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More than 300 global personalities will attend the 2025 Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Energy Awards, which will take place in Doha on October 22.The ceremony and gala dinner will welcome over 300 global leaders from across the energy sector, including CEOs, policymakers, and experts, to celebrate the lifetime achievements of six distinguished individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the industry.The event’s Gold Sponsor is ExxonMobil.TotalEnergies supports the awards as a Silver Sponsor.“Their involvement underscores a shared dedication to advancing dialogue on energy and sustainability”, Al-Attiyah Foundation said in a release. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, HE Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, Chairman of the Al-Attiyah Foundation, said:“The awards are a unique opportunity to bring together the energy community to celebrate those whose dedication and achievements continue to inspire progress and innovation. We look forward to welcoming our guests to Doha for what promises to be an exceptional evening.”The awards form part of the Al Attiyah Foundation’s wider mission to foster dialogue, share expertise, and promote sustainable development through its research, roundtables, and knowledge-sharing platforms.The Foundation’s achievements and growth are made possible by its esteemed member organisations, which include some of the world’s most influential companies:QatarEnergy, Qatar Electricity & Water Co., Woqod, QNB, QatarEnergy LNG, Dolphin Energy, Qatar Shell, QAPCO (Qatar Petrochemical Company), Marubeni, ConocoPhillips, QAFCO (Qatar Fertiliser Company), Sasol, Q-Chem, Gulf Helicopters, Qatar Cool, JTA Holding and QFZ (Qatar Free Zones).

Doha Film Festival will showcase a remarkable selection of acclaimed titles from across the world as part of its International Feature Film Competition, reflecting the festival's commitment to cinematic excellence and cultural diversity, bringing together powerful stories that resonate across borders. The competition brings together award-winning filmmakers whose impactful stories have inspired audiences around the world. Through their bold storytelling and artistic excellence, these creators continue to shape global cinema and spark meaningful cultural dialogue. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Festival Director and CEO of Doha Film Institute, said: "At Doha Film Festival, we honour the remarkable filmmakers whose films have touched hearts, challenged perspectives, and are reshaping the global cinema landscape through courageous narratives. The films in the International Feature Film Competition share a deep commitment to authentic storytelling and reflect our shared belief in the transformative power of film. We are proud to provide a platform in Doha where powerful voices can be heard and where audiences can engage with stories that inspire reflection, empathy, and connection." Taking place from Nov. 20–28, 2025, Doha Film Festival (DFF) represents the bold next chapter in Doha Film Institute's mission to nurture regional talent and champion urgent and authentic stories in cinema. The festival will transform iconic locations across Doha, including Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the Museum of Islamic Art, into vibrant hubs of cultural exchange, bringing together filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from every corner of the globe, to reaffirm art's power to inspire, to unite, and to spotlight voices that deepen our shared understanding.

Jordan announced Sunday the arrival of 45 individuals from various countries aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla to Jordan along the King Hussein Bridge. The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it facilitated their passage and provided them with the necessary assistance, in cooperation with relevant Jordanian authorities. The ministry's spokesperson, Fouad Al-Majali, indicated that coordination has been made with the embassies of countries to organize and facilitate the departure of their citizens from Jordanian territory. The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail in late August, represents the latest attempt by activists to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has been subjected to a genocidal campaign by the Israeli occupation forces, resulting in the martyrdom of over 67,000 people, tens of thousands more wounded, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and an unprecedented humanitarian disaster.

Doha Falcons claimed the runners-up place in the Global Champions League (GCL) of Rome as the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames delivered the only four flawless rounds to claim victory and draw level on points with championship leaders Valkenswaard United.With just two stages left in the 2025 season, both Cannes Stars and Valkenswaard on 277 points, but the latter retain lead given their more number of wins this year.At the Circus Maximus arena, it was the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames duo of Sophie Hinners with Iron Dames Combella and Katrin Eckermann aboard Chao Lee & Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS who were simply untouchable across both rounds. The pair produced immaculate clear rounds, combining precision and power to secure a commanding win on 0 faults and an overall time of 151.17 seconds.Eckermann praised the team’s cohesion: “It’s always special to win with this team - we trust each other completely, and the horses were in fantastic form today. Rome is one of the most beautiful shows on the circuit, and this win means everything for our championship fight.”It was a high-intensity showdown from start to finish. Doha Falcons played a great strategy not making a horse or rider change between rounds and impressed with consistency from Sheikh Ali Al Khalid al-Thani and Com’on Stanley alongside Bassem Mohammed with Rocket Man, securing second place on a total of 4 faults after two gritty rounds.Sheikh Ali said, “I am really happy with my team and my horse who jumped amazing today. This results is really amazing and to help the team rise a bit in the rankings so we are so happy.”Teammate Bassem explained: “We always try to stick to our plan and jump clear rounds in these team competitions. I am really happy to have my old team member back in the game and I couldn’t be more happy to have this result today standing beside him.”The Paris Panthers completed the podium with a combined total of 6 faults, led by Guido Grimaldi aboard Gentleman and Clara Pezzoli with Fantasia de Beaufour & Hadewyn van't Ravennest to secure their first-ever podium of the season.

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), country's leading digital bank, has achieved a new milestone by winning 17 prestigious accolades at Global Finance’s 2025 Digital Bank, AI & Innovation Awards “reinforcing its leadership” in innovation and digitisation.The recognition spanned across corporate, consumer, AI, and innovation global, regional and local categories, highlighting QIB’s leadership and prominent position within the banking sector globally.At the ceremony held recently in London, QIB was honoured as the Best Personalised Financial Advice Consumer Banking in the World in the Global AI in Finance Awards category, recognising the bank’s position at the forefront of AI-driven banking innovation in the region and beyond.Additionally, QIB won four accolades; Best Consumer Bank in AI and Best Personalised Financial Advice, both in Qatar and in the Middle East, in acknowledgement of QIB’s advanced AI-driven capabilities that deliver secure, intelligent, and customer-focused financial services.With a clear focus on delivering smarter, more intuitive digital experience, QIB has been systematically embedding artificial intelligence across its operations to anticipate customer needs, elevate service quality, and drive sustainable growth. QIB’s AI strategy goes beyond personalisation.By integrating AI into areas such as fraud detection, process automation, and digital onboarding, the bank has significantly improved operational efficiency, enhanced security, and reduced its reliance on traditional, paper-based workflows.These advancements reflect QIB’s commitment to responsible AI innovation that aligns with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.In the Consumer Banking category, QIB was celebrated as Most Innovative Digital Bank in Qatar and the Middle East, Best in lending and Best Online Product Offerings in Qatar, affirming the bank’s consistent efforts to boost customer engagement and satisfaction through exceptional service and pioneering digital solutions.In the Corporate Banking category, QIB was recognised with multiple prestigious accolades at both the regional and local levels, being named the Best Mobile Banking App, Most Innovative Digital Bank, and Best Online/User Experience (UX) Portal in Qatar and the Middle East.The bank was also honoured with the Best SME Banking Platform in Qatar, reaffirming its commitment to empowering businesses through innovative, user-centric digital solutions. These recognitions highlight QIB’s continuous efforts to enhance customer experiences and set new benchmarks in digital banking.Moreover, QIB was named among the Top Innovators in Qatar, which is telling about its continuous drive to push the boundaries of digital transformation in the financial sector.QIB’s Group CEO Bassel Gamal commented: “We are happy to be recognised by Global Finance. These accolades mirror our efforts and commitment to investing in technology and innovation to provide secure, convenient, and customer-centric digital solutions. They also underscore QIB’s leading role in shaping the future of digital banking in Qatar and beyond.“On this occasion, I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their continuous support, Qatar Central Bank for its ongoing encouragement of innovation and digital transformation, and each one of our team members for their exceptional performance and dedication.”Global Finance World’s Best Digital Awards are widely regarded as on the most prestigious in the global banking industry and are seen as an endorsement of excellence and best practices.They recognise institutions that demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership across different consumer sub-categories including Best User Experience (UX) Design, Best Mobile Banking App and Best Innovation and Transformation.

The Aspire Academy Global Summit 2025 officially commenced Wednesday at Subaru Park, home of Philadelphia Union, marking the first time the prestigious gathering has been held in the United States.Hosted in collaboration with Philadelphia Union and in partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS), among the first days' highlights was a Masterclass by former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez and a Star Chat with ex-England boss Sir Gareth Southgate.More than 400 people attended the opening, including members of the Aspire Academy leadership team, international guests, and members of the Aspire in the World Fellows community. They were joined by coaches from MLS and local clubs, as well as student-athletes from the YSC academy, the educational partner of the Philadelphia Union MLS Club. The young players later participated in the practical clinics; a new segment added to the Global Summit program this year.The attendees were welcomed by Richie Graham, Founder of YSC Academy and Investor of the Philadelphia Union. He emphasised the importance of education and football. “Football’s future is very bright, and it’s inspiring to see everyone come together to contribute to the progress of the game. The commitment to education, development, and collaboration is what will shape the next generation of players and leaders in the game,” he said.Abdullah Nasser al-Nuaimi, Acting CEO of the Aspire Zone Foundation, welcomed the delegates and echoed the sentiments of Richie Graham: “At Aspire Academy, our purpose has always been to develop, not only exceptional athletes, but well-rounded individuals who understand the game, its values, and their role within it. Education is at the heart of everything we do, because lasting success in football depends as much on knowledge and character as it does on talent. The Aspire Global Summit embodies this vision; it’s a platform where learning, collaboration, and innovation come together to advance the game for future generations.” Abdullah concluded.Building on that message, Aspire Academy Director General Ivan Bravo spoke about the Aspire Academy Global Summit’s mission to foster open dialogue and cross-cultural learning within the global football community. "We are about sharing and about knowledge exchange. We love to visit new countries and understand the challenges that coaches face. What is the approach to player development? That exchange of ideas and understanding of coaches’ approach in different countries is what makes the Aspire in the World Fellows program so special.”“It's crucial to be able to become a successful coach and provide a clear pathway for players. The program is designed for coaches and technical staff to maximize their understanding, allowing them to continue learning, adapting, and sharing. We hope that by opening it up to all the US soccer coaches, we can expand our horizons even further,” Ivan concluded.The guest of honour for the evening’s Gala Dinner was MLS Commissioner, Don Garber, who talked to the former US international footballer John Harkes. He explained some of the challenges he faced launching professional football in the USA following the 1994 FIFA World Cup and what lies ahead for MLS.“Events like the Aspire Academy Global Summit play a vital role in the progress of football as a sport. They connect ideas, people, and purpose, reminding us that the game’s progress depends on collaboration as much as competition.”The Commissioner was presented with a gift from Aspire Academy to thank him for his contribution. The Summit also took the chance to recognize some of its key partners with presentations made to Jay Sugarman, the Owner of the Philadelphia Union, Richie Graham, Alfonso Mondelo, Senior Technical Director of Competitions at MLS and Essa al Sulaiti, TV Director at Alkass Sports Channel.Earlier in the day the program began with a Masterclass with Rafa Benitez, former manager of Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Chelsea, along with his long-time assistant coach Francisco ‘Paco’ de Miguel Moreno. Rafa Benitez highlighted three areas where the game has changed in recent years: an increased use of video analysis of player performance, more statistics available to coaches and improved GPS capability. For his part, Francisco ‘Paco’ de Miguel Moreno stressed the need for techniques used for senior players to be made suitable for the elite youth teams to ensure continuity.This was followed by the first Star Chat of the 2025 Summit with Sir Gareth Southgate, former England National Team Manager. He reflected on the challenges he faced during his coaching career and how he approached and overcame them. He added that events like the Global Summit play a crucial role in advancing football. “The most important thing for developing football is developing coaches. We are all constantly learning, regardless of how long we have been in the field. Bringing people together to share experiences and ideas helps us all grow, especially as we look ahead to the World Cup and the continued evolution of the sport. Having an amalgamation of clubs and federations together at initiatives like the Aspire Academy Global Summit, working and cheering for 11 years now, helps develop them further and gives them more confidence.”The day’s second Star Chat was with Columbus Crew coach Wilfried Nancy Star Chat, who spoke to former professional player Bradley Wright-Phillips, who played over 200 matches for MLS side New York Red Bulls. Frenchman Wilfried Nancy offered an insight into his football philosophy, spoke about innovation and authenticity in coaching: “Coaching is about clarity, resilience, and connection; helping players fail, learn, and grow within structure and freedom. You have to fail; everyone fails. Life is about failure, and we have to learn to bounce back from it. It’s normal to face adversity, and if you don’t, it’s because you’re not trying. Coaching is about empowering players to read the game, adapt, and find solutions, while as a coach staying clear, open-minded, and true to yourself.”Following his Star Chat, Wilfried Nancy and Bradley Carnell led an on-field practical clinic with the YSC Academy, offering young players a chance to see coaching philosophies come to life in practice for the first time ever, with top coaches and football leaders.A series of shared workshops also provided the clubs and participants with practical, hands-on learning experiences led by Aspire Academy’s technical experts and international partners. The sessions focused on applied performance science, data-driven coaching, and youth development frameworks, allowing attendees to translate theory into actionable strategies.Day One also featured two expert-led roundtables tackling the topics of “Fixed tactical philosophy versus contextual adjustments” and “From injury to peak performance.” The day’s roundtables featured representatives from world-renowned clubs and federations — including AFC Ajax, Tottenham Hotspur, Sporting Club de Portugal, and Philadelphia Union.The Global Summit will continue with three more Star Chats featuring former Italian World Cup Winner Alessandro Nesta, two-time FIFA Women's World Cup winner Carli Lloyd and Ron Jaworski, former professional American football quarterback and workshops focused on performance innovation and player development.

Israeli forces on Wednesday intercepted a new Gaza-bound aid flotilla, days after thwarting another maritime convoy that had tried to break an Israeli blockade on the war-battered Palestinian territory.The Global Sumud Flotilla first reported that three of its vessels had been "attacked and illegally intercepted by the Israeli military" in the early morning, 220 kilometres off the coast of Gaza.It later said all nine of the flotilla's vessels had been intercepted, including the Conscience, adding it was carrying more than 90 journalists, doctors and activists.Israel has blocked several international aid flotillas in recent months from reaching Gaza, where the UN says famine has set in after two years of devastating conflict.As the war drags on, solidarity with the Palestinians has grown globally, with activists, protesters across the world and increasingly governments condemning Israel for its conduct.Israel confirmed on Wednesday it had intercepted boats entering waters it says fall under its blockade of Gaza.The pro-Palestinian activist group Freedom Flotilla Coalition said the boats were carrying "vital aid worth over $110,000... in medicines, respiratory equipment, and nutritional supplies that were destined for Gaza's starving hospitals".Turkey's foreign ministry accused Israel of carrying out an "act of piracy", describing the intervention against the flotilla as "an attack on civil activists, including Turkish citizens and members of parliament".Israeli authorities detained Belgian rapper Youssef Swatt's aboard one of the boats, his lawyers said.Last week Israeli naval forces stopped another flotilla of 45 vessels from the Global Sumud campaign that was carrying politicians and activists including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.The move drew mass protests across Europe.Israel expelled Thunberg and scores of fellow campaigners on Monday, many of whom complained of mistreatment at the hands of the Israeli authorities.

A top LuLu Group executive has called on Indian companies to shift from “transactional trade” to strategic investment and view Qatar as a launchpad for global markets.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the Qatar-India Joint Business Council meeting organised in Doha by Qatar Chamber, Dr Mohamed Althaf, Global Director of LuLu Group International, underscored Qatar’s world-class infrastructure, favourable tax regime, and access to major international trade corridors. He said: “Indian companies should look to Qatar as a springboard for global markets... they should think that this country also offers enormous infrastructure in terms of business, trade, and investments.”Dr Althaf noted that Qatar “has crossed beyond outdated models on commodity exchange” and “the buy and sell type of transaction,” and emphasised that the LNG-rich Gulf state has positioned itself as an investment destination with world-class infrastructure.He pointed to the recent visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to India, emphasising the reciprocal engagement of major investment houses “as signs of a maturing partnership”. “What we are looking at now is inward investment into Qatar, joint ventures, collaborations, and co-creative businesses,” Dr Althaf stressed.Dr Althaf emphasised that Qatar’s economic platform is well-positioned to support Indian firms in the smart manufacturing and digital transformation sectors, saying: “They have access to global markets and investment houses. India also has tremendous potential in terms of a lot of good startups and technology firms. That will be a very good synergy.”

Qatar, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, pursues a holistic approach to countering terrorism and violent extremism that is based on addressing the root causes of this phenomenon through development, justice, and respect for international law, HE the Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim has affirmed.HE al-Ghanim highlighted that Qatar has made support for education, funding of development programmes, and provision of job opportunities for young people in crisis-battered zones a core priority in its efforts to counter extremist ideology.Hewas speaking at the opening session of the Global Parliamentary Conference on Counter-Terrorism, hosted in Istanbul, Turkiye, with the participation of a host of speakers of parliaments, legislative councils, as well as representatives of international organisations.The conference convenes at a critical time, as the need grows to unify efforts, strengthen international peace and security, and co-operate in confronting the scourge of terrorism that imperils societal stability and undermines development opportunities, he said.He noted that Qatar pursues a firmly rooted policy against terrorism and violent extremism, one that goes beyond mere security measures to address the economic, social, and political factors that lead to marginalisation and exclusion, the very environment in which extremist ideology takes root.Doha is preparing, as part of its efforts to support sustainable development and strengthen global parliamentary work, to host the second World Summit for Social Development in November. The summit will feature a parliamentary forum organised in partnership between the Shura Council and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on investing in people and institutions: the role of parliamentarians in social development, HE al-Ghanim noted.He further indicated that the forum will serve as a parliamentary platform to exchange experiences and best practices, and to discuss policies and legislation that bolster social development, thereby enhancing the role of parliaments in advancing communities and building human and institutional capacities.He averred that the ongoing practices of the Israeli occupation reflect yet another face of terrorism, noting that occupation forces have committed blood-soaked massacres in the Gaza Strip, claiming the lives of tens of thousands of innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, in an egregious breach of international law and human values.The Israeli aggression has extended to target Qatar, which is mediating and spearheading international efforts to secure a ceasefire and alleviate the suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip, he said, stressing that attacking the negotiating delegation at a civilian-safe location in Doha, which houses schools and embassies, constitutes state terror and a direct threat to civilian lives, in unconscionable violation of international law and diplomatic norms.HE al-Ghanim further added that silence in the face of such violations encourages impunity and undermines the international legal framework, noting that the arbitrary policies of the occupation not only threaten global peace and security but also help foster a fertile environment for the spread of violence and extremism, exacerbating instability across the region and the world.He called on the international community and all parliaments to assume their moral and legal responsibilities, condemn these crimes, hold Israel accountable, and work to suspend the Israeli Knesset’s membership in regional and international parliamentary organisations until it complies with international law and the principles of legitimacy, especially following remarks by the Speaker of the Knesset in which he described the aggression as a message to the Middle East, in presumptuous defiance of the international community and parliamentary values.Qatar has placed counter-terrorism at the forefront of its foreign policy priorities through its active engagement in international coalitions, contribution to shaping global strategies, and support for development programs that address the root causes of terrorism, HE al-Ghanim underlined, before noting that Doha hosts the Office of Parliamentary Participation in Preventing and Combating Terrorism, in partnership with the UN.This office serves as a comprehensive platform for parliaments from around the globe to co-ordinate international parliamentary efforts and organise conferences, seminars, and workshops that enhance legislative and oversight cooperation in this field, he outlined.He called on national parliaments, regional parliamentary associations, and the IPU to intensify efforts and co-ordinate closely with the aforementioned office in support of its programmes and objectives, and to activate its role in forging practical partnerships that contribute to achieving global peace and security, and in reinforcing the values of justice and respect for human rights.HE al-Ghanim hoped that the conference would yield effective outcomes in countering terrorism and violent extremism through concurrence on a comprehensive and precise international definition of terrorism, which draws a clear line between the legitimate struggle of peoples against occupation, as an inherent right, and the terrorist acts carried out by certain states and organisations.Parliamentary unity remains the most effective means to enhance international co-operation, achieve peace and security, and safeguard the future of coming generations, he stressed.For his part, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, Numan Kurtulmus, underscored the depth of the brotherly relations and strategic co-operation between Qatar and Turkiye, lauding the Shura Council's role in combating terrorism and boosting international cooperation in this field.Kurtulmus called out the double standards of certain nations that claim to fight terrorism while supporting it through proxy wars. He pointed out that the most perilous form of terrorism is state terror perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people, amid the silence of the international community.The conference is organised in partnership between the Shura Council and the Doha-based UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) on Parliamentary Participation in Preventing and Combating Terrorism, in collaboration with the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT).It intends to bolster the role of parliaments in supporting legislative and oversight frameworks for combating terrorism and violent extremism, and in coordinating efforts between parliaments and relevant international organisations to formulate integrated policies grounded in respect for the rule of law and human rights.The agenda includes panel discussions addressing a wide range of issues, foremost among them the absence of a unified international definition of terrorism and its implications, the nexus between terrorism and organised crime, and the impact of occupation and armed conflicts in fueling extremism.Additional sessions will focus on parliamentary oversight in enhancing transparency, ensuring a balance between security and the protection of rights and public freedoms, culminating in the adoption of a final statement containing practical recommendations for the development of the next UN strategy for counter-terrorism.

Swiss participants in the flotilla that tried to break through the Israeli maritime blockade on Gaza have faced "cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment" in Israeli detention, their organisation said Tuesday.The Waves of Freedom Switzerland organisation said Israel had conducted "illegal and shameful attacks on the humanitarian and peaceful flotillas", followed by "equally illegal arrests and detentions"."It subjected our citizens to cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment, as defined in the International Convention against Torture, both physically and psychologically," said the group, which goes by the acronym WOFA.Nineteen Swiss nationals took part in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to break an Israeli blockade to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip, where the United Nations says famine has taken hold after two years of devastating conflict.Israel started intercepting the flotilla vessels in international waters on October 1. Israeli police said more than 470 people aboard the boats were arrested.While nine Swiss nationals have been released, 10 are still detained, WOFA said.They were expected to be released on Tuesday, it said, adding: "We remain cautious in the face of a state that has long since abandoned any respect for the rule of law."WOFA said those released had described "sleep deprivation, lack of access to water and food, lack of medical care, and verbal and psychological abuse".Some, it said, "were kept handcuffed for long hours without any justification", while others "were slapped, beaten, and locked in a cage".In addition, "all medical treatments have been denied, including essential medicines like insulin for diabetes," it charged.The accusations echoed those of flotilla participants from other countries."The first 48 hours there was no food, no water at all," German flotilla member Yasemin Acar said upon her arrival in Greece on Monday."We were beaten. We were threatened... We were kept under the sun, our hands were cuffed to the back," she said.WOFA said it was "documenting the serious abuses suffered by our compatriots, as well as those they have witnessed"."These facts will be forwarded to the competent judicial authorities with a view to initiating legal proceedings."

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has welcomed the UN80 Initiative, launched by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as a key effort to make the United Nations more efficient, coherent, and fair in tackling contemporary global challenges. The GCC affirmed its support for efforts to reform the UN system and better meet the expectations of member states. This announcement was made during a speech delivered by Abdallah Al Fadhli, Diplomatic Attache of the State of Kuwait, on behalf of the Gulf Group before the Fifth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, under the agenda item "Organization of Work." Al Fadhli said that any reform must be anchored in the UN's three pillars: maintaining international peace and security, advancing human rights, and achieving sustainable development. He underscored the importance of a practical and constructive approach based on transparency, inclusiveness, and meaningful participation of all member states. He stressed the Gulf Group's readiness to engage constructively with all UN delegations and to promote consensus-building in the interest of achieving global goals. He reaffirmed the Group's belief that equality and inclusiveness among member states are essential to building an international order grounded in fairness and balance. Al Fadhli highlighted that enhancing fair representation and developing mechanisms for multilingualism within UN bodies are necessary, consistent with member states' aspirations for justice and equity. He specifically emphasized the importance of consolidating Arabic's status among the UN's six official languages since 1973, as a matter of equal access for Arabic-speaking peoples. He concluded by reaffirming the Gulf Group's commitment to collective and multilateral action under the UN framework, and its support for initiatives aiming to reinforce the Organization's effectiveness, strengthen its principles, and promote a just, inclusive, and sustainable international partnership.

Greece's foreign ministry said 161 nationals from 16 European countries landed in Athens on Monday after being expelled by Israel for taking part in a Gaza aid flotilla. Israel on Monday deported more activists who were on the flotilla bound for the devastated Palestinian territory, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. The 45-vessel flotilla had been aiming to break an Israeli blockade to deliver aid to Gaza, where the United Nations says famine has taken hold after two years of devastating conflict. "A special repatriation flight landed safely in Athens carrying the 27 Greek citizens who took part in the 'Global Sumud Flotilla'," the Greek foreign ministry said in a statement. "This flight also facilitated the return of 134 nationals from 15 European countries," it added, without elaborating. According to the Swedish branch of the Global Movement for Gaza, the deported Swedish nationals were on board the flight. At Athens International Airport, activists unfurled a huge Palestinian flag in the arrivals hall and chanted "Freedom for Palestine" and "Long live the flotilla!", AFP reporters saw. The Global Sumud flotilla departed from Barcelona in Spain in early September. The vessels were boarded by the Israeli navy off Egypt and the Gaza Strip between October 1 and 3. The ships were forcibly diverted to the Israeli port of Ashdod. According to Israeli police, more than 470 people aboard the flotilla boats were arrested. The first deportations began on October 2 and currently 138 flotilla participants remain in detention in Israel, the foreign ministry told AFP.