On 24 September 2025, Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, and Commissioner for Equality, attended the event titled “Humanitarian Diplomacy: Realising Hope in Middle East Crises meeting” in New York, United States. 

The meeting focused on using diplomacy to secure humanitarian access and aid corridors in conflict zones. Speakers stressed coordination among states, UN agencies, and NGOs, as no single actor can manage the crises alone. Severe funding shortages were highlighted, with calls for innovative financing solutions. Protecting civilians and upholding international humanitarian law remained central themes. Overall, the event urged linking emergency relief with long-term peacebuilding in the Middle East.

This video shows a speech given by Hadja Lahbib on this occasion.