World Humanitarian Day: Siemens Caring Hands in global action for people in need
It has been more than three years since Russia’s large-scale invasion in February 2022. The war continues to cause immense suffering for the Ukrainian population. According to the United Nations, over a third of Ukrainians now depend on humanitarian aid. The ongoing conflict is destroying vital civilian infrastructure, making it difficult to access and operate basic services in hospitals, schools and kindergartens.
Since the war began, Siemens Caring Hands e.V. has been providing emergency aid and promoting projects that will have a lasting impact on the affected regions. As part of these efforts, the first block-type thermal power stations (BKHW) were delivered to Ukraine at the start of the year in collaboration with Siemens AG, Siemens Real Estate, and the Technisches Hilfswerk Foundation.
These plants are making a significant contribution to the restoration of critical infrastructure, particularly in areas where central energy supply systems have been destroyed or have ceased to function reliably. They provide a reliable, independent supply of electricity and heat. This enables hospitals, schools and kindergartens to receive urgently needed electricity and heat, which are basic prerequisites for stable everyday life, including access to medical care, education and support.
Prior to this, Siemens collaborated with the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) GmbH and the THW Foundation to identify suitable locations for the CHP units in Ukraine. The THW Foundation coordinated the loading of the CHP units — each weighing over five tons — onto a low-loader train using a heavy-duty forklift truck, as well as their subsequent transport. The THW will also be responsible for their installation and commissioning in Ukraine.
The first two donated block-type thermal power stations have already been put into operation in Ukraine. The CHP unit that has now been donated will supply a children’s hospital in south-eastern Ukraine with much-needed heat and electricity. Another CHP unit from Bad Neustadt is also en route to eastern Ukraine.
These donations, which come from various Siemens locations in Germany, are part of comprehensive aid projects for Ukraine. Since March 2022, Siemens Caring Hands e.V., together with Siemens AG and Siemens Healthineers, has provided over €12 million for aid projects, implementing more than 150 initiatives with over 71 partners.
In light of the ongoing difficult situation in Ukraine and the many humanitarian crises worldwide, the importance of compassion, solidarity and active support is clear. Charity means providing immediate help in emergencies as well as making a long-term commitment to stability, care, and prospects.
World Charity Day, which is celebrated today, reminds us once again of the importance of helping others. Intended to encourage people to volunteer and donate, 5 September is dedicated to the memory of Mother Teresa, a woman whose life’s work was dedicated to helping others.
Would you like to support our initiatives? Donate to Siemens Caring Hands e.V. here .