Ramadan in UAE: Donors to ‘1 Billion Meals’ campaign say giving back is key – News

With nearly a billion people globally unable to maintain a healthy life, it is the wealthy who have a responsibility to contribute, they added

Some of the leading donors to the Billion Meals campaign point out that nearly a billion people, including children, are currently living in poverty in this “world of abundance”, as some companies in the UAE have donated up to AED50 million of funds.

As the UAE prepares to deliver its billionth meal in record time, Khaleej Times spoke to some of the event’s key donors about the inspiration behind their major philanthropic initiatives.

PNC Menon, Chairman and Founder of Sobha Group said, “There are many people across the globe who cannot afford nutritious food to lead a healthy life, leading to various health deficiencies, etc. Therefore, it is our responsibility, especially [those] People with wealth contribute to the noble cause of reducing world hunger and aiding poor countries and people in need.

I believe everyone has an important role to play in preventing a widespread global food crisis. This belief strengthens my commitment to philanthropic and humanitarian causes. “

He added: “Sobha Realty has always considered fulfilling Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) a top priority. As part of our commitment to humanitarian causes, we have launched AED 50 million was donated to the “1 Billion Meal Donation” campaign. This donation aims to establish a sustainable food supply endowment fund aimed at alleviating hunger and food insecurity around the world.”

They noted that the UAE has been raising the bar for philanthropy, with several nationwide initiatives under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. humanitarian work.

“With several effective policies and strategies, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has continuously promoted a culture of giving, [and] Raise awareness of the noble value of philanthropy. In terms of philanthropy and noble causes, the country has undertaken several social, philanthropic and developmental efforts with the main objective of providing any kind of assistance to those in need and eradicating global crises such as poverty and hunger,” Menon added .

Likewise, other big corporate figures in the country have shed light on how philanthropy should be part of a company’s social, development and humanitarian responsibilities.

Mohamed A. Al Ansari, Chairman of Al Ansari Exchange, said: “These initiatives also help to strengthen the bonds that bring the community together and promote solidarity. We are therefore honored to promote the Global Initiative Efforts.

As part of our commitment to humanitarianism and social responsibility, and our desire to participate in charities initiated by the UAE Government, our donation supports the ‘1 Billion Meals Donation’ initiative, which embodies UAE values ​​such as generosity, brotherhood camaraderie and solidarity. “

He added: “We are announcing a donation of AED 50 million over five years to support the humanitarian efforts launched by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiative. The UAE leadership has always Supporting underprivileged communities reflects the country’s values ​​of generosity and giving.

The ‘1 Billion Meal Donation’ campaign, coinciding with Ramadan, aims to develop long-term solutions to effectively support vulnerable groups through the use of targeted strategies to combat hunger, eradicate its causes and limit its impact. “

The business chief therefore stressed that these charitable endeavors in the UAE enjoy broad support from all groups, a testament to the deep community spirit of its residents.

Azizi Group has also donated another AED 50 million to this important initiative.

Farhad Azizi, Chief Executive Officer of Azizi Developments, said: “This campaign, an important and highly influential social movement, was launched during the holy month of Ramadan, which is marked by unity and dedication and led by wise leaders and Sheikh Humanitarian dedication of His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Against this backdrop, our founder and chairman, Mr. Mirwais Azizi, sees this initiative as the most powerful of its kind in the fight against global hunger.

“With more than 800 million people worldwide suffering from malnutrition, we each have a responsibility to contribute to a brighter future that ensures vital, healthy nutrition is available to all.

We will remain steadfast in this cause in the years to come, and with the philosophy that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, we encourage participation to ensure a happier, healthier tomorrow for those in need. “