‘Zayed a role model for humanitarian assistance’

ABU DHABI / WAM

HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, has said that the memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is a milestone in the history of the UAE, as he was an exceptional leader
who fulfilled the hopes of the Emirati people for overall development.
In her speech marking the annual Zayed Humanitarian Work Day on 19th Ramadan, she asserted that the memory of Sheikh Zayed will always remain in the hearts of the
Emirati and Arab people.
Sheikha Fatima affirmed that the nation’s partnership with women is among the priorities of the wise leadership since the era of Sheikh Zayed, as they realised, at an early stage, the fundamental role of women in the UAE’s development. They also launched programmes that aim to reinforce the national character of women, she added. Sheikha Fatima went on to note the Founding Father’s directives that created a shift towards supporting women’s development and empowerment, while highlighting the nation’s progress in global competitiveness indexes, particularly in women’s development arenas.
“He encouraged and supported me to help empower women and motivate them to pursue their education. He also established the relevant organisations responsible for women’s rights and issues. Sheikh Zayed looked forward to the day when he could see female Emirati doctors, engineers and ambassadors, and his wishes came true, as Emirati women occupy positions such as ministers, the Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), members of the FNC, doctors, engineers, officers, and air defence pilots,” Sheikha Fatima continued.
“As we celebrate Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, we renew our vows as the people of this giving country to pursue his generous journey and blessed approach in building a civilised nation, which now has an advanced position among developed countries and leads in international humanitarian work, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, as well as Their Highnesses, Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates,” she added.
Sheikha Fatima concluded, “Zayed Humanitarian Work Day is an occasion to express our love and loyalty for our role model of humanitarian giving, and to prove to the world that the journey of our nation’s founder continues to be carried forward.”

‘UAE committed to Zayed’s values, legacy’
Abu Dhabi / WAM

Dr Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the National Media Council (NMC), asserted that Zayed Humanitarian Work Day represents a national occasion where the nation proudly looks back on the UAE Founding Father’s role in establishing the country’s reputation and prestige as one of the most generous countries in the world, and among the most prolific donors in terms of humanitarian aid, empowering nations and peoples around the world to conquer the
challenges they face.
“With the dedication of President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses, Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, the charity and philanthropy long promoted and practiced by the late Sheikh Zayed has become part of the UAE’s heritage, and a guiding principle that the Emirates consistently espouses,” Dr. Al Jaber said in a statement.
He went on to say that this commitment to Sheikh Zayed’s values has earned the UAE the respect and admiration of the international community, which has come to regard our country as a role model and a trailblazer in spreading hope and happiness.
The UAE’s humanitarian efforts are an integral part of its message, culture and noble values that the late Sheikh Zayed strived to embed in Emirati society, Dr. Al Jaber concluded, recalling the Founding Father’s devotion to spreading generosity, peace and brotherhood, and to helping those in need anywhere in the world.

‘An exceptional day for UAE’
Abu Dhabi / WAM

Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Commander-General of the Abu Dhabi Police (ADP), stated that 19th Ramadan is an exceptional day for the UAE, as the country celebrates the humanitarian values established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The day is also crucial to the UAE’s present and future, and is a source of pride for Emiratis, and promotes the values of giving, tolerance and compassion, he added.
In his speech marking the occasion, Al Rumaithi said that celebrating 19th Ramadan reinforces the humanitarian approach of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed.
He added that Sheikh Zayed promoted compassion, tolerance and giving among the Emirati community, which is proud of its values and traditions and expresses its gratitude to Sheikh Zayed through advancing his humanitarian work and giving beyond the UAE’s borders.
Al Rumaithi also pointed out that the occasion reflects the desire of the Emirati people to reinforce Sheikh Zayed’s approach and continue his journey of giving, through the many humanitarian initiatives launched by the UAE that benefited people around the world.
Al Rumaithi praised the UAE’s efforts to assist the work of humanitarian and charity convoys, including those that carry humanitarian and medical aid, which has made the UAE the leader in supporting communities, in light of the approach of Sheikh Zayed that was followed by the wise leadership.

‘Zayed Humanitarian Day comes to ease living conditions of helpless people’
Abu Dhabi / WAM

In commemoration of Zayed Humanitarian Day which falls on the 19th day of Ramadan every year, Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, President of Zayed University, expressed admiration to such a noble ongoing initiative for the past seven years.
“The day honours the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the nation, with the date enhancing the spirit of the holy month’s compassion and philanthropy across the UAE,” she said. “This year marks the 14th death anniversary of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who established the UAE path to a humanitarian journey of giving,” Sheikha Lubna said.
The Zayed Humanitarian Work Day came to ease the living conditions of helpless people as directed by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan whose actions are being spoken of worldwide.
The UAE and its citizens have gained unmatched admiration and respect around the world, and have positioned the country to lead the humanitarian activities at regional and international levels. “On the 19th of Ramadan each year, Zayed’s generous legacy remains alive, crossing all barriers and borders to help the needy in almost everywhere.”
“In 2017, and for the fifth consecutive year, UAE topped the world’s No. 1 largest donor of official foreign aids, according to the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), compared with its 1.31 percent global measure of donor efforts, double the global target of 0.7 percent set by the United Nations.
She noted that the UAE aids, according to a report by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, had reached 147 countries across the world and contributed to bridging huge gaps in financing infrastructure projects in many developing countries through programmes targeted at urban development, transportation infrastructure, health, education and renewable energy.
“Sheikh Zayed, whose name continues to remain synonymous with kindness and generosity, embedded upon his people values of solidarity and contribution. He urged us to treat others with care and respect. Humanitarian and charitable matters were highly sought to by Late Sheikh Zayed whether inside or beyond the country’s borders.”
Al Qasimi recalled a statement by Sheikh Zayed, when he said, “We believe that the grace of wealth bestowed upon us by the almighty must be unfolded to encircle our friends and brethren around the world.”
Sheikha Lubna said that the UAE continues its humanitarian path under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates.

‘UAE a global hub for humanitarian, charity work’
Abu Dhabi / WAM

Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, has highlighted the special significance of this year’s Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, which coincides with the Year of Zayed.
She noted that the UAE has adopted a holistic approach to humanitarian and charity work with a long-term strategy underpinned by altruism, generosity and the desire to achieve sustainable social
development.
Buhumaid said, “Celebrating Zayed Humanitarian Work Day on the 19th day of the Holy Month of Ramadan every year the date on which Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan passed away reflects our commitment to carrying on his legacy of caring and generosity that has established the UAE as a global hub for humanitarian and charity work.
“With his genuine concern for the well-being of people at home and abroad regardless of religion, colour or language, Sheikh Zayed was a paragon of global humanitarianism. Our wise leadership’s keen interest in commemorating the noble deeds of our founding father through launching charity initiatives testifies to the everlasting impact of his legacy.”
In celebration of Sheikh Zayed’s humanitarian contributions on the occasion of Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, the Ministry of Community Development and its 40 offices and centres across the country have organised more than 100 events that target all segments of society.

‘Sheikh Zayed recognised importance of agriculture’
ROME / WAM

As the United Arab Emirates celebrates ‘Zayed Humanitarian Work Day’ on Monday, the 19th of Ramadan, Jose Graziano da Silva, the director general of the Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), praised the late Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE, for what he described as his “great understanding for the important role agriculture plays in the advancement of humanity.”
Sheikh Zayed, Da Silva said in a message to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), “was a man with a bright vision in areas related to agriculture, the environment and water. He helped turn large tracts of desert green by investing in agriculture.”
The Sheikh Zayed International Media and Knowledge Centre, which was inaugurated at the FAO headquarters in Rome in 2012, Da Silva said, “is an important token of our appreciation for the founder of the UAE.”
Since it was established, according to FAO officials, over 360 events have been hosted at the Centre, including international press conferences, launches of global reports and other important functions, in which heads of state, royalty, ministers, Nobel Prize winners and other leading figures have taken part.
The project to construct the Centre was initiated by former FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf in 2007, with construction being completed at the end of 2011.

It was officially inaugurated by the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the FAO director general in April 2012.
At the opening, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah noted: “Our sponsorship of this project underscores our strong conviction that FAO plays an indispensable role in addressing the challenges of poverty and malnutrition and responding to agricultural development problems, particularly in developing countries.”
Covering 260 sq.m. of floor space, the Sheikh Zayed International Media and Knowledge Centre includes a conference hall allowing for live TV transmissions and debates, a new TV studio with post-production suites and e-learning facilities, with state-of-the-art broadcasting and communication technology, giving FAO interactive live television transmission capacities. Videoconferencing, streaming video and digital media distribution are also available, enhancing FAO’s ability to communicate, network and share knowledge.