KAUST to Host Prestigious World Academic Summit Amidst Global Unrest and Escalating Conflicts
KAUST to host Times Higher Education World Academic Summit in 2025, highlighting universities' roles in progress aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
Marking a significant milestone, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia will be the first in the Middle East to host the Times Higher Education World Academic Summit from October 7-9, 2025. This event, themed “Universities as Agents of Progress,” will align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and include various cultural activities and discussions on global educational impact.
Meanwhile, in Europe, Palestinian and Dutch NGOs have jointly filed a legal complaint against the Netherlands in The Hague, pressing for accountability over alleged complicity in the Gaza conflict. They call for a halt on arms exports to Israel and business activities in Palestinian territories, pushing for the hearing scheduled in November, following a previous Dutch court restriction on exports.
Turning to the Middle East, Lebanon has taken steps to strengthen airport security as the humanitarian crisis deepens due to the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict. With over 600,000 displaced and more than 1,190 deaths reported since late September, the United Nations has raised alarms about one of the most severe periods in Lebanon's recent history.
In a related escalation, Israeli forces recently targeted UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon, wounding two peacekeepers at the Naqoura base. These incidents included a tank shell hitting a watchtower and small arms fire, raising concerns about the safety of peacekeeping forces in the region.
Shifting to the United Kingdom, religious hate crimes have surged by 25% in England and Wales, setting a new record amid the ongoing impact of the Gaza conflict. With offenses primarily targeting Jewish and Muslim communities, this alarming rise contrasts with an overall decrease in hate crimes.
Lastly, in Southeast Asia, the arrest of Myanmar democracy activists Paing Phyo Min and Shein Wai Aung has sparked international outcry amid the junta's ongoing crackdown. Amnesty International and other groups are voicing deep concerns for the activists' safety, as the crackdown has led to over 27,000 detentions with reports of severe abuses.
Meanwhile, in Europe, Palestinian and Dutch NGOs have jointly filed a legal complaint against the Netherlands in The Hague, pressing for accountability over alleged complicity in the Gaza conflict. They call for a halt on arms exports to Israel and business activities in Palestinian territories, pushing for the hearing scheduled in November, following a previous Dutch court restriction on exports.
Turning to the Middle East, Lebanon has taken steps to strengthen airport security as the humanitarian crisis deepens due to the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict. With over 600,000 displaced and more than 1,190 deaths reported since late September, the United Nations has raised alarms about one of the most severe periods in Lebanon's recent history.
In a related escalation, Israeli forces recently targeted UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon, wounding two peacekeepers at the Naqoura base. These incidents included a tank shell hitting a watchtower and small arms fire, raising concerns about the safety of peacekeeping forces in the region.
Shifting to the United Kingdom, religious hate crimes have surged by 25% in England and Wales, setting a new record amid the ongoing impact of the Gaza conflict. With offenses primarily targeting Jewish and Muslim communities, this alarming rise contrasts with an overall decrease in hate crimes.
Lastly, in Southeast Asia, the arrest of Myanmar democracy activists Paing Phyo Min and Shein Wai Aung has sparked international outcry amid the junta's ongoing crackdown. Amnesty International and other groups are voicing deep concerns for the activists' safety, as the crackdown has led to over 27,000 detentions with reports of severe abuses.
