Thought Leadership & Dialogue
WHAF convenes high-level dialogues, publications, and learning events that explore humanitarian leadership, ethical action, interfaith engagement, and societal renewal.
Dr Hany El Banna Visits the Vatican for High-Level Dialogue on Compassion and Peace
Dr Hany El Banna recently joined a distinguished delegation led by Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan during a visit to the Vatican, where they met with Pope Leo XIV.
The visit brought together faith leaders and humanitarian voices committed to advancing dialogue, peace, and shared human values in a time of growing global uncertainty.
Discussions focused on promoting compassion, justice, and mutual respect amid escalating humanitarian conflicts and increasing moral and cultural challenges worldwide.
The delegation highlighted the urgent need for ethical leadership, interfaith cooperation, and renewed commitment to protecting human dignity across all societies.
The visit reflected a collective call for greater solidarity between communities and institutions in responding to the humanitarian and moral crises facing the world today.
Emergency and Preparedness Book Launch in Istanbul
A seminar and launch event for the new Emergency and Preparedness publication was held in Istanbul, bringing together humanitarian practitioners, academics, and community leaders.
The event included keynote talks and panel discussions on humanitarian response, preparedness, ethical leadership, and the future of humanitarian action.
Discussions reflected on moving beyond reactive “firefighting” approaches toward long-term resilience and societal renewal.
Women’s Leadership and Community Work
In this Arabic-language discussion, participants explored the role of women in addressing challenges within community work.
The discussion focused on marginalisation, limited empowerment, and the need to support and prepare women for national and international leadership roles.
Medical Humanitarian Work and Building Future Leaders
This Arabic-language session reflected on the contemporary challenges facing medical humanitarian work.
It also explored the importance of developing a new generation of humanitarian doctors who combine professional expertise with compassion and service.
Youth Dialogue on Humanitarianism and Civilisational Renewal
In this Arabic-language youth dialogue, discussions focused on the difference between action and meaningful work, the value of knowledge and learning, and the role of youth in society.
The dialogue also explored how humanitarian and Creaturarian approaches can contribute to long-term civilisational renewal beyond temporary crisis response.