas, against which it has been fighting in its almost two-year war.
'UTTER DEVASTATION'
McCain, who visited Deir al Balah and Khan Younis this week - including a clinic supporting children and pregnant and lactating women - highlighted ongoing difficulties in delivering aid to vulnerable populations deep inside Gaza.
"What we saw was utter devastation. It's basically flattened, and we saw people who are very seriously hungry and malnourished," McCain said.
"It proved my point that we need to be able to get deep into it (Gaza) so we can make sure that they can consistently have what they need," she said.
She said that a modest improvement in getting commercial food and supplies into Gaza had helped prices fall, but said that most people still cannot afford food.
McCain said she is hopeful that the WFP will have better access to Gaza after meeting on Wednesday with the Israeli military's chief of staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, during which she pressed for unfettered access, more safe routes and guarantees that trucks would not face long delays after clearance is granted.
A military statement said Zamir emphasised Israel's commitment to preventing famine and enabling humanitarian aid to reach Gazans.
The IPC report also warned that famine could spread to the central and southern districts of Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of September.
McCain described the IPC report as the "gold standard" for measuring food insecurity and urged for a scale-up of aid into the enclave.
Israel dismissed the report as "deeply flawed" and asked the IPC to retract it on Wednesday. The IPC had no immediate comment.