“We can’t solve problems with the same thinking we used to create them.” Those words hung in the air as Palestinian, Jordanian, and Israeli climate experts sat in a room, deep in conversation about the future of their shared resources. A scene that, not long ago, had felt unimaginable—leaders and visionaries from across the Middle East side by side, tackling urgent challenges of water, energy, food security, and the environment (WEFE).
The Arava Institute and Damour’s WEFE Experts Conference was not just another academic event, it was a narrative shift—a bold reminder that even in a region defined by division, collaboration isn’t just possible; it is essential. The conversations were raw, honest, and unfiltered. Disagreements arose, particularly about water access discrepancies and historical narratives, but so did a willingness to listen and learn.
Damour’s Tahani Abu Daqqa shared stories about the Jumpstarting Hope in Gaza program, reflecting on the refugee camp named after Vivian Silver under her direction. “Palestinians need management capacity,” she emphasized. Her words echoed in the room, a poignant reminder that true partnerships require equity, not charity.
As the days progressed, the discussions were often as layered as the political landscapes themselves. Moments of tension arose, for example when Palestinian representatives challenged the inclusivity of maps shown by Israeli experts. But there were also moments of solidarity. “We face the same problems, maybe different challenges but the same problems,” noted Environmental Engineering professor Nikolaos Nikolaidis. This was the crux of the conference: a shared struggle, a shared responsibility, and ultimately, a shared future.
One of the most powerful takeaways came from the youth participants. They called for mentorship and intergenerational collaboration, recognizing that sustainable peace and environmental stewardship depends on the continuity of dialogue and action.
The impact of this forum extended beyond the meeting room walls. It signaled a paradigm shift—leading with the environment as a pathway to peace. Yes, the challenges are immense: untreated wastewater flows in the Jordan River, solid waste burdens Palestinian villages, and political tensions complicate even the most basic resource-sharing agreements. But solutions emerged through regional cooperation, capacity-building, and the courage to keep talking, even when it was hard.
Ultimately, the conference was a prime example of climate diplomacy—a vision for a just and resilient future that rises above politics. As Dr. Shaddad Attili, former Palestinian Water Minister, said, “We have to start thinking differently. The Middle East is changing, and we have to choose how to live together, not kill each other.” These aren’t just abstract topics; they are lifelines, necessities that bound everyone in the room to a shared fate. In the end a realization became palpable: the climate crisis doesn’t know political borders.
The WEFE Experts Conference didn’t conclude in pretty speeches or diplomatic niceties. In fact, it delivered a critical narrative of hope—one potentially strong enough to withstand the weight of history. What was created was indeed a starting point, but the conversations are far from over. So for those reading who believe in a future where environmental sustainability leads to peace, join the narrative. Share this story, advocate for cross-border collaboration, and support initiatives that prioritize people over politics. Because the road between war and peace is shorter than the status quo, and the climate crisis waits for no one.
submitted by Sharona Shnayder
