The MoSD participates in the national event for International Volunteer Day and emphasizes the role of youth in supporting community resilience

Ramallah – Today, the Minister of Social Development, Dr. Samah Hamd, participated in the national event commemorating the International Volunteer Day, organized by the SHAREK Youth Forum in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with wide participation from national and community-based institutions.

The event was attended by UNFPA Representative Mr. Nestor Omuhangi, Executive Director of SHAREK Youth Forum Dr. Bader Zama’rah, Ms. Rateeba Natsheh, Vice Chair of the Forum’s Board of Directors, Board Member Mr. Amjad Jumaa, Dr. Iyad Al-Karnaz, representative of the Stars of Hope Association in Gaza, Mr. Yahya Al-Khatib, Director of the Higher Council for Youth in Gaza, and Ms. Seema Alami, Youth and Adolescent Program Manager at UNFPA, in addition to representatives of partner institutions.

In her address, Dr. Hamd highlighted the role of the Government Operations Room in the southern governorates, explaining that it includes more than 50 national entities working in a unified manner to coordinate the humanitarian response. She emphasized that the Operations Room continues its efforts in organizing relief, supporting early recovery, and preparing for reconstruction, despite challenges related to the scarcity of aid and fieldwork constraints.

Dr. Hamd also addressed the situation in the West Bank, noting the escalation of attacks and incursions in several governorates, including the recent developments in Tubas, which witnessed a siege and incursions that negatively affected residents and the social fabric. She stressed that these violations necessitate strengthening cooperative and voluntary efforts to reinforce social resilience.

She further affirmed that the Ministry of Social Development continues to provide 18 social protection services, including support for poor families, child protection, services for older persons, youth empowerment, and care for persons with disabilities, in addition to relief interventions, despite rising poverty levels and declining assistance.

During the event, SHAREK Youth Forum presented a comprehensive overview of the National Volunteering Program and the role of youth networks in managing humanitarian initiatives in the West Bank and Gaza, as well as mechanisms to protect volunteers during fieldwork. A number of volunteers also shared examples of community initiatives implemented over the past year and their impact on supporting affected groups and strengthening social solidarity.

At the conclusion of the event, participants emphasized the importance of developing national volunteering programs and integrating the efforts of governmental and community institutions to ensure the protection of volunteers and expand field-based initiatives that support social resilience. The Minister also called on youth to strengthen their engagement within the Operations Room and various field institutions, to become active contributors to the response and recovery system.