The Union Association for Human Rights delivered an oral statement before the Human Rights Council during its 58th session under Item 8, which addresses the implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. The statement highlighted the UAE’s humanitarian and development initiatives, particularly the establishment of the Erth Zayed Philanthropies and H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s initiative to allocate AED 20 billion to support the foundation. This step represents a major milestone in advancing sustainable development and humanitarian efforts both locally and globally.

• Commending the role of the Human Rights Council: The statement expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Council and the Office of the High Commissioner in monitoring the implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, which strengthens international cooperation to address developmental, social, economic, and structural challenges.
• Reaffirming commitment to sustainable development: The statement underscored the importance of countries committing to the Sustainable Development Goals, investing in infrastructure and clean energy, and promoting peace and security through development support in affected communities.
• Highlighting the Erth Zayed Philanthropies Initiative: The statement praised the establishment of the foundation as a strategic platform to address priority humanitarian and developmental issues, implement projects and initiatives aimed at achieving social justice, and improve the quality of life in developing nations.
• Commending Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s initiative: The statement expressed profound appreciation for H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s allocation of AED 20 billion to support the foundation, affirming that this initiative reflects the UAE’s comprehensive humanitarian vision, moving beyond emergency relief toward sustainable development and prosperity for the most vulnerable communities.

• Affirming the link between humanitarian action and sustainable development: The statement stressed the need for humanitarian responses to be integrated into a comprehensive development strategy aligned with the Vienna Declaration and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Showcasing the UAE as a global leader in humanitarian work: The statement highlighted the UAE’s role as more than just a financial donor, emphasizing its proactive efforts to establish sustainable humanitarian institutions addressing global challenges from a structural and developmental perspective.
• Strengthening the Council’s role in promoting international development cooperation: The statement advocated expanding the Human Rights Council’s scope to include the structural dimensions of development and human well-being, recognizing the complementary role of economic and social rights in advancing societies.
• Setting a new model for innovative international humanitarian partnerships: The statement reflected the UAE’s vision of offering an integrated model that combines national initiatives and international contributions to combat poverty and structural challenges through the Erth Zayed Philanthropies.