New Academic Alliance Launches Postgraduate Programs in Sustainable Humanitarian Action
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – – DIHAD Humanitarian College and Italy’s LUISS University have formed an academic alliance to launch postgraduate programs in Sustainable Humanitarian Action and International Cooperation. The partnership aims to equip a new generation of leaders with the specialized skills needed to address the world’s most complex humanitarian challenges and find sustainable solutions.
The collaboration with LUISS University, ranked 25th globally in Politics and International Studies according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, represents an advanced model integrating academic excellence with high-level applied knowledge. This alliance establishes a new international benchmark for higher education specializing in the humanitarian sector, according to a statement released today.
The launch of the specialized Master’s Degree program in Sustainable Humanitarian Action is a strategic response to the increasing need for qualified personnel to lead humanitarian work with a holistic vision and innovative approach.
Intensive Study and Flexible Learning
The program extends over 16 months of intensive study with a flexible system, encompassing nine study units that cover all aspects of humanitarian work. A key focus is placed on sustainability, innovation, technology, leadership, and strategic management. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to deliver sustainable and effective support to those most in need, and to encourage innovative solutions even in the most challenging humanitarian circumstances.
The program covers all aspects of humanitarian work, from the fundamentals of humanity to the dimensions of international relations and diplomacy at the highest levels. It integrates procedural complexities with the ethics of international humanitarian law and the prospects of innovation and digital transformation in humanitarian work, preparing students to serve as humanitarian diplomats.
The learning environment combines direct lectures, online lessons, and practical field visits, providing students with an interactive and direct experience of global governance. DIHAD Humanitarian College was the first to introduce a Master’s Degree Program in Sustainable Humanitarian Action in 2022, designed to equip students with the concepts, knowledge, and a sustainable outlook to tackle the multifaceted challenges of humanitarian work.
Addressing a Growing Global Need
More than 274 million people are currently in urgent need of humanitarian assistance – the highest number ever recorded – representing an overwhelming 16% of the world’s population, and over one billion people living in countries with protracted crises. With an ever-growing landscape of unknown discoveries and complicated political boundaries, the knowledge and experience of a humanitarian official must excel for true change to impact a society’s dynamic for self-sustainability.
Innovative solutions are needed as these issues have become increasingly complex. Sustainable Economy, Humanitarian Leadership, and Humanitarian Future and Foresight are some of the main discussions and keynote subjects to be included in DIHAD’s master’s degree program, recognizing that understanding international affairs and projects filled with innovation are strategic to a humanitarian mission’s success.
Career Opportunities and Program Details
Graduates of the program will be well-positioned for careers with NGOs, international humanitarian organizations, the private sector, and academic institutions. The program offers access to networking opportunities with leading organizations through the DIHAD Organization and includes a practical internship with a dedicated partner through the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD).
The program has 50 places available and tuition fees are €18,000 per year (fees included). Students also have the opportunity to enroll in Spanish Language Courses. The program is delivered in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person teaching methods.
DIHAD Humanitarian College is also offering 30 fully sponsored scholarships to eligible candidates with a passion for humanitarian efforts on a global scale. The program, initially launched through a cooperative agreement between the DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation and UCAM University in Murcia, Spain, will open its doors this fall.
