The Current and Future Situation in Gaza and strenghtening international response networks issue discussed in the conference “Step Up and Help: Gaza/Palestine Reconstruction and Development Conference,” held in Istanbul
International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation’s (IBC) representatives Muzaffer Baca, Heather Sonya Üner and Anastasiia Karaoğlu had the honor of joining the “Step Up and Help: Gaza/Palestine Reconstruction and Development Conference,” held in Istanbul from April 30 to May 1. Our organization participated as one of the key actors in the Middle East, sharing our extensive experience in emergency response and development.
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The event was organized by Anera, Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) and Palestine Emerging - prominent organizations who share a commitment to responding to exacerbating crisis in Palestine and Gaza and prioritizing sustainable and dignified long-term solutions to uplift local communities and support economic and reconstruction efforts.
The conference brought together international leaders and experts in humanitarian relief, development, economic reconstruction and recovery, education, health, and youth empowerment. Most importantly, it provided a platform for people from Gaza and Palestine to share their unique experiences and lead localization efforts in shaping the path forward.
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Throughout the panels and workshops, we had the opportunity to hear from inspiring keynote speakers, including Shireen Kassum of Palestine Emerging; Sean C. Carroll, President and CEO of Anera; Taha Ayhan, President of ICYF; Julian Kassum, Deputy Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce; Stefan Emblad, Country Director for West Bank and Gaza at the World Bank; and Omar Razzaz, former Prime Minister of Jordan.
As for the past 25 years, IBC has remained committed to its mission of making a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve, it was crucial for us to join the conference in order to help coordinate global efforts towards recovery and reconstruction in Gaza and Palestine and forge strategic partnerships with international and local leaders.
