Doha: The Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA) has celebrated the International Day for Humanitarian Action, which annually falls on Aug. 19. The ceremony was marked by unlocking an expanded program in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Family, under the theme: "Humanitarian Media and Social Work: Qatari Expertise and Global Perspectives".
According to Qatar News Agency, in his opening remarks, Director of the Licensing and Support Department at RACA, Rashed Mohammed Al Nuaimi, highlighted the authority's efforts in advancing charitable and humanitarian work, in addition to fostering its presence at home and abroad. A part of the ceremony's agenda, two panel discussions were held to address salient topics related to charitable work.
The first panel, themed "Documentation and Media Coverage in Charitable and Humanitarian Work," focused on the significance of media in documenting humanitarian practices and spotlighting Qatar-led efforts. Participants emphasized that media has become a pivotal tool in highlighting charitable efforts, not only through relaying news but also by deepening positive perceptions about Qatari humanitarian initiatives both regionally and globally. The panel further deliberated on key challenges facing human media, such as accessing disaster-battered zones, ensuring information accuracy, and the importance of forging partnerships among charitable institutions and media outlets.
The second panel, "Regulating Social Work: Balancing International Standards and Qatari Experiences," explored avenues for advancing social work in alignment with the best global experiences. Panelists underscored the importance of balancing the enforcement of international standards in social work while maintaining the cultural privacy of the Qatari community and capitalizing on effective local models. They also noted the role of institutions in enhancing societal engagement and the role of volunteers through showcasing their efforts.
Finally, the event honored participants for their contributions in enriching the discussion and sharing expertise, which would substantially promote Qatar's standing as a leading hub in charitable and humanitarian work on the global stage.