San francisco: The Arab Federation for Voluntary Activities (AFVA) announced on Sunday the launch of its volunteerism award, named the "Dr. Kazem Nouri Award". This is an outstanding initiative that intends to foster the culture of volunteerism, as well as the values of giving and social responsibility. It aims to encourage humanitarian and developmental initiatives of enduring impact at the international, Arab, corporate, and individual levels.

According to Qatar News Agency, AFVA President Dr. Yousuf Ali Al Kathim affirmed that the launch of this award comes in recognition of the superb efforts undertaken by individuals and institutions to serve societies and support humanitarian and development work. The award strives to recognize inspiring models in volunteerism and stir further initiatives that help achieve sustainable development and reinforce tight-knit societies, Dr. Al Kathim highlighted.

Al Kathim further noted that the award will start receiving nomination applications from Monday, June 15, until Aug. 15, 2026. Overall, the award is structured around four key levels, namely the international, Arab, institutional or specialized individual, as well as moral and appreciation levels.

It covers nine main specialized fields, notably health and humanitarian action; education and capacity building; environment and sustainability; relief and emergency response; youth and women's empowerment; support for vulnerable groups; culture and heritage; community media and the promotion of volunteerism; as well as social innovation and digital transformation.

The award is broadly directed toward a broad segment of volunteers, social initiative entrepreneurs, non-profit institutions, academic and educational institutions, health and humanitarian institutions, government sector and public authorities, private sector and corporate social responsibility programs, community initiatives and volunteer alliances, in addition to international and regional organizations.

In addition, the award includes exceptional recognition accorded to prominent humanitarian figures, alongside societal leaders and personalities supporting volunteerism globally, as well as initiatives with exceptional impact based on recommendations from the judging panel and AFVA's approval.