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Saudi Arabia Concludes Participation in 2024 High-Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development
New York, July 18, 2024 — Saudi Arabia successfully concluded its participation in the 2024 High-Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development, held in New York. The forum brought together representatives from various countries to review global efforts and progress toward achieving the sustainable development goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda.
Led by Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim, Saudi Arabia’s delegation actively engaged in discussions during the forum. In his address, Al-Ibrahim emphasized the importance of clear policies that focus on practical solutions. He highlighted the need for effective policies that maximize impact and benefit the largest number of people in the shortest possible time.
Al-Ibrahim underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable progress, emphasizing an approach that encompasses all aspects of the economy and prioritizes the well-being of its citizens. He stated, “We recognize that sustainable development hinges on identifying and leveraging opportunities to enhance the general standard of living and improve quality of life.”
The Quality of Life Program, a key initiative in Saudi Arabia, actively participated in the event. The program showcased the Kingdom’s progress in achieving sustainable development goals, with a particular focus on sustainable city projects. Accompanying the forum were discussion sessions and workshops organized by the program.
Additionally, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture hosted a pavilion on the sidelines of the forum. The pavilion highlighted the Green Saudi Initiative and the Green Middle East Initiative, both aimed at promoting environmental sustainability. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to combat desertification in Riyadh later this year were reviewed.
Saudi Arabia has been actively participating in the high-level political forum since 2017, demonstrating its commitment to global sustainable development efforts. The annual forum operates under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
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Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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