DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Wednesday, April 20th 2011 [ME NewsWire]
The International Counter Piracy Conference, co-convened by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and global marine terminal operator DP World, has produced its first concrete action with an agreement to roll out healthcare and training in vulnerable communities in East Africa.
The two day conference that ended yesterday (April 19) highlighted that long term on-shore community projects in areas that are prime recruiting grounds for pirates are vital to any comprehensive solution to the problem of maritime piracy.
On the sidelines of the conference, HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, and Dr Albert Siemens, CEO, Family Health International (FHI), signed a provisional framework agreement to expand a network of community centres or clinics in port communities in East Africa, which includes Ethiopia, Sudan, Djibouti, Kenya and Mozambique. FHI’s network receive primary financial support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The Chairman and Dr Siemens also signed a separate agreement with Youssef Fawaz, General Manager, Dimension Data Middle East, for the provision of health education and IT services for the network.
These initiatives are part of the Port Communities Livelihood and Security Initiative (PCLSI) tabled by DP World on the first day of the conference. PCLSI is a collaboration of industry-backed projects addressing critical human and infrastructure needs in and around the perimeter of ports in Africa, Arabia and South East Asia, particularly in areas affected by, or at risk of becoming havens for, piracy.
During the conference DP World committed US$400,000 to develop PCLSI projects, and also donated $100,000 to the UN Counter Piracy Trust Fund.
HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, said:
“Amidst the international focus on finding off-shore solutions for the maritime piracy menace, it is essential that we think about long term, on-shore answers to eradicate the root causes of the problem. We believe the agreement signed to expand the network of centres is a tangible step in that direction. DP World is pleased to have found experienced partners in Family Health International and Dimension Data Middle East who will successfully execute the project.”
Under the agreement, FHI, a leading international health and development organisation, will contribute the healthcare expertise, while Dimension Data Middle East will install computer kiosks pre-loaded with interactive healthcare software for the network of community centres/clinics being rolled out in Djibouti, Mozambique and Senegal.
Dr Albert Siemens, CEO, Family Health International, said:
“The key to improving the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people lies in generating, sharing and applying knowledge. At FHI we believe this is precisely what we aim to achieve through the PCLSI initiative. We are honoured to be partners with DP World in bringing our long experience and global expertise to help a worthy cause.”
Youssef Fawaz, General Manager, Dimension Data Middle East, said:
“Dimension Data represents a modern breed of business that aims to deliver the benefits of technology to communities everywhere. We believe this collaboration led by DP World provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate the beneficial powers of Information Technology at the most basic levels of society. We are privileged to be part of it.”
With new attacks on vessels happening daily, government and industry leaders representing over 50 countries attended the two-day counter piracy conference to seek a common response to what has become a serious threat to the world’s sea-borne commerce.
About DP World
DP World is one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, with 49 terminalsand 9 new developments and major expansions across 31 countries(1). Its dedicated, experienced and professional team of nearly 30,000 people serves customers in some of the most dynamic economies in the world.
DP World aims to enhance customers’ supply chain efficiency by effectively managing container, bulk and other terminal cargo.
The company constantly invests in terminal infrastructure, facilities and people, working closely with customers and business partners to provide quality services today and tomorrow, when and where customers need them.
In taking this customer-centric approach, DP World is building on the established relationships and superior level of service demonstrated at its flagship Jebel Ali facility in Dubai, which has been voted “Best Seaport in the Middle East” for 16 consecutive years.
In 2010, DP World handled around 50 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units) across its portfolio from the Americas to Asia. With a pipeline of expansion and development projects in key growth markets, including India, China and the Middle East, capacity is expected to rise to around 92 million TEU by 2020, in line with market demand.www.dpworld.com
About Dimension Data Founded in 1983, Dimension Data plc is an ICT services and solutions provider that uses its technology expertise, global service delivery capability, and entrepreneurial spirit to accelerate the business ambitions of its clients. Dimension Data is a member of the NTT Group. www.dimensiondata.com
Contacts
Natasha Bukhari
Global Corporate Communications Manager
DP World
Tel: +97156 6821699
Natasha.Bukhari@dpworld.com
Sanaa Maadad
Director, Media
Hasaad Communications
Tel: +97150 5522610
sana@hasaad.ae
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