��������

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense organized awareness exhibitions across the Kingdom to mark World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on July 25, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The initiative is intended to raise public awareness about drowning prevention and safety. The exhibitions showcased the latest rescue equipment, demonstrated first aid procedures, identified non-swimming zones, and emphasized the importance of supervising children near water. Visual awareness messages were also part of the campaign.

The Saudi Life Saving Federation, in cooperation with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, held a similar campaign in Jeddah.

The event featured practical demonstrations and introductory workshops by certified trainers and lifeguards to promote water safety and educate visitors on precautions in pools and open water.

The General Directorate of Border Guard also hosted an awareness exhibition in Riyadh, demonstrating rescue and first aid techniques and key maritime safety guidelines.

The campaign stressed the dangers of swimming in undesignated areas and the critical need to supervise children around water, and highlighted emergency contact numbers: 911 for Makkah, Madinah, and Eastern regions, and 994 for other areas of the Kingdom.

On World Drowning Prevention Day, �������� reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and promoting a culture of prevention, as the World Health Organization ranked the Kingdom first globally in water safety and drowning rescue standards, the SPA reported.

National efforts have led to a more than 17 percent reduction in drowning-related deaths and helped avoid more than SR800 million in economic burden by reducing injuries and easing pressure on the healthcare system, according to the report.

Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel emphasized that drowning prevention is a strategic pillar of the national health system and reflects the Kingdom’s strong commitment to saving lives.

“The Kingdom has institutionalized preventive policies, earning its place at the forefront of global drowning prevention efforts. The 17 percent drop in drownings reflects the impact of integrated national efforts and institutional synergy,” AlJalajel said.

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka is exploring a potential partnership with the Middle East Green Initiative, Colombo’s envoy to Riyadh told Arab News on Saturday, as the island nation seeks to step up partnerships to combat climate change.

Sri Lanka — home to 22 million people — is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and is particularly at risk of extreme weather events, such as flooding and drought. 

On Monday, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh facilitated an introductory virtual meeting between its Ministry of Environment and the MGI secretary-general “to explore potential ways and means for cooperation and partnership in the fields of environmental protection and sustainable development,” according to a statement.   

Led by ��������, the MGI was established in 2021 as a regional alliance aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change and forging collaborations to meet global climate targets in the region. 

“The MGI is an important regional initiative spearheaded by �������� in combating challenges posed by climate change. We are pleased to see �������� is giving a great leadership role in promoting climate action and environmental protection,” Ameer Ajwad, Sri Lanka’s envoy to ��������, told Arab News. 

Colombo is also keen to share its experience in climate resilience efforts.  

“Sri Lanka is actively contributing to the global multilateral climate initiatives. Sri Lanka's expertise and rich experience in the field will be also useful for the MGI process for fostering environmental collaboration and advancing shared climate objectives,” Ajwad said. “For example, Sri Lanka could contribute its expertise in the field of mangrove conservation and sea grass management, et cetera.” 

Sri Lanka has led several climate resilience efforts throughout the years, including restoration of its mangrove forests following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. 

The country made a commitment to become the first to replant all of its mangrove forests — a goal the government sought to achieve by providing microloans and education to communities in exchange for mangrove conservation. 

In 2022, it launched the Sri Lankan Climate Prosperity Plan to attract foreign investment and accelerate climate adaptation while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.