World News

When Jim Yellig  returned home to Santa Claus, Indiana, after years in the Navy, he learned children’s letters to Santa sometimes showed up at the town’s post office.

Key takeaways from CHIEF 2024:

According to the latest research by LG Electronics (LG), 48 percent of consumers say they are more optimistic now than they were compared to six months ago.

The inaugural Saudi Reef Forum, held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef Al Saud, Governor of Eastern Province, has concluded with remarkable achievements and strategic initiatives aimed at fostering rural empowerment and sustainable development.

Organized by the Ministry of Water, Environment and Agriculture, the three-day event was recognized by Guinness World Records as the most attended agricultural forum in the world, bringing together around 70 speakers and nearly 5,000 visitors, including representatives from government entities, academia, businesses, local farms, and NGOs. The event highlighted the importance of rural communities and the role of public-private partnerships in rural development, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Saudi Vision 2030.

The forum commenced with addresses from HRH Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr Al Saud, Governor of Al-Ahsa, HRH Princess Mashael bint Saud Al Shalan, Founding Partner of AEON Collective, and heads of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Minister HE Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen, and Vice Minister Eng. Mansour bin Hilal Al Mushaiti. The opening panel session highlighted the significance of rural development and the contributions of the Saudi Reef Program, a $2.2 billion initiative designed to strengthen the agriculture sector by providing resources and job opportunities, thereby enhancing the role of small-scale farmers in the economy.

With a strong focus on dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, the forum saw international participation from leaders in innovation and sustainable development, including Prof. Allam Ahmed, President of World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD), May Hani, Senior Programme Officer and Lead of Rural Transformation and Inclusive Value Chains at Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Prof. Nathan Furr, Professor of Innovation Strategy and Technology at INSEAD, Saeed Shami, Senior Program Development and Implementation Expert at FAO, and Dr. Himanshu Mishra, Associate Professor at Environmental Science and Engineering at KAUST.

From presenting nature-inspired innovations such as engineered biochar from local waste for enhanced fertilization and irrigation, workshops on innovation and entrepreneurship to further equip agricultural workers in the audience, discussing state-wide initiatives to develop the sector worldwide, to forging partnerships for cross-sectoral collaboration, the forum was a platform for change in sustainable rural development. Throughout the forum, five strategic agreements were signed between the Saudi Reef Program and various public and private sector entities, including with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, the Culinary Arts Authority, the King Khalid Foundation, Dan Company, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, and the National Agricultural Development Company.

The partnerships are set to enhance cooperation in agriculture, training, and innovation, supporting sustainable advancement in rural areas. In her closing remarks, Dr. Maha Aldhahi, Head of the Forum's Preparation Committee, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in achieving economic, environmental, and social sustainability, which the forum seeks to foster.

Running in parallel to the forum, the Saudi Reef Exhibition featured innovative technologies, produce, handicrafts, and sustainable agricultural methods, highlighting successful entrepreneurial ventures in rural areas. The forum included workshops led by local artisans and tours exploring Al-Ahsa's historic landmarks, providing participants with insights into traditional agricultural practices and rural crafts.

The Saudi Reef Forum has set a strong foundation for future initiatives, fostering collaboration and innovation to achieve a prosperous and sustainable future for the rural communities of Saudi Arabia. The forum's impact is far-reaching, as it not only strengthens local communities but also contributes to global frameworks for rural revitalization.

By scaling local solutions, the forum exemplifies the balance between rural and urban development, promoting a harmonious and sustainable future.

From January 30th to February 2nd, 2025, Fahid Island in Abu Dhabi will host Kayan Wellness Festival, the region's largest wellness event headlined by renowned visionary leader, Sadghuru.

The inaugural in-person Best of Jamaica Awards Celebration took place on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the stunning Miramar Cultural Centre Gardens, bringing together the Jamaican diaspora for an unforgettable evening of recognition, cultural pride, and community connection.

It's been a tumultuous month for France and its relationship with former colonies in Africa, as its influence on the continent faces the biggest challenge in decades.

Will Smith recently addressed rumours linking him to Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Gayle King celebrated turning 70 with a surprise party thrown by her longtime best friend, Oprah Winfrey.

GTC FX, a leading name in global finance, celebrated its 12th anniversary with the esteemed Golden Falcon Awards Night on December 15.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Weekend in Miami was a resounding success, bringing together tourism and business leaders to celebrate the region’s progress and chart a path for future growth.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has identified five species new to global science: a gecko (Hemidactylus sp.) marked by brown stripes and white nodules, the Hejaz black-collared snake (pic - Rhynchocalamus hejazicus), plus three plants — a globe thistle, a mignonette, and a hogbean.

The woman who is accusing rap moguls Jay-Z and Diddy of raping her when she was 13 is not admitting to “mistakes” about the details in her allegations.

Ras Al Khaimah is set to dazzle the world with an unprecedented drone and fireworks display that will take centre stage during the New Year's Eve celebration in attempt to set new Guinness World Records titles. 

Saudi Arabia's COP16 Presidency has delivered the largest meeting of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to date, mobilizing state and non-state actors in a landmark moment for the fight against land degradation, desertification and drought.

The Vicar and Archdeacon of Molete Archdeaconry, Diocese of Ibadan (Anglican Communion), Ven. Olusegun Faleye has called on Nigerian leaders to learn humility, moderation, selflessness, and honesty in their dealings.