The 2024 Global Conference on the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Advancing the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) will open Tuesday in Rabat to discuss the challenges and opportunities offered by AI in chemical disarmament and non-proliferation. The three-day event is organized by Morocco and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) with the support of OPCW Member States including China, France, Germany, Republic of Korea, Qatar, and the United Kingdom. Participants will discuss the impact of AI on the chemical industry, including risk, safety and security management, chemical supply chain resilience, and cybersecurity management in chemical plants. They will also review the role of AI in preventing and detecting chemical terrorism and the role of counterterrorism efforts in advancing the CWC’s implementation. In Washington, the State Department announced the participation of Assistant Secretary for Arms Control, Deterrence & Stability Mallory Stewart in the Rabat conference.

Richloom Contract, a design leader and textile manufacturer in the contract and cruise industries, and Platinum Fabrics, a textile distribution and fabric company based in the Middle East, have announced a strategic partnership, expanding the distribution of Richloom Contract throughout the world. This collaboration will drive innovation, expand market presence, and develop tailored solutions that align with client expectations throughout the MENA region. “We are excited to partner with Platinum Fabrics as the exclusive distributor of Richloom Contract fabrics and finished products across the MENA region,” said Michael Saivetz, President and COO of Richloom. “We have enjoyed a long-standing and successful multigenerational partnership with the shareholders of Platinum Fabrics, fostering a relationship that has grown stronger over the last 10 years.”“Collaborating with Platinum Fabrics is a significant step forward for us as we continue to service and expand in the contract and cruise industries in the MENA region. We have a team of dynamic, experienced textile professionals who are well-versed in the multinational culture in the UAE and the broader GCC region,” said Lauren Somers Pelusio, Senior Vice President of Richloom Contract.

The Jeep ® brand and The North Face have partnered to create an exclusive edition of the Jeep Avenger 4xe paying homage to the Brands’ iconic products and performance, while seeking new perspectives of exploration. The Jeep ® brand and The North Face have partnered to create Jeep Avenger 4xe The North Face Edition, a unique vehicle that embodies their shared values of adventure and exploration. There will be 4,806 units of the Jeep Avenger 4xe The North Face Edition available, reflecting the height of Mont Blanc, being a majestic emblem of inspiration. Jeep Avenger 4xe The North Face Edition is the outcome of a collaborative effort between the design teams of both brands, who spent over two years on this project. Jeep Avenger 4xe The North Face Edition is equipped with a 48v Hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive, representing a significant advancement in Jeep's electrification journey while maintaining the brand's commitment to performance.

Top performing power stations like Kusile and Duvha and other ‘peaking stations’ are continuing to maintain an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of above 70%, keeping loadshedding at bay, says Eskom. Another three power stations sustained an EAF above 60%. Eskom said the performance of these stations has contributed to the longest stretch of uninterrupted power supply in five years. Sustained EAF improvement• The year-to-date (1 April 2024 to 17 October 2024) EAF is at 63%, a significant improvement of ~7.5% compared to the same period last year (55.5%). • This improvement is primarily due to a drop in unplanned outages (UCLF and OCLF) of the generation units.

As the gateway to Africa, Morocco serves as a crucial link to the continent’s vast potential. Simultaneously, Morocco’s Atlantic facade connects it to the Americas, positioning the country as a vital hub for intercontinental trade and diplomacy. In an era of shifting global supply chains, he envisions Morocco emerging as a key manufacturing hub for Europe and the Atlantic region. A Future Full of PromiseAs the interview concluded, MacLennan’s portrayal of Morocco was one of a nation poised for greatness. In a world of shifting global dynamics, Morocco’s strategic location and visionary approach could see it emerge as a key player on the world stage, bridging continents and shaping the future of the region and beyond.

Representative ImageATHENS: A search and rescue operation off the coast of the eastern Greek island of Samos has recovered the bodies of two people reported missing overnight after a boat carrying 24 migrants ran into trouble in rough weather, the coast guard said Monday. Authorities said they received a distress call from the passengers on the vessel and a coast guard patrol boat located the vessel, semi-submerged, north of Samos.Twenty-two people were rescued, and survivors alerted the coast guard to the two missing passengers.The bodies of the missing - one man and one woman - were recovered in the early hours of Monday, the coast guard said.The sinking is the latest deadly incident involving migrants trying to make their way into the European Union using the sea route either from the nearby Turkish coast or across the Mediterranean from north Africa.Last week, two women and two children died off the eastern Greek island of Kos when a smuggling boat crossing from nearby Turkey capsized. A further 27 people were rescued.In a separate incident a few days later, one man died, two people were reported missing and 97 were rescued by a passing cargo ship in the Mediterranean south of Greece 's southernmost island of Gavdos. Survivors told authorities they had paid between 7,000 and 10,000 euros each for the passage from the northern Libyan port of Tobruk to Greece.Greece lies on a popular route into the European Union for people fleeing war and poverty in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with tens of thousands heading to Greek islands, usually in smuggling boats from the nearby Turkish coast, or making the longer and more treacherous journey across the Mediterranean from North Africa.More than 42,000 migrants were registered as having arrived in Greece by early October, with the vast majority arriving by sea, according to figures from the United Nations refugee agency.

Authorities said they received a distress call from the passengers on the vessel and a coast guard patrol boat located the vessel, semi-submerged, north of Samos. Twenty-two people were rescued, and survivors alerted the coast guard to the two missing passengers. The bodies of the missing — a man and a woman — were recovered in the early hours of Monday, the coast guard said. In another three incidents Sunday, more than 160 migrants reached Greece's eastern Aegean Sea islands in small boats from Turkey, according to the coast guard. Last week, two women and two children died off the eastern Greek island of Kos when a smuggling boat crossing from nearby Turkey capsized.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) will hold public hearings to address the West African country’s chronic power grid outages. NERC said the commission is mandated to conduct public hearings on critical issues relating to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). “The Commission has noted with concern the recent escalating incidence of grid disturbances often leading to marked outages in several states, thus reversing many of the gains recently achieved in reducing infrastructure deficits and improving grid stability. In the last week alone, the national grid collapsed two times in a space of 24 hours, affecting millions of electricity customers in several states. “In pursuit of finding a permanent resolution to the challenges of the national grid, the Commission shall shortly conduct an investigative public hearing with a view to identifying immediate and remote causes of recurring incidence of grid disturbances and widespread outages,” they stated.

Dubai topped the Middle East and North Africa region in the 2024 Global Cities Index compiled by Kearney. It ranked 24th among 156 global cities. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Ghanaian events startup Akwaaba App has launched a rewards programme designed to help businesses market promotions and special offers. Akwaaba App connects users to verified local businesses, events, rewards, and promotions, all in one place. In response to the growing needs of its business partners, Akwaaba App has now introduced its Rewards Programme, which helps businesses market promotions and special offers. “The programme aims to drive more engagement and generate revenue for local companies, helping them thrive in an increasingly competitive market,” said Kingsley Kordie, director at Akwaaba App. Akwaaba has also launched an Influencer Programme, which collaborates with leading influencers to expand the app’s visibility.

SOUTH AFRICA TOUR OF BANGLADESH, 2024South Africa lose two after Bangladesh fold for 106by Cricbuzz Staff • Published onSouth Africa bowled Bangladesh out for 106 © AFPSouth Africa lost a couple of early wickets but placed themselves comfortably after bundling out Bangladesh for 106 in the post Lunch session on the opening day. The visitors cruised to 65/2 at Tea at the Shere Bangla Stadium in Dhaka on Monday. In the spinner's next over he stepped out and drilled him for a boundary through the offside. He flicked Mahmud for a boundary and then reverse-swept Mehidy Hasan for another four to quickly take control of the proceedings. Brief Scores: Bangladesh 106 (Mahmudul Hasan 30; Wiaan Mulder 3-22, Kagiso Rabada 3-26, Keshav Maharaj 3-34) lead South Africa 65/2 (Tristan Stubbs 23) by 41 runs.

LONGi MENA is excited to unveil its new LONGi Arabia mobile application, designed to serve as a “one-stop” intelligent PV assistant for solar professionals across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The application is set to go live on October 15, 2024, in its first phase, with a second phase scheduled for November 15, 2024. Targeting a diverse audience that includes end users, installers, EPCs, distributors, and project owners, the LONGi Arabia app aims to streamline access to essential solar business functions. Speaking on the app’s release, Shams Hassan, Marketing Manager of LONGi MENA, stated, “The LONGi Arabia app represents a milestone in our journey to empower solar professionals and enhance the accessibility of solar solutions across the MENA region. Users can download the app by scanning the QR code or from the Android app store.

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A search and rescue operation off the coast of the eastern Greek island of Samos has recovered the bodies of two people reported missing overnight after a boat carrying 24 migrants ran into trouble in rough weather, the coast guard said Monday. Authorities said they received a distress call from the passengers on the vessel and a coast guard patrol boat located the vessel, semi-submerged, north of Samos. Twenty-two people were rescued, and survivors alerted the coast guard to the two missing passengers. The bodies of the missing — one man and one woman — were recovered in the early hours of Monday, the coast guard said. Last week, two women and two children died off the eastern Greek island of Kos when a smuggling boat crossing from nearby Turkey capsized.

Thunes goes live with Direct Global Network in EgyptBy Gloria MathiasToday account numbersCentral Bank of NigeriaDigital Wallets ShareThunes, the smart highway to move money around the world, has announced a significant expansion of its Direct Global Network into Egypt. Egypt is experiencing one of the fastest adoption growth rates for mobile wallets across the African continent, driven by accelerating cash-to-digital conversion. With this expansion, Members of Thunes’ Direct Global Network will be able to offer consumer remittance services into Egypt, either to bank accounts or to mobile wallets. In addition, all mobile wallets in Egypt will now be supported, with payouts available in Egyptian Pounds. Aik Boon “AB” Tan, Chief Network Officer of Thunes, shared, “Expanding Thunes’ proprietary Direct Global Network into Egypt will provide our Members with greater speed, control, visibility, protection, and cost efficiencies for real-time cross-border payments in one of the fastest growing markets in the world.

21 October 2024By Hannah WilcoxThe opening of Reddam House’s newest North Sydney campus is fast approaching. Dave and Dee have been current principals of the original Reddam House Sydney campus in Woollahra for more than 15 years. “Students, including our own children, actually went from primary school with Dee as the principal and I would go and support her at all the functions – then I would know the primary school kids when they come to the high school,” the principal explained. She does all the primary school stuff and I do all the high school stuff,” Dave added. For more information, visit the Reddam House website.