Lubna Al Qasimi, Director of UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction discuss cooperation

Abu Dhabi (WAM): Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Development and International Co-operation and President of Zayed University, has affirmed the urgent need to develop the capacity of the international community to deal with the various crises and humanitarian disasters based on the development of cognitive abilities, the establishment of a database and made it available to exchange in front of all countries and humanitarian institutions in order to enhance the ability to respond quickly to disaster as soon as possible. Sheikh Lubna noted to the contributions and efforts of the UAE under the guidance of its wise leadership to develop the capacities of humanitarian institutions and the adoption of best practices to provide relief and assistance to those affected by crises and humanitarian disasters, and enhance its readiness and active cooperation with all countries of the world and the competent international humanitarian institutions when she received the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, Margareta Wahlstrom and her delegation. During the meeting, the two parties discussed ways to enhance cooperation, partnership and exchanging views between the UAE and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, with the consensus on the importance of building a knowledge base about the history of disasters in the world to use as a strategic base in taking decisions of development and investment. Sheikh Lubna was briefed, by Margareta Wahlstrom, on plans and programmes of the office and its efforts in dealing with disasters and crises that arise in any country in the world. Mrs. Wahlstrom affirmed the Un Office's appreciation of the great efforts made by the UAE in providing various channels of support and urgent relief for those who are affected by disasters and humanitarian crises. She also presented a brief outline about the office seeking to establish a global summit in 2015 in Japan to announce a framework for disaster management beyond the year 2015. The meeting was attended by Hazza Al Qahtani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Development and International Co-operation and Najla Al Kaabi, Assistant Under-Secretary for International Cooperation. – Emirates News Agency, WAM