The Advisory Group of the Central Emergency Response Fund, CERF, operating under the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA, has announced the appointment of Najla Mohammed Al Kaabi, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Ministry of International Cooperation and Development, MICAD, as a member of the fund's advisory board.

The move is in recognition of the role and efforts of the United Arab Emirates in support of global humanitarian work. CERF was established about 10 years ago. It is one of the most effective and efficient funds supporting the provision of swift humanitarian aid to people affected by natural disasters and armed conflicts. The fund receives donations throughout the year to provide immediate funding for humanitarian action, with an annual budget of $450 million. Members of the Advisory Group play a vital role through the provision of assistance and guidance to the UN Secretary-General on the best ways to increase the fund's effectiveness and efficiency as an institution responsible for the provision of rapid global emergency response.

Najla Al Kaabi said that this move asserts the confidence of international institutions involved in humanitarian and development work in the UAE's efforts and contributions and Emirati talent, and reflects its respected status on the international arena, especially given the increase and expansion of humanitarian crises caused by disasters and conflicts in many regions and countries of the world.

Al Kaabi said, "The genuine guidance of the UAE's wise leadership, as represented by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in the provision all forms of assistance and support, whether in the fields of international development or response to crises and disasters, has gained wide recognition from the international community for the UAE's unlimited role, and has been translated in the state's influential and honorable presence in many international humanitarian and development organisations.

She expressed her gratitude and appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, and Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, Head of the UAE Committee for the Coordinate of Foreign Humanitarian Aid, for their generous support for her membership candidacy.

The selection process of members is done by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, based on the qualifications of the candidate and membership requirements. The nomination process was open to all countries of the world, and the term of office is three years.

The Central Emergency Response Fund, after the UAE's accession, now consists of 18 countries, which are Azerbaijan, Canada, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Denmark, Germany, Kenya, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Qatar, South Korea, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Uganda, and the United Kingdom.

Celebrating the appointment, the UAE Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York held a reception ceremony in honour of the Advisory Group of CERF, which was attended by all members including Stephen O'Brien, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator

Source: WAM