Global event for humanitarian and development sectors comes to Washington

Washington D.C. plays host this summer to the annual Aid & International Development Forum (AIDF) at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on July 22-23.

The event will feature a number of workshop sessions addressing key issues outlined in the Millennium Development Goals such as climate change, combating infectious diseases, global partnerships for development and logistics and procurement. Keynote speakers are Hansjoerg Strohmeyer, Chief of Policy and Development Branch for the UN OCHA, and Johnston Barkat, United Nations Ombudsman. As well as strong support from the UN, the workshop sessions will also feature senior representatives from The World Bank, USAID, UNDP, The American Red Cross and the World Food Programme.

Speaking at last year’s event, Hansjoerg Strohmeyer said:
“This is a fair in a way that doesn't only talk about the politics but also brings together very practical solutions with the policy and the politics and those different communities, and that is why we will definitely stay engaged in this.”

There will be meeting areas on the floor as many people will arrange appointments using the meetings arrangement service prior to the event, and discussions from the workshops will continue as participants engage with the subjects at hand and one another.
As well as workshop sessions, there will also be a procurement network examining how business can best work with NGO, UN and government entities. Participants will discuss policy, the needs of the sectors, and exchange best practice at the same place that they can see, touch and experience products central to delivery.
AIDF will host a networking breakfast on Friday July 23, courtesy of sponsors Inmarsat. There will be a seminar and demonstration to showcase the Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) service, highlighting the critical role it plays in connecting humanitarian aid and international development organizations in the field or on the move.
The Experiential Zone will demonstrate solutions - technologies, services and approaches - available for use in the field in three given scenarios, based on past crises. This is an opportunity for the audience to look at the scenarios from a safe distance, and consider the options available. Companies, NGOs and government agencies come together to present possibilities and to discuss the scenarios.
AIDF will hold a networking cocktail reception from 6-8pm on Thursday 22nd July Please contact AIDF if you are interested in attending.


Now in its fifth year, this event is a worthwhile opportunity for the aid, relief and development sector to network, build partnerships and address global humanitarian and development challenges, as well as showcasing goods and services to those who are responsible for delivery.

Registration is free to non-commercial organizations.

Aid & International Development Forum 2010 partners include InterAction, IPOA, World Bank Publications and RedR UK.

More information, including the workshop agenda, speaker and exhibitor lists and registration details can be found at www.aidforumonline.org

Facts & Figures
There will be over 1600 visitors and in the region of 120 exhibitors, 100 of which will be businesses, 20 of which will be NGOs, UN and Government stands

For lists of speakers, exhibitors and the workshop agenda, please use the following links:
Speakers: http://www.aidforumonline.org/event_guide/speakers/category/event_2010/

Workshop Agenda:
http://www.aidforumonline.org/event_guide/workshops/

Exhibitors: http://www.aidforumonline.org/event_guide/exhibitors/category/event_2010/

The Aid & International Development Forum (previously International Aid & Trade) has been the world's leading forum for humanitarian relief professionals to cement relationships, build partnerships, gain understanding and share experiences. Having been acquired by Henley Media Group in 2005, International Aid & Trade ran in Geneva in 2006, 2007 and 2008. In 2009 the event moved to Washington D.C., in partnership with InterAction, the largest coalition of U.S.-based international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

Aid and International Development Forum
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, D.C.
20001

Contacts
Diva Rodriguez, Content Manager. Email: diva@aidforumonline.org
Telephone +44 (0) 20 7871 0188

This release was published on openPR.