Day: December 3, 2022

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United States of America congratulates UAE on 51st National Day

WASHINGTON, The United States of America conveyed its warm wishes to the people of the UAE on the occasion of the country’s 51st National Day.

“Our partnership is strong, as represented by our troops who have served together in defense of our shared security, the tens of thousands of Emiratis who have studied at American universities, business leaders from each country working together to pursue economic opportunity, and the exceptional and wide-ranging cooperation between our two governments,” said Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, in a press statement on Friday. “I commend the United Arab Emirates for the historic cooperation with Israel forged over the past two years through the Abraham Accords. I also commend the work of the Negev Forum, as well as our collective work with India through I2U2, which is striving to deliver tangible benefits to the region and beyond and make real our aspirations for greater regional integration in the Middle East and beyond.”

He went on to congratulate the UAE on the success of Expo 2020 Dubai, noting that it demonstrates the UAE’s resilience despite COVID’s various mutations. “We continue advancing our joint efforts to combat climate change, including through the historic recent launch of a US-UAE climate cooperation partnership, and we will continue to support your efforts when you host COP28 next year. We remain hopeful for an enduring peace throughout the Arabian Peninsula and appreciate your efforts to this end,” the US Secretary of State continued.

”May you enjoy continued peace and prosperity during this National Day celebration and beyond,” Blinken said in conclusion.

Source: Emirates News Agency

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UN health agency outlines ‘clear direction’ for reducing online violence against children

GENEVA, The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report on Friday aimed at helping stakeholders worldwide end the growing scourge of violence online against children.

In its new?report, ‘’What works to prevent online violence against children”, WHO focuses on ways of curbing the grooming of youngsters via the Internet, sexual image abuse – and cyber aggression and harassment in the form of cyberbullying, cyberstalking, hacking and identity theft.

The report also showcases strategies and best practices to better protect children.

“Our children spend more and more time online; as such, it is our duty to make the online environment safe”, noted Etienne Krug, Director of the WHO Department of Social Determinants of Health.

The report highlights the importance of implementing educational programmes directed at children and parents to prevent online violence.

Studies have shown their effectiveness in reducing levels of victimization, curbing abusers, and associated risk behaviours such as alcohol and drug abuse.

“This new document provides for the first time a clear direction for action by governments, donors and other development partners, showing that we must address online and offline violence together if we are to be effective”, added Krug.

The report recommends implementing school-based educational programmes, promoting interaction among youth, and engaging parents.

It also underscores the importance of training young people in assertiveness, empathy, problem-solving, emotion management and seeking help, among other skills.

WHO pointed out that educational programmes are more successful with multiple and varied delivery formats such as videos, games, posters, infographics and guided discussions.

Improvements must be made in several areas, according to the report.

Given the overlap of problems and solutions, more violence prevention programmes are needed to address the problem, together with offline violence prevention.

Source: Emirates News Agency