WHAF convenes high-level dialogues, publications and learning events exploring humanitarian leadership, ethical action, interfaith engagement and societal renewal.
Dr Hany El Banna Attends Fifth Board of Trustees Meeting – Jerusalem Empowerment Fund
Dr Hany El Banna, Founder of the World Humanitarian Action Forum (WHAF), attended the Fifth Board of Trustees Meeting of the Jerusalem Empowerment Fund, held in Istanbul from 25–27 June 2026, under the theme “Towards a New Beginning for Empowerment and Development in Jerusalem.”
The meeting brought together leaders, philanthropists, and development partners to discuss long-term investment and development efforts supporting Jerusalem.
During the event, Dr Hany met with Prince Turki Al Faisal, and exchanged views on shared humanitarian and development priorities.
WHAF continues to value engagement with partners working towards sustainable humanitarian impact and development cooperation.
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 & 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.
Keynote talks and panel discussions explored humanitarian response, preparedness, ethical leadership and the future of humanitarian action — moving beyond reactive “firefighting” toward long-term resilience and societal renewal.
▶ Watch in ArabicWomen’s Leadership and Community Work
In this Arabic-language discussion, participants explored the role of women in addressing challenges within community work.
The conversation focused on marginalisation, limited empowerment, and the need to support and prepare women for national and international leadership roles.
▶ Watch the discussionMedical 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.
▶ Watch the sessionYouth 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.
It also explored how humanitarian and Creaturarian approaches can contribute to long-term civilisational renewal beyond temporary crisis response.
▶ Watch the dialogue