United Arab Emirates

Tuesday,12 July 2011, UNDP UAE Celebrates Nelson Mandela International Day

UNDP UAE along with the South African Embassy and Nahtam Social responsibility celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday in Abu Dhabi.
The celebration consisted of an inauguration of a 67 foot canvas highlighting 67 years of community work.
In this occasion the RC/RR delivered a speech encouraging each individual to recognize their ability on making  Positive effect on others around them by dedicating 67 minutes of their time to do community work.
The RC/RR inaugurated the 67 foot canvas and officially opened the ceremony which was attended by members of the diplomatic corps and large gathering of general public.

wednesday , 19,2011,Ban Ki-Moon Addresses Young Future Energy Leaders at World Future Energy Summit.

On the opening day of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary General, gave an address to the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL), an initiative led by Masdar Institute.
During his address Ban Ki-Moon said: "You young future energy leaders can make a difference. Starting today. You have the talent and enthusiasm to turn vision into reality. Whatever your chosen career path, I encourage you to think sustainability." YFEL was established by Masdar Institute, to raise the awareness of students and young professionals in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability. During WFES, Masdar Institute will also be hosting a range of events at the YFEL stand, including: on Tuesday January 18th - Dr Susan Hockfield, MIT President, visits YFEL; YFEL Debate: Enforcing Recycling on a Global Scale; Wednesday January 19th - Industry Update: International Wind Association and London Array Project Presentation and Case Study; YFEL Debate: The Challenges that USA Faces in Reducing their Carbon Footprint; Thursday January 20th - YFEL Debate: Policy Update.
Ban Ki-Moon said: "Engaging with the youth of today is a vital part of tackling the challenges climate change. The Masdar Institute's Young Future Energy Leaders will be the Heads of State, Professors and CEO's that will lead, develop and implement solutions in the renewable energy and sustainability space in the years to come. Listening to and nurturing these talented people now will ensure a more robust response to climate change."

Tuesday , January 18,2011,“UNDP Resident Representative signs Dubai Carbon Center of Excellence Project".

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Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon held talks today at Zabeel Palace over a host of regional and international topics concerning development, environment, security as well as humanitarian issues.
The UN chief commended the UAE for its support for peace, stability and environment and credited its humanitarian initiatives which he lauded as pioneering at the international level in delivering humanitarian and charitable assistance to the most impoverished peoples and disaster and war struck countries around the world.
For his part, Sheikh Mohammed told the UN Secretary General that the UAE under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is always seeking to extend assistance to people in need without distinction of race, religion and political or geographical affiliation.
The meeting was attended by H. H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Foreign Minister, and a number of Sheikhs and senior officials.
Later, Sheikh Mohammed and Ban Ki-Moon witnessed the conclusion of an agreement on carbon between the Dubai Supreme Energy Council and the UN. It was inked by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group, and Dr. Elissar Sarrouh, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative to the UAE.

Tuesday , January 18,2011,Ban Ki-moon discusses renewable energy issues with government officials and academicians.

Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted initiative for advancing the development and deployment of renewable energy and clean technologies, today interacted with a cross-section of experts from business, academia and government, exchanging ideas on renewable energy, climate change and new technologies.
The high-level discussions also focused on ways to further condition the global business climate to spur innovation and create constructive competition within the renewable energy and sustainability fields. The breakfast meeting was held concurrently with the fourth Annual World Future Energy Summit (WFES) that runs until 20 January at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The summit has convened thousands of participants from across the globe to discuss the current and future energy needs of the world.
The breakfast meeting was attended by several local and international business leaders, academics as well as government officials, including Enge Ditlev, CEO of Vestas; Rene Umlauft, CEO, Siemens Renewable Energy; Ibrahim Ajami, CEO of Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC); Ambassador Hamad Ali AlKaabi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to IAEA; Dr. Kadeh Yumkella, Director-General of UNIDO; Susan Hockfield, President of MIT; and Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute.
Ban Ki-moon and Dr. Sultan Al Jaber highlighted Abu Dhabi's growing international prominence in clean technology and renewable energy that is further underlined by hosting of the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) at Masdar and the forthcoming second Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting in April in Abu Dhabi.
"By demonstrating leadership and forging new partnerships, we can unleash a clean-energy revolution that delivers both growth and sustainability," said Ban Ki-Moon.
Dr. Sultan said: "It was a wonderful and unique opportunity to use the occasion of the World Future Energy Summit to bring together the UN Secretary-General and other business, academic and government leaders to exchange ideas knowledge and share experiences.
"Such meetings underscore the importance of increasing the level of partnerships with stakeholders from across various sectors and organizations to work towards a common objective of advancing the renewable energy sector. The meeting also reflects the commitment and contribution of Masdar and the UAE to international dialogue on clean energy," Dr Sultan added.
The third day's events will spotlight innovation and clean technology, while the fourth day will focus on financing future energy solutions.
Over 600 exhibitors including Deutsche Bank Group, TOTAL, OXY, ExxonMobil, BP Alternative Energy, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Vestas, Daimler and Suntech Power from 40 countries are participating at the four-day World Future Energy Summit and exhibitions 2011.

Monday , December13,2010, Regional launch for the GHDR Event.

The United Arab Emirates has ranked first regionally and 32nd globally in the Human Development Report 2010. It was also rated as one of only two countries from the region in the most advanced category or the category of "very high human development". United Nations Development Programme announced the new rankings during a special ceremony held today in Abu Dhabi to launch the 20th anniversary edition of the report.

The ceremony included a review of the main findings of the report for the year 2010, and an illustration of the long-term progress in the UAE, in particular and the region in general, as documented in the 20th anniversary edition of the report.

On this occasion, Hazza Mohammed Falah Al Qahtani, Director-General of the Office for the Coordination of Foreign Aid said: "We are pleased to see the UAE is now the highest ranking Arab country and has moved up to 32nd globally in the UN Development Programme's Human Development Index for 2010. Since its foundation in 1971, the UAE has always prioritized the development of its people, thanks largely to the enlightened vision of Sheikh Zayed, who believed development is about releasing human potential. The fact that the UAE was rated in the category "very high human development" reflects once again the country's continuous efforts to develop and raise the quality of life of its people." Abu Dhabi, 13 Dec. 2010 (WAM) - Dr. Elissar Sarrouh, the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the UAE said "It is only fitting to launch the 20th anniversary edition of the Human Development Report here in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, which leads the region in human development terms and is working to build further on its impressive achievements in health care, educational opportunities and overall quality of life.". "We at UNDP look forward to working to assist the UAE in its visionary pursuit of continued human development progress," Dr. Sarrouh added.

Mohammed Omar Abdullah, the Undersecretary, of the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi in a speech during the ceremony, expressed in turn, his delight on the results of the Human Development Report 2010 for the UAE which occupied the first place at the level of the Arab World, and the 32nd place worldwide, amongst 169 countries covered by the Report, as UAE climbed up five ranks from its position in 2009. He also expressed that "such remarkable progress has been achieved, thanks to God Almighty and the guidance of the wise leadership, headed by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; and his brothers Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, in the various fields of life, placing the UAE within the category of countries with high human development; based on the principles of sustainability and empowerment of community members, which constitute some of the mainstays and values of Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, and the other strategies adopted in different emirates. " For the first time, the 2010 Report measures human development in terms of the distribution of achievements and opportunities within societies, with an inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (HDI) assessing relative progress among national groups in health, education and income. The Arab countries together suffer a large HDI decline of 27% because of substantial inequality in all the said three areas.

In addition to the new HDI, which includes some technical refinements of its traditional indicators for income, health and education, the 2010 Human Development Report introduces three new indices to measure the extent and impact of inequality, gender gaps, and extreme poverty.

The UAE ranked first regionally and 45th globally among 138 countries covered by the Gender Inequality Index, which measure gender gaps in reproductive health, empowerment and participation in the labor force. This performance is attributable to gender equality in education, with 77% of adult women in the UAE attaining secondary or higher level of education, the same as for men.

The Multidimensional Poverty Index, which identifies serious simultaneous deprivations in health, education and living standards, shows that the Arab region is home for an estimated 39 million poor people.

Wenesday , December 8,2010, The UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Elissar Sarrouh was received by Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council member and ruler of Ras al-Khaimah

His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council member and ruler of Ras al-Khaimah has received Dr. Elissar Sarrouh , UN Resident Coordinator '&' UNDP Resident Representative and members of the accompanying delegation.

The meeting discussed cooperation between the UAE and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) as well as UNDP's future plans.

Present at the meeting were H.H Sheikh Saqr Bin Saud Al Qassimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaima and other senior officials.

Sunday, october 24,2010, The un resident coordinator celebrates 65 years on the establishment of the Organization

Marking the 65th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations , the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in the UAE , HE Dr . Elissar Sarrouh, hosted a reception on 24 October ( UN DAY ) at the Intercontinental Hotel Abu Dhabi.
The reception was attended by HE Dr. Saeed Mohammad Ashamsi , Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organizations , HE Ambassador Eissa Abdallah Albasha Al-ni3mi , Director of the department of African Affairs , HE Dr.Abdulraheem Al-awadhi Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for legal affairs and a number of Arab and foreign members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the United Arab Emirates .

In her welcoming address , HE Dr . Elissar Sarrouh paid tribute to His Highness Sheikh Khalifah Bin Zaid Al - Nahyan , Head of State for his kind support and generous contributions to the UN organizations in the UAE and the UN System . His unfailing backing to the UN are highly appreciated .The great progress and prosperity achieved by the UAE and its people is a testimony to Sheikh Khalifa's visionary outlook .Dr .Sarrouh also paid tribute to His Highness Sheikh Mohmmad Bin Rashed Al-Maktoum , Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler od Dubai and to His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zaid Al-Nahayan , Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Commander in-chief of the armed forces for their continuous and generous support to the UN and for their urgent responses to UN appeals for humanitarian assistance in disaster affected areas .

HE Dr . Elissar Sarrouh recalled that it his year marks the 65th anniversary of incessant devotion and solid commitment i of the United Nations in defense of the principles of peace , justice , freedom and human rights . She stressed that the United Nations strives to respond quickly to human and natural disasters at the regional and international levels and providing humanitarian assistance . It also unreservedly supports peace keeping operations and accords , democracy and equality between genders .Fighting the spread of AIDS and striving to find cures are paramount goals . In addition ,she stated that the UN leads the battle against any violations of human rights and advocates rational use of environmental resources and rapid and responsible response to climate change challenges .
Dr. Sarrouh concluded by saying that we should celebrate our successes , learn from our shortfalls and make good use of our cumulated experiences in order to move forward and meet the challenges of tomorrow

wednesday, october 20,2010, Sultan receives Human Development Report.

SHARJAH — His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday opened a symposium on ‘Sharjah Declaration of Human Being’ which was organised by the Department of Information and e-Government in conjunction with the University of Sharjah, Higher Council for Family, United National Development Programme (UNDP) and Amman-based Arab Statistics Centre.
Convened to mark the World Statistics Day, the event is based on the statement of Shaikh Sultan: ‘Stop concrete revolution and let’s turn to build human being’.
Shaikh Sultan received the first copy of ‘Sharjah Human Development Report’ prepared in collaboration with the UNDP. He also got a certificate on the model for standard of living index from the Director-General of the Arab Statistics Centre, Fathi Al Nasour.
In her welcoming address, Elissar Sarrouh, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, paid tribute to Shaikh Sultan for his care for human development and reviewed objectives of the Human Development Report (HDR) since it was first launched in 1990 with the single goal of putting people back at the centre of development .
She said the HDR aims to give people more freedom and build their capacities to play major part in development.
She elaborated on Shaikh Sultan’s vision for long-term development in Sharjah which, she noted, centres around human security as one of the key pillars of sustainable development.
She added that the Ruler of Sharjah believes in human being as the basic foundation of civilisation and forms the fabric of community as the first source of knowledge and cultural identity.
The event will discuss papers on demographic structure in Sharjah, human development indices, millennium development goals (MDGs), man and development in the vision of Shaikh Sultan, human rights and their impact on human

Thursday, september 30,2010, United Nations commends UAE relief operations in Pakistan.

The UAE under the leadership of President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is contributing significantly in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through its development projects across the world, the UN affirmed.
UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Elissar Sarrouh said the UAE is playing a vital role in alleviating the suffering and preserving human dignity of the underprivileged in developing countries.
She appreciated the humanitarian efforts the UAE is exerting in protecting the population in Pakistan from the tragic consequences of the severe flood.
She praised the patronage and support the UN offices and its diverse activities receive in the UAE from H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the Red Crescent Authority (RCA).
Such kind auspices, she affirmed, enhances the international organisation role in the region.
The UN official made her remarks during a visit to the RCA office where she was welcomed by RCA board Chairman Ahmed Humaid Al Mazrouie and senior RCA officials.
Current humanitarian situation in Pakistan and mechanisms to coordinating programmes to deliver more assistance to the flood victims were figured high in the meeting of the two sides.
The UN official said the present condition in Pakistan requires enhancement of broader partnership and joint actions to meet the increasing demands of the victims. She indicated that the UN has launched an appeal for $2 billion in flood relief for Pakistan. The request is the "largest appeal for humanitarian relief ever made by the world body.
She commended the RCA's relief operations in Pakistan saying the UAE agency was among the first responders to the floods ordeal and adopted important programmes in areas of relief, health and shelter. This, she affirmed, demonstrates the RCA's long experience and deep consciousness of the humanitarian works and needs.
According to her, the RCA's timely engagement in flash points was commendable by the international community and the UN, which is always seeking to tap its pioneering experience in this vital area.
For his part, the RCA official welcomed constructive cooperation and coordination with the UN agencies in upgrading field operations for the better future of humanitarian and relief works and delivery of care for the largest numbers of the vulnerable categories.
''The RCA lends special attention to enhancement of partnerships with the UN organisations and is ready to open new horizons for cooperation and exchange of expertise through implementation of a series of development projects that serve poor communities,''he added.
He briefed the UN official on the RCA's relief operations in Pakistan, affirming they are getting better day by day thanks to the engagement of the RAC teams on the ground.
The RCA, he added, is looking forward for greater coordination and cooperation with the UN agencies operating in Pakistan to provide holistic care and improve human conditions of the affected population.
He also referred to the projects the RAC has undertaken with a number of UN agencies like UNEP, UNHCR, UNICEF and UNRWA, in key sectors including health, education, and housing in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan and other African and Asian countries.

Tuesday, september 21,2010

The United Nations's Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. Elissar Sarrouh has praised President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, over UAE government's meeting of the humanitarian and charity pledges.

Speaking at a press conference held here today at Intercontinental Hotel, on convening the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in New York City, she told Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the UAE has fulfilled its committments and provided so much in the humanitarian and charity works at the local level and in many developing countries.

"We still expect much from the UAE leadership in support of the UNDP to achieve the expected goals worldwide", Dr. Sarrouh said, adding that the UN motivates donor countries to put in more human resources and funds to support the development programmes of underdevelopped countries.

Thursday, august 26,2010

The Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his best wishes for good health and wellness to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State "may God Almighty protect him" . This was conveyed  by  the UN  Resident Coordinator and UNDP  Resident Representative, Dr. Elissar Sarrouh to His Excellency Ahmed Juma Al Zaabi, Deputy Minister for  Presidential Affairs in telephone message  . Her Excellency conveyed her own sincere wishes for His Highness ,Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan President of the State continued  good health and wellness 

Thursday,august 26,2010

The UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative , Dr. Elissar Sarrouh, hosted an Iftar on August 26,2010 for the UN agencies and regional organizations accredited to the United Arab Emirates  at the Armed Forces Officers  Club.
During the Iftar gathering an overall review was made of some ongoing projects ,futuristic plans and coordination mechanisms with charitable institutions / agencies  in the UAE.

Tuesday, august 24,2010

The UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Dr. Elissar Sarrouh, hosted an Iftar on August 24,2010 for the Arab States Ambassadors and Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Armed Forces Club.
Dr. Sarrouh conveyed Ramadan greetings to all and discussed the role of the United Nations in the area of sustainable development, projects, issues and initiatives on both the local and international level were also mentioned.  

Monday, august 23,2010

The UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Elissar Sarrouh was received by His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, UAE Supreme Council member and ruler of Ajman, where she wished him a blessed Ramadan.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

The UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Elissar Sarrouh was received by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah ,where she conveyed deep condolences on the passing of his mother Sheikha Mariam Bint Sheikh Ghanim Bin Salem Al Shamsi.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

The UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Elissar Sarrouh was received by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayad Al-Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces where she conveyed deep condolences on the passing of his cousin Mr. Suhail Mubarek Alkutbi.