Palestinians in the Diaspora have long distinguished themselves as leaders across diverse fields—politics, business, academia, and civil society. Their success not only uplifts their local communities but holds immense potential to strengthen the future of Palestine. By leveraging their political, economic, and professional influence, Diaspora leaders can play a critical role in nation-building and supporting the path toward a sustainable, independent Palestinian state.

This panel will bring together long-standing Diaspora leaders to share their vision and experiences, highlighting how collaboration in research, leadership development, citizen diplomacy, and targeted investment can drive meaningful progress. They will explore strategies for uniting efforts across generations, empowering emerging leaders, and creating lasting opportunities that benefit both the Diaspora and Palestine.

Ultimately, this session serves as a call to action—urging Palestinians in the Diaspora to mobilize their expertise, resources, and networks to inspire resilience, promote hope, and actively contribute to Palestine’s future through collective and strategic engagement.

Moderator: Khalil E. Jahshan, Executive Director, Arab Center Washington DC

Panelists:    H.E. Ambassador Afif Safieh, Former Palestinian Diplomat

                      Dr. Manal Fakhoury, Chair of the Board of Directors, The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

                      George Salem, Esq., Strategic Advisor, Palestinian Community Leader

Special Visual Presentation

This powerful panel explores the ongoing war on Gaza and its far-reaching impact, both immediate and long-term. Through heartfelt testimonies from relatives of victims, the session will bring a human face to the suffering endured by families. Panelists will highlight current humanitarian efforts addressing famine, displacement, and the collapse of healthcare systems, while also examining the critical role of journalism and social media in advocating for justice and mobilizing international awareness. The discussion will offer forward-looking ideas for rebuilding Gaza—focusing on infrastructure, education, mental health, and social healing—as well as strategies for long-term peace, dignity, and international solidarity. This session seeks to move beyond the headlines, fostering informed dialogue and collective action. 

Moderator: Dr. Manal Fakhoury, Chair of the Board of Directors,
                      The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Panelists: Jihan ELHussaini, President and CEO of Haya Washington

                   Laila Elhaddad, Independent Media Professional and Writer

                   Hani Almadhoun, Senior Director of Philanthropy at UNRWA USA

                   Dr. Nagham Abu Halima, Co-founder, Palhumanity, Gaza

Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Chair, Board of Trustees, Birzeit University

Challenges & Opportunities in Palestinian Tech Business Ecosystem

This panel brings together Palestinian and diaspora voices to inspire hope and drive solutions that address the challenges and opportunities within Palestine’s growing tech and business ecosystem. It will explore ways to attract investment, build infrastructure, and create sustainable partnerships with U.S. business leaders, investors, and ICT professionals. The panelists will examine the current state of Palestine’s tech landscape and present pathways to uplift local talent, support entrepreneurs, and strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors. The role of universities will be highlighted, capitalizing on AI and tech innovation, and the activation of the diaspora to scale impact. A key proposal to be explored is the creation of a Palestinian ICT Business and Investment Office, serving as a hub in the U.S. to support startups, attract investment, and sustain momentum in tech-led economic development. By connecting Palestine to global markets, this initiative seeks to position it as a center for innovation and long-term economic growth.

Key topics include:

• Exploring diaspora Investments and Partnerships for Palestine
• Current state and future of Palestine’s tech business ecosystem
• Investing in untapped sectors
• Uplifting Palestinian talent and entrepreneurs
• Advancing strategic U.S.-Palestinian business partnerships
• Launching a U.S.-based ICT Business and Investment Office
• Enabling AI and tech innovation to elevate Palestine
• Building win-win diaspora-led ventures
• Promoting university-industry collaborations
• Creating a cohesive and sustainable ecosystem

Moderator: Bader Hamdan, Founder & CEO, PartneringX

Panelists:   Ala Alaeddin, CEO InterTech Company, Vice Chairman Palestine TechnoPark

                     Hakeem Abunada, Co-Founder & CEO, Damascus Gate Foundation (DGF)

U.S. and Western Policy and Palestine: Challenges and Opportunities

In the past year, global focus on Palestine has grown, especially after Israel’s assault on Gaza. Public opinion in the West is shifting, seen in wider recognition of Palestinian statehood, mass protests, the rising BDS movement, and more inclusive media coverage. This panel will examine how changing views may shape U.S. and Western policy, and how Palestinians themselves see these shifts. Palestinian leaders and allies from civic and interfaith communities will discuss: Where do we go from here? This conversation will also help set the stage for forming the American Palestinian Leadership Council (APLC), to be explored further in Saturday’s breakout session.

Moderator to be determined

Panelists:  Dr. Hanna Hanania, Palestinian American Leader

                    Josh Paul, Co-Founder, A New Policy

                    Dr. Walid Zayed, Esq., Director of Political Education, Palestinian Confederation in Latin America (COPLAC)

Three concurrent workshops led by participants and experts in their respective fields.

A. Advocacy engagement and policy influence

This breakout session will focus on practical strategies to strengthen political engagement and influence policy in support of the civil, human, and political rights of all Palestinians. Guided by the vision of establishing the American Palestinian Leadership Council (APLC) as an outcome of this conference, participants will explore ways to coordinate efforts among U.S.-based individuals and organizations, build effective advocacy networks, and amplify the collective voice of Palestinian Americans. Together, we will discuss how to respect the independence of each organization while working collaboratively to achieve freedom, justice, and self-determination for Palestine and its people.

Moderator to be determined

Pantalets: Sam Rasoul, Member of Virginia House of Delegates.

                    Josh Paul, Co-Founder, A New Policy

                    DR. Hanna Hanania, Palestinian Community Leader

                    Dr. Walid Zayed, Esq., Director of Political Education, Palestinian Confederation in Latin America (COPLAC)

B. Advancing ICT Business and Investment in Palestine

Theme: Shaping Practical and Sustainable Solutions for the Collective Empowerment of a Thriving Palestinian Tech Business Ecosystem

This 4-hour interactive breakout session will bring together Palestinian and diaspora entrepreneurs, investors, tech professionals, donors, and ecosystem enablers for a deep dive into shaping sustainable and actionable solutions for Palestine’s growing ICT and business landscape. The session will center around building a practical, cohesive roadmap to advance Palestine’s tech sector through investment, entrepreneurship, innovation, talent development, and strategic partnerships—particularly with U.S.-based allies. Participants will collaboratively explore best practices, real-world success stories, and operational strategies that can be implemented to unlock scalable and inclusive growth.

A main component of this session will be the proposal to establish a Palestinian ICT Business and Investment Office—a U.S.-based platform to promote ICT development, attract investments, and support startups and professionals, creating a long-term bridge between Palestine and global markets.

Moderator: Bader Hamdan, Founder & CEO, PartneringX

Panelists: Ala Alaeddin, CEO InterTech Company, Vice Chairman Palestine TechnoPark

                   Hakeem Abunada, Co-Founder & CEO, Damascus Gate Foundation (DGF)

C. Diaspora in Action: From crisis to renewal: saving lives and restoring hope in Palestine

Theme: Together, we heal, rebuild, and strengthen our future in Action: Advancing Health, Human Security, and Dignity for Palestinians.

Palestinians in Gaza are enduring genocide, famine, displacement, and the collapse of healthcare, while those in the West Bank face a brutal occupation, forced displacement, unemployment, and deteriorating health conditions. Together, these crises have created an urgent humanitarian emergency for all Palestinians.

This breakout session, in line with the goals of the conference, will serve as a dynamic platform bringing together leaders, organizations, professionals, and individuals in the fields of health and humanitarian work. The discussion will highlight ongoing efforts to save lives, provide aid, and alleviate suffering, while also exploring forward-looking strategies for rebuilding healthcare systems, strengthening infrastructure, supporting education, and addressing orphanages, mental health and social healing.

Moderator:

Panelists: Jihan ELHussaini, Founder and CEO of Haya Washington

                   Dr. Faten Shelbayeh, KTH Vice President

                   Souher Fakhoury Gonzales, President and Founder of Watermelon Sisters

1. Special Presentation
Building a Stronger Palestine—Together

How can Palestinian diaspora organizations and individuals unite to support communities back home with greater reach, efficiency, trust, and impact?

In this interactive workshop, participants will work side-by-side to design bold, practical strategies for shaping Palestine’s future. The session will begin with a strategic diaspora engagement framework, followed by collaborative discussions that spark innovation and partnership.

By the end, participants will leave with:

1. Tangible tools and actionable strategies to create measurable change
2. Opportunities for meaningful partnerships with like-minded leaders and organizations
3. Clear direction on how to lead and contribute effectively to Palestine’s sustainable growth

2. Selected leaders and facilitators will consolidate workshop outcomes into a preliminary report and draft the final conference resolution.