Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development (Micad) of the UAE, and Chair of UAE Committee for the Coordination of Foreign Humanitarian Aid, has been honoured by the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) with the Clinton Global Citizen Award for her leadership in public service, making her the first Emirati to receive the honour.

Sheikha Lubna dedicated the honour to the top leaders of the UAE. The award recognises remarkable individuals for their leadership and impact in improving the lives of people around the globe and exemplify global citizenship through their vision and leadership.

The Award recognises Sheikha Lubna's outstanding role in her country's efforts in the humanitarian and global arena.

Sheikha Lubna is the second awardee from a GCC country since the award's inception in 2008. Honourees include members of NGO's, academia, the private sector, philanthropists, or public servants.

The event was hosted by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. The award was presented to Sheikha Lubna at a ceremony in New York. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Sultan al Jaber, Minister of State and head of the UAE/Egypt Liaison Office, Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State, and Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, the Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations.

"I am humbled by this recognition, and, with gratitude, I stand before all of you yesterday to receive this award on behalf of my country, the United Arab Emirates," said Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi.

"Allow me to say that this is not about me, I am representing my country the UAE, which, with the guidance of the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has set a policy of giving to all those in need regardless of race, colour and religion . I am here, holding this award, because I am very fortunate to have been given the opportunity by the UAE leadership to be the first-ever female minister, and more importantly, to be an agent of positive change."

"I dedicate this award to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces," Lubna Al Qasimi added.

Established in 2007, the Clinton Global Citizen Awards embody President Bill Clinton's call to action by honouring outstanding individuals who have proven that diverse sectors of society can work together successfully to devise solutions that effect positive, lasting social change.

Nominated by Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) members, CGI staff, and other global leaders, honourees are chosen based on their innovative approaches, and on the demonstrated results and sustainability of their work. Through their uncommon abilities to strengthen civil society, these visionaries inspire us all to take action and to become true global citizens.

Although still a relatively young and developing country, the UAE has risen to become the world's most generous donor in the last two consecutive years, providing official development assistance above the target of 0.7 percent of gross national income (1.34% in 2013, and 1.17% in 2014), and provides extensive support to fellow developing countries.

These achievements have been driven by the visionary leadership, effective policies and initiatives undertaken across the UAE.
Source: WAM