Genuine acts of humanity, either for the service of society or nation, are what can make a real impact anywhere in the world.
This statement by Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine el-Qabbaj came during the 19th three-day Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2023), which kicked off Monday at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme ‘Energy and Aid: Capitalising on Available Resources’.
“Acts of humanity have become associated with international legitimacy, human rights conventions, and religious rulings,” the minister said, added that fair human intervention is not limited to a certain country or ideology, but includes all those who live in danger.
“Commitment to humanity is not restricted to sympathy. But it necessitates directing our development vision, and social and economic policies, strategic programmes, and international relations for the protection of man and preserving his dignity.
“This requires co-ordination of international efforts for the provision of good health care, education and ensuring food and water security for all human beings on earth.
“This is in addition to offering humanitarian aid for those most impacted by climate change and other disasters,” el-Qabbaj said.
“Whenever there are crises, there are humanitarian organisations and volunteers in the frontline to face these crises and save humans,” she said.
She explained that climate change has a direct effect on the fuel supplies and the production of energy. Heatwaves and drought put energy production under pressure at the current time.
In the year 2020, some 87 per cent of the world’s electricity generated from heat, nuclear and hydro systems relied on the availability of water. However, around 11 per cent of hydroelectric power is in areas suffering from extensive water use. In light of this, the minister said, the international community should take a serious action to avoid a possible crisis in electricity generation in the future.
DIHAD 2023, which opened under the patronage of the Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, brings together decision-makers from leading NGOs, UN agencies, charity organisations and governmental bodies, together with aid, education, and construction providers from the private sector to address the needs of people and countries affected by crises, disasters and natural calamities.
More than 8,200 people from 110 countries attend the three-day event, including 828 participating NGOs, charities, and aid and relief suppliers.
