Davos: Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), recently convened with Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The meeting aimed to bolster their cooperative efforts and evaluate the impact of MBRGI's pledge of approximately AED30 million (US$8.1 million) to UNICEF's Child Nutrition Fund (CNF).
According to Emirates News Agency, this financial commitment, made a year prior, underpins the CNF, a novel financing mechanism designed to advance sustainable solutions to eradicate child malnutrition. The funding targets the provision of essential food supplements and therapeutic meals to more than 371,000 children and women by 2027, in line with MBRGI's mission to alleviate hunger and malnutrition while supporting vulnerable populations worldwide.
The discussions at the forum emphasized the joint commitment of MBRGI and UNICEF to tackle global child nutrition challenges. The meeting also spotlighted ongoing projects and initiatives spearheaded by both organizations, particularly their first-phase efforts to aid Mongolia, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka.
Al Gergawi emphasized the importance of the collaboration, stating, "Our partnership with UNICEF reflects the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to ensure vulnerable children and families live with dignity by providing vital care and support. This aligns with MBRGI's humanitarian mission to dedicate its resources and capabilities to positively impacting communities worldwide."
He further noted the significance of these efforts amidst global challenges, adding, "This collaboration is particularly crucial as many countries grapple with economic crises, conflicts, and climate change, exacerbating challenges faced by women and children in affected regions. The joint efforts of MBRGI and UNICEF will contribute to sustainable positive change in the lives of millions, empowering vulnerable communities and improving their quality of life."
MBRGI spearheads its initiatives and projects across five main pillars: Humanitarian Aid and Relief, Healthcare and Disease Control, Spreading Education and Knowledge, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Empowering Communities. In 2023, MBRGI allocated AED1.8 billion, benefiting over 111 million people across 105 countries.