The UAE’s share of donations to fight poverty worldwide has reached Dh8.9 billion over the past three years, said Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister for International Cooperation and Development. “The humanitarian vision of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, and Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, as well as the relentless follow-up of General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, is reflected in the UAE’s praiseworthy manner of addressing the international poverty issue by directing its efforts and effective contributions to alleviate the suffering of people in underprivileged societies,” she said. The UAE has become a role model due to its commitment to achieve the objectives of the Millennium Development Goals, which prioritise poverty eradication, said Sheikha Lubna ahead of Friday’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The prevalence of severe poverty in a number of countries and regions across the world is the result of several factors. Some are deeply rooted in those societies due to a poor international response and the absence of a comprehensive vision in addressing the issue, she said. “We as countries, international humanitarian institutions, and civil community organisations have to rally our efforts to eradicate the issue,” Sheikha Lubna said.