UN to launch solidarity drive from Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: The United Nations will launch a global solidarity campaign from Abu Dhabi on November 24 to mobilise support for people affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters all over the world.

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, will launch the 2009 campaign in the presence of a number of heads of UN humanitarian organisations and their concerned bodies.

The annual campaign, launched since 1992 from the UN headquarters in New York, is the optimal way to collect funds necessary to meet the needs and requirements of people hit by wars and natural disasters.

The global UN pledge, the first time to be lunched from the Middle East, will be launched from Abu Dhabi in appreciation of the role the UAE plays in improving the living conditions of war and natural disaster victims around the world. The challenge involves millions of people all over the world standing up in solidarity for a cause to help victims of wars and disasters.

Through the campaign, the UN aims collect money to fund its relief programmes and charity projects that target people affected by armed conflicts and natural calamities.

This year's call gains a special significance because it comes in view of the global financial crisis, food crisis and high prices.