Palestine Technopark and PalTech US hosted a successful networking event on August 24, 2024, in Washington, DC, aimed at supporting the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in Palestine. This exclusive gathering brought together professionals, entrepreneurs, and key figures from the Palestinian Diaspora dedicated to supporting Palestine's technology landscape, fostering a collaborative environment for meaningful discussions and future initiatives.
The evening began with a welcome note from Muhannad Kanaan the chairman of PaltechUS highlighting the strategic vision of PalTechUS and Palestine Technopark to bolster Palestine's ICT sector and Ala Alaeddin the vice chairman of Palestine Technopark who discussed the role of the Palestinian diaspora in supporting the homeland's technology growth. Ray Milhem the CEO of Milhem Co started the session with an introduction on the importance of supporting the ICT sector in Palestine, especially in the current situation that Palestine is passing.
First Speaker was Alan El-Kadhi the director of Gaza Sky Geeks who shared insights into the resilience of the ICT sector during recent crises followed by Iyad Amro from Canada who introduced the Tech Circles Program, a new initiative for mentorship and skill development, followed by Ramzi Kandah's presentation on the potential for outsourcing from Palestine to global markets. Bader Hamdan concluded the presentations by emphasizing the importance of collaboration with Palestinian startups to foster a robust support ecosystem.
Tech Circles - Connecting Palestine to Diaspora through Mentorship
The formal presentations were followed by an open discussion session, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers and explore collaborative opportunities. This interactive session underscored the event's role as a catalyst for new ideas and partnerships aimed at supporting the ICT sector in Palestine through diaspora engagement.
One of the key announcements of the evening was the launch of the Tech Circles Project. This pioneering initiative aims to connect Palestinian technology professionals with experienced mentors from the Diasporas, offering personalized guidance and exposure to real-world expertise. By providing mentorship and skill development resources, Tech Circles is set to play a crucial role in building resilience and unlocking the potential of Palestine's innovation sector.
Formation of Dedicated Working Groups
In a significant move to translate discussions into action, Palestine Technopark and PalTech US announced the formation of five dedicated working groups. These groups will focus on advancing key initiatives within the ICT sector. Each committee will include members from both the diaspora and local Palestinian communities, working together to generate business ideas, create job opportunities, and foster research and development. This collaborative approach aims to harness the collective expertise and resources of both local and global stakeholders to advance Palestine's ICT sector.
Looking Ahead
Palestine Technopark and PalTech US are committed to continuing this collaborative effort, recognizing the critical role of collective action in navigating the challenges facing Palestine today. The event concluded with a call to action, encouraging participants to engage actively in the upcoming initiatives. Detailed information on the next steps will be shared soon, and all attendees and interested parties are invited to contribute to the shared mission of supporting and strengthening the technology sector in Palestine.
