Geneva: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted the significance of this year’s World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD), as it marks the 160th anniversary of the organization. Celebrated annually on 17 May since 1969, the day commemorates the founding of the ITU and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. According to Emirates News Agency, Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the ITU’s historical contributions to communication advancements, including the telegraph, telephone, satellites, mobile phones, the Internet, and artificial intelligence. Despite significant progress over the past sixteen decades, she noted that one-third of humanity remains offline,

Baghdad: Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit on Saturday reaffirmed that the Palestinian cause remains the central issue for the Arab League. According to Emirates News Agency, Aboul Gheit said during a speech he delivered at the 34th Arab Summit, which was followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “The Palestinian cause continues to be the foremost issue for the Arab world and the Arab League. Attempts by the extremist Zionist right wing to dominate Palestinian lands and commit acts of genocide against its people are a stain on the conscience of the international community.” He warned that the expansionist

Milan: As part of the main events marking the opening of the ‘Arabic Language and Culture Festival’ in Milan, Italy, organised by the Institute of Arab Culture at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart and sponsored by the Sharjah Book Authority, the Sharjah Arabic Language Academy (SALA) showcased the emirate’s global efforts to support the Arabic language and promote its presence in Western academic circles. The session highlighted Sharjah’s scientific and cultural initiatives to enrich Arabic studies and research at international universities. According to Emirates News Agency, during a panel titled ‘Efforts of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah

Baghdad: Iraq today announced 18 ambitious initiatives to revitalise joint Arab action, foremost among them the initiative to establish an Arab Fund to support recovery and post-crisis reconstruction efforts. According to Emirates News Agency, in his opening address to the 34th Arab Summit, which Baghdad hosted today, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani announced that ‘Iraq pledges a contribution of $20 million for the reconstruction of Gaza and another $20 million for the reconstruction of brotherly Lebanon.’ ‘The 34th Arab Summit is not just a meeting; it marks the beginning of a new chapter and a turning point toward

Abu Dhabi: Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club has announced a significant sponsorship agreement with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and XRG, a move that marks a new chapter for the club. Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, as well as the Executive Chairman of XRG, was present to witness the historic signing at the ADNOC headquarters. According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement designates ADNOC as the official sponsor of Al Ain’s first football team’s jersey for local matches in the upcoming season.

Vatican City: In a significant collaborative effort, the Muslim Council of Elders, the Pontifical Academy for Life, and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) have launched a pioneering charter focused on supporting and safeguarding the rights and dignity of older adults. This initiative marks the first official activity of the Vatican under the leadership of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. According to Emirates News Agency, the charter is a unified effort to empower older adults, affirm their independence, and ensure their full participation in society. It aims to protect them from discrimination, abuse, exploitation, and neglect. The document was

Geneva: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) celebrated its 160th anniversary of connecting the world on Saturday, May 17, during the annual World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted the organization’s long-standing commitment to ensuring that technology benefits humanity, emphasizing the need to build a shared digital future where no one is left behind. According to Emirates News Agency, ITU, founded on May 17, 1865, has been a leader in technological innovation, fostering global cooperation for social and economic growth, security, and safety. The organization has played a pivotal role in advancing communication technologies, from telegraphy and

Copenhagen: Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Foreign Minister for Energy and Sustainability, led the United Arab Emirates (UAE) delegation to the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial, alongside ministers and climate leaders from around the world, to advance COP28’s outputs and set the course toward COP30. Held from 7-8 May, the meeting represents an important milestone, marking ten years since the adoption of the Paris Agreement and the halfway point through the critical decade to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach. According to Emirates News Agency, Balalaa represented the COP28 Presidency in the Troika High-Level Dialogue on Long-Term Development Planning, co-chaired by the COP28, COP29,