The European Center for Disaster Medicine at DIHAD 2024
DUBAI 23-25 APRIL 2024
European Centre for Disaster Medicine at DIHAD 2024The 20th Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2024), held from April 23 to 25 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, witnessed the active engagement of the European Centre for Disaster Medicine (CEMEC), marking a significant milestone in fostering international collaboration and advancing disaster management capabilities.
Under the overarching theme of ‘Humanitarian Diplomacy and a Journey to the Future,’ DIHAD 2024 served as a fundamental platform for key stakeholders, including NGOs, UN agencies, governmental bodies, and private sector entities, to address the pressing needs of communities affected by crises and natural calamities.
This year's event witnessed the presence of the European Centre for Disaster Medicine, which, facilitating knowledge exchange and networking opportunities and showcasing its initiatives and activities through a dedicated booth, served as a focal point for disseminating information and forging international partnerships between the European disaster medicine environment and the conference attendees.
In addition to its booth presence, CEMEC delivered an Advanced Course on “CBRNe Disaster & Incident Risk Management,” tailored for humanitarian and first responders’ personnel. This comprehensive course equipped participants with essential skills and strategies to effectively manage complex disaster scenarios, further enhancing global resilience and response capabilities.
DIHAD 2024 attracted over 16,000 participants and visitors from 154 countries, reflecting its status as the premier event in the field of humanitarian aid and development. With more than 900 organizations and charities actively engaged, alongside 131 expert speakers, the conference offered a diverse array of sessions and workshops covering crucial topics in humanitarian diplomacy.
The patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, underscored the significance of proactive humanitarian efforts in anticipating and addressing future challenges. The event's inauguration by His Highness Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated, further highlighted the commitment to advancing humanitarian causes on a global scale.
His Excellency Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation emphasizes proactive humanitarian efforts, anticipating future needs. Celebrating two decades of solidarity, the event focuses on "Humanitarian Diplomacy and a Journey to the Future," urging action for challenges ahead and fostering mutual understanding among stakeholders.
As part of the ceremony, the DIHAD Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Jan Egeland, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of humanitarian work.
DIHAD 2024, held in conjunction with the 15th edition of the International Emergency and Catastrophe Management (IECM), represented the collaborative spirit and collective efforts needed to build a more resilient and compassionate world. With the active involvement of institutions like the European Centre for Disaster Medicine, the conference reinforced the importance of forging partnerships and leveraging expertise to mitigate the impact of disasters and foster sustainable development.
