As the UAE gears up for the 22nd edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2026), Dubai has hosted a series of strategic meetings today. These discussions bring together a diverse group of humanitarian leaders, experts, representatives from international organisations, and relevant stakeholders in anticipation of the event set to commence tomorrow at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The focus is on addressing prominent humanitarian challenges and envisioning the future of humanitarian work.
Changing Landscape of Humanitarian Work
These meetings occur during a pivotal time for global humanitarian efforts, shaped by multiple crises, conflicts, and disasters associated with climate change. Economic challenges, increasing displacement, and expanding funding gaps underscore the urgency to adopt new coordination, financing, and aid delivery mechanisms. This approach is essential to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian responses in the face of rapid change.
Launch of Executive Leadership Programme in Humanitarian Work
A new initiative, the “Executive Leadership in Humanitarian Work” programme, has been launched in collaboration between the DIHAD Sustainable Organisation and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the UAE. This programme, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme “Humanitarian Leadership in a Transitional Phase: Adapting to the Transformation of Humanitarian Systems in a Divided World,” aims to create a strategic platform for senior leaders and decision-makers to discuss emerging humanitarian challenges, share insights, and unify priorities.
Addressing Structural Transformations in Humanitarian Systems
Discussions within the Executive Leadership Programme will explore the structural transformations impacting the humanitarian sector, including rising global humanitarian pressures, the evolving role of states in humanitarian diplomacy, and the influence of donor policies and partnerships on operational realities. The programme will also delve into the growing contributions of the private sector, philanthropy, and innovation, along with the implications of artificial intelligence and data governance on humanitarian work. It aims to develop more proactive, inclusive, and sustainable responses.
Unity in Humanitarian Efforts
During the discussions, Khaled Al Attar, General Director of the DIHAD Sustainable Organisation, emphasised the critical juncture at which humanitarian work finds itself. He stated that conventional response models must be transcended in favour of more proactive, collaborative, and sustainable approaches. “Through these meetings, we reaffirm the importance of unified efforts, enhanced cross-border partnerships, and leveraging innovation and technology to address the root causes of crises and bolster community resilience,” he noted.
Global Advisory Council Meeting
In conjunction with the Executive Leadership Programme, the annual meeting of the Global Scientific Advisory Council of DIHAD (DISAP) was also convened at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Chaired by Professor Abdul Salam Al Madani, the President of the DIHAD Sustainable Organisation and DISAP, the council included members and senior representatives from international, governmental, humanitarian, and academic institutions, alongside UN representatives and various humanitarian organisations.
Strategic Priorities for DIHAD 2026
The council discussed strategic activities and directions for DIHAD 2026, which this year carries the theme “Humanity in a Transitional Phase: Shaping the Future of Humanitarian Work.” It highlighted a three-day programme including keynotes, panel sessions, roundtable discussions, and case studies, focusing on key priorities and emerging challenges in humanitarian and development sectors.
Inclusivity and Diversity in the Programme
The meeting also addressed the diversity among speakers for DIHAD 2026, noting a balanced representation between genders—51% male and 49% female. Geographically, speakers include 42% from Asia, 29% from Europe, 15% from Africa, and 14% from the Americas, representing various components of the humanitarian system: 31% from NGOs, 24% from governments, 15% from UN agencies, 15% from the private sector, 9% from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and 6% from academia.
Enhancing Future Humanitarian Responses
Members of the advisory council shared insights on the strategic and scientific priorities for the upcoming event, which aims at enhancing the quality of discussions and developing actionable outcomes that will assist in shaping the future of humanitarian work and sustainable development. Khaled Al Attar outlined the important initiatives and strategic plans of the organisation to strengthen cross-border humanitarian collaboration for rebuilding the future of humanitarian efforts.
Strengthening International Dialogue and Partnerships
DIHAD continues to serve as a strategic meeting point for high-ranking officials, diplomats, and humanitarian leaders from across the globe. It facilitates international dialogue, bolsters multilateral partnerships, and launches pioneering initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable development and effective humanitarian work.
The breadth of discussions and high-level programmes provides a vital platform for humanitarian leaders, experts, governments, and international organisations, alongside private sector representatives and innovation partners, to exchange knowledge and anticipate emerging challenges. This strategic engagement leading up to DIHAD solidifies its role as a global platform for humanitarian dialogue and international cooperation, paving the way for deeper discussions during DIHAD 2026 towards a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable future in humanitarian work.