October 1, Manama (BNA): In its seventh edition, the Regional Network for Social Responsibility honored the 2025 GCC Humanitarian Award winners in collaboration with the Executive Bureau of the GCC Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs and the Investment and Technology Promotion Office of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Bahrain. Senior representatives from public, business, and nonprofit organizations throughout the Gulf attended the World Social Responsibility Day celebration at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
GCC humanitarian award winners honoured in Bahrain
As a guest of honor, Dr. Abdullah Matouq Al Matouq, the chairman of the International Islamic Charitable Organization and Special Advisor to the UN Secretary General, gave the keynote speech. According to him, the award serves as a forum to emphasize the importance of contributing and the GCC’s worldwide contribution to development and humanitarian causes. He urged for more robust strategic alliances to tackle today’s humanitarian issues and praised Bahrain for hosting the gathering.
The chairman of the 2025 award and deputy chairman of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation’s (RHF) board of trustees, Shaikh Adnan bin Abdullah Al Qattan, expressed delight in the award’s seventh edition, which has evolved into a platform for recognizing noteworthy efforts and sharing best practices. He emphasized that humanitarian work in the GCC is a cultural and moral obligation that is based on Arab and Islamic principles.
The GCC’s dedication to social cohesion and solidarity is reflected in the prize, according to Mohammed bin Hassan Al Obaidli, Director General of the Executive Bureau of the GCC Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs. He praised the event’s organization by Bahrain and its allies. The head of UNIDO’s Bahrain office, Dr. Hashim Hussein, emphasized the role that Gulf partnerships play in promoting justice and solidarity ideals and assisting with the global sustainable development goals.
The Ministry of Social Development’s Undersecretary, Zeyad Adel Darwish, told BNA that the ministry’s recognition stems from its ongoing efforts to guarantee decent living standards and deliver high-quality services to citizens in accordance with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He emphasized the ministry’s dedication to advancing humanitarian and social programs, assisting with projects that promote social cohesion, and allowing various societal groups to live in dignity.
“The honor will serve as an incentive for more work and dedication in expanding humanitarian initiatives that promote social cohesion, volunteerism, and generosity, reflecting Bahrain’s humanitarian message and regional prominence,” he said, thanking all the organizations and individuals who helped make the initiative a success.
Numerous people and organizations from the GCC who fall under the categories of government agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations were honored at the occasion. The Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities in Qatar, the Princess Al Anood Charitable Foundation, the Al Awazem Charity Foundation, the Bahrain Parents Care Society, the Emirates Red Crescent, the Qatar Red Crescent, the Bahrain Parents Care Society, the Ministry of Social Development in Bahrain, and the Al Roya Press and Publishing in Oman were among the honorees. Additionally acknowledged for their collaboration in planning the event were UNIDO and the GCC Ministers of Labor’s Executive Bureau.
In addition, the Regional Network recognized Mohammed bin Hassan Al Obaidli’s efforts to advance humanitarian action in the GCC by naming him an International Ambassador for Social Responsibility.
The second GCC Humanitarian Summit 2025 was held by the Regional Network on the margins of the event, bringing together specialists and experts from all across the Gulf. The summit’s sessions examined humanitarian successes, obstacles, and prospects while highlighting the significance of sustained GCC collaboration in bolstering development and humanitarian endeavors.
