UAE allots $100m to support countries affected by ‘irregular migration’

The UAE has allocated $100m (Dhs367m) to support development projects in countries affected by irregular immigration, including backing initiatives proposed in the Rome Process.

The announcement was made by UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the International Conference on Development and Migration in Rome on Sunday, according to state news agency WAM.

Sheikh Mohamed, in his speech at the international conference, said that ‘irregular migration’, which tragically claims thousands of lives each year, stands as one of the most critical challenges facing the world today.

Addressing this phenomenon requires comprehensive solutions rooted in development and stability, the UAE leader said, as it is through development that the world can achieve peace and stability, both within societies and on an international scale.

UAE committed to working with international community to address global challenges: Reem Al Hashimy.#WamInfographic https://t.co/onMGqqU8uQ pic.twitter.com/OZJvJZT3DY

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) July 23, 2023

Sheikh Mohamed added that dealing with cases of displacement, whether it be asylum or migration, requires strengthening joint efforts to address the main causes through comprehensive development efforts and close cooperation between all affected countries.

These include countries of origin, transit and countries hosting migrants, in addition to the support of international and regional agencies and initiatives to build on previous progress in facing these challenges.

The UAE President said that the conference comes at a crucial stage in the world, requiring greater cooperation and solidarity among nations. He highlighted that collective action and building bridges of cooperation among different countries are the means to tackle shared global challenges and uplift humanity, ensuring a prosperous future for coming generations.

Sheikh Mohamed was received by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on his arrival in Rome. He is accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; and Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation.

UAE on climate action and immigration

With the UAE gearing up to host the COP28 climate summit in November, Sheikh Mohamed told the conference that climate change is one of the key drivers of irregular migration as it leads to drought, agricultural crop destruction, and increased poverty in many countries.

Sheikh Mohamed the climate conference in Dubai seeks to accelerate international efforts to address the impacts of climate change and support the implementation of the outcomes from previous conferences.

He also reaffirmed the UAE’s belief in the importance of diplomacy and dialogue as tools for building trust while calling for global cooperation for the greater good of humanity.

Read: UAE pledges $15m to UN Women to advance gender equality