The ongoing three-day Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) has proved to be a key platform for global humanitarian personalities… as well as organisations to spread the message of humanity, showcase their effort to the world and encourage them to play their role as well.
DUBAI: The ongoing three-day Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) has proved to be a key platform for global humanitarian personalities as well as organisations to spread the message of humanity, showcase their effort to the world and encourage them to play their role as well.
The conference and exhibition, being held at Dubai World Trade Centre, witnessed the presence of key international humanitarians, including Sami Yousuf, renowned international artist and United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Celebrity Partner. Beside this, the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) has also used this opportunity to launch its global website in Arabic (www.unhcr-arabic.org) as the agency has only two other global language websites – in English and French.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, Mahmoud Madi, global Arabic website editor, told The Gulf Today on Monday that the aim of launching the UNHCR website in Arabic was to facilitate the audience in the Middle East “as currently we have two global websites – in English and French.
“Even though the main website has been providing information in many regional languages, the Arabic website is our global language portal to target the people in this region and highlight the activities of UNHCR in the region, especially MENA.”
“The Arabic site is also a reflection of the English version but it focuses more on activities being carried out in the Arab region,” he added.
The UAE-based offices of UNHCR have been working closely with the government organisations and non-government bodies to respond and extend humanitarian activities in the areas where people are in need. Roland Kersbergen, administrative associate, pointed that the agency has established a huge supply office in Dubai International Humanitarian City to respond to the emergencies in the countries of Asia, Middle East and other neighbouring nations due to its vital geographical position.
Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman, an official from the Human Relief Foundation, a UK-based charity organisation, told The Gulf Today that they have been allowed to set up their local office in Dubai and soon the operation from this premises to monitor the HRF activities in Middle East will be started.
“Currently, the HRF has been engaged in a variety of humanitarian activities in different countries in the region including Iraq, Jordan, Palestine and others. The operation from the Dubai office will be further streamlined,” he added.
However, during his visit to DIHAD, Sami Yusuf invited the youth to become direct agents and contributors to humanitarian change. “I am very pleased to be part of this inspiring and very important event, and I would like to convey my admiration to the Emirate of Dubai and DIHAD organisers who have put a great effort throughout the years to facilitate global humanitarian efforts in this region,” he said.
Yusuf also added, “You can and must start your own initiatives by seeking knowledge about humanitarian issues like hunger from WFP’s website, share it, and raise funds.
The solutions to humanitarian issues need money to be implemented, so your ultimate objective should always be to encourage people to donate whatever they can.
As little as 50 US cents (approximately Dhs2) can enable the World Food Programme (WFP) to feed one person for one day in the Horn of Africa. It costs US$50 (approximately Dhs 200) to feed a schoolgirl for one whole year; similar to the cost of one iPod shuffle.”