DIHAD Unveils USD 1 Billion Initiative To Train 10 Million Humanitarians By 2030

DIHAD Sustainable Organisation has pledged significant support to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ (IFRC) Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF). This commitment involves training 10 million national society members and humanitarians through programmes worth USD 1 billion by 2030. The announcement was made at the IFRC-DREF Pledging Conference 2025 in Geneva, highlighting DIHAD's dedication to enhancing local humanitarian capabilities and fostering sustainable, community-driven responses.

DIHAD's official statement emphasised that education and capacity building are crucial for sustainable development. Their initiatives aim to empower frontline responders, strengthen communities, and support local economies with their USD 1 billion commitment. Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Organisation, stated: "Today, the IFRC-DREF stands as one of the most effective and trusted mechanisms in the humanitarian system, enabling rapid, localised and life-saving responses in the critical hours following a disaster and when needs exceed the resources available at the national level."

The conference served as a platform to shape a shared strategic vision for the Fund over five years. It aims to enhance its ability to provide timely and impactful humanitarian support. The event also sought to mobilise 100 million Swiss francs in pledges for 2025 and 2026, reaffirming IFRC-DREF’s role as a leading fund for locally led action.

In line with IFRC’s goal of expanding global first aid awareness, DIHAD announced a strategic partnership with IFRC. They will host the first annual First Aid World Cup during the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) from May 5-7, 2026. This initiative aims to promote lifesaving skills, humanitarian values, and international cooperation.

The conference gathered high-level representatives from governments, private sectors, and National Societies. Discussions focused on innovative financing models and anticipatory action as essential tools for enhancing preparedness worldwide. In 2024, IFRC-DREF allocated 85.3 million Swiss francs in humanitarian aid, reaching 24.3 million people globally.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation

To boost regional solidarity, DIHAD and IFRC will co-organise the first GCC Humanitarian Pledging Conference in Dubai alongside DIHAD Conference and Exhibition 2026. This event will unite partners from GCC and Arab States to enhance cooperation towards a sustainable humanitarian future. Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of IFRC, remarked: "The 2025 IFRC-DREF Pledging Conference marks a crucial moment for the DREF."

Central to this year’s conference is its theme: "Shaping the IFRC-DREF of the Future." The focus is on co-creating a strategic vision for strengthening its capacity to deliver innovative humanitarian support. The conference concluded with renewed commitments from partners to expand humanitarian impact.

DIHAD reiterated its role as a strategic partner dedicated to advancing global humanitarian efforts. Their initiatives inspire future generations to act with compassion and responsibility while investing in local actors who stand on crisis frontlines.

With inputs from WAM