Abu Dhabi Hosts Global Volunteer Forum To Celebrate International Volunteer Day And Promote Giving Culture

The Global Volunteer Forum took place in Abu Dhabi on 5th December, aligning with International Volunteer Day. The event, themed "For our Nation – Following the Path and Legacy of Zayed’s Giving and Goodness," highlighted the humanitarian values of the UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It reinforced the UAE's dedication to promoting a culture of giving and enhancing community involvement in volunteer initiatives.

The forum attracted volunteer leaders from around the world, both physically and virtually. This demonstrated the UAE's role as a global hub for humanitarian experiences and volunteer support. The programme featured lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and training sessions covering various volunteering areas such as health, environment, sports, and innovation in humanitarian fields.

A documentary showcased 25 years of the Zayed Giving Initiative during the opening ceremony. It highlighted humanitarian missions by UAE volunteer doctors within national medical teams. The film also reviewed Jaheziya's efforts in training thousands for medical response locally and internationally. This initiative is part of the UAE Medical Readiness and Response Program.

The forum was organised by the Zayed Giving Initiative with supervision from the UAE Community and Specialised Volunteering Program. It was accredited by the Emirates Volunteer Academy. The event saw participation from UAE Volunteer Ambassadors in various programmes, coordinated by Al Wataniya for Training.

Adel Al Shamry Al Ajmi, CEO of the Zayed Giving Initiative, emphasised that hosting this forum reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering a culture of giving. He noted its positive impact on young volunteers nurtured under Sheikh Zayed's teachings to embody social responsibility both domestically and internationally.

Volunteering as Part of Emirati Identity

Al Ajmi stated that volunteering is now integral to Emirati identity, enhancing social cohesion and honouring youth contributions to national service. He highlighted that volunteerism is a key pillar of the UAE’s humanitarian approach supported by its leadership. He added that Emirati youth have enriched the country's volunteer experience globally as ambassadors of tolerance and positivity.

Khalid Bumtaie from Bahrain praised the UAE’s vision of integrating volunteerism into social development. He noted that the forum fosters innovation, expands community participation, and supports volunteers' readiness to create positive impacts. He acknowledged that giving remains a deeply rooted value in UAE society.

Forum Recommendations

The forum concluded with recommendations to strengthen volunteers' roles in development through new international partnerships. Participants suggested expanding technology use in managing community initiatives. They affirmed that the UAE continues to be a global centre for volunteerism, social innovation, and humanitarian action supporting a sustainable future.

Salah Abubakr Al Masri from Egypt remarked that volunteering has become essential to Emirati identity. He said that the UAE serves as a model for making volunteerism a sustained culture and daily practice while enhancing skills for sustainable humanitarian work.

Al Anoud Al Ajmi commended the UAE’s pioneering role in volunteering. She mentioned that volunteer work develops character, belonging, and responsibility. Hosting this forum alongside International Volunteer Day underscores the UAE’s commitment to supporting volunteers locally and globally.

With inputs from WAM