In his briefing to Al-Ghad TV, SDF’s Director General, Mahmoud Al-Zant, highlighted the pressing challenges facing local organizations working in the relief and emergency response. Our colleague noted that the SDF’s national responsibility is to strengthen the resilience of Palestinian society, highlighting the organization’s interventions in relief, education, recovery, and development. He also pointed to […]
Led and driven by youth: Launching the first phase of the Youth Hub Initiatives in Gaza
The Youth Hub, an initiative by the Social Developmental Forum (SDF) in the Gaza Strip, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has officially launched the first phase of its community-based youth initiatives. These efforts focus on community and health awareness, education, the promotion of community safety, support for internally displaced persons, and […]
Building a bridge over challenges, the story of Eliana Younis from the SDF Youth Hub
In a neighbourhood in Gaza City, a small house where she grew up, spent her childhood, and made memories that will always be with her. And after a long, harsh journey of displacement, the 21-year-old Eliana Younis returned to her home. This was not a relocation, but a revitalization. In October 2023, Eliana was a […]
Young Females at the SDF’s Youth Hub Conclude Peer Education Workshops for Displaced Girls in Gaza
In late June 2025, the Social Developmental Forum (SDF) conducted a series of awareness and educational workshops targeting girls and young women across several areas of the Gaza Strip. The workshops were implemented as part of the Youth Hub initiative, carried out in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The workshops aimed to […]
Undisplacable Dreams: The Story of Ayah al‑Zayan at the SDF’s Youth Hub
My name is Aya al‑Zayan. The war has deprived me of so many things. However, I still strive to maintain hope through seeking new opportunities. The 24-year-old young woman, originally from Jabalia Camp in North Gaza, was on the verge of completing her undergraduate degree in October 2023. However, the Israeli genocide caused a total […]
Towards advancing Youth, Peace, and Security in the Mediterranean, SDF at ALForum 2025
Tirana, Albania | 18–20 June 2025 The Social Developmental Forum (SDF) participated in the ALForum 2025, organized by the Anna Lindh Foundation in partnership with the Municipality of Tirana and Albania’s Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, under the theme “The Dialogue Effect: From Knowledge to Action”, marking 20 years of the Foundation and 30 […]
Displacement shouldn’t kill our dreams, story of Eman Abu Jarad
I am Eman Nahed Mohammad Abu Jarad. The war deprived us of any means of stability. This is how Eman started narrating her story. Her words echoed the patience and hope she maintained amid displacement. Eman was born in 2000 in Beit Hanoun, North Gaza; she is now almost 24 years old. Since the beginning […]
Amid the darkness of the gnocide, Access for all is a beacon of hope
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 […]