22 March 2017 "Children represent 51% of the world's refugee population" Dubai - United Arab Emirates - The 14th edition of Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) continued in its second day with participation of key international humanitarians and prominent figures, whom highlighted different topics related to the conference’s theme: “The Impact of Crises & Disasters on Children”. Amin Awad, UNHCR’s Director for MENA Bureau, and Regional Refugee Coordinator for the Iraq and Syria Situations said: “The theme of this conference is timely. Children represent 51% of the world’s refugee population. Given that so many conflicts have become protracted, tragically, millions of today’s refugee parents were once refugee children. Key international events that bring together the world’s leading humanitarian practitioners, such as DIHAD, are critical to strengthen the child protection response through promoting international standards and increasing access of refugee and asylum-seeking children to quality, multi-sectoral child protection services.” From his side, H.E. Ambassador Jan Thesleff said: "As a world leading country of innovation, Sweden believes that global humanitarian and development challenges require strong cooperation between academia, industry and the public sector, including development organizations. I am proud to see so many Swedish innovative solutions at DIHAD and I see great potential for enhancing partnerships between Swedish companies and companies and organizations from the UAE and the whole region with regards to business opportunities in general but with focus on international UN procurements." From his side, HE Tariq Al Gurg CEO of Dubai Cares said: “DIHAD's theme this year - The Impact of Crises and Disasters on Children - is coming at the right time when the world is confronting an unprecedented level of risk and suffering associated with natural disasters and conflict. Despite the growing number of children affected by crises, statistics show that only one percent of overall humanitarian aid and two percent of humanitarian appeals is spent on education.” He added: “According to the World Bank, people in crisis situations are more than twice as likely to be unable to send their children to school. This makes the need to safeguard children’s right to education in crisis contexts an urgent priority. Moreover, more collaboration is needed, now more than ever, to provide effective education solutions that target children affected by crises. We are confident that DIHAD will help us build bridges between regional and international actors for the benefit of nations who have suffered or are still suffering from wars, catastrophes and crises.” On the other hand, this year IEC Telecom Group, as a YAHSAT and THURAYA strategic International Service Partner highlights their new technological Satcom solutions that support the humanitarian market. Mobile satellite communications is the backbone of successful relief operations. In times of crisis and emergency, access to telecommunication services is vital if a community is to get the support it needs, but terrestrial networks simply cannot cope during times of disaster. We have seen it time and again during major disasters where our ruggedized satellite phones and data terminals enabled access to vital information, helping affected communities stay connected with the rest of the world. As a result of satellite solutions, aid agencies can consolidate their relief efforts over time, using semi-fixed modems such as Inmarsat BGAN range or Thuraya IP+ and access corporate applications, manage logistics or even use low bandwidth videoconferencing solutions. It is worth mentioning that the exhibition space in DIHAD has reached 16 thousand square meters this year, with 20% increase in the space of the conference and the exhibition. The number of associations and organisations participating this year reached 600 from 84 countries. In addition, 66 speakers participated in 11 sessions and 8 workshops. DIHAD is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai,and it is organized by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions - member of INDEX Holding. The event is supported by Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Est, the United Nations, the UAE Red Crescent Authority, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, International Humanitarian City, OCHA- United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Dubai Cares. -End- © Press Release 2017
