Latest news with #IASC
Al Etihad
13-03-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE active, innovative backer of humanitarian responses worldwide: UN
11 Mar 2025 14:22 ABU DHABI (WAM) UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has affirmed that the UAE is an active and innovative backer of humanitarian responses highlighted that year after year, the country is supporting the UN's efforts to provide vital aid to the most vulnerable around the who was appointed in November 2024, emphasised in a statement to WAM that humanitarian action is embedded in the culture and prioritised by the country's pointed out that collaborating with the UAE is driven by the energy, ideas and problem-solving mentality inherent in the country's approach to the strategy for enhancing global humanitarian response and accelerating the pace of emergency relief aid delivery, Fletcher stated, "As Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, I coordinate the UN humanitarian sector – but in my role as Emergency Relief Chief, I also chair the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), the body that coordinates the global humanitarian community, including NGOs."Fletcher also revealed the launch of a bold plan to further spur efficiency in the humanitarian sector following a meeting of IASC heads in Geneva last week. He said, "We are working to be lighter, faster and less bureaucratic – to reduce duplication and define our lifesaving work more clearly. At a time when more than 300 million people around the world urgently need support, we must deliver that assistance more effectively."He continued, "We will continue to broaden our partner base, including by stepping up engagement with the private sector, World Bank and the broader public. I believe there is a movement of billions of people who care and will stand in solidarity with those in need of assistance and protection."On UAE-UN humanitarian cooperation, Fletcher affirmed that the UAE is an active and innovative backer of humanitarian responses worldwide, consistently supporting UN efforts to provide critical assistance to vulnerable groups includes efforts in Gaza, where the UAE committed nearly $223 million to the "Flash Appeal for the Occupied Palestinian Territory" initiative. He also mentioned a UAE-drafted UN Security Council resolution, adopted in December 2023, which demanded the immediate, safe, and unhindered delivery of large-scale humanitarian assistance directly to Palestinian civilians throughout also highlighted the UAE's critical support to the Humanitarian Fund overseen by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), ensuring that those closest to communities in need have the means to respond to crisis."The UN is grateful for the UAE's engagement to deliver lifesaving assistance, both in the region and beyond," he the role of innovation and AI in supporting global humanitarian needs, Fletcher highlighted the ongoing efforts to leverage AI and innovation to enhance humanitarian response and adapt to future challenges."In the UAE, we see that innovation and strive to learn from it," he explained that OCHA, through the Centre for Humanitarian Data in The Hague, has been exploring predictive analytics that can drive anticipatory action to get ahead of a crisis. "We want to foster partnerships across the world – including here in the UAE – that help us build capacity and community around innovation," he challenges in the humanitarian field, Fletcher noted that workers are facing a polycrisis that is driving needs around the world, with growing needs and increasingly complex challenges. He pointed out climate change as a major challenge, with OCHA launching a Climate Action Account as part of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund to help finance humanitarian responses to climate conclusion, Fletcher commended the UAE's humanitarian efforts, including the establishment of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, followed by a dedicated body to implement lifesaving support for those in need, the UAE Aid Agency. The UAE also hosts the world's largest humanitarian logistics hub, Dubai Humanitarian, which has been critically important to global response efforts.
Yemen Online
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Yemen Online
UAE active, innovative backer of humanitarian responses worldwide: UN
Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, has affirmed that the UAE is an active and innovative backer of humanitarian responses worldwide. He highlighted that year after year, the country is supporting the UN's efforts to provide vital aid to the most vulnerable around the globe. Fletcher, who was appointed in November 2024, emphasised in a statement to Emirates News Agency (WAM) that humanitarian action is embedded in the culture and prioritised by the country's leaders. He pointed out that collaborating with the UAE is driven by the energy, ideas and problem-solving mentality inherent in the country's approach to crises. Regarding the strategy for enhancing global humanitarian response and accelerating the pace of emergency relief aid delivery, Fletcher stated, "As Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, I coordinate the UN humanitarian sector – but in my role as Emergency Relief Chief, I also chair the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), the body that coordinates the global humanitarian community, including NGOs." Fletcher also revealed the launch of a bold plan to further spur efficiency in the humanitarian sector following a meeting of IASC heads in Geneva last week. He said, "We are working to be lighter, faster and less bureaucratic – to reduce duplication and define our lifesaving work more clearly. At a time when more than 300 million people around the world urgently need support, we must deliver that assistance more effectively." He continued, "We will continue to broaden our partner base, including by stepping up engagement with the private sector, World Bank and the broader public. I believe there is a movement of billions of people who care and will stand in solidarity with those in need of assistance and protection." On UAE-UN humanitarian cooperation, Fletcher affirmed that the UAE is an active and innovative backer of humanitarian responses worldwide, consistently supporting UN efforts to provide critical assistance to vulnerable groups worldwide. This includes efforts in Gaza, where the UAE committed nearly US$223 million to the "Flash Appeal for the Occupied Palestinian Territory" initiative. He also mentioned a UAE-drafted UN Security Council resolution, adopted in December 2023, which demanded the immediate, safe, and unhindered delivery of large-scale humanitarian assistance directly to Palestinian civilians throughout Gaza. Fletcher also highlighted the UAE's critical support to the Humanitarian Fund overseen by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), ensuring that those closest to communities in need have the means to respond to crisis. "The UN is grateful for the UAE's engagement to deliver lifesaving assistance, both in the region and beyond," he stated. Discussing the role of innovation and AI in supporting global humanitarian needs, Fletcher highlighted the ongoing efforts to leverage AI and innovation to enhance humanitarian response and adapt to future challenges. "In the UAE, we see that innovation and strive to learn from it," he said. He explained that OCHA, through the Centre for Humanitarian Data in The Hague, has been exploring predictive analytics that can drive anticipatory action to get ahead of a crisis. "We want to foster partnerships across the world – including here in the UAE – that help us build capacity and community around innovation," he added. Addressing challenges in the humanitarian field, Fletcher noted that workers are facing a polycrisis that is driving needs around the world, with growing needs and increasingly complex challenges. He pointed out climate change as a major challenge, with OCHA launching a Climate Action Account as part of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund to help finance humanitarian responses to climate shocks. In conclusion, Fletcher commended the UAE's humanitarian efforts, including the establishment of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, followed by a dedicated body to implement lifesaving support for those in need, the UAE Aid Agency. The UAE also hosts the world's largest humanitarian logistics hub, Dubai Humanitarian, which has been critically important to global response efforts.
Observer
26-02-2025
- Science
- Observer
Omani students participate in major NASA discovery
A group of students from Oman has become the first Omani students to participate in NASA's research through the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC), leading to the discovery of a moving celestial object. As many as 26 students and 4 staff members of Ahmad bin Majid International School (ABM), collaborated in two research campaigns from November 2024 through February 2025, working in dedicated boys' and girls' teams, making Oman's scientific community proud. Speaking to the Observer, Wejdan al Bourai, a student leader, said, "I felt proud to teach others about the project, it was a great experience." Supported by school educator facilitators, the students worked together to examine time-lapse sky images provided by IASC, leading to the successful identification of the celestial object — a discovery officially recognised by NASA. "Participating in this project has been an unforgettable journey. I've gained valuable skills in asteroid detection, teamwork and perseverance. This experience has shown me the power of collaboration in making real scientific contributions," said Ali al Abdawani. 'This achievement is a testament to the power of teamwork and student leadership,' said Waheeda Said, ABM Board Member and Project Lead. 'Our students didn't just participate — they led, collaborated and problem-solved, demonstrating the kind of skills that define future scientists and innovators.' Student leaders took on key roles within their teams, from data analysts to observation recorders, ensuring accuracy and driving the project forward throughout the campaigns. Their hard work paid off when they confirmed the presence of the moving object — an inspiring moment for Oman's science fraternity. 'This project taught us the importance of leadership, communication and patience,' said one of the student leaders. 'It wasn't just about finding an asteroid — it was about working together and pushing each other to do our best.' Facilitated through IASC, a global citizen science programme that enables participants to analyse real astronomical data, the campaign gave the students a rare opportunity to contribute directly to NASA's research efforts. Each student involved received an official certificate from NASA, recognising their role in the discovery. 'This is more than just a scientific breakthrough, it's a moment of pride for Oman,' added Waheeda. 'Our students have proven that with teamwork, dedication and leadership, they can reach for the stars — and beyond.' The success of ABM's students not only marks a historic moment in Omani space research but also inspires future generations to explore, innovate and dream big.
