During his visit to Israel, Mr. Alhendawi was given the opportunity to acquaint himself with Israeli youth, with emphasis on young entrepreneurs as a catalyst for growth and development, and to relate these to issues on the U.N. agenda.
Ahmad Alhendawi, the United Nations Secretary-General'sEnvoy on Youth, conducted the first official visit to Israel of its kind last week (March 5, 2014). The visit was coordinated by the Foreign Ministry's Division for the UN and International Organizations headed by Deputy Director General Aharon Leshno-Yaar together with Israel's Mission to the U.N. in New York - a further example of Ministry's efforts to increase cooperation between Israel and the various UN agencies.
The purpose of the Office for Youth headed by Mr. Alhendawi is to involve youth (aged 15-25) in the U.N. dialogue and to empower young people around the world. The Secretary-General's Envoy seeks out challenges and opportunities for young people, guided by the principles of partnership, advocacy, participation and harmonization. This is a new position at the United Nations, and Ahmad Alhendawi is the first to fill it.
During his visit to Israel, Mr. Alhendawi was given the opportunity to acquaint himself with Israeli youth, with emphasis on young entrepreneurs as a catalyst for growth and development, and to relate these to issues on the U.N. agenda.
Mr. Alhendawi met with representatives of MASHAV, Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation, who presented to him international projects in Israel designed for youth from developing countries, including ID² - Israeli Designed International Development - a platform for innovation and entrepreneurship for development.
Mr. Alhendawi visited the StarTAU, the Tel Aviv University Entrepreneurship Center, where he held a discussion with young entrepreneurs, and was impressed by the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship among Israeli youth, noting that "Young and inspirational talent can be a key to unlock a brighter future for youth.”
UN Envoy Ahmad Alhendawi writes on the StarTAU world board: "Brilliant place full of inspirational youth"
He also visited Liliyot, a social project for youth at risk, run by the Dualis Social Investment Fund which provides skills, vocational training, and employment for “people on the margins” of society. He met with representatives of Krembo Wings, a youth movement for children with special needs, stressing the importance of the social involvement of all young people. He remarked that, "The passion of the young team in Krembo Wings is outstanding."