The Children's Advisory Council of the Office of the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates in New York, honored Mrs. Henrietta Fore, due to the end of her period as Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

            The honoring ceremony, which was held virtually, was attended by Her Excellency Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Her Excellency Rym bint Abdulla Al Falasy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Al Tayeb Adam, the representative of the United Nations Children's Fund in the Gulf region, and all members of the Children's Advisory Council.

            Honoring Henrietta Fore with the Golden Balloon Award comes in appreciation of Henrietta's efforts during her tenure and her many initiatives in the humanitarian, economic, education, health, relief, and disaster areas for more than four decades, leaving a positive imprint and impact throughout this period.

            Salamah Al Teneiji, Chairperson of the Children's Advisory Council, gave a presentation on the council's tasks and an overview of the Golden Balloon Award, which was established by a proposal by members to award institutions and people and honor them for their achievements that have a tangible impact in the fields related to motherhood and childhood.

            Her Excellency Lana Zaki Nusseibeh and Her Excellency Rym bint Abdulla Al Falasy commended the efforts made during the leadership of Henrietta Fore for the organization and their aspiration to continue the future work and follow in her footsteps to achieve everything that serves children and build empowered future generations. Al Falasy said that the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and all the staff are extremely grateful for what she has provided in charting new sustainable paths to follow and providing the best for current and future generations.

Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh commended Henrietta Fore for her endless efforts and achievements which advanced an important change in UNICEF's work. The success was a result of not only her stewardship of UNICEF as its Executive Director, but also because of her solid will and exceptional leadership in contributing to building a better world for children around the world. Furthermore, Her Excellency Nusseibeh added that the efforts of Henrietta Fore has contributed to more a strengthened, diverse, and reliable relationship between the UAE and UNICEF.

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            Ms. Fore praised the role of the UAE in addressing global issues facing children and its continuous efforts to ensure their well-being and promote their rights. She stressed that the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood is an important strategic partner in implementing the goals and initiatives that are in the interest of the maternity and childhood sector at the local and international levels, and the need to continue working and building on the achievements made during the past periods. She thanked the council headed by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and her continued interest in the field of humanitarian work, she also pointed to the need to increase work related to mental health and make it a top priority, given the consequences of the pandemic on children.

            Al-Tayeb Adam, the UNICEF representative in the Gulf region, thanked and appreciated the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood in the United Arab Emirates, represented by the Secretary-General, Her Excellency Rym Abdulla Al Falasy, for this generous gesture in organizing the farewell ceremony and honoring her with the Golden Balloon Award. He added that this award, presented by the Children's Advisory Council of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, reflects the depth of the distinguished partnership between UNICEF and the United Arab Emirates and the joint work to improve the lives of children in the UAE and around the world. Adam praised the leadership of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood for collective action and coordination in the UAE in protecting and advancing children’s rights at the state level, stressing that the existing cooperation to enhance the mental health of children and adolescents and respond to their needs is one of UNICEF’s main global advocacy priorities and a good example that will benefit children in the UAE and abroad, expressing his aspiration to expand the areas of work with the Council and to strengthen the strategic partnership to keep pace with global changes.

            The Children's Advisory Council, which was established by a decision of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak - may God protect her - is considered a platform for communicating the voice of children, facing their challenges, and achieving their future visions. It is a practical embodiment of giving children the right to express their opinions and be heard and playing a vital role in shaping the future and communicating with decision-makers, as well as encouraging them to be active participants in the decisions that affect their lives.