Day: April 17, 2023

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and President of the Higher Council of Space, received here today the Saudi astronauts: Rayana Bernawi, Ali Al-Qarni, Mariam Fardous and Ali Al-Ghamdi before the launch of the Kingdom’s scientific mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

HRH the Crown Prince welcomed the crew of the scientific mission on board of which are the first Saudi, Muslim and Arab woman to fly to space Rayana Bernawi and the first Saudi astronaut, Ali Al-Qarni, to arrive to the ISS, and congratulated them for passing the qualifying program.

The Crown Prince also underlined the importance of the space sector as a major pillar in enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitiveness, emphasizing at the same time the significance of space exploration in serving science and humanity.

Addressing the astronauts, HRH the Crown Prince also noted that they represent the abilities of the Saudi people and their ambitions to play a vital role in innovations and space research to find sustainable solutions for the welfare of humanity. He also noted that the Saudi people are pinning great hopes on Rayana Bernawi and Ali Al-Qarni as ambassadors and representatives of the Kingdom at the ISS in a mission that has noble objectives to empower mankind, protect the planet and open new horizons for research in health and sustainable environment.

For their part, the astronauts expressed pride for their meeting with HRH Crown Prince, extending their thanks and gratitude for his constant support. Astronauts Rayana Bernawi and Ali Al-Qarni underlined their full readiness for the historic mission, pledging to leave their mark in space exploration and research.

The historic mission underlines the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting global space exploration efforts, encourage scientific research in the field and enhance the Saudis’ knowledge and roles in space programs and technologies as per the Saudi Vision 2030.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) documented scenes of worshipers’ crowds performing in tranquility and peace the Thajjud prayer (optional night prayer) in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah on Sunday.

Teams from concerned agencies were there offering guidance and assistance to worshippers and visitors who came from all around the world countries to observe the blessed days and nights of the holy month of Ramadan.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Talib bin Hameed led the worshipers along with Sheikh Dr. Abdul Muhsin bin Mohammad Al-Qassim, who recited the Qunoot Duaa (prayer), praying to Allah the Almighty to accept Muslims’ fasting and good deeds and bless them with mercy and forgiveness.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

An event focused on population, education, and work as key drivers of sustainable development in Arab countries, was held during the 56th session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development (CPD) in New York.

Organized under the patronage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and represented by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, the gathering explored the theme of “Population, Education and Sustainable Development” in collaboration with the Arab League’s Population Policies Department, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA) and the United Nations Population Fund’s Arab States Regional Office (UNFPA/ASRO(.

The overall mission of the 56th session of CPD was closely aligned to Chapter XI of the ICPD Program of Action, adopted by Governments during the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development. Organized in Cairo, it explored how to meet Sustainable Development Goal 4 and ensure access to inclusive and equitable quality education opportunities for all.

Held April 13-14, the latest event was attended by Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Mona Kamal Shahab, Advisor at the Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning, alongside various other stakeholders such as members of the Arab Council for Population and Development, delegates of Arab States’ Permanent Missions to the United Nations, and partners from UNPFA, ESCWA, as well as the Arab League. These parties were also joined by experts, researchers, and representatives of civil society organizations.

The main objectives of the event were:

1. Highlighting population trends and the reality of education and employment in Arab countries: current challenges and opportunities, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. Reflecting on the importance of education for women and girls: the various risks that may arise (including limited access to reproductive health services, early marriage, gender-based violence) and the benefits of lifelong learning.

3. Drawing attention to the importance of quality education and the nexus between learning and labor market requirements as well as future challenges due to digital transformation and climate change.

4.Exploring the need to invest in youth as human capital and opportunities for countries to reap the benefits of the demographic dividend and achieving the sustainable development goals.

Source: Saudi Press Agency