Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The UAE remains committed to delivering critical, gender-responsive aid in conflict-hit areas like Gaza and Lebanon, with a focus on supporting women and girls facing the brunt of violence, Fatima Al-Banna said during a recent UN General Assembly (UNGA) meeting.
Delivering the UAE statement during the UNGA meeting on Agenda Item 27 - Advancement of Women, Al-Banna pointed to the war in Gaza, which, a year on, continues to devastate communities and spread turmoil across the Middle East. The UAE’s efforts, she noted, aim to bring tangible support to those affected while also advocating for a lasting ceasefire as the only real path to protection.
“While discussing today’s agenda item, we cannot turn a blind eye to the immense pain and suffering experienced by communities across the Middle East, particularly women and girls in Palestine and Lebanon,” she added, highlighting that the UAE ranks first regionally and seventh globally in the 2024 UNDP Gender Equality Index.
Al-Banna highlighted the UAE’s commitment to continuing its humanitarian assistance efforts in “Gaza, Lebanon, and elsewhere”, detailing initiatives that provide essential supplies, including sanitary and maternity kits, to these regions.
Beyond emergency aid, the UAE’s strategy reflects a deeper, long-term vision, Al-Banni said. Under its National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023-2031, the country is integrating women and girls into national strategies across economic, legislative, and scientific sectors, including cutting-edge fields like space and artificial intelligence.
She credited much of the progress to the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, who has championed numerous initiatives aimed at bolstering women’s rights and opportunities.
Al-Banna stressed the importance of including women and girls in efforts that address emerging global threats, highlighting the UAE’s strides in this field.
Earlier this year, the country signed a Strategic Partnership Framework with UN Women, which led to the creation of the Women’s Climate Fund. This fund supports organisations focused on climate action, ensuring women play a leading role in tackling environmental challenges. At COP28, the UAE also launched the “Gender-Responsive Just Transitions and Climate Action Partnership,” with backing from over 60 nations. This partnership, Al-Banna explained, is about giving women a voice in shaping solutions for adaptation, mitigation, and financing climate efforts.
Al-Banna reiterated the UAE’s determination to uplift and protect women and girls both at home and abroad.
“My country will continue to support the empowerment and protection of women and girls in the UAE, as well as at the regional and global levels. Excuses for excluding women are no longer acceptable. We must all commit ourselves to the same standards,” she said.
In a separate UN meeting, Sarah Al Awadhi highlighted that the situation in Gaza has escalated, spreading throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory and affecting the wider region.
She stressed the need to ensure funding for the Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator to implement their ongoing mandate established by Security Council resolution 2720 (2023).
“We further underline the importance of UNRWA having adequate financial resources for 2025,” Al Awadhi added.
