Dubai: In observance of World Humanitarian Day 2025, Dubai Humanitarian convened a community gathering alongside the UN Resident Coordinator Office in the UAE, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the UAE Aid Agency to honour the dedication, courage, and sacrifices of humanitarian workers and to reaffirm that civilians and aid workers must never be a target.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event, held under the theme 'Act for Humanity', took place at Dubai Humanitarian's headquarters and brought together representatives from UN agencies, UAE-based aid organisations, international NGOs, and government partners. The gathering served as a moment of collective reflection on the courage of those who serve on the frontlines of crises, while also underscoring the growing need for global solidarity and principled humanitarian action. The programme featured speeches by B©rang¨re Bo«ll, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE; Sajeda Shawa, Head of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) - UAE office; and Rashed Al Hamiri, Director of the Operations Department at UAE Aid. A minute of silence was observed in memory of those who have lost their lives while helping others.
Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, opened the event by underscoring the importance to carry forward the humanitarian mission through continued collaboration with partners across every sector. In his remarks, he stated, 'World Humanitarian Day is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and responsibility. As an active participant in the humanitarian ecosystem, Dubai Humanitarian bears witness to the great sacrifices humanitarian workers make. We stand in solidarity with all those affected by crises, aid workers and civilians alike, and reaffirm our commitment to delivering hope, dignity, and support wherever it is needed, no matter the challenge or distance.'
B©rang¨re Bo«ll added, 'On this World Humanitarian Day, we honour those we have lost and the courage of those who continue to serve. But remembrance must be matched by resolve, to protect civilians, to defend international humanitarian law, and to ensure that aid is never blocked, never politicised, and never forgotten.'
Rashed Alhemeri emphasized the UAE's commitment to humanitarian aid, noting that 40 percent of its total foreign assistance during the last two years was allocated to humanitarian response. He commemorated the UAE's humanitarian martyrs and stressed the importance of working together as partners to address the serious challenges facing humanitarian work, especially in accessing people in need and securing necessary resources.
In closing remarks, Sajeda Shawa highlighted the growing dangers faced by humanitarian workers, noting that in 2024, 383 humanitarian workers were killed - the highest number ever recorded. She emphasized the need for OCHA's Humanitarian Reset, which focuses on putting people, not systems, at the center, shifting power to local communities, and cutting through inefficiency to protect life with dignity.
World Humanitarian Day, observed every year on 19th August, was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008. The day commemorates the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, honours the sacrifices of humanitarian workers, and underscores the importance of protecting civilians and those serving in humanitarian settings. Each year, it serves as a reminder of the need to uphold international humanitarian principles and enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian action worldwide.