The 20th edition of the annual Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development (DIHAD 2024) Conference & Exhibition is set to kick off on 23rd April 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

DIHAD marks its 20th anniversary as the world’s leading event on humanitarian aid and development. It brings together influential leaders from different humanitarian organisations, governmental bodies, and private sector entities in a collaborative effort to discuss pressing humanitarian issues and foster collaboration towards 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. Furthermore, DIHAD revealed that the Kingdom of Norway is the guest of honour for this year, recognising its pivotal role as a key partner since its founding 20 years ago and highlighting Norway’s involvement with prominent humanitarian organisations and its outstanding support for the humanitarian sector.

This year's DIHAD Conference and Exhibition is expected to draw over 16,000 participants from 154 countries, comprising more than 900 NGOs, charities, aid, and relief suppliers. The agenda for this year's discussions encompasses pressing topics such as humanitarian diplomacy in relation to access and human security, climate change, people on the move, global health challenges, leadership, and new actors, and the enhanced role of women and youth and other topics that contribute to shaping a more promising future.

Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, PAM Roving Ambassador for the GCC Region, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation, and Chairman of DISAB, 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 always been a pioneer in supporting those in need and alleviating their suffering wherever they are. The UAE has also 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 recognising the universal similarity among humanity.”

DIHAD 2024 features 131 esteemed world humanitarian speakers. Its programme includes 24 main sessions facilitating vital discussions and 144 innovative workshops designed to offer training, different perspectives, and practical solutions in humanitarian diplomacy.

Amb. Gerhard J.W. Putman-Cramer, CEO of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation and Director of DISAB; Ambassador, Permanent Delegation of PAM to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva, commented, “I extend an invitation to friends and colleagues from national government authorities, international and non-governmental organisations, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, foundations and charities, academic institutions, the media and the private sector to join us at DIHAD 2024, where the theme of humanitarian diplomacy and a journey to the future will guide our discussions. Humanitarian Diplomacy, though further developed and increasingly talked about, seems to be presently both less utilised as well as less successful as an instrument. At DIHAD 2024, let us jointly review the foundations of Humanitarian Diplomacy (including International Humanitarian Law and human rights) as well as its future, in light of the rapidly growing toll on civilian populations of today’s many ongoing conflicts.

"Together we will review, these as prerequisites for the provision of aid, and the universal acceptance of humanitarian principles including access to beneficiaries and the security of aid providers. We will touch on some of the crossroads at which aid organisations currently find themselves and make a collective effort to outline possible ways forward. Your active participation will be essential.”

For three days, DIHAD's programme will feature distinguished speakers and delve into the significance of humanitarian diplomacy as a primary way for conflict resolution and disaster relief in light of the UAE’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges and implementing a sustainable humanitarian and diplomatic strategy. The discussions will also underscore the importance of international partnerships and cooperation in tackling cross-border challenges.

The exhibition showcases dedicated country pavilions from China, Denmark, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, Uzbekistan, Zambia, the United Nations, and several local and international organisations, including the ICRC and other relevant institutions and bodies.

Innovation Norway

The Norwegian government’s official trade representative abroad ”Innovation Norway” stated, "Being the "Country Guest of Honor" at DIHAD 2024 offers a platform to celebrate our commitment, and a significant recognition of Norway’s contributions towards the humanitarian sector. The designation provides Norwegian exhibitors an invaluable opportunity to engage with international audiences and will help to showcase their achievements and solutions."

DIHAD offers a platform for assistance providers to engage with relevant corporate and governmental stakeholders, fostering impactful collaborations to aid those in need. This year’s edition is held in conjunction with the 15th edition of the International Emergency and Catastrophe Management (IECM), which provides a platform for the emergency, disaster management, and search and rescue communities to showcase their equipment, technology, and services during emergencies to a relevant audience.

DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation remains dedicated to helping humanity and promoting peace, a commitment it has upheld for almost two decades. By forming fruitful collaborations with various organisations and institutions, it has launched initiatives worth more than 705 million euros, benefiting communities in more than 197 countries.

DIHAD Conference and Exhibition is organised annually by INDEX Conference and Exhibitions Org. LLC., a member of INDEX Holding, and is proudly supported by the United Nations, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Dubai Future Council on Humanitarian Aid, UAE Red Crescent Authority, International Humanitarian City, and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment. It is sponsored by the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisation (MAPIM), The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, DP World Foundation, Dubai Islamic Bank, Dubai Charity Association, and Al Khair Foundation.

Humanitarian diplomacy:

The concept of humanitarian diplomacy, initially employed for dialogue and NGO relations in humanitarian contexts has transitioned into a method of state foreign policy in recent years. This evolution reflects the increasing prominence of soft power strategies, given the limitations of military interventions in addressing complex global challenges.

According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the main objectives of effective humanitarian diplomacy include more frequent consideration by decision-makers and opinion leaders of the interests of vulnerable people and ensuring greater humanitarian access. Humanitarian diplomacy includes advocacy, negotiation, communication, formal agreements, and other measures for peacefully resolving conflicts and disputes.