Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, MICAD, Head of the UAE Committee for the Coordination of Humanitarian Foreign Aid, has held a series of meetings with officials at the United Nations, during which a range of topics related to development, education, and family and children's affairs were discussed.

Sheikha Lubna met with Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, and discussed joint efforts related to sustainable development projects and future plans aimed at helping improve the lives of communities through development projects and initiatives that carry prospective long-term economic results.

She also met with Anthony Lake, Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, and discussed current initiatives and plans being implemented around the world related to children's rights and the provision of safe shelter, food, and protection from disasters and conflicts that disrupt people's lives daily.

During the meeting, Al Qasimi highlighted the UAE's initiatives and efforts in support of children in dispute and conflict areas across the region, particularly Syrian children in refugee camps and the children of Yemen in different areas.

Also, as part of the UAE delegation's meetings at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Sheikha Lubna met with former Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, who currently acts as Chair of the Global Partnership for Education, GPE.

Al Qasimi and Gillard discussed opportunities for joint cooperation and prospects of expanding international work between the organisation and the UAE in the education sector, especially in countries that need additional attention and care at the regional level.

These meetings coincide with the conclusion by the Ministry of Development and International Cooperation of its visit to New York. The UAE delegation also participated in the meetings of the General Assembly of the United Nations, UNGA 70.

The state's participation in the summit renews the UAE's commitment towards addressing pressing global issues, including food security, climate change, water scarcity and infrastructure development, in line with its commitment to supporting the United Nations in its efforts to achieve the "Millennium Development Goals" by 2015.
Source: WAM