World News
11 Winners Recognised at Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony held during COP28 UAE
The Ceremony was attended by numerous heads of delegations participating in COP28, ministers, senior government officials, and Prize winners and finalists.
His Highness congratulated the winners, praising their efforts in promoting sustainability and encouraging them to continue their important contributions in this field. His Highness emphasised that the UAE is steadfast in building upon its established legacy in sustainability, a foundation laid by the countryâs Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In this regard, His Highness highlighted the significant role of the Zayed Sustainability Prize in advancing sustainable development, serving humanity, and empowering innovators, entrepreneurs, and youth to actively contribute towards making a positive difference for our planet.
The Prize honours the legacy of UAEâs founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, by rewarding small and medium enterprises, nonprofit organisations, and high schools that are addressing health, food, energy, water and climate-related challenges. For over 15 years, through its 106 previous winners, the Prize has transformed the lives of 384 million people worldwide.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – December 01, 2023: HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council (L) and HH Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court (2nd L), stand for the national anthem during the Zayed Sustainability Prize for Climate Action, during COP28 UAE, Al Wasl Plaza, at Expo City.
( Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court )
The Prizeâs eleven winners for the current cycle were elected in September by a distinguished panel of Jury members, who rigorously evaluated each submission for its contribution and commitment to delivering impactful, innovative, and inspiring solutions across the six categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools.
To strengthen its commitment to promoting sustainable and humanitarian development, the Zayed Sustainability Prize will be increasing its endowment, from US $3.6M to US $5.9M, effective immediately.
H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, said: âToday, the UAE reaffirms its dedication to combat climate change and empower vulnerable communities as we award US $1 million to each of our distinguished winners in Health, Food, Water, Energy and Climate Action, and US $150,000 to each Global High Schools winner. This substantial funding will help scale their innovative solutions and deliver transformational progress around the world, especially across the Global South.â
âAs the Zayed Sustainability Prizeâs 15th anniversary draws to a close, we reflect on the UAE’s mission to drive inclusive sustainable development and climate action. The Prize not only honours Sheikh Zayed’s legacy of social good but extends the reach of his vision on a global scale.â
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – December 01, 2023: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (7th R), stands for a photograph the Zayed Sustainability Prize with the winners during COP28 UAE, Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City. Seen with HE Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President (L).
( Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court )
With a larger fund, the Prize can broaden its support for innovative solutions that not only positively impact the environment but also improve the well-being and economic development of the worldâs most climate-vulnerable communities.
In the new Climate Action category, Kelp Blue, a Namibian SME, won the Prize for its ambitious efforts to cultivate large-scale kelp forests in deep waters, contributing to the restoration of ocean biodiversity while capturing 100,000 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere annually. Additionally, their operations have generated job opportunities in coastal communities.
In the Health category, Indonesiaâs doctorSHARE was awarded the Prize for its pioneering work in bringing healthcare access to hard-to-reach areas, notably with barge-mounted floating hospitals. Their impact is substantial, having treated over 160,000 patients.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – December 01, 2023: (R-L) HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Rulerâs Representative in Al Dhafra Region, HE Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and HE Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, stand for the national anthem during the Zayed Sustainability Prize for Climate Action, during COP28 UAE, Al Wasl Plaza, at Expo City.
( Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court )
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In the Food category, Gaza Urban & Peri-urban Agricultural Platform (GUPAP) from Palestine, won for its contributions to supporting a more resilient agricultural sector in Gaza. The NPO facilitates access to locally produced food, providing job security to 200 women agriprenuers and benefitting more than 7,000 people.
In the Energy category, Ignite Power, an SME from Rwanda, was awarded the Prize for its transformative efforts to provide affordable electricity to last-mile communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. Their pay-as-you-go solar solutions provided electricity to 2.5 million people and prevented 600,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Beyond access to clean energy, Ignite Power has introduced solar powered irrigation solutions and generated 3,500 local jobs.
In the Water category, Eau et Vie, an NPO from France, won for its contributions to ensuring access to clean water in impoverished areas by installing taps in urban homes. They have increased water access for 52,000 people in 27 communities across 10 cities. Furthermore, they raised awareness of hygienic practices for 66,000 individuals and reduced the cost of water by 75%.
The Chair of the Jury and former President of the Republic of Iceland, Ălafur Ragnar GrĂmsson, said: “This year’s winners have demonstrated a remarkable wave of ingenuity in their solutions to address urgent global challenges. We have confidence that these winners will catalyse substantial and scalable change in communities worldwide, propelling us towards vital climate action objectives and forging a path to a sustainable future for all.”
The Zayed Sustainability Prize also engages young people through its Global High Schools category and encourages youth to take an active role in supporting their communities and becoming future sustainability leaders. The Prizeâs 47 Global High Schools winners have impacted the lives of over 55,186 students and 453,887 people in their wider communities.
The recipients of the Global High Schools awards are Colegio De Alto Rendimiento De La Libertad (Peru), representing The Americas; Gwani Ibrahim Dan Hajja Academy (Nigeria), representing Sub-Saharan Africa; International School (Morocco), representing the Middle East & North Africa; Northfleet Technology College (United Kingdom), representing Europe & Central Asia; KORT Education Complex (Pakistan), representing South Asia; and finally, Beijing High School No. 35 (China), representing East Asia & Pacific.
Police say a group of youths and teenagers injured an 8-year-old Ghanaian girl and her father in the town of GrevesmĂŒhlen in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
German officials have condemned an attack that resulted in the injury of a Ghanaian girl and her father.
Police said that an 8-year-old Ghanaian girl and her 10-year-old sister were attacked by a group of around 20 teenagers and young adults late on Friday.
The 8-year-old girl and her father sustained mild injuries and were hospitalized.
The attack occurred in the town of GrevesmĂŒhlen in the northeastern German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Police said the attackers kicked the younger girl in the face, after which the girl’s parents intervened.
According to police reports, one of the suspected attackers continued to direct racist insults at the victims after officers arrived at the scene.
Police are investigating a breach of the peace, grievous bodily harm, incitement of hatred and verbal abuse.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on the platform X, formerly Twitter, that her thoughts and solidarity were with the children and their family.
“Calling children racist names and brutally attacking them is a sign of deep hatred and inconceivable inhumanity,” she said.
GrevesmĂŒhlen Mayor Lars Prahler told the German public radio station NDR 1 Radio MV that he was shocked at the incident.
“This racially motivated offense simply leaves me stunned. It shows bottomless hatred and uninhibited inhumanity and cannot be excused,” he said.
He added that the fact that some of the suspects are teenagers is no excuse for the behavior.
State Premier Manuela Schwesig condemned the attack in a post on X.
“The injured girl is 8 years old â as young as my daughter. We must not allow hatred and hate speech to poison our society and violence to threaten our children,” she declared.
Jana Michael, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Integration Commissioner, urged those in the group of youths to name the perpetrators.
“Every witness who remains silent is complicit and prevents the investigation of this disgusting violence against children,” she said.
The Ukraine Peace Summit in BĂŒrgenstock, Switzerland, convened with the participation of 101 countries and international organizations, focusing on achieving a just and sustainable peace between Ukraine and Russia.
Russia spent 10 years convincing the world to disarm Ukraine, followed by 10 years invading Ukraine while convincing the world not to help Ukraine.
And now with 20% of the country in ruins and under Russian control and half the russian military destroyed, Putin needs a break to⊠pic.twitter.com/nUOUiDNItu
— Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) June 16, 2024
Key issues discussed included nuclear and food security, the release of civilian and military prisoners, and the return of deported children. A draft declaration emphasized the recognition of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the need for Russia to hand over control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to Ukraine, and the unacceptability of attacks on merchant vessels in the Black and Azov Seas.
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President Ruto: Kenyaâs position has been clear and unequivocalâŠRussiaâs aggression against Ukraine is unlawful and unjust pic.twitter.com/oPQZVVI1FI
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) June 16, 2024
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope for international agreement on a peace proposal to present to Russia, while President William Ruto of Kenya and other world leaders participated in discussions aimed at addressing the conflict.
A united world is a world of peace, a world that knows how to do the right thing. I thank everyone who worked for this day â every leader, all the teams and advisors of the leaders, all the countries. Our unity here proves that the very idea of international law remains alive and⊠pic.twitter.com/SXOR0KlPRN
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / ĐĐŸĐ»ĐŸĐŽĐžĐŒĐžŃ ĐĐ”Đ»Đ”ĐœŃŃĐșĐžĐč (@ZelenskyyUa) June 16, 2024
Eid al-Adha, a significant Muslim holiday, was celebrated globally on June 16, 2024. Public figures, politicians, and sports personalities took to social media to extend their greetings and wishes to the Muslim community.
Eid Mubarak to all my Muslim brothers and sisters â€ïžđ€ČđŒ #EidAlAdha pic.twitter.com/ldxnQQtOLd
— Mesut Ăzil (@M10) June 16, 2024
The messages conveyed unity, joy, and blessings, with many expressing hope for peace, prosperity, and acceptance of sacrifices made during the festival.
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Wishing a joyous Eid al-Adha to the @ChelseaFCMuslim and our supporters celebrating across the world. Eid Mubarak! đ pic.twitter.com/4suR6fBJ8j
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 16, 2024
The greetings were shared across various platforms, reflecting a global celebration of the event.
Eid Al-Adha Mubarak to all our Muslim followers. May this year bring peace, prosperity & tranquility to you and your loved ones. đ€đđ pic.twitter.com/WQyqqx5S3P
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 16, 2024
Alicia Keys and Jay-Z are set to release a new collaboration soon, following the success of their previous hit ‘Empire State of Mind’ which recently surpassed a billion streams on Spotify.
ALICIA KEYS x JAY-Z
NEW SONG
đšCOMING SOON đšpic.twitter.com/WKmnJ0Yn2p
— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) June 15, 2024
The announcement has sparked excitement among fans, with many expressing anticipation for the upcoming song.
“Empire State of Mind” is a song performed by American rapper Jay-Z featuring American singer Alicia Keys from the former’s 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3 (2009). It was released on October 20, 2009. Produced by Al Shux, the song features a music sample of “Love on a Two-Way Street” performed by The Moments. Angela Hunte and Janet Sewell-Ulepic originally wrote it as a tribute to their hometown, New York City.
The following month, they submitted it to Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation, whose reviews were discouraging. They later took the suggestion of an associate of EMI Music Publishing and resubmitted it to Jay-Z, who kept the “New York” singing part on the hook, changed the verses, and recorded it. The song’s title, similar to “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel and “N.Y. State of Mind” by Nas, is a wordplay and tribute to New York’s nickname “Empire State” and could also be a reference to the Empire State Building in Manhattan.
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Today, multi-platinum artist / rapper Moneybagg Yo releases his highly anticipated new album SPEAK NOW. Coming in at 17 tracks, the sprawling project delivers bone-rattling beats and rapid-fire bars as well as a number of superstar collaborations including country icon Morgan Wallen, R&B great Chris Brown, and many more. Listen HERE via CMG/N-Less/Interscope Records.
Todayâs record arrives alongside official music video for standout track âTABOO MIAMIâ. The Frankie-directed visual matches the energy of the club-ready anthem perfectly, featuring vibrant visual effects and fast cuts of Bagg in various clubs around Miami. Watch HERE.
SPEAK NOW kicks off with âALL YEAR,â which sets the stage with kinetic beats and white-hot bars. Other standouts include âGANGSTA RELATEâ featuring Lil Durk, a somber track exploring the hard knocks that helped shape the hitmaker, and âWHISKEY WHISKEYâ featuring Morgan Wallen â a southern hip-hop/country hybrid about drowning sorrows. Recent single âTRYNA MAKE SUREâ also stands tall as does just-released âPLAY DA FOOL.â See SPEAK NOWâs full tracklist below.
With the release of SPEAK NOW, Moneybagg Yo re-introduces himself to fans with a diverse, genre-hopping collection of undeniable anthems.
SPEAK NOW Track-list:
- âALL YEARâ
- âSPEAKâ
- âP RUNâ
- âTRYNA MAKE SUREâ
- âTABOO MIAMIâ
- âFIREPLACEâ
- âI FEEL ITâ
- âDRUNK OFF Uâ feat. Chris Brown
- âBUSSINâ feat. Rob49
- âTIC TAC TOEâ
- âGANGSTA RELATEâ feat. Lil Durk
- âPLAY DA FOOLâ
- âRICH VIKINGâ
- âON DETâ feat. YTB Fatt
- âWHISKEY WHISKEYâ feat. Morgan Wallen
- âAW SH_Tâ
- âGO GHO$Tâ feat. Kevo Muney
German officials decry racist attack on 8-year old Ghanaian girl and her father
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