Dubai:
Mark Lowcock, the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, was received by Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, Wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the International Humanitarian City (IHC).
Representatives of UN Agencies and other international organisations hosted at IHC were also present at the meeting, along with the IHC chief executive officer.
Lowcock toured IHC warehouses where he witnessed an emergency operation simulation for visiting students. As part of the United Nations Children’s Fund’s initiative to celebrate World Children’s Day on November 20, IHC handed over its management to a group of 30 children who raised their voices in support of children’s rights and wellness.
The young leaders spoke to Lowcock about their relief items and day-to-day operations. They also interviewed him, focusing on the worldwide humanitarian situation and related challenges and solutions. “What I saw today is fantastic, and the best thing about it was the youngest people taking the lead,” said Lowcock. “Many elements are needed to better coordinate emergency responses. The most important thing would be logistics, and the work IHC does in this regard,” he added.
Earlier in the morning, 10-year-old students from GEMS Modern Academy School were taken on a unique tour of IHC during which they learnt about its mission as a humanitarian hub as well as its role in facilitating emergency responses across the globe.
During the day, the children had the opportunity to learn more about their rights. In a pledge of good faith towards sustainable development and humanitarian solidarity with the world’s most disadvantaged children, they expressed their ideas and commitment to stand with the most vulnerable in society.
The event was backed by IHC members, including UN agencies and other international organisations: the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the Emirates Red Crescent.
