Business & Money | Sunday 26 June, 2016 1:21 pm |

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, has called for Zayed Humanitarian Day to be a national event. The Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah and UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, said that making the day an official occasion would foster the spirit of giving in the nation and be a worthy commitment to human values. 

 

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi, also the Chairperson of the Big Heart Foundation - a global humanitarian charity dedicated to helping refugees and people in need worldwide - paid 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. 

 

Her Highness 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. Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi stated 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,” said Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher, speaking on the occasion of Zayed Humanitarian Day.

 

Her Highness added: “Sheikh Zayed’s legacy is seen every day throughout the UAE, the region and the world. 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," said Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher.

 

Her Highness continued; “Humanitarian work is extremely important in human life as it contributes significantly to the stability of societies and people. Through charity, the community helps needy and affected people. It is the key pillar that strengthens the domestic social structure and the solidarity of its citizens. It reinforces the community and makes it strong enough to deal with challenges and difficulties that present, enabling it to move towards a better future.”

 

“The magnitude of the challenges we face today, requires making more efforts, particularly since there are a many pressing humanitarian issues that need immediate action. Issues such as health, ecological disasters, armed conflicts, the plight of refugees, still represent challenges that hamper the progress of humankind. Therefore, we must all work together to mitigate these threats and create a better future for us all,” Her Highness concluded.