ABU DHABI // Humanitarian work is about more than just charity, it is now an essential part of maintaining economic, environmental and social stability.
That was the message conveyed at the Zayed Humanitarian Forum on Thursday in the capital ahead of Zayed Humanitarian Day on the 15th of Ramadan.
Experts and officials from charities, aid agencies and companies gathered to discuss sustainable giving, humanitarian partnerships and societal investments internationally.
“For a long time humanitarian work had the image of charity and goodness, and out of faith and social responsibility,” said Mohammed Agha, programmes and development director of the International Humanitarian City (IHC) in Dubai. “Today it is an essential element of economic cycles, preserving security, the economy and the environment.”
He stressed that humanitarian work should be accompanied with education and awareness and not just financial aid.
He cited the example of the Nepal earthquake aftermath, where UAE aid planes from IHC carrying 500 tonnes of supplies were unable to land because of delays at the airport.
He said that the situation could have been improved had better planning been in place. “When the earthquake hit Nepal, it was known for three years that it would hit, but preparations were not enough.” He said there were also financial implications. “When the earthquake occurred, many private investments closed.”
The forum also announced two Emirati ambassadors for humanitarian efforts: Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, also known as the “green sheikh”, and Mariam Ahli, 31, head of corporate communication at Hilal Bank. Ms Ahli has been coordinating humanitarian work between donors and organisations for years, and she recently joined the relief missions following the Nepal earthquake for one week.
“It was my first mission abroad. We checked on the victims and made sure that the field hospital there was fully equipped and ready.”
She will soon participate in a mission that will perform heart surgeries on children at the Ein Shams hospital in Egypt.
hdajani@thenational.ae