Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič visited the United Arab Emirates on 14 March 2022 to participate in the 18th edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development (DIHAD) conference and exhibition.

The event brings together key decision-makers from national government authorities, UN Agencies, international organisations, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, leading NGOs, foundations and charities, academic institutions, and the private sector.

Commissioner Lenarčič delivered introductory remarks during the official opening ceremony of DIHAD:

"This year's conference brings together our diverse development and humanitarian family to discuss how global partnerships can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It comes at a critical moment. The world is facing rising humanitarian needs across the globe. We are all now closely following the war in Ukraine where civilians are paying the highest price. The EU is mobilising much-needed relief items and humanitarian aid. I call on all donors to support people in Ukraine in need of our immediate help. But at the same time we should not forget rising needs in other crises."

The Commissioner also visited Expo 2020 Dubai and toured the Slovenian and the Ukrainian pavilions. He expressed his and the EU's support to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. The Commissioner also met H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, United Arab Emirates Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Managing Director for Expo. They discussed prospects for closer cooperation between the EU and the United Arab Emirates, as well as specific humanitarian crises notably Ukraine, Yemen, the Syria regional crisis, Afghanistan and the Rohingya.