Sustainable development and humanitarian programmes in cooperation with DEWA and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment
The UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia), under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), announced its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the Year of Zayed. The programme includes 6 humanitarian and social projects and initiatives, in collaboration with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment. The projects reflect the noble values and principles of philanthropy and wisdom, instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the hearts of Emirati people. It is also a continuation of Suqia’s sustainable development initiatives in the Year of Giving. This is in response to the announcement by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE who declared 2018 as the ‘Year of Zayed’ to celebrate the centennial of the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
“In line with the vision and guidance of our wise leadership, headed by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa 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, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Suqia launched its humanitarian projects to translate the values of the late Sheikh Zayed. 2018 is an opportunity for Suqia to highlight the role of the Founding Father and Leader, who was a symbol of wisdom, philanthropy, and generosity, in the region and the world, and to commemorate the principles that he instilled in the hearts of UAE nationals and residents,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Suqia.
“Our projects in the Year of Zayed are a continuation of our record of humanitarian achievements around the world. Suqia’s sustainable initiatives and projects have benefited over 8 million people so far in 25 countries. During the Year of Giving, Suqia implemented 85 development projects in 21 countries benefiting 550,000 people. These projects support the UAE’s position as a global model for humanitarian work. For the fourth year running, the UAE maintained its position as one of the largest international donors compared to its national income in 2016 for the 4th year in row, according to the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This supports our wise leadership’s belief in the importance of helping people everywhere, regardless of their identity, race, language or other considerations,” added Al Tayer.
“We are keen to ensure that our initiatives for the Year of Giving reflect the wisdom of the late Sheikh Zayed, as well as his personality and passion, his interest in development and sustainability, the preservation of the environment and natural resources, and building the capabilities of human beings. This contributes to achieving our vision of providing clean and sustainable water with innovative solutions. We are committed to achieving one of the key objectives set by MBRGI, which is to combat poverty and disease, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, to eradicate poverty and hunger and provide water to all. Our local and international projects will focus on the involvement of youth and women empowerment, while highlighting their role in development and progress. The projects will be implemented in partnership with DEWA and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, and with the participation of community members,” continued Al Tayer.
100 Water Projects
During the Year of Zayed, Suqia will implement 100 projects to provide safe drinking water to needy communities around the world, in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment and the Emirates Red Crescent Authority. The projects include providing water wagons to help women carry water from faraway water sources. These water wagons will enable them to get five times more water, while saving time for other important life events.
100 Volunteers Initiative
Through the 100 Volunteers initiative, and in collaboration with DEWA, Suqia aims to attract 100 volunteers from DEWA, to work on various CSR initiatives during the year. These include an awareness and rationalisation programme on water for elementary and middle school students in Dubai, Ramadan campaigns to distribute water to mosques and Ramadan tents, as well as voluntary field trips outside the UAE, organised in cooperation with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment. This aims to encourage a culture of volunteerism and humanitarian work among DEWA employees and youth.
International Initiative
This initiative includes international voluntary field visits, carried out by Suqia, in cooperation with DEWA and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment to implement sustainable projects that serve the needs of needy families and involve target communities in finding appropriate solutions to water problems. It also aims to raise awareness about the correct use of water, and informing them about the late Sheikh Zayed’s life and achievements.
100 Water Endowments
Through this initiative, Suqia will provide 100 water coolers in various parts of Dubai.
Suqia Zayed
Through this campaign, Suqia aims to provide drinking water in partnership with Mai Dubai, and in cooperation with various local associations. It also aims to provide water to people during the Holy Month of Ramadan in different countries around the world, in cooperation with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment.
100 Letters to Zayed
This is an innovative initiative aimed at collecting messages of love addressed to the late Sheikh Zayed, from volunteers and staff members from DEWA. It allows community members, school students, and beneficiaries of Suqia’s projects, to express their love and gratitude to the late Sheikh Zayed throughout the year. At the end of 2018, these messages will be compiled in a special book titled ‘Letters to Zayed’.
“Suqia’s mission is to support happiness for poor and disaster-stricken communities by fostering and investing in innovative and sustainable solar powered potable water solutions through effective partnerships in a sustainable and efficient platform aligned with best international practices. Suqia seeks to extend humanitarian aid throughout the world and to fulfil the call of humanitarian duty to implement developmental projects to benefit poor communities. This year, we have dedicated a series of humanitarian initiatives to reflect the values and principles of the late Sheikh Zayed, and educate the international community on these values,” said Mohammed Abdulkareem Al Shamsi, Acting Executive Director of Suqia.
These projects are part of Suqia’s efforts to strengthen the UAE’s leading position in sustainability, and provide solutions to the challenges facing attempts of water conservation and water security. The late Sheikh Zayed was keen on developing programmes and plans based on sustainability and environmental action, conservation of natural resources, water desalination, combating desertification, drilling of wells and dams, utilising modern irrigation methods, and preserving groundwater reserves. This has resulted in the desert became a civilised and developed green oasis in the last few years.