Sharjah: The award’s 23rd edition attracted 391 registrants, with 4,628 volunteers contributing 448,987 hours across 48 initiatives, generating approximately AED 3.5 million in economic savings and benefiting 7,202 people.

The meeting was attended by Her Excellency Mariam Majid Al Shamsi, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees; Fatima Mousa Al Baloushi, Secretary-General of the Award; and Board members Hamid Ali Al Abbar, Dr Musbeh Saeed Al Ketbi, Sultan Mohammed Al Khayyal, Ahmed Khalfan Al Fandi, Dr Saeed Sultan Bin Dalmouk and Mariam Saeed Al Muhairi.

Reviewing the Award’s strategic direction
The meeting’s agenda included introducing the award to its new members, outlining the Board’s responsibilities and upcoming agenda, reviewing the award’s progress and achievements during 2025 and 2026, and discussing the regulations governing its operations and organisational structure.

The agenda also covered the presentation of the new identity, strategic plan, initiatives and performance indicators; discussion of the Board of Trustees’ responsibilities; the election of a Vice-Chairman; the formation of the Board’s committees; and exploration of the award’s future aspirations.

As part of its organisational structure, the Board elected His Excellency Hamid Ali Al Abbar as Vice-Chairman and formed specialised committees to support its responsibilities in planning, oversight and development, as well as follow up on priority files. These measures aim to strengthen the integration of roles and enhance the efficiency of institutional work.

The Board also adopted a mechanism for work, communication and periodic meetings to monitor decisions and recommendations and track progress in their implementation.

Building on the Award’s Legacy
Her Excellency Mariam Majid Al Shamsi, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, affirmed that the new Board is building on the award’s legacy and achievements to usher in a renewed phase, expanding opportunities for participation and contribution while strengthening volunteerism as an inherent value that contributes to human development and social cohesion.

Al Shamsi said: “Our vision is inspired by the approach of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who placed humanity at the heart of Sharjah’s civilisational project and believed that building societies begins with instilling the values of giving, responsibility, and solidarity.”

She explained that the Council’s ambition is to strengthen the award’s role as a platform for discovering outstanding role models, stimulating initiatives and highlighting inspiring experiences. This approach seeks to connect recognition with the sustainability of giving and provide volunteer efforts with broader opportunities to reach and positively impact people’s lives.

She added that the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the main features of the next phase, foremost among them expanding community participation, attracting youth, families and institutions to the volunteer system, and building partnerships that support initiatives responding to community needs and keeping pace with their development.

A new identity inspired by giving
Al Shamsi pointed out that the new identity reflects this renewed vision and carries a message affirming the ability of volunteer work to keep pace with society and inspire its members to participate.

She emphasised that every person has something to offer others, whether it is time, knowledge, experience or effort, and that giving, however small it may seem, can make a significant difference in someone else’s life.

The new identity draws its philosophy from clasped hands, a symbol of trust, solidarity and shared responsibility. The logo’s elements intertwine around a central point in a movement reflecting the continuity of giving, while a star forms at its heart, symbolising the excellence resulting from collaborative efforts.

This composition embodies the award’s message that societal impact is amplified through the integrated contributions of individuals and institutions.

Strategic objectives
The Board also reviewed the award’s strategic objectives, which include stimulating competition in community solidarity and volunteer work, supporting and encouraging individual and institutional volunteer initiatives, and disseminating and promoting a culture of sustainable social responsibility.

The objectives also include adopting, activating and developing the award programme’s policies and mechanisms to enhance its role in establishing the values of giving, expanding community participation and achieving a lasting impact.

Strengthening partnerships and digital engagement
For her part, Fatima Mousa Al Baloushi, Secretary-General of the Award, affirmed that the next phase will focus on translating the Board of Trustees’ vision into high-quality programmes and initiatives that broaden participation in volunteer work, support those with outstanding experiences and develop operational mechanisms to keep pace with community needs and modern volunteering methods.

She explained that strengthening partnerships with government, private, educational and community institutions, along with expanding communication channels with volunteers and initiative leaders, are two key pillars for developing the award’s work.

This will be supported by the use of digital tools to reach wider audiences and provide greater exposure for inspiring experiences, allowing them to reach the community and motivate others to participate.

Al Baloushi added that the award will soon announce its new identity across its digital and media platforms. She explained that the new identity embodies its renewed vision and builds upon its legacy of recognising giving and highlighting inspiring volunteer experiences, thereby enhancing its presence and engagement with various segments of society.

Strong growth in the 23rd edition
It is worth noting that the 23rd edition of the award attracted 391 registrants, representing growth of approximately 34% compared with the previous edition.

Participants contributed to the implementation of 48 volunteer opportunities and initiatives, with the participation of 4,628 volunteers who provided 448,987 volunteer hours. These efforts achieved economic savings of approximately AED 3.5 million, while the number of beneficiaries of the support reached 7,202.

The award is preparing to launch its next cycle in November, continuing its mission to encourage giving, recognise inspiring volunteer experiences and enhance their impact on society.