Hussain Al-Mannai
Abu Dhabi, January 24, 2024: In an initiative dedicated to promoting global collaboration for excellence in humanitarian work, His Excellency Arthur Mattli, the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain, hosted a high-level meeting today at the Swiss Residence on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. The meeting brought together several ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions in the United Arab Emirates as part of the preliminary efforts for the 20th edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD).
DIHAD is a prominent event in the humanitarian field, held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. It gathers influential figures from leading non-governmental organizations, United Nations agencies, charities, governmental bodies, and private sector entities working in the fields of relief, education, and various other sectors.
The 20th edition of DIHAD revolves around the theme “DIHAD 2004-2024: Humanitarian Diplomacy and Culture of Humanitarian Work… A Look to the Future.” During the meeting, the importance of humanitarian diplomacy and the need to coordinate efforts to meet the needs of individuals affected by crises and natural disasters worldwide were emphasized.
Ambassador Arthur Mattli shed light on the significance of such meetings in the diplomatic sphere, affirming their role in highlighting the contributions of DIHAD and its role in humanitarian diplomacy. He stated, “In humanitarian diplomacy, there are two main platforms in the world, Geneva and Dubai. The global city for humanitarian services in Dubai, along with DIHAD, plays a crucial role in delivering aid. Here, we emphasize the importance of coordination to understand the evolution of DIHAD over the past twenty years.”
Highlighting Dubai’s logistical advantage, Ambassador Mattli stated, “80% of the world can be reached within eight hours from Dubai, ensuring the rapid delivery of aid.” Expressing confidence in the future of DIHAD, he said, “DIHAD will have a greater role in bringing together various stakeholders to find innovative future solutions.” He added, “While Geneva remains a massive platform with 5,400 annual conferences and 14 daily conferences, hosting major organizations like the World Health Organization, International Committee of the Red Cross, Red Crescent, and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Dubai has a pivotal role in aid delivery. Through such meetings, I seek to bring together various parties interested in humanitarian affairs under one roof.”
Prominent figures from diplomatic missions in the UAE participated in the meeting, including Ambassador Akihiko Isomata of Japan, Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand of the Philippines, Ambassador Alexander Schonfelder of Germany, Ambassador Abdul Latif Jumaa Bayyev of Kyrgyzstan, Ambassador Haj Ahmed Ramadan of Ghana, Ambassador Fakaba Diaby of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Ambassador Mazhar Mustafa Al-Jubouri of the Republic of Iraq, Ambassador Lucy Berger, EU Mission to the UAE, and Deputy Head of Mission Claudio Ramuno – Italian Embassy.
This diplomatic meeting represents a unique opportunity to introduce the activities of the 20th edition of DIHAD, scheduled for April next year. The event allows attendees to explore the trajectory of this prominent development and aid conference, its role in delivering humanitarian aid, and spreading hope globally. In addition to contributing to strengthening international ties and establishing foundations for effective international cooperation, the meeting discussed ways to enhance partnerships and collaboration across various sectors, focusing on sustainable humanitarian initiatives, education, and healthcare.
This diplomatic meeting highlights the shared interest and desire to achieve excellence in the humanitarian field through the collaboration of diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. The meeting emphasizes the importance of connecting diplomacy with humanitarian efforts, focusing on platforms that promote effective partnerships and joint initiatives that transcend borders, with a commitment to enhancing global well-being.
It is worth noting that the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD) is an annual event organized by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions, a member of INDEX Holding. It is supported by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives Foundation, the Dubai Council for the Future of Humanitarian Work, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, the UAE Red Crescent Authority, the United Nations, and the Global City of Humanitarian Services. The 20th edition of DIHAD will take place from April 23 to 25, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
