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MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
DUBAI, 30th March, 2022 (WAM) -- sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Commissioner General of expo 2020 Dubai, today inaugurated the International Humanitarian Summit 2022 (IHS2022) at the Dubai exhibition Centre, Expo 2020 Dubai.
Addressing the crowd, the Minister of Tolerance said, 'Humanitarian work marks the culture of the UAE. Our country is what it is today because our leaders and our citizens have cared about others and have been wisely generous with their time and resources. The founder of the country, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, believed strongly that humanitarian work is a moral virtue that reflects a deep love of humanity. With his guidance, the UAE has become a major supporter of humanitarian work around the globe. Sheikh Zayed encouraged us to consider the love of humanity as an important investment in the present and future of society. He also urged us to do so with wisdom and vision. I see his message clearly echoed in the work of this summit,' he said.
Regarding the theme of the summit, he explained, 'The theme of this summit is 'Building a Strong Humanitarian Society for a Better World'. This theme calls on all of us to dedicate ourselves to thinking and working together as One Human Family. When I speak of 'One Human Family,' I want to emphasise my strong belief in the power of human engagement to shape the future and to help solve many of the world's great global challenges. As one human family, we must think and work together as a family of equals, with the most prosperous aiding those who are in need. As one human family, we must understand other people as fellow human beings entitled to respect and deserving of empathy. As one human family, we can commit ourselves to becoming champions for human rights, human dignity, and a high quality of life for all.'
Sheikh Nahyan said, 'I am delighted that you have gathered here today to explore the vital moral virtue of humanitarian work and to consider the best ways for investing in the present and future of society. Expo 2020 Dubai is the perfect venue for these discussions. Expo 2020 Dubai has demonstrated the need for greater understanding and dialogue around global issues, and global challenges.'
'Your discussions, your insights, and your findings will contribute significantly to peace and humanity throughout the world. I thank the organisers and the sponsors of this International Humanitarian Summit. I value their love of humanity as demonstrated by the excellent organisation of this event today. I am honoured to be here today and to stand proudly with all of you as members of one human family,' he concluded.
The summit then continued with a speech by Her Royal Highness Princess Lamia Bint Majed Saud Al Saud, Secretary-General, Alwaleed Philanthropies; and Zondwa Mandela, Chairman, Mandela Legacy Foundation.
A series of presentations were also featured within the day, including one from the International Humanitarian City entitled 'Sharing our Dubai Model from the Largest Humanitarian Hub in the World', and another presentation called 'Financial Inclusion for Vulnerable Groups: Women, over-indebtedness, unemployed, and elderly approach'.
The IHS2022 also saw several panel discussions tackling timely humanitarian issues, with topics including 'Global extreme Poverty, Post Pandemic Effect - Undernutrition as an Aggravating Death Factor'; 'Disability Inclusion – Protection Tools for People with Disabilities in Dangerous Contexts'; and 'The Health Care Aid in Fragile Contexts'.
A special interview with Valerie Nkambang Bemo, Deputy Director, Global Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was key at the event as she talked about the 'Role of Philanthropist during Times of Uncertainty and Crisis'.
The event capped off with a special discussion on the 'Primary Role of Private Sector/CSRs/International Organisations in creating a better humanitarian society', which was paneled by Hani Khabbaz, Director-General, Syria Recovery Trust Fund, and Roberto Croci, Managing Director, Microsoft for Start-ups Middle East, Turkey & Pakistan.
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