DIHAD 2016 Closes With Calls For Better Future Of Those Faced With Wars And Catastrophes

By Francesco Farnè Reprint | | Print |

DUBAI, Mar 23 2016 (IPS) - The 13th Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) ended today with keynote speakers drawn from International organizations, technical experts, diplomats and the private sector calling for building a better future and more development for those who are suffering from crisis, wars and catastrophes.

The overall aim of DIHAD conferences is to further technically sound and principled international humanitarian and development assistance. DIHAD is held under the auspices of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Dubai, supported by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Est., the United Nations, the UAE Red Crescent Authority, International Humanitarian City, Dubai Cares and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

DIHAD emphasises the transfer and sharing of knowledge through presentations, debate and dialogue; the showcasing of new trends in operational support and supply services related to the assistance domain; and networking among local, regional and global players.

This year, the three-day conference attended by a large number of international experts focused on the theme “The Importance of Innovation in Humanitarian Aid & Development”, addressing the innovative solutions that could be applied in humanitarian operations today, in the context of food security, nutrition, water and sanitation, emergency healthcare, transport, logistics and shelter. The conference highlighted that resources available to respond to these pressing crises are inadequate in the face of the unprecedented pressures of responding to crises and emergencies in the world.

Dr. Joana Wronecka, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland said: “I think that the UAE can be our key gate to do more humanitarian work in the Middle East due to its perfect location and good relationships with the Middle East countries. We are also looking forward for exchanging expertise between Polish and UAE’s NGOs where they can learn from each other and add value to the humanitarian industry”.

Mr. Nabil Ben Soussia, Managing Director of IEC Telecom UAE, highlighted the importance of telecommunications when dealing with a crisis. “Humanitarian organizations usually face a breakdown of conventional communications networks which can severely restrict fast and effective delivery of aid into the field. This essential connectivity allows frontline staff rapidly and efficiently co-ordinate first response to disasters or emergency situations” he explained. With his company’s telecommunications systems, aid agencies can consolidate their relief efforts over time, set up temporary offices using semi-fixed modems, a range of satellite broadband solutions and access corporate applications, manage logistics or even use low bandwidth videoconferencing solutions.”

The UAE Red Crescent Authority received the 2016 DIHAD Recognition Award, for it being one of the fastest humanitarian and relief organisation in responding to crises and delivering aid to those affected locally and in the world.

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