UN praises pioneering humanitarian role of UAE

An official delegation from the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition, DIHAD, visited the UN headquarters in Geneva last week to discuss the thirteenth edition of the DIHAD conference, covering topics, speakers and participating organisations.

The visit was highlighted by a meeting with executives and decision makers from the UN and inviting them to share their expertise at the 13th DIHAD Conference and Exhibition which will be held next year at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre between 21st- 23rd March 2016, under the theme, "The Importance of Innovation in Humanitarian Aid and Development". The delegation was presided over by Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of DIHAD and DISAB, accompanied by Gerhard Putman Cramer, Director of DIHAD and DISAB.

The Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition is one of the most pioneering international events focusing on the humanitarian and development fields, and is organised annually in Dubai under the patronage of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. DIHAD attracts all humanitarians and societies working in this field from around the world to join their efforts and exchange knowledge and updates in addition to promote and develop new humanitarian techniques and speed the response to emergencies and catastrophes occurring across the globe.

The delegation left the UAE last week and began their official tour by visiting Michael Moller, Director-General, Office of the United Nations. Dr. Madani, accompanied by Gerhard Putman Cramer, discussed with Moller the scientific programme of the 13th DIHAD conference. Moller appraised the topics that will be discussed in the agenda of next year, and further applauded the efforts exerted by the organisers of DIHAD for the past 12 years.

During his visit, Dr. Al Madani also met with Elhadj As Sy, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, IFRC, and William Lacy Swing, Director-General at the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, in addition to a number of officials from the UN. Dr. Al Madani extended his gratitude to all UN organisations for their continuous support and participation at the DIHAD Conference and Exhibition, he also invited them to be part of the 13th edition of DIHAD.

William Swing said that he admired the pioneering role that the UAE is playing in the humanitarian and development fields. He also complimented all the UAE organisations that take part in DIHAD every year for their generous funding, aid and development provided for humans and cities living in crisis, conflict, or disasters, such as the Emirates Red Crescent, the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment.

Most of the UN organisations confirmed their attendance and participation at the DIHAD conference and exhibition next year, and they also dedicated a representative of each organisation to be present during the DISAB meetings, one of which is expected to be held next October.

At the end of their visit, the UAE delegation visited the UAE Permanent Mission in Geneva, where they met with Obaid Salem Saeed Al Zaabi, Ambassador/Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations and Other International Organisations in Geneva. Dr. Al Madani shared with Mr Al Zaabi the agenda of DIHAD for next year, and presented the achievements of their visit to the UN headquarters.
Source: WAM