Mohammad Al Gergawi, secretary-general of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), met with Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF, to discuss strengthening their partnership and reviewing the impact of MBRGI’s approximately AED30 million (US$8.1 million) contribution to UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Fund (CNF).

The contribution, made a year ago, supports the CNF, a financing mechanism aimed at expanding sustainable solutions to combat child malnutrition. The funding is expected to provide essential food supplements and therapeutic meals to more than 371,000 children and women through 2027. This aligns with MBRGI’s mission to combat hunger and malnutrition while supporting vulnerable populations globally.

Held at the World Economic Forum in Davos, which runs Jan. 20-24, the meeting reinforced the shared commitment of MBRGI and UNICEF to address global child nutrition. It also highlighted recent initiatives carried out by MBRGI and UNICEF, particularly in Mongolia, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka during the first phase of the program.

“Our partnership with UNICEF reflects the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, to ensure vulnerable children and families live with dignity by providing vital care and support,” Al Gergawi said. “This aligns with MBRGI’s humanitarian mission to dedicate its resources and capabilities to positively impacting communities worldwide.”

He added, “This collaboration is particularly crucial as many countries grapple with economic crises, conflicts, and climate change, which exacerbate challenges faced by women and children in affected regions. The joint efforts of MBRGI and UNICEF will contribute to sustainable, positive change in the lives of millions, empowering vulnerable communities and improving their quality of life.”

MBRGI operates across five main pillars: humanitarian aid and relief, healthcare and disease control, spreading education and knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship, and empowering communities. In 2023, MBRGI spent AED1.8 billion, benefiting more than 111 million people in 105 countries.