Introducing the Inspiring Speakers and Sessions of the World Humanitarian Summit
The countdown to the “World Humanitarian Summit: Gaza – The Day After” has begun, and we’re excited to introduce the incredible lineup of speakers and sessions prepared for this event. Taking place on November 29-30 in Istanbul, this summit is set to be a gathering of global leaders, humanitarians, and experts who are deeply committed to Gaza’s recovery and future resilience.
Our team at Al-Khair Foundation, and the Turkish Diyanet Foundation, has carefully designed this summit to address Gaza’s most urgent and long-term needs. Each session is a vital piece of the larger picture, bringing together perspectives and strategies to tackle issues such as humanitarian aid, economic rebuilding, healthcare, and innovative strategies to end the blockade. Here’s a closer look at what to expect from the sessions and speakers who will shape these two transformative days.
Day 1: Gaza’s Immediate Humanitarian Crisis and Urgent Needs
Session 1: Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis and Future Outlook
We begin the summit by focusing on the humanitarian toll Gaza has endured, highlighting the severity of the ongoing crisis. This session, featuring speakers like Dr. Omar Al-Raidi and Mr. Richard Boyd Barrett, provides a deep dive into Gaza’s current reality. They will cover essential topics such as:
- Humanitarian Panorama: Over a Year of Genocide – Dr. Al-Raidi will share insights into the human cost of the conflicts, giving voice to the ongoing tragedy that affects countless lives.
- Human Rights and Legal Movement Against Occupation Violations – This segment, led by Richard Boyd Barrett, will explore legal efforts to address and halt violations against Gaza’s residents, underlining the importance of accountability and justice.
- Untold Stories: Witnesses to Genocide – A moving segment featuring testimonies from individuals like a young witness from the Abu Maamar family. These stories shed light on the personal and often untold impacts of war, reminding us of the human faces behind the statistics.
This session is essential to understanding Gaza’s urgent needs and laying a foundation for the solutions that will follow in later discussions.
Session 2: Humanitarian Relief Intervention and Emergency Response
With Gaza’s needs pressing, we turn to practical strategies for immediate relief. This session brings together experts in key humanitarian sectors to discuss ways to secure food, shelter, healthcare, and education for the people of Gaza. Speakers like Dr. Mads Gilbert and Adnan Abu Hassna will discuss:
- Food Security: Ensuring Resilience of Food Supply Chains – Led by Mr. Stephen Omollo, this topic addresses strategies for stabilizing food supply channels to prevent hunger and malnutrition.
- Health: Urgent Healthcare System Reforms – Dr. Mads Gilbert will speak on the critical state of Gaza’s healthcare system, emphasizing the need for immediate reforms to save lives and provide essential medical services.
- Shelter: Innovative Permanent Housing Strategies – Adnan Abu Hassna will discuss sustainable housing solutions that can provide safe and secure homes for those displaced by conflict.
- Education: Rebuilding the Educational System – With Dr. Kamal Shaath, this segment will focus on rebuilding schools and restoring hope for Gaza’s future generations through quality education.
The urgency of these topics cannot be overstated. This session not only addresses how to respond quickly but also how to lay down frameworks for sustainable change.
Day 2: Recovery, Reconstruction, and Breaking Barriers
Session 3: Recovery and Sustainable Strategies
Day two shifts towards long-term recovery strategies that align with sustainable development. This session focuses on re-establishing Gaza’s infrastructure, economy, and social services. Key speakers include Dr. Mohammad Daoud Bakar, Dr. Yahya Al-Sarraj, and Dr. Mohammad Salah Ibrahim, who will address:
- Revitalizing Gaza’s Economy: Investment and Job Creation – Dr. Bakar will discuss the urgent need for economic reform and investment in Gaza to generate job opportunities and reduce poverty.
- Infrastructure Rehabilitation: Comprehensive Reconstruction Plans – Speakers like Dr. Al-Sarraj will present plans for rebuilding essential infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, and utilities, to restore normalcy in daily life.
- Aligning Recovery with Sustainable Development Goals – Dr. Mohammad Salah Ibrahim will highlight the importance of integrating sustainability into recovery efforts, ensuring that rebuilding efforts support long-term resilience.
- Banking Sector Empowerment – Mr. Jihad Azour will discuss the banking sector’s role in Gaza’s recovery, focusing on financial inclusion and stability as key drivers of economic resilience.
This session emphasizes that sustainable development is essential to Gaza’s recovery. These efforts are designed to empower Gaza’s communities to rebuild their own futures, creating a foundation for lasting stability.
Session 4: Innovative Strategies for Ending the Blockade
The summit concludes with a session dedicated to the future of Gaza’s international relations and the urgent need to lift the blockade. In this final session, speakers like Mr. Mohammed Al Ali, Mansour Shoman, and Nicole Jenes will explore creative solutions to overcome Gaza’s isolation, including:
- Building Multilateral Partnerships and Resource Mobilization – Mr. Al Ali will discuss how multilateral cooperation can be leveraged to provide the resources Gaza needs, from technical support to financial aid.
- Media for Development: Role of Media and Influencers – Led by Mansour Shoman, this segment focuses on the power of media in raising awareness, driving public support, and influencing policy change.
- Innovative Digital Strategies to Overcome the Blockade – Nicole Jenes will share inventive digital approaches to connect Gaza with the world, highlighting successful digital initiatives that help bypass physical barriers.
- Highlighting Successful Humanitarian Experiences – Anas Yilmaz will showcase humanitarian projects that have made an impact in other crisis-affected regions, offering insights and lessons that can be applied to Gaza.
This session provides a hopeful outlook, showing that creative strategies and partnerships can pave the way for Gaza’s reconnection with the international community.
Why These Sessions Matter
Each session has been carefully crafted to address a different aspect of Gaza’s recovery, from immediate humanitarian needs to long-term economic stability. Our speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives, ensuring that this summit is not just a discussion but a starting point for actionable change. By the end of these two days, attendees will have a deeper understanding of Gaza’s challenges and, more importantly, the tools and strategies needed to make a difference.
This summit is a collective call for solidarity, action, and innovation. The insights and solutions generated here will play a crucial role in shaping Gaza’s future, offering a path to resilience, stability, and self-sufficiency.
Join Us in Shaping a Brighter Future for Gaza
The “World Humanitarian Summit: Gaza – The Day After” is more than a gathering—it’s a commitment to the people of Gaza. We invite all attendees, both in-person and virtual, to be part of this momentous event. Together, let’s listen, learn, and work towards a future where Gaza can flourish, free from conflict and isolation.
As we approach this transformative summit, we remain hopeful that our combined efforts can make a lasting impact. The world is watching, and through collaboration and compassion, we can help shape a brighter day after for Gaza.
