A Day of Remembrance⁣ and Resolve

Dubai Humanitarian,in collaboration with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in the UAE,the United Nations Office for the Coordination‌ of Humanitarian Affairs,and the Emirates ​International Aid‌ Agency,commemorated the 2025 World Humanitarian Day on August 19th. The⁤ event served as a powerful reminder of the dedication, courage, and sacrifices made by humanitarian workers worldwide, and reaffirmed the essential principle that civilians and those providing aid should never ⁣be targets in conflict zones.

“For Humanity”: A Unified Call to Action

Held under the slogan “for humanity,” the event brought together representatives from United Nations‌ organizations, international humanitarian institutions, government agencies, and ngos. ‍ The gathering underscored a shared commitment to upholding humanitarian ‌principles and ensuring aid reaches those most in need.

UAE’s Leading Role in Global Humanitarian Efforts

Officials from the UAE emphasized the nation’s pioneering role in international humanitarian work. Beyond financial ​contributions, the UAE is ⁣recognized for its diplomatic efforts ‌in facilitating aid access, protecting civilians, and fostering international cooperation during crises. Rashid Al-Humairi, Director⁤ of Operations at the Emirates Agency for International Aid, noted that⁣ 20% of the UAE’s total⁤ foreign⁢ aid over the past two years has been allocated to humanitarian response.

The year 2025 ​has been designated the “Year of Society” in the UAE, with the slogan “hand in hand,” reflecting a national commitment to collaborative problem-solving and shared obligation.

A Stark reality: Rising Risks for Aid Workers

The commemoration also served as a somber reminder of the increasing dangers faced by humanitarian workers.Sajida Shoa, head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the ‌UAE, revealed ‍a⁤ deeply concerning statistic: a record⁤ 383 humanitarian ​workers where killed in ⁤2024 alone. This year, the toll continues to rise, prompting a critical need to account for “destructive losses.”

Despite ⁤an estimated 300 million people requiring emergency humanitarian aid in ​2025, limited resources have forced the United Nations to scale back its target to 150 million. financing for ⁢humanitarian plans globally remains​ critically low,often reaching only 18-20% of required funds.

Bridging the Gap: The UAE’s Multifaceted Approach

The UAE is actively ​working to bridge this funding gap through both generous financial support and proactive diplomatic engagement. This includes facilitating humanitarian negotiations, enabling prisoner exchanges, and building⁣ bridges of cooperation to ensure aid reaches those ‌who need it most. Stephen Anderson, director of the World Food Program in the UAE, highlighted the programme’s presence⁣ in the UAE for over two decades and the ⁤crucial⁢ role of ⁣the UAE’s private sector‌ in accelerating aid delivery to 120 countries worldwide.

Protecting Those⁢ Who​ Help​ Others

Giuseppe Saba, ​CEO of Dubai Humanitarian, emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices of humanitarian workers and renewing a commitment ⁣to providing hope, dignity, and support to those in need. ​ Piranger boyle, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the UAE, stressed the necessity of protecting civilians, upholding international⁢ humanitarian law, and ensuring aid is not obstructed or ⁢politicized.