The region's biggest humanitarian event DIHAD begins in Dubai tomorrow

DUBAI: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 16th edition of Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition – DIHAD, which is the first humanitarian aid and development event in the Middle East, will be held from the 12th to the 14th of March, 2019, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This year, DIHAD is held under the theme ‘People on the Move,’ to highlight the challenges facing refugees, migrants and forcibly displaced populations and brings together some of the biggest names in the international humanitarian world including Dr Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, speaking on behalf of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President, UAE Red Crescent Authority, Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Antonio Vitorino, Director General of International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and a number of other esteemed speakers, eminent personalities, world leaders and prominent figures in the humanitarian world.

In its 16th edition, DIHAD presents a rich comprehensive agenda and is expected to attract over 5,300 participants, delegates and visitors from over 84 countries representing NGO’s, Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Foundations and Charitable organizations. In addition, the conference is expected to feature 48 renowned speakers from the humanitarian sector, who will offer their key insights during 8 key sessions on a number of topics concerning the field of humanitarian aid and development.

During the conference, experts will address many important themes and topics related to the challenges facing refugees and migrants such as ‘The Global Compacts on Refugees and Migration; How will they help? ‘Education in emergencies as a strategic investment in the future: tackling the education gap between displacements and formal schooling’, ‘People on the move; Integration and Opportunities’, ‘People on the Move; Causes and Consequences’, ‘Humanitarian Responses to Forced Displacement and Migration’, ‘People on the Move and Security; What are the issues? ‘The Primacy of Preserving Dignity: No Human Being is Illegal”, ‘People on the Move and the SDG’s’, ‘People on the Move; How the Media Shape the Public Debate’ to name a few.

Commenting on the occasion, Ambassador Gerhard Putman-Cramer, Director, DIHAD International Scientific Advisory Board – DISAB said, “At DIHAD, we aspire to explore solutions to a number of fundamental questions impacting refugees and migrants including: Will the recently adopted Global Compact on Refugees make a difference? Will aid-providing organisations and countries change their approaches and priorities in terms of assistance and integration? What are the security issues, for refugees and migrants on the one hand and for host communities on the other? Are the media reporting objectively on what is a most complex set of issues in motion? And what are the prospects, the best ideas, the possible “solutions”. In addition, what are the implications for refugees as we strive to “leave no one behind” in our pursuit of the SDGs?”

He added, “We hope DIHAD 2019 will provide a great platform for the meeting of committed, experienced and knowledgeable minds on the issues at hand and we believe this pivotal gathering should duly contribute to the quality of tomorrow’s decisions and practices.”

DIHAD will be held from the 12th to the 14th of March, 2019, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Running parallel to the conference, the exhibition occupying an overall space of 7,700 square meters, is set to witness the presence of 640 participating entities including Non-Governmental Organisations, Humanitarian Governmental Associations, Companies, Suppliers and International Brands. In addition, the exhibition will feature a total of 9 ‘Innovation Workshops’ over 3-days inside the exhibition area, which will include 2 UNHCR workshops, to launch their new e-supplier tool.

For the first time ever, DIHAD is featuring the all new ‘DIHAD Buyers Program’ hosting 60 buyers coming from various UN Agencies, Foundations and Charities from different parts of the world.
The program is aimed at offering exhibiting companies a unique opportunity to interact and engage with top donors and experts in the field of humanitarian aid through a number of exclusive prescheduled one-on-one meetings and key business, networking and matchmaking opportunities.

Meanwhile, DIHAD featured a key workshop today, under the theme ‘Humanitarian Response for the Returning Population”, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs – UNOCHA. During the workshop key technical experts in the humanitarian sector shared their unique experiences and insights on the field while also focusing on the appropriate humanitarian needs and responses that are helpful for refugees and migrants in dire situations.

DIHAD is organized annually by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – a member of INDEX Holding with the support of United Nations, Emirates Red Crescent, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian & Charity Est., UNHCR, UNOCHA, OIC, Dubai Cares and International Humanitarian City. The event is sponsored by UAE Water Aid – Suqia, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), King Abdullah Humanitarian Foundation and Life Relief and Development.