Sat 11-04-2009 02:03 AM
DIHAD Conference and Exhibition concluded
Dubai, Apr 10th, 2009 (WAM): DIHAD Conference and Exhibition concluded its sixth edition on Thursday at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event was organised under the patronage of Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with support from the United Nations, Dubai Cares and the UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA).
During the three-day event, DIHAD held discussions on key humanitarian and relief issues on the global level. Various organisations and associations presented their current humanitarian activities and future programs.
Themed around 'Empowering Communities between disaster and development', DIHAD Conference had discussed, among other, major issues such as the reconstruction plan for Gaza strip, Food Crisis and Global Economic downturn.
Addressing the closing ceremony HE Reem Al Hashemi minister of state and Chairperson for Dubai Cares said: 'Platforms such as DIHAD are of utmost importance as they bring together humanitarian and developmental organisations and aid donors to address global issues'.
She added: 'Dubai cares programs address a full value chain of education that includes assistance in the areas of water, health and nutrition, infrastructure and quality of education. Dubai Cares helps to reduce and eliminate causes that deny children access to quality primary education and is providing individuals the tools to overcome both personal and social challenges'.
Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of DIHAD and president of Index holding announced that the number of visitors and participants had crossed 7000 during the past three days.
'DIHAD succeeded on its sixth edition to fulfil its goals with the participation of world's top humanitarian speakers, organisations, associations and participants who gathered in Dubai for the past three days' , he said.
DIHAD 2010 will take place from 4 - 6 April 2010 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, it was announced.
The recommendations of DIHAD 2009 said that larger global trends need to come from, and be pursued within, the domains of international socio-economic and monetary policy setting, as well as through innovative energy and environmental approaches.
The recommendations called on the Humanitarian and development agencies to contribute in adopting creative and innovative concepts that take into account the diverse and inter-linked causes of human distress and suffering in the 21st century.
They also urged the world community to work hard on placing communities truly at the heart of preparedness, response, and recovery effort.
The recommendations also emphasised the need for adopting other partnership initiatives, involving standard setting and linkages with Civil Defense and Military entities.
They also stressed the need for constant innovation and changes, with a view to support affected communities in the most appropriate, effective and efficient manner in all present and future efforts to prevent, respond to and recover from disasters.
WAM/AB
