Dubai, UAE, December 4, 2023 – Dubai’s International Humanitarian City (IHC), in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), successfully organized the First Conference of the Countries Hosting the World’s Humanitarian Hubs. This significant event, held alongside the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), aimed to fortify partnerships among nations hosting humanitarian hubs and establish a robust safety net to aid disaster-affected populations worldwide.
The conference brought together key leaders and visionaries committed to enhancing global humanitarian efforts. HE Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, emphasized the urgency for collaborative action, stating, “This critical gathering requires collaborative efforts and global solidarity in every aspect of humanitarian action.”
HE Al Hashimy highlighted the significance of the Humanitarian Logistics Databank, which provides crucial information on available aid and locations, enabling swift and immediate responses, and added that expanding its reach is essential for efficient, sustainable operations.
Highlighting the essence of cooperation, HE Abdulla Al Shaibani, speaking on behalf of the IHC Board of Directors, stressed, “The hosting countries of the world’s humanitarian hubs have demonstrated their awareness of the need for a collaborative approach. We must become an integral part of a network—a safety net—that will serve populations affected by disasters.” HE Shaibani expressed hope for this conference to become an annual event, fostering continued dialogue and progress in humanitarian endeavors.
Throughout the event, prominent figures reiterated the importance of collaborative initiatives and environmental sustainability in humanitarian operations. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator highlighted the increasing need for humanitarian hubs amidst an 800% surge in climate-related crises. Ms. Msuya urged, “Humanitarians must lead from the front when it comes to environmental sustainability.”
Representatives including, HE Dr. Muawieh Radaideh, Minister of Environment of Jordan, Prisheela Prakash, Undersecretary of Malaysia Foreign Affairs, Minister Plenipotentiary Carlo Batori from Italy, HE Rebecca Perez, Ambassador of Panama, Ms. Blanca Yanez from Spain AECID, and Mr. Tirlamo Norbert Wirnkar, Vice Consul of Cameroon in Dubai, echoed the call for collaboration, innovation, and greener practices within humanitarian operations.
Moderated by HE Ambassador Gerhard Putman-Cramer, HE Ambassador Gerhard Putman-Cramer, PAM Permanent Observer to the UN Geneva and CEO of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation, the conference stressed the urgent need for a sustainable humanitarian chain and announced a forthcoming event focused on this goal, led by IHC and its partners.
This gathering signifies a milestone in humanitarian collaboration, marking a pivotal step toward IHC’s vision of establishing a global safety net through collaborative efforts among humanitarian hubs, dedicated to swiftly aiding disaster-affected populations.