Gender equality and women’s empowerment at the core of the UAE’s global humanitarian support

 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 27, 2024 – The UAE continues to be at the forefront of global humanitarian assistance and the country’s partnership with the United Nations (UN) has been supporting gender equality and women’s empowerment across countries, including in conflict zones in the region.

In a session held in partnership with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on the second day of the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024, titled, `Glimpses of UAE-UN Humanitarian Partnership,’ eminent speakers said the spirit of humanitarian assistance is part of the very fabric of Emirati culture, and the country’s support continues to have a strong economic and social impact on affected communities in the region and the world.

Panellists in the session included Dr. Sara Chehab, Senior Research Fellow, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, Berangere Boell, Resident Coordinator for the UAE, UN, Sajeda Shawa, Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UAE, and Maha Gorton, Head of Women’s Pavilion, Expo City Dubai.

“The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the UAE is deeply honoured to participate in this year’s Global Women’s Forum Dubai. We are delighted to highlight the success of humanitarian partnerships between the UN and the UAE, with a special focus on diplomatic engagements, governmental and semi-government collaboration, and the UAE’s remarkable engagement with the broader UN system,” said Sajeda Shawa, Head of  the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) UAE.

“The UAE’s humanitarian commitment is not new; it is deeply rooted in the values and culture of the nation. Since the days of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and under the visionary leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the ‘Mother of the Nation,’ these principles of compassion and generosity continue to inspire impactful humanitarian action locally and globally,” she added.

Dr. Sara Chehab highlighted that a significant proportion of the UAE’s humanitarian aid supports women’s economic and social empowerment globally, reflecting the country’s own achievements. With one-third of cabinet members being women and nearly 50 percent representation in diplomatic roles, the UAE is a testament to the vital role of women in society, she said.

Lauding the UAE’s continued contribution to the UN humanitarian assistance programmes, Berangere Boell said the UN-UAE partnership rests on the fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.

“The partnership is on a continuum this year and the UN appreciates the UAE’s contribution to the humanitarian assistance it has been providing,” said Boell. According to her in 2023, the UAE’s contribution to the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC) was 27 per cent, up from the US$10 billion in 2022.

Recently this year, the UAE’s assistance in the conflict zones included US$130 million for Lebanon and US$100 million for Sudan, apart from the food aid airdrop support in Gaza, she said.

Speakers at the session echoed that partnerships are part of the humanitarian fabric of the UAE, and the need is to collectively work together for sustainability, gender parity and inclusion. There is also a need to work towards bringing women to the fore in peace negotiations and such an inclusion will help in successful outcomes, they added.

 

 

 

About Dubai Women Establishment

Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was formed as a statutory body of Dubai Government in 2006 under law no. (24) by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. DWE aims to enhance the professional and leadership capabilities of women, increase their participation in the comprehensive development journey, and strengthen their role in shaping the economic and social future of Dubai, by proposing and developing relevant and impactful policies. DWE is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of DWE and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. DWE’s strategic plan for 2023-2027 includes three pillars: creating an enabling environment for women in the labour market, developing women leaders, and enhancing the quality of life for women in society, through which DWE seeks to achieve its vision of “Dubai as a pioneering model for women-friendly cities.” The new strategic plan focuses on contributing to the strengthening of supporting legislation and policies, consolidating partnerships and allowing women to influence locally and globally.

About Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024

The Global Women’s Forum Dubai (GWFD) provides a platform to explore new strategies for enhancing gender balance and raising women’s participation in the economy and society worldwide. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, GWFD reflects the UAE’s leadership in advancing gender equality and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality. Since its inception eight years ago, the forum has become a leading international gathering for fostering dialogue and collaboration to address challenges and opportunities for women worldwide. With a rich agenda featuring diverse discussions, transformative workshops, and impactful speakers, GWFD brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators to inspire progress toward building a more inclusive and sustainable future. The 2024 edition of GWFD, themed The Power of Influence, takes place on November 26-27 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, gathering over 6,000 participants, 250 speakers and 25 prominent figures and ministers from across the globe. The 130 panel discussions at the forum centre on three pillars: Future Economies and Societies, Collective Engagements and Actions, and Impactful Technologies and Innovations.