Abu Dhabi’s Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, and the Hope Consortium have signed an agreement which will enhance the Emirate’s position as one of the world leaders in the international distribution of Covid-19 vaccinations.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed today (February 7) by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamsi, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports and Chairman of the Operations Steering Committee, Hope Consortium, and Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of Ma’an.
The agreement represents a significant step in the Authority’s journey to enhance its partner network, and find solutions for the most consequential social challenges of the day.
Both parties agreed to implement an effective strategy to stimulate third sector organisations to participate in the Hope Consortium, and to facilitate and promote the Hope Consortium to NGOs.
Signed on the day of the inaugural United Nations’ International Day of Human Fraternity, the agreement marks a major milestone in Abu Dhabi’s commitment to mobilise its logistics capabilities and wide expertise in the field of life sciences to aid the betterment of humanity, by serving as a global gateway for the distribution of vaccines throughout the world.
By facilitating awareness of social contribution and participation in the programme, the Hope Consortium will have greater flexibility in unifying the efforts of government authorities and private sector entities across Abu Dhabi in securing an enhanced distribution network and delivering the maximum number of vaccine doses to the global community.
Under the agreement, the Hope Consortium is gathering a growing coalition of international governments, non-governmental organisations, and vaccine suppliers to ensure easier access to the much-needed Covid-19 vaccine doses.
Dr Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH), said: “Signing this agreement on the first International Day of Human Fraternity is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s ambition and capabilities.
“Solving the scourge of this virus represents our emirate’s ambition and abilities to work closely with different partners to draw this challenging era in the history of mankind to a close. Our enhanced alliance not only provides a full spectrum of logistics solutions through advanced technologies, but acts to effectively distribute the largest number of Covid-19 vaccines doses possible around the world.”
Al Kaabi also praised the collaboration of the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma’an and its initiatives to support the goals of the consortium to reach its target of more than 6 million Covid-19 vaccine doses, rising to 18 billion Covid-19 vaccine doses by the end of this year.
Salama Al Ameemi, Director General of Ma'an said: “We are honoured and proud to partner with the Hope Consortium. Since Ma’an was established, we have dedicated our resources to unify the public and private sectors by championing innovation through pioneering programmes and establishing robust collaborative communities that generate outstanding results. We are confident that by partnering with the Hope Consortium, we will positively impact lives around the world for the better.
“This strategic agreement with the Hope Consortium reflects Ma’an’s on-going commitment to making a big difference, and through the generous value that has been instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, we are ensuring his legacy continues. By adhering to his humanitarian approach, the UAE is now a recognised leader in providing support to those in need all around the world. At the same time, his vision is securing a better tomorrow for Abu Dhabi residents and citizens alike, and this agreement, serve to strengthen the emirate’s eminent position in humanitarian affairs.”
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, and Chairman of the Operations Steering Committee, Hope Consortium, added: “The Hope Consortium is one of the biggest logistical undertakings in the Middle East and one of the largest partnerships of its kind anywhere in the world. It is a great honour that in the short time so many incredible and distinguished organisations, such as Ma’an, have joined our cause.
“Underscored by the support of our wise leadership’s vision to face and address the challenges of this pandemic, together we will optimise Abu Dhabi’s vaccination distribution and logistics capabilities to protect lives and public health, and facilitate a swift and effective resolution to what is indeed the greatest crisis of our lifetime.”
The Hope Consortium led by Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), includes a number of leading local and international entities including Abu Dhabi Ports, Etihad Cargo, Maqta Gateway, Rafed, and the Swiss company, SkyCell.
Recently, the consortium signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with multiple freight forwarders to extend its global distribution reach to more than 80 percent of countries around the world. – TradeArabia News Service