The UAE has announced a US$10 million contribution to help communities across Asia and the Pacific better withstand natural disasters, under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The funding, launched through the UAE Aid Agency, will support Emirates Nature–WWF in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature to implement the “Community Resilience to Natural Disasters Programme.” The initiative was unveiled during the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.
The programme, developed by WWF and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, uses nature-based solutions to enhance disaster preparedness, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainable livelihoods. Its first phase will target communities in the Philippines, Indonesia, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands, creating a scalable model for future regional expansion.
Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, said the initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to preventive action and global cooperation, shifting focus from crisis response to resilience.
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature–WWF, highlighted that resilience begins within communities and that the programme builds on 25 years of UAE-led conservation efforts.
WWF International Director-General Kirsten Schuijt emphasized the vital role of ecosystems in protecting people and livelihoods, while IFRC’s Nena Stoiljkovic noted that preparedness and adaptation are key to preventing hazards from becoming disasters.
The UAE’s contribution marks the first phase of a broader effort to attract co-financing from public and private partners, ensuring long-term sustainability and shared responsibility in safeguarding both nature and human security.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
