Hala Naeem Hamdan is a 21-year-old university student majoring in English. She lives in Deir Albalah, the middle area of the Gaza Strip. Although she lost her father at an early age, her mother’s support enabled her to pursue her path. Her mother is not only a role model, but a “bright light from Allah”, […]
Access for All: SDF launches a unique capacity-building program to enhance accessibility skills of youth with and without disabilities
In partnership with Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), SDF launched a tailored program to build the capacities of young members of the “Access for All” network. This program is part of the project “Access for All: Enhancing the independence and inclusion of people with disabilities in the Gaza Strip.” Participants were split into two groups […]
The Future of Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding: SDF at the Stockholm Forum on Peace and Development
Stockholm, Sweden | 13–14 May 2025 The Social Developmental Forum (SDF) joined over 400 policymakers, practitioners, and researchers from more than 70 countries at the 12th annual Stockholm Forum on Peace and Development, hosted by SIPRI in partnership with the Folke Bernadotte Academy and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). Under the theme “The […]
SDF’s Youth Hub: a beacon of hope amid the chaos
SDF has launched a unique capacity-building program in North Gaza for the young leaders of the SDF’s youth hub, a new youth model, implemented in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). 50 young leaders (2 groups of 25) participated in a five-day intensive training that aimed to boost their capacity, knowledge, and skills […]
SDF and MAP launch “Access for All” project
In partnership with our strategic partner, Medial Aid For Palestinians (MAP), the SDF launched “Access for all,” a significant effort to enhance the Independence and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the Gaza Strip. The one-year project will promote and advocate for the rights and well-being of People with disabilities in the northern, middle, and […]
From Gaza to Brussels: SDF’s Advocacy for Youth, Peace, and Security in the Mediterranean
16 April 2025 | Brussels, Belgium The Social Developmental Forum (SDF) participated in the Euro‑Med Youth Dialogue—titled “ALF4ThePact Public Event on the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda in the Mediterranean”, aligning its longstanding advocacy efforts, for instance, the #PalestiniansLivesMatter campaign and SDF’s efforts to foster civic and political engagment of youth with the conference’s Youth, […]
Launching #ReconnectGaza: A Global Campaign to Restore Connectivity in Gaza
The Social Developmental Forum (SDF), participated, in collaboration with 7amleh – The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media, and the Palestinian Digital Rights Coalition and dozens of international organizations in launching #ReconnectGaza, a global campaign to demand rebuilding Gaza’s telecommunications network and safeguard the right to communication as a fundamental human right. This […]
In partnership with the World Central Kitchen, SDF distributes 1,500 food parcels in north Gaza
The Social Developmental Forum (SDF), in collaboration with the World Central Kitchen (WCK), distributed 1,500 food parcels to displaced returners in north Gaza, who have endured a hard journey walking on foot for hours, carrying their belongings, and heading back to their homes. The parcels included vegetables, fruits, and food supplies. For instance, each parcel […]
“Yalla Shabab”.. more than a football league
Aiming to revitalize hope among displaced youth in the Gaza Strip, a proactive group of young activists launched the “Yalla Shabab” initiative, which creates a space for youth to meet, play, and compete in a supportive and healthy atmosphere, where they practice their top interest hobby “football”. This initiative is a joint collaboration between the […]
Music and hope; a community initiative for displaced children
A group of young leaders and musicians launched the “Music and Hope” initiative in displacement centers in the middle area of the Gaza Strip, targeting internally displaced children, who have been enduring harsh war conditions for over 15 months. This youth-led intervention was funded through the initiatives bank, launched be SDF in collaboration with the […]