emirates7 - Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, praised the UAE for its active and innovative support of global humanitarian efforts. He noted that the country consistently backs the UN's initiatives to provide crucial aid to vulnerable populations worldwide.
Fletcher, who assumed his role in November 2024, emphasized that humanitarian action is deeply ingrained in the UAE’s culture and is a top priority for its leaders. He highlighted the UAE’s approach to crises, driven by energy, innovative ideas, and problem-solving capabilities, which make it a valuable partner for the UN.
In discussing the strategy to enhance global humanitarian responses, Fletcher explained that his role includes coordinating the UN humanitarian sector and leading the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), which coordinates the global humanitarian community, including NGOs. He also mentioned the launch of a bold new plan aimed at increasing efficiency in the sector, making aid delivery faster and less bureaucratic, and reducing duplication. With over 300 million people in urgent need of support worldwide, he stressed the importance of delivering assistance more effectively.
Fletcher also noted that the UAE’s humanitarian contributions include supporting the UN’s efforts in Gaza, with the country committing nearly US$223 million to the "Flash Appeal for the Occupied Palestinian Territory." He referenced the UAE-drafted UN Security Council resolution from December 2023, which called for the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Additionally, Fletcher praised the UAE’s critical support to the Humanitarian Fund managed by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), ensuring that those closest to communities in need can respond swiftly to crises. He expressed gratitude for the UAE's engagement in delivering lifesaving aid, both regionally and globally.
On the role of innovation and AI in humanitarian work, Fletcher highlighted ongoing efforts to use these technologies to improve responses and address future challenges. He acknowledged the UAE's leadership in innovation and the ongoing work at OCHA's Centre for Humanitarian Data in The Hague, which is exploring predictive analytics to anticipate crises. Fletcher emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships globally, including with the UAE, to build capacity around innovation.
Fletcher also discussed the challenges facing humanitarian workers, particularly the growing complexity of global needs, with climate change being a significant factor. He mentioned the UN's launch of the Climate Action Account to finance responses to climate-related disasters.
In conclusion, Fletcher commended the UAE's humanitarian initiatives, including the establishment of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council and the UAE Aid Agency, which implements lifesaving support. He also highlighted the critical role of Dubai Humanitarian, the world’s largest humanitarian logistics hub, in supporting global humanitarian efforts.
Fletcher, who assumed his role in November 2024, emphasized that humanitarian action is deeply ingrained in the UAE’s culture and is a top priority for its leaders. He highlighted the UAE’s approach to crises, driven by energy, innovative ideas, and problem-solving capabilities, which make it a valuable partner for the UN.
In discussing the strategy to enhance global humanitarian responses, Fletcher explained that his role includes coordinating the UN humanitarian sector and leading the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), which coordinates the global humanitarian community, including NGOs. He also mentioned the launch of a bold new plan aimed at increasing efficiency in the sector, making aid delivery faster and less bureaucratic, and reducing duplication. With over 300 million people in urgent need of support worldwide, he stressed the importance of delivering assistance more effectively.
Fletcher also noted that the UAE’s humanitarian contributions include supporting the UN’s efforts in Gaza, with the country committing nearly US$223 million to the "Flash Appeal for the Occupied Palestinian Territory." He referenced the UAE-drafted UN Security Council resolution from December 2023, which called for the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Additionally, Fletcher praised the UAE’s critical support to the Humanitarian Fund managed by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), ensuring that those closest to communities in need can respond swiftly to crises. He expressed gratitude for the UAE's engagement in delivering lifesaving aid, both regionally and globally.
On the role of innovation and AI in humanitarian work, Fletcher highlighted ongoing efforts to use these technologies to improve responses and address future challenges. He acknowledged the UAE's leadership in innovation and the ongoing work at OCHA's Centre for Humanitarian Data in The Hague, which is exploring predictive analytics to anticipate crises. Fletcher emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships globally, including with the UAE, to build capacity around innovation.
Fletcher also discussed the challenges facing humanitarian workers, particularly the growing complexity of global needs, with climate change being a significant factor. He mentioned the UN's launch of the Climate Action Account to finance responses to climate-related disasters.
In conclusion, Fletcher commended the UAE's humanitarian initiatives, including the establishment of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council and the UAE Aid Agency, which implements lifesaving support. He also highlighted the critical role of Dubai Humanitarian, the world’s largest humanitarian logistics hub, in supporting global humanitarian efforts.