DIHAD 2011 concluded its eighth edition today

DIHAD in its eight edition proved to be the largest humanitarian event in the Middle East, as it attracted world's key decision makers, procurement and logistics officials, NGOs, UN Agencies, Governmental departments and international associations, specialists in the humanitarian industry, in addition to the humanitarian individuals, researchers and academics who came from all parts of the world to benefit from the conference and the interactive sessions held during DIHAD.

Mr. Gerhard Putman-Cramer, the Director of the DIHAD International Scientific Advisory Board (DISAB) said, "DIHAD Conference excelled this year and the conference discussed in the conference covered major challenges that humanitarian activists face during their missions. The quality of speakers and the presentations displayed as the exhibition drew attention towards technologies and how they can be utilized and employed to the benefit of the humanitarian and development campaigns."

"The formula of DIHAD is unique; we have the conference and the exhibition, in addition to the topics which highlights major challenges and solutions for people working in this field. DIHAD has again lived up to its growing reputation as a unique, authoritative and international event," continued Mr. Cramer

At the end of the third day, the International Scientific Advisory Board (DISAB) had announced the summery and recommendations of the DIHAD 2011 conference. The summery highlighted the following points;

• Information and communication technologies are as such instruments that need to be duly tailored to the information management needs of humanitarian actors.
• New technologies can be capitalized in regard to the accurate and rapid diagnosis of the needs of population groups affected by crises and disasters, an absolute necessity in the pursuit of improving response actions.
• High level experts from the United Nations (FAO and WFP), academia, the NGO community and the private sector presented examples of best practices, innovative solutions, and suggestions in regard to how partnerships and improved knowledge-sharing could make appropriate technologies available to a larger number of those requiring assistance.
• Complementary presentations were made in regard to the importance and role of communications in emergencies both for the affected and for the responders, from and operational as well as from a normative perspective.
• The floods in Pakistan were highlighted during special sessions delivered by H.E. Mr. Jamil Ahmed Khan - Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE during DIHAD. The session touched upon the utilization of new technologies (including remote sensing, GIS and GPS) in the overall response effort .Examples of new food technology and cash for food transfer were provided in this context.
• The conference also discussed the manner in which new technologies are assisting disaster prone countries with preparedness and capacity building.

Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani Executive chairman of DIHAD Conference and Exhibition and President of Index Holding said, "DIHAD 2011 was privileged by the attendance of World's key decision makers whom had collaborated and united to cultivate the spirit of promoting development, harmony and empowerment. DIHAD now progressed ahead in the achievement of this vision."

"The United Nations had always played a key role in DIHAD since its inception eight years ago, and this year we were honored by the participation of Ms. Amos - the Emergency Relief Coordinator and United Nations under secretary - general for humanitarian affairs, which reflects the world's commitment towards humanitarian development. Together we strive ahead o continue serving humanity and upload all human values, transcending boarders, regional and international," said Mr. Al Madani.