The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled plans to launch a cutting-edge digital response platform aimed at aiding countries grappling with the aftermath of disasters. This platform is designed to facilitate swift and effective communication of humanitarian requirements from disaster-affected nations to the global community.
The UAE’s announcement came during an open debate at the United Nations Security Council, titled “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Advancing Public-Private Humanitarian Partnership.” This innovative platform will empower disaster-stricken countries to convey their specific aid needs and locations, enabling partners to efficiently target and expedite relief efforts. It will leverage state-of-the-art technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and geospatial tools, all while ensuring the utmost data security.
Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, emphasized the urgency of revamping the existing humanitarian system to meet the demands of the present-day crises. She stated, “The UAE has been developing a digital platform to support governments’ ability to better harness international support in the wake of natural disasters. We look forward to collaborating with governments, the private sector, and humanitarian organizations in the coming months to introduce a new tool that will supercharge our crisis response capabilities.”
This pivotal UN Security Council session was presided over by Igli Hasani, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, which currently holds the Council’s presidency for the month of September.
The UAE, a significant global contributor to humanitarian causes, hosts the world’s largest humanitarian logistics center in Dubai known as the International Humanitarian City. It houses 62 humanitarian organizations, including prominent UN agencies, as well as 17 private sector entities. The UAE’s top-tier aviation and logistics industries, represented by companies like Etihad, Emirates, and DP World, play a crucial role in international humanitarian endeavors. They collaborate closely with the UN and other partners to ensure that aid reaches those in dire need. Over the past five years, the UAE’s private sector has made noteworthy contributions, totaling over US$ 250 million, to humanitarian initiatives worldwide.
