First Lady Mubarak opens Conference of Private Societies Union
Egypt, Culture, 4/19/2001

Egyptian First Lady Suzanne Mubarak said that the spread of the culture of giving is a natural beginning to realize our goal of deepening the tradition of voluntary work among the new generation.

Addressing the inaugural session Wednesday of the third annual conference of the General Union of Private Societies and Organizations, Mrs. Mubarak welcomed participants as partners in an effort to realize overall development, together with the government and the private sector.

The two-day conference, which is held under the motto "voluntary social work between reality and aspirations, will discuss participation in voluntary work on the basis of giving and aims at strengthening integration and affiliation.

Mrs. Mubarak said that on analysing voluntary work, there are several elements which should be taken into consideration, notably:

1-Voluntary work is no longer an act of benevolence. It is one of the mainstays of development and an effective method of participation. It plays a basic role which cannot be overlooked in the process of development.

2- Voluntary work is not confined to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). It extends to include contribution in the efforts of several governmental agencies, particularly in the fields of health, education and culture.

3- Voluntary work is not confined to NGOs whose work has expanded and on many occasions set up various establishments such as schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and homes to care for elderly people.

4- Voluntary work realizes social development and represents an economic contribution to the service of society.

5- Voluntary work is not confined to a national effort. Volunteers work outside their countries in great numbers. An example is the international anti-mines campaign, in million of volunteers from 100 countries took part.

Mrs. Mubarak reviewed the history of voluntary work in Egypt since it began in the second half of the 19th century. There are more than 14,000 Non-Governmental Societies in Egypt.

In addition, hundreds of volunteers work a broad NGOs Egyptian men and women volunteered to face natural catastrophes in several parts of the Arab world and elsewhere.

"Barriers have fallen and voluntary work is spreading quickly and smoothly from one country to another for noble goals "which, in my estimation, is a true expression of globalization in its humanitarian form," Mrs. Mubarak said.

After delivering her speech, Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak honored a number of leaders of voluntary work for their dedicated service.

Omar Abdel Akher, Chairman of the General Union of Private Societies and Organizations presented to Mrs. Mubarak the Union's shield in appreciation of Mrs. Mubarak's efforts in the field of voluntary work.

In his own name and on behalf of members of unions and associations who represent millions of Egypptian citizens, Abdel Akhar sent a cable to President Hosni Mubarak declaring support to his wise policy in the service of the glory of the Nation.

The cable expressed unlimited support to efforts exerted by President Mubarak in support of the Palestine issue.

Mrs. Mubarak attended the first working session of the conference which was held under the chairmanship of Abdel Aziz Hegazi, former Prime Minister.

It was devoted to discussion of voluntary work in Egypt and the participation of the Social Fund in the development of voluntary work and the international dimension of voluntary work.

Previous Stories:
  Annan praises Egypt success in enhancing child's rights   (4/7/2001)
  Egyptian women full partners to men   (4/4/2001)
  Islam has nothing to do with destruction of human heritage in Afghanistan   (4/2/2001)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search