Sheikha Lubna calls for ‘efforts to alleviate suffering’

ABU DHABI // The UAE is committed to food security and alleviating the suffering and hunger caused by war, political conflict and natural disasters, Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi says.

In a speech marking the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation’s World Food Day, Sheikha Lubna called on countries to step up relief efforts and build a global vision to close the food gap.

The Minister of International Cooperation and Development and Head of the UAE Committee for the Coordination of Humanitarian Foreign Aid said immediate action was needed to address the catastrophic situations caused by floods and earthquakes and the political upheavals that threatened entire societies.

“The wise leadership of our country has never hesitated to extend its helping hand to any country struck with catastrophe, irrespective of race, religion or ethnicity of people in need,” said the minister.

The UAE has encouraged cooperation between nations and UN aid agencies to achieve sustainable development, which meant a decent standard of living, job opportunities and an end to poverty and pollution.

Sheikha Lubna said that the UAE’s efforts to combat hunger followed directives of the country’s leadership and honoured the vision of Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father of the UAE.