On the occasion of World Humanitarian Work Day, corresponding to August 19, the Department of Social Services in Sharjah organized this morning a meeting bearing the slogan “World Humanitarian Work Day,” in which several local, governmental, and Gulf associations participated, in response to the invitation of the Department of Social Work Licensing and Development in the Department. Sheraton Resort, in the presence of a group of interested people and specialists in social work and public benefit associations in Sharjah. To begin with, Kholoud Al Nuaimi, Director of the Social Work Licensing and Development Department, welcomed the attendees, noting that it is a meeting organized by the department, which includes public benefit associations, on the occasion of World Humanitarian Work Day. She said that the aim of this meeting is to shed light on the important role provided by public benefit associations and volunteers. During its authorized activities according to its specialization in the professional, humanitarian, social, charitable and cultural fields, because of its great impact on society and awareness of its importance, especially since the United Arab Emirates is a pioneer in charitable and humanitarian work, not at the local level but at the global level, which is known far and wide. At the beginning of the meeting, the “Together We Build Bridges of Humanity” workshop, presented by Fatima Al Hammadi from the Teachers Association, highlighted the exploration of sustainability in humanitarian work with the aim of building a brighter future through joint work and community service. Al-Hammadi presented the concept of volunteer humanitarian work, its principles, and its importance, whether for communities or individuals participating in various fields of humanitarian work, and the benefits they reap in this regard, as well as the challenges they may face in this context, while emphasizing the necessity of sustainability in participating in humanitarian work in order to reach the conviction and methodology that humanitarian work is A shared responsibility that requires cooperation and solidarity from all segments of society. For his part, Ali Al Rashidi, Head of the Resources and Investment Sector at the Sharjah Charitable Society, presented models and examples of the Society’s humanitarian work, during which he reviewed many of the Society’s achievements and initiatives that affected the Americas, Europe, the African continent, and Asia, as the number of countries to which the Society provided aid reached 110 different countries, enumerating the initiatives it launches. From time to time, the association provides assistance internally and externally. He recounted many of the achievements that the association has achieved, such as building residential buildings and schools and constructing water wells in those poor areas that suffer from many natural and humanitarian afflictions, the most recent of which was its humanitarian assistance to support the people in Gaza as part of the Compassion for Gaza campaign. In addition to campaigns: ongoing friendships, the Dirham of Praise, education initiatives, treatment of patients, glaucoma operations, heart operations for children, dialysis, memorization of the Holy Qur’an, mobile clinics, and many others. Naji Al Nuaimi from the Ministry of Health and Community Protection presented a paper entitled The Psychology of Humanitarian Work from the Self to Life, which focused on the principles of humanitarian work, which are impartiality, neutrality and independence. He said that volunteering is the work and effort exerted by any person, whether financial, in-kind, physical or intellectual, for free, and that benefits society and is motivated by him to contribute to bearing responsibility to reduce damage and alleviate the suffering of the afflicted community and to participate in humanitarian institutions that work to provide social or medical care. .. etc. What is meant by psychosocial support is community support, which requires procedures that address both the social and psychological needs of individuals, families and communities. Regarding the effects of volunteer work on mental health, it lies in satisfying some psychological needs, including satisfying the religious and spiritual aspects, satisfying the need for success, achievement, and achieving goals, and satisfying the need for love, respect, and self-confidence. It releases energy, fills free time, exchanges experiences, gains life skills and abilities, and feels content and tranquility. It is also a treatment for some severe psychological diseases. Types of psychological pressures that volunteers in social work suffer from, which occur when requirements exceed the resources available for coping, namely daily, cumulative psychological, and critical psychological pressure. In conclusion, Dr. Dana Abdul Rahman, CEO of the Bahraini Medical Relief Society, presented the Society’s experience in volunteer social work.