UAE-Switzerland Cooperation On Childhood And Women Empowerment With UNICEF

H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak met two international visitors in Abu Dhabi, focusing on cooperation in motherhood, childhood, and family issues. Discussions highlighted the UAE’s role in global social development and explored new areas of joint work that could improve support for women, children, and families, both within the country and in vulnerable communities around the world.

During one meeting, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak received Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Talks examined how UAE institutions dealing with childhood and family affairs could deepen collaboration with UNICEF, especially on protecting children’s rights, empowering girls, and strengthening health and education programmes in line with international goals.

The discussions with Catherine Russell also covered support for shared humanitarian and development programmes. Both sides looked at ways to back projects that improve children’s quality of life worldwide, with special attention to the most vulnerable communities. They agreed that such cooperation can reinforce international efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and expand the impact of existing initiatives.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak stressed that the UAE views nurturing children and empowering women as central to building secure and prosperous societies. H.H. explained that strong international partnerships are essential for increasing the reach of development projects and for delivering clear, sustainable benefits to families and children targeted by these programmes in different regions.

In a separate engagement, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak received Caroline Parmelin, wife of Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation. Their meeting focused on the deep friendship between the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland, and examined further ways to strengthen cooperation, with priority on motherhood, childhood, and family-related fields that support long-term social development.

The talks with Caroline Parmelin considered how joint experiences between the UAE and Switzerland might be enriched through new projects and exchanges. Both sides discussed opening additional horizons for cooperation that could support families, advance childhood care, and encourage knowledge sharing between relevant institutions, contributing to broader social progress in both countries.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak also underlined the UAE’s commitment to a humanitarian approach based on solidarity and shared responsibility. H.H. voiced support for programmes that protect children’s right to education, healthcare, and safety in every context. H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak later hosted a dinner banquet in honour of Catherine Russell and Caroline Parmelin, reflecting the UAE’s focus on respectful international engagement.

With inputs from WAM