Under the Patronage of Mohammed bin Rashid Hasher bin Maktoum Inaugurates DIHAD 2023, Focus on Energy and Aid

19th edition expected to see more than 8,200 visitors from 110 countries
828 participating NGOs, charities, aid and relief suppliers of leading international brands

Dubai, UAE – 13 March 2023: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated, inaugurated the 19th edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition – DIHAD 2023, which is taking place for three-days at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

H.H. Hasher bin Maktoum toured the exhibition while accompanied by H.E. Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of State; H.E. Dr. Hamad Al Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, Director General, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai; H.E. Dr.  Amb. Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Roving Ambassador for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean for the GCC, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of INDEX Holding; H.E. Dr. Nivine El-Kabbag, Minister of Social Solidarity, Arab Republic of Egypt; H.E. Ambassador Gerhard Putman-Cramer, CEO, DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation; H.E. Dr. Hamdan Al Mazrouie, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Red Crescent; H.E. Mr. Michael Koehler, Director-General, European Commission’s Department for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations; Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham Director, Coordination Division, UNOCHA; and H.E. Sergio Piazzi, Secretary General, Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean.

The opening ceremony began with a powerful speech by H.E. Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, where she mentioned, “Giving is part of human nature, as man is born by his instinct as a social being, who lives and interacts with others.” She then went on to praise the efforts and examples set by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, ‘Mother of the Nation,’ stating: “She has been blessed with a big heart and a soul that yearns for giving. Her Highness naturally has the personality of a charitable person, and this character is an essential part of an individual. Her Highness is known for these inherent qualities, and her achievements in humanitarian giving are only an expression of the depth of these qualities in her personality.”

For his part, H.E. Dr. Hamad Al Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, stated: “This year’s DIHAD Conference and Exhibition aims at shedding light on the issue of energy and aid for international relief, as well as the situation of supply chains and logistics in the humanitarian field. We will discuss the challenges of these issues in the conference, in addition on how to benefit from the available resources at all levels to provide the necessary solutions.

H.E. Amb. Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, stated: “DIHAD reflects the United Arab Emirate’s commitment towards humanitarian missions around the world. We hold a passion in our hearts to better humanity through international collaboration to develop and maintain sustainable economies and livelihoods. This year’s edition is set to highlight the importance of energy and aid, which must coincide with each other to ensure safe and viable missions.”

H.E. Dr. Nivine El-Kabbag, also delivered a speech where she conveyed her greetings on behalf of Egypt to UAE, and continued by saying: “Humanity is the highest quality that a person possesses, with which one is noble and magnifies their value in the heart and conscience.” She further continued by discussing how humanitarian action is not exclusive to any nation by itself, but that “Humanitarian intervention has been linked to our cultures and customs, our moral values and religion.”

H.E. Amb. Gerhard Putman-Cramer, commented: “We are set to focus on and outline the essential facts and figures around energy and aid: why energy is an essential pre-requisite to both our collective “saving lives and livelihoods” mission and our pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, we are ready to review key challenges to our agreed norms and principles, as well as to our field-based operations.”

H.E. Dr. Hamdan Al Mazrouie, also delivered a speech, stating: “Our humanitarian and moral commitments towards the victims of disaster puts us in the face of great challenges and responsibilities to end the sufferings of humanity. Therefore, we value and support this edition of DIHAD, for we can discuss fundamental issues through this platform related to energy and aid, and how can we benefit from available resources.”

H.E. Mr. Michael Koehler, began his opening speech explaining DIHAD 2023 is commencing within a context of extreme events, explaining: “103 million persons today are living in displacement. 2023 will set another record high of humanitarian needs, with 339 million people in need of assistance and protection. The UN estimates that USD 51.5 billion will be needed to meet the needs of the 230 million people most in need.”

Another key speech during the opening was by Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, who was speaking on behalf of H.E. Mr. Martin Griffiths, UN Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. He began by praising the efforts of the UAE for their steadfast commitment to serving people in need and contributing more than USD 1 billion in humanitarian assistance in the past three years alone.

After further discussing the recent devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, Mr. Ramesh stated: “Never before has the global humanitarian system been stretched so thin” and that “Events like DIHAD can help amplify the ideas of some of the world’s leading aid practitioners. Together, we are seeking new ways to drive innovation in how we mount our global humanitarian responses.”

Under the theme ‘Energy and Aid: Capitalising on Available Resources,’ DIHAD 2023 brings together key decision-makers from leading NGOs, UN Agencies, charity organizations and governmental bodies, together with aid, education, and construction providers from the private sector to address the needs of people and countries affected by crises, disasters, and natural calamities.

More than 8,200 people from 110 countries are expected to attend during the three-day event, including 828 participating NGOs, charities, aid and relief suppliers, and many more. The conference is featuring 50 specialists in the humanitarian field to deliver vital topics over six key sessions and hold 16 innovative workshops regarding Energy and Aid.

DIHAD 2023 is also being held in conjunction with the 14th edition of the International Emergency and Catastrophe Management Exhibition– IECM, which provides a platform for the emergency, disaster management and search and rescue community to showcase their equipment, technology and services during emergencies to a relevant audience.

DIHAD Conference and Exhibition is organized by INDEX Conference and Exhibitions Org. LLC., – a member of INDEX Holding and is proudly supported by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the Dubai Future Council on Humanitarian Aid, the Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, the UAE Red Crescent Authority, the United Nations, and International Humanitarian City.

DIHAD 2023 is also supported by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Muslim World League, Al Mustafa Welfare Trust, MASHAV, IEC Telecom, and Life for Relief and Development, USA.