Secretary-General of the Arab Voluntary Union Dr Yousef Ali al-Kathem stressed that Qatar is one of the leaders of volunteer work at the Arab level, highlighting that volunteers this year rose to the occasion of trying to contain the coronavirus. 

This came during a ceremony organized by the union to mark the Arab Volunteer Day. He added that the union is honouring volunteers for the important role they play in their societies. He noted that the union received 175 individual entries and 97 from organisations and institutions.

Al-Kathem told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Arab Voluntary Union succeeded in its role despite the challenges facing volunteers this year. He noted that the union was committed to its role since the outbreak of the Coronavirus in March 2020 to ensure volunteers were prepared for the challenge. He said that Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) provided training to volunteers who were in malls. He also expressed his appreciation of the Qatari strategy in handling the crisis.

On the most important items on the union's agenda, al-Kathem said that the focus is now on activating the Arab Volunteer Observatory ahead of moving its headquarters from Yemen to Kuwait. He added that there is a youth camp set to take place in December as well.