World Humanitarian Day 2021: Use Technology To Strengthen Climate Change Advocacy - NGO

The National Complementary and Alternative Medical Association (NACAMA), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has urged humanitarian volunteers to use technology to strengthen climate change advocacy.

The National President of NACAMA, Prof. Peter Katchy, made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Thursday, on World Humanitarian Day.

The theme for this year’s World Humanitarian Day is: “In the Race Against the Climate Crisis, We Can’t Leave Anyone Behind”.

Katchy noted that digital technology and information platforms had become necessary to push the climate change narrative and get everybody to take action, so as to protect the earth and make it a better place for all.

According to him, sharing noble ideas and activities with people across the globe on positive climate actions through digital means will make a huge impact.

“Collectively or in aggregate, we can use our digital platforms to advocate and pressure world leaders and those in authority to take meaningful climate action for the world’s most vulnerable people and eco-habitants,” he said.

The NACAMA boss lauded the sacrifices of humanitarian volunteers who endanger their lives to save others.

“They are the first to respond to a crisis and last to leave, hence, such persons deserve mention and celebration at local, state, national and international levels.

“Even if you step out to provide simple face masks, food and medicament for the underprivileged, you are a humanitarian, and this day is to celebrate you,” he said.

Katchy encouraged more people to volunteer and undertake humanitarian works in their immediate communities.

He said: “Being a humanitarian does not mean traveling to a war zone, but doing things and taking self-willed actions to alleviate people’s suffering and maintain human dignity.

“There may be plenty of options for you to do just that close to home.

“Try volunteering at a homeless shelter, a nursing home, a hospital, or a place that serves underprivileged children”.

It would be recalled that on 19 August 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 humanitarian aid workers, including the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Five years later, the General Assembly adopted Resolution A/63/L.49 designating 19 August as WHD. Each year, WHD focuses on a theme, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.