With the participation of 100 trainees ICSPR and Sheikh International Group launched a diploma for preparing civil society activists
Date: February 6, 2025
Press Release
With the participation of 100 trainees ICSPR and Sheikh International Group launched a diploma for preparing civil society activists
The International Commission to Support Palestinian People’s Rights (ICSPR), in partnership with Sheikh International Group, launched a long-term diploma for training young civil society activists by holding the first introductory meeting via Zoom, with the participation of 100 young men and women from among graduates and activists in the fields of humanities, law, media, and community work, from the Gaza Strip and various Palestinian communities.
The launch of the diploma came amid the ongoing Israeli aggression and the escalating crimes of genocide, annexation, Judaization, and settlement expansion, as well as complex internal conditions and mounting national and humanitarian challenges, particularly in the Gaza Strip. This has created an urgent need to strengthen the role of youth and civil society in protecting rights, building civil peace, promoting governance, rebuilding the Palestinian political system, enhancing opportunities to save lives and spread hope, and developing advocacy tactics for the Palestinian cause at the national, regional, and international levels.
In his opening speech, Dr. Salah Abdel-Ati, Chairman of ICSPR, welcomed the participants who were selected according to precise professional criteria from among 891 applicants, stressing that the program represents a conscious transition from theoretical diagnosis to impactful practical action.
Abdel-Ati said, “The true activist always keeps half of his mind focused on the future,” noting that the diploma aimed to equip youth with skills in qualitative research, drafting fact sheets and policy papers, and preparing solid human rights reports, thereby contributing to the promotion of the rule of law, governance, civil peace, oversight of official institutions, and the protection of the rights of the Palestinian people and their just national cause.
The meeting reviewed the features of the diploma, which relied on active learning and participatory training methodologies. It extended over six months of intensive theoretical and practical training under the supervision of a team of national, Arab, and international trainers and experts.
The program sought to achieve qualitative outputs, most notably producing research papers, policy papers, and human rights reports; holding dialogue meetings with political forces and official Palestinian, Arab, and international institutions; and launching sustainable youth initiatives, including a “Youth Shadow Government,” a Youth Advisory Council – the Palestinian Researchers and Experts Forum, and a network of Arab experts and international solidarity activists.
The session also included an intervention by Ms. Sahar Al-Atrash, Program Coordinator at Sheikh International Group, who affirmed the depth of the partnership with ICSPR in building youth capacities and strengthening their role in defending Palestinian rights. She emphasized the importance of dialogue between youth and civil society and their role in promoting civil peace, governance, and justice, adding that the program would provide opportunities for dialogue with decision-makers at the Palestinian, Arab, and international levels.
Dr. Mohammed Abu Saada: Research is a tool for creating impact For his part, Dr. Mohammed a member of the training team, stressed that the trainees’ passion was the key driver of success, calling for adopting the slogan:
“It is easy to write research, but it is difficult to leave an impact.”
He explained that the program would focus on employing international law in advocacy, strengthening the role of youth in oversight and accountability, contributing to rebuilding the Palestinian political system on democratic foundations, and promoting hope and life despite harsh conditions.
It is worth noting that since its announcement, the program had seen wide interest. A total of 891 participants applied; 498 were selected for the theoretical exam, then 168 advanced to interviews conducted via Zoom over three days from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Ultimately, 100 participants were chosen to join the program.
In addition to training, the diploma included the implementation of community and development initiatives proposed by participants, the preparation of policy papers and human rights reports, organizing advocacy campaigns, and holding meetings with Palestinian, Arab, and international experts and officials, in a way that enhanced the participation of youth, women, and civil society in political, social, and development life.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants valued this qualitative program and affirmed their commitment to the training path, which aspired to graduate qualified cadres capable of leading civil and institutional work, supporting justice, protecting victims’ rights, promoting civil peace and governance, and ensuring the sustainability of youth initiatives in the face of the humanitarian and national challenges imposed by the occupation.
For her part, lawyer Rana Hdeib, Director of Programs at ICSPR, affirmed that this diploma came as a continuation of efforts with partners to empower youth, formulate policies, and develop visions that served the building of a comprehensive national perspective, contributed effectively to confronting challenges, protected Palestinian rights, and strengthened international solidarity with the Palestinian people.
