The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has made a strong appeal for an immediate ceasefire both in Gaza and Lebanon at a press conference on the situation in the Middle East on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters at the UN headquarters in New York, Guterres said the Middle East is a powder keg with many parties holding the match, and attacks in Lebanon are threatening the entire region.
"Large-scale Israeli strikes deep into Lebanon, including Beirut, have killed more than 2,000 people over the last year, and 1,500 in just the past two weeks alone. The toll has already surpassed the 2006 war in Lebanon," said Guterres.
He said that the Israel Defense Forces recently started incursions across the Blue Line.
"We are on the verge of an all-out war in Lebanon, with already devastating consequences. But there is still time to stop. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected," Guterres said.
Noting the worsening situation in the Middle East, the UN chief called for an immediate ceasefire and irreversible action for a two-state solution.
"The conflict in the Middle East is getting worse by the hour, and our warnings about the horrific impacts of escalation keep coming to pass. Every air strike, every missile launch, every rocket fired, pushes peace further out of reach and makes the suffering even worse for the millions of civilians caught in the middle," said Guterres.
"That is why we cannot and will not give up on our calls for an immediate ceasefire both in Gaza and Lebanon, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, and immediate lifesaving aid to all those who desperately need it. That is why we cannot and will not give up on our calls for irreversible action for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine," he continued.
UN chief makes strong appeal for ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon
UN chief makes strong appeal for ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon
UN chief makes strong appeal for ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon
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
