MLSD Statement on the occasion of the International Volunteer Day
04-12-2020
The Kingdom of Bahrain joins countries worldwide in celebrating International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, a designation by the United Nations General Assembly and observed annually on December 5. The day offers volunteers and NGOs a unique opportunity to highlight their efforts and promote their work within local communities. On this occasion, His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, praised the efforts of volunteers in the Kingdom of Bahrain who extended their hands to give without expecting anything in return. He highlighted the pioneering examples set by volunteers engaged in charitable work in all its forms, as well as their support for official and civil institutions in delivering essential services to society and the nation in diverse circumstances. He also congratulated every volunteer who showed dedication, generosity and active participation in achieving and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, leaving an enduring mark on Bahrain’s success in facing many challenges , especially their prominent role in confronting the coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic and supporting official bodies in executing national plans to contain it. Humaidan noted that in a year when the world faced the unprecedented spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the attendant precautionary measures, volunteering in Bahrain likewise assumed an exceptional role, becoming a key pillar of the national campaign to combat the virus. Throughout this challenge, citizens and residents alike demonstrated a keen sense of national and humanitarian duty, social responsibility, initiative and tireless effort in addressing the difficulties posed by those measures. Bahrainis — including merchants, businesspeople, banking and financial institutions, companies, associations and individuals — responded to the nation’s call by contributing their most precious resources through the “Feena Khair” national campaign, led by the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF). Launched on the directives of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, National Security Adviser and Chairman of the RHF Board of Trustees, the campaign raised more than BHD 21 million in under 24 hours to support national efforts against the virus. Humaidan added that widespread public awareness of the value of volunteering prompted many Bahrainis to join civil society organisations in the national campaign to curb the virus, preventing infection, raising awareness, and working wherever the country required. Registrations on the national volunteer platform, launched last March, surpassed 30,000 within its first hour, reflecting a generous national spirit of solidarity and cooperation that has helped the Kingdom overcome challenges. He praised these efforts and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to support and promote volunteer and charitable work across Bahrain. He further commended volunteers and civil society organisations across all disciplines whose pivotal contributions underpinned the national campaign — from sterilising and disinfecting public areas and ensuring compliance with precautionary measures during field activities, to disseminating National Committee advisories, delivering meals to needy groups and workers’ accommodation, and providing every form of support required to curb the virus and mitigate its effects. In conclusion, Humaidan reiterated the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s appreciation of volunteerism and its far‑reaching impact. He stressed that the Ministry spares no effort in fostering effective partnerships between the public and private sectors and will continue to invest fully in the nation’s outstanding human potential, ensuring perpetual readiness to engage in volunteer work across diverse fields.