SAVW highlights environmental volunteering for sustainability

April 22, 2026 / 3:52 PM

Sharjah 24: The Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work (SAVW) marks Earth Day on 22 April each year, a global occasion that reflects collective awareness of the importance of protecting the planet and preserving its natural resources, amid the rapidly growing environmental challenges facing the world.

Strengthening social responsibility and sustainability awareness

Her Excellency Suad Al Shamsi, Executive Director of the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work, affirmed that Earth Day represents a renewed opportunity to strengthen social responsibility towards the environment and to embed sustainability concepts among individuals and institutions. She noted that environmental volunteering is one of the most effective pathways in supporting national and global efforts to protect the environment.

Environmental volunteering as a necessity

Al Shamsi added that environmental volunteering is no longer a secondary option but has become an urgent necessity in light of climate change and environmental challenges. Volunteers contribute through their initiatives to raising environmental awareness, participating in tree-planting campaigns, beach clean-ups, and protecting biodiversity, thereby enhancing quality of life and achieving sustainable development.

Supporting initiatives and recognising best practices

The Executive Director of the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work explained that the Award is keen to support environmental initiatives and encourage individuals and organisations to innovate in this field, by highlighting best environmental volunteering practices and recognising efforts that create a positive and sustainable impact on society.

Call for community engagement

Al Shamsi also called on community members to take advantage of the occasion by adopting environmentally friendly behaviours and participating in voluntary programmes focused on preserving natural resources, stressing that protecting the Earth is a shared responsibility that requires collective effort and teamwork.

Alignment with UAE sustainability vision

This approach aligns with the vision of the United Arab Emirates in achieving environmental sustainability and strengthening society’s role in protecting natural resources for future generations, reflecting the country’s commitment to sustainable development and building a more prosperous and balanced future.