Subject of the month

This year, the International Volunteer Day marks the global launch of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. The number of volunteers worldwide is estimated at around one billion people, 70 percent of whom contribute their efforts informally by directly supporting their communities, while 30 percent volunteer through official institutions and organizations, according to United Nations statistics.

Volunteering represents one of the social systems that maintains the stability and cohesion of society, as volunteer work continues to support individuals and families in meeting their basic needs, such as water, food, medicine, and education.

Voluntary work is also gaining growing importance and prominence in all societies, as it serves as a supporting pillar for accomplishing the goals outlined in development strategies.

In addition, it encompasses a set of noble principles and human values reflected in providing support, assisting those in need, and alleviating their suffering.

Voluntary work spans a wide range of fields, including social, educational, health, environmental, and civil defense sectors.

To ensure the sustainability of developmental initiatives within volunteer work, it is necessary to conduct studies and compile the data required to determine the scope and type of assistance, and to ensure its alignment with environmental considerations and sustainability. It is also essential to plan these initiatives and manage their implementation and follow-up processes.

The United Arab Emirates places special importance on volunteer work and is among the earliest countries to support volunteer initiatives. For decades, the UAE has launched numerous programs that have strengthened the values and culture of volunteering, making volunteer efforts in all fields sustainable, whether through its humanitarian relief initiatives or its developmental programs.

Volunteer work forms an integral part of the structure of Emirati society and has developed through specialized institutions and within a framework of legislation that ensures the optimal utilization of volunteer efforts. These efforts are directed toward strengthening cooperation and solidarity among members of the same community or across multiple communities.

The UAE has also made great efforts to promote the concept of voluntary and humanitarian work. A clear connection can be seen between the country’s orientations and policies toward volunteering and the establishment of a volunteer culture among community members, along with the growing number of volunteers. This has led to an expansion of volunteer work across all segments of society, among both women and men, and the presence of Emirati volunteers has become notable at every event, whether within the country or abroad.

Among the UAE’s efforts is the launch of a national volunteer platform covering 14 social and humanitarian fields, targeting 200,000 volunteers. The Emirates Foundation for Youth was also established to mobilize the efforts of young people and enable them to explore the full potential of providing social, charitable, and volunteer-based initiatives and services.

On this occasion, I can only express my gratitude and appreciation to all volunteers, for they embody the highest human values, and through their continuous giving, the true meaning of human brotherhood is reflected.

Fatima bint Mubarak