UNICEF appoints Majid Al-Usaimi as first National Ambassador from UAE

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has appointed Majid Al-Usaimi as its first National Ambassador from the UAE.

The announcement was made at a press conference held in Dubai.

Al-Usaimi’s appointment follows decades of work for children in the UAE and in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia regions through his leadership positions and commitment to child rights.

He is currently President of the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC), Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Club for People of Determination, Member of the SOMENA (Special Olympics in the Middle East & North Africa) Advisory Council, and Board Member of UAE Supreme Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In his new role on behalf of UNICEF, Al-Usaimi will help give children a voice and bring their needs to the attention of decision-makers.

"I’m happy and honoured with this appointment. As a National Ambassador for the UAE, I hope I can contribute to my full potential and work towards the goals of UNICEF, not only in UAE but also in Asia and around the world," said Al-Usaimi.

"The appointment has come at the right time as we are set to implement the APC’s new Strategic Plan for the next four years; in addition, our mission also aligns with UNICEF’s objective of using sport to empower children and youth with disabilities and promote social inclusion."

Al-Usaimi said the UAE has emerged as a global model for the welfare of families and children, which is promoted in the country by various organisations, foremost among which is the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

The UAE has enacted strong laws to ensure the protection of children, the most important of which is the ‘Wadima’ law issued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, he noted.

Child welfare is one of the most important priorities of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who has launched many initiatives to provide education opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children both in the region and across the world, Al-Usaimi added.

Majid Al-Usaimi’s appointment as @UNICEF National Ambassador follows decades of work for children in the UAE and in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia regions through his leadership positions and commitment to child rights pic.twitter.com/CARft1l5K9

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 25, 2021