# Inauguration of DIHAD 2025
Under the patronage of **His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum**, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, **H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum**, Chairperson of the **Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture)**, inaugurated the **21st Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD 2025)**. The event is taking place over three days at the **Dubai World Trade Centre**.
**DIHAD 2025** brings together key decision-makers from leading NGOs, UN Agencies, charity organizations, and government bodies, along with aid, education, and construction providers from the private sector. The overarching theme is **“Humanitarian Aid and Development in a Polarised World.”**
## Key Highlights from the Event
After the opening, H.H. Sheikha Latifa toured the exhibition with a group of ambassadors, heads of participating delegations, and representatives of international organizations.
**Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani**, PAM Roving Ambassador for the GCC Region, and Chairman of DIHAD, emphasized that DIHAD serves as a premier global platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action. He stated:
> “Our efforts must be driven by unity, innovation, and sustainability. Only through partnerships that transcend borders can we create meaningful humanitarian solutions.”
**Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi**, Director General of the **Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD)**, highlighted the significance of DIHAD in enhancing cooperation to address challenges facing affected communities. He remarked:
> “The UAE remains a beacon of goodness and peace, reflecting the vision of our leadership in promoting the values of giving.”
## Awards and Recognitions
During the ceremony, the **DIHAD International Personality Award for Humanitarian Relief 2025** was awarded to **Kate Forbes**, President of the **International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)**, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to humanitarian efforts.
In her address, Kate Forbes remarked on the evolving humanitarian principles:
> “Humanitarian principles are not static; they have evolved to guide us through new ethical dilemmas and operational complexities.”
**Ambassador Patricia Danzi**, Director General of the **Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation**, expressed her gratitude as Switzerland was named the Guest of Honour at DIHAD 2025. She noted the importance of global cooperation in addressing humanitarian challenges.
## Launch of the DIHAD 2044 Agenda
Eng. **Khaled Al Attar**, Director General of the **DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Organisation**, introduced the **‘DIHAD 2044’ agenda**, focusing on five strategic pillars: **Sustainability, Empowerment, Partnership, Education, and Innovation**. He stated:
> “The DIHAD 2044 agenda reaffirms our commitment to shaping the future of humanitarian aid for the next 20 years.”
## Event Participation and Agenda
DIHAD 2025 is anticipated to attract over **18,000 participants and visitors** from 160 countries, including **1,063 organizations** and charities involved in humanitarian affairs. The program features **64 main sessions** and **197 workshops**, covering vital topics.
### Key Features of DIHAD 2025
– **Government Hub**: A platform for developing pioneering policies in humanitarian diplomacy.
– **Partnership Hub**: A collaborative space bridging NGOs, government organizations, and suppliers.
## Focus on Youth Engagement
The opening day included crucial discussions on humanitarian aid and youth volunteerism. The **Emirates Humanitarian Youth Council Roundtable Meeting** focused on empowering Emirati youth in humanitarian efforts.
**DIHAD** is organized annually by **INDEX Conference and Exhibitions**, supported by several premier organizations, including the **UAE Aid Agency**, **United Nations**, and **DP World Foundation**.
Through these efforts, DIHAD aims to create a sustainable framework to respond to global humanitarian challenges effectively.
