The conference program was based on the theme “Empowering Communities: from Disasters to Development” and covered the role of a community from the time of a disaster until development. DIHAD 2009 Conference program through case studies and panel discussions focused on the critical and essential role that those communities most affected by natural and man-made disasters must take to realize effective preparedness, response and recovery from disasters. Too often international and national organizations have in the past worked through a top down approach, often times neglecting and bypassing communities and their leaders in developing disaster preparedness, response and recovery plans. This top-down approach has been rapidly changing and examples of community-lead initiatives to prepare for, respond to, and recovery from disasters have mushroomed in the past decade.
The Conference was address by around 40 internationally recognized veterans of the industry. Some of the speakers included Honorable Rudy Salles, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and Vice-President of the French Parliament (l'Assemblee Nationale) , H.E. Reem Ibrahim Al Hashimy UAE Minister of State & Chairperson of Dubai Cares, Dr. Robert Glasser, Secretary General Care International, H.E. Ambassador Atta El-Manan Bakheet El-Haj, Asst. Secretary General, for International cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs. Organization of the Islamic Conference , Ms. Margareta Wahlstrom UN Assistant Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction , H.E. Abbas Gullet, Secretary General, Kenya Red Cross Society
Some of the topics discussed were:
Communities planning for and responding to Disasters and Development: What are their principle Challenges?
Community Participation and Empowerment: The right approach is the key to effective community action.
Building Community Resilience and Capacity for Disaster Preparedness and Response.
Recovery from Disasters and Sustainable Development - Community Mobilization.
A special session on GAZA Recovery and Humanitarian Aid: Challenges for GAZA Communities and the International Community was held to bring forth the current situation in the Middle East Region and their road to recovery.
