Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE's Minister for International Cooperation and Development and chair of the UAE Committee for the Coordination of Foreign Humanitarian Aid, has been honoured 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 award. 

 

It recognised remarkable individuals for their leadership in improving the lives of people around the globe, said a statement.

 

The event was hosted by President Bill Clinton at New York and 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 Lana Nusaibah, Ambassador and permanent representative of the UAE 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.

 

“Allow me to say that this is not about me, I am representing my country the UAE, who with the guidance of the founder of the UAE, 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 be given the opportunity by the UAE leadership to be the first-ever female minister, and more importantly, to be an agent of positive change,” it said.

 

Clinton Global Citizen Awards honour outstanding individuals who exemplify global citizenship through their vision and leadership, said the statement.

 

Sheikha Lubna is the second awardee from a GCC country since the award’s inception in 2008. The honourees include members of NGO’s, academia, the private sector, philanthropists, or public servants.

 

Nominated by Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) members, CGI staff, and other global leaders, honourees are chosen based on their innovative approaches, and on the demonstrated results and sustainability of their work, it said.

 

Through their uncommon abilities to strengthen civil society, these visionaries inspire us all to take action and to become true global citizens. 

 

Sheikha Lubna received the award for her outstanding role in her country’s efforts in the humanitarian and global arena. 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 per cent of gross national income (1.34 per cent in 2013, and 1.17 per cent 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 country. - TradeArabia News Service