Etihad Airways has become the first airline to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.

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

The collaboration between the two entities will strengthen volunteering globally and expand the reach to customers of Etihad.

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, Etihad 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, vice president medical services and corporate social responsibility, Etihad Aviation Group, 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.”