On the occasion of International Volunteer Day, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), asserted that the UAE has given significant priority to volunteer work in its national strategic planning under the guidance and leadership of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It is aimed at promoting values of giving, charity and generosity while encouraging volunteer initiatives across the nation.

Marking International Volunteer Day on December 5, Sheikh Hamdan asserted that it is due to the keen support and directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, that helped the UAE to achieve a respectable position worldwide for its humanitarian initiatives towards the countries across the world that have been affected by natural or man-made disasters.

He further underlined the remarkable contribution made by thousands of volunteers in the efforts to contain the Coronavirus pandemic.

Sheikh Hamdan affirmed that the UAE and its leadership are proud of the volunteers who played a crucial role in the national and global efforts to contain the impact of the pandemic. These volunteers are working at the frontline, implementing the strategies and COVID-19 preventive and precautionary measures of the country to ensure the health and welfare of the community.

"Thanks to the initiatives taken by the volunteers, the UAE has been able to successfully overcome this pandemic," he added.

The ERC Chairman also highlighted various challenges faced by volunteers during volunteer work, particularly in the fields of armed conflicts. Dozens of humanitarian workers and volunteers are killed every year while carrying out their sacred duties in the areas of armed conflict, he added.

Sheikh Hamdan particularly referred to a recent attack against the ERC team members in the Yemeni city of Taiz. The incident was strongly condemned by the international community and rights organisations.

In 1985, the United Nations designated the International Volunteer Day as a global observance day to celebrate and honour the potential and power of volunteer work. The day serves as an opportunity for all volunteer organisations and individual volunteers to get recognised for contributions at local, national and international levels with the aim of achieving the Millennium Development Goal. Furthermore, they can raise awareness about volunteerism and intensify their contributions to the communities across the world.

WAM