Lahore, The Punjab Police force is set to receive an upgrade in equipment, including new PT shoes and water dispensers, following approval from Inspector General Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar. This initiative aims to enhance the welfare and working conditions of the police personnel across various districts.

According to Punjab Police, a contract has been awarded to a private company for the supply of 8,000 new pairs of PT shoes, priced at Rs. 2,080 per pair, amounting to a total expenditure of Rs. 1 crore 66 lakh 40 thousand. The distribution of these new PT shoes to officials stationed in different districts will be conducted As per a predetermined schedule.

In addition to footwear, the welfare of the police force will further be improved with the acquisition of new water dispensers. A total of 17 units will be purchased at a cost of Rs. 48,000 each, with Rs. 8 lakh 16 thousand already allocated for this purpose.

These upgrades reflect the department’s commitment to the health and comfort of its officers, ensuring they have the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively.

Rio de Janeiro, In a historic move, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is participating in the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, marking the first time the organization has been involved as a privileged partner. UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, is in Rio de Janeiro on February 21 and 22 to engage in discussions aimed at addressing international tensions and reforming global governance.

According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, this year’s inclusion of UNESCO in the G20 activities is a direct result of the Brazilian Presidency’s initiative. The collaboration signifies a new milestone in the relationship between UNESCO and the G20, reflecting the organization’s increased involvement in various working groups since 2020. UNESCO’s efforts have focused on emphasizing the importance of education, culture, science, and information in the G20 Leaders’ Declarations.

During the meeting, Azoulay is expected to discuss UNESCO’s proactive measures in response to global conflicts, including its actions in Yemen, Ukraine, and post-conflict recovery efforts in Iraq. She will highlight the organization’s success in strengthening the unity of its Member States around its core mandate and its move towards greater universality, notably with the United States rejoining UNESCO in 2023.

On the second day of the meeting, the Director-General will address the reform of global governance, outlining UNESCO’s pivotal role in coordinating global efforts to achieve quality education for all, a key sustainable development goal of the United Nations for 2030. Azoulay will also detail UNESCO’s initiatives in the realm of new technologies, including the establishment of the first global ethical framework for artificial intelligence use in 2021 and the recent publication of the Global Principles for Trustworthy Online Information in November 2023.

Furthermore, Azoulay’s agenda includes bilateral meetings with several foreign ministers, underscoring the significance of UNESCO’s engagement in global diplomatic discussions.

The participation of UNESCO in the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting underlines the growing recognition of cultural, educational, and scientific dimensions in addressing global challenges and shaping international policy.