Arab businesses 'must do more to help aid operations'

Abu Dhabi: The first Arab social responsibility forum got underway in the capital on Monday hoping to encourage giving as a pillar of Arabic culture.

"The principles of giving and charity have been instilled in our hearts as a nation and people. This has made us pioneers in the world. Still, we call upon businesses to be more vigilant and intentional in their giving," Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minster and Chairman of the UAE Red Crescent said in the opening remarks of the two-day conference, being held at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research.

While the Arab culture is known for its generosity, relief agencies are saying not enough is being done by businesses to assist in aid operations.

"We need to have more companies that take the initiative in giving. They will not act of their own accord and give. Now we have to go and plead and plead. In Western countries, companies do this out of their own desire," General Secretary of the Red Crescent Authority (RCA) Saleh Al Taie told Gulf News.

When the cyclone ripped through Myanmar earlier this month, Al Taie said: "No company contacted us to see how they could help."

According to Al Taie, the reason companies do not give despite a dire need is due to a misconception about the RCA.

"They automatically assume that because we live in a rich country we have unlimited resources, but that couldn't be further from the truth," he said.

"What companies don't realise is that giving brings them so much back. This way we both win," Al Taie added.

The conference included various sessions on community involvement, how to motivate businesses, initiatives for social responsibility and a national strategy.

honour

title bestowed

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA) and Chairman of the Environment Authority, was awarded the title of Knight of Arab Charity by the Arab Charity Forum.

The title was given in appreciation of Shaikh Hamdan's humanitarian efforts at all levels, especially healthcare, environmental work and encouraging voluntary work. Shaikh Sultan Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the award on behalf of Shaikh Hamdan.

- WAM