Humanitarian Aviation Conference in Doha Addresses Critical Issues
The 16th World Humanitarian Aviation Conference and Exhibition commenced in Doha, bringing together over 300 participants from various sectors of the aviation and humanitarian fields. Organized by the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) in collaboration with the Qatari Ministry of Transport, the conference aims to enhance the capabilities of civil aviation authorities and humanitarian organizations. Key discussions focus on innovations in humanitarian aviation, rapid response to crises, and job opportunities in the sector.
Safety and Accessibility in Humanitarian Operations
Samir Sajid, Regional Director of Aviation Safety at the WFP, emphasized that humanitarian aviation plays a vital role in responding to natural disasters and conflicts. He noted that approximately 152 million people benefit from humanitarian aviation operations, which currently span 23 missions in regions such as Africa, Afghanistan, and Syria. The conference aims to address the critical challenge of ensuring the safety of workers in high-risk areas, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza and Lebanon, where delivering aid remains fraught with danger.
Qatar's Commitment to Humanitarian Efforts
Qatari Minister of Transport Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti highlighted Qatar's dedication to supporting international humanitarian efforts amid economic challenges. Qatar Airways has played a significant role in humanitarian logistics, including evacuating civilians during the Afghan crisis and maintaining operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference serves as a platform for fostering cooperation and innovative partnerships to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian air operations.
