Doha, December 04 (QNA) - The global community commemorates the International Volunteer Day annually on December 5th, to celebrate all those involved and working in voluntary humanitarian work around the world, and to thank them for the precious time and efforts they devote to serving others and serving humanity.

Volunteers do not limit themselves to only helping others but rather sacrifice their lives to save those trapped under the rubble, and those affected by natural disasters, in addition to lending a hand in times of conflicts, wars, and others.

In 1985, the UN declared December 5th as International Volunteer Day to honor volunteers for their unpaid efforts and raise awareness of their contributions. The day aims to encourage greater community involvement and foster solidarity, ultimately supporting the advancement of nations.

Over the years, volunteers have been a fundamental pillar for many countries in achieving the time-bound Millennium Development Goals to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, and environmental degradation. The celebration of this day comes as a result of a partnership between the United Nations system, governments, volunteer organizations, and committed individuals.
Representatives from the media, academia, institutions, and the private sector often participate in these activities.

Arab and Islamic countries also play a significant role in international relief and volunteer work through teams and organizations dedicated to assisting those affected by crises, wars, and natural disasters worldwide. These efforts are rooted in universal principles of solidarity and volunteerism, transcending race, geography, and political contexts while aligning with the Islamic values of solidarity, mutual support, and assistance.

In a statement to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), President of the Arab Union for Voluntary Work Dr. Yusuf Ali Al Kazim said that the celebration of International Volunteer Day is an occasion to shed light on the importance of volunteer work and to enhance the role of society in building a better future for present and future generations, noting that the Arab Union for Voluntary Work has prepared a celebratory program for this occasion, including honoring the winners of the short story competition in its second edition for the age group from 10 to 17 years, which was announced on September 15th on the occasion of Arab Volunteer Day.

He pointed out that 220 male and female contestants applied for the competition at the Arab level, and this is the first time that this significant number of participants has been registered, noting that the Union has set cash prizes and certificates for the winners, especially the first three, in addition to 19 participants. Although it was decided to honor 15 of them; upon reviewing the stories, it was noted that there are true and realistic stories that do not deserve to be ignored, and for this reason, the number was increased to 19 winners.

Dr. Al Kazim noted that the process of honoring the winners will be held tomorrow, in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in a celebration organized by the Arab Union for Voluntary Work on the occasion of International Volunteer Day, adding that all volunteers who have had a clear imprint during the previous period will also be honored, in return for gratitude or repaying the favor to these volunteers for their selfless efforts during the past year.

He also mentioned that the process of identifying volunteers in the State of Qatar has begun through the Pioneers of Volunteer Work, who have clear and significant contributions during a full year, to honor them with volunteer certificates, in addition to identifying the hours of volunteer work that they contributed during their participation in many events and activities in the country.

Dr. Al Kazim added that as the President of the Arab Union for Voluntary Work, he sent a circular to all Arab countries to celebrate this occasion on December 5th, and also submitted a comprehensive and integrated report on the role of volunteer work and the initiatives and projects that were carried out during the past year, which would enhance the role of volunteer work at the level of Arab countries, as well as highlight it at the level of countries around the world, stressing the Union's keenness to highlight the great Arab role in volunteer work regionally and internationally, on par with the efforts of other volunteers in the world.

Dr. Al Kazim concluded his statement to QNA by emphasizing the need to strengthen the role of volunteer work and demonstrate to the world the Arab identity's deep commitment to volunteerism, rooted in religion, customs, and traditions. He noted that this spirit of volunteerism has deep historical roots, with many actions carried out by previous generations. He highlighted the importance of continuing this journey and promoting the culture of volunteering among the youth, children, and future generations.

For his part, Director of the Volunteering and Local Development Sector of QRCS Hussein Aman Al Ali stated in a similar statement to QNA that the Qatar Red Crescent used to celebrate this day annually, and organized a Gulf forum for all the GCC countries for the same purpose, noting that on this day, workshops will be held and working papers will be presented for the best practices during the year 2024 in volunteer work for all the GCC countries, and the best volunteers in the GCC countries will be honored, with 3 volunteers from each country.

He pointed out that the slogan of this year's forum is "And whoever revives it", praising the efforts of volunteers in Qatar and in various GCC and Islamic countries for their role and keenness to recall this noble work, and for their contribution to helping and rescuing those affected.

Al Ali highlighted that volunteer work has many aspects and manifestations that reflect the spirit of solidarity, support, and assistance, and include in some of its aspects saving lives during disasters and crises, in addition to planning, feeding, shelter, and others, stressing that volunteer work is considered the heartbeat of the spirit of humanity in any country and in any society. (QNA)