ERC Hosts Humanitarian Partnerships Forum To Strengthen Crisis Response Efforts In The UAE
The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) recently hosted a Humanitarian Partnerships Forum in Abu Dhabi, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This event attracted participation from UAE humanitarian bodies, private sector entities, and regional and international organisations. The forum aimed to foster partnerships and enhance information sharing among key humanitarian players in the UAE and the Arab region.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, Sheikha Dr. Moza bint Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with several officials from the Ministry and ERC attended the forum. Discussions focused on raising awareness about regional and international emergencies and coordinating efforts among humanitarian partners, including the private sector.
Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Acting Secretary-General of the ERC, delivered an opening speech highlighting the forum's role in facilitating dialogue for future sustainability efforts in humanitarian work. He noted that this aligns with the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continues under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership.
Sultan Mohamed Saeed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organisations and Vice Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, emphasised the UAE's commitment to bilateral, multilateral, and international partnerships in delivering aid. He cited examples such as responses to crises in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Türkiye, Syria, Morocco, and Libya.
The forum addressed significant challenges faced by humanitarian organisations amid global crises. Reports indicate that around 300 million people worldwide will need urgent humanitarian aid due to conflicts and climate emergencies. The discussions underscored strengthening partnerships and improving coordination for more effective humanitarian action.
Sajeda Shawa from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Office in the UAE praised UAE's leadership in humanitarian efforts. She called for continued innovation and collaboration to tackle global challenges effectively. The need for coordinated action is growing due to escalating conflicts and climate emergencies.
Innovative Solutions for Humanitarian Challenges
The forum featured sessions on various topics like humanitarian coordination, food security during emergencies, and responses to vulnerable groups such as women and children. Participants shared insights on improving interventions. Al Shamsi highlighted joint efforts with Egypt that led to water desalination plants in Arish and pipeline extensions to southern Gaza.
This collaboration provided clean water to 600,000 displaced individuals. The discussions at the forum emphasised exchanging knowledge to achieve innovative solutions in a rapidly changing world. The UAE has long been committed to addressing urgent needs by offering rapid response to those affected by conflicts and disasters.
The event concluded with a focus on enhancing partnerships among key players in humanitarian work. It stressed effective collaboration between various sectors to address shared challenges during crises. By fostering dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders, the forum aimed to improve strategies for tackling global humanitarian issues efficiently.
With inputs from WAM
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