PAM and CGS addressed the Opening Session of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid Development 2024 (DIHAD) Conference and Exhibition. Happening annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, DIHAD marks its 20th anniversary as the world’s leading event on humanitarian aid and development. It brings together influential leaders from different humanitarian organizations, governmental bodies, and private sector entities in a collaborative effort to discuss pressing humanitarian issues and foster collaboration toward a brighter future for all. The 20th edition theme, “DIHAD 2004-2024: Humanitarian Diplomacy and a Journey to the Future”, embodies the commitment to acknowledge the achievements of the past two decades and pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future.
Ambassador Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, PAM Rowing Ambassador for the GCC Region, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organization, Chairman of DISAB, and Chairman of GCS, stated, “DIHAD 2024 aims to enhance cooperation and empathy on humanitarian issues by strengthening the role of humanitarian diplomacy, which is one of the most important ways of achieving peace, with a focus on building an international future that reflects our aspirations and promotes the values of justice and unity at the national and international levels. The United Arab Emirates has played a pivotal role in addressing various humanitarian crises through collaborative efforts, aligning with the visionary leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, embracing a compassionate approach, aid is extended impartially to those in need worldwide, transcending boundaries of gender, race, or religion and recognizing the universal similarity among humanity”.
CGS team participated in the roundtable discussion on humanitarian diplomacy, a crucial tool for reaching the most vulnerable, guided by the principle of “leaving no one behind”. The discussions also underscored the importance of international partnerships and cooperation in tackling cross-border challenges. In this regard, Director Migliore recalled the strong collaboration between PAM and DIHAD since 2009, saying, “Over the years, DIHAD has truly established itself as one of the main platforms for global humanitarian leadership to tackle the most pressing issues of our time”. He also recognized the unique role that DIHAD and his Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Al Madani, have played in the process of establishing practical cooperation and constructive dialogue between PAM and the countries of the Gulf, leading to the accession as PAM full members of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates and the Shura Council of Qatar, on the occasion of the 16th PAM Plenary Session, held in Dubai in 2022. To conclude, CGS team highlighted the current situation resulting from the war between Hamas and Israel, affirming that “A comprehensive regional political initiative is urgent to protect civilians and guarantee a two-state for two people in mutual security. We must cooperate to pull the region back from the precipice by advancing comprehensive diplomatic action for regional de-escalation.”
With 60 million people displaced around the world and 20 million on the move to escape war, violence, and poverty, humanitarian diplomacy faces unprecedented levels of desperation among diverse populations. PAM and CGS strongly reaffirm the humanitarian values codified in the Geneva Conventions, which date back to the end of the Second World War. PAM and CGS will continue their fruitful cooperation on shared objectives to achieve prosperity for all.
Photo credits: DIHAD Conference and Exhibition