Cross-sector collaboration and innovation are shaping more future-ready approaches to humanitarian action.
Dubai Humanitarian held its annual Members’ Global Meeting (MGM) on Tuesday, bringing together its global network of members, partners, and stakeholders to review achievements over the past year, discuss evolving humanitarian challenges, and outline future priorities.
The meeting convened more than 80 members, along with representatives from government entities, the private sector, international organisations, and academic institutions.
Opening the session, Giuseppe Saba, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Humanitarian, presented a review of the organisation’s activities, highlighting efforts to strengthen humanitarian supply chains and enhance global emergency response capabilities.
The event also featured a panel discussion titled “Dubai Humanitarian, Between Today and Tomorrow,” focusing on operational resilience, key lessons learned, and future milestones.
The session brought together representatives from Dubai Customs, Emirates, ACS, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, who discussed the importance of cross-sector collaboration in responding to global crises and ensuring the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Speaking on the occasion, Giuseppe Saba said: “As the global humanitarian landscape grows more complex, our role is to enable faster, smarter and more coordinated responses. Through the strength of our partnerships and the resilience of our ecosystem, Dubai Humanitarian is committed to shaping a future where aid reaches those in need more efficiently and with greater impact.”
A key highlight of the meeting was the Dubai Humanitarian Awards Ceremony, which recognised projects by member organisations across four categories. The Sparkle Foundation’s Namitembo Medical Outreach Programme in Malawi received the award for Most Impactful Partnership, in recognition of its efforts to address gaps in access to primary healthcare.
Food Banking Regional Network’s Rooftop Plantation Project in Egypt’s Asmarat Community received the Best SDGs-Focused Project or Initiative award for promoting food security and sustainable livelihoods.
SOS Children’s Villages International’s Gulf Area Office Youth-led Plastic Recycling Initiative across five African countries won the Best Innovation award for transforming waste into economic opportunities.
The Citizens Foundation’s Obhartay Sitaray initiative received the Most Engaging Campaign award for its community-based fundraising model supporting education.
The meeting also underscored Dubai Humanitarian’s collaboration with the American University in Dubai through a capstone initiative designed to support future humanitarian leaders and strengthen partnerships with academic institutions.
The event concluded with an open discussion session in which members exchanged insights and shared recommendations on future priorities.
In his closing remarks, Giuseppe Saba reaffirmed Dubai Humanitarian’s commitment to strengthening partnerships, advancing innovation, and supporting sustainable humanitarian action globally.
