Sami Yusuf: 1 in 7 people goes to bed hungry each night, and every 6 seconds a child dies from hunger
Dubai - United Arab Emirates, April 2nd 2012:
DIHAD conference and exhibition commenced its second day with participation from key international humanitarians, who highlighted different issues that youth tackle and the role they can play in maintaining development in the humanitarian field. Topics that were discussed for the second day covered the following: Youth, a large percentage of DIHAD conference attendees; Whether youth are receiving the support they need to be effective humanitarian actors; Youth and volunteering; Humanitarian trends; What has changed and what hasn't; Chronic Emergencies; An update.
The second day was highlighted by the presence of Sami Yusuf, renowned international artist and United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Celebrity Partner. In his inspiring speech delivered during one of the DIHAD Conference sessions, Yusuf invited the youth to become direct agents and contributors to humanitarian change.
"I am very pleased to be part of this inspiring and very important event, and I would like to convey my admiration to the Emirate of Dubai and DIHAD organizers who have put a great effort throughout the years to facilitate global humanitarian efforts out of this region," said Yusuf.
He continued, "the theme of this event is especially attractive to me because I am a firm believer in the fact that you, today's youth, will carry the torch of hope into tomorrow. The theme of the event - 'the role and importance of youth in humanitarian assistance and development activities' - is vital. I urge all youth to use their creativity, be ambitious and innovate. You do not need to be old or rich or in the field to make a difference. You just need to utilize the gifts you have and put them into action."
Mr. Yusuf also added, "you can and must start your own initiatives by seeking knowledge about humanitarian issues like hunger from WFP's website, share it, and fundraise. The solutions to humanitarian issues need money to be implemented, so your ultimate objective should always be to encourage people to donate whatever they can. As little as 50 U.S. cents (approximately AED 2) can enable WFP to feed one person for one day in the Horn of Africa. It costs US$50 (approximately AED 200) to feed a schoolgirl for one whole year; similar to the cost of one iPod shuffle."
Yusuf explained that "too many people simply don't know that 1 in 7 people goes to bed hungry each night, or that every 6 seconds a child dies from hunger. The good news though is that that hunger is the world's greatest solvable problem and that people like me and you can make these facts known."
Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, the Executive Chairman of DIHAD Conference and Exhibition said, "we are thrilled and honored with all the participants who came to DIHAD this year and made a huge effort to make a change through this outstanding event. We are encouraging youth to become part of this change and we believe that they will play a great role in the development of the humanitarian field."
"Through the past nine years, DIHAD has hosted a number of celebrities and popular figures to take part in this humanitarian event This year we are pleased to have Sami Yusuf on board who is representing not only the young but also the good hearted youth who are ready to make a huge change in this world."
WFP is the world's largest humanitarian organization, feeding over 90 million people in more than 70 countries. In the United Arab Emirates, WFP manages the world's biggest UN emergency response hub, hosted by the International Humanitarian City. WFP has been one of DIHAD's most prominent participants for the past nine years, for the valuable networking and partnership opportunities this international humanitarian event has to offer.
© Press Release 2012
