DIHAD participants hail UAE's humanitarian leadership

The Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2025) saw strong participation from international and UN organisations, who praised the UAE's global humanitarian leadership and the event's role in fostering international coordination and innovation.
Stephen Anderson, Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) Office in the UAE and WEP Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), described the UAE as one of WFP's most important humanitarian partners, citing two decades of collaboration and the strategic support offered through Dubai's Jebel Ali facilities. He noted the UAE's key contributions to operations in Gaza, Yemen, Syria and Türkiye.
Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Anderson added that DIHAD provides a vital platform for connecting humanitarian agencies, development bodies, private sector players and academia, while showcasing the UAE's use of advanced technology to improve aid delivery.
He also highlighted the role of private sector partnerships in preserving beneficiaries' dignity and improving food security.
Sajeda Shawa, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the UAE, described DIHAD as a critical event for reinforcing global humanitarian efforts. She praised the UAE's longstanding support and OCHA's 21-year involvement as a key partner and member of DIHAD's Scientific Advisory Board.
Shawa referenced a pre-conference workshop on 28th February, titled Humanitarian Values and International Law, which addressed the role of diplomacy, technology and AI in modern humanitarian response.
Madelaine Kuns, International Director of Communications and Fundraising at Jesuit Refugee Service, said DIHAD offers valuable opportunities for partnership-building and knowledge exchange. The organisation operates in over 58 countries, including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, focusing on education, vocational training and community support for refugees.
WAM

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Al Etihad

an hour ago

• Al Etihad

Qatar regrets deterioration of situation following bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities

22 June 2025 16:06 DOHA (WAM)The State of Qatar expressed regret over the deterioration of the situation following the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, and is closely monitoring developments with deep concern in the aftermath of the recent attacks on the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran targeting its nuclear State of Qatar emphasised the urgent need to halt all military operations and immediately return to dialogue and diplomatic channels to resolve outstanding a statement issued Sunday, and carried by Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that the current dangerous tensions in the region could lead to catastrophic consequences for both the regional and international levels. It expressed hope that all parties will act with wisdom, exercise restraint, and avoid escalation which the peoples of the region, already burdened by conflicts and their tragic humanitarian consequences, cannot bear. The Ministry also affirmed the State of Qatar's full support for all regional and international efforts aimed at resolving disputes and defusing crises through peaceful means, in order to promote peace and stability in the region.

Al Etihad

an hour ago

• Al Etihad

GCC Secretary-General: Direct targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities risks regional escalation

22 June 2025 16:35 RIYADH (WAM)Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasised that the events in the region, including the direct targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States, will escalate tensions and impact regional security and also stated that the GCC reaffirms the statement issued at the 48th Extraordinary Ministerial Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council regarding regional developments and reiterates its condemnation of anything that threatens the security and stability of the region. Albudaiwi also stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire, for all parties to make joint efforts to de-escalate tensions, to adopt diplomacy as an effective means of resolving conflicts, and to exercise the highest levels of self-restraint to spare the region and its people the dangers of war. Israel-Iran Conflict Continue full coverage

Al Etihad

3 hours ago

• Al Etihad

UAE follows with deep concern military confrontation in region, calls for wisdom, dialogue

22 June 2025 14:34 ABU DHABI (WAM)The United Arab Emirates has expressed its profound concern over the continued tensions in the region and the targeting of Iranian nuclear UAE stressed the need for immediate de-escalation to avoid serious repercussions, and to spare the region from being pulled into deeper levels of a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stressed the importance of prioritising diplomacy and dialogue to resolve disputes through comprehensive approaches that promote stability, prosperity, and UAE reiterated its call on the international community to intensify efforts toward a comprehensive resolution of these sensitive and dangerous developments in order to safeguard the region and its peoples from the devastating consequences of the Ministry urged the United Nations and the UN Security Council to uphold their responsibilities through serious efforts to address the region's long-standing issues, which now stand at a critical juncture and pose an increasing threat to regional and international peace and security. The Ministry underscored that the ongoing situation necessitates serious engagement to address critical issues through negotiation, underscoring the importance of drawing lessons from the region's historical experiences and past conflicts. Israel-Iran Conflict Continue full coverage