(openPR) - Next week in Washington D.C, the Aid & International Development Forum (AIDF) 2011 will be assisting the humanitarian community to identify gaps and strengthen response effectiveness.

Attended by decision-makers from UN, NGOs, Government and intergovernmental organizations involved in the delivery of aid relief and development programs, the Aid & International Development Forum which is now in it 11th year, provides a unique platform to build relations, address aid delivery issues and discuss development challenges.

Aiming to foster cross sector collaboration, there will be dedicated, interactive workshops on sectors of response covering; Nutrition & Sanitation, Transport & Logistics, ICTs, Power & Energy Efficiency, Education, Protection & Security, Shelter and Finance. There will also feature additional workshops given by the Global VSAT Forum, USAID, the Pulitzer Center, International Stability Operations Association and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

Speaking in the Finance workshop, James Lanning, Director of Acquisitions and Logistics from International Relief and Development, expresses his excitement of being involved in this year’s event:

“I’m happy to be a part of this year’s Aid & International Development Forum because I think we can be much more effective in our development and humanitarian endeavors through collaboration. Involving the Funding Agency and the implementing agency and their partner organizations as a team brings more to those we are trying to serve.”

The current challenges being faced in Haiti and Japan will also be addressed in dedicated workshop sessions. Commenting on her involvement, Dr. Inka Weissbecker, Global Mental Health and Psychosocial Advisor from International Medical Corps says:

“I am eager to present on International Medical Corps’ relief efforts in Japan following the recent earthquake and tsunami. This forum has proved to be a valuable way for International Medical Corps to share lessons-learned from our relief and development activities in 28 countries, as well as gain new knowledge from colleagues and their work.”

As well as workshop sessions, there will also be procurement networking opportunities where solutions providers will have the opportunity to present their products or services to procurement officials’ from the likes of the Canadian Red Cross, World Vision International, International Federation of Red Cross, USAID and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, to determine how best they can work with each other.

The latest innovative solutions will be showcased and applied in scenarios based on past and the present crises being experienced by both Haiti and Pakistan. Supplier’s central to the delivery process will also be present. The Global Head of Aid & Relief Services Sector from DHL Global Forwarding, John Brough, comments on his upcoming involvement:

“DHL sees partnership building as a critical component of effective and efficient logistics delivery in the humanitarian sector and AIDF offers the opportunity to introduce potential new partners to our Aid & Relief Services as well as strengthen existing relationships.”

The Aid & International Development Forum is a free to attend event. Anyone wishing to attend can register online at www.aidforumonline.org/register.

For further information about the Aid & International Development Forum, please visit www.aidforumonline.org or contact: Mairead Mc Nally, Event Marketing
Manager at mmcnally@aidforumonline.org.

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Notes to editors:

For a free press pass to the Aid & International Development Forum, please register your details here by completing the form at www.aidforumonline.org/press_registration/.

About the Aid & International Development Forum (AIDF)

The Aid & International Development Forum (AIDF) 2011 will take place from June 8-9 2011 at the Walter E Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C.

The Aid & International Development Forum (previously international Aid & Trade) is a world leading forum for humanitarian relief professionals involved and responsible for the effective delivery of aid relief to cement relationships, build partnerships, gain understanding and share experiences.

Aid & International Development Forum (AIDF)
Transworld House
100 City Road
EC1Y 2BP
London
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7871 0188
Website: www.aidforumonline.org