In a recent exclusive interview with Reef AI Khajeh, the Marketing Director of the Emirates Red Crescent, 《The Icons》delved into the organization’s profound impact on global humanitarian efforts and its participation in COP28. Established in 1983 under the patronage of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Emirates Red Crescent has emerged as a beacon of hope, dedicated to alleviating suffering and fostering resilience in communities worldwide.
“The objective is clear: to provide swift emergency response and effectively coordinate relief efforts,” Khajeh emphasized.
One of the notable initiatives discussed during the interview was the collaboration with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent in “Operation Gallant Knight 2.” This joint endeavor aimed to provide moral and psychological support to individuals affected by the Syria-Turkey earthquake. Notably, in April 2023, members of the Red Crescent celebrated Eid Al Fitr with 150 children and cancer-stricken orphans in Syria’s Latakia governorate, exemplifying their commitment to holistic support.
Khajeh also shed light on the Emirates Red Crescent’s remarkable fundraising endeavors, having amassed over AED 10 billion (approximately $2.9 billion) in humanitarian funding over the past 15 years. With a reach spanning 128 countries, both within and beyond the UAE, more than 228 million individuals have benefited from their humanitarian initiatives.
“The objective is clear: to provide swift emergency response and effectively coordinate relief efforts,” Khajeh reiterated. The organization’s annual winter campaigns stand as a testament to its proactive approach in addressing critical needs. Through the “Be Their Warmth” operation launched in 2023, the Emirates Red Crescent provided essential healthcare, sustenance, and shelter to half a million people across 31 countries. Previous campaigns have proven impactful, with Jordan witnessing aid distribution to 120,000 individuals, ensuring a more bearable winter season.
In response to the Syria-Turkey earthquake, the Emirates Red Crescent swiftly erected a shelter camp accommodating 300 individuals, equipped with vital provisions such as blankets, beds, and food packages. Concurrently, the construction of 1,000 solar-powered homes in Syria, costing $17.7 million, offered sanctuary to 6,000 displaced individuals, embodying the organization’s commitment to sustainable solutions.
Khajeh reiterated, “The objective is clear: to provide swift emergency response and effectively coordinate relief efforts.” The interview also highlighted the Emirates Red Crescent’s endeavors in Yemen, where mobile clinics have delivered vital healthcare services to remote communities. Since 2015, Yemen has received over $6.3 billion in aid, with close to 16,000 Yemenis benefiting from clinic services, underscoring the organization’s dedication to addressing long-standing humanitarian crises.
Moreover, the inauguration of the Umm Al Emarat Hospital for mothers and children in Comoros reflects the Emirates Red Crescent’s ongoing efforts to aid communities affected by natural disasters. Developed in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Moroni, the hospital is poised to serve nearly 20,000 individuals, providing improved healthcare accessibility to those impacted by Cyclone Kenneth.
Khajeh also discussed the Emirates Red Crescent’s response to Pakistan’s 2022 floods, where aircraft dispatched with relief aid bolstered relief efforts. The “We Stand Together” initiative, launched in collaboration with various UAE humanitarian organizations, facilitated the distribution of emergency relief kits to affected women and children, emphasizing solidarity in times of crisis.
“In addition, the Emirates Red Crescent collaborated with several UAE humanitarian organizations to launch the ‘We Stand Together’ initiative, promoting the distribution of emergency relief kits to women and children affected by disasters, emphasizing unity in times of crisis. Furthermore, the Emirates Red Crescent participated in COP28 in Dubai at the end of last year, and they will also be participating in COP29 this year, continuing their efforts to address climate change and promote related humanitarian challenges.
In their endeavors, we see their unwavering dedication to serving humanity, transcending borders and barriers, offering hope to those in need. As they continue to tackle complex global issues, their steadfast commitment to humanitarian principles remains unwavering. 《The Icons》hopes that our interview report can shed light on their dedication and encourage more people to join in these meaningful global endeavors!”
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