Today, we join the world in reflecting on the tragic reality of a world increasingly veering towards conflict and disaster with it's attendant death, displacement and untold human suffering. We join in honoring humanitarian aid workers who brave the dangers of war and disaster to assist people who have been affected all over the world. We honor in a very special way, those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes.

According to Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General, "World Humanitarian Day is an annual reminder of the need to act to alleviate the suffering. It is also an occasion to honor the humanitarian workers and volunteers toiling on the front lines of crises. I pay tribute to these dedicated women and men who brave danger to help others at far greater risk."

Source: United Nations YouTube Channel

The theme for this year's celebration: 'One Humanity' highlights the world's commitment to support the over 130 million people affected by crisis and ensure that aid workers can deliver assistance in a safer and more effective manner. This game changing commitment was made earlier this year at the World Humanitarian Summit held at Istanbul.

A majority of people affected by crisis are young people and children. They suffer the most from the untold hardships that results from conflict and displacement. The time has come for all of us to stand in solidarity with those caught in the frontlines of war and disaster and in need of humanitarian assistance to survive. More than ever there is an urgent need to meet the needs of all peoples especially young people and children before, during and after the crisis.