UAE’s Philanthropic Campaign for Lebanon: A Testament to Global Solidarity.

With the commencement of a new initiative in support of Lebanon, the UAE has once again proved itself as a leading global human power. Under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the leadership of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this campaign does not stop here. Rather, it is a continuation of the efforts made by the UAE over many decades to assist nations in distress. The campaign runs from October 8th to 21st, and it calls on all members of the UAE community, - citizens, residents, businesses, and institutions alike to assist Lebanon, which is enduring one of its biggest crises in several recent years. After all, it is not every day that we see such a large scale of resource mobilization, both in cash and kind, and for a country that is historically and culturally part of the region.

The dedication of the UAE to assist the Lebanese people manifests in the recently reported US$100 million relief fund and the provision of medical, food and shelter donations, illustrates a country’s unrivaled effort towards humanitarian work. What is important to note is the participation of global agencies such as the WHO, UNICEF, and the Red Cross boundaries where assistance is not only provided but rather according to set rules of the game. Personally, as one who participates on a matter of that importance due to sangfroid, I take this particular endeavor as a demonstration of the UAE’s broader humanitarian vision, which integrates the efforts of the government, the private sector, and international agencies in rendering assistance to a country. This notion also brings to light the need for shared responsibility in the face of global contingencies, which the UAE has done rather well through its persistent provision of aid to various countries.

In my opinion, this campaign demonstrates not only that the UAE is a leader in humanitarian efforts but also the very spirit of the nation. The UAE produces a distinct paradigm for the rest of the world by calling on its people and residents to help. This is not just a campaign organized by the state; it is everyone’s fight regardless of country where the aim is to help restore a shattered nation. It also reminds me that amidst every crisis, it is never enough to remain within the boundaries as well as the politics of one’s country, the call for such action is indeed relevant all over the world.