Here’s how Etihad and UN will work to strengthen volunteering globally

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has become the first airline to sign an agreement with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme aiming to strengthen volunteering globally and expand the reach to customers of Etihad.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by Dr Nadia Bastaki, vice president of medical services, corporate social responsibility in Etihad Aviation Group and Toily Kurbanov, executive coordinator, in UNV, remotely in Abu Dhabi.

The collaboration between the two entities will UNV supports volunteering globally and in the Arab countries and aims to engage Etihad volunteers in advocacy events, increase awareness of volunteering opportunities, and accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals in the “Leave no one behind” agenda.

In addition, the airline will promote UNV and activities across Etihad’s own channels, including Etihad Guest loyalty programme to encourage members to donate their Etihad Guest Miles in support of UNV.

Dr Nadia Bastaki said: “Etihad is proud to be the first airline to partner with UN Volunteers, to support their talent pool and global initiatives. Etihad volunteers will have the chance to participate in the programme offering their unique skills and experience, and further extend Etihad’s humanitarian footprint across the world. Furthermore, we’re pleased to be able to offer our loyal Etihad Guest members the opportunity to make a significant contribution by donating their Etihad Guest Miles.”

Toily Kurbanov said: “At UNV, we are excited to have Etihad Aviation Group join our network of private sector partners who believe in the power of volunteering for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I hope this partnership will help grow awareness of the inspiring actions taken by UN Volunteers around the globe. Through miles donation, Etihad Guest members will have a direct channel to back such actions.”

Since the start of the pandemic, over 3,000 Etihad Airways’ employees have volunteered to support a number of government entities and initiatives, including deployments to SEHA, Ma’an and Emirates Red Crescent. More than 800 staff volunteers have registered on the UAE Volunteers Platform, a community response to Covid-19.