In line with the International Humanitarian City (IHC) mandate to facilitate coordination and collaboration among all aid providers, the IHC conducted a workshop “Introduction to the International Humanitarian System”” on June 14, 2012 in cooperation with the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

This initiative was launched in order to familiarize participants with the principles of humanitarian action and the fundamental aspects of the international humanitarian system, in addition to the challenges faced by relief workers and humanitarian agencies during crises in the Arab region, whether it’s related to natural disaster or emergency.

The workshop was attended by representatives from the international humanitarian organizations, local charities and government institutions dealing with humanitarian work as the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, and the UAE Red Crescent Authority in addition to many humanitarian workers from the United Arab Emirates.

The International Humanitarian City Chief Executive Officer, HE Shaima Al Zarooni said: “Through the cooperation between the IHC and the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) we aim to create more opportunities for joint cooperation, and improve the humanitarian work through contributions and active exchange of experiences in order to serve the humanitarian work globally”.

Through the workshop the participants were introduced to many tools that facilitate respond to disasters and discussed ways to interact with the national authorities and local community. Some of the local & international humanitarian issues related to cooperation and coordination at all levels were raised by different organizations. The IHC is keen to continue providing similar trainings and courses on a regular basis to keep the spirit of communication and coordination dialogue between all partners in the humanitarian community.