Motivating to do more for the country

By dedicating 2017 as the Year of Giving and clearly defining the contours of the initiative, the UAE leadership is looking to enshrine and imprint a set of values in the everyday way of life here.

In an editorial on Sunday, Khaleej Times said, "Values are at the heart of strong nations, and by nudging its residents, citizens, and institutions to live by these moral principles, the UAE is rising above the call of duty."

The paper went on to say, "The first pillar of this initiative, as defined by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is to consolidate social responsibility in private sector institutions and prompt them to play a pivotal role in serving the country.

"Understandably, for all the advances made by the corporates, especially in the private sector, sometimes there is a lag in ploughing back into the societies. The initiative will force them to reinvent and identify areas where they can make a difference; and foster them to play a greater role by weaving corporate social responsibility in the DNA.

"The second pillar is directed towards forging a stronger spirit of volunteerism and specialised volunteer programmes. And the third theme is to instil the spirit of serving the country in the emerging generations so that it becomes one of the most important traits of the Emirati citizens' personality.

"Just as the year of reading stimulated many to read, and elevated the society to spend more time in the company of books, the latest initiative will galvanise everyone to rethink ways of giving back and making a significant contribution to the society. In doing so, the collective efforts of all the stakeholders will eventually lead to a more prosperous and happier society that not only knows how to grow but care for all equally well.

"The UAE is remarkably large-hearted and is the 15th largest donor for humanitarian causes in the world. Its aid programmes and donations are influencing societies and changing many lives across the world. By promoting the same at home, the emirates is making the foundations of the society stronger and setting a sterling example in the world."