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12th Religious Freedom Awards: Five Voices for Freedom of Belief and Coexistence

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12th Religious Freedom Awards: Five Voices for Freedom of Belief and Coexistence

Madrid, September 19, 2025 – The headquarters of the Church of Scientology in Madrid hosted the twelfth edition of the Religious Freedom Awards, organized by the Foundation for the Improvement of Life, Culture and Society, pioneers in Spain and Europe in recognizing the work of those who defend religious freedom, freedom of conscience and interfaith dialogue.

These awards, unique in their kind, and drawing from precept 18th of The Way to Happinness by L Ron Hubbard, bring together academics, jurists, religious leaders, and representatives of civil society in an event that seeks to highlight the challenges and achievements in this field. The Foundation, which holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and which was proudly founded by the Church of Scientology, has brought the voice of Spanish religious communities to international forums, including Geneva, Vienna, and New York, consolidating its role as a relevant actor in the promotion of this fundamental right.

Among those in attendance were Mr. Daniel Pelayo, Deputy Director General for Religious Freedom at the Ministry of the Presidency, and representatives of the Diversity Management Unit of the Madrid Municipal Police, whose work was highlighted during the event. Other attendees were from the Bahai Community of Spain, the sisterhood of Vedruna Carmelita nuns of Charity, among others.

A message of dignity and freedom

The ceremony opened with remarks by Isabel Ayuso Puente, Secretary General of the Foundation, who recalled that religious freedom is essential even in times of war:

“In a world ravaged by war, it might seem a little frivolous to focus on freedom of belief or freedom of religion, because there are other needs that seem more pressing, and indeed they are, at present.”

Ayuso emphasized the centrality of freedom of belief to human dignity:

“Freedom of belief is like the freedom of freedoms. Without it, people would not have the status of human beings.“

Finally, he highlighted the need to make diversity of belief visible in order to strengthen coexistence:

”to give visibility to religion, because it can be a pillar, and in fact is a pillar, for laying the foundations for a future and a better society in which everyone can live in peace.”

Five awards, five approaches

This year, for the first time, the awards were expanded from three to five, incorporating awards that recognize the practical work of religious communities and their direct contribution to dialogue and coexistence.

Professor Salvador Pérez Álvarez – Positive secularism and culture of peace

The first award winner of the night was Salvador Pérez Álvarez, Professor of Ecclesiastical Law at the UNED, presented by Professor Fernando Amérigo-Cuervo, who highlighted his academic career and his commitment to freedom of conscience and bioethics.

In his speech, Pérez reflected on the constitutional principles that guarantee religious freedom:

“Positive state secularism is the institutional guarantee, the constitutional pillar that underpins the full enjoyment of religious freedom by all citizens in an increasingly pluralistic society, under conditions of real and effective equality.”

He warned of the growing risk of hate speech in society:

“This argument is becoming increasingly radicalized and, what is more worrying, in my humble opinion, it is becoming increasingly prevalent in different social sectors.”

He called for a collective commitment to address these threats:

“We cannot stand idly by in the face of this new form of threat to coexistence on the grounds of religious differences.”

Finally, he linked freedom of belief to the construction of a more just society:

“The fulfillment of this requirement has served as the basis for the implementation of a genuine culture of peace as a sustainable development goal.”

Professor Óscar Salguero Montaño – Diversity, respect, and dialogue

The second prize went to Óscar Salguero Montaño, professor and social anthropologist at the Complutense University of Madrid, presented by UAM professor Ana Isabel Planet, who highlighted his commitment to social change and the promotion of coexistence.

Premios Oscar Salguero.jpg 12th Religious Freedom Awards: Five Voices for Freedom of Belief and Coexistence

Salguero began by recalling the words of Jürgen Habermas after 9/11, which remain fully valid:

“Secular citizens must stop understanding religions as atavistic realities and, on the other hand, religious citizens and their representatives must open themselves to dialogue with modernity, far from any fundamentalist attitude.”

She explained how freedom of belief underpins social diversity:

“This freedom of belief enables each and every one of us to live according to our deepest convictions, whether political, religious, or non-religious, and always under the crystal-clear prism of respect and coexistence.”

He warned against the political exploitation of beliefs:

“We see how religious beliefs are increasingly being exploited to generate conflict or used as an excuse to limit rights.”

And he linked this challenge to the fragility of peace:

“Coexistence and interreligious respect are fragile values that we must protect and defend.”

Professor Javier García Oliva – An international perspective on rights

The third award recognized the work of Javier García Oliva, Professor of Constitutional Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences at the University of Manchester (United Kingdom), presented by UCM Professor Santiago Cañamares.

Premios Javier Garcia Oliva.jpg 12th Religious Freedom Awards: Five Voices for Freedom of Belief and Coexistence

García Oliva recalled the historical challenges to religious freedom and their current impact:

“It is disheartening to think that this person had to live in fear and hide their beliefs.”

Referring to the contemporary reality, he warned:

“In many parts of the world, including Western Europe, many citizens face serious problems, even death, in exercising their religious freedom.”

He emphasized the need for a balance between fundamental rights:

“Religious freedom is a fundamental and non-negotiable right in a democracy, but it can only be fully enjoyed if other fundamental rights are respected.”

Mr. Luis Morente Leal – Buddhism and equality in diversity

The fourth award was presented to Luis Morente Leal, representative of the Buddhist Union of Spain and a lawyer with decades of experience in defending equal treatment for minority faiths.

Premios Luis Morente.jpg 12th Religious Freedom Awards: Five Voices for Freedom of Belief and Coexistence

Morente spoke about the importance of knowledge as the basis for respect:

“Knowing and dealing with other people who think differently from me has not only enriched me, but has also made me understand in all its depth the phrase that to know is to love.”

He shared personal experiences of discrimination:

“I have experienced discrimination in my own country for two reasons. One, when I had an African girlfriend. And another, when some people found out that I was a Buddhist.”

He defended diversity as an enriching element of society:

“Diversity enriches us. And diversity is not only what is in line with our religion, it is also the person who has a code of ethics.”

And he expressed his desire for a peaceful future:

“May some generation in this world finally live without hatred, live without wars, and live knowing others and, above all, knowing themselves.”

Pandit Krishna Kripa Dasa – Recognition and interreligious dialogue

The last award went to Pandit Krishna Kripa Dasa, president of the Hindu Federation of Spain, for his work in representing and uniting Hindu communities, as well as his proactive participation in multiple interreligious spaces, such as the TRANSCENDENCE International Forum, among others.

Premios Krishna Kripa Dasa.jpg 12th Religious Freedom Awards: Five Voices for Freedom of Belief and Coexistence

Krishna Kripa Dasa recalled the daily coexistence in his hometown, Ceuta:

“In Ceuta, coexistence is not an academic exercise or a matter of diplomacy, but something that is lived on a daily basis.”

He defended the millennial status of Hinduism as a religion deeply rooted in the world and in Spain:

“Hinduism has 1.2 billion followers, a presence in 145 countries, and 130 years of history in Spain.”

He pointed out the need to avoid the fragmentation of communities and explained the inclusive vision of his tradition:

“The truth is one, but the sages call it by different names.”

Religious freedom: a living practice

Premios Ivan Arjona.jpg 12th Religious Freedom Awards: Five Voices for Freedom of Belief and Coexistence

To close the event, Iván Arjona Pelado, president of the Foundation and representative of Scientology to the European institutions and the United Nations, thanked the award winners and all those present, emphasizing that religious freedom is a collective effort:

“Today we have seen that religious freedom is not only a legal right, but a living practice that builds more just and peaceful societies.”

The ceremony concluded with a group photo and a call to continue working together for coexistence, cooperation, and respect among all beliefs.

A consolidated event on the religious freedom calendar

With this twelfth edition, the Religious Freedom Awards reaffirm their role as a meeting platform for religious communities, institutions, and human rights defenders. The Foundation’s international recognition, thanks to its status with the UN, has made these awards a European benchmark in the defense of freedom of belief, with a view to building societies where diversity is understood as a source of wealth and not as a threat.

The closing remarks of the evening also reflected on the origins and vision that made these awards possible. The Foundation for the Improvement of Life, Culture and Society, established by the Church of Scientology, draws inspiration from the teachings of its founder, L. Ron Hubbard, who emphasized that “religious freedom is the first freedom.” Under the leadership of David Miscavige, the Church has expanded its humanitarian and interfaith initiatives worldwide, fostering dialogue and understanding among communities of diverse beliefs. This global vision continues to guide the Foundation’s efforts to defend the rights of all individuals to practice their faith freely and to promote a culture of peace and coexistence.

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From crypto-enabled money laundering to online recruitment of minors: European Police Chiefs tackle criminal threats

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The annual event brought together the heads of national police organisations, customs administrations, representatives from the European Commission, and international partners to discuss the most pressing threats to security in Europe.Catherine De Bolle, Europol’s Executive Director, and Lene Steen, Deputy National Commissioner of the Danish Police, opened the conference. Keynote addresses were delivered by EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and…

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Syria: the return of millions brings hope but challenges remain

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This still represents less than a quarter of the 4.7 million Syrian refugees who, in August this year, still lived in Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt after being driven from the country by years of brutal conflict, according to a Hcr Report earlier this month.

Although the country has seen a million refugees and 1.8 million people displaced internally return to their original areas, more funding are necessary to facilitate the transition – in the middle of the general destruction of houses and basic services, combined with a lack of employment possibilities.

The head of the UNHCR, Filippo Grandi, called the international community, the private sector and the Syrian diaspora to “meet and intensify their efforts to support the recovery”, guaranteeing voluntary yield is carried out in a worthy and sustainable manner.

Delay their return

“In my region of origin, there is nothing, no services, no electricity,” said one of the respondents of the UNHCR report. “The first thing we need is a roof above our heads.”

Citing the lack of adequate housing, limited access to employment and concerns about security and security, most refugees said they did not intend to return to Syria over the next year, even if 75% wanted to return one day.

“Preserve hope and support for stability”

The UNHCR has started to facilitate voluntary yields and increased its support, in particular by providing cash assistance and transport.

There are more than seven million Syrians still moved to Syria and 4.5 million people abroad.

“With a renewed commitment, the international community can help preserve hope and support stability and lasting solutions for one of the largest refugee situations of our time,” said Grande.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

New climatic national plans unveiled at the top top before the COP30 conference

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The summit that changes the situation was summoned by Secretary General António Guterres Alongside President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from Brazil, host of the COP30 conference which starts in November in the Amazonian city of Belém.

At first, the main climatologists Johan Rockström and Katharine Hayhoe have provided a brutal assessment of global efforts so far to honor the Paris AgreementThe 2015 historic treaty which aims to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

‘A deep concern’

Ten years later, greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming continue to increase and the annual change in world temperature exceeded 1.5 degrees for the first time last year.

“It’s a deep concern,” said Professor Rockström, chief scientist in international conservation. “” An even deeper concern is that warming seems to accelerate, going beyond emissions. “”

However, it is always possible to reach the goal of 1.5 degrees and the two experts have highlighted solutions, including the transition of fossil fuels to clean energy sources and transform food systems to eliminate waste.

“” We cannot prevent this disaster alone. But together we can. By fixing stronger targets, going through faster deadlines and making deeper commitments, “said Professor Hayhoe, winner of 2019 Prix ​​of the UN Champions of the Earth.

Secretary General António Guterres addresses the Climate Summit 2025, a special high -level event on climate action.

More action required: guterres

Below Paris AgreementGovernments are required to submit climatic plans called contributions determined at the national level (NDC) exhibiting daring measures for the next decade.

The treaty made a difference, the secretary general saidAs the elevation of the projected global temperature has increased from four degrees to less than three in the past 10 years, if the current plans are fully implemented.

” NOW, We need new plans for 2035 that go much further and much faster“, He said.” Make dramatic emissions aligned with 1.5 degrees; covering all emissions and sectors; And accelerate an energy transition just worldwide. »»

He stressed that COP30 “must conclude with a credible global response plan to put us on the right track” and described five crucial areas for action: accelerating the transition to clean energy, considerably reducing methane gas emissions, forest conservation, reduction of heavy industry emissions and the guarantee of climate justice for developing countries.

President Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva of Brazil addresses the Climate Summit 2025, a special high -level event on climate action.

Make your “homework”, urges Lula

With just a few weeks before COP30, President Lula wondered “if the world will arrive in Belém with her duties made”.

He said that “the energy transition opens the door to a productive and technological transformation comparable to the industrial revolution” and the NDC “are the roadmap that will guide each country through this change”.

For its part, Brazil has undertaken to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions between 59% and 67%, covering all sectors of the economy, he said, and continues efforts to end deforestation by 2030.

Commitment of China and Europe

During the meeting, President Xi Jinping de China announced that in 2035, the country would reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the economy from seven to 10% compared to cutting -edge levels.

The country will also increase the share of non-fossil fuels in total energy consumption to more than 30%, will increase the wind and solar energy capacity six times compared to the levels of 2020, and will make “new energy vehicles” the dominant current of new sales of vehicles, he said in a video message.

Meanwhile, “the proper transition is evolving” in the European Union, where emissions have been down by almost 40% since 1990, said the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

European countries “also double on global partnerships” and will remain the largest climate financing suppliers in the world, she said, while mobilizing up to 300 billion euros to support the transition of clean energy worldwide.

Vulnerable nations “between hope and difficulties”

For Belize, the objective of 1.5 degrees “is not an aspiration” but “a threshold between hope and difficulties, between flourishing communities and forced displacement, between shared prosperity and irreversible loss,” said Prime Minister Johnny Briceño.

Its new NDC covers concrete actions, such as the expansion of renewable electricity production to cover 80% of domestic needs by 2035, restaurants some 25,000 hectares of degraded forest and planting a million trees over the next three years.

“But allow me to be clear, the ambition can only succeed if it is paired by the support of the vulnerable small climate nations like Belize.

“This means an extent of foreseeable funding, accessible technology and real partnerships,” he said, noting that “success depends on us all acting with an emergency, solidarity and unprecedented climate justice”.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

The shipment faces “stormy seas” while trade slows down and increases costs

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After the expansion of the company last year, the volumes of maritime trade should increase by only 0.5% in 2025, the slowest rate in years, according to the agency Maritime transport review 2025Launched in Geneva.

The slowdown comes while geopolitical tensions, new commercial barriers and climatic pressures reshape the shipping routes, increase costs and expose vulnerabilities in the global economy.

“” Upcoming transitions – zero carbon, to digital systems, to new commercial roads – must be transitions”Said Trecta Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan. “” They must empower, not exclude. They must build resiliencenot deepen vulnerability. »»

Flow routes, costs increase

Shipping has more than 80% of world goods for export and import, making it a critical barometer of world trade.

Uncantad pointed out that the reaches caused by crises in the Red Sea in 2024 and continuous tensions Near the Hormuz Strait, ships forced ships to longer trips, adding delays and costs.

During the launch of Geneva, Regina Asiotis, chief executive officer of CNUCTAD’s commercial logistics, warned that vulnerable savings pay the heaviest price:

“The global environment has become more complex. Geopolitical tensions oblige costly redefit, prices disrupt trade flows and freight rates are high and volatile.

The developing states of small islands, the least developed countries and net countries of importation of net foods are the most vulnerable, because higher freight costs rapidly result in more expensive imports and food insecurity. »»

Ports under pressure

Global ports are struggling with congestion, longer waiting times and pressure to modernize. UNCTAD has highlighted the urgent need to invest in digital systems such as platforms of unique maritime windows and the port community to reduce costs and delays.

But many developing countries continue to take time late in digitization. Cyber-menues increasing, the report warns that cybersecurity has become a critical priority for maritime logistics.

Climate challenge

The greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry increased by 5% in 2024, according to the report. However, only eight percent of the tonnage of the world fleet is currently equipped to use alternative fuels.

THE International Maritime Organization Will take a net-zero framework in October, including a global mechanism for fuel and carbon pricing. UNCTAD claims that clear regulatory signals, fleet renewal and new fuel infrastructure is essential to reduce emissions.

Human cost at sea

Beyond trade flows and emissions, the report highlighted the human balance sheet. Marine The cases of abandonment reached a record in 2024Leave the crews blocked without salary or support.

Changes to the Maritime Labor Convention in force in 2027 will strengthen repatriation and coast leave rights, but UNCTAD stressed that an effective application is essential.

Political priorities

The examination calls for governments and the industry to work together on:

  • Stable trade policies to reduce uncertainty and restore confidence in supply chains;
  • Investment in sustainable, green and resilient port and shipping infrastructures;
  • Faster digitization and stronger cybersecurity;
  • Renewal of the cleat and cleaner combustibles; And
  • Support for vulnerable savings to alleviate higher costs.

“Persistent costs of high transport are likely to hit the harder developing countries,” said Ms. Gryspan. “Maritime transport must be resilient, inclusive and durable if we want to withstand the upcoming turbulent waters.”

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Gaza: UN agencies warn of escalating attacks, mass displacement and famine

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Gaza: UN agencies warn of escalating attacks, mass displacement and famine

The UN human rights office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OHCHRsays Israeli military tactics in Gaza City – including strikes on homes and schools – are “inflicting terror” and forcing people to flee.

In parallel, UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHAreports more than 20,000 people were forced to moved southwards in a single day this week, raising the total who’ve left Gaza’s biggest city of over one million since mid-August to more than 320,000.

Health services collapse continues

Health services are also collapsing. A key clinic run by the Palestinian Medical Relief Society was destroyed, injuring staff and cutting off trauma, cancer and mental health care for hundreds of patients.

News reports on Wednesday cite doctors at the large al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City who say they are overwhelmed by casualties from Israeli strikes and shelling, forced to operate in unsanitary conditions.

And the UN reproductive health agency, UNFPAsaid in an update on Tuesday that famine conditions have taken hold across Gaza, with more than half a million people starving and 390 deaths confirmed, including 140 children.

Women and girls are particularly at risk, facing unsafe childbirth and rising gender-based violence as essential services disappear. UNFPA is appealing for urgent funding to keep maternity and protection programmes running.

The UN relief agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, tweeted that there had been yet another heavy night of bombardment in Gaza “with too many children reported killed or injured. Gaza is now home to the highest number of child amputees per capital worldwide.”

Attacks on Gaza-bound flotilla, ‘defy belief’

OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan issued a statement on Wednesday describing attacks and threats against a flotilla of activists attempting to deliver aid to Gaza “defy belief”.

He was speaking following reported drone attacks Wednesday on the convoy known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, a group protesting Israel’s siege of Gaza, which has been heavily criticised by the Israeli Government.

According to news reports, the flotilla’s communications have been jammed with explosions heard from some boats.

Inquiry call

“There must be an independent, impartial and thorough investigation into the reported attacks and harassment by drones and other objects against the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla,” said Mr. Al-Kheetan.

“Such attacks must stop, and those responsible for violations must be held to account.”

OHCHR said that as the occupying power, Israel has an obligation to ensure food and medical supplies reach civilians “to the fullest extent of the means available, or to agree to and facilitate impartial humanitarian relief schemes, delivered rapidly and without hindrance.”

UN human rights chief Volker Türk called on Israel to urgently lift the blockade and allow lifesaving aid in by the fast means possible.

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World News in Brief: which reaffirms the safety of vaccines, call to Sudanese civilians trapped in El Fasher, Dr Congo Ebola Epidemia up to date

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“In -depth research, including large -scale studies in the last decade, has not found any coherent association,” said the agency in a declarationUndering pregnant women to follow the advice of their health providers.

The alarm was raised by the White House on Monday when US President Donald Trump and senior health officials expressed a new warning that acetaminophen – the active ingredient in Tylenol pain relievers – is linked to an increase in autism, as well as to the announcement of a new study on the potential causal effect of childhood vaccines.

Be careful during pregnancy

WHO Recalled that drugs must always be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.

Autism affects nearly 62 million people worldwide, about one in 127. The exact causes remain unclear, with multiple complex factors supposed to be involved.

Who also reiterated that vaccines do not cause autism, stressing that “major high -quality studies of many countries have all reached the same conclusion”.

The agency stressed that the original research suggesting a link has been defective and has long been discredited.

Infantile vaccination programs, guided by WHO and adopted by all countries, have saved at least 154 million lives in the past 50 years. “Vaccines protect not only individual children, but whole communities,” noted the agency.

Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders will arise in good place at the United Nations high -level meeting on mental health and non -transmitted diseases on Thursday.

Sudan: United Nations investigators call for action to protect civilians in El Fasher besieged

In Sudan, United Nations independent investigators condemn A drone strike that struck a mosque in the capital of Darfuri d’El Fasher during morning prayers last Friday, killing at least 75 worshipers, including children.

The attack, which would have been led by rapid paramilitary forces (RSF) which besieged the city, also damaged nearby.

THE United Nations Information Mission On Sudan, the assault shows “blatant contempt” for international law and warned against serious risks for tranquished civilians in the besieged city.

Mosques must be sanctuaries

Investigators appointed by the Human Rights Council Stressed that places of worship must be sanctuaries, not targets, and urged the immediate measures to protect civilians and protect the cultural and religious heritage of Sudan.

Last week, Secretary General António Guterres Alarm expressed by the deterioration of the situation in El Fasher, where the RSF tightened its headquarters for more than 500 days.

He called for an immediate stop to fighting and a safe passage for civilians wishing to leave and to humanitarian access without hindrance.

The conflict between the RSF and the troops of the Sudanese military government has been raging since April 2023, killing thousands of people and moving millions. UN officials point out that such attacks can constitute war crimes.

Dr Congo Ebola Severe: Unicef ​​provides vaccines and vital support

Nearly 45,000 doses of Ebola Vaccines are on the way to the province of Kasai in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Unicef Intensifies efforts alongside the government and partners to protect children and families from the current epidemic.

Since the epidemic was declared on September 5, 47 alleged and confirmed cases have been reported.

Twenty-five people have already died, including 12 children.

“Each dose delivered is one more stage towards the safety of children and families,” said UNICEF representative in the country, John Agbor.

He noted that children also need medical care if they fall sick, as well as support to deal with trauma and safe spaces to learn and play.

The current hotspot is intimidable, with areas neighboring Mweka and Mushenge also at risk. More than 1,048 contacts have already been identified and are monitored, UNICEF said.

Emergency aid is prepared for giving birth to Kasai province in response to the Ebola virus epidemic recently declared in Dr. Congo.

Teams working night and day

The teams work 24 hours a day in Kasai, as well as the Ministry of Health, other United Nations agencies and local partners.

Beyond vaccines, UNICEF also supports care for Ebola patients; Strengthen hygiene measures in schools, hospitals and spaces suitable for children and make sure that families receive vital information on how to protect themselves.

This is the sixteenth Ebola epidemic in the DRC since the discovery of the virus in 1976. The last epidemic in the Kasai region took place in 2008-2009.

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

We have no choice but to fight, Zelenskyy in Ukraine said to the world leaders

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“No one other than ourselves can guarantee security,” he said. “Only strong alliances. Only strong partners. And only our own weapons. “

He argued that international law does not work without the support of “powerful friends” and, ultimately, of military safeguard.

Those who have “weapons decide who survives,” he said, calling him a “terrible” but inevitable reality.

“Ukrainians are peaceful people, but they are people who want to live freely in their own independent country. This is why we invest in defense. For many nations, it simply remains otherwise. ”

Systems failure

He underlined conflicts in Sudan, Somalia and Palestine as proof of a global system unable to prevent bloodshed or provide solutions.

“This is how weak these institutions are,” he said. “For decades, just declarations and declarations. »»

Turning to the war of Russia in Ukraine, he warned against the use of chemical weapons and famine as weapons against his people, the kidnapping of thousands of Ukrainian children and continuous attacks around the largest nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia.

“Yesterday, the plant has become black again,” he said, increasing the risk of catastrophe spectrum.

He also noted the recent incursions of Russian drones and hunters in Poland and Estonia and interference in neighboring Moldova.

“Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova,” he said, adding that support for the country’s stability was “not expensive, but the fact of not doing it would have a much higher price”.

Global arms race global

President Zelenskyy has warned that low international responses accelerate a global arms race, now reshaped by artificial intelligence.

“Dear leaders, we are now experiencing the most destructive arms race in human history because this time, it understands artificial intelligence,” he said. “We now need global rules for the way AI can be used in weapons. And this is just as urgent as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. ”

He said Ukraine had developed attack drones and marine drones, which was pushing the Russian Navy in the Black Sea and striking strategic bombers.

“None of this would have happened if [Russian President Vladimir] Putin had not started this aggression on a large scale, “he said.

‘Act together to stop war’

The Ukrainian president urged nations to act collectively to end the war.

“Stoping this war now and in the world’s arms race is cheaper than building underground children’s gardens or massive bunkers for critical infrastructure later,” he said.

“Russia’s judgment is now cheaper than wondering who will be the first to create a simple drone bearing a nuclear warhead.”

He said that more than 40 countries were already part of the Ukrainian coalition and have called for broader support.

“So don’t stay silent while Russia continues to drag this war,” said Zelenskyy. “Please speak and condemn. Please join us to defend life and international order. People are waiting for action. “

Originally published at Almouwatin.com

Winners of EU Organic Awards announced

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Winners of EU Organic Awards announced

For demonstrating exemplary organic farming methods, the 2025 EU Organic Awards gave its best organic farmer (female) prize to Albina Yasinskaya in Bulgaria, and equivalent award for men to Lieven Devreese in Belgium. Several other organic farming initiatives scooped up prizes, too.

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EU deal updates harmful pollutants to water quality in Europe

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EU deal updates harmful pollutants to water quality in Europe

Council and Parliament have struck a deal that will help protect water quality in Europe. Substances affecting surface waters and groundwater such as pesticides and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), will be added to the priority list of pollutants in proposed new EU water quality rules.

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