By launching the 2015-2021 strategy for the International Humanitarian City (IHC), His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is laying a future vision to develop and promote the message, mission and standing of the IHC at a time when humanitarian work is experiencing significant changes, Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, said.

”Updating strategies and reviewing plans are important for developing and improving the performance of the humanitarian work sector,” Sheikha Lubna said in a statement after Sheikh Mohammed launched the IHC’s strategy on Monday.

She praised Sheikh Mohammed’s far-sighted vision for establishing the IHC, enabling the UAE to become an active international partner through harnessing its economic and developmental capabilities to promote and support the noble message of humanitarian work under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

She said, ”The UAE is always looking to the future, particularly in terms of its leading humanitarian role and standing. Apart from its direct contributions and assistance, the UAE is also seeking to remove obstacles facing humanitarian works, especially in the area of ensuring timely delivery of assistance to those in need.” The IHC, Sheikha Lubna emphasised, has gained the respect and confidence of the international humanitarian organisations.

She added that the UAE, being the world’s largest provider of Official Development Aid (ODA), would pursue its humanitarian mission, whose foundations were laid down by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.