Several Memoranda of Understanding were signed on the second day of the 19th Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) 2023. One of them was signed between the DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation and the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) to create a framework for cooperation in humanitarian projects. Another MOU was signed between Dubai Charity and Al Tadawi Specialty Hospital, under the supervision of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, to provide assistance to people who cannot afford medical treatments.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Hamad Al Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, Director-General of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai; and Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of INDEX Holding. Additionally, the International Congress for Health Specialties (ICHS) and Apollo Hospital signed an MOU to collaborate on humanitarian camps, provide educational opportunities for medical and health professionals, and progress the health field.
The second day’s sessions focused on several topics, including mobilizing resources for better healthcare and education. During a session titled “Mobilizing resources for a better future,” Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Al Ghurair Foundation, highlighted the moral imperative to provide young people with access to high-quality education. Al Ghurair emphasized the importance of taking action now to ensure this generation does not lose opportunities. He added that the Abdul Aziz Refugee Education Fund had already supported 62,000 refugees and vulnerable youth in the UAE, Jordan, and Lebanon through strategic partnerships with 20 organizations.
Francesco Rocca, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), spoke about the challenges the humanitarian sector is facing in meeting the needs of communities at risk due to economic degradation, poverty, food insecurity, lack of access to essential services like healthcare, and more.
Yerlan Baidaulet, Director-General of the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS), discussed strategies for maintaining humanitarian relief programs for Afghanistan and ways to establish a strong foundation and long-lasting partnership between nations to spread the message of peace.
The conference also hosted a session titled “Children of DIHAD,” where 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.
The DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation aims to promote sustainable humanitarian practices, contribute to the development of the humanitarian sector, and enhance the capabilities of local and regional organizations. The conference brings together humanitarian organizations, governments, and civil society to discuss issues related to disaster response, humanitarian aid, and development.
DIHAD 2023 serves as a platform to exchange ideas, share best practices, and discuss the latest trends and challenges facing the humanitarian sector. The signing of MOUs between organizations is a step towards enhancing cooperation and coordination in the field of humanitarian aid and development. It provides a framework for organizations to work together to address the needs of vulnerable populations and create a sustainable future.
