U.N. Secretary-General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Thursday called on all members of the U.N. Security Council to exert a positive influence in promoting the easing of tensions between Lebanon and Israel.
Dujarric made the statements in response to the escalating crisis along the Lebanon-Israel border.
"The Secretary-General and senior staff and especially colleagues on the ground have been following the situation very closely in terms of the developments in south Lebanon and in northern Israel. Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, has been in constant contact with all concerned actors to urge for restraint and calm as well as to support diplomatic efforts to end this cycle of violence urgently. We continue to urge the parties to recommit to the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 and return to a cessation of hostilities to restore stability. It is important that member states also exercise a positive influence on moving towards de-escalation," he said.
Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border have escalated since Oct 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack the previous day. Israel retaliated with heavy artillery fire toward southern Lebanon.
The Israel-Hebollah tensions have grown even worse after the deadly back-to-back attacks targeting Hezbollah members in Lebanon – with pagers simultaneously exploding across the country on Tuesday, then walkie-talkies detonating in a similar fashion on Wednesday. Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the attacks, while Israel has made no response to the charge.
At least 37 people, including children, have been killed in the attacks. Thousands more are injured – many maimed and in critical condition after communications devices exploded in their pockets or in their face.
UN urges member states to promote de-escalation in Lebanon-Israel tensions
UN urges member states to promote de-escalation in Lebanon-Israel tensions
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
