Sheikha Fatima calls for support for families in conflicts and war zones

H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, GWU, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, FDF, and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, has called on the World Family Organisation to provide support for families in conflicts and war zones, and appealed to international stakeholders to give sufficient attention to the issue.
"The leaders of the UAE gave their utmost attention to social and family affairs, and put relevant development plans in place, and provided the needed resources to ensure family cohesion. They also urged for continuous coordination between ministries and government departments, and for cooperation with regional and international organisations in order to offer the best practices in the field of family care," said Sheikha Fatima.
Sheikha Fatima made her remarks in her speech at the "Conference Sustainable Family Development : Achievements and Future Visions", which was organised by the FDF to coincide with this year's International Day of Families. Dr. Maytha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, read out Sheikha Fatima's speech at the conference which was attended by Ali Salem Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the FDF, Deisi Kusztra, President of the World Family Organisation, an elite group of experts and government representatives from the UAE and other countries.
The conference will review milestones the UAE and Abu Dhabi have achieved in delivering of services to the family over the last 20 years, explore local, regional and international best practices which can be applied to enhance stability of the family and empower it to adapt to latest transformations and highlight major challenges and future visions that can achieve Abu Dhabi Plan 2030.
"We in the UAE are not isolated from what goes on in the rest of the world. Because we are an intrinsic part of this world, we hosted this conference to provide an opportunity to all stakeholders to explore our successful social practices and also view regional and international relevant developments," H.H Sheikha Fatima added, stressing that the approach of the UAE is clear and seeks to achieve a civilised nation focused on the well-being of people.
Sheikha Fatima also greeted President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the occasion of the UAE Flag Day which this year marks the 10th anniversary of his accession to the UAE presidency. She also greeted the people of the UAE on the occasion. H.H. Sheikha Fatima greeted families on the occasion of the International Day of Families which this year marks the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family and offers an opportunity to refocus on the role of families in development, among other goals.
This year, the International Day of Families had the theme "Families Matter for the Achievement of Development Goals". The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 and reflects the importance the international community attaches to families.