The objective of PEACE HACK MENA is to explore alternative forms of peace talks that ultimately harness the power of technology, innovation and youth entrepreneurship. The initiative acts as a platform that aims to recognize the role of technology in creating valuable networks of collaboration essential in today’s human interaction, one that presents vast opportunities for innovative solutions in the context of co-existence and peace building.
Across the event’s packed five days, the 15 selected peace ambassadors from 11 countries in the MENA region – namely The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, France, Tunisia, Palestine, Egypt, Jordon, Libya, Morocco and Lebanon – are participating in networking events and open space discussions, attend workshops by leading speakers, while also kicking off their days with activities aimed to stimulate creativity and innovation such as yoga and energizer sessions.
Participants are exploring the notion of actively looking for the added value created by innovation hubs, makerspaces and co-working spaces in developing social innovation and promoting peace building. The peace ambassadors are also partaking in visiting some of the Mediterranean city’s iconic touristic landmarks, while the last day will mark The HACK 4 PEACE Public Event with the Alexandrian community. Javeria Rizvi Kabani, Deputy Director, Swedish Institute Alexandria states, “Based on the power of collaboration and networks we wanted to bring young innovators together to search for new ways of reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals) and the UNSCR 2250 resolution, recognizing youth as agents for peace.”
The event is organized by The Swedish Institute Alexandria, icealex innovation hub and Global Shapers Alex Hub and is supported by numerous organisations and initiatives such as SI. (Svenska Institutet), Techne Summit, GIG (Global Innovation Gathering), RiseUp Summit and r0g_agency. Among the hubs that participants will be contributing through are Women Leaders in Technology, Refugee Youth Forum and Think Tank Egypt. The list of international speakers includes Chidiogo Akunyli from the World Economic Forum, Carolina Olsson from Ebbepark and Rasha Tantawy from Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. Says Kabani, “I am very excited about PEACE HACK MENA because we believe that there is room for engaging social entrepreneurs and innovation hubs that co-work to create social innovation and peace building while familiarizing the civil society and tech industry with makers, innovators and social entrepreneurs involved.”
PEACE HACK MENA takes place in the premises of The Swedish Institute Alexandria, icealex innovation hub, as well as other venues across Alexandria, Egypt.
