Rebuilding Palestine - A Gargantuan Task

Dean Alpaslan Özerdem addresses the Unconference attendees

The Carter School and Palestine Emerging co-hosted a remarkable Unconference on Palestinian Economic Reconstruction and Development on December 13, 2024. Dean Alpaslan Özerdem introduced the event with a clear objective: explore how to collaborate more effectively to rebuild and grow the Palestinian economy.

The event featured dynamic, facilitated workshops organized by Palestine Emerging, an initiative powered by The Portland Trust. The aim was to develop a comprehensive roadmap for economic recovery, growth, and peacebuilding in Gaza and the West Bank.

The "Unconference" was attended by over 100 leaders and experts from Palestinian business and civil society, international development organizations and finance institutions as well as faculty and students from the Carter School. Smartsettle's CEO, Ernest Thiessen is at the table in the foreground with a number others focusing on peace technology and how it could be applied to the task at hand.

"Shireen Shelleh is Palestine Emerging’s Executive Director. "Shireen brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning and spatial development, guiding the initiative’s vision of transforming Palestine’s future through public-private partnerships and comprehensive development projects. With over two decades of experience, Shireen’s leadership goes beyond technical development. She advocates for creating equitable opportunities, ensuring that Palestine Emerging becomes a catalyst for holistic growth, recovery, and sustainable progress in Palestine’s post-conflict environment." (Palestine Emerging)

Shireen Shelleh, Palestine Emerging's Executive Director

Technology for Peacemaking

Leaders collaborate at the Unconference: From left to right: Ernest Thiessen, Brian Abrams, Justin Lane, Adam Boaz Becker, Shawn Guttman, and Shane Ray Martin

Brian Abrams and Shane Ray Martin of B Ventures, emphasize that "peace can be profitable, and profits can lead to peace." Their vision resonates with Project Didi, spearheaded by Shawn Guttman, which aims to merge technology and innovation to drive meaningful impact. Justin Lane, founder of CulturePulse, is leveraging AI-powered cultural insights to foster better decision-making and cross-cultural understanding. Adam Boaz Becker is developing HeadOn, a stealth-mode startup pioneering solutions at the intersection of behavioral science and technology. Ernest Thiessen, inventor and founder of Smartsettle, contributes a groundbreaking platform designed to unite stakeholders in pursuit of these shared goals.

Music to Inspire the Mission

An inspiring performance by Diego Carneiro

The intense and productive day concluded with an uplifting musical performance by world-renowned cellist Diego Carneiro, leaving us both inspired and hopeful. As the event closed, the path to economic recovery and peace felt a step closer, thanks to the collaborative spirit and determination of all involved. This Unconference marks just the beginning of a much larger effort. Through initiatives like Smartsettle and partnerships with global leaders, stakeholders are creating innovative solutions to drive sustainable development and peace in Palestine.