Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced on Sunday the launch of the 100 Million Meals initiative, which seeks to provide food support to needy families in more than 20 countries in the Arab region, Africa and Asia during the holy month of Ramadan. The initiative is part of a collective effort in the UAE to provide food security for the vulnerable and low-income groups. Businessmen, institutions, companies and all segments of society will contribute to the initiative to cement the human values of Ramadan. The initiative will cover targeted countries in cooperation with the regional food banks and the countries’ relevant institutions. Sheikh Mohammed said: “Providing food during the holy month of Ramadan is the best we can give from the UAE to humanity.” “The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many populations into an economic despair and pushed us, at the same time, to be more compassionate and giving.” Urging the public to do their part, Sheikh Mohammed said: “We will work with humanitarian organizations, companies, entities and humanitarians to join us in securing 100 million meals to bring a sense of safety to underserved homes across the world.” Philanthropy is an integral part of the UAE’s philosophy since its inception. Sheikh Mohammed stressed the need to unify efforts and leverage necessary resources to combat world hunger. “Four hours away from us are 52 million people battling hunger. We need to take urgent action to empower underserved communities.” Sheikh Mohammed added: “Today, we have the opportunity to send 100 million messages of peace from the UAE to 20 countries across the world.” The campaign is part of UAE’s response to global efforts to combat world hunger, a major challenge that has been exacerbated by outbreak of COVID-19 that has pushed millions of disadvantaged populations to greater insecurity, poverty and unemployment. The campaign also aims to support the international community in achieving the second of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to end hunger by 2030.