Today, August 19th, is World Humanitarian Day, a chance to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the globe.
To commemorate the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad where 22 people lost their lives, the 19th of August has been designated World Humanitarian Day by the UN.
This is a day to remember those who have lost their lives in humanitarian service and recognize and honour those who continue to bring assistance and relief to millions, despite the danger and adversity.
The Day also seeks to draw attention to humanitarian needs worldwide and the importance of international cooperation in meeting these needs.
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The theme for this year’s World Humanitarian Day is The World Needs More…, a ground-breaking, month-long campaign being launched by the UN and its humanitarian partners, that will quite literally turn words into aid.
You will be able to sponsor a word and turn your voice into much-needed funds to help millions of people worldwide affected by disasters. Every time you share #theworldneedsmore and then another hashtag (for example #water, #voices, #love, etc.) using twitter, you unlock US$1 of that sponsorship. You may also make a personal donation (via PayPal) if you so wish.
So global citizens, all it takes it one minute of your time to make a difference. What better way to start off the new week than by helping out someone less fortunate than ourselves?
“Every year on August 19th we mark World Humanitarian Day in honour of aid workers, who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We commemorate their sacrifice and reaffirm our commitment to the lifesaving work that humanitarians carry out around the world every day, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances, where others cannot or do not want to go. This year our World Humanitarian Day campaign is calling on people to answer a question: ‘What do you think the world needs more of?’” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
All images courtesy United Nations
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