UAE pledges $25k to Developing Countries

The UAE has pledged $25,000 to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) under the Human Rights Council during an event attended by the UAE's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Jamal Al Musharakh on Friday.

The pledge was made through the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund, established in 2012 to enable LDCs and SIDS to participate in the Human Rights Council.

Al Musharakh said the contribution aims to ensure that all countries have a voice in international and multilateral fora and to provide technical assistance to support the effectiveness of multilateralism.

He highlighted the Human Rights Council in empowering and furnishing the necessary support to LDS and SIDS, saying it is an investment for a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous world for all.

This pledge is in line with the UAE's prominent role in providing humanitarian assistance, which has contributed to initiatives to support economic growth opportunities that address challenges such as climate change while affirming the UAE's commitment to reducing poverty and promoting peace and prosperity.

There are currently 45 countries on the list of LDCs; they are  reviewed every three years by the Committee for Development (CDP). 

LDCs are low-income countries confronting severe structural impediments to sustainable development. They are highly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks and have low levels of human assets.

SIDS are a distinct group of 39 States and 18 Associate Members of United Nations regional commissions that face unique social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities.

The three geographical regions in which SIDS are located are: the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea (AIS). 

SIDS were recognized as a special case both for their environment and development at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

The aggregate population of all the SIDS is 65 million, slightly less than 1% of the world’s population, yet this group faces unique social, economic, and environmental challenges.