Humanitarian aid key part of UAE’s journey: Hamdan

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter/WAM

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), affirmed that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, continues to intensify its humanitarian efforts both regionally and internationally, boosting its track record of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in less fortunate communities.

In a statement marking World Humanitarian Day (WHD), Sheikh Hamdan noted that the UAE has topped the list of donors for humanitarian and development aid, thanks to the initiatives launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

He explained that the UAE’s Principles of the 50 have not overlooked the humanitarian aspect, with one of the 10 principles addressing humanitarian aid, which he described as an integral part of the UAE’s journey and ethical commitments towards people facing challenges.

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the UAE’s contributions and programmes that seek to enhance humanitarian crisis response and provide sustainable solutions to drive development in communities worldwide.

Separately, Sheikh Khalid Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO), said that the challenges the world is currently facing necessitate the strengthening of global alliances for humanitarian work.

“We have learned from our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the true meaning of selfless humanitarian work, embodying the spirit of giving, compassion, and empathy for others,” he said on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day 2024.

“In alignment with the vision and directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE is fostering humanitarian values and a culture of philanthropy among its citizens and residents. The challenges the world is currently facing necessitate the strengthening of global alliances for humanitarian work. We have learned from our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the true meaning of selfless humanitarian work, embodying the spirit of giving, compassion, and empathy for others,” he added.

Today, he continued, “we reaffirm the importance of humanitarian work as a fundamental pillar for building a better future for all of humanity and send a message of global solidarity. In the UAE, humanitarian work has become an integral part of our identity and social culture, built on the strong foundations of humanity laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed since the founding of the Union.

Meanwhile, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Suqia UAE, on World Humanitarian Day 2024 said,  “We follow the noble values set forth by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, and supported by the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to build the best sustainable model for humanitarian work and consolidate the UAE’s position and global presence on the humanitarian work map. Thanks to the continuous support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Water Foundation (Suqia), under the umbrella of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has become a pillar in the UAE’s inspiring and honourable humanitarian journey and a cornerstone in supporting the UAE’s efforts to achieve the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, including Goal 6: ‘Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.’” “We spare no efforts to collaborate with the relevant local and international authorities and organisations to implement humanitarian initiatives and development projects to provide clean and safe water to millions of people suffering from water scarcity, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for people everywhere. The beneficiaries of Suqia UAE’s projects, since its establishment in 2015, has reached 14.9 million people worldwide,” said Al Tayer.