Doha: The 5th edition of the Gulf Voluntary Work Forum for the Red Crescent Societies and Associations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries began in Doha on Wednesday. The two-day event is hosted by the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) under the theme of 'whoever revives it.' In his opening remarks before the forum, HE Secretary-General of QRCS, Faisal Mohammed Al Emadi, highlighted the humanitarian and volunteer work of the Red Crescent associations and societies in the GCC countries, noting that the forum is an opportunity to share views and experiences to advance Gulf voluntary work. According to Qatar News Agency, HE Al Emadi stated that the forum was first launched based on Qatar's suggestion and was officially adopted in 2017 at the meeting of the presidents of the Red Crescent associations and societies in the GCC countries. He emphasized that the theme acknowledges the importance of volunteer efforts in instilling hope, nurturing communities, and making a difference. HE Al Emadi further pointed out that the event aims to promote volunteer culture among Gulf youth, encourage responsibility and interaction, and highlight young initiatives in volunteering. The forum also serves as a platform to share expertise and experiences among the GCC states. Ahmed Al Qurainees, representative of the General Secretariat of the GCC, remarked that the forum embodies Gulf cooperation in humanitarian and volunteer areas. He affirmed that volunteers from the Red Crescent societies and associations in the GCC states will be recognized with the volunteer work award on the margins of this forum, in recognition of their contributions. Assistant Secretary-General of the Volunteering and Local Development Sector at QRCS, Hussein Aman Al Ali, noted that the forum is significant for sharing expertise in humanitarian, development, and volunteer work among red crescent societies and associations in the GCC states. Al Ali highlighted QRCS's involvement in the AFC Asian Cup 2023, where volunteers received commendation fo r their impactful contributions. QRCS has 131,000 volunteers who are prepared to engage in all events hosted by Qatar. The forum, held for the second consecutive year, coincides with International Volunteer Day, observed annually on December 5. QRCS celebrates this occasion by promoting the value of volunteering and investing in youth and individual capabilities. An exhibition was inaugurated alongside the event, showcasing projects by the Volunteering and Local Development Sector at QRCS and volunteer experiences in the GCC states. On Thursday, the final day, training experiences of participating entities will be discussed.