Yannick du Pont

The DIHAD International Scientific Advisory Board held its Annual Board Meeting ahead of the 22nd edition of DIHAD. The discussions focused on advancing ongoing projects, shaping key initiatives, and reinforcing the collective commitment to impactful humanitarian action. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Amb. Prof. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Organisation and Chairman of DISAB; Roving Ambassador of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) for the GCC Region In the presence of Mr. Amin Awad, President of the Foundation Council, DCAF Genève Center for Security Governance; Former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine; Senior Fellow, Advanced Leadership Initiative, Harvard University, Ms. Bérangère Böell, UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE, Ms. Clare Dalton, Advisor, Policy Planning Department, United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Claus Sorensen, Senior Adviser on Resilience, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, NRC, Mr. Giuseppe Saba, CEO of Dubai Humanitarian; Founder of UNHRD, Eng. Khaled Al Attar, Director General of DIHAD Sustainable Organisation, Dr. Khaled Khalifa, Senior Advisor and Representative to the GCC Countries UNHCR, Dr. Manal Taryam, CEO and Board Member of Noor Dubai Foundation, Prof. Dr. Michael A. Koehler, Grand Bargain Ambassador; Professor at the College of Europe, Bruges, and LUISS Guio Carli, Rome; Acting Director-General, European Commission (ret.), Mr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, Advisor, UAE Red Crescent Authority, Dubai, Dr. Mukesh Kapila, Professor Emeritus, Global Health & Humanitarian Affairs, University of Manchester, Ms. Sajeda Shawa, Head UN OCHA Office in the UAE, H.E. Amb. Sergio Piazzi, Secretary-General, Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM), Ms. Valentina Bernasconi, Head of ICRC Delegation in the UAE, H.E. Mr. Xavier Castellanos Mosquera, Under Secretary General for National Society Development and Coordination, IFRC and Drs. Yannick du Pont, Member of the Development Cooperation Committee at the Dutch Advisory Council on International Affairs; Founder of Spark, Amsterdam.

Meet Drs. Yannick Du Pont, a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in higher education, vocational training, and sustainable development. Founder of SPARK NGO, Drs. Du Pont has led transformative initiatives supporting SME growth and youth employment across 25+ countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He also serves on global advisory boards and councils, bringing unmatched expertise in policy, development, and humanitarian strategy. Gain global perspective from a leader shaping the future of humanitarian action. Visit our website dihad.org/college/ #DIHAD #DIHAD2026 #DIHADCollege #SustainableHumanitarian #Humanitarian

The esteemed members of the DIHAD International Scientific Advisory Board (DISAB) recently gathered for a productive online meeting. The meeting provided comprehensive updates on DIHAD’s recent activities, highlighted its record-setting 21st edition event, and discussed plans for the 2026 Conference and Exhibition. The board committed to collaboration and innovation as DIHAD moves into its next phase of humanitarian leadership. With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and leadership in the humanitarian space, the board is committed to advancing DIHAD’s mission to foster global change and sustainable solutions. The meeting was attended by H.E. Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Organisation and Chairman of DISAB; Roving Ambassador of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) for the GCC Region, along with distinguished members: Mr. Amin Awad, Ms. Clare Dalton, Mr. Claus Sorensen, Mr. Giuseppe Saba, Eng. Khaled Al Attar, Dr. Khaled Khalifa, Dr. Manal Taryam, Mr. Mohammed Al Yammahi, Mr. Mohammed Al Zarouni, Dr. Mukesh Kapila, Ms. Sajeda Shawa, Mr. Stephen Anderson, Ms. Valentina Bernasconi, H.E. Mr. Xavier Castellanos Mosquera, and Drs. Yannick du Pont. Together, they continue to shape the future of humanitarian aid through unwavering commitment and leadership.