The organization "Dahad Sustainable" announced the launch of a one-billion-dollar initiative to support the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The goal of this initiative is to train and empower 10 million members of national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and humanitarian workers by 2030. This announcement, made during the 2025 Fund Pledging Conference in Geneva, reflects "Dahad Sustainable's" strong commitment to enhancing local humanitarian capabilities and building effective, sustainable community-led responses. In its official statement at the conference, "Dahad Sustainable" emphasized that education and capacity building are fundamental to sustainable development, noting that the initiative includes specialized programs to empower frontline workers, enhance community readiness and resilience, and support local economies under this one-billion-dollar initiative. Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Madani, President of "Dahad Sustainable" and "Disab", and Ambassador of the Parliament of the Mediterranean to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, stated that the DREF is today one of the most prominent tools for humanitarian financing in terms of efficiency and trust, enabling a rapid, local response that helps save lives in the critical moments following a disaster, especially when needs exceed the available resources at the national level. He noted that this fund embodies the values of readiness, solidarity, and partnership, which are the principles we believe in at "Dahad Sustainable" and strive to strengthen through our initiatives. He added that education and capacity building remain at the core of "Dahad Sustainable's" mission to support sustainable development, and through these initiatives, we aim to empower communities, enhance their readiness and resilience, and activate the role of local cadres to lead humanitarian work wherever needed. In line with the International Federation's vision to raise global awareness of first aid, "Dahad Sustainable" announced a strategic partnership with the Federation. Within this partnership, the first-ever World Cup of First Aid will be organized during the second session of the Dubai International Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD), scheduled to take place in Dubai from May 5 to 7, 2026. This initiative aims to enhance first aid skills, save lives, spread humanitarian values, and strengthen international cooperation in the humanitarian field. "Dahad Sustainable" will also host, in cooperation with the International Federation, the first Gulf Humanitarian Pledging Conference on the sidelines of "DIHAD 2026" in Dubai to enhance regional solidarity and shared responsibility. This event will bring together key humanitarian actors from Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Arab states to unify efforts and expand commitments towards a more sustainable humanitarian future. This year's Fund Pledging Conference focused on a strategic theme: "Shaping the Future of the IFRC's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund." The event is a key platform for formulating a shared strategic vision for the fund for the next five years, enhancing its ability to provide rapid, innovative, and effective humanitarian support. The 2025 conference aims to raise 100 million Swiss francs in pledges for 2025 and 2026, affirming the fund's status as one of the most important mechanisms for pooled financing to support local humanitarian action and proactive response. The conference saw high-level participation from government, private sector, and national society representatives, with many ministers, directors general, and CEOs attending. Discussions highlighted the importance of adopting innovative financing models and proactive action as essential tools to enhance readiness and accelerate humanitarian responses worldwide. Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General and CEO of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, stated that the 2025 Pledging Conference is a pivotal moment for the fund, as it brings together governments, the private sector, and national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to shape the future of humanitarian action for the years to come. He explained that the goal is to strengthen the fund's role as a leading, trusted, and innovation-driven financing mechanism that empowers communities to prepare for and respond to crises with greater efficiency and flexibility.
