2024 World Humanitarian Day Commemoration: Innovative Dialogue

Date: August 19, 2024

On August 19, World Humanitarian Day was marked by a series of innovative dialogues celebrating the courage and dedication of humanitarian workers worldwide. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres commended these workers for their steadfast commitment to delivering life-saving assistance to over 140 million people in 2023, despite the ongoing attacks and challenges they encounter.

The Peaceland Foundation, in collaboration with OCHA, Lingnan University in Hong Kong, and the Beijing Yuanmeng Public Welfare Foundation, organized a cross-regional live broadcast. The event linked Beijing, Hong Kong, and Paris, facilitating a public dialogue on International Humanitarian Day and the challenges faced by humanitarian workers.

The dialogue aimed to enhance the Chinese audience's understanding of humanitarian work and raise awareness about International Humanitarian Law (IHL). It featured discussions on safeguarding the survival, well-being, and dignity of affected populations, as well as ensuring the safety of aid workers.

Keynote speakers included Ms. Yi Chun Yao from UN OCHA, who underscored the importance of protecting humanitarian workers and operations in complex aid environments. Ms. Marwa Shabbar from ICRC emphasized the critical role of the Geneva Conventions in safeguarding civilians and aid workers during conflicts.

The event also explored the role of Chinese social organizations in international humanitarian efforts and the potential of new media in disaster relief and aid. It concluded with a call for technological, institutional, and conceptual innovation to advance humanitarian work, echoing Secretary-General Guterres's message that more must be done to protect and uphold our shared humanity.