NEW YORK, 9th December, 2014 (WAM) -- The Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations participated in a donors’ meeting for current and prospective contributors, chaired by Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, on Monday. The meeting was organized by the UN Department of Political Affairs (DPA), as part of its Multi-Year Appeal 2015 Update and presentation of its funding priorities.
At the meeting, Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative to the UN, announced the UAE’s contribution of US$500,000 to the DPA fund, an amount partially ear-marked for activities in Afghanistan and Somalia. This contribution marks the first time that the UAE has donated to DPA, and a portion of the funds will be assigned and used towards the Department’s Rapid Response efforts, allowing DPA some flexibility in responding to sudden crises in 2015 in addition to building on the important work it is doing in Somalia and Afghanistan.
In her remarks, Ambassador Nusseibeh also recognized DPA’s important role in promoting the goals and objectives of the UN in its work towards peace, security and development in countries and regions currently affected by, or emerging from, conflicts, especially in the Middle East. She also commended Mr. Feltman's efforts in leading the Department and engaging with the Arab region.
During the meeting, DPA gave a review of its activities that focus on mediation and the cessation of political conflicts around the world. According to data from DPA, it has contributed to approximately 40 Special Political Missions, which were funded by 17 countries in 2014, where donations reached US$16 million. The Department also reviewed its projects for the year 2015 with a budget of $25.5 million.
Assistant-Secretary-General Jamal Ben Omar, UN Special Adviser on Yemen, spoke at the meeting following Feltman’s opening remarks. He noted the implementation of the GCC initiative, which provides a roadmap for mechanism time lines and benchmarks for transition, as an achievement in the context of Yemen. He also noted the ongoing work of the Constitution Drafting Committee, and thanked the UAE for facilitating efforts in this regard.
Several European countries, as well as Japan and the Republic of Korea, also made significant pledges during the meeting. The UAE was welcomed as a new donor amongst the group.
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