In collaboration with the United Nations Volunteers programme and the United Nations Population Fund, and in the presence of H.E. Ms. Nevin El-Kabbaj, Minister of Social Solidarity of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the permanent member of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, the regional launch of the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report 2022 by the United Nations Volunteers programme, and the launch of the Arab strategy to support volunteerism by the League of Arab States under the title "Building Equal and Inclusive Societies" took place. The event was attended by high-level representatives including Arab ambassadors, permanent delegates, and senior officials from United Nations specialized agencies.

Mr. Hani Mahmoud, Vice President of the Arab Voluntary Union, participated in the event and delivered a speech highlighting the importance of encouraging volunteerism in the Arab world, particularly among young volunteers. He emphasized the Union’s commitment to promoting a culture of volunteering in the Arab world and all volunteer activities aimed at community development and sustainable development in all Arab countries, as well as supporting initiatives aimed at encouraging young volunteers and creating volunteer opportunities in communities.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Sector, stated that this launch provided an important opportunity to inform the Arab world about the state of volunteering globally, including volunteer efforts in the Arab region, especially in the difficult crises facing the region, as well as in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also pointed to the important role of volunteering in supporting efforts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and move forward to implement the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

Abu Ghazaleh indicated that, within the framework of implementing the report’s recommendations, the Arab strategy for volunteerism, which was approved by the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, represents concrete steps with specific timelines to prepare Arab volunteer cadres, both individuals and institutions, to qualify them in the required manner and within a legislative framework that supports this work. It also aims to coordinate roles among governments, supporting entities, and volunteers themselves, to form an integrated system to support volunteerism and be ready to face any future challenges, enabling volunteer work to play its important role.

Additional Sources: The official website of the League of Arab States.

Arab Voluntary Union - Kingdom of Bahrain

The Prince Mohammad bin Fahd International Foundation, in partnership with the Arab Voluntary Union, has launched the fourth edition of the Prince Mohammad bin Fahd International Foundation Insignia for Best Voluntary Work, which will be held at a global level for the second year. Registration for participating projects will commence on July 5, 2022, and continue until August 15, 2022, coinciding with the International Volunteer Day, which is celebrated annually on December 5. The Insignia is held under the patronage of the League of Arab States and in partnership with the United Nations Volunteers programme through its regional office in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Dr. Issa bin Hassan Al-Ansari, Secretary-General of the Prince Mohammad bin Fahd International Foundation, affirmed that the global award comes within the framework of the Foundation's objectives and vision to spread the culture of volunteerism in Arab countries in particular and the world in general, and to encourage volunteers to innovate and develop voluntary work.

Dr. Al-Ansari explained that the previous editions of the Prince Mohammad bin Fahd International Foundation Insignia for Best Voluntary Work have garnered positive global feedback from humanitarian and charitable organizations, as well as international organizations specialized in developing and promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Insignia has also received interaction from numerous Arab and international institutions and organizations, with the outcomes of this Insignia leading to the participation of global institutions and organizations and the international recognition of the award.

Dr. Al-Ansari further explained that those who have followed the journey of the Insignia are fully aware that the Prince Mohammad bin Fahd International Foundation always introduces new ideas to sustain the award and keep pace with global changes. The fourth edition of the award is a new incentive for volunteers and a challenge for them to present ideas and projects related to the Sustainable Development Goals in a post-COVID-19 world with a youth perspective. He explained that the strong partnership between the Prince Mohammad bin Fahd International Foundation, the Arab Voluntary Union, and the Insignia's partners has enhanced the award's position at the global level and contributed to reaching a large number of volunteers in various countries. To ensure the success of this edition, the Foundation will expand its cooperation with a number of United Nations organizations, which will enhance the award's ability to spread globally and achieve widespread participation to reach the noble goals for which it was established.

For his part, Mr. Hassan Buhazza, President of the Arab Voluntary Union, stated that this edition of the Prince Mohammad bin Fahd International Foundation Insignia for Best Voluntary Work targets organizations, civil society organizations, initiative groups, licensed volunteer teams, government and private institutions, and commercial companies. The award's areas for this year will include six fields: education, eliminating illiteracy, food security and eradicating hunger, health, well-being, sanitation and clean water, economic empowerment, poverty eradication and decent work, environment, climate, clean energy, life below water and life on land, and heritage, culture, and arts.

The President of the Arab Voluntary Union indicated that the registration for the Insignia will start from the beginning of July until August 15, 2022. Projects can be submitted in both English and Arabic. The application form can be obtained through the websites and pages of the Prince Mohammad bin Fahd International Foundation Insignia and the Arab Voluntary Union, as well as through the registration link announced on the Arab Voluntary Union's website.

The Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Secretary-General's Office at the League of Arab States, Hossam Zaki, inaugurated the fifth session of the Specialized Arab Unions Forum in the Tunisian capital. The forum, held under the auspices of the Arab States Broadcasting Union, was attended by representatives of the concerned unions from Arab member states.
The session discussed important topics such as the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis on the situation in the Arab region, climate change and its impact on Arab economies, as well as reports on the activities and achievements of the Arab unions participating in the forum and the date and venue of the next session.
The Arab Voluntary Union was represented at the session by its representatives in Tunisia, Mr. Nabil bin Muhammad bin Al-Haj Khalifa and Mr. Hamad bin Faraj Al-Maqdad.

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has launched the eighth and ninth volunteer programs in Zaatari refugee camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan, in partnership with the Arab Voluntary Union, the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training, and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority. The programs, which will last for a week, will provide educational, training, support, and empowerment services to approximately 800 beneficiaries.

The programs include four training courses covering a variety of fields, including first aid, educational programs, psychological and family counseling, art therapy, a course on support, empowerment, and computer maintenance, and a workshop on developing an entrepreneurial spirit among beneficiaries to equip them with life skills and handicrafts such as sewing, design, and embroidery.

This program is an extension of the volunteer efforts organized by KSrelief in cooperation with the Arab Voluntary Union and in line with efforts to establish a culture of volunteerism, promote humanitarian values, and foster sustainable development.

Al Awazem Charity Foundation in Kuwait hosted Mr. Hassan Mohammed Buhazza, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Good Word Society and President of the Arab Voluntary Union, and his accompanying delegation on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. The delegation was received by Mr. Hamad Zaid Al-Bassiss, Chairman of Al Awazem Charity Foundation, and Mr. Nasser Al-Ajmi, Chairman of the Union of Charitable Societies, along with the board members. During the meeting, the delegation was briefed on the charity's projects and reviewed the social activities undertaken by the foundation.

Mr. Hassan Buhazza praised the tireless efforts exerted by Al Awazem Charity through its charitable works, affirming that it presents a modern model for charitable work through its management. He wished them continued success and prosperity in the future.

The President of the Arab Voluntary Union, Mr. Hassan Buhazza, presented an honorary shield to Dr. Nasser Al-Ajmi, Chairman of the Union of Charitable Societies in the State of Kuwait.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Chairman of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Arab Ministers of Youth and Sports, witnessed the conclusion of the Arab-African Forum to Enhance the Role of Volunteers in Addressing Climate Change on Saturday evening. The forum was organized by the Ministry through the Central Administration of Cultural and Volunteer Programs in cooperation with the Ministries of Environment and Water Resources and Irrigation during the period from March 21 to 27.

The Minister of Youth and Sports began his speech by expressing his gratitude to the Ministry of Environment, the Arab Voluntary Union, and all partners involved in organizing the forum, as well as all participants in the events, which witnessed fruitful dialogue and an exchange of views according to an active and objective agenda.

The Minister pointed out that the forum was a great opportunity to create a constructive dialogue on the issue of climate change, and that the genuine will of the participants at all levels was to transform the dialogue into recommendations and implementation mechanisms, noting that the forum's activities are practical proof that dialogue is the way to face challenges, overcome conflicts, and improve current conditions and build the future.

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy promised the participants to present the forum's recommendations to the Higher Committee responsible for organizing the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh.

Closing ceremony was attended by Hassan Mohammed Buhazza, President of the Arab Voluntary Union, Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Lydia Elewa, representing the Ministry of Environment, and from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Major General Ismail Al-Far, Executive Director, Dr. Abdullah Elbatesh, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports, Nagwa Salah, Head of the Central Administration of Cultural and Volunteer Programs, and Jihan Hanafi, Director General of Volunteer and Scouting Programs.

It is worth mentioning that the conference was attended by delegations from 38 countries, and was organized in cooperation with the Arab Voluntary Union, the Graduate School and Environmental Sciences at Ain Shams University, the Youth and Adolescence Unit of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development, the Regional Training Center for Water Resources and Irrigation, the Policy and Business Development Unit at the Minister's Office, and the Climate Unit at the General Administration of Public and Foreign Relations.

شارك الاتحاد العربي للتطوع بالبحرين في تنظيم فعاليات الملتقي العربي الإفريقي لتعزيز دور المتطوعين في مواجهة التغيرات المناخية، خلال الفترة من ٢١-٢٧ مارس بالتعاون مع وزارة الشباب والرياضة المصرية بحضور الدكتور أشرف صبحي وزير الشباب والرياضة.

ضم الملتقى أكثر من ٣٥ جنسية عربية وافريقية لبحث الأليات وكيفية دعم جهود الشباب المتطوعين حول العالم لمواجهة آثار التغيرات المناخية، والإجراءات اللازمة نحو التكيف مع عواقب الظواهر المناخية.

قال الدكتور أشرف صبحي وزير الشباب والرياضة أن العالم بدأ يشهد تغييرات عديدة وملموسة جراء أحداث سريعة متعاقبة ومنها التغير المناخي، وهناك تحديات كبيرة اقتصادية ومناخية تواجه العالم، واضاف قائلا: نحن في مصر وضعنا شبابنا على أولوية الفئات التي تحظى بالاهتمام والرعاية من أجل مستقبل بلا صراع، ولقد نجحنا في خلق مساحة مشتركة نجتمع فيها وندير فيها اختلافنا بشكل حضاري.

شارك الاتحاد العربي للتطوع بالبحرين في فعاليات الأسبوع العربي الافريقي للتطوع وريادة الأعمال في نسخته الثالثة بمدينة شرم الشيخ ،وذلك خلال الفترة من 24-28 فبراير الجاري تحت رعاية رئاسة مجلس الوزارء ووزير الشباب والرياضة أشرف صبحي.
ويهدف الملتقى إلى جمع نخبة من الشباب المؤسسات، والمبادرات المصرية والعربية والافريقية معا لرسم ملامح مستقبلهم، ومشاركة تطلعاتهم واهدافهم لخدمة أوطانهم والعمل يدا بيد لمستقبل أفضل وأيضا إلى تسليط الضوء على محاور هامة وعديدة في حياة الشباب المصري ومشاركته من خلال الوصول إلى حلول مبتكرة ومفردات فعالة تترجم إلى أرض الواقع عن طريق ريادة الأعمال المجتمعية.
كما يضم الأسبوع مختلف المؤسسات المجتمعية والكيانات والمبادرات الشبابية والشركات الناشئة، ذات التأثير المجتمعي على المستوى الوطني والصعيد العربي والإفريقي. ويأتى هذا الملتقى ذلك في إطار إعلان فخامة الرئيس عبد الفتاح السيسي لعام 2022 عام المجتمع المدني، وتماشيًا مع رؤية الدولة المصرية نحو تحقيق التنمية المستدامة.
المصدر: موقع (بوابة الغد) الاخباري

أكد السيد حسن بوهزاع رئيس الاتحاد العربي للتطوع رئيس جمعية الكلمة الطيبة أن الاحتفال باليوم الدولي للأخوة الانسانية الذي اعتمدته الجمعية العامة للأمم المتحدة في ٤ فبراير من كل عام والذي اعتمد بموجب المشروع الذي تقدمت به مملكة البحرين والمملكة العربية السعودية ودولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة، وجمهورية مصر العربية يأتي انعكاسا للحاجة الملحة للمبادرات الإنسانية في ظل ما يعانيه المجتمع الدولي من متغيرات صحية وسياسية واجتماعية.

وأوضح رئيس الاتحاد العربي للتطوع أن مملكة البحرين تعد نموذجا في ترسيخ التعايش والسلام والحوار بين الثقافات والأديان ودولة ملهمة للعالم في احترام المذاهب والأديان كافة، وإشاعة مبادئ السلام، باعتبارِ التعايش السلمي عصب الحياة لدى الشعوبِ، وإرثاً حضارياً وإنسانياً جبِل عليها الإنسان في البحرين منذ القدم بناء على المواطنة الصالحة، والإنسانيةِ السمحة.

وأشار بأن ما تضمنته وثيقة الأخوة الإنسانية يحقق الأمن والسلم العالمي، وذلك من خلال ثقافة التسامح ونشر الأخلاق الفاضلة، ومفهوم المواطنة، وحقوق المرأة والطفل، والمساواة في الحقوق بين الأفراد، والتأكيد على قيم السلام العالمي والعيش المشترك والتعايش السلمي بين دول وشعوب العالم.

يذكر أن الأمم المتحدة قد دعت جميع الدول الأعضاء بالمنظمة ومنظمات المجتمع المدني الحكومية وغير الحكومية للاحتفال بهذا اليوم بدءا من عام 2021م، من خلال حشد جهود المجتمع الدولي لتعزيز السلام والتضامن في هذا اليوم من كل عام، أملا في أن يتحقق الأمن والسلم والسلام القائم على العدل والاستقرار في العالم دون حروب أو دمار .