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Resilience is key this year when it comes to the delivery of humanitarian and development aid, which is why AidEx 2013 will feature innovative programs, exhibitors and products with the aim of better preparing countries for crises. Currently the number and scale of global emergencies are growing at an alarming rate, whilst at the same time budgets for the humanitarian aid sector are shrinking due to the economic downturn. AidEx 2013 brings together over 2,000 professionals and 200 suppliers from both civil society and the commercial world to discuss resilience and humanitarian action, as well as address wider issues facing the sector. The show is scheduled for Nov. 13-14 in Brussels, Belgium.
According to Nicholas Rutherford, AidEx event director, “Traditional donors are now opening up to the commercial world, seeking new partnerships and private sector input. It’s more crucial than ever that we find the most cost-effective solutions that implement sustainable methods to help vulnerable people better withstand crises of all sizes. Rather than waiting until disaster strikes, it’s our goal to help develop the strategies that will help fragile states withstand any crisis at any time.”
Under the overarching theme of resilience and sustainability, AidEx 2013 includes a conference, exhibition and workshop program that focus on the areas of logistics and communications, water and food, shelter and medicine. New initiatives this year include the AidEx Fleet Forum Fleet Excellence Training Program, which will provide practical hands-on fleet training to aid workers from agencies operating in the field. In addition, AidEx 2013 will see the launch of its Careers Pavilion, involving international NGOs and agencies that offer job opportunities in the humanitarian sector across all levels, and training courses for prospective aid workers.