Role of humanitarian workers’ in the field acknowledged

In commemoration of World Humanitarian Day 2026, Dubai Humanitarian (DXBH) on Wednesday hosted a gathering of the community, bringing together representatives from the humanitarian community, United Nations agencies, international organisations, stakeholders to honour the people behind humanitarian action and reaffirm the importance of global solidarity in responding to crises.

The event held at ARTE Museum Dubai, and organised in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), alongside the UN Resident Coordinator Office in the UAE, creating a platform for humanitarian leaders and practitioners to reflect on the collective efforts that enable life-saving assistance to reach millions of people worldwide.

Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, said: "Behind every humanitarian response is a story of courage, resilience, and compassion. Today, we honour our colleagues who work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to bring hope to communities affected by conflict, disaster and displacement. Their dedication reminds us that humanity is strongest when we stand together."

During the programme, attendees viewed a video message from the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, followed by a panel discussion, “In Their Footsteps: The People Behind Humanitarian Action,” moderated by Sajeda Shawa, Head of the UN OCHA UAE Office.

The discussion brought together representatives from the humanitarian ecosystem, including Dr. Sama Al-Shawi, Legal Advisor at the International Committee of the Red Cross, Ibrahim AlBaloshi, Director of Sustainability and Partnerships at Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Bashar Al Hammami, Head of Office – Partnerships at the UN World Food Programme in the UAE, and Dana Alhanbali, Founder of Bark & Berg, writer and podcast host.

The panel explored the realities faced by humanitarian workers, the importance of collaboration across organisations, and the resilience required to deliver aid amid increasingly complex emergencies. It also examined the role of artists, authors and storytellers in supporting humanitarian narratives and bringing greater attention to the human experiences behind crises.

Reflecting on the session, Sajeda Shawa, Head of the UN OCHA UAE Office, said: “World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity to recognise the people behind humanitarian action and the commitment, courage and compassion they bring to their work every day. It is also a moment to remember colleagues we have lost and to honour the enduring spirit of service that continues to unite the humanitarian community in support of people affected by crises.”

For her part, Bérangère Boëll, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE, said: “World Humanitarian Day gives us a chance to name what is too easily taken for granted: the courage it takes to stay when it is most difficult, and the resilience it takes to keep going. That spirit is what holds the humanitarian system together, and it deserves our full support, not just our recognition.”

Guests were then invited to experience the ‘ARTE Experience’, which provided an opportunity for networking and dialogue among humanitarian professionals, partners and members of the community while demonstrating how art and immersive storytelling can inspire empathy and deepen understanding of humanitarian issues.

Observed annually on 19 August, World Humanitarian Day pays tribute to humanitarian workers around the world and advocates for the safety, dignity and well-being of people affected by crises. Through this year's commemoration, Dubai Humanitarian reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the global humanitarian community by fostering strategic partnerships, strengthening humanitarian logistics, and creating platforms that support those working on the front lines of humanitarian response.

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