UAE minister issues call to empower communities to tackle humanitarian crises amid global funding cuts
An Emirati minister has spoken about how needy communities can play a crucial role in addressing humanitarian challenges – as major funding cuts hamper aid efforts around the world. Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State, said people in crisis and disaster-stricken areas should be given support under a mission to transform “recipients of aid into active participants in development”. Ms Al Shamsi set…
UAE Minister Maitha Al Shamsi has called for communities in crisis to take on a key role in tackling humanitarian challenges, as international funding cuts limit aid efforts worldwide. Speaking at the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference, Al Shamsi urged people in disaster-stricken areas to be supported as part of a mission to transform "recipients of aid into active participants in development."
Investing in education and specialized training for refugees, such as in the UAE's partnership with Mauritania to train midwives, can drastically reduce the burden on countries and offer families a lifeline, she argued. Al Shamsi emphasized that empowering human capital within vulnerable communities is essential, as these individuals are uniquely capable of finding solutions, particularly when enabled through technology and innovation.
The call for community empowerment comes as humanitarian organizations struggle with diminishing funding. Rania Dagash-Kamara, assistant executive director of partnerships and innovation at the World Food Programme, highlighted the growing gap between humanitarian demands and available resources. She stressed the importance of proactive preparation, especially for women in conflict-prone regions to avoid displacement and forced migration.
Spearheaded by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation's vision for women's protection and training in conflict zones, Al Shamsi advocated for integrating protection training into existing programs for women in regions susceptible to armed conflicts and natural disasters. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees reported over 41 million refugees globally, underscoring the urgency of these efforts.
The World Food Programme's Kamara emphasized the critical role of better data and technology in saving lives via early warning systems for natural disasters. Emphasizing the shift from crisis management to preparedness, Ahmed Al Muhairi, director general of Dubai's Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, stressed the importance of community empowerment over individual action.
The Dihad conference, now in its 22nd year, aims to foster collaboration between governments and organizations to address displacement caused by armed conflicts and climate-related catastrophes.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
