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 a researcher in water diplomacy and conflict transformation, focusing on the multiscalar political dimensions of transboundary water management, as well as the geo-economics of energy and food in the hydropolitics of Western Asia. He also possesses a technical background in water resources engineering, planning and management. Milad co-authors scholarly articles and conference proceedings, serves as Associate Editor for World Water Policy (Wiley | Policy Studies Organisation), reviews for leading journals, collaborates with think tanks and scientific governmental bodies, and is currently pursuing a second master's in water diplomacy. His practical engagements include affiliations with the Iranian Water Diplomacy Association as an associate member of the International Cooperation Committee, Blue Peace Middle East, the Network of Afghan-Iranian Water Scholars, and the Environmental Peacebuilding alumni community.
Dania Al Khafaji- Iraq:
Dania holds a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Basra, Iraq. She has published multiple scientific research papers in internationally recognized magazines. As a Chevening Scholar, she completed her master’s in Geological and Environmental Hazards at Cardiff University in the UK. She is currently serving as a Max Thabiso Climate Ambassador. Her professional experience includes working with UNDP Iraq on their climate and water portfolio, where she provides technical support for climate change adaptation strategies. She has also held roles such as a wastewater treatment engineer at Siltbuster, UK, and an Environmental Specialist at Bonatti, Iraq, leading risk assessments and implementing wastewater treatment systems.
In addition, she has served as a guest editor for World Water Policy and authored policy articles on water governance in Iraq. Her contributions have been recognized in several international platforms, where she had the privilege of representing Iraq, including Stockholm World Water Week, World Food Forum, Baghdad International Water Conference, Middle East Mediterranean Summit, and Tafahum wa Tabadul program.
Osama Freihat - Jordan:
Osama is a Mechanical Engineer working at Blue Peace ME, advancing regional cooperation through the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem(
Nationally, he is an alumnus of the Al Hussein Fellowship Program, which cultivates future leaders through deep social, political, and economic exposure. Osama now serves on the board of its graduates’ network, driving positive change across Jordan.
Osama’s influence extends well beyond national borders. He joined an Erasmus+ exchange in Poland, represented his AEE Student Chapter in the U.S., and attended Stockholm World Water Week and the Water and Peace Seminar in Nepal. He is also the only MENA participant in the IHE Delft Young Water Diplomats Program—a reflection of his dedication to elevating regional perspectives on the global stage.
A value-driven changemaker, Osama unites technical and diplomatic expertise with global insight to drive sustainable development and regional growth.
Samar Al Kreidy - Lebanon:
Samar is a PhD candidate in International Relations, specializing in Strategy and International Security, with a Master's degree in International Relations and Diplomacy.
Deeply committed to addressing water-related challenges in the Middle East, she advances sustainable water management and regional cooperation through her role as Communication and Advocacy Officer, as well as a Youth Ambassador for Blue Peace Middle East. Given her advocacy for the environment and water sustainability, she represents the voices of youth at high-level regional and international platforms, including Stockholm World Water Week, RCOY MENA, Climate Justice and other climate and water related forums.
With three years of experience for UNICEF Lebanon, Samar also dedicates some of her time to mentoring and training youth on environmental sustainability and human rights.
Hiba Mohammad - Syria:
Hiba holds a PhD in sustainable water resources management under climate change scenarios. Her research centers on the complex challenges posed by drought in transboundary river systems, particularly within the Tigris–Euphrates River Basin. In addition to her academic and research pursuits, Hiba has demonstrated strong leadership through her role as coordinator of the Mediterranean Youth Task Force (MYTF) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). She is deeply committed to promoting inclusive dialogue and cross-sectoral collaboration in environmental governance. As part of her dedication to raising awareness and sharing insights, she founded a personal blog — www.enghibamohammad.com — where she explores environmental challenges in Syria and beyond from a professional and personal perspective.
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.