Recognized as a global frontrunner in promoting sustainable humanitarian practices, Dubai Humanitarian has been at the forefront of advancing the humanitarian supply chain, extending pivotal discussions from its headquarters in Dubai to the international stage at AidEx 2024 in Geneva and COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
At AidEx 2024, the world’s premier event for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief, Dubai Humanitarian organized critical sessions highlighting the role of innovation and sustainability in the sector. These discussions were designed to encourage collaborations between humanitarian organizations, the private sector, and academic institutions in developing more efficient and sustainable aid delivery solutions.
Building on this momentum, Dubai Humanitarian continued its impactful dialogue at COP29 with a key panel titled “Connecting Innovation and Sustainability in the Humanitarian Supply Chain.”
A Vision for a Sustainable Humanitarian Future
Reflecting on these significant sessions, Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, shared:
“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.”
COP29: Key Highlights
Dubai Humanitarian’s session at COP29 was presented in collaboration with organizations such as UNHRD, the World Food Programme, the Logistics Cluster, and Heriot-Watt University, Dubai Campus. This session was instrumental in showcasing transformative approaches to overcoming challenges in humanitarian operations.
Noteworthy highlights included:
- Innovative Packaging Design: Students from Heriot-Watt University showcased winning designs from a competition that explored sustainable packaging solutions in humanitarian aid.
- Strategic Partnerships: Panel discussions emphasized the critical role of partnerships with shared values and goals in creating a sustainable and equitable future.
- Youth Engagement: The session stressed the importance of youth involvement in driving long-term, meaningful innovation within the humanitarian sector.
AidEx 2024: Leading the Innovation Conversation
At AidEx, Dubai Humanitarian facilitated two pivotal sessions focused on innovation and sustainability:
- Pioneering Innovation for Sustainable Humanitarian Impact
This session delved into the transformative role of innovative technologies in aid delivery, with contributions from organizations like the WHO, UNHCR Innovation Lab, and the WFP Innovation Accelerator. Discussions centered on fostering partnerships to scale digital tools and improve real-time resource management. - Building a Sustainable Humanitarian Supply Chain
Addressing logistical challenges in traditional aid models, this session examined ways to reduce carbon emissions and inefficiencies in the supply chain. Participants from industry leaders like Air Charter Services, UNHRD, and DP World explored strategies such as digitalizing supply chains and integrating green technologies to reduce both operational costs and environmental impact.
Through these efforts, Dubai Humanitarian has reinforced its commitment to shaping a more sustainable and efficient future for the humanitarian sector, one that balances operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.
