fb 777 casino Social media users had much to say after news broke that UnitedHealthcare's CEO Brian Thompson was assassinated in New York City on Wednesday morning, and most of it was critical of the late executive and the healthcare giant. Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group and the nation's largest health insurance provider, brought in $281 billion in revenue last year. Johnson was one of the highest-paid executives with a $10.2 million salary, bonus and stock options, according to Reuters. Johnson was expected to speak at an investor meeting on Wednesday in which he was to announce that the company was projected to make about $455 billion in 2025 . One reason the company may have become so profitable, as one X user pointed out, is by denying the most claims out of any health insurance provider. "Today we remember the legacy of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson," Ken Klippenstein, a journalist at The Intercept, tweeted with an accompanying infographic of claim denial rates by insurance company. Today we remember the legacy of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson pic.twitter.com/iyAJwUBe0w Johnson took over as CEO in 2021, the same year UnitedHealthcare implemented NaviHealth, an AI tool that continues to help the company make coverage decisions. In 2023, a class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of deceased patients. It alleged that the tool allowed UnitedHealthcare to "systematically deny claims" of Medicare beneficiaries requiring life-saving care. The program had a 90% error rate, which was calculated based on the percentage of payment denials reversed through internal appeals processes or administrative law judge rulings. The lawsuit alleged UnitedHealth knew about the astronomical error rate but continued using it knowing just 0.2% of patients would file appeals to overturn the decision, STAT News reported . X users voiced their dismay over UnitedHealthcare's practices, including NaviHealth, which they claim have killed many insured Americans. "Just a reminder that Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth who got rich off denying healthcare to human beings with a [sic] families absolutely deserved worse than what he got," X user @NotDelMario wrote. Just a reminder that Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth who got rich off denying healthcare to human beings with a families absolutely deserved worse than what he got. Rest in Piss "Fun fact: roughly three million Americans have medical debt greater than the $10,000 reward offered for information on the UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter!," another X user shared. Fun fact: roughly three million Americans have medical debt greater than the $10,000 reward offered for information on the UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter! "I will not shed one tear for the CEO of a greedy insurance company. Instead I weep for every person who has died due to lack of healthcare and for the 100 million Americans saddled with medical debt," X user @ProudSocialist posted. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in New York City today. I will not shed one tear for the CEO of a greedy insurance company. Instead I weep for every person who has died due to lack of healthcare and for the 100 million Americans saddled with medical debt. pic.twitter.com/1HPMjoeoU6 Other social media users, like X user @tobitax, pointed out that other CEOs and "industry leaders might want to read the comments and think hard about them." Saw mainstream news coverage about the killing of the CEO of United Healthcare on TikTok and I think political and industry leaders might want to read the comments and think hard about them pic.twitter.com/RuBii9KFH4 His tweet accompanied images of TikTok comments mirroring insurance companies' verbiage when denying health insurance claims. "I'm sorry, prior authorization is required for thoughts and prayers," one user wrote. "Sending prior authorization, denied claims, collections & prayers to his family," another quipped. "So many jokes and gallows humor around the murder of Brian Thompson! The greed of CEOs and health care profiteers has worked its way into our collective consciousness. Something wealthy people should pay attention to, but wont," X user @julia_doughty warned. So many jokes and gallows humor around the murder of Brian Thompson! The greed of CEOs and health care profiteers has worked its way into our collective consciousness. Something wealthy people should pay attention to, but wont. "was wondering how UnitedHealthcare gets away with being such a sh---y company and this probably has something to do with," Klippenstein stated in a follow-up tweet with an image of the insurance company's more than $100 million spent on lobbying since 1998. was wondering how UnitedHealthcare gets away with being such a shitty company and this probably has something to do with it pic.twitter.com/RFatM0rKW6 Other X users also pointed out Democrats' hypocrisy in mourning Johnson's death while remaining quiet about the ongoing genocide in Gaza. "It is no mystery who democrats actually work for, and it isn't you," X user @SxarletRed wrote. She also included screenshots of X posts from Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) denouncing Johnson's murder. It is no mystery who democrats actually work for, and it isn’t you. pic.twitter.com/Galr84TGB9 "Democrats have shown infinitely more empathy for Brian Thompson than they ever have for any Palestinians," X user @marionumber 4 added. Democrats have shown infinitely more empathy for Brian Thompson than they ever have for any Palestinians https://t.co/GrieP7Y7Nf pic.twitter.com/PvDnMxGaJn "If you need to renew your hope for humanity, read the TikTok comments responding to the news of the UnitedHealthcare CEO's assassination," another X user posted with screenshots of several TikTok comments. If you need to renew your hope for humanity, read the TikTok comments responding to the news of the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s assassination pic.twitter.com/iZwEof6e1X "Will his family still be billed?" one user joked. "Did the ER wait to render care until they confirmed coverage?" another added. Originally published by Latin TimesIn the fast-evolving landscape of gaming, technological advancements and investment opportunities often go hand in hand. SQ Stock, a digital trend gaining traction, is stepping squarely into this intersection and reshaping how the gaming industry operates. This innovative model represents a shift towards integrating stock market concepts with virtual in-game assets, providing gamers and investors a brand new way to engage. With the growing popularity of games where players can buy, sell, and trade virtual items, such as skins or weapons, the notion of SQ Stock envisions these transactions taking on a more structured, market-like approach. This allows players to invest in or divest from certain items or characters just like stocks, based on in-game performance or updates – similar to how investors react to quarterly financials of a company. The potential of SQ Stock lies not just within enhancing user engagement, but also in creating a paradigm shift in how game developers approach asset management and monetization. By introducing an official stock-like trading system within a game, developers can harvest sustained interest and encourage financially anchored investments in game ecosystems. This model looks towards a future where in-game economies mirror real-world economic systems, setting a precedent for a new model of virtual asset management that could redefine gaming finance. While still largely theoretical, SQ Stock represents a fascinating convergence of gaming and financial markets, offering insights into the future of digital economies in the gaming sphere. The Game-Changing Potential of SQ Stock in Virtual Economies In the dynamic gaming industry, innovation is a constant driver of growth, and SQ Stock emerges as a revolutionary concept that blurs the lines between gaming and financial markets. This innovative approach could transform how gamers and investors interact with in-game assets, ushering in a new era of virtual economies. Key Features of SQ Stock 1. Integration with In-Game Economies: SQ Stock leverages the existing in-game trading systems by offering a structured, market-like platform where virtual assets can be bought, sold, and traded. Players can engage with these assets much like stocks, responding to in-game developments and updates. 2. Enhanced User Engagement: By adopting a stock market model, developers can increase player involvement, as users might invest more time into games to manage their virtual portfolios. This also boosts player retention and fosters community building around asset trading. Use Cases and Innovations Development of Sophisticated Asset Management: Game developers can implement SQ Stock to better manage virtual economies. By mirroring real-world financial concepts, these virtual markets can become more dynamic, creating opportunities for long-term monetization and investment. Educational Applications: SQ Stock can serve educational purposes, offering players insights into stock market operations and investment strategies within a risk-free environment. This introduces younger players to financial literacy through interactive gaming experiences. Pros and Cons Pros: – Encourages sustained player interaction – Provides a new source of revenue for game developers – Introduces real-world economic principles into gaming Cons: – Risk of gambling elements influencing younger players – Regulatory challenges concerning virtual asset trading – Requires robust systems to prevent fraud and ensure security Predictions and Market Trends 1. Increased Adoption in Multiplayer Games: As multiplayer online games continue to dominate, SQ Stock is likely to find a natural fit in these environments where player interactions and economies are already vibrant. 2. Growth of Virtual Reality and Metaverse Applications: With the rise of the metaverse, SQ Stock could further integrate with virtual worlds, enhancing the realism and complexity of these emerging platforms. Security and Sustainability Security Aspects: Ensuring transactional security is paramount, as virtual markets need protection against hacks and fraud. Implementing blockchain technologies could enhance transparency and trust in these virtual markets. Sustainability: As gaming economies grow, sustainability becomes crucial. SQ Stock has the potential to encourage responsible spending and investment within game ecosystems, promoting a balanced economic environment. Conclusion SQ Stock is more than just a trend; it represents a paradigm shift in gaming finance. By merging the thrill of gaming with investment opportunities, it offers a unique proposition that could redefine player experiences and pave the way for more sophisticated virtual economies. Embracing this model could propel games into a new frontier of digital finance, aligning with broader technological advancements and market demands.LODI, Calif., Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Farmers & Merchants Bancorp FMCB announced today that Deborah Skinner, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, will be retiring effective December 31, 2024, after 24 years with Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California. The Company previously announced her intention to retire back on September 9, 2024. Ms. Skinner will remain with the Company through year-end to assist with the transition. "On behalf of the entire team at FMCB and the Board of Directors, I want to thank Debbie for her leadership and dedication to our company," said Kent A. Steinwert, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of FMCB. "During her time with the Company, Debbie has been vital to the development and successful execution of our business operations and strategy. I also want to personally thank Debbie for being a trusted advisor to me and true business partner to our management team. We all wish her a happy and well-deserved retirement." The Company also announced that Troy D. Harper will join the Company as its Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer effective December 9, 2024. Mr. Harper brings over 30 years of operational expertise in financial services to FMCB, including more than 20 years in commercial and retail banking. Prior to joining FMCB, he was Executive Vice President, Chief Information & Operations Officer for HomeStreet Bank, where he led deposit, loan, and treasury management operations, IT, corporate real estate, and security. His career experience includes additional banking and operational roles at the FDIC, Pierce Commercial Bank, CGI Group, and Deloitte Consulting. He received a B.S. in finance and accounting management from Northeastern University. Mr. Harper will work closely with Ms. Skinner until her retirement at year-end to ensure a seamless transition. "As we continue to expand our organization, it's important that we add highly accomplished, talented, and experienced people to our executive leadership team. Troy brings a depth and breadth of operations and IT experience to the Company that will enrich the management team, while enabling us to execute successfully on our objectives in 2025 and beyond," stated Mr. Steinwert. About Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, trades on the OTCQX under the symbol FMCB, and is the parent company of Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, also known as F&M Bank. Founded in 1916, F&M Bank is a locally owned and operated community bank, which proudly serves California through 33 convenient locations. F&M Bank is financially strong, with $5.4 billion in assets, and is consistently recognized as one of the nation's safest banks by national bank rating firms. The Bank has maintained a 5-Star rating from BauerFinancial for 34 consecutive years, longer than any other commercial bank in the State of California. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp has paid dividends for 89 consecutive years and has increased dividends for 59 consecutive years. As a result, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp is a member of a select group of only 56 publicly traded companies referred to as "Dividend Kings," and is ranked 17 th in that group based on consecutive years of dividend increases. A "Dividend King" is a stock with 50 or more consecutive years of dividend increase. In August 2024, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp was named by Bank Director's Magazine as the #2 best performing bank in the nation across all asset categories in their annual "Ranking Banking" study of the top performing banks for 2023. Last year the Bank was named by Bank Director's Magazine as the #1 best performing bank in the nation across all asset categories in their annual "Ranking Banking" study of the top performing banks for 2022. In April 2024, F&M Bank was ranked 6 th on Forbes Magazine's list of "America's Best Banks" in 2023. Forbes' annual "America's Best Banks" list looks at ten metrics measuring growth, credit quality, profitability, and capital for the 2023 calendar year, as well as stock performance in the 12 months through March 18, 2024. In December 2023, F&M Bank was ranked 4 th on S&P Global Market Intelligence's "Top 50 List of Best-Performing Community Banks" in the US with assets between $3.0 billion and $10.0 billion for 2023. S&P Global Market Intelligence ranks financial institutions based on several key factors including financial returns, growth, and balance sheet risk profile. In October 2021, F&M Bank was named the "Best Community Bank in California" by Newsweek magazine. Newsweek's ranking recognizes those financial institutions that best serve their customers' needs in each state. This recognition speaks to the superior customer service the F&M Bank team members provide to its clients. F&M Bank is the 15 th largest bank lender to agriculture in the United States. F&M Bank operates in the mid-Central Valley of California, including Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus, and Merced counties and the east region of the San Francisco Bay Area, including Napa, Alameda and Contra Costa counties. F&M Bank was inducted into the National Agriculture Science Center's "Ag Hall of Fame" at the end of 2021 for providing resources, financial advice, guidance, and support to the agribusiness communities as well as to students in the next generation of agribusiness workforce. F&M Bank is dedicated to helping California remain the premier agricultural region in the world and will continue to work with the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and processors. F&M Bank remains committed to servicing the needs of agribusiness in California as has been the case since its founding over 108 years ago. F&M Bank offers a full complement of loan, deposit, equipment leasing and treasury management products to businesses, as well as a full suite of consumer banking products. The FDIC awarded F&M Bank the highest possible rating of "Outstanding" in their last Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA") evaluation. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are based on management's current expectations regarding the Company's financial performance. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate" or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could" or "may." Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding management team changes and their anticipated impact on the Company, and the Company's expansion and its ability to execute on strategic objectives. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control, and which could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this document. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to the risk factors and other important factors detailed in the Company's Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs, and various other securities law filings made periodically by the Company, copies of which are available from the Company's website. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. For more information about Farmers & Merchants Bancorp and F&M Bank, visit fmbonline.com. Investor Relations Contact Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Bart R. Olson Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Phone: 209-367-2485 bolson@fmbonline.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Michigan fires offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell 3 days after Ohio State triumphStitch Registered Takes a Bold Step into the GCC: Democratizing Software Creation with AIGlobal stocks mostly rose Tuesday, with US and German indices posting records, as markets weighed Chinese stimulus hopes, political tensions in France and the US interest-rate outlook. Germany's blue-chip DAX stock index jumped above 20,000 points for the first time and Paris rebounded even as France braced for new political turmoil. In New York, both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq narrowly rose to finish at records, while the Dow pulled back. Oil prices jumped more than two percent following reports that crude exporters were near an agreement to extend production limits. A closely-watched labor market report showed an increase in US job openings in October, but also a decline in new job postings during the month, a less upbeat sign. Samuel Tombs, chief US economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said the data overall provides "good grounds" for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates again this month. Still, the choppiness of Tuesday's trading session in New York points to reticence among US investors following a series of post-election records that many pundits believe have left stocks overvalued. "There wasn't a lot of conviction behind the upside moves," said Briefing.com . "The overall vibe in the market was more negative." Stocks in Paris edged higher even as France headed into a new political crisis as opposition lawmakers vowed to topple the minority government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier in a no-confidence vote after just three months in office. Germany's DAX, meanwhile, scored a fresh milestone, defying multiple headwinds battering Europe's biggest economy. The German economy, hit hard by a manufacturing slowdown and weak demand for its exports, has struggled in 2024. Yet the DAX has advanced in large part because companies in the index do heavy business abroad. In addition, the euro's recent weakness has boosted Germany's export-oriented companies, while easing interest rates both in the eurozone and the United States have also helped sentiment. Investors greeted a Bloomberg report that China's top leaders, including President Xi Jinping, would hold a two-day economic work conference next week to outline their targets and stimulus plans for next year. The report followed manufacturing activity data on Monday that suggested China's economic struggles may be coming to an end, but investors are looking for Beijing to step up support for the economy. The news helped push Hong Kong and Shanghai stock markets higher despite Washington announcing new export restrictions taking aim at Beijing's ability to make advanced semiconductors. The moves step up existing US efforts to tighten curbs on exports of state-of-the-art AI chips to China. Beijing hit back by saying it would restrict exports to the United States of some key components in making semiconductors. Oil prices jumped ahead of a meeting Thursday of members of the OPEC oil cartel and its allies "The forecast is that they will announce an extension until the end of the first quarter of 2025, and this should help put a floor under prices," said Trade Nation analyst David Morrison. New York - Dow: DOWN 0.2 percent at 44,705.53 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.1 percent at 6,049.88 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 0.4 percent at 19,480.91 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.6 percent at 8,359.41 (close) Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.3 percent at 7,255.42 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: UP 0.4 percent at 20,016.75 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.9 percent at 39,248.86 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 1.0 percent at 19,746.32 (close) Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.4 percent at 3,378.81 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0511 from $1.0498 on Monday Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2673 from $1.2655 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 149.53 yen from 149.60 yen Euro/pound: DOWN at 82.94 from 82.95 pence Brent North Sea Crude: UP 2.5 percent at $73.62 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: UP 2.7 percent at $69.94 per barrel burs-jmb/dw

‘Sarathi’ initiative helps cut patient wait times from 4.2 hrs to 2.8 hrs at PGIMER ChandigarhSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea's embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law , as most ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party, but the party is also determined to oppose Yoon’s impeachment apparently because it fears losing the presidency to liberals. After the motion fell through, members of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party rallied inside the National Assembly, chanting slogans calling for Yoon's impeachment or resignation. The party's floor leader, Park Chan-dae, said it will soon prepare for a new impeachment motion. Opposition parties could submit a new impeachment motion after a new parliamentary session opens next Wednesday. “We'll surely impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, who is the greatest risk to Republic of Korea,” party leader Lee Jae-myung said. “We'll surely bring back this country to normal before Christmas Day or year's end.” Many experts worry Yoon won’t be able to serve out his remaining 2 1⁄2 years in office. They say some PPP lawmakers could eventually join opposition parties’ efforts to impeach Yoon if public demands for it grow further. The ruling party risks "further public outrage and national confusion if they don’t find a formula fast for Yoon’s departure,” said Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for a New American Security in Washington. PPP chair Han Dong-hun said his party will seek Yoon’s “orderly” early exit but didn’t say when he can resign. Protests against Yoon are swelling On Saturday, tens of thousands of people packed several blocks of roads leading to the National Assembly, waving banners, shouting slogans and dancing. Protesters also gathered in front of PPP’s headquarters near the Assembly, shouting for its lawmakers to vote to impeach Yoon. A smaller crowd of Yoon’s supporters, which still seemed to be in the thousands, rallied elsewhere in Seoul, calling the impeachment attempt unconstitutional. Impeaching Yoon required support from 200 of the National Assembly's 300 members. The Democratic Party and five other small opposition parties, which filed the motion, have 192 seats combined. But only three lawmakers from PPP participated in the vote. The motion was scrapped without ballot counting because the number of votes didn’t reach 200. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik called the result “very regrettable” and an embarrassing moment for the country’s democracy. If Yoon is impeached, his powers will be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office. If he is removed, an election to replace him must take place within 60 days. The president apologizes for turmoil Earlier Saturday, Yoon issued an apology over the martial law decree, saying he won’t shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration and promising not to make another attempt to impose it. He said would leave it to his party to chart a course through the country’s political turmoil, “including matters related to my term in office.” “The declaration of this martial law was made out of my desperation. But in the course of its implementation, it caused anxiety and inconveniences to the public. I feel very sorry over that and truly apologize to the people who must have been shocked a lot,” Yoon said. Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has struggled to push his agenda through an opposition-controlled parliament and grappled with low approval ratings amid scandals involving himself and his wife. In his martial law announcement on Tuesday night, Yoon called parliament a “den of criminals” bogging down state affairs and vowed to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces.” The declaration of martial law was the first of its kind in more than 40 years in South Korea. The turmoil has paralyzed South Korean politics and sparked alarm among key diplomatic partners like the U.S. and Japan. “Yoon’s credibility overseas has been undermined by declaring martial law, so he won’t be able to exercise leadership in his foreign policies especially when his days are numbered,” Kim, the analyst, said. “Its government bureaucracy will need to continue business as usual for existing alliance and foreign policy initiatives as best it can because there is a lot of important work to do globally.” Tuesday night saw special forces troops encircling the parliament building and army helicopters hovering over it, but the military withdrew after the National Assembly unanimously voted to overturn the decree, forcing Yoon to lift it before daybreak Wednesday. Eighteen lawmakers from the ruling party voted to reject Yoon’s martial law decree along with opposition lawmakers. PPP later decided to oppose Yoon's impeachment motion. Yoon’s speech fueled speculation that he and his party may push for a constitutional amendment to shorten his term, instead of accepting impeachment, as a way to ease public anger over the marital law and facilitate Yoon’s early exit from office. Lee told reporters that Yoon’s speech was “greatly disappointing” and that the only way forward is his immediate resignation or impeachment. His party called Yoon’s martial law “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup.” Lawmakers on Saturday first voted on a bill appointing a special prosecutor to investigate stock price manipulation allegations surrounding Yoon’s wife. Yoon accused of ordering arrests of politicians On Friday, Han, who criticized Yoon’s martial law declaration, said he had received intelligence that during the brief period of martial law Yoon ordered the country’s defense counterintelligence commander to arrest unspecified key politicians based on accusations of “anti-state activities.” Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Korea’s spy agency, told lawmakers Friday that Yoon had ordered him to help the defense counterintelligence unit to detain key politicians including Han, Lee and Woo. The Defense Ministry said Friday it suspended three military commanders including the head of the defense counterintelligence unit over their involvement in enforcing martial law. Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho has told parliament that Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun ordered the deployment of troops to the National Assembly. Opposition parties accused Kim of recommending to Yoon to enforce martial law. Kim Yong Hyun resigned Thursday, and prosecutors imposed an overseas travel ban on him.

What makes a hate crime? New Western research hopes to help future lawyers decide.Stitch Registered Takes a Bold Step into the GCC: Democratizing Software Creation with AIQatar tribune QNA Riyadh Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie has emphasised Qatar’s commitment to contributing actively to global efforts to enhance resilience to drought. Speaking at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13, Dr Subaie stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation to set comprehensive development tools, policies, and programmes focused on drought prevention and adaptation. He also highlighted the need for a proactive approach to shift from crisis management to preventive management, which could be done by putting in place early warning systems and evidence-based national plans. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change participated in the ministerial dialogue on drought resilience held under the title “From Geneva to Riyadh and beyond: Enhancing global and national policy instruments for a proactive drought management approach”. The ministerial dialogue highlighted the urgent need for innovative approaches to address the systemic impacts of drought. Dr Subaie called for investing in innovation and technology, supporting research, and adopting modern technologies to enhance the ability to predict drought and manage natural resources efficiently. He also emphasised the importance of involving communities in the design and implementation of drought-related programmes in order to ensure the sustainability of solutions and increase local resilience. He called for the creation of sustainable financing mechanisms and support for projects aimed at adapting to drought and rehabilitating degraded lands. He noted that Qatar has made significant efforts in combating desertification through a range of projects and initiatives focusing on environmental sustainability and natural resource management. The minister pointed out that the country has designated about 27 percent of its land as nature reserves, in addition to establishing a rainwater harvesting project, with the aim of preserving natural groundwater, establishing water treatment and recycling plants, and developing agricultural irrigation techniques using modern technology, all of which have improved water consumption efficiency. He also noted that the country has implemented effective policies to regulate water use in development projects, aiming to achieve a sustainable balance between economic development and environmental conservation. COP16 is the largest meeting of the parties to UNCCD, seeking to find solutions to environmental challenges threatening the planet, intensifying efforts to combat land degradation, mitigating the impacts of drought, and mobilising resources to find effective solutions for rehabilitating millions of hectares of degraded lands and reducing drought. It also supports decision-makers and encourages the role of the private sector and civil society organisations in protecting the environment and preserving natural resources. Copy 04/12/2024 10