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SwitchBot Unveils New Launch of SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo and Hub 3

TOKYO, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SwitchBot, a rising brand in smart home automation and retrofitting, proudly announces the launch of two groundbreaking new products—SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo and SwitchBot Hub 3—designed to deliver a smarter, safer, and more seamless home automation experience.

SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo & Hub 3
SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo & Hub 3

SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo

The new SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo is the world’s first retrofittable smart lock with 3D facial recognition, featuring the SwitchBot Lock Ultra, Keypad Vision, and Hub Mini Matter Enabled.

Highlighting its innovation is the 3D facial recognition system, which employs over 30,000 infrared points to create a high-resolution, millimeter-level facial map for authentication. Recognition is instantaneous—within one second—and highly secure, with a false recognition rate of less than 0.0001% and facial maps secured locally with an AES-128 bank-level encryption system. The system functions reliably in a wide range of conditions, including low-light environments, due to the built-in 850nm infrared light.

With up to 18 unlocking methods—including facial recognition, auto unlock, NFC cards, semi-conductive fingerprint recognition, app control, and voice commands—SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo offers unmatched versatility. Designed for nearly universal compatibility, the device can be installed on 99.9% of existing locks, such as Night Latch, Mortise, and Jimmy Proof etc., without the need for drilling or structural modification.

The FastUnlock™ system ensures near-instant unlocking by maintaining an always-on Bluetooth connection with the Keypad Vision. Equipped with an advanced motor that is 122.2% faster and 10.5% stronger in torque than its predecessor, it offers a remarkably quiet operation, measuring as low as 20 dB while working on its own, and precise control. In addition to the various modes of High Speed, Default, and Quiet, the Lock Ultra Vision Combo also provides a specially designed Night Mode, enabling auto locking at a specific time, creating an even quieter door entry experience at nighttime.

Moreover, SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo also features a three-tier battery design designed for maximum resilience that includes a large rechargeable main battery that could last up to 9 to 12 months, a backup CR123A cell, and an electrolytic emergency unlocking system for the most ultra reliability even in emergencies when the main battery is out of power. Meanwhile, the device also boasts an elegant, ultra-thin design with three wooden pattern pads and a 6-tier security system for ultimate peace of mind with ultra security.

The SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo will be available on SwitchBot’s official website and Amazon stores for $249.99/£299.99/€299.99/$349.99 (CAD). Meanwhile, SwitchBot also offers Lock Ultra Touch Combo on the SwitchBot’s official website and Amazon stores for $209.99/£249.99/€249.99/$299.99 (CAD).

SwitchBot Hub 3

Completing the new offerings, the SwitchBot Hub 3 serves as a powerful, Matter-enabled smart home control hub. SwitchBot Hub 3 can integrate with over 100,000 infrared (IR) devices, streaming TVs, and the SwitchBot ecosystem, meanwhile, it can also bring SwitchBot products to Matter.

Moreover, the device can also send up to 30 programmable commands to activate automation scenes consisting of Matter-compatible products from other brands that are already integrated into Apple Home, providing users with a centralized, intuitive interface to manage their entire home.

The device features the exclusive Dial Master™ rotary controller, enabling ultra-precise control over volume, temperature, and more. In addition, it offers customizable scene buttons and real-time indoor/outdoor environmental data monitoring. Meanwhile, the Hub 3 is also capable of creating custom automation routines, supporting energy-saving behaviors and enhanced user comfort through the combination of built-in sensors and preset criteria.

The SwitchBot Hub 3 will be available on SwitchBot’s official website and Amazon stores for $119.99/£129.99/€129.99/$149.99 (CAD) on May 22.

In addition to the products above, SwitchBot will also be revealing a series of their new innovations on their YouTube channel, including the SwitchBot AI Hub, Smart Video Doorbell, K20+ Pro, Garage Door Opener, Plug Mini (EU), Safety Alarm, Smart Radiator Thermostat, and a brand new light series.

For more information, visit SwitchBot’s official website or follow SwitchBot on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Porton Advanced Announces Collaboration with TongEYE to Accelerate Development of iPSC-RPEC transplantation therapy

SUZHOU, China, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Porton Advanced, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), is pleased to announce its partnership with TongEye Medical Technology (TongEYE), an innovator focusing on cell therapy drugs for ophthalmic diseases. Porton Advanced will provide comprehensive CDMO services to support iPSC-derived retinal pigment epithelium cell (RPEC) therapy program, including CMC development and IND application assistance, to accelerate the therapy development progress.

The iPSC-RPEC transplantation therapy has demonstrated significant potential in addressing blinding eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). TongEYE has established highly efficient and proprietary induction method for differentiation through pioneering work in retinal disease mechanisms and innovative therapies. This collaboration leverages Porton Advanced’s extensive expertise in iPSC and cell therapy to provide end-to-end CDMO services encompassing iPSC reprogramming and cell banking, process optimization for RPE-directed differentiation, GMP manufacturing of RPE cells, rigorous quality studies, and IND application support.

“We are pleased to partner with Porton Advanced, a leading CDMO with proven track records,” said Dr. Guo-Tong Xu, Founder and Chief Scientist of TongEYE. “Their CDMO capabilities and project experience in iPSC will significantly accelerate our ophthalmic cell therapy development program to benefit patients sooner.”

Andrew Chen, CFO of Porton Advanced, commented: “TongEYE’s R&D team has developed a robust RPE differentiation method and the products have been showing safety and functionality in preclinical studies. Through this collaboration, we will combine our iPSC-CMC expertise with their innovative platform to overcome key technical challenges in iPSC-based therapy development. Porton Advanced will integrate the international R&D expertise and rigorous quality systems and provide comprehensive support to advance this promising treatment globally.”

About TongEYE

TongEye Medical Technology (Ningbo) Co., Ltd. was established in October 2023, focusing mainly on the development and production of cell therapy drugs for ophthalmic diseases. In November, the company completed its angel round of financing. The company has multiple research and development pipelines. Among them, the key project of transplanting unique naive RPE cells derived from iPSCs for the treatment of dry retinal degeneration has achieved significantly better therapeutic effects in animal models compared with matureRPE cells. The established highly efficient induction and differentiation method with independent intellectual property rights has shortened the traditional differentiation cycle from 120 to 150 days to just 25 days, significantly reducing costs and improving accessibility. This brings hope for vision improvement to hundreds of millions of patients with dry retinal degeneration worldwide.

About Porton Advanced

Porton Advanced Solutions is a subsidiary of the leading CDMO, Porton Pharma Solutions. Porton Advanced has headquarters in Cranbury, New Jersey, and two GMP sites in Suzhou, China, providing end-to-end CDMO solutions for ATMPs. We offer services from cell banking, process, and analytical method development, cGMP production to fill & finish, covering different stages of drug development from early research, IITs, Investigational New Drug (IND) applications, clinical trials, New Drug Applications (NDA), to commercialization.

Porton Advanced has developed specialized CRO and CDMO platforms focusing on plasmids, viral vectors (lentiviral vector, adenoviral vector, AAV,etc), cell therapy CMC services including CAR-T, TCR-T, CAR-NK, HSC, exosome, etc) and nucleic acid therapies. Our state-of-the-art, GMP-compliant facilities span an impressive 215,000 sqft, equipped with 10 viral vector production lines, 12 GMP-compliant cell therapy production suites (including 2 suites for infectious donors), and a multitude of clean rooms. As of now, we have successfully supported our clients to secure 18 global IND approvals from NMPA, FDA, and Medsafe, with 5 ongoing Phase I/II ATMP projects. Additionally, Porton Advanced has supported the successful transition of several overseas clinical-stage pipelines into China.

HKCSS “Champions for Good Awards” 2025 Presented 31 Awards Recognizing Outstanding Achievements in the Social Service Sector Promoting Cross-Sector Collaboration for Collective Social Well-being

HONG KONG, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) hosted the 2025 “Champions for Good Awards” presentation ceremony yesterday (May 21), honoring social service organizations for their exceptional contributions and innovative practices. The event drew over 300 representatives from the social service, business, government, academic and professional sectors, celebrating excellence in service. Mr SUN Yuk Han, Chris, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, was the officiating guest, joining Revd Canon Hon KOON Ho Ming, Peter Douglas, BBS, JP, Chairperson of HKCSS; Ms CHAN Man Yee, Grace, Chief Executive; and other distinguished guests in presenting the awards.

HKCSS "Champions for Good Awards" 2025
HKCSS “Champions for Good Awards” 2025

Celebrating Excellence, Fostering Cross-Sector Collaboration

The “Champions for Good Awards” aim to recognize outstanding social service organizations while promoting collaboration and exchange cross-sector. This year, the awards featured two categories: “Excellence in Service” and “Excellence in Driving Change” with a total of 31 awards across diverse fields, including elderly services, children and youth services, rehabilitation services, health and mental health services, and more. The focus was on innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and user co-creation to drive sustainable development in social services.

Revd Canon Hon KOON Ho Ming, Peter Douglas, BBS, JP, Chairperson of HKCSS stated: ” The social service sector has always upheld professionalism, working tirelessly to serve the public and actively promote social development. The name ‘Champions for Good Awards’ not only represents the achievements and contributions of social welfare organizations in creating well-being but also reflects the sector’s shared belief in pursuing excellence and striving for the highest good. The ‘Champions for Good Awards’ has not only successfully raised public awareness and recognition of social welfare work but also significantly increased participation from businesses, professional groups, academia, and the general public.”

Mr SUN Yuk Han, Chris, JP, Secretary for Labour and Welfare, HKSAR Government praised: “It is a great pleasure to join this significant event of the social welfare sector. I am deeply inspired by the unwavering dedication. Regardless of the challenges we face or the constraints in resources, the sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, striving to address societal needs with utmost efforts and seeking the most effective solutions.” 

Award-Winning Projects Showcase Innovation and Impact

This year’s “Champions for Good Awards” attracted a record 342 submissions from over 100 social service organizations, resulting in intense competition. Winning projects underwent three rounds of rigorous evaluation and were assessed by a panel of 71 cross-sector professional judges before emerging victorious. Here are some highlights:

  • The “Grand Prix Award in Service” was awarded to The Hong Kong Society for the Aged for their 賽馬會傲齡匯;
  • The “Grand Prix Award in Driving Change” was awarded to the co-applicants: Hong Kong Christian Service, The Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs Association of Hong Kong, Caritas Hong Kong Youth and Community Service, Hong Kong Children and Youth Services, Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association and SideBySide for their CLAP@JC;
  • The “Public Voting Award” selected by public vote, was granted to Global Chinese Breast Cancer Organizations Alliance Limited for their Pink Angel Services.

 Advancing the Future of Social Services

Since its inception, the “Champions for Good Awards” has been committed to promoting professional development and cross-sector collaboration within the social service sector. The judging panel comprised professionals from government departments, charitable foundations, businesses, and academic institutions, ensuring a diverse and expert-led evaluation process. HKCSS extends our gratitude to the judging panel for providing valuable feedback on all participating projects, fostering mutual learning among organizations.

HKCSS will continue to foster exchange and collaboration within the social service sector through the “Champions for Good Awards” and other platforms, while supporting organizations in enhancing their professional capabilities to meet future challenges.

Revd Canon Hon KOON Ho Ming, Peter Douglas, BBS, JP, called for collective action: “Moving forward, let us work together to address societal challenges and create lasting well-being for our community!”

For the full list of winners and more details about the 2025 “Excellence in Social Service Awards,” please visit the official website: https://award.hkcss.org.hk/.

*Download List of Awardees, photos of the ceremony
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Aok6I_9MZsxNjUmk4hzXA7Da1QM8DC49?usp=drive_link

VinTech Showcases AI Vision at FIX Trading Summit

Conceptual Preview of FIX AMA Underscores AI’s Potential

HONG KONG, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VinTech, a leading provider of professional fintech and AI solutions, made a notable appearance today at the 23rd Asia Pacific Trading Summit hosted by the FIX Trading Community in Hong Kong. VinTech unveiled the concept for an AI-powered platform, FIX AMA (Ask Me Anything), a concept fully supported and developed by VinTech. The summit brought together over 600 trading and technology professionals from across the region to explore the latest trends in electronic trading.

The FIX (Financial Information eXchange) protocol is the global standard for electronic trading communications, adopted across equities, fixed income, forex, and derivatives markets. FIX Trading Community, the volunteer driven standards body behind the protocol, has shaped its global adoption and continuing innovation.

At the summit, VinTech showcased a range of innovations spanning both AI and fintech headlined by FIX AMA. Currently in its concept stage, FIX AMA is being designed to provide users with real-time, comprehensive and accurate technical support, powered by FIX’s official golden source documentation. The platform aims to eliminate the need for manual searches through scattered documentation, saving time for FIX protocol users and significantly improving efficiency.

We’re excited to engage with industry leaders at the FIX Summit and share our vision for AI in financial communications,” said Jay Law, Deputy CEO of VinTech. “The positive engagement and feedback we’ve received on this FIX AMA concept underscores the industry’s growing demand for intelligent, protocol-aware support tools.

Ed Mangles, Asia Pacific Regional Director, FIX Trading Community added, “As the industry looks to AI to help solve for friction points across workflows and processes, the FIX Asia Pac community appreciates VinTech’s forward-thinking approach to Al and their willingness to collaborate on ideas to help make FIX even more accessible and potentially unlock new possibilities for FIX through Al.”

About VinTech

VinTech is a technology solutions provider with dual expertise in artificial intelligence and financial technology. Committed to building intelligent, secure, and scalable solutions, VinTech empowers financial institutions and enterprises to modernize operations, enhance decision-making, and accelerate digital transformation.

JOIN FDI WORLD DENTAL FEDERATION’S 2025 VIRTUAL SUMMIT TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN DENTISTRY AND REDUCE THE PROFESSION’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

GENEVA, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) is proud to announce the third edition of its Virtual Summit on Sustainability in Dentistry, taking place from 05 – 06 June 2025 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM EST / 04:00 to 05:30 PM CEST. This landmark event continues to provide a global platform for exchanging knowledge, showcasing real-world implementation strategies, and offering practical tools to advance sustainability in the dental profession.

Following the overwhelming success of its 2023 and 2024 Summits, this year’s event focuses on equipping oral health professionals with actionable solutions and evidence-based guidance. Attendees will hear from sustainability leaders across the industry, explore inspiring case studies, and gain access to new educational resources designed to transform environmental commitments into lasting practice change.

“We are thrilled to host the Sustainability in Dentistry Summit once again,” says Dr Greg Chadwick, FDI President. “This year’s programme is especially exciting as we shift the focus from theory to implementation. By offering concrete tools and resources, FDI is empowering oral health professionals around the world to be part of the solution. Environmental sustainability is not just a goal – it’s a professional responsibility. We are deeply grateful to our founding partners – Dentsply Sirona, Haleon, and Sunstar – as well as our supporting partners, whose ongoing commitment and collaboration make this work possible. Their dedication continues to drive innovation and meaningful progress in our profession.”

In 2025, FDI has unveiled various new resources as part of its Sustainability in Dentistry Project. A second Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), Tackling Common Challenges to Sustainable Dentistry, was launched earlier this year. This new course moves beyond foundational principles and supports dental teams in implementing sustainable practices, addressing common barriers and offering practical strategies.

In addition, FDI has developed a suite of educational resources for academic institutions and training providers. These materials are designed to support curriculum integration and institutional change, equipping the next generation of dental professionals with the knowledge and values needed to champion environmental responsibility.

Since the launch of the Sustainability in Dentistry Project in 2021, FDI has highlighted innovative efforts across its global network of national dental associations, academic institutions, and private practices. Initiatives like the Sustainability Toolkit, Pledge for Sustainable Oral Healthcare, and Sustainability Awards continue to drive momentum, while strategic partnerships with industry leaders ensure long-term impact.

Join us from 05 – 06 June 2025 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM EST / 04:00 to 05:30 PM CEST, for the virtual Sustainability in Dentistry Summit and be part of the movement to improve the environmental impact of the dental profession worldwide.

Register here

 – Picture is available at AP

Media contact
Charanjit Jagait, FDI Public Health, Advocacy and Communications Director
cjagait@fdiworlddental.org | Tel.: +41 797967613

About FDI World Dental Federation
FDI World Dental Federation is the leading global voice of the dental profession, representing over 1 million dentists across more than 130 countries. With around 200 member organizations, FDI is committed to advancing global oral health and supporting the dental community through science, advocacy, and education.
www.fdiworlddental.org/

Learn more about the Sustainability in Dentistry project
Supported by founding partners Dentsply Sirona, Haleon, and Sunstar; and supporters Colgate, Kulzer, and SDI Limited.
www.fdiworlddental.org/sustainability-dentistry

O-RAN Digital Twin Platform Co-Funded by O-RAN ALLIANCE Powers Research and Innovation in AI and Open RAN

  • The O-RAN ALLIANCE successfully concludes its seed funding initiative launched in November 2023
  • Evolved O-RAN Digital Twin platform enables lab deployment of O-RAN-based networks in a few clicks
  • The platform is designed for the research community to accelerate innovation at the intersection of AI, open RAN and network optimization

BONN, Germany, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The O-RAN ALLIANCE and the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things at Northeastern University have successfully concluded the seed funding initiative, launched by O-RAN ALLIANCE in November 2023 to support research and development of next generation open Radio Access Network (RAN) infrastructure.

Logos of The Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things at Northeastern University and O-RAN ALLIANCE (PRNewsFoto/O-RAN Alliance)
Logos of The Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things at Northeastern University and O-RAN ALLIANCE (PRNewsFoto/O-RAN Alliance)

The funding initiative was led by O-RAN ALLIANCE’s next Generation Research Group (nGRG). Its objective was to provide a forum to facilitate O-RAN related 6G research efforts and determine how O-RAN may evolve to support mobile wireless networks in the 6G timeframe and beyond, by leveraging industry and academic 6G research efforts worldwide. The purpose of the seed funding was to be a significant enabler for broader funding of research platforms for next generation infrastructure.

The Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things at Northeastern University, as the funding awardee, utilized the 200,000 USD sponsorship to evolve its Colosseum lab and research platform. The result is a comprehensive, automated O-RAN Digital Twin (O-DT) platform designed for the research community to accelerate innovation at the intersection of AI, open RAN and network optimization.

The evolved O-RAN Digital Twin platform enables researchers to deploy O-RAN-based networks—including base stations, user equipment, and Radio Intelligent Controllers (RIC)—in just a few clicks. The platform automatically initiates data collection, training, and testing pipelines for RIC-based xApps and rApps, and plays a key role in continuous validation of open-source protocol stacks. It is also ready to support future development of dApps for real-time network control and other cutting-edge use cases.

“The O-RAN ALLIANCE seed funding supported the efforts to advance Colosseum into a state-of-the-art platform that effectively enables the research community to develop innovations for the RAN,” said Michele Polese, Research Assistant Professor at Northeastern University and PI of the O-RAN O-DT project. “This initiative has sparked the creation of new solutions to tackle the next fundamental challenge toward fully realizing the Open RAN vision, i.e., intelligent and dynamic network control and optimization. We look forward to further evolving the O-RAN Digital Twin to address future needs of modern RANs.”

“It is exciting to see the outcomes of the O-RAN ALLIANCE seed funding initiative delivering tangible value to RAN researchers,” said Ravi Sinha, VP Technology and Solution Development at Reliance Jio and co-chair of nGRG. “These research outcomes form basis for future specification development within the O-RAN ALLIANCE, enabling a global market of scaled, innovative and competitive solutions, advancing our mission towards an open, intelligent, virtualized and fully interoperable RAN.”

About O-RAN ALLIANCE
The O-RAN ALLIANCE is a world-wide community of mobile operators, vendors, and research & academic institutions operating in the Radio Access Network (RAN) industry. As the RAN is an essential part of any mobile network, the O-RAN ALLIANCE’s mission is to re-shape the industry towards more intelligent, open, virtualized and fully interoperable mobile networks. The new O-RAN specifications enable a more competitive and vibrant RAN supplier ecosystem with faster innovation to improve user experience. O-RAN based mobile networks at the same time improve the efficiency of RAN deployments as well as operations by mobile operators. To achieve this, the O-RAN ALLIANCE publishes new RAN specifications, releases open software for the RAN, and supports its members in integration and testing of their implementations.
For more information, please visit www.o-ran.org.

About the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things at Northeastern University
Researchers and students at the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things (WIoT) envision a future in which people and their environment are wirelessly connected by a continuum of AI-powered devices and networks, from driverless cars and search-and-rescue drone swarms to implantable medical devices and smart cities. The institute is home to world-leading expertise, facilities, and technologies dedicated to making wireless communications exponentially faster, more energy efficient, and more secure. Within WIoT, Open6G is a one-stop shop for Open RAN innovation. Located at the Northeastern University Boston and Burlington, MA campuses, Open6G is a hub for research, development, and testing of advanced wireless networks using Open RAN and AI technologies, and hosts world-leading experimental facilities for 5G research.

Yunji Selects WWC, P.C. as its Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

HANGZHOU, China, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Yunji Inc. (“Yunji” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: YJ), a leading membership-based social e-commerce platform, today announced that the Company’s board of directors and the audit committee of the board approved the dismissal of PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP (“PwC”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, effective May 22, 2025, and the appointment of WWC, P.C. (“WWC”) as the Company’s new independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, effective May 22, 2025.

The reports of PwC on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.  

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the subsequent interim period through May 22, 2025, there have been (i) no disagreements (as defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F) between the Company and PwC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PwC, would have caused PwC to make reference thereto in their reports on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for such years, and (ii) no reportable events (as defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F).

About Yunji Inc.

Yunji Inc. is a leading social e-commerce platform in China that has pioneered a unique, membership-based model to leverage the power of social interactions. The Company’s e-commerce platform offers high-quality products at attractive prices across a wide variety of categories catering to the day-to-day needs of Chinese consumers. In addition, the Company uses advanced technologies including big data and artificial intelligence to optimize user experience and incentivize members to promote the platform as well as share products with their social contacts. Through deliberate product curation, centralized merchandise sourcing, and efficient supply chain management, Yunji has established itself as a trustworthy e-commerce platform with high-quality products and exclusive membership benefits, including discounted prices.

For more information, please visit https://investor.yunjiglobal.com/

Investor Relations Contact

Yunji Inc.
Investor Relations
Email: Yunji.IR@icrinc.com 
Phone: +1 (646) 224-6957

ICR, LLC
Robin Yang
Email: Yunji.IR@icrinc.com 
Phone: +1 (646) 224-6957

UNESCO honours Sharjah Ruler for Arabic historical dictionary

  • Issued by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau

PARIS, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a Supreme Council Member and the Ruler of Sharjah, was awarded a distinguished UNESCO honour upon the completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. At the official ceremony held at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, themed “Arabic Language: A Bridge Between Heritage and Knowledge”, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), was present, along with Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).

UNESCO honours Sharjah Ruler for Arabic historical dictionary
UNESCO honours Sharjah Ruler for Arabic historical dictionary

Upon his arrival at UNESCO headquarters, His Highness was received and warmly welcomed by Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO; Fahd Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to France; Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah’s Department of Culture; Jamal Al-Turaifi, President of Al Qasimia University; Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority; Ali Al-Haj Al Ali, UAE Permanent Delegate to UNESCO; and Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority.

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah delivered a speech during the ceremony, stating, “It is my honour to stand among you today in this esteemed cultural forum at UNESCO, whose noble mission we revere and whose fruitful partnership we cherish. Together, we commemorate a groundbreaking scholarly and cultural milestone, the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. This occasion is further enriched by its coincidence with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a day designated by UNESCO to promote mutual understanding and respect among cultures, reinforcing our collective humanity.

“Language, in all its forms, undeniably serves as the main repository of culture and the most authentic reflection of a community’s identity. In celebrating the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language today, we honour a vital aspect of our rich human diversity, represented by the Arabic language, which carries a deep civilisational heritage and has had a significant scientific and humanistic impact.”

His Highness subsequently emphasised the contributions of the partner institutions that played a role in the creation of the dictionary.

His Highness emphasised that all languages possess an equal right to exist and evolve, stating, “When we restore to Arabic its rightful history and highlight the aspects of its development, we simultaneously affirm to the world that every language is entitled to existence, progress and celebration, and that cultural justice demands that humanity not be reduced to a single tongue, nor the civilisations of peoples confined to one model. Just as biodiversity ensures the continuity of life, cultural and linguistic diversity secures the ongoing evolution and revitalisation of human creativity.”

He then conveyed his sincere appreciation to UNESCO for recognising the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language and for the collaborative cultural initiatives between Sharjah and the organisation:

He wrapped up with a call for unity: “Let us move forward together, dear friends, hand in hand, to enhance our cultural dialogue, to protect our common human heritage, and to guarantee that every culture’s voice is acknowledged, every language valued, and every people stay true to their genuine identity.”

At the ceremony, Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, presented a speech to welcome His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. She expressed her pleasure regarding the visit of the Sharjah delegation to Paris, acknowledging the emirate as a worldwide centre of knowledge and culture. Azoulay emphasised Sharjah’s significant investments in diverse areas that align with UNESCO’s mission, pointing out its achievement of multiple international cultural awards.

Azoulay praised the foresight of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, which has placed culture and knowledge at the heart of Sharjah’s policies. She recognised the emirate’s arrangements for various cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions that span multiple areas of culture, arts, and history.

She acknowledged Sharjah’s initiative in signing an agreement to digitise UNESCO’s archives, marking a significant step towards preserving the organisation’s vast collection of books and documents, some of which date back over 80 years. This initiative guarantees the protection of precious historical documents that detail various events, agreements, and initiatives.

Azoulay conveyed her appreciation for the successful completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, a significant accomplishment achieved under the guidance of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. Created by a multitude of researchers and editors from 20 linguistic institutions throughout the Arab world, this dictionary has earned recognition from the Guinness World Records as the largest historical dictionary.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah graciously signed a copy of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language and presented it as a gift to UNESCO.

UNESCO honours Sharjah Ruler for Arabic historical dictionary
UNESCO honours Sharjah Ruler for Arabic historical dictionary

 

UNESCO honours Sharjah Ruler for Arabic historical dictionary
UNESCO honours Sharjah Ruler for Arabic historical dictionary