Dignitaries pose for group photo in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

In an initiative dedicated to enhancing global collaboration for humanitarian excellence, Arthur Mattli, Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain, hosted a high-level introductory meeting on Wednesday at the Swiss Residence on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.

The meeting gathered ambassadors and diplomatic mission representatives in the United Arab Emirates. It served as a prelude to the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD) landmark 20th Edition.

DIHAD, recognised as the pinnacle event in the humanitarian field, proudly operates under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. It brings together influential figures from leading NGOs, UN agencies, charity organisations, governmental bodies, and private sector entities engaged in aid, education, and many more.

The 20th edition of DIHAD, scheduled for April, revolves around the theme “DIHAD 2004-2024: Humanitarian Diplomacy and a Journey to the Future.” The meeting emphasised the significance of humanitarian diplomacy and the continued dedication to promoting cooperation and unity in addressing the needs of individuals impacted by global disasters and natural calamities.

Ambassador Arthur Mattli highlighted the importance of such interactions in the diplomatic community in underlining DIHAD’s Conference and Exhibition contributions to humanitarian diplomacy, saying: “In humanitarian diplomacy worldwide, we have two massive platforms - the Geneva platform and the Dubai platform, with the Dubai International Humanitarian City and DIHAD playing crucial roles in aid delivery and exchanges. Coordination is essential for understanding our 20-year journey in DIHAD.”

Underlining Dubai’s logistical advantage, Amb. Mattli stated, “80 percent of the world’s population can be reached within eight hours from Dubai, ensuring swift aid delivery.”

He expressed his confidence in DIHAD’s future, saying, “DIHAD will be even more relevant in bringing actors together for innovative solutions.” At the same time, he acknowledged Geneva’s significance; Amb Mattli noted, “Geneva remains a massive platform with 5,400 conferences yearly, 14 conferences a day, hosting key organisations like WHO, ICRC, Red Cross, Red Crescent, and OCHA; however, Dubai rightfully holds a pivotal position in aid delivery. And my intention through such gatherings is to bring the different interested parties together.”

The gathering featured notable attendees from the Ambassadors and members of Diplomatic Missions in the UAE, including Akio Isomata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan, Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines, Alexander Schoenfelder, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Abdilatif Jumabaev, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic, Ahmed Ramadan, Ambassador of Ghana, Vacaba Diaby, Ambassador of the Republic of Cote D’Ivoire, Dr Mudhaffar Mustafa Al-Jubouri, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq, Lucie Berger, Ambassador, Head of Delegation of the European Union to the United Arab Emirates, and Claudio Ramunno, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy to the United Arab Emirates.

This attendance reflects a shared dedication to humanitarian excellence. Against the backdrop of the forthcoming edition of DIHAD, this meeting functioned as a grand curtain-raiser by providing participants with a unique opportunity to familiarise themselves with the upcoming DIHAD event-an unparalleled platform for humanitarian aid and development, symbolizing hope on the global stage.

Attendees seized this distinctive opportunity to forge connections, laying the foundation for impactful international cooperation and reinforcing ties between DIHAD and the esteemed Diplomatic Missions in the UAE. Delving into potential partnerships across sectors, the meeting unfolded to explore potential partnerships and collaborations across various sectors. Sustainable humanitarian initiatives, education, and healthcare were pivotal topics for discussion.

Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation and Chairman of DISAB, PAM Roving Ambassador for the GCC Region, remarked, “The High-Level Introductory Meeting successfully navigated the currents of its objectives. As diplomatic missions align with the aspirations of DIHAD, this event not only set the stage but raised the curtain on a new chapter-a chapter where global humanitarian collaboration isn’t just an idea; it’s an unfolding reality, emphasising the fundamental values of compassion and unity.”

Staff Reporter, Gulf Today