DATE
April 24, 2024
CATEGORY
DIHAD News
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- Advocating Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment in Humanitarian Diplomacy.
- Insights on Humanitarian Diplomacy and Global Health Challenge.
Dubai, UAE -24th April 2024: The second day of the 20th edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition – DIHAD 2024, continued at the Dubai World Trade Center. The event is held 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 focus of the second day’s sessions encompassed a variety of topics, with attendees engaging in discussions aimed at optimizing resource allocation to ensure the provision of top-tier healthcare and education services.
Ms. Laila Baker, Regional Director for Arab States at the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), emphasized the pivotal role of humanitarian diplomacy in addressing gender equality issues, particularly concerning women and youth.
In her address, she underscores red the multifaceted challenges faced by women, highlighting the intersectionality of their experiences amidst complex crises. Central to her message, was the call for increased inclusion and empowerment of women and youth, acknowledging their capacity to drive transformative change in humanitarian responses. Additionally, she emphasized that fostering gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also essential for building resilient and sustainable communities in the face of adversity.
In the same session, Mr. Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi, Executive Director of the Watani Al Emarat Foundation and the PAM Special Representative on Children and Conflict, delivered a compelling discourse on the amplified significance of women and youth in humanitarian diplomacy. He stated:’ “Inclusive policies and initiatives are essential in addressing the diverse needs of women and youth, particularly in conflict-affected regions. Empowering them as key agents of change, actively involving them in decision-making processes and humanitarian initiatives, is vital. Gender equality and youth empowerment play pivotal roles in fostering sustainable and inclusive humanitarian action.”
During a session titled “Humanitarian Diplomacy – Leadership and New Actors,” notable figures in the humanitarian field convened to explore the evolving landscape of humanitarian leadership and the emergence of new actors in global crises response. Mr. Panos Moumtzis, Executive Director of the Global Executive Leadership Initiative (GELI), joined the discussion alongside Ms. Mervat Shelbaya, Director of the Inter-Agency Support Branch and Head of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Secretariat at OCHA, as well as Mr. Fyras Mawazini, Director of International Development for SOS Méditerranée, and Mr. Simon Missiri, Special Representative of IFRC and Director of Global Humanitarian Services and Supply Chain Management (GHS&SCM).
During a session titled “Humanitarian Diplomacy – Leadership and New Actors,” distinguished figures in the humanitarian sector gathered to delve into the crucial topic of navigating leadership dynamics amidst the evolving landscape of global crises response. The session aimed to shed light on the intricate interplay between traditional humanitarian actors and emerging stakeholders in addressing complex humanitarian challenges. Mr. Panos Moumtzis, Executive Director of the Global Executive Leadership Initiative (GELI) shared his experiences in navigating supply chain challenges and fostering collaboration among diverse humanitarian actors. These discussions aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities and opportunities inherent in contemporary humanitarian leadership.
In the session titled “Humanitarian Diplomacy and Global Health Challenges,” an array of perspectives was shared by esteemed individuals deeply engaged in the intersection of humanitarian affairs and public health. Dr. Mukesh Kapila, Professor Emeritus of Global Health & Humanitarian Affairs at the University of Manchester and Former Under Secretary-General of IFRC, brought his wealth of experience to the discussion, offering insights into the complex dynamics of addressing health crises in humanitarian settings. H.E. Paul Bekkers, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UN and WTO in Geneva and Former Special Envoy for Mental Health, provided valuable perspectives on the diplomatic aspects of addressing mental health challenges within humanitarian contexts.
Dr. Nehal Hefny, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East & North Africa at IFRC, contributed insights into the unique health challenges faced by communities in the region, shedding light on the importance of tailored humanitarian responses. Ms. Umra Omar, a pioneering Community Conservation Strategist and Founder of Safari Doctors in Lamu, Kenya, shared her firsthand experiences working on the ground to provide healthcare solutions in remote and underserved areas.
Together, these distinguished speakers offered a comprehensive examination of the intricate relationship between humanitarian diplomacy and global health challenges, emphasizing the need for collaborative and innovative approaches to address the pressing health needs of vulnerable populations worldwide. Their diverse perspectives underscored the urgency of integrating health considerations into diplomatic efforts and humanitarian interventions to ensure effective responses to current and future global health crises.
DIHAD 2024 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 under the theme “Humanitarian Diplomacy and a Journey to the Future”.
Dubai Charity Association reaffirms its dedication to delivering impactful solutions and pioneering projects tailored to the needs of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Embracing ambitious and forward-thinking plans, H.E Stated: ‘our engagement at DIHAD 2024 underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering global solidarity. Through strategic initiatives, we aim to drive sustainable human development and provide crucial relief support to communities affected both locally and globally.’
As part of the future vision of the UAE, which is concerned with empowering its youth and raising their awareness of the importance of humanitarian action, DIHAD 2024 hosted a session entitled “Children of DIHAD,” during which a group of children shared their vision and aspirations for the future and sustainable development. They discussed ways to harness resources to help developing countries and end the world’s poverty crisis.
DIHAD 2024 is expected to attract more than 16,000 participants and visitors from 154 countries over its three days, including over 106 buyers from United Nations agencies, leading institutions, charities, and humanitarian organizations from around the world.
More than 900 organizations and charities actively involved in humanitarian affairs will participate, along with 131 speakers who are elite experts in the humanitarian field worldwide. Its program will cover vital topics through 24 main sessions and 144 innovative workshops, providing training and exploring numerous important perspectives and solutions in the realm of humanitarian diplomacy.
DIHAD offers a platform for assistance providers to engage with relevant corporate and governmental stakeholders, fostering impactful collaborations to aid those in need. This year’s edition is held in conjunction with the 15th edition of the International Emergency and Catastrophe Management (IECM), which provides a platform for the emergency, disaster management, and search and rescue communities to showcase their equipment, technology, and services during emergencies to a relevant audience.
DIHAD Conference and Exhibition is organized annually by INDEX Conference and Exhibitions Org. LLC., a member of INDEX Holding, and is proudly supported by the United Nations, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Dubai Future Council on Humanitarian Aid, UAE Red Crescent Authority, International Humanitarian City, and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment. It is sponsored by the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organizations (MAPIM), the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, the DP World Foundation, the Dubai Islamic Bank, the Dubai Charity Association, and the Al Khair Foundation.