Abu Dhabi, UAE, 11th Feb, 2016

Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, Head of the UAE Committee on Foreign Humanitarian Aid, emphasized the importance of unifying international efforts and   enhance cooperation between governments and active organizations, in order to create finance solutions to achieve sustainable development goals. 

This came during an interactive session organized by the Ministry of International  Development and Cooperation, entitled "Goals of Sustainable Development and global funding," on the side-lines of its participation in the World Government Summit, which was held in Dubai from 8th-10th February 2016   and attended by about 100 local, regional and international experts, officials and decision-makers .

HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi stressed in her opening speech that the UAE has played an active role in finding additional resources in order to overcome development challenges by building partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as providing innovative financing solutions. These efforts have contributed to strengthened strategic partnerships, and investment in research and development.

HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi also highlighted that achieving sustainable development goals requires more financial resources than those currently relied on. HE has stressed that government funding will not be enough to achieve the target.

HE said: "We have a long-term vision for new partnerships in an extensive effort to explore the resources that have yet to be tapped. This is an opportunity to find innovative ways to harness private sector potential, encourage donors, and collaborate with other entities that seek to improve the situation for poor communities and countries,."

The interactive session included a group of mini-sessions and discussion panels. The interactive sessions discussed a variety of issues and came under the umbrella of the 17 objectives of the sustainable development goals:  poverty, inequality, gender, health, education, food, water, energy, growth, employment, creativity, oceans, biodiversity, sustainable consumption,and human settlements.

The interactive session was attended by 100 people including officials, decision-makers, and representatives of various regional and international institutions. Of notable presence were World Bank Vice President Mr. Joachim von Omsberg and HRH Princess Sarah Zeid, wife of His Highness Prince Zeid bin Raad of the High Commissioner of the United Nations for Human Rights, MASDAR CEO Dr. Ahmed Belhoul,  Ethiopian Minister of Budget and Planning HE Dr. Inajar Dessie, General Investment Authority Governor HRH Prince Saud bin Khalid Al Faisal,  OECD Development Assistance Committee Head Erik Solheim, and World Bank Senior Vice President for the 2030 Development Agenda, United Nations Relations, and Partnerships Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin.

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About the Ministry of International Cooperation and Development (MICAD):
The Ministry of International Cooperation and Development was established in march 2013, as a part of the cabinet blessed by the approval of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE Ruler of Dubai. HE Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid AL Qasimi was assigned as a Minister of International Cooperation and Development. The Ministry is part of the UAE's Federal Cabinet. It is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with a branch office in Dubai.

© Press Release 2016