Kuwait Red Crescent: Gulf Red Crescent Day embodies unity of humanitarian message and enhances the path of shared giving

Kuwait City, October 21 (KUNA) – The President of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Khaled Al-Mughams, affirmed today that the Gulf Red Crescent Day embodies the unity of the humanitarian message of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and reflects the depth of cooperation and integration among Gulf Red Crescent bodies and societies in enhancing relief efforts and expanding the scope of response to humanitarian needs around the world.

Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion of the Society’s celebration of Gulf Red Crescent Day, which falls on October 23 each year under the theme “Boundless Gulf Giving,” Al-Mughams stated that this occasion reflects the shared values of solidarity, mutual support, and generosity among GCC member states. It also underscores the vital role of Gulf humanitarian institutions in supporting those affected by crises and disasters, and in consolidating the principles of volunteerism.

He explained that, in commemoration of the occasion, the Society has set up special pavilions for each Gulf country, showcasing the key achievements and accomplishments of Gulf Red Crescent bodies and societies through photographs, artistic panels, and documentary films that document their relief and humanitarian efforts. The event also features participation by specialized artists in live painting sessions, in collaboration with the Kuwait Association of Artists and Media Professionals.

Al-Mughams added that the Red Crescent bodies and societies in GCC countries form an integrated humanitarian system rooted in a long history of cooperation and joint coordination. They contribute to delivering aid, providing basic needs and healthcare to affected communities, and implementing developmental and awareness programs that enhance their capacity to confront crises and recover from their impacts.

He emphasized the importance of developing GCC coordination mechanisms and exchanging expertise and successful experiences in disaster response, international relief, and social services, thereby improving the efficiency of humanitarian interventions and unifying resources and efforts to address the growing challenges faced by many regions worldwide.

Al-Mughams noted that GCC countries have placed significant emphasis on humanitarian, charitable, and volunteer work through supportive initiatives and decisions aimed at enhancing the performance of humanitarian institutions and encouraging youth participation in volunteer activities. This has helped consolidate a culture of giving and expanded the presence of Gulf bodies and societies in relief and development fields, both locally and internationally.

He affirmed that volunteers constitute a fundamental pillar of the success of Gulf humanitarian work, given their active role in implementing field programs and initiatives. He stressed the importance of investing in youth capacities, preparing them, and developing their skills to ensure the sustainability of volunteerism and enhance its ability to keep pace with changes and evolving humanitarian needs.

He clarified that designating October 23 each year to celebrate Gulf Red Crescent Day is a tribute to the efforts of volunteers and field workers in the humanitarian sector, and a commemoration of the first meeting of Gulf Red Crescent societies held in 1984 in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, which marked a significant milestone in the journey of joint humanitarian cooperation among GCC countries. (End) S.L.M. / A.M.H.