Following the escalation of the COVID-19 outbreak, a decision has been made to reschedule World Humanitarian Forum London 2020 and the co-located events (Aid&Trade London, IDME, Emergency Show), which were originally scheduled to be staged in April 2020 in London.
Due to the increased health and security measures taken by countries around the globe, including lockdown measures by the UK Government, as well as the strong advisement from the World Health Organization (WHO) to contain the spread of the COVID-19, these combined factors are now beyond our control and we carry a duty of care for all parties involved. As a result of consultations with stakeholders, partners, working groups and the advisory board, the decision has been made in order to determine the best outcome for all in consideration of the recent spread of the virus and travel restrictions.
CEO of World Humanitarian Forum, Feraye Ozfescioglu said: “We need to stay united and focus on the ways to tackle this unprecedented circumstance. Our global community is playing an integral part in this fight against Covid-19 and we had to think about the health and well-being of all our speakers, exhibitors, partners, sponsors, delegates and staff, who all have shown great and continuous support; for which we are extremely thankful.”
As a global community, we must continue to encourage dialogue, the sharing of ideas, initiatives and partnerships that can inspire collective action. We should not lose the will or the momentum to coordinate our capacities and showcase our successes and lessons learned.
The decision to postpone was not made lightly, the World Humanitarian Forum London 2020 had 10 main stage discussions, a set up of two conferences, nine thematic theatres, three dedicated exhibitions, roundtables and side events. We had over 4000 registered delegates from North America, Africa, Asia and Europe and over 150 exhibitors participating in the co-located events.
The new date for WHF London and the co-located events is May 2021. Under the current advice, given the expected lasting effects of COVID-19 outbreak and scheduled World Humanitarian Forum and Aid&Trade New York to take place on September 2020 alongside with 75th United Nations General Assembly, this date has been agreed as part of our duty of care towards the humanitarian aid and international development community.
We would like to express our appreciation for their understanding, patience and continued support as we remain resolute in creating meaningful positive action and changing the narrative.
For more information visit www.idme.london or www.emergencyshow.london