In a significant step towards enhancing global humanitarian response capabilities, Dubai Humanitarian and the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) have signed an administrative arrangement to strengthen cooperation in emergency preparedness, supply chain efficiency, and crisis response.
The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the European Humanitarian Forum in Brussels. It was signed by Maciej Popowski, director-general of DG ECHO, and Giuseppe Saba, CEO and board member of Dubai Humanitarian.
The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development Affairs and International Organizations, and His Excellency Mohamed Al Sahlawi, UAE Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union.
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A strategic partnership for humanitarian impact
The new arrangement cements a framework for deeper collaboration between the two organizations, focusing on the exchange of knowledge, coordinated logistics, and the adoption of innovative and sustainable practices.
The partnership underscores a shared commitment to accelerating and enhancing the effectiveness of humanitarian operations worldwide.
Driving innovation in humanitarian logistics
As part of the agreement, Dubai Humanitarian and DG ECHO will work jointly on coordinated relief missions, share critical logistics data, and explore advanced technologies to improve the delivery of aid. Special emphasis will be placed on prepositioning humanitarian supplies and ensuring their rapid deployment during crises.
Building capacity and raising awareness
The arrangement also includes initiatives to enhance training and knowledge-sharing across sectors. Both parties will co-develop educational programs aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness in local and regional contexts.
Furthermore, the collaboration seeks to bring together academia, disaster response authorities, and private sector partners through joint forums and public awareness campaigns.
The agreement is expected to serve as a model for international cooperation in the humanitarian field, promoting a unified response to global emergencies and reinforcing the role of logistics and innovation in saving lives.
Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, stated: “This is our shared ambition to enhance the agility, coordination, and sustainability of humanitarian emergency response through partnership.
“From our unique strategic position as the largest humanitarian hub, Dubai Humanitarian plays an enabling and proactive role in facilitating the humanitarian community to deliver aid in a timely and efficient manner. We look forward to working more closely with DG ECHO to strengthen operational preparedness and support for a more effective humanitarian action worldwide.”
Reflecting on the signing, Maciej Popowski, Director-General of DG ECHO said: “This arrangement reflects our shared commitment to more effective and agile humanitarian action. By deepening our cooperation with Dubai Humanitarian, we are investing in faster, more coordinated responses to crises — built on innovation, knowledge exchange, and strategic preparedness. Together, we aim to better serve those most in need, wherever they are.”
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