The UAE Red Crescent Authority hosted the Humanitarian Partnership Forum at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The event attracted participation from various Emirati humanitarian organizations, the private sector, and regional and international organizations, focusing on improving responses to crises and disasters.

Notable attendees included Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, Sheikh Dr. Moza bint Thani bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the UAE Red Crescent Authority.

The forum addressed multiple topics, including establishing partnerships, sharing information among stakeholders in the humanitarian sector in the UAE and the Arab region, and increasing awareness of regional and international emergencies.

Discussions also revolved around coordination and partnerships, particularly with private sector partners to ensure cohesive efforts in addressing shared challenges during humanitarian crises.

Ahmad Sari Al Mazrouei, the acting Secretary-General of the Red Crescent, described the forum as a valuable opportunity for dialogue and reflection on humanitarian concerns and the development of a future vision for sustainable humanitarian efforts.

He highlighted the UAE's commitment to long-term humanitarian initiatives that address critical issues.

In a speech at the forum, Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development Affairs and International Organizations, underscored the importance of bilateral and multilateral partnerships in the UAE’s foreign aid policy.

He outlined various global humanitarian challenges faced in 2023, including armed conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and the ongoing situation in Ukraine and Myanmar, as well as destructive earthquakes in Turkey, Syria, and Morocco, and severe weather events such as floods in Libya and volcanic eruptions in Peru and the Philippines.

The UAE has actively responded to these humanitarian needs, guided by the leadership's commitment to aid efforts.

For instance, in Gaza, collaborative efforts with Egypt facilitated the establishment of water desalination stations and the provision of clean water to 600,000 displaced individuals.

In coordination with UN agencies like UNICEF, WHO, and UNRWA, the UAE enabled the vaccination of 640,000 children against polio, alongside the distribution of 52 tons of food assistance through the World Food Programme.

During the opening session, Sajida Shawwa, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the UAE, reported an increased demand for concerted and effective humanitarian action due to escalating conflicts, climate emergencies, and economic instability.

The Humanitarian Partnership Forum featured several discussion sessions, including one on coordinating humanitarian efforts and innovating in emergencies, with contributions from the UAE Red Crescent and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Another session focused on food security in humanitarian crises, discussing challenges and solutions with representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and local initiatives, while a third session addressed humanitarian response for vulnerable groups, including women and children.