Humanitarian aid forum to discuss refugee challenges

dubai — The 16th edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (Dihad) will kick-off today at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Dihad is the first humanitarian aid and development event in the Middle East.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the event will run until Thursday. This edition of the conference is themed, ‘People on the Move’.

The conference will highlight the challenges facing refugees, migrants and forcibly displaced populations and brings together some of the biggest names in the international humanitarian world including Dr Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, speaking on behalf of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent; Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees; Antonio Vitorino, Director-General of International Organisation for Migration; and a number of other speakers, eminent personalities and world leaders.

Dihad is expected to attract over 5,300 participants, delegates and visitors from over 84 countries representing NGOs, Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, foundations and charitable organisations.It is expected to feature 48 speakers from the humanitarian sector, who will offer their key insights during eight key sessions on a number of topics. —