U.A.E. makes its mark as donor state

Abu Dhabi (WAM): The U.A.E. has played a seminal role in improving the lot of people around the world through distribution of aid, a newspaper commented yesterday The English language daily 'Gulf News' said the Libyan delegation’s visit to the U.A.E. last week brought into focus the ever-present willingness of the U.A.E. to be an ally and offer support to countries struggling with changing political processes, humanitarian aid requirements and help with infrastructure development. In expressing, and extending, support to Libya to rebuild itself, the U.A.E. has reaffirmed its deserved status as the top donor internationally. For example, in 2013, on a per capita basis, its international aid profile stood at a staggering Dh19.1 billion, a 375 per cent increase over its performance in 2012. "Old or young, for a country to be able to convert abstract ambitions like generosity, empathy and international goodwill into concrete actions is a task that calls for honesty of intent, clear-headed policies and vision and U.A.E. has proved that it possesses these virtues in abundance. Its decision to form the Ministry of International Cooperation and Development (Micad) in 2013, formerly the U.A.E. Office for the Coordination of Foreign Aid, is proof of this vision. The move has helped it consolidate its various aid activities onto a single platform and showcase its achievements to stunning effect," the paper added. It continued by saying the diversity of U.A.E.’s aid and assistance to 137 countries around the world is impressive: From improved access to education and health care services, supporting research, innovation and infrastructure development to providing relief during emergencies and extending support as a political ally, it has played a seminal role in improving the lot of people around the world. In the first seven months of 2014 alone, the U.A.E. has reached out to Syria, Bosnia, Yemen, Syrian refugee children in Lebanon, India and through its U.A.E. Water Aid programme, countries in Asia and Africa, to name just a few endeavours. Its clear-headed policies have also helped it further the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDG) more than most other nations whether it be with global anti-malaria campaign or immunisation programmes. "This self-determined growth, in the classical mould of fostering nations that history will mark, is what distinguishes the U.A.E. in the eyes of the world." – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates-international/1395269542028.html