Emirates Red Crescent Champions Humanitarian And Developmental Efforts Worldwide

The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) team, representing the UAE at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York, emphasised that humanitarian efforts and community empowerment are top priorities for the country's leadership. The forum, organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, runs until 17th July.

Historically, the UAE is recognised as one of the largest donor countries globally. Under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and ERC Chairman, the ERC aims to enhance humanitarian and developmental responses worldwide.

During a session at the forum, Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, ERC Secretary-General, highlighted the UAE's significant contributions to combating global poverty. He noted that the UAE addresses poverty by supporting infrastructure and renewable energy projects while providing employment, education, and healthcare opportunities.

Al Mansouri also stressed support for projects that enable sustainable growth and transformation in renewable energy sectors. He mentioned that innovative development work is a key focus area for these initiatives.

In 2022, 54% of the total aid provided by the ERC was developmental aid. Of this aid, 64% was allocated to eradicating poverty, which is the first sustainable development goal. The authority implemented 264,788 projects across various sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure, social care, water, and clean energy.

These projects benefit 53 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. They reach 94 million beneficiaries with a total project cost of $1.3 billion.

Global Partnerships

Regarding partnerships, Al Mansouri noted that the ERC has established strong collaborations with several international organisations. These include the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), World Health Organisation (WHO), UNRWA, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and other UN agencies.

The UAE's participation in this forum underscores its commitment to global humanitarian efforts. By focusing on sustainable development goals and forming strategic partnerships with international bodies, it continues to play a crucial role in addressing global challenges.

With inputs from WAM