Celebrating the Amir of Kuwait’s achievements on World Humanitarian Day 2017

On Saturday 19th August, the United Nations marked World Humanitarian Day 2017.

Antonio Guterres, the UN’s Secretary General, celebrated the occasion with an inspiring speech reminding us of the importance of humanitarian activity.

“Every year on World Humanitarian Day, we shine a spotlight on the millions of civilians around the world whose lives have been caught up in conflict. On this day we also take a moment to honour the brave health and aid workers who are targeted or obstructed as they set out to help people in need, and pay tribute to the government employees, members of civil society and representatives of international organizations and agencies who risk their lives to provide humanitarian aid and protection.”

— UN Secretary-General, António Guterres

This year’s focus was to reaffirm the fact that a civilian, no matter their faith, race or immigration status is #NotATarget, they deserve to live safely, without threat to their lives.

No one is as firm an advocate of this principle than His Highness the Amir of Kuwait who has provided protection from conflict to millions.

Here are just some of the endeavours he has undertaken in the last 5 years that demonstrate this:

  • From 2013–15 the Amir has hosted three donor conferences, in which he alone pledged US$1.3 billion to assist civilians in Syria.
  • In 2015 he donated US$100 million to support those affected by the civil war in Yemen.
  • The United Nations Relief and Works Agency was able to carry out vital work in Palestine in 2013 due to US$34 million provided by the Amir.
  • Iraqis displaced by ongoing unrest in the country were supported with a US$200 million donation in 2015.
  • The Amir has also come to the aid of victims of natural disasters in Japan, the Philippines, Turkey and Somalia.
Vital resources are unloaded in Iraq, donated by the Kuwait people and their Amir.

The UN’s campaign also seeks to remind global leadership of the importance of respecting humanitarian and human rights laws as well as the work of aid workers across the world dealing with the consequences of leaders doing just the opposite.

In it is no wonder then, that in 2014 the UN recognised Kuwait as a humanitarian centre and awarded the Amir the title of global humanitarian leader, so that he may serve as a role model to all.

The Amir’s impact therefore, is not just financial. The example he sets to those who can make a difference, however small, is vital.

An extract from the book ‘The Amir of Humanity’ provides more insight into the reasons behind the award and what inspire’s the Amir’s exceptional generosity.

“As proven throughout a lifetime of dedication to humanity and charity, Sheikh Sabah does not trade in words alone: he has always matched eloquence with action. This was highlighted in September 2014, when then-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recognised the Amir as a ‘Humanitarian Leader’. “We are sitting together with a great humanitarian leader of our world,” said Ban. “Kuwait has shown exemplary humanitarian leadership in supporting operations under the compassionate and passionate leadership of the Amir. Kuwait may be a small country in size but she has a big and broad and compassionate heart.”

The award reflected the fact that while he has gone to great lengths to ensure the health and happiness of his own people, and embraced his Arab brothers across the region by offering humanitarian support at every turn, Sheikh Sabah has also lifted his compassionate gaze beyond the horizon of the Middle East. Across swathes of Africa and Asia, communities regard the Amir as a beloved benefactor who has changed the course of their history and provided light in their darkest hours. “Such an honour is a well-deserved honour for our dear country, and for you all, my dear nationals, and is subject of our pride,” said the Amir on receiving the accolade. “Acts of goodness and charity are virtues instilled in the people of Kuwait since antiquity, [values] grown and elaborated as continuously followed by our fathers and grandfathers. They always hurried [to] relieve the afflicted and help the needy, and their giving was always present in every disaster and calamity, writing shining pages in the history of philanthropic work.””

To read more go to www.amirofhumanity.com or click on the book cover below.

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