Young Arab Men and Women Lead Change at 2026 AWO Simulation Model

6/28/2026

 In cooperation with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the Arab Women Organization (AWO) launched a three-day virtual preparatory program on Sunday morning, June 28, 2026, for its upcoming 'AWO Youth Simulation Model' via Zoom.

In her opening remarks, AWO Director-General Dr. Fadia Kiwan underscored the significance of the simulation model, describing it as a landmark initiative for empowering a new Arab generation. She highlighted that the program is designed to equip youth with the essential knowledge and leadership skills needed for effective dialogue, decision-making, and active engagement with key societal issues.

Kiwan noted that her previous academic experiences with simulation programs—both at the Institute of Political Science and during her participation in a session at the UN Headquarters in New York—solidified her conviction in their importance. She stressed that such programs are key to developing youth capabilities and shaping their character.

Highlighting the program’s key outcomes, she explained that the simulation yields significant benefits. Foremost among these is enhancing connection among young Arab men and women across the region, encouraging knowledge-sharing, and fostering openness to others. Additionally, the initiative deepens understanding of public issues through direct engagement with elite experts, while sharpening essential skills such as debate, public speaking, persuasion, and critical thinking.

She added that building these skills does not rely solely on innate talent, but requires continuous training and practical application. She emphasized that the strength of an argument lies in sound logic and reasoned presentation, rather than a raised voice, and that calm, knowledge-based dialogue is the ultimate path to driving positive change.

Kiwan emphasized that intellectual flexibility is a vital skill for today’s youth, clarifying that being flexible is not about compromising core principles. Instead, she noted, it is the capacity to adapt communication styles to engage diverse audiences, ensuring that key messages are clearly delivered and organizational goals are efficiently met.

She affirmed that the Arab Women Organization operates from a firm belief that women's issues are broader societal matters of equal concern to both men and women. She noted that empowering youth of both genders is a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development and building more just and cohesive societies.

She added that the organization is banking on new generations to instill a culture of dialogue and partnership, urging young men and women to work together in a spirit of responsibility and cooperation to serve their communities and advocate for their causes with wisdom, knowledge, and persuasion.

The organization’s Director-General stressed that intellectual flexibility is a key skill for young people, noting that it does not mean compromising principles but rather choosing the right communication methods for different audiences to effectively deliver messages and achieve goals.

Kiwan affirmed that the Arab Women Organization operates on the firm belief that women's issues are societal matters of concern to both women and men alike. She noted that empowering youth of both genders represents a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development and building more just and cohesive societies.

She added that the organization places its trust in the new generations to firmly establish a culture of dialogue and partnership, urging young men and women to work together in a spirit of responsibility and cooperation, thereby helping to serve their communities and advocate for their causes with wisdom, knowledge, and persuasion.

In her closing remarks, Kiwan thanked the training team and Nehad Abu El-Komsan, president of the Egyptian Center for Women's Rights, while welcoming the young Arab participants. She also commended the efforts of the AWO team, including Nora Osama, director of planning and programs, in organizing the event. Thanking the coordinators from Arab states, Kiwan wished participants a rich experience that would enhance their knowledge, hone their skills, and prepare them to actively serve their communities.

Young men and women from seven Arab countries—Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, Oman, Sudan, Lebanon, and Palestine—are participating in the program. Spanning three consecutive days, the program features diverse training and interactive tracks. The first day will host interactive sessions that deconstruct stereotypes and explore the impact of social upbringing, utilizing the video "Like a Girl." Additionally, the organization's team, led by Ms. Nora Osama, Head of Planning and Programs, will highlight the status of women and girls in the Arab region, outlining key achievements and challenges.

In the same context, Ms. Nehad Abol Komsan will lead advanced training sessions aimed at developing communication, persuasion, and debating skills. This is in addition to a workshop on public laws and policies, mechanisms for protecting women and girls, understanding the influence of societal norms on legislation, and clarifying social impacts. Participants will also be divided into working groups for an exercise titled: "Will This Law Make a Difference?"

The second day focuses on the concept of "Advocacy and Changemaking," distinguishing them from volunteer work and awareness raising. Participants will receive hands-on training on stakeholder analysis, identifying levels of influence, negotiation mechanisms, and managing objections, as well as designing effective advocacy campaigns and structuring their core elements.

The third and final day is dedicated to serving as an "Arab Youth Forum," where participants engage in a simulation exercise. The sessions will begin with reviewing final presentations and coordinating roles within teams, followed by competitive presentations before a judging panel.