Sultanate of oman: The Sultanate of Oman will join nations around the world tomorrow 'Wednesday' in observing World Humanitarian Day, reaffirming its active presence and enduring contributions to supporting humanitarian efforts. This commitment is rooted in its firm belief that solidarity, mutual support, and standing by people in times of crisis are deeply ingrained values and an enduring extension of Omani society.
According to Oman News Agency, this approach is embodied in the swift response to various humanitarian issues and circumstances, and the provision of aid and relief to those in need, reflecting an Omani paradigm in which assistance transcends its material value to carry a humanitarian message founded on compassion, peace, cooperation, and solidarity among peoples.
Badr Mohammed Al Zaabi, Acting CEO of Oman Charitable Organization (OCO), told Oman News Agency that World Humanitarian Day serves as a reminder that regardless of the causes and locations of crises, the human being remains the focal point and ultimate purpose of any response. In a world witnessing escalating conflicts, disasters, and humanitarian challenges, no single country or institution can operate in isolation, he affirmed.
He emphasized that international solidarity, the integration of efforts, and the rapid delivery of aid to those entitled to it have become shared responsibilities. He further affirmed that Oman's message is that humanitarian action should not be governed by geography or differences, but rather by human need, respect for human dignity, and the extension of assistance at the time it is most needed.
He added that the Sultanate of Oman possesses a deeply rooted humanitarian approach, drawing its strength from a foreign policy based on peace, cooperation, and mutual respect-a stance reflected in its regional and international humanitarian presence. What distinguishes this approach, he said, is its quietude and continuity, its focus on the humanitarian dimension, and its commitment to reaching affected populations wherever they may be.
Regarding the launch of Oman Red Crescent and its significance for the development of the national humanitarian system, the Acting CEO described it as a pivotal milestone in advancing the national humanitarian framework. This is achieved by introducing a specialized institutional structure that enhances Oman's preparedness and capacity to respond to crises and disasters, while opening broader horizons for volunteering, capacity-building, and humanitarian cooperation.
On the external front, Oman Red Crescent represents a significant advancement in organizing and expanding Oman's humanitarian presence, strengthening its relationships and partnerships with the international humanitarian system, and showcasing and institutionalizing the aid and humanitarian efforts that Oman provides across various regions of the world within a more prominent and integrated institutional framework.
He affirmed that the establishment of Oman Red Crescent represents an important step in strengthening the connection between Oman's humanitarian action system and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and international humanitarian organizations.
Regarding the most prominent humanitarian initiatives and programmes implemented by the Organization during the recent period, Badr Mohammed Al Zaabi stated that the Organization continues to implement its humanitarian programmes within the Sultanate of Oman and abroad, with a focus on ensuring that aid reaches its intended beneficiaries and achieves direct and sustainable impact on their lives.
He noted that at the domestic level, the Organization's programmes benefited more than 46,000 individuals across various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman during the first half of 2026, through an integrated package of programmes including food assistance, orphan sponsorship, cash aid, educational, medical, and housing support, in addition to emergency relief response.
He pointed out that at the international level, the Organization's efforts during the same period extended to a number of countries, encompassing diverse humanitarian interventions tailored to each country's needs, including relief and medical assistance, educational support, orphan sponsorship, and a range of other humanitarian programmes and projects.
He added that the Organization has expanded its relationships and partnerships with national institutions and regional and international humanitarian organizations, driven by the conviction that addressing major crises requires the integration of capacities, expertise, and resources, rather than operating in isolation.
With regard to the contribution of partnerships with the private sector and civil society institutions in expanding the impact of Omani humanitarian initiatives, he affirmed that humanitarian action is a shared national responsibility, and its impact multiplies when the efforts of government, the private sector, civil society institutions, and individuals are integrated.
He explained that the Organization channels these contributions to eligible beneficiaries through its humanitarian and social programmes and projects, in line with priorities and needs. This partnership has brought about a significant transformation in enhancing the sustainability of aid and expanding its scope of impact.
He indicated that Oman Charitable Organization has entered a new phase of institutional development through the implementation of its comprehensive development plan for 2026-2028, which aims to build a more efficient, sustainable, and adaptive operational system capable of keeping pace with the rapid transformations in humanitarian action.
He stated that priorities for the upcoming phase focus on accelerating digital transformation and electronic service integration, enhancing the beneficiary experience, strengthening community partnerships, entrenching governance and transparency, investing in human capital, enhancing financial sustainability and diversifying funding sources, in addition to developing high-impact projects and programmes with sustainable humanitarian outcomes.
World Humanitarian Day is observed on 19 August each year, serving as a global occasion to highlight humanitarian efforts worldwide, honour the sacrifices of humanitarian workers, and reaffirm the importance of solidarity and international cooperation in addressing crises and disasters.
