ABU DHABI // The UAE has donated US$5 million (Dh18.35m) to promote the work of the United Nations organisation dedicated to the empowerment of women.
The contribution will fund the opening of a regional office for UN Women in Abu Dhabi, appoint a senior adviser from the UAE to work at the headquarters in New York and provide support ahead of next year’s global review of women, peace and security.
Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s permanent representative to the UN, said the contribution demonstrated the country’s recognition of the importance of the leading role played by UN Women in promoting gender equality and female empowerment.
“It has been only four years since UN Women was established, yet it has already achieved concrete results,” Ms Nusseibeh said on Thursday.
“Notably, it is establishing a firm basis for the achievement of gender equality and women’s empowerment at a global level.”
Ms Nusseibeh said the donation from the UAE signalled the UAE’s strong support for UN Women.
She also praised Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, wife of the Founding President, Sheikh Zayed, and chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU).
Ms Nusseibeh noted the successful visit last year by Lakshmi Puri, deputy executive director and assistant undersecretary general of UN Women to Abu Dhabi.
She thanked Sheikha Fatima, who is also the president of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, for her support last November that resulted in a deal to have a regional office for UN Women at the headquarters of the GWU in Abu Dhabi.
The GWU was established in 1975 to empower women. Its main role is to develop and build women’s capabilities.
Ms Nusseibeh said that UN Women, established in 2010, had made huge progress in the areas of women’s economic empowerment, political participation and promoting peace and security. She said the group also participated in humanitarian activities and in combating violence against women.
“These achievements are a source of pride and an incentive to continue the efforts and financial and moral support to the entity.”
The UAE permanent representative also spoke about the significant achievements made by the international community and global efforts on gender equality.
“But the road ahead is long and it is imperative to ensure a steady and predictable flow of the necessary resources so that UN Women is able to achieve our shared goals and outcomes globally.”
Ms Nusseibeh concluded by reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to make every effort to support women’s issues.
Members of the UN have previously praised Sheikha Fatima for her support.
They have also praised the efforts of the GWU in providing its services to women in the UAE.
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