H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), emphasised the UAE's commitment, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to its global humanitarian mission, and to move forward in promoting values and initiatives that reduce the burden of suffering, as it is one of the most important donors of humanitarian aid in the world.
Sheikh Hamdan said the advanced stature achieved by the UAE in the humanitarian and developmental scene was a result of its efforts in the field of improving human development opportunities in developing societies and turbulent arenas and as a result of hard work and pioneering initiatives supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
In his remarks to mark World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on 8th May, Sheikh Hamdan said, “During the past years, the UAE has maintained its position among the largest international donors in international development aid, compared to its national income, to reach the forefront of the most giving countries in the world.”
He also pointed to the developments of the current humanitarian situation in many countries in the region, resulting from the escalation of events and conflicts and their repercussions on civilians, innocent women and children.
He said, ‘’What is happening now puts humanitarian organisations and relief agencies facing a major challenge that requires a strong stand, tremendous efforts and joint action to provide better living conditions for those affected in those areas.''
He also called on boosting solidarity among components of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent in this regard and upholding the values of human partnership, cooperation and coordination for effective action that copes with the volume of challenges and risks facing innocent people.
He also called on the international community and its humanitarian organisations to exert more efforts to develop the most vulnerable societies and work together to ward off the dangers facing millions worldwide.
Sheikh Hamdan said allocating a World Day to the International Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent represents a good opportunity to strengthen dialogue and debate on core issues of concern to the movement. The world is witnessing changing situations which require a relook at the concepts of partnership, coordinating the movement's efforts, developing volunteering and humanitarian work strategy, and looking at it comprehensively after changes in the international arena. This is in addition to finding more effective means to deliver humanitarian aid to beneficiaries in the hot spots and achieve sustainable development without abandoning the essential principles.
He noted, “For us at the ERC, the 8th of May represents an occasion to evaluate and develop the journey and contribute effectively to mobilising support for programmes and strengthening partnerships with all sectors of society. It means spreading the values and principles that we seek to achieve, harnessing the capabilities and activating the available mechanisms to achieve further expansion. It also means adding new gains to the beneficiaries of our humanitarian programmes inside and outside the country, enhancing the ability to prepare for disasters and respond quickly to the calls of humanitarian duty everywhere.”
He also indicated, “In this regard, we are working hard to make more use of our capabilities, to benefit from the advantages available to us to the maximum extent, to strengthen partnership with others, to work together, and to coordinate well within the field.”
Sheikh Hamdan also affirmed the significant role of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
He also lauded the role of philanthropists inside the country in supporting the efforts of the ERC, stressing that their noble initiatives have strengthened the deep-rooted giving values and the UAE's humanitarian stature.
In conclusion, Sheikh Hamdan thanked and appreciated the ERC personnel and volunteers, praising their sacrifices and work in the most challenging circumstances.