International star Beyoncé, the United Nations and humanitarian aid organizations launched a global campaign to shine a spotlight on humanitarian work and encourage people around the world to get involved by doing something good for others.
World Humanitarian Day is a global day to celebrate humanity and the spirit of people helping people.
The World Humanitarian Day music video for Beyoncé's song "I Was Here" was filmed in the UN General Assembly Hall in New York in front of a live audience. It was released globally yesterday (19 August). Beyoncé and songwriter Diane Warren are donating the video to the campaign.
"World Humanitarian Day celebrates humanitarian work," said Valerie Amos, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs. "I hope everyone will pledge to complete at least one humanitarian action - however great or small - through www.whd-iwashere.org. Together we can create an unprecedented awareness of the plight of people affected by crises around the world."
"We all see the headlines and we think what can I really do to help?", said Beyoncé. "World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity for all of us to work together to make a difference. This is our time to leave our mark on the world and show that we were here and we care."
The campaign is launched in collaboration with award-winning advertising agency Droga5, the UN humanitarian arm's lead agency for special projects. Production company Ridley Scott & Associates and directors Kenzo Digital and Sophie Muller will help bring the initiative to life.
"There are few forces for good as extensive and important as the United Nations," said David Droga, Founder and Creative Chairman, Droga5. "Being able to work with them and other global aid organizations for World Humanitarian Day is a humbling and extraordinary opportunity."
Communities and organizations across the globe celebrated World Humanitarian Day through commemorations and public events, from Dubai to Geneva, Bangkok to Panama City and Addis Ababa to New York.
In 2008, the UN General Assembly designated 19 August World Humanitarian Day to raise public awareness of humanitarian assistance worldwide, recognize people who risk their lives to help people in need, wherever they are, and to mark the day in 2003 when 22 people lost their lives in an attack on the UN offices in Baghdad.
