Abu Dhabi: The United Nations Country Team in the UAE is celebrating UN Week this year with a series of activities centred around three major international days: World Food Day, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, and the UN Day.
The week-long activities in the UAE aim to increase awareness of the UN and the active role the UAE is playing, particularly through the Ministry of International Cooperation and Development.
Key events will include a large-scale awareness and food donation campaign under the theme “Save Food to Save Souls”, in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Educational Council and Emirates Red Crescent (ERC). The campaign will be launched in all Abu Dhabi schools starting today and will last for the whole week.
There are two aspects to this campaign; the educational aspect will provide awareness to students about the work of the UN as well as global food waste. “Approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted. That’s 1.3 billion tonnes of food each year that could be used to feed hungry people around the world”, said Sayed Aqa, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the UAE.
“The activities will encourage students to avoid food waste and to feel for those who are less fortunate than them.” Aqa added.
The second aspect of the campaign will be implemented with the help of ERC’s student arm, who will provide schools with boxes to collect food donations from students and their families for shipment to needy people in conflict-affected countries.
“The people and government of the UAE are top global donors and strong partners of the United Nations. The UAE serves as a positive model for other countries,” Sayed Aqa reiterated.
Other activities will include visits to different universities nationwide to introduce students to the different UN agencies in the country and the role that the UN is playing. These lectures will be conducted jointly with a team from the UAE Ministry of International Cooperation and Development, informing the students about the importance of UAE nationals seeking employment with the United Nations.
The UN week will conclude with a reception with all UN partners under the patronage of Shaikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development.
“The UAE and UN partnership is growing stronger. The UAE offers best practices and a leadership role in addressing a number of key global priorities, including poverty reduction, climate change, energy efficiency and economic progress,” said Aqa.
