Zayed Humanitarian Work Day should be made a national event

Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, yesterday called for the Zayed Humanitarian Work Day to be made as a national event. 

The Zayed Humanitarian Work Day is observed in the UAE on the 19th day of Ramadan every year in memory of the founder of the UAE federation, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who passed away on this day. 

Sheikha Jawaher, who is also Chairperson of Sharjah's Supreme Council for Family Affairs and UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, said that making this day an official occasion would foster the spirit of giving in the UAE. 

Sheikha Jawaher, who also leads the Big Heart Foundation - a global humanitarian charity dedicated to helping refugees and people in need worldwide, paid a rich tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, saying that he was as a noble leader and compassionate father whose wisdom continues to inspire Emiratis and serves as a guiding light for them. 

She said that the late Sheikh Zayed established a modern state that puts the dignity and rights of human beings at the forefront of its priorities, thanks to his wise vision and championing of charity. She said that his inspirational approach has contributed to building an inclusive society, which is dedicated to humanitarian work. 

"The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan established a state that respects humankind irrespective of religion, gender or ethnicity. His legacy has contributed to solidifying the culture of giving and humanitarian work in the Emirati community. This approach is continued by our wise leadership under the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates who have followed in Sheikh Zayed's footsteps," she said. 

Sheikh Zayed's legacy is seen every day throughout the UAE, the region and the world, she added. "It is felt by every Emirati and by non-nationals who are inspired by Sheikh Zayed's humanitarian values. Philanthropy in UAE society is a seed planted by the late Sheikh Zayed who instilled a love of giving in the hearts and souls of Emiratis and UAE leaders. People have learned from Sheikh Zayed the true meaning of respect and appreciation of human beings everywhere." 

"We should make Zayed Humanitarian Day an occasion to renew the spirit of charity and humanitarian work carried out by the UAE in all parts of the world. It should be celebrated as a national event that shows our pledge to continue along this path with sacrifice, altruism and generosity. It should be a day on which we highlight the continuous efforts made by our wise leadership for human development and one that motivates us to continue to support civil society organisations involved in the humanitarian field." 

"Humanitarian work is extremely important in human life as it contributes significantly to the stability of societies and people." 

"The magnitude of the challenges we face today requires more efforts and many pressing humanitarian issues need immediate action. Issues such as health, ecological disasters, armed conflicts, the plight of refugees continue to be challenges blocking the progress of humankind. Therefore, we must all work together to mitigate these threats and create a better future for us all," Sheikha Jawaher concluded. 

Source: WAM