The GDF SUEZ Corporate Foundation attended the 2015 Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD) on March 24, 25 and 26 this year to address the central theme of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.

At the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, the GDF SUEZ Group was represented at DIHAD by its Corporate Foundation in the Humanitarian France pavilion to showcase the work it is doing to promote 'universal access to sustainable energy'.

The GDF SUEZ Foundation presence provided the opportunity to extend its cooperation with leading humanitarian organizations in the Gulf States, and introduce them to the projects, expertise and innovation capability it brings to bear on combating energy poverty.

Universal access to energy with GDF SUEZ Rassembleurs d'énergiesThe Corporate Foundation showcased its GDF SUEZ Rassembleurs d'Energies initiative, which represents a major commitment by GDF SUEZ to promoting the cause of universal access to energy. Rassembleurs d'Energies supports energy access projects for impoverished communities worldwide in three ways: through donations (GDF SUEZ Foundation), technical support (employee NGOs) and investment (SAS Rassembleurs d'Energies).

Three flagship projects that focus the GDF SUEZ Foundation commitment to providing universal access to energy were also presented:

  • the project to provide sustainable power for impoverished communities living on the islands of the Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh, conducted in partnership with the NGO Friendship founded in 1998 by Runa Khan
  • the renewable energy microfinance project underway with the NGOPlaNet Financein South Africa and China
  • the response by Group subsidiary companies and employee associations in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake in 2010
  • The Foundation also invited and promoted one of its longstanding partners La Chaine de l'Espoir. This NGO comes to the aid of impoverished children in around 30 countries worldwide to provide them with access to healthcare and education

Fond out more about DIHAD

Held under the patronage of the Emir of Dubai, this conference brings together UN agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations, charitable foundations, high-profile academics, the media and companies that take an innovative approach to humanitarian issues. The presence of France at this important international event was designed to raise awareness of France's stance on the major issues of humanitarian aid in preparation for next year's World Humanitarian Summit.

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