Geneva — On Friday, 7 November 2025, DIHAD Sustainable announced a US$1 billion financing initiative in support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF). This initiative aims to train and empower 10 million members of National Societies and humanitarian personnel by 2030. The announcement was made during the 2025 DREF Pledging Conference in Geneva. It underscores the organization’s commitment to strengthening local capacities and building effective, community-led responses.
In its statement, the organization stressed that education and capacity building are a cornerstone of sustainable development. The initiative includes tailored programs to empower frontline workers, enhance community preparedness and resilience, and support local economies within the newly announced financing package.
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable and Chairman of DISAB, and Ambassador of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean to the GCC, said: “The IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund stands among the most efficient and trusted humanitarian financing tools. It enables rapid, locally led responses that save lives in the crucial moments following a disaster—especially when needs exceed national resources. The fund embodies preparedness, solidarity and partnership—principles we believe in at DIHAD Sustainable and strive to embed through our initiatives.”
He added: “Education and capacity building remain at the heart of our mission to advance sustainable development. Through these initiatives, we aim to empower communities, strengthen preparedness and resilience, and enable local teams to lead humanitarian action wherever needed. We are honored to deepen our partnership with the IFRC to deliver tangible, lasting impact for communities worldwide.”
New partnerships and initiatives
In line with the IFRC’s vision to promote global awareness of first aid, DIHAD Sustainable announced a strategic partnership with the IFRC to organize the inaugural First Aid World Cup. This will occur during the 22nd edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD). It is scheduled in Dubai from 5 to 7 May 2026, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The initiative aims to advance lifesaving first-aid skills, spread humanitarian values and strengthen international cooperation in the humanitarian field.
The organization will also host, in collaboration with the IFRC, the first GCC Humanitarian Pledging Conference on the sidelines of DIHAD 2026 in Dubai. This aims to reinforce regional solidarity and shared responsibility. It will convene humanitarian stakeholders from GCC and Arab countries to unify efforts toward a more sustainable humanitarian future.
2025 Pledging Conference objectives
This year’s conference centers on “Shaping the Future of the IFRC’s DREF,” serving as a platform to craft a joint strategic vision for the next five years. It aims to bolster the fund’s ability to deliver rapid, innovative and effective humanitarian support. The 2025 edition aims to mobilize 100 million Swiss francs in pledges allocated to 2025 and 2026. It reaffirms the DREF’s role as a leading pooled financing mechanism for local humanitarian action and anticipatory response.
High-level participation and performance figures
The conference witnessed strong participation from government representatives, the private sector and National Societies. Ministers, director-generals and CEOs were in attendance. Discussions underscored the importance of innovative financing models and anticipatory action as essential tools to enhance preparedness and speed up humanitarian response worldwide.
In 2024, the DREF provided CHF 85.3 million in humanitarian assistance reaching 24.3 million people globally. Notably, 76.5% of resources were directed to National Societies—affirming its efficiency and close linkage to local, field-based action.
Commenting on the pledging effort, Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General and CEO of the IFRC, said: “The 2025 Pledging Conference marks a pivotal moment for the DREF. It brings together governments, the private sector and Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies. The goal is to shape the future of humanitarian action. Our goal is to strengthen the DREF as a trusted, leading financing mechanism that catalyzes innovation, collaboration and anticipatory action. It empowers communities to prepare for and respond to crises with greater agility and resilience.”
The conference concluded with renewed partner commitments to expand humanitarian impact, build resilience and support local actors on the front lines of crises. DIHAD Sustainable reaffirmed its role as a strategic partner to the IFRC. It also confirmed its commitment to continue supporting global humanitarian efforts and instilling the values of responsibility, empathy and dedication in future generations.
