ABU DHABI --- Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister
of International Cooperation and Development (Micad) of the UAE, and Chair of
UAE Committee for the Coordination of Foreign Humanitarian Aid, has been
honored by the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) with the Clinton Global Citizen
Award for her leadership in public service, making her the first Emirati to
receive the honor.
Sheikha Lubna dedicated the honour to the top leaders of the
UAE. The award recognises remarkable individuals for their leadership and
impact in improving the lives of people around the globe and exemplify global
citizenship through their vision and leadership.
The Award recognises Sheikha Lubna's
outstanding role in her country's efforts in the humanitarian and global arena.
Sheikha Lubna is the second awardee
from a GCC country since the award’s inception in 2008. Honourees include
members of NGO’s, academia, the private sector, philanthropists, or public
servants.
The event was hosted by former U.S.
President Bill Clinton. The award was presented to Sheikha Lubna at a ceremony
in New York. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Sultan al Jaber, Minister of State
and head of the UAE/Egypt Liaison Office, Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State,
and Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, the Permanent Representative of the UAE to the
United Nations.
"I am humbled by this recognition,
and, with gratitude, I stand before all of you today to receive this award on
behalf of my country, the United Arab Emirates," said Sheikha Lubna Al
Qasimi.
"Allow me to say that this is not
about me, I am representing my country the UAE, which, with the guidance of the
founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has set
a policy of giving to all those in need regardless of race, color and religion
. I am here, holding this award, because I am very fortunate to have been given
the opportunity by the UAE leadership to be the first-ever female minister, and
more importantly, to be an agent of positive change."
"I dedicate this award to
President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and
Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of
Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces," Lubna Al
Qasimi added.
Established in 2007, the Clinton Global
Citizen Awards embody President Bill Clinton’s call to action by honoring
outstanding individuals who have proven that diverse sectors of society can
work together successfully to devise solutions that effect positive, lasting
social change.
Nominated by Clinton Global Initiative
(CGI) members, CGI staff, and other global leaders, honorees are chosen based
on their innovative approaches, and on the demonstrated results and
sustainability of their work. Through their uncommon abilities to strengthen
civil society, these visionaries inspire us all to take action and to become
true global citizens.
Although still a relatively young and
developing country, the UAE has risen to become the world’s most generous donor
in the last two consecutive years, providing official development assistance
above the target of 0.7 percent of gross national income (1.34% in 2013, and
1.17% in 2014), and provides extensive support to fellow developing countries.
These achievements have been driven by
the visionary leadership, effective policies and initiatives undertaken across
the UAE.
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