About International humanitarian city
International Humanitarian City: The Largest Humanitarian Hub in the World
International Humanitarian City (IHC) is a global humanitarian hub based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the largest humanitarian hub in the world with over 80 members from various sectors including UN agencies, NGOs, and commercial entities. IHC plays a pivotal role in facilitating first responses to crises at a global level efficiently.
The strategic location of IHC allows rapid relief to be within reach in all corners of the world. The city has state-of-the-art facilities that enable its members to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies such as natural disasters, conflicts, and pandemics.
IHC was established in 2003 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Since then, it has been providing support to humanitarian organizations worldwide by offering them access to essential services such as warehousing, logistics support, training facilities, and office space.
One of the unique features of IHC is its diverse membership base. Members include UN agencies such as UNICEF and WHO; international NGOs like Oxfam and Save the Children; local NGOs like Emirates Red Crescent; commercial entities like Agility Logistics; academic institutions like Harvard University's T.H Chan School of Public Health; among others.
The diversity of members enables IHC to provide comprehensive support during emergencies. For instance, during an emergency response operation for Cyclone Idai that hit Mozambique in March 2019 - one member provided medical supplies while another provided water purification systems - demonstrating how collaboration between different organizations can lead to more effective responses.
IHC also provides training programs for its members on various topics related to disaster management such as logistics management during emergencies or risk assessment techniques. These programs are designed by experts from different fields who have extensive experience working on disaster response operations globally.
In addition to providing support during emergencies, IHC also plays a crucial role in promoting humanitarian values and principles. It does this by organizing events such as the World Humanitarian Forum, which brings together leaders from different sectors to discuss issues related to humanitarianism.
IHC's commitment to promoting humanitarian values has earned it several accolades over the years. In 2019, it was awarded the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) award for Best Global Humanitarian Hub. The award recognized IHC's efforts in providing support during emergencies and its contribution towards building a more resilient world.
In conclusion, International Humanitarian City is an essential player in the global humanitarian landscape. Its strategic location, diverse membership base, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to promoting humanitarian values make it an ideal partner for organizations looking to respond effectively during emergencies.