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RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim met his Argentinian counterpart, Luis Caputo, at the Summit of the Future in New York on Monday.
The two sides discussed relations between their nations and explored further opportunities for cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Alibrahim also met UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network President Jeffrey Sachs at the event.
The pair discussed cooperation and reviewed the progress in achieving sustainable development.
NEW YORK CITY: The UN system must be reformed to create a fairer and more equitable world order, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said on Monday.
Addressing the UN at its headquarters in New York City, Prince Faisal bin Farhan warned that international institutions are “unfit for purpose,” as demonstrated by the UN’s inability to hold Israel accountable for “all the atrocities it has committed.”
He was speaking a day after UN member states voted to adopt the “Pact for the Future,” a campaign to bring multilateralism “back from the brink” and galvanize support for achieving the organization’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Saudi Arabia “spared no effort” in taking part in negotiations over the pact, he said, thanking attendees for their cooperation during intense debate over the outcome document.
“We did this because we’re convinced that we need to do everything to build a better world, a greener world,” he added.
“We must also promote multilateralism so as to effectively confront today’s challenges and future challenges, achieving peace and security for the benefit of future generations.”
The pact is “aligned with fundamental principles,” Prince Faisal said, adding that achieving its objectives requires a “doubling of efforts to confront the various challenges and meet the needs of people all over the world.”
He added: “This pact marks a qualitative step forward in multilateral action. It promises a fair and equitable world order, a world order which promotes the implementation of the SDGs and meets the needs of all states, specifically developing countries.
“It’s a pact which calls for the closing of the digital gap, and which also promotes economic development in developing countries.”
Saudi Arabia has been working intensely to strengthen multilateral cooperation, but achieving a brighter future demands UN reform, Prince Faisal said.
As part of the “pressing matter,” the UN must be reconstructed to shoulder its responsibility in upholding international peace and security, he added.
On climate change, Saudi Arabia is “committed to a diversified approach that is context specific and tailored to the capacities of each and every country,” he said.
Energy security, economic development and mitigation of the effects of climate change are the three pillars that offer a solution to the challenge, Prince Faisal added.
“We need to ensure that our commitments enshrined in the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC (UN Framework Convention on Climate Change) are upheld,” he said.
“We’ll be welcoming the next meeting of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. This will be the 30th anniversary meeting of parties to the convention.”
Saudi Arabia, which is “committed to meeting the SDGs” and the objectives of the “Pact of the Future,” will “make every effort to bolster cooperation,” Prince Faisal said.
“We hope that our collective efforts will allow us to uphold various values such as sovereignty, and to build a better future for current and future generations.”
RIYADH: Saudi authorities recently made several drug-related arrests and confiscations across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Border Guard patrols in Jazan’s Al-Ardah governorate arrested seven Ethiopians for smuggling 170 kg of qat, while patrols in Al-Dayer governorate thwarted an attempt to smuggle 150 kg of qat.
In the Al-Raboah sector of Asir, patrols arrested four Ethiopians for smuggling 112,350 regulated medical tablets, along with firearms.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested a citizen in Hail for selling regulated medical tablets and another in Jouf for selling 1.1 kg of hashish.
In Jeddah, a Yemeni and a Somali resident were arrested for selling 10,110 amphetamine tablets and hashish.
All suspects and seized items have been handed over to the relevant authorities.
The government has called on the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and 999 in other parts of the Kingdom.
Reports to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control can be submitted by calling the number 995 or by emailing [email protected].
JEDDAH: During the National Day weekend, residents and visitors alike were treated to a vibrant display of Saudi culture in Jeddah and throughout the Kingdom, a show of the nation’s rich heritage through various family-friendly events.
In Jeddah, festivities kicked off with a Saudi Folklore Show at the Jeddah Yacht Club, featuring traditional dances and costumes that honored the country’s traditions.
This four-day celebration was designed to bring the community together, fostering a spirit of unity and pride.
One of the highlights at the Jeddah Promenade was a performance by a band featuring the Royal Naval Forces, which entertained crowds. The event included a variety of engaging activities inspired by Saudi heritage, such as a henna corner, face painting and National Day giveaways.
Hamza Mohammed, a Saudi artist who worked on a painting live at the event, told Arab News: “Celebrating this special national occasion is an affirmation of my role as a creative artist to showcase traditional Saudi music in a contemporary manner.”
The Art Dose cafe organized activities at Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, including cartoon drawing, face painting, performance art and an interactive mural.
The Social Development Bank ran a small bazaar at Jeddah Promenade featuring local brands and entrepreneurs, highlighting the richness of Saudi craftsmanship and innovation.
Shoroq Al-Johani, a Saudi artist displaying her work at the bazaar, told Arab News: “I am truly humbled and honored to showcase my artwork during the Saudi National Day celebrations.
“Art has the incredible ability to transcend boundaries and evoke deep emotions. In my stall I feature a variety of pieces, including coasters, wall hangings and bowls, each designed to celebrate our culture and inspire connection.”
A Saudi graphic designer, Anhar Ahmed, who also displayed works at the bazaar, told Arab News: “I am thrilled to contribute to this celebration of Saudi Arabia. I created a variety of products for this bazaar, including a calendar featuring illustrations of historic landmarks, as well as coffee mugs, pencil holders, and stickers designed specifically for Saudi National Day.
“Through my work, I aim to share the essence of Saudi culture and pride with everyone.”
National Day activities provide a platform for artists, designers and the wider community to come together, celebrate their identity and share their love for the Kingdom.
Aliya Mahmoud, who visited with her family said: “Attending the National Day celebrations fills me with pride. The lively displays of our culture and traditions truly highlight our rich heritage and allow our kids to learn the history.
“It’s heartwarming to see families and friends unite in celebration of what it means to be Saudi. Moments like this, where our community shines, are something I deeply cherish.”
RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior hosted the “Homeland Glory 3” event on Sept. 22-23 at King Saud University Sports Arena in Riyadh.
The event was part of the 94th National Day celebrations, in partnership with the General Entertainment Authority.
It featured a military display called “Banner and Vision,” which looked at the Kingdom’s journey, history, achievements, and advances in security.
The program also included sessions called “Security and History Dialogue,” in which historians and experts discussed key historic events, security developments, and strategic shifts that had helped to bring security and stability.
Visitors had the chance to participate in military scenarios and field operations while exploring an exhibition showcasing the ministry’s security advances, capabilities, services, and security methods from the past.
The Ministry of Interior also took part in other Saudi National Day celebrations which featured events, exhibitions, and military shows across several regions to commemorate heroic sacrifices which had given rise to a secure, prosperous nation.
RIYADH: Monday marked a day of joy and expressions of pride as people throughout the Kingdom took to the streets flying the Saudi flag high at various events organized by local authorities to mark the occasion.
The Royal Guard Presidency organized a celebration of the 94th Saudi National Day on Sept. 23 in Jeddah, in the presence of Maj. Gen. Suleiman Al-Hudhaili, the commander of the Royal Guard Group in the Western Region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The celebration included musical performances of Saudi melodies, a motorcycle parade, a show by the Honor Guard, and other activities.
The official ceremony began with the national anthem and recitation of verses from the Qur’an, followed by a performance of an operetta titled “And Blessings,” presented by Dar Al-Tarbia Al-Hadetha School, a documentary film about the occasion, and a film by the Royal Guard, all themed around the special day.
The ceremony also featured welcoming words, poems and national melodies, with attendees gathering to enjoy the festive atmosphere and promote the values of national unity.
The 94th National Day celebrations in the Jazan region, organized by the municipality in the northern coastal area of Jazan city, also attracted a large and diverse crowd of visitors of all ages.
Locals with their children thronged the event venue adorned with the national flag, enjoying shows, parades and cultural exhibitions organized by local associations and clubs in partnership with the Ministry of Sports. The activities took place along the cultural street in Jazan.
People visited art stations to admire national-themed artworks symbolizing allegiance, patriotism and admiration for the nation and its leadership.
The cultural street, stretching more than 450 meters, featured a wide range of attractions for visitors along its length. People could stroll shaded pathways adorned with decorative motifs featuring the national flag, relax in designated seating areas, and pose for photos next to beautiful sculptures.
Families and children in Madinah also enjoyed an atmosphere of happiness at events and programs held in parks and squares. The events were held under the slogan “We Dream, We Achieve.”
In Hail and Tabuk, thousands of children draped in the national flag and dressed in its colors, also celebrated National Day, joining their families at various public spaces for celebrations organized by the local municipalities.
A bicycle parade in Yanbu featured 130 cyclists carrying national flags to celebrate the day. The event was attended by Yanbu Governor Saad bin Marzouq Al-Suhaimi, government officials and numerous enthusiasts.
The parade started from the Royal Commission in Yanbu Industrial City and continued to the historic district in Yanbu Al-Bahr. It involved local security forces, industrial security from the commission, and 21 volunteers, all expressing their joy for Saudi National Day.
In the Northern Borders region, cities and governorates were decorated with more than 6,000 flags raised in gardens, public parks, streets and squares, and 650 advertising boards.
Festivities included entertainment and cultural events organized by the region’s municipality and held in Arar Water Tower Park.
The General Entertainment Authority also organized fireworks displays throughout the Kingdom to celebrate the day. The fireworks were launched simultaneously in Riyadh, Jeddah, AlKhobar, Buraidah, Tabuk, Madinah, Abha, Hail, Arar, Najran, Baha, Al-Jouf and Jazan.
