UAE Allocates $10 Million to Boost Asia-Pacific Disaster Resilience

Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has allocated US$10 million to enhance the resilience of communities across Asia and the Pacific against natural disasters. The initiative is implemented through the UAE Aid Agency and will be carried out in partnership with Emirates Nature Society and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Programme Partnership and Objectives

The initiative, called the “Community Resilience to Natural Disasters Programme,” is a collaborative effort involving WWF and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). It focuses on harnessing nature-based solutions to help communities withstand and adapt to natural hazards, improve disaster preparedness, and promote sustainable livelihoods.

First Phase Funding and Expansion Goals

The UAE’s US$10 million contribution will fund the first phase of the programme. The funding aims to attract additional co-financing from public and private sector partners, as well as donor institutions. This approach ensures the programme’s long-term sustainability and expands its reach to vulnerable communities.

UAE Leadership Highlights Global Role

Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, highlighted the country’s global role in promoting international cooperation for people and nature. He stated that the programme embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasizing preventive measures and enhancing adaptive capacities of communities facing natural disasters.

Emirates Nature–WWF Perspective

Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature–WWF, emphasized the importance of community-based resilience. She explained that the programme allows collaboration with local communities to strengthen natural defenses, secure livelihoods, and promote long-term sustainability in the Asia-Pacific region.

WWF International Viewpoint

Kirsten Schuijt, Director-General of WWF International, noted that nature is humanity’s strongest ally in reducing disaster risks. The programme supports ecosystem restoration and stewardship, protecting communities from hazards while fostering safer, resilient societies.

IFRC Focus on Preparedness and Mitigation

Nena Stoiljkovic, IFRC Under Secretary General, highlighted that the increasing frequency of natural hazards requires preparedness. She emphasized that by working with nature as the first line of defense, the programme strengthens communities, safeguards lives and livelihoods, and reduces human and economic losses.

Programme’s Three Key Pillars

The Community Resilience to Natural Disasters Programme focuses on restoring natural protective systems, including mangroves and coral reefs, promoting sustainable livelihoods for farmers, fishers, and small enterprises, and strengthening community preparedness through early warning systems and risk reduction frameworks co-developed with local residents.

Implementation Across Asia-Pacific

The first phase of the programme will be implemented in the Philippines, Indonesia, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands. The UAE-led initiative establishes a scalable model for future expansion across the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrating a sustainable and proactive approach to disaster resilience.

Through this initiative, the UAE reinforces its commitment to global humanitarian efforts, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. By integrating nature-based solutions and disaster preparedness strategies, the programme aims to protect lives, secure livelihoods, and build resilient communities across Asia and the Pacific.