International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-associated humanitarian organization, is calling for more international support to help the increasing numbers of stranded migrants in Lebanon in need of evacuation.
According to the organization, Lebanon hosts at least 177,000 migrant workers, primarily from Africa and Asia.
As large-scale Israeli strikes go deep into Lebanon, people are scrambling for safety as best they can. However, numerous foreign workers have been left homeless and living on the city streets after being abandoned by their employers and turned away by local shelters that were taking in displaced Lebanese nationals.
In an exclusive interview with China Central Television (CCTV), IOM Director General Amy Pope said more global resources are needed to help evacuate stranded residents from dangerous areas in Lebanon.
"Right now, there already have been over 400,000 people who've been displaced as a result of the conflict. It is increasingly difficult to leave the country because air traffic routes have been shut down. So we're working very closely with our partner governments around the world to help people get home safely, to ensure that people have access to flights or other ways of getting home, to make sure that there's communication between them and their loved ones at home. We're scaling up to do that now. But I will say there are existing resource needs. When we are evacuating people in a state of conflict, the resources can be quite significant. And so, we call upon all of our partners within the global community," said Pope.
Since Sept. 23, the Israeli military has been carrying out an extensive air campaign in Lebanon, dubbed "Arrows of the North," in a dangerous escalation with Hezbollah.
Since October last year, Hezbollah and Israeli forces have been exchanging fire along the Lebanese-Israeli border, stoking fears of a wider conflict as the war between Hamas and Israel continues in Gaza.
The death toll in Lebanon from the ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 2,141 since October 2023, with 10,099 others injured, according to a report released by Lebanese Environment Minister Nasser Yassin on Wednesday, who is also Coordinator of the Government Emergency Committee.
IOM calls for int'l support to evacuate stranded migrants in Lebanon
IOM calls for int'l support to evacuate stranded migrants in 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
