13th Global Humanitarian Aviation Conference & Exhibition Kicks Off In Dubai

International cooperation is key to efficient humanitarian flight operations, experts say

The 13thGlobal Humanitarian Aviation Conference & Exhibition (GHAC), organized by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), is taking place in Dubai to seek solutions for better deployment of humanitarian airoperations to vulnerable populations across the world.

The three-day landmark conference in the humanitarian aviation industry, which is set to continue until October 28 at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai, brings together aviation authorities, operators, decision-makers and senior managers from all over the world to discuss pressing challenges affecting humanitarian flight operations.

The annual conference provides a platform for international collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders at a time when the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 severely impacted global supply chains and transport markets, highlighting key obstacles hindering a swift delivery of aid.

With an audience of over 200 senior delegates, 25 speakers will lead panel discussions during the conference with aims to develop innovative ideas and discuss the industry’s emerging trends.

WFP representatives stressed on the need for international collaboration to achieve sustainable development and ensure effective assistance to the victims of natural disasters, conflicts and crises.

Philippe Martou, Chief of Aviation Service at WFP, said: “when a disaster strikes, the humanitarian community’s ability to mount an immediate and effective response is often the difference between life and death. Availability of an efficient air service goes a long way in enabling the response.”

He added: “WFP has been working on the frontlines ofemergencies for more than 50 years, bringing hope to millionscaught in conflict, but those efforts were only made possible through the collaborative work and the joint forces from all stakeholder who believed that together we can build a better future for all.”

The WFP, the world’s largest humanitarian organization, delivered uninterrupted food support and other forms of aid to affected populations during the COVID-19 crisis of 100 million people in 88 countries. Such efforts were made possible through effective regional and internationalcooperation between civil aviation organizations and the relevant authorities.

With logistics being at the core of successful aid operations, the WFP dedicates more than 5,600 trucks, 30 ships and nearly 100 planes to delivering food assistance around the world.

Alex Marianelli, Director of Supply Chain at WFP, said: “Humanitarian air operations implement the most criticalaspect of humanitarian aid as the need across the world is unprecedented. In today’s world, 1 in 33 people, or 235 million people, globally are estimated to receive humanitarian aid, a growth from 1 in 44 people last year. Many of the humanitarian operations are in conflict areas that are difficult to access and the need for aviation is unprecedented.”

Since 2009, the conference has paved the way for new safety initiatives, innovative partnerships and greater efficiency in humanitarian air operations through better collaboration.

The WFP continues to strengthen its partnerships, implement programs, shape key policy debates, and engage strategicallywith other actors to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. 

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