As a Dubai based leading supplier of refugee shelters, core relief items and multipurpose aid structures, the event marks an important date in our calendars to meet with our key clients, such as UNHCR, WFP and IOM. Sustainability was a recurring theme in our discussions with partners. In particular our circular economy and upcycling initiatives were met with keen interest. We noticed enthusiasm for our Tent Tote project; bags made from waste materials in our factory to promote a zero-waste factory policy.

Furthermore, the conference theme was well aligned with the most pressing refugee and migration issues, zooming into the causes, consequences and way forward for people who have – in many cases, forcibly – left their home country to find better opportunities elsewhere.

Displacement expected to rise to 700 million

Experts say that due to current geopolitical, social and environmental developments, it is estimated that by 2050 approximately 700 million people could face displacement. This movement will be triggered by climate change, conflict and economic instability, highlighting the urgency for change to tackle these issues.

Our colleagues Martina Aureli and Mia Pagh attended the strategic session on how the Global Compacts on Refugees and Migrants will help the to implement better policies and solutions for those who are forced to flee their home countries and settle abroad.

Private sector engagement

As a supplier we are particularly interested in how the private sector can contribute. Ms. Michele Klein Solomon, Director of Global Compact for Migration (IOM) articulated this issue as follows:

“It is essential that the private sector is involved in the practical implementation of the Compacts. Yes, as providers of services for displaced populations, but absolutely also as employers for refugees, both at the higher skilled level and increasingly at the lower skilled level where there is a real mismatch between labor supply and demand.”

Ms. Grainne O’hara, Director of Division of International Protection (UNHCR) supported Ms Klein Solomon by saying:

“I think we still have a long way to go in terms of looking at the private sector, not just as donors, but as service providers, as innovators, and also how we can develop more partnerships.”

At NRS International we welcome these thoughts and agree that the private sector, and more specifically, the suppliers to the humanitarian supply chain, can greatly contribute to a smarter, more collaborative, inclusive and effective approach to the supply of essential goods and services for displaced populations.