This date holds special significance for me as it marks a pivotal point in my career journey. For decades, I’ve navigated parallel paths, balancing roles in engineering, academia, and scientific research while actively engaging in volunteer work with the Scouts and the Red Crescent movements. In both, I held leadership roles at national and international levels in addition to serving as UNDP youth advisor for the Arab region.
In February 2011, amidst these diverse pursuits, my trajectory took a decisive turn during the Libyan conflict. Leading a team of 60 volunteers, primarily composed of my students, in responding to the crisis at the Tunisian-Libyan borders, I deployed them with a strong sense of engagement and responsibility. Drawing upon their training in responding to previous emergencies such as floods and wildfires, we were able to make a meaningful impact in a time of dire need.
Since then, I transitioned my career to focus on humanitarian endeavors, assuming diverse senior leadership roles across different organizations and countries. It has been a privilege to oversee humanitarian responses and development projects in numerous complex emergencies worldwide, affording me the opportunity to travel to over 45 countries. In particular, I’m proud of the projects we’ve implemented in Palestine over the last few years. However, it’s disheartening to witness the ongoing challenges faced by the people in Gaza. Yet, amidst these difficulties, I renew my commitment to supporting this cause and any noble endeavor aimed at alleviating people’s suffering.
As I commemorate this anniversary, I’m grateful for the opportunity to merge my professional expertise with my passion for serving communities in need. Here’s to continued dedication to making a positive impact and fostering resilience wherever it’s needed most.
