GCC humanitarian award winners honoured in Bahrain
Manama, Oct. 1 (BNA): The Regional Network for Social Responsibility, in partnership with the Executive Bureau of the GCC Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain, honoured the winners of the 2025 GCC Humanitarian Award in its seventh edition. The ceremony, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel as part of World Social Responsibility Day, gathered senior representatives from governmental, private, and non-profit organisations across the Gulf.
Dr. Abdullah Matouq Al Matouq, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General and Chairman of the International Islamic Charitable Organisation, delivered the keynote address as guest of honour. He said the award represents a platform to reinforce the values of giving and to highlight the GCC’s global role in humanitarian and development efforts. He commended Bahrain for hosting the event and called for stronger strategic partnerships to address current humanitarian challenges.
Shaikh Adnan bin Abdullah Al Qattan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) and Chairman of the 2025 award, expressed pride in the seventh edition of the award, which has become a forum for recognising distinguished initiatives and exchanging experiences. He emphasised that humanitarian action in the GCC is a moral and cultural duty rooted in Islamic and Arab values.
Mohammed bin Hassan Al Obaidli, Director General of the Executive Bureau of the GCC Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs, underlined that the award reflects the GCC’s commitment to solidarity and social cohesion. He commended Bahrain and its partners for organising the event. Dr. Hashim Hussein, Head of UNIDO’s Bahrain office, highlighted Gulf partnerships in supporting global sustainable development goals and advancing values of justice and solidarity.
Zeyad Adel Darwish, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development, said to BNA that the ministry’s recognition comes within its continuous efforts to provide quality services for citizens and ensure decent living standards in line 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 emphasised the ministry’s commitment to further developing social and humanitarian programmes, supporting initiatives that strengthen social solidarity, and enabling different groups of society to live with dignity.
He thanked all entities and individuals who contributed to the success of the initiative, adding that the honour 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.
The ceremony honoured a number of individuals and institutions from the GCC in the categories of government entities, private sector organisations, and non-profit institutions. Honourees included Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development, Qatar’s Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities, Kuwait’s Zakat House, the Emirates Red Crescent, the Qatar Red Crescent, the Princess Al Anood Charitable Foundation, Al Awazem Charity Foundation, Bahrain Parents Care Society, and Oman’s Al Roya Press and Publishing. The Executive Bureau of the GCC Ministers of Labour and UNIDO were also recognised for their partnership in organising the event.
In addition, Mohammed bin Hassan Al Obaidli was awarded the title of International Ambassador for Social Responsibility by the Regional Network, in recognition of his efforts to promote humanitarian action in the GCC.
On the sidelines of the event, the Regional Network hosted the second GCC Humanitarian Summit 2025, which gathered experts and specialists from across the Gulf. The summit’s sessions reviewed achievements, challenges, and opportunities in the humanitarian field and underscored the importance of continued GCC cooperation in supporting humanitarian and development initiatives.
