Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council (IHPC), has chaired the second meeting of the IHPC. The meeting focused on the strategic direction of the foreign aid sector and evaluated the 2024 Foreign Aid Report, along with programmes designed to empower professionals in the humanitarian field.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Theyab underscored the necessity of unified efforts among relevant local entities to carry out a range of humanitarian and development initiatives worldwide. These efforts align with the UAE's mission for development and prosperity, initially established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and furthered by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE remains committed to its international humanitarian role, providing sustainable development solutions to challenges in global priority areas.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab highlighted the significance of aligning the UAE's humanitarian and development efforts with national priorities and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized areas such as education, healthcare, disease eradication, poverty and hunger alleviation, water security, economic growth, environmental preservation, and biodiversity. The UAE's projects across continents underscore its pioneering role in the global humanitarian and development sectors.
The meeting reaffirmed the institutionalization of the UAE's generosity as a model in international aid and development, aimed at enhancing the dignity and prosperity of beneficiary communities. It also emphasized the UAE's approach to leveraging resources, capabilities, and partnerships to support communities in need. The objective is to achieve lasting humanitarian impact, foster innovation and sustainability, and integrate foreign aid programmes to create economic opportunities.
Discussions included the Humanitarian Foresight Programme, which aims to enhance the skills, knowledge, and experience of leaders in the humanitarian sector. The programme equips participants with scientific and technological expertise aligned with national priorities, strengthening the capabilities of professionals in donor institutions and charitable organisations.
The meeting also addressed the council's support for the Master of Arts in Humanitarian and Development Work at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy. This initiative seeks to enhance competencies among personnel in humanitarian institutions, especially the UAE Aid Agency. The programme focuses on decision-making, multicultural team management, and a deeper understanding of humanitarian studies within international relations and law.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures including Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Empowerment; Faris Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Advisor at the Presidential Court; Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent; and Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.
