Asamblea de Cooperación Por la Paz (ACPP) held a conference at the University of A Coruña in Spain, entitled: “Approaches to the Conflict and Peace-building Processes in Palestine and the Sahel.”
The conference provided an interactive platform for international actors to present a comprehensive, interdisciplinary view of the ongoing aggression. It addressed current events and explored the historical and geopolitical context, highlighting the international community's neglected obligations toward the Palestinian people under IHL and IHRL.
Hala, Head of Development and Communications Unit, discussed REFORM's efforts to enhance women and youths' political participation and promote gender equality in Palestine, detailing the approach, purpose, and long-term vision guiding its interventions.
In her speech titled: "Empowering Youth and Promoting Diversity and Cohesion," Hala stated: "It is important to acknowledge that working under occupation and amidst political and social challenges is extremely difficult. Yet, despite these obstacles, REFORM remains committed and dedicated to creating a more inclusive and empowered Palestinian society. Embracing diversity is essential to fostering solidarity and combating stereotypes, marginalization, polarization, and fragmentation. We see these achievements as steps toward restoring democracy in Palestine." Please refer to the following for Hala’s full speech!
ACPP featured Hala’s conference speech in their newsletter as follows:
More than a year after the outbreak of the war on Palestine, with violence spreading throughout the region, ACPP wants to highlight the essential role of peacebuilding initiatives. Today, more than ever, it is crucial to support organizations like REFORM, one of our Palestinian partners and winner of the Global Pluralism Award. Despite the dire circumstances, REFORM continues to work tirelessly for an equal, inclusive, and peaceful Palestine, and has contributed this piece to our newsletter:
“In Palestine, youth and women often face limited representation, compounded by shrinking civic spaces, disruption of democratic processes, and a legislative system that frequently fails to address public needs. As a society, we contend with deep-rooted societal divisions and a lack of cohesive spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can come together constructively. At REFORM, we believe that addressing these challenges is essential for a diverse and inclusive future.
To foster this vision, our work focuses on empowering youth and women to take active roles in public life, advocating for a more inclusive society where everyone’s voice matters. Our Diversity and Cohesion Programme is a key driver of this mission. Through this program, we work with marginalized groups—particularly youth and women—helping them see diversity as a strength, not a barrier. We provide platforms that allow participants to learn from each other, manage differences, and build relationships across polarized social lines. By transforming opposing perspectives into shared resources, participants learn the value of listening, bridging divides, and fostering a culture of mutual respect.
We also empower individuals to address societal conflicts through practical research methodologies. Our Facilitating Reform methodology is central to this process. It equips youth and women with the skills to identify common ground, build coalitions, and analyze unequal power dynamics. In doing so, they gain the confidence and capabilities needed to advocate for responsive social systems that address their communities' needs.
Alongside this, our Governance and Public Policy Programme focuses on promoting more inclusive governance. By bringing marginalized voices into policy discussions, we work to reform structural relationships between individuals, communities, and governing bodies. Our efforts seek to renew the social contract in Palestine, calling for public policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of all Palestinians. Through research, public consultations, and policy recommendations, we are helping to create a governance system that truly represents and includes everyone.
Through activities like debates with political representatives, youth-led policy discussions, and community meetings, REFORM gives young people the tools to engage directly with decision-makers. We want our youth to understand the political processes that shape their lives, to voice their needs, and to participate in policy formulation. Our projects encourage young men and women to critically engage with governance and to see themselves as future leaders.
We’re especially proud of our Early Warning and Response System in Hebron, which is the first of its kind in Palestine. Here, women were trained to play active roles in conflict prevention. The project promoted gender equality by involving women in decisions that impact their communities, ultimately leading to safer, more inclusive public spaces. By establishing channels for community dialogue, we helped create partnerships between citizens, civil society, and state institutions. This project is a model for how community-led initiatives can build trust and foster peace.
Additionally, our work includes monitoring government performance through tools like the “18th Government Performance Monitoring Report.” This report holds the government accountable, offering a transparent assessment that reflects citizens' concerns and needs across sectors. Such transparency is crucial for a responsive government, and our efforts in this area encourage the government to listen more closely to the public it serves.
It is important to acknowledge that working under occupation and amidst political and social challenges is difficult. Yet, despite these obstacles, REFORM remains committed. We remain dedicated to creating a more inclusive and empowered Palestinian society. Embracing diversity is essential to fostering solidarity, combating stereotypes, and working against marginalization and polarization. We see these achievements as steps toward restoring democracy in Palestine.
Our vision is simple: A Palestinian society where everyone has the capacity to participate effectively, individual and collective rights are respected and pluralism is ensured, where all citizens, regardless of gender or social background, have the opportunity to participate, contribute, and thrive. With continued efforts, we can work towards this future, guided by a deep belief in the power of inclusion and the voices of our youth and women.”
