Under the directives of Fatima bint Mubarak, Abu Dhabi to host the “International Conference on Refugee Women’s Health in the Context of Climate Change” in early October.
Under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Honorary President of the Emirates Red Crescent, the “Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women” will organize the international conference “Refugee Women’s Health in Light of Climate Change” in the capital, Abu Dhabi, at the beginning of October.
The conference will discuss several key topics, including healthcare strategies in areas affected by climate change, empowering women in managing refugee health, innovative solutions, and supporting mental health in climate-affected regions. A group of distinguished officials and experts supporting refugee women’s health will participate in the conference.
In this context, the “Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women” has signed cooperation agreements with Abu Dhabi University, the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Wizz Air to sponsor the conference. These agreements are part of the fund’s initiatives to empower refugee women, provide them with more excellent care, and enhance their ability to face brutal displacement.
The agreements were signed at the headquarters of the Emirates Red Crescent in Abu Dhabi in the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairwoman of the Supreme Committee of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women; Dr. Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi University; and Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent, who signed on behalf of the fund. The agreements were also signed by Professor Ghassan Aouad, President of Abu Dhabi University; Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health; Fatima Al Mazrouei, a member of the Board of Directors of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women and Head of Banking Services at First Abu Dhabi Bank; and Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air.
On this occasion, Her Excellency Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi stated that the conference reflects the significant attention Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak gives to refugee women and her efforts to provide all possible support to enhance their ability to overcome challenges.
She emphasized that the humanitarian role of Her Highness through the fund’s initiatives aligns with the humanitarian principles embraced by the UAE and its wise leadership under His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, and their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates.
She expressed her happiness with the agreements signed between the fund and the institutions supporting the conference. These agreements will expand efforts to support refugee women in terms of health and mental well-being, enabling them to overcome hardships and face future challenges.
Her Excellency Al Shamsi pointed out that the health and psychological challenges refugee women face due to the harsh experiences of displacement and asylum will be a central focus of the conference. The sessions aim to find solutions that provide health and psychological support to help them overcome the trauma of displacement and the absence of basic living needs, which creates adverse conditions that expose them to more significant psychological pressure and despair.
For his part, Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent, affirmed that the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women is one of the pioneering initiatives in providing care and preserving the dignity of refugees. He noted that the fund has brought about a qualitative shift in global efforts to empower refugee women and has previously implemented numerous programs to enhance women’s capabilities in displacement and refugee areas.
He added that when Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak established the Refugee Women Fund, she was fully aware of the situations of displaced and refugee women in camps and conflict areas, the hardships they endure, and the risks they face as the most vulnerable group. For this reason, Her Highness adopted many initiatives to support refugee women, providing them with better living conditions. He highlighted the fund’s role in offering more excellent care, protection, and dignified lives for women in camps and beyond.
Al Mansouri pointed out that the upcoming conference in October would add new achievements for refugee women in the health field. He explained that preparations are underway to achieve the conference’s goals, including launching initiatives that enhance future healthcare strategies for refugee women.
Dr. Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi University, said that this collaboration reflects the prominent position of the UAE in caring for refugees worldwide through a comprehensive system of developmental projects that provide them with dignified lives. It also translates the pioneering efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and her constant commitment to empowering refugee women and overcoming the challenges they face, particularly those related to their health.
He expressed his delight in being one of the strategic partners of this collaboration, hosting the Refugee Women’s Health Conference at Abu Dhabi University. The conference will bring together prominent officials and experts specializing in supporting refugee women’s health.
In this context, Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, stated that the department’s support for the conference aligns with the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership and the efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak to support women and promote their health. In partnership with the Emirates Red Crescent and the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women, the department enhances healthcare services for women in climate-affected areas, empowering them to support refugee health management efforts. She affirmed that these efforts reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in healthcare and its commitment to promoting community health worldwide.
Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, expressed his company’s honor in partnering with the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women alongside other partners. He affirmed that this collaboration reflects the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose directives have instilled values of compassion and solidarity.
He added that by pooling resources and expertise, the partnership aims to make a significant impact, provide vital assistance, and bring hope for a brighter future for refugee women worldwide. He reiterated Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s commitment to supporting similar initiatives, promoting tourism, culture, and healthy living in Abu Dhabi, and investing in humanitarian and social responsibility causes within the UAE.
