Community Development Authority in Dubai holds meeting with UNESCO

The Community Development Authority in Dubai (CDA) organized recently, a meeting with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in which both parties discussed a range of topics of common interest, including the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between the CDA and UNESCO for the implementation of joint projects, particularly in the field of Human Rights. 

H.E. Khaled Al Kamda, Director General of the CDA, welcomed representatives from both the UNESCO and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, stressing the importance of such meetings in enhancing cooperation in several sectors, including Human Rights. 

During the meeting, the CDA showcased programs it has implemented so far in order to  spread awareness amongst school students on Human Rights and activate programmes and activities pertaining to this segment of society. During the last academic year,CDA launched the  arts and cultural competition under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majed bin Mohammad bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority that targeted students from different ages and stages. The CDA had also implemented a  project entitled "Know Your Rights" that aimed at teaching students about the basic human rights and create awareness amongst them with that regards. 

“While leaders and governments show interest only in economic recovery and development, our wise leadership led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has always shown concern for individuals and the preservation of their rights and freedom. This is based on the faith of His Highness in the role played by individuals in achieving integration within the overall system of the country,” said H.E.  Khaled Al Kamda, Director General of the CDA. 

H.E. pointed out  that the establishment of the Community Development Authority in Dubai was the embodiment of the vision of His Highness in upgrading the social services system in the emirate. 

Omar Al Shamsi, CEO of Human Rights Sector at CDA, said the Community Development Authority in Dubai believes in the role played by the sector in promoting awareness about human rights and the application of international best practices, pointing that the sector seeks to build bridges of cooperation with various relevant authorities, especially UNESCO. 

The meeting agenda also included a number of topics, including  a presentation on extracurricular educational human rights programmes implemented by the UNESCO for students in several countries. The presentation identified the list of activities that fall under the umbrella of the World Programme for Human Rights Education (WPHRE). 

Dr. Al Obaid  Ahmed Al Obaid, Head of the Regional Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, presented  a brief about the nature of work the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights represented in providing technical support and information on human rights.  The brief also highlighted the cooperation between UNESCO and the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science to promote education and the culture of human rights through the WPHRE in the elementary grades, junior high and high school and university levels. 

The meeting set grounds for a collaboration between the UNESCO and CDA, where as the UNESCO will support the programs and initiatives by CDA and provide consulation with regards to implementing best practice approaches pertaining to educating and spreading awareness about human rights in line with CDA’s requirements, vision and mission.