Aid and International Development Forum Launches Successfully in Bangkok.

Feb. 1, 2013 - PRLog -- Over 1,000 participants from around the world came together for the inaugural Aid and International Development Forum (AIDF Asia-Pacific), 30-31 January at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center. Unique to the Asia-Pacific region, the event was launched in partnership with the RMA Group and with the support of TCEB (Thai Conference and Exhibitions Bureau).

AIDF is the leading global event for NGOs, governments, intergovernmental organizations, aid and development agencies and UN organizations. The integrated conference and exhibition allows delegates to share best practices, debate key issues in the aid and international development sector, experience new technologies and services, and create new partnerships.

The show was inaugurated by Ms Saranpat Anumatrakji, Director of International Cooperation Group, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and Oliver Lacey-Hall, Head, Regional Office for Asia and Pacific, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) delivered the key note address. Oliver spoke of the need for public private partnerships and his hopes for the new event “My own desire is that we don't see this conference as simply another annual event, but rather as the beginning of a potential process by which we are able to broaden and deepen the somewhat hesitant dialogue between aid workers and organizations and our colleagues working in the private sector”.

The conference and workshop sessions featured organizations such as ECHO, the IFRC, Plan Asia, Action Aid, USAID, ADPC, Mercy and the UNDP. “The forum is a great opportunity for us to engage in expert discussions, share relevant knowledge, and learn from the experience of others,” said Birgitte Olsen, Head of Global Logistics Service. “The world today is facing diverse challenges, and the humanitarian business needs to keep up.” The IFRC South-East Asia regional office, American Red Cross and French Red Cross are also participating in the development forum.

The packed show featured 75 confirmed exhibitors from countries all over the world, including the USA, Australia, Norway, the UK and India. AIDF also hosted a Chinese country pavilion.

Sula Bruce, AIDF Event Director said “AIDF Asia-Pacific has been a tremendous success. We have been overwhelmed with the level of support that the event has received from the leading international aid agencies, key UN organizations as well as local governments and NGOs and look forward to establishing AIDF Asia-Pacific as the leading forum for driving change and facilitating partnerships for relief and development across Asia and the Pacific region.”

About AIDF

Connect with us: @FollowAIDF #AIDFAsia and facebook.com/AIDF2013 AIDF is a world leading forum for humanitarian relief professionals to cement relationships, build partnerships, gain understanding and share experiences. HYPERLINK "http://www.aidforumonline.org/" www.aidforumonline.org

Sponsors for AIDF Asia-Pacific are the RMA Group, Ford, Inmarsat, Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings and Blackmores.

Contact:Roopi Woodall, Marketing Manager "mailto:rwoodall@aidforumonline.org" rwoodall@aidforumonline.org