Jawaher Al Qasimi Leads Engagement As UNHCR Chief Visits Sharjah
H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi met Dr. Barham Ahmed Salih in Sharjah to review joint humanitarian work. The discussions highlighted the partnership between The Big Heart Foundation and UNHCR, and how both sides coordinate responses as global crises expand and refugee numbers rise beyond 120 million worldwide.
The talks examined how humanitarian agencies can improve support for refugees, displaced people, and vulnerable communities in conflict and disaster zones. Both parties reviewed current pressures in several regions, the strain on aid systems, and ways to connect emergency support with longer term development and resilience efforts.
During the meeting, Sheikha Jawaher stressed the need to deepen international cooperation with United Nations entities, especially UNHCR. Sheikha Jawaher said stronger alliances help keep aid programmes relevant and effective as crises shift, ensuring that humanitarian tools keep pace with the changing scale and nature of global emergencies.
Sheikha Jawaher also pointed to Sharjah’s role in building institutional models that link relief work with sustainable development. Sharjah entities active in the humanitarian field were highlighted as examples of how structured cooperation can improve coordination, strengthen accountability, and ensure that assistance reaches intended beneficiaries in a timely and transparent manner.
Dr. Barham Ahmed Salih was recently elected by the United Nations General Assembly as the 12th United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The appointment reflects broad international trust in Dr. Barham Ahmed Salih’s experience in public service, diplomacy, and humanitarian leadership, and comes at a time of rising displacement trends.
Both sides agreed that humanitarian support must extend beyond sudden emergencies. They underlined the importance of reaching communities hit by food insecurity, chronic poverty, and limited access to key services. The discussion emphasised efficient and fair delivery of aid, while helping societies build resilience and stability over the long term.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees praised His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi for continued backing of Arab issues. Specific reference was made to education and human development initiatives, which were described as a central support for Arab communities and an important factor in strengthening their capacity during crises.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees also recognised H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi’s leadership in humanitarian work. The High Commissioner noted her advocacy for refugee causes and protection of vulnerable groups, stating that her efforts have helped ease the suffering of many people at a time when the global refugee population has surpassed 120 million.
Key details of the meeting and leadership roles are summarised below in {TABLE_1} which highlights the scale of responsibility facing international actors.
{TABLE_1}The High Commissioner further noted Sheikha Jawaher’s approach, which links urgent relief with long term empowerment programmes. Her direct field engagement and close monitoring of conditions were described as a practical model of humanitarian action based on partnerships, ethical commitment, and sustainable impact, especially within The Big Heart Foundation’s network.
The meeting forms part of The Big Heart Foundation’s ongoing efforts to expand strategic work with international organisations. Through knowledge exchange, joint planning, and long range coordination with UNHCR and others, the foundation aims to support more inclusive humanitarian responses that address growing global challenges while keeping affected people at the centre of policies and programmes.
With inputs from WAM
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