2020 was truly an unusual year. When I reflect on this time last year, I am reminded that we are living in a very different world today. A world that has been changed by a raging global pandemic, which has so far claimed almost two million lives and infected nearly 50 million people. Those on the frontlines have sacrificed so much, and I cannot thank them enough for the tremendous courage and resilience they have demonstrated during this health crisis.
As we bid farewell to a year of challenges, we must not forget that it was not all bad; there is always a silver lining. Although change is uncomfortable, many man-made constructs, such as the concept of having to be physically present in an office being paramount to productivity, have been tested and proven to be redundant for the most part. I am optimistic about what 2021 will bring, and that our learnings will not only guide us into the new year, but also benefit humankind in the future.
We have had the time to slow down and take note of our lives. This has made us much more self-aware. We have learnt to appreciate human connection and prioritise what really matters to us.
From an environmental perspective, this pandemic has given our planet a chance to recover. The quality of air has improved, biodiversity has been given a chance to thrive, and many countries and cities are revisiting their strategies to build resilience and find harmony with the environment.
With the slowdown in air travel and intermittent lockdowns around the world, we have seen a drop in CO2 emissions. This year alone we have seen the record price in carbon credits selling for about $39 for a tonne of sequestered carbon – that is an increase of 31 per cent. According to the IMF, in order to meet the Paris Agreement on climate change, a tonne of carbon should be priced at $75.
The onus is on organisations, regardless of sector or size, as well as individuals to make a concerted effort to reduce their carbon footprint. The backbone of any economy is small and medium-sized enterprises, and it is essential that these businesses be supported in every way possible. This year was particularly difficult for startups and SMEs. However, more conscious shopping habits resulting from the pandemic have encouraged consumers to support local, which has also had the added benefit of helping to reduce the carbon footprint for many households.
2020 has shown us that when global supply chains are impacted, resources need to be managed differently. We are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of moving towards a circular economy, where products are no longer disposed of in a landfill upon expiration. Instead, we need to consider alternative actions, which includes recycling and upcycling items that we no longer use.
Covid-19 has also taught us that diverse thinking on corporate boards is essential in tackling crises – whether as immediate as a global pandemic, or as long-term as climate change. In fact, a number of reports have shown that companies with gender-diverse boards fared significantly better in their financial performance than others during the pandemic.
I am proud of the way the UAE has dealt with this unprecedented crisis. Seeing the collective and collaborative measures taken by various entities to ensure the community's safety and security has been heartwarming. And true to the fundamentals that our nation was built on, even amid a pandemic, we have continued to innovate and achieve a number of commendable firsts – such as the Hope Mars probe, for example.
We have clearly shown what can be achieved when we work together during these difficult times, be it on a domestic or global level. We now need to work together to find a solution for a bigger threat to humanity: climate change.
With the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP26, set to take place in November, I believe the meeting will serve as a catalyst for change and a platform that will create more dialogue and, most importantly, action towards meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
We have only one habitable planet and every individual action that damages the Earth affects us all, as does every individual action towards conservation. My hope for 2021 is that we will continue to work together, rather than in silos, as we strive for a global green recovery.
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan is chief executive officer of Alliances for Global Sustainability
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Four tips to secure IoT networks
Mohammed Abukhater, vice president at FireEye in the Middle East, said:
- Keep device software up-to-date. Most come with basic operating system, so users should ensure that they always have the latest version
- Besides a strong password, use two-step authentication. There should be a second log-in step like adding a code sent to your mobile number
- Usually smart devices come with many unnecessary features. Users should lock those features that are not required or used frequently
- Always create a different guest network for visitors
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
More on animal trafficking
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
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