DUBAI, 28th April, 2025 (WAM) -- Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Roving Ambassador for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean for the GCC, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation, and Chairman of (DISAB), welcomed the members of the DIHAD International Scientific Advisory Board (DISAB) who gathered for the board's annual meeting, held today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, marking a pivotal moment in shaping the future of humanitarian work.

The meeting included participants representing a distinguished array of organisations, including Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), DCAF Genve Center for Security Governance, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), United Nations, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Noor Dubai Foundation, UAE Red Crescent Authority, University of Manchester, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), Terre des Hommes, World Food Programme (WFP), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Dutch Advisory Council on International Affairs.

Khaled Al Attar, Director-General of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation, shared valuable insights into the organisation's latest initiatives and strategic plans aimed at strengthening cross-border humanitarian collaboration. The discussions centered around critical areas such as scaling effective solutions in conflict zones, fostering robust public-private partnerships, and navigating the increasingly complex global aid landscape. Additionally, the board set the theme for DIHAD 2026, marking a forward-looking approach to addressing future humanitarian challenges.

The DIHAD Pre-Conference Workshop, organised in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), was held under the theme: "Ethics in Action: Upholding Humanitarian Values and Ethics Amidst Global Divides".

Ms. Sajeda Shawa, Head of OCHA UAE Office, emphasised, "Advocacy remains at the core of OCHA's mission, and it is essential that we continue sharing and amplifying the humanitarian efforts of all humanitarian actors delivering lifesaving aid at the most difficult times for humanitarians globally. Over the years, this meeting has become an integral part of DIHAD, and we are proud to reaffirm our commitment to hosting it in the years to come."

The 21th edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD), organised under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, is poised to kick off tomorrow with a projected attendance of over 18,000 delegates representing 160 countries. DIHAD stands as a pivotal platform for fostering international collaboration in humanitarian endeavours.