Coming up at AidEx Brussels 2019 next week

This year AidEx is excited to welcome thousands of experts from across the international community under one roof in Belgium for an extensive exhibition of innovative products, and in-depth conference programme investigating inclusiveness in the aid and development sector. See below some of our key features to watch out for over 13 and 14 November at Brussels Expo.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

To kickstart the opening morning, providing their individual insight and projections about which way the sector is heading and how it must change to stay effective, Nadia Hadad of the European Disability Forum’s (EDF) Executive Committee and ICVA’s Executive Director Ignacio Packer will deliver keynotes.

The President of UN Globe, Gurchaten Sandhu will be leading a panel of experts discussing LGBT+ employees’ security in the field, diversity in leadership and adequacy of current policies.

A panel discussing how to innovate with the intention of maximising inclusion across communities and programmes will feature Amref Health Africa UK’s Chief Executive Camilla Knox-Peebles.

Lars-André Skari, Head of Strategy and Reporting at Norwegian Red Cross will take part in a session exploring how we can deal with new technology and ensure it does not result in increasing levels of inequality.

Experts from CBM, Sightsavers, ALNAP will alongside the Director of EDF Catherine Naughton and Benelux Director at Handicap International Erwin Telemans, will analyse disability needs in a humanitarian and development context.

A discussion focused on achieving gender-inclusive approaches to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) will hear from Director of UNICEF, Sandie Blanchet and the CEO of Qatar Charity, Yousuf Alkuwari. For more information, see here.

Amany Qaddour, Regional Director of Syria Relief & Development Sector alongside other healthcare professionals will share her experiences in overcoming medical adversities when the odds are against them in fragile environments.

Debating the private sector’s role, Global Disability Inclusion Leader at IBM and others will consider the challenges of economic sustainability and how to overcome them.

Founder at Investing in Girls Education in Africa CIC Sarah Boateng will add her thoughts on women empowerment panel looking at ways to promote women’s engagement in every aspect of development.

PHOTO DISPLAYS

See the ten winning photos from the competition raising awareness about inclusive development – Together for Inclusion. It showcases men, women and children with disabilities enjoying their right to education, work, culture, leisure, friendship and community.

Walk through the unique OEBF 2019 art exhibition by the best artists from Central Eurasia. Artists will reveal the beauty and potential of the art of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Moldova, reflected in their unique images and canvases which express the diversity of Eurasian culture.

WORKSHOPS

From security management by EISF, to USAID funding advice involving USAID’s very own Communications Director, Matt Johnson, plus an interactive communications session, this year’s co-located events are vast, niche and varied. One such workshop run by Amani Institute’s CEO and co-founder, Ilaina Rabbat promises to help aid and development workers prevent burnout and instead thrive whilst pursuing social change. Read more…

Browse our comprehensive list of workshops taking place at AidEx here.

AWARDS

Aid Innovation Challenge

The competition searching for the next big invention to help improve the efficient delivery of aid invites four of the top entrants to pitch their invention live to a panel of experts at AidEx in Brussels next month. Expect to hear about a simple, scalable eyeglass solution, portable water filter bottle caps and more. Watch the live final at AidEx on 13 November, 11:45 am – 12:30 pm. Check out all of the finalists here.

Humanitarian Hero Award

This award aims to recognise and celebrate stand-out individuals from the humanitarian aid and development community and showcases the courageous work and dedication that they put into their line of work. From wheelchair basketball coaching in conflict zones to period poverty advocacy in Pakistan, meet this year’s four impressive finalists here and watch who is crowned during the official networking drinks at the end of the first day of the event. Find out more here.

PUMP WATER TO RAISE MONEY

Take part in an exclusive water challenge on Qatar Charity’s stand to learn how millions of people source water every day and fundraise for a water project simultaneously.

Expect interactive screens, panel discussions, live physical challenges and fundraising activities. Find out more here.

TED TALKS

On the Danish Red Cross’ pavilion, two Ted Talks will be taking place live.

Between 2.15 pm – 2.30 pm on the first day of AidEx, Elisabeth Lundqvist from the DRC will speak about green procurement with a talk entitled Sustainability in Supply chains.

Hear Samuel Dansette of LittleSun from 9.45 am – 10.00 am on day two of the event, present their talk on clean energy access in displacement settings.

View the full conference programme and register to attend AidEx 2019 on 13 and 14 November for free here.

Article first published on https://www.developmentaid.org/#!/news-stream/post/53774/coming-up-at-aidex-brussels-2019-next-week