Members News - Bin Rashid Care Foundation

Bin Rashid Care Foundation, ThinkSmart Partner to Strengthen Community Engagement, Kicking Off with Dubai Marathon 2025

admin — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 09:01:05 +0000

Dubai-UAE, 02 January 2025 – Bin Rashid Care Foundation has partnered with ThinkSmart, a content creation space, to launch a series of innovative campaigns designed to enhance community engagement and amplify outreach efforts. This strategic collaboration aims to leverage diverse platforms to unite individuals and inspire collective action for humanitarian causes.

The partnership will officially launch with the Dubai Marathon 2025, where both entities will encourage participants to ‘Run for Humanity.’ This initiative seeks to mobilize the community, fostering a spirit of togetherness while supporting meaningful causes.

As part of this campaign, participants and supporters will have the opportunity to make charitable contributions. Proceeds from the event will be directed to Bin Rashid Care Foundation’s nonprofit members, helping to strengthen emergency preparedness, response and long-term development programs. These funds will enhance disaster response capabilities, equipping communities to effectively respond to crises and provide life-saving assistance to those in need. (IACAD Permit: PRHCE-003440328)

Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Bin Rashid Care Foundation, said: “At Bin Rashid Care Foundation, we firmly believe in the transformative power of collaboration, particularly in the humanitarian sector. We continually seek partnerships with organizations that share our passion for making a positive impact. Our collaboration with ThinkSmart is a testament to this shared vision, reflecting a mutual commitment to building stronger communities and inspiring collective action for humanity. The Dubai Marathon serves as a perfect platform to bring people together, raise awareness, and mobilize vital resources to support global humanitarian efforts.”

Haitham Obeid, Co-founder and General Manager of Think Smart, said: “It is an honor for us to be part of this incredible gathering at Dubai Marathon, which brings sports and humanitarian together for a good cause with the community of Bin Rashid Care Foundation.”

We strongly believe in the power of bringing people together and are always committed to supporting humanitarian initiatives. Our experience over a decade, will allow us to attract individuals, influencers, content creators, and public figures to participate in Dubai marathon for a humanitarian cause which is titled ‘Run for Humanity’. We will also use our expertise in creating content for all runners in the marathon. Our efforts will go beyond just promoting the event; it’s a big movement to contribute into a humanitarian cause,” he added.

Ending his statement, Obeid said, “We invite all individuals and families to join us in this special event and make a positive impact. Let’s get this opportunity for all of us to make a real difference in the lives of others.”

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Bin Rashid Care Foundation Leads Dialogue on Humanitarian Innovation and Sustainability at AidEx, Geneva and Take it Forward to COP29, in Baku

admin — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:27:48 +0000

Dubai-UAE, 18 December 2024 – Bin Rashid Care Foundation, a global leader in promoting sustainable humanitarian practices, has continued to champion the evolution of the humanitarian supply chain, bridging critical conversations from its headquarters in Dubai to AidEx 2024 in Geneva and COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

At AidEx 2024, the world’s leading Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief Event, Bin Rashid Care Foundation organized key sessions spotlighting innovation and sustainability. These discussions underscored the commitment to fostering partnerships between humanitarian organizations, private enterprises, and academic institutions to create more efficient, sustainable solutions for aid delivery.

Building on this momentum, Bin Rashid Care Foundation made a significant impact at COP29 with an engaging panel session focused on Connecting Innovation and Sustainability in the Humanitarian Supply Chain.

A Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future
Reflecting on the sessions, Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Bin Rashid Care Foundation, said: “I am very proud of the session held in Baku at COP29 Azerbaijan, representing the continuation of our journey toward a sustainable humanitarian supply chain. The involvement of the youth is a must, more than an option, as we build together a better future.” He added: “Through innovation, strategic partnerships, and the integration of cutting-edge technology, we can accelerate aid delivery while reducing environmental impact. In the recent past years, we laid the groundwork by emphasizing the importance of sustainability, and now, we took it a step further by empowering the younger generation to address the challenges facing the humanitarian supply chain.”

Highlights from COP29 in Baku
In partnership with UNHRD/World Food Programme, the Logistics Cluster, and Heriot-Watt University, Dubai Campus, Bin Rashid Care Foundation’s session showcased transformative solutions to address key challenges in humanitarian operations.

Notable highlights included:

Innovative Packaging Design: Students from Heriot-Watt University, Dubai Campus, presented winning ideas from a design competition, providing a glimpse into how reseachers can contribute to sustainable humanitarian solutions.
Strategic Partnerships: Discussions revealed that partnerships rooted in shared values and goals are essential for creating a more secure, equitable, and sustainable future.
Youth Engagement: The session emphasized the importance of integrating the perspectives and creativity of the younger generation to foster meaningful, long-term innovation.

AidEx 2024 Sessions: Pioneering Innovation and Sustainability

At AidEx, Bin Rashid Care Foundation led two impactful sessions:

Pioneering Innovation for Sustainable Humanitarian Impact
This session explored how cutting-edge innovation transforms aid delivery. Participants (from WHO, UNHCR Innovation Lab and WFP Innovation Accelerator, UNHRD, Wash Cluster, and University of Politecnico di Milano) also discussed the role of partnerships with innovation labs and private enterprises in scaling digital tools for real-time resource management.
Building a Sustainable Humanitarian Supply Chain
This discussion addressed the logistical challenges of traditional aid models, focusing on carbon emissions and inefficiencies. Participants from Air Charter Services, Logistics Cluster, UNHRD, Kuehne Nagel, and DP World, highlighted the importance of digitalizing supply chains, multimodal transport solutions, and green technologies to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

Through these efforts, Bin Rashid Care Foundation reaffirmed its dedication to shaping a smarter, more sustainable future for the humanitarian sector, one that balances efficiency with environmental stewardship.

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Bin Rashid Care Foundation and University of Birmingham Dubai Forge Partnership to Innovate Humanitarian Research and Education

admin — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 09:54:11 +0000

Dubai, UAE – 31 October 2024: At the sidelines of GITEX Global 2024, Bin Rashid Care Foundation and the University of Birmingham Dubai announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing research and developing cutting-edge educational programmes focused on humanitarian action and sustainability in humanitarian supply chains.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in fostering educational, research, and practical ties between the two renowned institutions, aimed at addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges through innovation and collaboration.

The partnership will unite the expertise of Bin Rashid Care Foundation and the University of Birmingham Dubai to drive joint research initiatives in key areas such as sustainable supply chains, urban planning, innovative construction techniques, and food security. In addition, the two entities will co-develop Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes to enhance the capabilities of both organisations’ staff and students, ensuring that the latest knowledge and skills are applied in the field of humanitarian operations.

A key highlight of the partnership is the introduction of internship opportunities at Bin Rashid Care Foundation for University of Birmingham Dubai students, with a special focus on UAE Nationals. These internships will provide hands-on experience in a fast-paced, real-world environment, equipping students with practical skills critical to their future careers in humanitarian work.

Giuseppe Saba, CEO of Bin Rashid Care Foundation, said: “At Bin Rashid Care Foundation, we believe in involving youth in humanitarian action. Our collaboration with the University of Birmingham Dubai is yet another step toward advancing research and education in the humanitarian sector. By combining our expertise, we can co-develop solutions that tackle global challenges, enhance sustainability, and improve the effectiveness of humanitarian operations. This partnership will allow us to expand our reach and deepen our impact.”

“Our partnership with Bin Rashid Care Foundation marks a significant step in advancing a sustainable future for Dubai and the wider region. As a civic university, the University of Birmingham Dubai is committed to embedding responsible business practices and sustainability into its core values. Through collaborations that address pressing social and environmental challenges, we believe in empowering future leaders with the knowledge and skills to create lasting, positive change, fostering a more resilient and sustainable future for all,” said Professor Yusra Mouzughi, Provost of the University of Birmingham Dubai.

The partnership will also extend to hosting a range of collaborative events, including expert-led guest lectures, interactive workshops, and innovation-driven hackathons. These initiatives will create a platform for knowledge exchange, promoting dialogue on emerging trends and solutions in the humanitarian sector.

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Heriot-Watt University Dubai and Bin Rashid Care Foundation award innovative packaging solutions at the Packaging Sustainability Symposium

admin — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:49:57 +0000

22nd October 2024, Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Heriot-Watt University Dubai, in partnership with Bin Rashid Care Foundation, the largest humanitarian hub in the world, announced the winners of a Packaging Design Student Competition, which ran from June to October 2024, during the Packaging for Sustainability Symposium. The symposium served as a pivotal touchpoint, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, students and academics for a meaningful dialogue on the future of sustainable packaging.

Heriot-Watt University Dubai students participated in the competition by developing and presenting practical and innovative solutions to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. The winning team will now present their solutions at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Matthew Sukumaran, Chief Operating Officer of Heriot Watt University Dubai, said, “The Packaging for Sustainability Programme, a cornerstone of our university’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovative research and collaboration, was launched with the signing of an MoU between the two institutions in April 2024. This programme not only addresses a pressing global challenge but also empowers our students and faculty to contribute to the development of future-proof solutions for a more sustainable world.”

Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Bin Rashid Care Foundation said: “Our collaboration with Heriot-Watt University Dubai reflects a commitment to fostering innovation that tackles real world challenges. Sustainable packaging is not just a technological or design challenge; it is essential to building a responsible future for all. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire the next generation to be changemakers and develop solutions that will impact industries far beyond humanitarian supply chains. This topic aligns with Bin Rashid Care Foundation and its partners’ ongoing efforts over the past two years to make humanitarian supply chains greener. We also encourage the private sector to actively participate in finding solutions that connect innovation to sustainability, making relief efforts more environmentally friendly. We look forward to seeing the winning team present their ideas on the global stage at COP29, demonstrating the crucial role of young innovators in shaping a sustainable tomorrow.”

With packaging identified as a significant contributor to global waste and resource depletion, Heriot-Watt University Dubai and Bin Rashid Care Foundation are taking decisive steps to drive awareness and action around sustainable packaging solutions.

The Packaging for Sustainability Programme aims to strengthen collaboration between Heriot Watt University Dubai and our strategic sponsors, including NRS Relief, Expo City Group, Help Logistics (part of the Kühne Foundation), and Friesland Campina, along with our knowledge partners Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), Accenture, DHL, SIM Institute, SEE Institute, and UNHCR. The programme also aims to promote and implement sustainable packaging practices and form new research collaborations that address packaging challenges in key industries, including logistics, food and beverage, e-commerce, and humanitarian supply chains. Additionally, the programme aims to explore the life cycle of packaging materials, promote the use of biodegradable alternatives, and implement circular economic solutions to reduce environmental harm.

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Media Briefing: UAE Stands With Lebanon

admin — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 14:18:27 +0000

11 October 2024 – Dubai, UAE – During a media briefing at Bin Rashid Care Foundation, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, reaffirmed the UAE’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Lebanese people through the launch of the ‘#UAE_Stands_With_Lebanon’ campaign. Her Excellency emphasized the UAE’s dedication to delivering essential humanitarian aid amidst the current challenges Lebanon is facing.

Organisations that participated alongside Her Excellency included the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) / World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), reflecting a unified response to Lebanon’s urgent needs.

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Under Mohammed bin Rashid’s directives, Bin Rashid Care Foundation airlifts 71.6 MT of critical medical supplies to Gaza

admin — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 08:57:30 +0000

24 September 2024 – Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Bin Rashid Care Foundation has airlifted another consignment of urgent relief supplies for Gaza. The aid was transported via El Arish, Egypt, in a coordinated effort to support the affected and displaced population.

A Boeing 747, departing from Dubai Royal Air Wing, carried 71.6 metric tonnes (MT) of essential medical supplies, including cholera treatment kits, Interagency Emergency Health Kits (IEHK), and Emergency Relief Health (ERH) kits provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Food Programme-United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (WFP-UNHRD).

His Excellency Mohammed Al Shaibani, Chairman of Bin Rashid Care Foundation, expressed deep concern for those affected by the crisis, stating: “At Bin Rashid Care Foundation, our priority is to alleviate the suffering of the people affected by the devastating conflict in Gaza. With the invaluable support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we are able to swiftly mobilise aid and reach those who are enduring unimaginable hardships. We remain committed to ensuring that essential relief reaches the people who need it most.”

This is the 19th shipment Bin Rashid Care Foundation has facilitated for Gaza since the beginning of the emergency in October 2023. The supplies, valued at AED3.8 million ($ 1,037,560), are expected to aid over 300,000 Gazans, offering life-saving relief.

Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director for WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, said: “WHO has delivered over US$9.2 million in essential medicines, health supplies, and equipment for Gaza since the conflict began, representing nearly 40% of all shipments from our logistics hub in Dubai. The flight, carrying 62.3 metric tonnes of life-saving medicines for non-communicable and communicable diseases, is one of a total of 13 charter flights coordinated by Bin Rashid Care Foundation for WHO since the start of the crisis, allowing us and our partners to swiftly deliver critical health supplies. This lifeline has been made possible by the generous support and coordination of the Government of Dubai and Bin Rashid Care Foundation, whose strong partnerships are vital to our humanitarian efforts in Gaza and beyond.”

“Thanks to the UAE leadership, the bold foresight of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Bin Rashid Care Foundation’s strong support, the UAE has shown steadfast commitment to humanitarian action across the globe for decades. This latest airlift of 71 metric tonnes of life-saving relief supplies to the most vulnerable people of Gaza is a clear illustration of this enduring commitment. As the humanitarian logistics arm of the United Nations, WFP is proud to do its part to complement UN and other humanitarian partners’ efforts to provide timely and effective support to those most in need”, said Stephen Anderson, WFP Representative to the GCC.

In parallel, Bin Rashid Care Foundation continues to support the international humanitarian community’s global response efforts, including through the Global Humanitarian Impact Fund (GHIF). Recently, Bin Rashid Care Foundation also facilitated the transportation of medical supplies to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to combat the MPOX outbreak in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).

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Bin Rashid Care Foundation Marks World Humanitarian Day in Collaboration with UN OCHA, IACAD, and Key Partners

admin — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 13:19:57 +0000

Event convened more than 100 members of the humanitarian sector

Honored the bravery of both national and international humanitarians

A panel discussion showcased field stories highlighting examples of the challenges faced by aid workers.

Dubai, UAE – 19 August 2024: Bin Rashid Care Foundation, in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator office, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD), today marked World Humanitarian Day to express solidarity with people affected by humanitarian crises and pay tribute to the humanitarian workers who help them.

The event, which brought together over 100 leaders in the humanitarian space, celebrated the personal experiences and bravery of national and international humanitarians—the day commenced with a welcome address from Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Bin Rashid Care Foundation, who emphasized the crucial role of collaboration in addressing the growing challenges faced by humanitarian workers globally.

In his address, he said, “At Bin Rashid Care Foundation, we stand with the humanitarian colleagues and their families as they dedicate their lives to supporting the vulnerable populations. Today, we honor their courage and determination. Unfortunately, the list of humanitarian workers who lost their lives in providing humanitarian assistance is continuously increasing, and it is a collective responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being as they carry out their critical work. Never should they be a target.”

HE Bérangère Boël, the UN Resident Coordinator in the United Arab Emirates, said: “The United Nations is proud to work hand in hand with the UAE through Bin Rashid Care Foundation to contribute to humanitarian action across the globe. The UAE’s spirit of generosity and commitment to humanitarian principles lies at the heart of what World Humanitarian Day stands for—solidarity, compassion, and action.”

On this occasion, HE Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, stated: “On World Humanitarian Day, a day whose values and meanings transcend geographical, cultural, and religious boundaries, just as the suffering of those in need around the world surpasses them, the wise leadership emphasizes the necessity of collective efforts from individuals, governments, international organizations, and civil society to support humanitarian work and enhance its role in achieving sustainable development. This is especially important given the current global conditions and the natural disasters and humanitarian crises we are witnessing.

As an organization with a pioneering charitable and humanitarian impact within the United Arab Emirates, the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai extends its highest respect and admiration to all those working in the humanitarian field on this day—these unsung heroes who strive to promote values of peace and tolerance among peoples.”

In her address, Sajeda Shawa, Head of the UN OCHA UAE Office, said: “On World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19th, we honor the dedication and bravery of humanitarian workers worldwide. On this day we reaffirm our commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts and to recognize the selfless contributions of those who work to alleviate suffering and restore hope in the most challenging circumstances,

Today, while we mark the day in UAE, we appreciate and acknowledge the humanitarian leading role of UAE leadership, government, organisations and people – partners, friends and family. The UAE humanitarian vision and generosity is not limited to being one of the biggest humanitarian donors but goes beyond to working side by side in conflict areas and in every humanitarian context where humanitarian aid is crucial for saving lives.

Despite 75 years of internationally recognized laws designed to regulate armed conflict and mitigate its effects, violations of these laws persist, with civilians and aid workers bearing the brunt. Last year, 2023 became the deadliest year on record for the global humanitarian community, with 280 aid workers killed by violence. This year, 2024 has shown no signs of improvement and may even surpass last year’s grim statistics. 176 aid workers have been killed, 93 others injured and 64 kidnapped, according to the provisional count from the Aid Worker Security Database. The most recent ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant humanitarian losses since October 2023, UNRWA statistics show over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 15,000 children and claiming the lives of over 224 humanitarian aid workers. These facts lay bare a glaring truth: The world is failing humanitarian workers and, by extension, the people they serve.

Today, and every day, we demand that those in power #ActForHumanity to end violations and the impunity with which they are committed,” she concluded.

The agenda also included a focused session on the protection of humanitarian and civilian workers, underscoring the challenges faced in the field. Participants from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the World Food Programme, and Dubai Cares, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and IACAD shared their field experience, and attendees unanimously agreed that humanitarian workers should never be targets and that there needs to be urgent collective action by humanitarian agencies, governments, and partners to protect the lives and interests of aid workers.

World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19, was designated by the UN General Assembly in 2008 to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq. Originally intended to recognize aid workers, WHD has since evolved to highlight various aspects of humanitarian action, mobilizing people worldwide to advocate for the broader humanitarian cause.

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Her Highness Sheikha Shamma Al Nahyan Acknowledges Humanitarian Efforts During Visit to Dubai’s International Humanitarian City

admin — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 14:08:54 +0000

Dubai, UAE – February 23, 2024 – Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), visited Dubai’s International Humanitarian City (IHC), engaging with the IHC and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) teams, and emphasizing the crucial role of humanitarian work worldwide.

HE Abdulla AlShaibani, IHC Board Member, welcomed Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, fostering a productive dialogue. Her Highness expressed deep concern and interest in refugee issues, recognizing both the challenges and impact they present for host countries while emphasizing the crucial role of innovation and partnerships in addressing urgent humanitarian needs.

Giuseppe Saba, IHC CEO, highlighted ongoing operations in Gaza and IHC’s pivotal role in responding to humanitarian crises globally.

Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR’s Senior Advisor and Representative to the GCC countries, highlighted the partnership with UAE and expressed appreciation for its support of UNHCR’s emergency humanitarian efforts, mainly through the UAE government and Dubai’s International Humanitarian City (IHC).

He provided an overview of 2023, a year marked by multiple crises and increasing displacement trends that required a swift response to aid millions of people affected, from the earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye to the floods in Libya – amongst other protracted and new crises and conflicts. He elaborated that among the 53 emergency relief shipments mobilized globally, 28 originated from UNHCR’s stockpiles in Dubai, which is recognized as the largest in the world. Notably, the transportation expenses of ten of these shipments were generously covered by the UAE, underscoring its vital role and significant engagement in aiding forcibly displaced people.

The discussion encompassed the topic of climate change’s impact on refugee crises, underscoring the need for coordinated action. Her Highness then toured IHC’s permanent exhibition, exploring the Humanitarian Logistics Databank and gaining insights into plans for a global safety net.

HH Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan praised IHC’s collaborative spirit, echoing the vision of her grandfather, the UAE’s Founding Father, the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Her Highness commended IHC’s dedication, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to global humanitarian causes.

The visit coincided with a joint workshop organized by UNHCR and IHC for the private sector and the local and international humanitarian community to gain deeper insights into humanitarian situations, focusing specifically on the response and solutions implemented in the field.

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Mohammed bin Rashid orders additional dispatch of critical humanitarian supplies to Gaza through relief airbridge

admin — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 14:43:09 +0000

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued directives to facilitate the dispatch of urgent relief supplies mobilised by the International Humanitarian City (IHC) in Dubai as part of a vital relief airbridge to Gaza through El Arish Airport in Egypt.

Giuseppe Saba, CEO of IHC, said: “We are proactively supporting the international humanitarian community to respond to the ongoing humanitarian emergency and ease suffering in Gaza. The mission of Dubai’s International Humanitarian City resonates deeply with its dedication to saving lives by fulfilling urgent medical needs in coordination with the World Health Organization. Together with our partners, we remain dedicated to standing by the most vulnerable everywhere, aligning with Dubai and the UAE’s efforts towards our humanitarian duties.”

Highlighting Dubai’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian missions, a flight carrying approximately 11 metric tonnes of medicines and medical supplies obtained from the stocks of the World Health Organization (WHO) took off early Wednesday for El Arish Airport where the crucial aid consignment is to be transferred to a WHO team, which coordinates onward dispatches into Gaza.

The Gaza-bound airlift is the first of a series of such missions this year, with three to four additional missions scheduled to deliver desperately needed aid to the people of Gaza. The shipment includes essential supplies, such as non-communicable disease kits and medicines, necessitating strict compliance with temperature controls during their transportation. IHC and its partners meticulously oversee the logistics of the operation to ensure the safe and timely delivery of aid to those in need.

Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, stated that WHO’s logistics hub, which is hosted in IHC, provides a lifeline to countries affected by health emergencies across the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and beyond. “As the health crisis in the Gaza Strip unfolds and as hostilities in Rafah escalate, these medicines are critical for people whose access to medical care has been severely restricted owing to shortages facing the health system as a whole,” said Dr Balkhy.

“WHO is grateful for the support of Dubai’s International Humanitarian City, the Government of Dubai, and the Government of the United Arab Emirates to deliver life-saving supplies to the world’s most vulnerable populations in their greatest time of need,” Dr Balkhy added.

IHC moved swiftly last year to establish an airbridge to facilitate urgent relief supplies to populations affected by the escalating crisis in Gaza. It facilitated six air shipments within ten days, leveraging its vast network and resources to bolster humanitarian efforts and ensure a rapid response to the crisis, reaffirming its standing as a leading humanitarian hub in the region.

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DUBAI’S INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN CITY AND PARTNERS ADVOCATE FOR A SUSTAINABLE HUMANITARIAN SUPPLY CHAIN AT THE COP28-LINKED CONFERENCE

admin — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 08:03:17 +0000

08 – December 2023 – Dubai’s International Humanitarian City (IHC) organized a pivotal conference on December 6, 2023, centering on the critical theme of cultivating a Sustainable Humanitarian Supply Chain. Held on the sidelines of COP28, this significant event saw a convergence of leaders, stakeholders, and experts from various sectors, collectively emphasizing the urgency and impact of sustainability in humanitarian endeavors.

The discussions echoed a unified Call to Action within the humanitarian community:

The urgent need for immediate action was emphasized, underlining that past promises are insufficient, and the time for actionable measures is now.
Speakers highlighted the humanitarian imperative and the pressing challenge of balancing immediate needs with sustainable practices in humanitarian response efforts.
It was underscored that reducing the carbon footprint in humanitarian assistance goes beyond logistical considerations; it necessitates a comprehensive reevaluation of the entire ecosystem.
A unified goal and interest were expressed in aligning the humanitarian supply chain with global commitments, such as the Paris Agreement, and broader goals set by the humanitarian community.
Partnerships were identified as crucial across sectors, including the private sector, academia, governments, international organizations, and the UN. These collaborations are pivotal in driving legislative integration, innovation, and the adoption of circular practices to minimize environmental impact while responding effectively to humanitarian crises.

The conference highlighted a transformative shift in humanitarian practices, emphasizing a profound awareness of environmental impact while addressing immediate needs, marking 2023 as a pivotal year for reshaping humanitarian supply chain strategies.

Giuseppe Saba, CEO of Dubai’s International Humanitarian City, emphasized the power of partnership in the opening remarks and gave an overview of the journey that began in March 2023, marking the 20th anniversary of IHC in the humanitarian field. He said, “This is where some ‘Dreamers’ started in, paving the way to COP28. – 2023 will be remembered as the year when, at the margin of COP28, the Dreamers solicited a sustainable humanitarian supply chain.”

The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Benjamin Safari, Head of Supply Chain Management at UNHCR, with the participation of Simon Missiri, Special Representative of IFRC, Francesca Cocozza, Director of NRS Relief, Raji Hattar, Chief Sustainability Officer at Aramex, and Sherring Thekekkara, the Global Executive Vice President of DP World Logistics.

The discussions underscored the importance of collective responsibility and collaboration among stakeholders to transition toward a more sustainable humanitarian future, wherein the emphasis lies not only on immediate response but also on long-term environmental impact mitigation.

Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of SEELab at SDA Bocconi & NYUAD visiting professor, and former director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the challenges in the fight against climate change impact, and the crucial importance of commitment and action in the context of sustainability.

Notably, the conference marked the launch of a Call to Action, urging collective responsibility and collaboration among stakeholders to transition toward a more sustainable humanitarian future. This Call to Action emphasizes the imperative of including carbon emissions in supply chain planning processes and adopting low-carbon solutions within the humanitarian sector.

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