Arab Voluntary Union Conference in Cairo: “The Role of Media in Promoting Volunteering,” Kicking Off on 14 September

Under the slogan “The Role of Media in Promoting Volunteering,” the Arab Voluntary Union Conference will be held in Cairo on 14 September. This event coincides with the Arab Volunteer Day, which is celebrated annually on 15 September, and will see participation from 19 Arab countries.
The conference will address fieldwork papers on volunteer work, honor prominent volunteer leaders, and sign international and Arab agreements. It will also include various visits to observe volunteer experiences in Egypt. Additionally, there will be a seminar for journalists focusing on their role in spreading the culture of volunteering in the Arab world and highlighting the impact of volunteering at both continental and international levels.
The Union has dispatched Dr. Hisham Salahuddin Al-Rida, Vice President of the Arab Voluntary Union, to Cairo to prepare for the celebration.
Dr. Youssef bin Ali Al-Kazem, President of the Arab Voluntary Union, noted that the Union, established 21 years ago through a purely Qatari initiative, includes 19 countries.
He emphasized that voluntary work is a cornerstone in building, developing, and reinforcing human and ethical values, enabling individuals to actively and seriously contribute to societal development.
Al-Kazem disclosed that the Union aspires to create a comprehensive Arab project through innovative voluntary programs and initiatives that contribute to raising collective awareness, leading to the development of a society rich in the culture of volunteering.
He highlighted the importance of enhancing positive communication between voluntary work organizations in the Arab world, establishing a comprehensive database for voluntary work, and showcasing the role of volunteers and supporters of voluntary activities, while striving for excellence in performance, partnership, transparency, and collaborative professional spirit.
The Arab Voluntary Union was established on December 3, 2003, in Doha. It celebrates International Volunteer Day, which is observed on 5 December each year. The idea originated when the Union sent a request to the Arab League inviting those interested in voluntary work.
The General Secretariat responded and sent a circular to the member states, resulting in several Arab countries positively replying and participating in the establishment, with 16 countries involved.
The Union has played a crucial role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic through numerous initiatives that reflect their strong belief in the goals of voluntary work. The Union’s success has led many voluntary organizations in Arab countries to seek membership, and the Union is dedicated to attracting these organizations to lead in the field of Arab voluntary work.