DUBAI, 19th August, 2024 (WAM) -- Dubai Humanitarian, in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator office, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD), today marked World Humanitarian Day to express solidarity with people affected by humanitarian crises and pay tribute to the humanitarian workers who help them.
The event, which brought together over 100 leaders in the humanitarian space, celebrated the personal experiences and bravery of national and international humanitarians.
The day commenced with a welcome address from Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, who emphasized the crucial role of collaboration in addressing the growing challenges faced by humanitarian workers globally.
In his address, he said, “At Dubai Humanitarian, we stand with the humanitarian colleagues and their families as they dedicate their lives to supporting the vulnerable populations. Today, we honour their courage and determination. Unfortunately, the list of humanitarian workers who lost their lives in providing humanitarian assistance is continuously increasing, and it is a collective responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being as they carry out their critical work. Never should they be a target.”
Bérangère Boël, UN Resident Coordinator in UAE, said, “The United Nations is proud to work hand in hand with the UAE through Dubai Humanitarian to contribute to humanitarian action across the globe. The UAE’s spirit of generosity and commitment to humanitarian principles lies at the heart of what World Humanitarian Day stands for—solidarity, compassion, and action.”
On this occasion, Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, stated, “On World Humanitarian Day, a day whose values and meanings transcend geographical, cultural, and religious boundaries, just as the suffering of those in need around the world surpasses them, the wise leadership emphasizes the necessity of collective efforts from individuals, governments, international organizations, and civil society to support humanitarian work and enhance its role in achieving sustainable development. This is especially important given the current global conditions and the natural disasters and humanitarian crises we are witnessing.
"As an organization with a pioneering charitable and humanitarian impact within the United Arab Emirates, the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai extends its highest respect and admiration to all those working in the humanitarian field on this day – these unsung heroes who strive to promote values of peace and tolerance among peoples.”
In her address, Sajeda Shawa, Head of the UN OCHA UAE Office, said, “On World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19th, we honor the dedication and bravery of humanitarian workers worldwide. On this day we reaffirm our commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts and to recognize the selfless contributions of those who work to alleviate suffering and restore hope in the most challenging circumstances.
“Today, while we mark the day in the UAE, we appreciate and acknowledge the humanitarian leading role of UAE leadership, government, organisations and people – partners, friends and family. The UAE humanitarian vision and generosity is not limited to being one of the biggest humanitarian donors but goes beyond to working side by side in conflict areas and in every humanitarian context where humanitarian aid is crucial for saving lives.”
The agenda also included a focused session on the protection of humanitarian and civilian workers, underscoring the challenges faced in the field. Participants from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the World Food Programme, and Dubai Cares, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and IACAD shared their field experience, and attendees unanimously agreed that humanitarian workers should never be targets and that there needs to be urgent collective action by humanitarian agencies, governments, and partners to protect the lives and interests of aid workers.