Dubai Humanitarian Reinforces Global Humanitarian Cooperation at HNPW 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 23 April 2025: Dubai Humanitarian concluded a successful participation at the 2025 Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week (HNPW) in Geneva, reaffirming its commitment to advancing humanitarian coordination, digital transformation, and sustainable innovation in emergency response.

During HNPW 2025, Dubai Humanitarian played a key role in high-level discussions, leading two pivotal sessions and contributing to expert panels addressing critical challenges in humanitarian operations while also leading strategic discussions.

Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, stated, “HNPW is an invaluable platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and driving meaningful solutions in humanitarian response. This year, we reinforced the critical role of digital transformation in aid logistics, championed the power of local capacity building, and strengthened strategic partnerships that will shape a more effective and sustainable humanitarian ecosystem. We are fully committed to innovate, adapt, and ensure that life-saving aid and relief are impactful and sustainable.”

Session 1: Digitalization to Support Humanitarian Response

Dubai Humanitarian led discussions on the role of digital transformation in humanitarian logistics. Moderated by IMPACCT’s Virginie Bohl, the session explored the integration of advanced cargo information systems (ACI) and digital customs clearance solutions to enhance aid delivery efficiency. Dubai Humanitarian reiterated its call for a Global Safety Net and the role of its Humanitarian Logistics Databank, which has been instrumental in mapping humanitarian items with unified Harmonized System (HS) codes. The discussion also emphasized the importance of digital platforms in warehouse management, commodity sourcing, and stock visualization to improve emergency response effectiveness.

Session 2: Empowering Local Responders Through Knowledge and Innovation

In its second session, moderated by Prof. Dr. J. Rod Franklin, Dubai Humanitarian emphasized the need for localized humanitarian response mechanisms and advocated for shifting from traditional capacity-building approaches to knowledge transfer, empowering local responders to lead crisis response efforts. The discussion underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration between humanitarian organizations, private sector innovators, and academic institutions to drive impactful change. The session also emphasized bridging communication gaps between humanitarian actors and entrepreneurs, ensuring local voices are not just included but prioritized in shaping effective humanitarian solutions.

Advocating for Humanitarian Diplomacy and Innovation

As part of the Peaceland Foundation’s session on Pioneering Corporate Partnerships in Humanitarian Innovation, CEO Giuseppe delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of collaboration in driving innovative humanitarian solutions. Dubai Humanitarian also contributed to critical discussions with IMPACCT on importation and customs clearance, alongside the World Customs Organization (WCO), UNCTAD, IMC, IFRC, and OCHA.

Additionally, Saba was a featured speaker at the DIHAD session “Humanitarian Diplomacy in a Polarized World: Challenges and Opportunities.” He addressed increasing constraints on humanitarian diplomacy and emphasized the need for stronger partnerships, particularly with civil society and the private sector, to ensure aid reaches those most in need. He also emphasized the rising costs in humanitarian supply chains, urging for cost-effective transit solutions to enhance aid delivery efficiency.

Amid ongoing developments and dialogue in the humanitarian sector, Dubai Humanitarian is preparing for its participation in the upcoming Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD), where it will host dedicated sessions on Sustainable Innovation in the Humanitarian Field at its pavilion.

-END-

About Dubai Humanitarian

Dubai Humanitarian, formerly known as the International Humanitarian City, is the largest humanitarian hub in the world. It was founded in 2003 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, to proactively support the efforts of the international humanitarian community.

As the only non-profit, independent, humanitarian free-zone Authority, Dubai Humanitarian hosts a diverse community of approximately 80 members. This community comprises international entities such as UN organizations, non-profits, non-governmental organizations, and commercial companies, collectively working to advance humanitarian and development efforts worldwide.