The Blue Peace Middle East Youth Fellowship Programme (YFP) is a pioneering and transformative initiative designed to empower young leaders in the region to tackle water-related challenges through cooperation and innovation. In our first cohort, we're thrilled to bring together bright minds from Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Türkiye to foster sustainable development and peace through transboundary water cooperation.
Our programme is the first of its kind in the region, as it offers a unique blend of academic learning, cultural immersion, and hands-on experience. Fellows will dive deep into transboundary water cooperation and the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus, exploring their vital roles in promoting sustainability and collaboration in the region.
From engaging field visits to mentorship opportunities with leading experts, our fellows will gain invaluable insights and connections. The programme's grand finale is a collaborative project proposal, where participants get to apply their newly acquired expertise on real-world transboundary cooperation challenges. This project is where theory meets practice, giving our fellows a chance to shine and make a tangible impact.
By joining the YFP, our fellows will become part of the vibrant Blue Peace ME community and emerge as Blue Peace ME Youth Ambassadors, ready to make long-term impacts in the region.
Blue Peace Middle East Youth Fellowship Programme 1st Cohort
The fellowship runs in a hybrid format, with online participation from March 2 to April 9, followed by in-person activities in Amman, Jordan, from April 30 to the end of July 2024.
Scroll down to meet our incredible fellows.
Milad Jafari - Iran:
Milad is an early-career researcher in water diplomacy and conflict transformation. His research typically focuses on the root causes of transboundary water conflicts. Milad is a youth activist involved with the Iranian Water Diplomacy Association, Blue Peace, and the Network of Afghan and Iranian Water Scholars. He has published research on water conflict and serves as a guest editor for a special issue on Water Diplomacy and Water Security in the World Water Policy.
Dania Al Khafaji- Iraq:
Dania earned her Bachelor's degree in Geoscience from the University of Basra. Her research was published in international scientific journals, showcasing her dedication to advancing knowledge in environmental science. Additionally, she proudly represented Iraq in a prestigious global geology competition. Furthering her education, Dania was awarded a Chevening Scholarship to pursue her studies in Geological and Environmental Hazards at Cardiff University in the UK.
Dania's passion for environmental sustainability and research excellence is evident in her career both as wastewater treatment engineer at Siltbuster in UK, and as an Environmental Specialist in Iraq. Active participation in workshops addressing Iraq's water environmental governance. As a representative of Basra, she demonstrates a strong commitment to driving positive change in her community and beyond, leveraging her expertise to address pressing environmental challenges.
Osama Freihat - Jordan:
Osama graduated as the top student in Mechanical Engineering from Jordan University of Science and Technology, where he distinguished himself through academic excellence. Committed to giving back to his community, he actively engages in community service and is a member of the Association of Energy Engineers student chapter.
Osama's passion for exploration led him to participate in OceanX's Young Explorers Program (YEP), where he honed his skills and later became a member of the YEP Alumni Network. During his academic journey, he excelled in a 6-month Erasmus+ exchange program spanning eight European countries.
An ambassador for Jordan's talent and potential, Osama represented his country at the world's largest energy conference in the United States, demonstrating his commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering innovation in various environments. Additionally, he actively contributes to the Al-Hussein Fellowship Program by the Crown Prince Foundation, furthering his dedication to personal and professional development.
Samar Al Kreidy - Lebanon:
Samar Al Kreidy is an International Relations graduate, with a postgraduate degree in Strategic Studies, Security and Defense Policies, and a Master's degree in International Relations and Diplomacy.
She is actively involved in addressing water-related challenges in the Middle East by promoting sustainable water management and fostering regional cooperation through her role as a Youth Ambassador for Blue Peace Middle East. Samar has worked a consultant for UNICEF LCO for almost three years and is a volunteer mentor and trainer on human rights.
Hiba Mohammad - Syria:
A PhD Candidate at the Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, Territory, Environment, and Mathematics at the University of Brescia, Italy. She is immersed in research addressing the intricate challenges and impacts of drought on transboundary river basins. She is an ambassador and fellow of the Blue Peace Middle East Youth Fellowship Programme. Hiba holds an M.Sc. in Forest Science from the University of Padova in Italy and has earned both an M.Sc. and BS in Civil Environmental Engineering from Tishreen University in Syria. Hiba is a fellow of the UNEP/UNESCO/BMUV International Postgraduate Course on Environmental Management for Developing Countries, Germany.
Beyond her academic achievements, Hiba is the proud founder of the Syrian Youth Parliament of Water, and the coordinator of the Mediterranean Youth Task Force (MYTF). She is a senior advisor at the Engineering Department of SyrProNet. Hiba is committed to fostering open lines of communication and cooperation to develop a unified, well-informed strategy fed by diverse perspectives. Therefore, she launched her own blog (www.enghibamohammad.com) in which she communicates about her personal thoughts on the environmental challenges in Syria and the world.
Berker Can Ece - Türkiye:
A senior pursuing a Master's degree in Political Science and International Relations at MEF University, concurrently undertaking a double major in Law, demonstrates a diverse and multidisciplinary academic background. Through impactful internships at institutions such as the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA) and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance of Türkiye, he has showcased his dedication to public service and policy analysis.
Active participation in prestigious seminars and conferences, including the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and various Model United Nations conferences, highlights his fervent interest in international relations and diplomacy.
His linguistic proficiency, fluency in English, and practical knowledge of German, French, and Italian, coupled with his broad interests in history, politics, literature, and policy analysis, render him a well-rounded individual poised to make significant contributions to the fields of political science and international law.