His Highness Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director General of the Department of Information in Dubai, inaugurated the activities of the 18th edition of the Dubai International Aid and Development Exhibition and Conference "DIHAD", held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai ", from March 14 to 16 at the Dubai World Trade Center. The conference will be attended by high-level decision makers and activists from the humanitarian sector to discuss the most pressing humanitarian issues in the world and adopt recommendations and outcomes that will guide humanitarian work and support its goals in the future.
The 18th session opened with the participation of more than 600 non-governmental organizations, humanitarian associations, companies, suppliers and international brands from around the world, and 50 speakers from the field who attended 8 main sessions and 16 workshops presented by the United Nations and a number of private Red Crescent and Red Cross organizations and agencies. DIHAD is expected to attract more than 6,000 visitors from more than 84 countries from global nonprofit organizations.
His Excellency Hamad Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, Director General of the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai, welcomed participants and participating humanitarian organizations at the beginning of the opening ceremony.
He said, "This event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a symbol of giving, provides an opportunity for all countries involved in humanitarian work to exchange ideas and fulfill their noble mission."
He added: "The UAE is committed to making a positive contribution to alleviating the burdens of those who have suffered the consequences of the Covid 19 pandemic in different regions of the world, which underlines its leadership in the field of humanitarian work and proves that what has been presented is not beyond the scope of what they have drawn, planned and invested. in the right area.
For his part, Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi, Director of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority in Dubai, said, "DIHAD is a unique opportunity to develop the fields of humanitarian work, outline our future vision for our joint relief and development efforts, and put a new stamp on the path of humanitarian aid that the United Arab Emirates has been following for a long time. In that time, it has put an end to suffering in many key humanitarian sectors and made the positive difference that rapid intervention and care is needed to address challenges."
He added, "Our humanitarian and moral obligation to the victims of disasters and crises places great tasks and a great responsibility on us to alleviate the suffering of humanity. This is the result of the many humanitarian challenges posed by the severity of crises and disasters, the gravity of conflicts and wars, and natural disasters such as drought, desertification, hurricanes and others. The current global health crisis, now entering its third year, is affecting all aspects of human life everywhere.
Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Madani, President of the DIHAD Foundation for Sustainable Humanitarian Action, CEO of the DIHAD Conference and Exhibition, and Ambassador of the Mediterranean Parliament to the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said, "Our meeting in Dubai is a compelling testament to the international community's confidence in the UAE and its international humanitarian efforts. This resonates with all parts of the world. We all believe that there are unlimited opportunities to strengthen joint humanitarian action aimed at bridging the global humanitarian shortage by improving the efficiency of charitable work and establishing an annual forum that brings together all professionals in the sector.
For his part, His Excellency Ambassador Gerhard Putman Kramer, Executive Director of the DIHAD Foundation for Sustainable Humanitarian Action, said, "Our meeting under the DIHAD umbrella is an important stop in strengthening humanitarian and emergency assistance at the regional and global levels. Faced with the many problems that burden human societies and weaken their ability to meet their basic needs, we see today in the humanitarian arena, especially in our Arab region, humanitarian challenges beyond our imagination.
On the first day of "DIHAD", several memoranda of understanding were signed, including a partnership agreement between DIHAD Foundation for Sustainable Humanitarian Works and Watani Al Emarat Foundation to cooperate in sharing experiences and practical experiences, as well as in holding seminars and joint meetings to advance the national idea that serves all and has a positive impact on the overall development process.
On the first day of the conference, several topics were discussed in the interest of sustainable community service. The most prominent topic was the session on "Zero Hunger," which revolved around the second goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and focused on the use of science and technology to combat hunger and malnutrition and improve food security and food safety.
The conference saw a session on climate change mitigation under SDG 13 and discussed ways to meet the needs of developing countries to expand the reach of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
It is worth mentioning that DIHAD Exhibition and Conference is organized annually by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions Organization - a member of INDEX Holding and with the support of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Dubai Council for the Future of Humanitarian Work, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment and Emirates Red Crescent Authority The United Nations and the International Humanitarian City.
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