UAE continues to make a difference in humanitarian aid

ABU DHABI / WAM

The UAE will join global celebrations for World Humanitarian Day, commemorated on August 19 every year.
On this day, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) advocates on behalf of the entire humanitarian community, honouring humanitarian efforts worldwide and propagating the idea of supporting people in crisis. This year’s World Humanitarian Day is set to celebrate ‘Women Humanitarians’ and their undying contribution in making the world a better place.
This year’s campaign on Women Humanitarians supports the recognition that women deserve in the strengthening of global humanitarian response as well as in protection efforts under international law.
Since the establishment of the UAE by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country has succeeded in making a difference in the humanitarian aid and development. For five years running, the UAE was named the world’s largest donor of development assistance in proportion to its
gross national income (GNI), according to the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The UAE’s foreign aid policy is characterised by its non-discrimination, distributing assistance to people in need, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or any other social or personal considerations.
It has a humanitarian mindset, and not governed by politics, applying the practical application of the country’s tolerance values, as laid down by the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
As the world commemorates Women Humanitarians, it is worth noting great strides Emirati women have made and their significant input in global humanitarian efforts. Most notable of all is the Mother of the Nation, HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mub-arak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Sup-reme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, who continues to play an indefatigable role in supporting women and children locally and globally.
Through HH’s various initiatives — including ‘Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Volunteering Programme’ and ‘Global Humanitarian Campaign’ – many Emirati men and women were encouraged and enabled to carry out volunteer work in various countries to assist persons in need across the health, education, culture and sustainability sectors.
Another female Emirati figure to highlight is UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Has- hemy. Her contribution to assist societies and peoples both loc-ally and globally are noted in her tireless efforts as a UAE Minister of State, and as Chairperson of Dubai Cares, a charity organisation in the country that plays a key role to achieve UN SDG 4 that seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.