Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 26 January 2022 – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates
and Ruler of Dubai, the 18th annual Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development
Conference and Exhibition – DIHAD 2022, is set to take place on 14-16 March 2022.
As the first-ever humanitarian aid and development event in the Middle East, DIHAD 2022 will
run for three days in the Sheikh Rashid Hall of the well-renowned Dubai World Trade Centre
under the theme ‘SDG 17, Partnerships and Cooperation for Sustainable Development,’ in order
to highlight the importance of strengthening partnerships and the need for global cooperation
to tackle humanitarian issues.

In 2015, the UAE was among the first United Nations members, and first in the Arab world, to
commit to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which provides a
shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At
its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 17), which are an urgent call for
action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership to end poverty,
improve health and education, reduce inequality, and tackle climate change while working to
preserve our oceans and forests. The UAE is ensuring to follow up thoroughly on its
commitment to the 2030 Agenda at DIHAD 2022, as well as succeeding its own pledge of
‘Leaving No One Behind,’ against the backdrop of EXPO 2020 where 192 countries are
participating on the largest global platform ever put together aimed at sharing cultures and
uniting for a greater cause.

Some of the most distinguished leaders in the humanitarian field will be in attendance with 47
speakers expected to address various key topics such as Zero Hunger, Climate Action, Good
Health and Wellbeing, Clean Water and Sanitation, Gender Equality, Economic Growth and
Decent Work for All, and many more, all being viewed through the prism of SDG 17
Partnerships and Cooperation for Sustainable Development. His Excellency Hamdan Musallam
Al Mazrouei is expected to commence the opening ceremony, speaking on behalf of His
Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates Red
Crescent Authority.

Commentating on the occasion, H.E. Ambassador Gerhard Putman-Cramer, CEO of DIHAD
Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation, said, “The pandemic has duly put the spotlight on the
crucial role of global partnerships, SDG 17. It is the realization of the importance of
partnerships and global cooperation that has led DIHAD’s International Advisory Board to
decide that the DIHAD 2022 event would focus on SDG 17, “Partnerships for the Goals.”

Dr Abdul Salam Al Madani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation, stated in
his message, “Every year, DIHAD, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed

Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,
confirms its importance and substantiates it power in bringing together the most influential
entities and decision-makers in the humanitarian aid field, creating an undeniable impact and
imperative change.”

He continued by saying, “This year, Dubai is hosting EXPO 2020, an event that will bring the
the world together to bridge gaps and facilitate collaboration, therefore, the 18th edition of DIHAD
will be held under the theme of ‘SDG 17, Partnerships and cooperation for Sustainable
Development,’ to highlight the significance of collective efforts and joint endeavours towards the
development of societies and individuals worldwide.”

Mr Giuseppe Saba, CEO of International Humanitarian City in Dubai, stated, “Once again we are
delighted to take an active part in the 18th Dubai International Humanitarian Aid &
Development Conference and Exhibition – DIHAD 2022. This year Conference will focus on the
SDG17, Partnerships and Cooperation for Sustainable Development. Goal 17 represents the
foundations and the spirit of the International Humanitarian City and its Community.
Partnering and working together for a successful cross-sector collaboration between all parties
is a key factor for the achievement of all other SDGs.”

Dr Fawzi Amin, Head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(IFRC) Delegation to the Gulf Cooperation Council, stated, “I consider DIHAD Conference and
Exhibition the annual gathering for all Humanitarian organizations, they learn from each other,
strengthen their relation, establish new partnerships. In this year 2022, our International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Secretary-General and The Arab Red
Crescent and Red Cross Organization Secretary-General will participate as keynote speakers, as
achieving SDG17 is closely related to our Humanitarian 2030 Strategy.”

The United Nations Office for the Cooperation of Humanitarian Affairs is also set to hold a
pre-conference workshop prior to the commencement of DIHAD, in order to introduce
participants to this year’s conference theme from the perspective of the multilateral
humanitarian system. The workshop also aims to discuss the role of partnerships and
collaborative work in the “Humanitarian-Development-Peace Collaboration, the HDP Nexus” by
bringing technical experts to share their experiences and lessons learned with the group of
professional participants who would be interested in expanding their knowledge and engage in
the discussion.

DIHAD is proudly supported by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI),
the Dubai Future Council on Humanitarian Aid, the Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum
Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, the UAE Red Crescent Authority, the United Nations,
and International Humanitarian City.

END

For more information, please contact:

Abdel Rahman Rabie
Public Relations Executive, INDEX Media
Phone : +971504807187
Email : abdelrahman.rabie@index.ae